Shanea Castle War Room, 1509
Queen Serephina stood at the large map spread across the table in the Shanea Castle War Room, her finger poised over a marked location. She firmly declared, her voice echoing in the silent room, "This is the last known location of Rhaney's father."
After a brief pause, a knight stepped forward and pointed to another location on the map. "Morgan's camp is here," he said, indicating a distant point that could offer crucial support.
Rhaenys looked anxiously between the two locations, searching for hope in the knight's words. "Is that where my father is now?" she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
The knight hesitated, his expression grave. "We can't be certain, but it's our best lead," he replied, his eyes reflecting the weight of responsibility resting on their shoulders. Rhaenys took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey ahead, determined to uncover the truth no matter the cost.
As she focused on the mission, she asked, "What's the plan to infiltrate the camp and save him?" The knight nodded, his mind racing through strategies, ready to share their covert approach.
"We'll approach under the cover of darkness," he began, outlining a route that would keep them hidden from watchful eyes. "Once we get close, we'll need to create a diversion to draw attention away from the guards, allowing us to slip in unnoticed."
Rhaenys then interjected, "What about Morgan? She has magical abilities, correct? Won't she cause problems for us? I'm sure she put many magical guards around her camp."
"That's true," he replied, considering their options. "But if we time everything perfectly, we can use her defenses against her, making it look like an attack from another direction. We just need to be prepared for anything."
Serephina then says, "Tell everyone to prepare; we will be leaving within the hour."
Everyone says, "Yes, my queen."
Rhaenys then says, "I'm coming to."
Serephina looked at Rhaenys with concern. "It's too dangerous for you to come," she said firmly.
Rhaenys crossed her arms defiantly. "I'm coming, and you can't stop me," she insisted, her resolve unshaken.
Serephina sighed, aware that Rhaenys remained unyielding. "If you insist on joining, then you must follow my orders without question," she warned.
Rhaenys nodded, understanding the stakes. "I promise to do whatever it takes to keep us safe," she replied, determination shining in her eyes.
Serephina then says, "I do have one more condition."
Rhaenys raised an eyebrow, curious about what else Serephina had in mind. "And what is that?" she asked, ready to negotiate further.
Sir Adaon entered the room, his presence commanding attention as he approached Rhaenys and Serephina.
Sir Adaon bowed to Serephina and Rhaenys in greeting and said, "Your Majesty. Your Highness."
"Serephina responded, "Welcome, Sir Adaon. Thank you for coming so quickly."
Sir Adaon nodded, his expression serious. "I hope I am not interrupting important matters," he replied, glancing between the two women, sensing the tension in the air.
Serephina then says to Sir Adaon, "You weren't interrupting anything."
Sir Adaon was clearly eager to understand the purpose of his summons.
He then asks Serephina, "May I ask why you summon me here, my queen?"
Serephina responds, "You are here to become the personal knight of Princess Rhaenys, Sir Adaon."
Sir Adaon's eyes widened in surprise, and a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. "The princess? I am honored, but I must admit, I was not expecting such a significant role," he replied, his voice steady despite the sudden weight of the responsibility.
Rhaenys then asks Serephina with a shocked tone, "Wait, was this the one condition you were talking about?"
Serephina nods, her expression serious as she explains, "Yes, he will be your personal knight from now on."
Sir Adaon stands tall, still processing the news, while Rhaenys gazes at him with a mix of curiosity and expectation. "I appreciate the trust you place in me, Princess," he says, determination rising in his voice. "I will serve you well and protect you with my life."
Rhaenys smiles, feeling reassured by his commitment, while Serephina watches the exchange with approval.
Rhaenys then says to Sir Adaon, "Thank you, Sir Adaon. I sincerely appreciate it."
"Your loyalty means more than you know," she continues, her eyes brightening with hope.
Sir Adaon nods, a sense of pride swelling within him. "Together, we will face whatever challenges lie ahead," he assures her, his gaze steady and unwavering.
Rhaenys says, "Agree."
Serephina then says, "We should go and save your father. Before Morgan does any true harm to him."
Rhaenys's heart races at the thought of her father's safety. "You're right, Serephina," she replies, determination fueling her voice.
"We can't waste any more time," she adds, her resolve hardening. With a swift motion, she gathers her belongings, ready to embark on the perilous journey ahead, knowing that every moment counts in their race against fate.
"Don't worry, Dad, we're coming to save you," Rhaenys declares, fueling her voice.
As they step outside, the chill of the evening air greets them, heightening their sense of urgency.
One of the knights says, "The horses and men are ready to depart, your majesty."
Rhaenys nods, her heart pounding in her chest as she mounts her steed. "Then let us ride swiftly; time is not on our side," she commands, urging her horse forward into the gathering darkness, with the rest of the party following closely behind.
The sound of hooves pounding against the earth echoes in the stillness, a reminder of the stakes they face and the lives hanging in the balance.
Together, they move swiftly through the shadowy forest, the weight of their mission pressing heavily upon their shoulders.