“As you see, sir, I'm also a... what did you call it, Josselyn? A Shendri?”
After a confirming nod from Josselyn, Lily continued, her lilting voice at odds with the tense feel within the room.
“I'll accompany Josselyn to the tunnel's entrance but remain hidden within the forest. I'll send Suzu with Josselyn. She'll scout out the castle grounds and lead Josselyn in the direction of least resistance.” Lily smiled and stroked the bird's feathers with the back of one of her fingers. “She's a highly intelligent being, and we can communicate with each other even when we're in our separate forms.”
The general gaped at the girl, before turning to look at Alex in bewilderment. “And what about you, soldier? Do you have any crazy animals living inside you that I should know about?”
Alex's expression remained stony. “No, sir.”
The general threw his arms up in the air. “This has got to be the strangest strategy meeting I've ever held. Alright, we'll do it. I can hardly argue with the future queen. Or at least, that'll be my defense should this whole thing go south. But I'm going to insist that you take at least two of my men with you, as backup.”
“That sounds reasonable,” Josselyn replied. “Just make sure they're aware of Kella before you send them in there. I wouldn't want to throw off our own men.”
He gave Josselyn a quick bow before heading for the exit. “If you'll excuse me, Your Highness. There's much to be done.”
Once he was gone, Lily stood up and started edging toward the exit, as well. “I'd better get some rest. I want to be at full capacity tonight.” She flushed as Josselyn cut her a glare, but that didn't stop her from scurrying out of the tent like a rat, leaving the princess to face Alex's wrath on her own.
Josselyn let out a sigh, leaning back to perch on the edge of the table.
“All right, let's hear it. If you hold yourself back much longer, you're liable to explode.”
“Are you serious right now?” Alex growled, striding across the floor until he was planted a few feet in front of her. “You basically just volunteered to take on the Antoski army single handed, and now you're making a joke?”
“It wasn't meant to be funny. I'm honestly worried you're about to blow a blood vessel or something. You're face is really red, you should see it.”
“Damn it, Josselyn, would you just stop?!” He raked his hands through his hair in frustration. “You can't do this, it's suicidal. The general might be willing to gamble with your life, but I'm not. I won't allow it.”
Josselyn slipped off the edge of the table and planted her hands on her hips as she stared back at him, eyes flashing in an otherwise impassive face.
“I'm sorry, I must have misheard you just now. It almost sounded like you were giving me, the soon to be queen of Eldour, an order. I may be new to this, but I'm pretty sure I outrank you.”
“I don't care. Strip me of my position, throw me in the dungeon, it doesn't matter. If it keeps you alive, it will be well worth it.”
Her eyes softened at that. She may not be willing to give in to his demands, but that didn't mean she didn't understand where he was coming from. Taking a step closer, she took his hands in hers and gave them a gentle squeeze.
“I have to do this, Alex. I'm the only one here who has a chance of succeeding. Think of the lives I could spare by getting those gates opened. There are children in there, Alex. What kind of queen would I be if didn't try to protect them when I had the opportunity?”
He stared at her in silence for a moment, various emotions flickering through his eyes. His anguish hit her like a fist to the stomach. Fortunately, it soon changed to acceptance and steely determination.
“If you're going to insist on doing this then at least allow me to go with you.” She started to protest, but he cut her off with a look. “General Weston is already planning to send two of his men with you, there's no reason I can't be one of those two. I'm just as skilled a fighter as his other soldiers, and I know you better than all of them combined. It's a smart choice.”
He was right, of course. It would be the wisest course of action, but the idea of seeing him under attack made her insides twist. It was hypocritical of her to deny his request in order to keep him safe, when that was the very thing he sought to do for her, she knew that. That didn't make doing the right thing any easier. Her indecision must have been obvious, because he pressed her further, pleading his case.
“Please, Josselyn, let me do this with you. Let me be your shield. You wouldn't want to deprive Edmund of his bride so soon, now, would you?”
He said the last part lightly, but she saw through his facade, saw how much those words had cost him. And she knew that she didn't really have a choice.
“Alright, you win. I'll speak with the general and let him know you'll be taking one of the positions on the team.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. I promise I won't let you down.”
She offered him a small smile.
“I never thought you would.”
Chapter Thirty
She was out there somewhere, mocking him. The one person in this tiny, pathetic kingdom that he actually needed, and she had somehow managed to elude him.
Damn but he was really starting to hate this princess.
Stefan stood on the capital's outer wall, scanning the fields in front of him. The Eldorian's army was encamped about a quarter mile out, their white tents creating a jagged outline across the horizon. He was hemmed in with only one way out.
He needed to marry the girl.
Once they were married, he'd be the king of Eldour. The laws were very clear on that. Of course, he supposed they could have him killed
