According to her father, Thunderbolt could regain his deep black color after six months or less. She still had not visited Thunderbolt for fear that someone might recognize them together. They still did not know the group from Ishelon that conspired with Vaughn's enemies.
Renaria had decided to use Brownie when going to the palace. She feared that Thunderbolt would go berserk again. Mathilda arranged for Thunderbolt's accommodation, and Zenia thanked her. How did the man know about Thunderbolt? It seemed that the man saw the horse himself. She dared not suspect Mathilda. She had decided to meet Vaughn and tell him everything.
After listening for a while, Zenia recognized the manner of speaking of the man that suggested changing the color of Thunderbolt. She was sure that the man was from Ishelon. She tried to take a peek, but her view was obscured by the ornamental plants.
"I don't think we will be able to get that horse. This inn is one of the best in Tissuria, and the security here is rather strict."
"I know someone who can help us."
"Who?"
"Old Moreb."
'Who's that?' Zenia finished her snacks quickly and went to find Mathilda.
* * * * *
Within a short time that Ovid and Renaria went to meet the King and Queen of Tissuria, another bout of clamor rang in the entire kingdom. They said that the mother and father of the main wife arrived abruptly after learning that the Crown Prince had plans to marry the second wife first.
The second wife was famous for being the number one beauty of Tissuria. They said that the Crown Prince's true love was the second wife. He couldn't bear to marry the main wife first.
Vaughn had returned to his palace enshrouded in an ominous aura. Everyone sucked in their breath and held it in. They knew the temper of their master, especially when he looked like that.
Vaughn went to his study room and sat for a long time. He was thinking about what his mother-in-law had said. He knew that she was giving him a warning. He should find a way to let Zenia know about his true identity.
He told one of his shadow guards to report to him once Ovid and Renaria were to return to the Royale Palace Inn. He promised Zenia to bring her mother and father back to her safe and sound. For now, the Anisen couple had to stay for the night in the palace.
The sun was about to set when Zenia finally took hold of Mathilda, who was on her way to look for her. The men had long been gone, and Zenia asked one of the shadow guards to follow them.
"Young Madam, we received a message from your mother asking you to send over one of your bolts of silk to the palace. It's an emergency. Also, they will be staying at the palace for the night."
She wanted to say Crown Princess, but instincts told her that it would be safe not to address Zenia that way.
"Hmm, can you please also send an urgent message to Big Brother Vaughn? Please tell him that we should meet and discuss something. I had uncovered a secret. I will prepare the silk to be sent." She winked at Mathilda and smiled.
Mathilda smiled back and said, "Right away Young Madam."
* * * * *
Zander introduced Gustof to his men and told them to treat him well. They learned how Gustof met Zenia and everyone gave him a pat on the shoulder.
"The commander and the young master dote on their sister so much, so make sure that you will remain good to the young mistress of the Anisens," reminded one of the men.
"I wonder when we can get together with the junior commander. I'm beginning to miss her."
Someone smack the man on the head. "You fool! The last time you went with her to see the show the commander gave you a good beating. You still did not learn your lesson?"
"But, the junior commander is something. All the girls tried their best to please her. They didn't suspect anything at all."
The men laughed out loud when they recalled the time when a beautiful woman tried to seduce Zenia, and she ignored the woman completely. The woman got angry and tried to slap Zenia. Zander saw what the woman was about to do and stopped her hand in midair. Zander sent the woman flying with one sway of his hand.
Gustof was listening attentively and could no longer resist asking a question. "Who is this junior commander?"
"You've met her back in Tissuria."
"Zenia Anisen?"
Gustof gasped and finally learned the truth. He was right all along. There was no way that Zander Anisen could have a good-for-nothing for a sister.
* * * * *
"My Prince, the Crown Princess wishes to see you. She said she just discovered a secret and wanted to see you immediately."
Vaughn was sparring with Redivo when the message arrived. He took a deep breath and braced himself. He was thinking that Zenia may have discovered his secret and would confront him. Redivo noticed Vaughn's lack of focus.
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Vaughn looked at Redivo and decided. "No, I will go there alone. I'll find an answer when the time comes. Prepare my horse."
On the other side of the palace, Renaria received the bolts of silk that Zenia had sent together with some change of clothes. Renaria smiled when she saw the things that Zenia had sent. She sent two bolts of silk instead of one. Her daughter knew her too well.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you tomorrow?" Ovid asked while drying his hair.
"With you around, I'm sure that the Left Minister will not come out to see us."
"Why don't you just sent it over together with a sincere note?"
Renaria rolled her eyes at Ovid and walked to him to knock his forehead lightly.
"Silly, of course, I need to confirm something." She gave Ovid a light peck on his lips and added, "Let's go to sleep. I need to feel refreshed for my battle tomorrow."
Zenia was waiting for Vaughn on the rooftop of the inn. The moon was full and partly covered by feathery clouds against the clear night sky. Zenia loved looking at such a tranquil sky. It made her remember Ishelon. She wondered when she would see her hometown again.
When Vaughn made his way to the rooftop, a picturesque view unfolded before his eyes. He wanted to preserve that image forever. He feared that it might be the only thing that would accompany him each day to dispel the uncertainties in his heart.
Zenia turned her head to Vaughn's direction when she felt his presence.
"Big Brother Vaughn!" She smiled and waved at him.