Zack's companions were talking in the tavern about the recent events. Everyone was brought up to speed on the scenario and giving their inputs. While they were talking Haruna showed up with five other shinobi.
"It took us longer to return than planned. We apologize for any inconvenience this caused." Haruna said with a bow.
"It's okay I figured something happened. Did you find who you needed?" Zack asked.
"She's in a carriage outside," Haruna replied.
"Why isn't she coming in?" Zack asked.
"The sun is still out. Tonight she w.."
"You brought a vampire?" Wade asked with an irritated look.
"Everyone is welcome here, and thinking all of them are bad for the actions of a select group is the same mindset Marcus has," Zack stated.
Wade had no response. It was true they were attacked for the actions of a certain faction. All of the soldiers kept quiet without further complaints.
"Like I was saying. Tonight she will enter the city to convince her father to leave." Haruna announced.
"You think he will leave just like that?" Vicente asked.
"The probability of success is ninety percent. At the very least she could get the information we can't." Haruna replied while eyeing the sweets being pulled from the oven.
"You all are welcome to try some." Mark smiled.
Everyone sat together discussing potential plans if she were to fail. As the sunset, their new ally walked down from the carriage. Her name is Cassandra and she is wearing a black victorian dress. She had wavy pink hair draped over her shoulders, delicate porcelain skin, and pink eyes.
All the men around were captivated by her beauty. When Cassandra saw the soldiers from Stormhaven she approached. A few of them were still cautious about trusting a vampire for they were ruthless warriors regardless of their appearance.
"I'm deeply sorry for his actions." Cassandra apologized with watery eyes.
Wade saw this realizing he was an ass for his earlier comment.
"It was our kingdom that started it. I'm sorry about your mother, and I hope this helps you convince him." Wade told Cassandra while handing her a scroll.
"What is it?" Cassandra asked.
"King Alfred sent us to get proof to prosecute the assailants. Knowing we tried to bring them to justice might help." Wade replied.
"We will be waiting in the forest for you to check-in. Are you joining us?" Haruna asked Zack.
"Of course. Let's get going." Zack replied.
With Cassandra went the shinobi and Zack. A few others wanted to join, but they knew being discreet was essential. The shinobi were experts at hiding their aura, and so was Zack. If anyone else was to come it could ruin the operation.
Zack compromised by agreeing to set up an array to send for backup if needed. It was the only way to convince Yu not to sneak along. As they approached the city they found a discreet spot to watch the gate. Zack placed a mirage as he began setting the array.
"Remember to check back before morning, and if you run into trouble give the signal," Haruna told Cassandra as she walked away.
Cassandra was approaching the wall when a few ferals dropped down. Seeing her at a distance they all had a grin. As they got closer they saw her unfazed as they surrounded her.
"Take me to my father," Cassandra said while releasing her aura.
They realized it was similar to Marcus's, and escorted her inside. While walking in Cassandra put her surroundings to memory. It wasn't hard to tell where the civilians were sheltered due to the excess guards.
Ferals escorted Cassandra to the throne room, and it was there she saw her family. Glancing around a few clan members had fallen, but the only family member missing was Arthur. All of their clan bowed when she walked past, and Marcus got up from the throne to embrace her. Madison saw the two embrace and rolled her eyes.
Madison has a different mother from her other siblings and has always been cold towards Cassandra. It was no different for Arthur, and they both knew of Madison's resentment. Cassandra approached her carefully to give her a greeting. She always wanted to be close with her older sister, but the efforts were in vain.
"Should've known you would try to skip the fight," Madison said in a cold tone
"I'm sorry, but we came here for peace," Cassandra apologized while moving closer.
"That's just an excuse for your cowardice. The talks of peace were only a way to lure her in. They admitted to torturing her for information and laughed about it without remorse. Hearing all this you still won't lift a finger to help will you?" Madison retorted.
"Everyone leave us!" Marcus ordered.
No one dared questioned the order. Aleister was examining Marcus closely as he left the room. He could feel something was off about Marcus's aura. As the room was cleared Marcus sat at the king's table and gestured to the seat beside him.
"You know very well matters like that are to be in private. I need to speak with Cassandra alone. Go fetch Arthur and his precious princess." Marcus ordered.
Madison seemed irritated at the order but did as requested. After she left Marcus poured a chalice for Cassandra. She looked down at it unsure about lifting it.
"Don't worry it's bovine, not human. I know you better than that." Marcus told Cassandra while coughing some blood.
"Are you okay?" Cassandra asked as she examined him closely.
"Still recovering from the fight earlier. That man was rather powerful." Marcus replied while wiping the blood.
"It's due to the spell on the city as well. You know something like that comes with a heavy price. What man are you referring to?" Cassandra investigated as she smelled the chalice before sipping.
The two began discussing the events of the last few days. Arthur was in the princess's room keeping guard. After the events on the wall, he refused to leave Emilia alone.
"I didn't think you would get hurt. Does it still sting?" Arthur asked as he put away the bandages.
"No, whatever you put on it helped, and It's not your fault that I got hurt. You tried to help me, but that woman stopped you." Emilia replied.
"That was my older sister. They act out of grief, but things have already gotten out of hand. We just miss her so much." Arthur said as he tried to keep his composure.
"The fault of all this lies with us. We should've dealt with prejudice in the city more thoroughly. Those men deserved their fates, but I still share the guilt as royalty. I'm truly sorry about your mother. " Emilia apologized.
"How can you say something like that after what we did. Your father is gone because of us. Does that not anger you?" Arthur asked.
"I grieve his loss, but don't feel anger. He was already very sickly, and wan.." Emilia was interrupted by the door being kicked in.
"You're supposed to be outside the room, and father will hear of this later, but for now, both of you come with me," Madison ordered.