Wendell
In the bedroom, Wendell is surrounded by maids who prepare him for the tedious day ahead. Between combing his hair and putting on boots while Margaret continues her long lecture. He makes sure to nod occasionally as if paying attention but the prince mentally sighs. The Valenta's just set up a mandatory date for them at none other than his own home. Now Blanche will be there all afternoon, and Frederick spending time with Kana must get pushed off. Since her terms state that he has to play the role of fiance until this wedding gets canceled, refusal isn't an option.
"Be a gentleman and show Blanche around the castle while amusing her a bit. That's all you need to do."
"Ah, yes, I understand."
"I know you made an arrangement with the queen about freedom for your desired bride. Who is this lucky girl you wish to take the hand of, and why are you dragging your feet popping the question?" His aid asks, the prince not surprised she'd question him about this eventually. "I mean, anyone would be utterly blind to turn down a proposal from you!"
"Given my position, I guess there is some truth to that..." he mumbles gazing at the glass ceiling above. Naturally quite anybody would accept a dazzling ring in the hands of a royal.
The middle-aged woman shakes her head wearing a tender smile. "No, that's not the reason. I simply believe someone humble and caring as you would make whomever you're with happy. That kind of devotion is far more valuable than any amount of gold."
Margaret's honest answer leaves him speechless for a moment. These are the type of qualities he wishes people would look into instead of his title. A small grin resurfaces on his face with their little chat helping lift the boy's mood.
"Thank you, Margaret. And as for the one I wish to wed, you may not remember but her name is Kana Littleton."
The plump woman thinks for only a moment before slowly nodding. "Ah, yes the sweet girl from Rainswood that's visited a few times. I couldn't possibly forget her with not many females that match my height. I can't say much as I don't know her very well, but she seems to be a decent choice for a wife... This Frederick role that you're playing has to do with her, correct?"
"Yes, I need to determine if her love for me is real or fake. I know outwardly she's a very kind person--which I admire about her, but great riches and praise can change people. I want her to accept me as her lifelong companion for the reasons you listed, not material things."
Even if the cheerful brunette would never be cruel as those selfish friends from his childhood, Kana still could only agree to marry him because of the wealth she'll receive. This test must be done in order to confidently stand side-by-side at the altar without uncertainty surfacing down the line.
"I won't try and persuade you from this and the plan is already in motion. Though I'm sure living double lives will get you in rather sticky situations along the road. Telling a single fib can produce several more until you're caught in a web where only admitting the truth can release you. So just be careful as dishonesty of the lips and deception of the heart hurts all the same."
These words of wisdom surfaces a tight sensation in his chest, yet the biggest lie he has told her was about missing the ball. Regardless, Wendell ponders this advice while the maids finish getting him ready for his date.
...
"I've come, My Beloved Prince!" Blanche throws arms around him the moment she waltzes inside. He has realized it's futile to resist this spine-crushing hug but just let his fiancee release on her own. Wendell oh so patiently waits for the girl to free him, and after another minute, he can breathe again.
"G-Good afternoon, Blanche. I'm glad you could make it."
"At last, I get to see this castle beyond the ballroom as you promised. Act as my princely escort and show me all that pleases the eye. I want to learn my way around the grounds for future convenience." Blanche latches onto his arm more than ready to begin the tour.
"As you wish. We can start with the dining hall first then. Of the important areas, it's the closest to us."
The pair travel down the decorated hallways before reaching their destination. They walk into a large room with an equally long table that's fit to hold many guests placed in the middle. Maids buzz from high to low tidying up while cooks are busy at work in the kitchen.
"Goodness, it's so vast and the scarlet decor is just my taste too... What's this aroma that's having my stomach growl?"
"Whatever early preparations they're making for lunch."
"You must savor culinary delicacies for every meal."
Blanche takes a quick peep inside though doesn't disrupt their work. When she turns to leave something stands out that seems to gain her attention. The prince approaches to have a closer look and sees his pet begging chefs for food.
"So you have a dog?"
"Yes, he has been a part of the family for years, and constantly hangs around the kitchen when he smells them cooking."
Max, noticing their presence, greets his owner with the dog's tail a-wagging. Wendell crouches down to gently rub the energetic rottweiler behind his soft ears. He then spots their visitor circling the girl which has Blanche's body tense up.
"H-He is well trained, right?"
"Of course, Max is just getting familiar with your scent. Why don't you try petting him? I promise he doesn't bite."
Though reluctant, she reaches out her hand giving his head a small pat. Max returns the gesture by licking at her hand and she frowns a tiny bit. Still, he can tell Blanche starts to relax when realizing the animal is friendly.
"Truthfully I'm not the biggest fan of these unless it's a poodle. Dogs so elegant and smart would make perfect pets. Well, I've seen enough here so let's proceed to the next area."
Leaving Max behind they continue onwards with the tour. He shows her various places such as the throne room, palace garden, and library. Blanche appears to be amazed by it all, despite the fact she is living in a decent mansion. There are some differences in castles but he can't imagine that drastic of changes. His fiancee even suggests visiting his bedroom though he instantly dismisses the idea. Wendell makes an excuse that the room is rather untidy and allows her to have a glimpse into the treasury instead.
After those are knocked off the list, he takes her to their final stop so they can go and eat. Blanche's amethyst eyes spark upon entering the sacred space while she twirls down the narrow aisle. Several pews which stand on a spotless wooden floor are on both sides of the room. The most noticeable aspect is the cross hanging toward the front and a small holy water fountain directly underneath it.
"Wow, castles truly have their very own chapel. This is where we'll exchange our vows in a mere two months. I get so excited just thinking about it!" she gushes, but the prince averts his gaze.
"Excitement is one word to describe it..."
Bothersome as it may be to put on an act like this he can't tell her the truth yet. Wendell swore to Justus, including his mother, that he would explain the matter only at the proper time. Until then, he must remain quiet as his fiancee dives further into dreamland.
"All this running about the castle has me quite famished. Lunch is almost finished now, isn't it?"
"Yes, we can head-" Wendel cuts himself off when low unrecognizable voices emerge from the hallway. Sneaking a peek out of curiosity, his face goes pale as men not a part of their ranks stand mere feet from them. He can faintly catch some hush whispers shared between the two.
This will get him...finally realize our abilities. Remember don't waste...workers. Only eliminate...royal family...
Throwing himself backward, the prince bumps into Blanche following close behind. Her comment on the accidental push is drowned out as he begins to pace running fingers through his ash-blonde hair. The anxiety bubbling inside him must be obvious because the hands planted firmly on his fiancee's hips rise to her chest.
"Hey, is something wro-"
"Shh! They'll hear you. I-I need you to remain calm but...there are intruders that I've sighted in the castle."
"W-What?!" she blurts out before clasping a hand over her mouth, the girl breathing unevenly. To their luck, it doesn't sound like anyone overheard the semi-loud reaction. Wendell deeply exhales to speak a bit more soothingly this time around.
"I saw just two but I'm unsure if there are others or how they managed to get past our defenses... Regardless, none of those trivial details matter now. We're going to sneak toward the underground passage where we'll be safe."
"Underground passage?" she weakly voices, having her nerves in check since he has calmed down.
"Yes, it's a secret area built under the castle used for situations like these. Thankfully from our point at the chapel, it's close by us."
So many months have passed since the prince has last stepped foot in there. A painful reminder of the countless hours spent hiding inside that cold damp pit. However, he cannot throw a mental pity party with the girl trembling in fear beside him. The prince's main priority is ensuring Blanche and his family get down the hole safely.
Wendell does a quick prayer for God's protection and when the coast is clear, he gestures to his fiancee to come. He orders the noble girl to stay near him and refrain from making any noise that'll draw attention. As they move he can tell there are additional men of Henry's army spread throughout the castle. Some check rooms while the rest patrol the hallways shouting their ultimatum.
"We're advising you now to surrender! This is the only chance! Give yourselves over to us and we will spare your lives! If we find you, it's too late for begging!"
The man makes a left turn allowing them to move in the opposite direction. From what he's gathering, the intruders have no real interest in anybody but his mother and himself. This hunch proves to be valid as maids scurry off in a pure panic with them not giving chase. After checking a room the doors are kept open--most likely for fewer places to hide. When one man enters the next one both hurriedly scamper past to another blind spot.
Wendell moves at a steady pace so he doesn't go too fast to run right into them or too slow where they'll end up captured. The engaged pair almost reaches the desired room when his feet come to a sharp halt. Cautiously peeping around the corner, one man stands guard at a nearby exit.
They aren't just searching the palace thoroughly but also have blocked off main doors. This rules sneaking outside from the list but we have a different means of escape. Still, he is facing our direction...
"Wendell, why did we stop? W-We can't remain out in the open like this for very long," Blanche reminds, apparently eager to press forward though this might be rather difficult.
"I know, but that man over there is in our line of view. We need to make a right down this hall to reach the underground passage, but it's impossible to cross without him spotting us. If I can think of a way to divert his eyes somehow..."
The prince looks for some distraction--and noticing a small portrait on the wall--he thinks up a plan. Snagging a pebble off a convenient decorative piece, he throws it hard which knocks the object off balance. The rock was so tiny he couldn't have seen this and falling from such a height the frame breaks. Naturally, the intruder strolls over to investigate the sudden noise with them hiding behind a large cabinet. Unsure what caused the disturbance he heads back to his post being their golden opportunity to run. Both tiptoes pass once the man is faced away, though he might've just caught a glimpse when turning the corner. He can only hope that it worked, and after tense seconds of silence, the man hasn't come in pursuit.
Upon entering, Wendell quietly shuts the door and drags a golden chest to the side. This reveals a concealed latch on the floorboards that leads to an underground room. The prince motions for Blanche to hurry down so he can recover it after she is safe inside.
"Our secret passage was built here to be used anytime uninvited guests show up. You don't have to worry as this is the sole entry so nobody will find you hidden down there."
"Wait, what about you?"
"I need to go find my mother and sister first."
Wendell refuses to lie low while their lives are still in jeopardy. As the future king, he must someday direct an entire army into fierce battles. Those times will certainly be far more dangerous than a couple of men raiding the castle. Regardless of the cost, he cannot shy away from this or later threats.
"Alright, please be careful." Blanche descends the steps as instructed, and he immediately drags the chest to its original position.
When leaving Wendell chooses the opposite wing, therefore he won't risk running into that man on guard. The nearest place to visit is his little sister's bedroom, and he quietly prays she hasn't ventured on her own. Once Wendy is out of harm's way then he will search for their mother.
As a royal, he possesses basic swordplay abilities but not enough to handle a skilled soldier alone. Luckily, his stealth techniques prove useful since he reaches there without running into any trouble. This victory is short-lived, however, when a familiar shadow shrunk in the corner becomes visible. Wendy is currently trapped by a man approaching with his sword held high. The girl trembles so bad she can barely stand, and likewise, his mind goes into panic.
"Our plan was only to bring back the queen and prince's corpse. You were never a part of the equation, but who would want to be left all by themself? I can spare you that grief by cutting you to pieces, Princess."
"N-No, please..." Wendy's eyes brim with tears as he continues to taunt her wearing a cruel smirk.
"Or maybe I can use you as a bargaining chip to draw your mother and brother right into my hands."
The prince frantically searches for something-anything he can wield to fight back. About to simply serve himself as bait so his sister can flee, a rush of cool air goes past him. The result is none other than their faithful dog charging right at the enemy--mouth wide open. Max seeks his teeth into the man's leg with him dropping the blade in utter agony. He did tell Blanche earlier that their dog doesn't bite but that's excluding certain circumstances.
"Wendy!" Wendell shouts as he fails to stop the worrying crack in his strained voice. Once she spots her brother, the girl stumbles over and squeezes him even tighter than Blanche's suffocating hugs. Much as he wants to dry her tears they just don't have time to dawdle there. "Come on, we have to hurry-"
A sudden whimper grabs both siblings attention as their canine is kicked to the wall. The man curses under his breath before turning to the children with a nasty glare. He truly feels sorry for the rottweiler but neither of them can do anything to rescue him. The only option is to reward such brave efforts later and don't let the small window their pet created go to waste. Picking up Wendy, the prince pushes fast as his legs will allow him, yet this loud commotion has ruined all chances for a sneaky route.
Wendell has no clue how he can manage to shake these men off his tail. It will be impossible to take her inside the secret passage with them giving chase when a ray of hope shines. Their own soldiers have assembled which now create a shielding circle around the two. Others engage in combat while he sprints--holding his sister tight--toward the clear destination. Having this assistance the travel is far shorter than earlier, and after helping the siblings down the door gets slammed shut.
His sight gradually adjusting to the lack of light, he notices not one but two figures feet from him. Their mother's nervous pacing comes to a halt the minute she lays eyes on her children.
"Wendy, Wendell!" Opening her arms wide, both run and cling to her lovingly. Similar to their anxiousness, she also is shaking and the stren parent has been more expressive than before. He never shared a tight relationship with her like his doting father, but they without a doubt care deeply about one another. The three stand unmoving for quite some time until she soon releases them. "I sent men to escort you two but I was scared complications might've risen. I'm just relieved that you're safe."
"Mother, who are those guys? I thought the fighting was supposed to be over..." Wendy asks, her gaze holding a mixture of fear and sorrow.
The stretching silence makes him think she may just give some fib rather than speak the truth. It was a bitter pill for him to swallow, further yet to tell his innocent younger sister. Nevertheless, she takes this time to vaguely explain what has conspired between their kingdoms. Her response is mutual to his own, not handling the horrible news well at all.
"W-We already lost dad and that evil man has survived!" Wendy's face is buried in their mother's dress and she gently strokes her hair. "I don't wanna go through this again..."
"I'm sorry, Honey. We're preparing to face the Khisenfire army once more, and this time we will be victorious."
There's a strong conviction in her tone and perhaps she knows their infiltration strategy.
"Mother, how did they get into the castle?" Wendell interrupts. "It's barricaded with countless traps and lookouts. I didn't believe Henry would act this hastily and he is said to be recovering."
"Honestly, I'm not quite sure myself though I can say for certain Henry didn't order this attack. Regardless if they made it inside these walls, the second half of their plan was executed rather sloppy. I believe those men acted on their own accord hoping to get in the king's good favor..."
That must be what I overheard them whispering about...
With nothing else left to discuss the group silently waits for the all-clear. Wendell can't even guess how long it has been when the door suddenly swings open. Everyone remains in tension until one of their own men reveals himself.
"Your Majesty, you can come out now. We've eliminated the threat."
Emerging from the room, broken items and scuffle marks cover the hallways. An awful mess but overall not anywhere near the destruction of Rainswood scale. The maids excuse themselves to start cleaning up as the queen receives his report.
"Just what wing did those men enter at? Surviving the castle traps would've been no easy feat, and soldiers should have spotted them well before things got this out of hand."
"...Actually they came waltzing straight through the front doors, and by the time we realized their true identities it was too late. Two of them were disguised, one as Miss Blanche's father who was supposed to be coming to meet with you later on today. We assumed he had just arrived here early, and the imposter claimed to have brought along a noble friend with him."
"They snuck in by posing as my father, and all of his close friends are back in Quincy..." Blanche mumbles, this gutsy approach is hard to wrap his head around. To dress even remotely comparable and fool them means their enemies have done some research. Such a simple yet clever tactic to avoid traps and launch a preemptive strike.
"Once inside they turned against us and threw multiple sleeping potions. It was so strong that just breathing in a little gas caused us to instantly lose consciousness. I suspect these vile concoctions were made by Henry's alchemist, Lorenzo Redford."
Not only is Khisenfire a powerful nation but aligned with a genius alchemist to serve Henry's every need. Sleep gasses are said to be very difficult to make, though rare materials added would leave a limited supply. Those talented in alchemy have a unique gift from God, and Calestra strictly uses it for the betterment of others. Never will battle potions get created, but this honorable law places their kingdom at a major disadvantage.
"Despite the fact they used Lorenzo's test tubes, I still don't believe Henry sent them. Even if we learned of his survival after the spies' earlier slip-up, he wouldn't execute such a careless plan. However, if just a few men manage to pull off a solo attack like this it'll be more troublesome when Henry does heal..." Althelia mutters, and in turn, he quickly bows low.
"I deeply apologize, Your Majesty! We outta been more thorough and assembled far faster! Many of us soldiers were knocked out cold for a good minute, and when coming to it took time to track your location in the castle. The injuries were minor but your lives could've been lost by our fatal mistake."
During this humble confession, the soldier's face stays aimed at the floor in shame but his mother stomps her foot.
"Raise your head! We cannot alter our past mistakes but only take precautions to prevent future incidents. Now guarantee our defenses are in top order, and I don't want a soul to step across that threshold without being patted down."
"Yes, My Queen!"
All the men march off to execute their orders as his mother comforts the noble girl beside her.
"I do apologize what became of your date. Still, I must ask that you keep today's dangers to yourself. The current situation hasn't been made public knowledge, and I'm not ready to announce it just yet."
"Oh, I understand. You have my word that I won't tell anyone about these events."
His fiancee gives him a warm smile followed by a short bow.
"Well, it goes without saying our little date has unfortunately come to an early end. Nevertheless, I had fun while it lasted, and I'm quite grateful for your protection."
"Of course, the pleasure was mine."
"I'll be taking my leave now. Please keep safe and I'll see you soon, My dear prince."
With that, Blanche strolls off and given what all has happened his thoughts are completely jumbled. One factor, in particular, is bugging him about this whole ordeal. Unlike the other men, Wendell must hide inside the secret passage while only their soldiers defend the palace.
I wish to gain great courage and strength to protect my people. Also, one day execute revenge on the man who inflicted my family with su
ch tragedies. I intend to put in my very all so these dreams down the line become a reality.

A/N Hello readers. I do hope you enjoyed this chapter and another new pov will be in the next update^^