Stella heard her name being called from a distance. She turned to see Clever approaching her, a bright smile on his face. She opened her arms and gave him a warm hug.
"How are you doing, Clever?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
"I'm fine, my...," Clever started to say, before Stella quickly interrupted him.
"Shh, don't let anyone hear you calling me that," she whispered, her eyes darting around cautiously.
Clever nodded understandingly. "Sorry, Stella. I forgot."
Stella smiled and released him from the hug. "Where's your father?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Clever gestured towards a nearby building. "He's in his quarters. I was just coming to find you to tell you he wants to see you."
Stella nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. What did Clever's father want to talk to her about? She followed Clever towards the quarters, her senses on high alert.
As they entered, Clever's father quickly rose from his seat to greet Stella. "Greetings, my queen," he said, his voice firm but respectful.
Stella warmly replied, "Greetings, Commander. What's going on? I wanted to talk to you about something."
Clever's father smiled wryly. "Ah, but I wanted to talk to you about something first. Clever here said you wanted to see me, but I think my matter takes precedence."
Stella's curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Commander? You know you can trust me with anything."
Clever's father nodded, his expression serious. "I've received some disturbing news from our scouts. There's been a sighting of Your uncle's soldiers are invading the areas around the city," Clever's father said, his voice laced with concern. "Since the city was built, it has been a law that no soldier goes outside to fight unless we are attacked. But now, they have stained their swords with the blood of the innocent."
Stella's eyes flashed with anger and disbelief. "What? That's unacceptable! The people are not a threat to my uncle's rule. Why is he doing this?"
Clever's father shook his head. "I fear your uncle's desire for power has consumed him. He sees the people as a means to an end, and he will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on the throne."
Stella's grip on her dagger tightened. "This cannot stand. We must do something to stop him."
Clever's father nodded in agreement. "I have been gathering a small group of trusted allies, those who still believe in the old ways and the protection of our people. We need your help, Stella, to bring an end to your uncle's tyranny."
Understood, Commander," Stella said, her mind racing with the weight of the task ahead. "But are you sure you can trust these people? I don't want any leaks in our plan."
Clever's father nodded thoughtfully. "I've known them for years, Stella. They're loyal and true. But I understand your caution. I'll call for a meeting as soon as possible, and I'll be careful about what I share with them."
Stella nodded, her eyes locked on his. "Good. For now, let's keep things low-key. Not everyone needs to know all the details of our plan. I want you to report directly to me, and only me, until further notice."
Clever's father nodded, his expression serious. "As you wish, Stella. I'll be careful. But we need to move quickly. Your uncle's actions are becoming more brazen by the day.
Understood, Commander," Stella said, her mind focused on the task ahead. "Send for the allies. I want to meet with them and discuss our plan."
Clever's father nodded and bowed, before turning to send for the allies
Stella then turned to Clever, a hint of a worries on her face. "And when is your wedding, Clever? Has it been scheduled yet?"
" Stella said, her expression serious. "I know you're not happy about being forced to marry my uncle's daughter, The Princess ."
Clever's face darkened. "I won't do it, Stella. I won't marry her.
Stella nodded in understanding. "I know, Clever. And I'm not going to let it happen. We're going to stop the wedding, no matter what it takes."
Stella nodded firmly. "Of course, I will. We'll gather our allies and come up with a plan to stop the wedding and free you from this arranged marriage. You deserve to be with the one you love, Clever."
Alright, we need to get to the palace to gather more information if we're going to stop this wedding," Stella said, her mind racing with plans. "When is the king expecting you back, Clever?"
Clever's face twisted in distaste. "I'm supposed to return in a day. He expects me to spend time with the Princess , to 'bond' with her before the wedding."
Stella's eyes narrowed. "Perfect. We'll use that to our advantage. We will go to the palace together, gather as much information as we can, and come up with a plan to stop the wedding.
Let's go, we can't waste any more time," Stella said, her sense of urgency growing. "We need to hold that meeting today. Come on, Clever, let's go tell your father that we'll gather the allies ourselves. We need to make them understand that this is urgent."
Clever nodded in agreement and followed Stella as she hurried out of the room. "We need to move fast, before my father sends a guard to fetch the allies. If that happens, it'll be too late."
As they approached Clever's father, Stella could see the concern etched on his face. "What's wrong, Commander?" she asked.
"I was just about to send a guard to gather the allies," he replied. "But if you're going to do it yourselves, you need to be careful. The king's men are everywhere, and they won't hesitate to strike if they suspect something."
Stella nodded grimly. "We'll be careful. Let's go, Clever. We have a meeting to hold and a wedding to stop."
Commander, you'll be coming with us," Stella said, her eyes locked on Clever's father. "Only you know who to trust among the allies, and we need your guidance."
Clever's father nodded, his expression resolute. "I'm coming with you, Stella. We'll gather the allies and make our stand."
Stella turned to Clever. "And you, Clever, need to lay low for now. We can't risk your uncle suspecting that you're involved in our plans. You're too close to the palace, and if he finds out..."
Clever nodded understandingly. "I'll be careful, Stella. I'll stay hidden until the time is right."
Stella nodded, her mind racing with the plans. "Good. Commander, let's move out. We have a lot to do before nightfall."
To be continued