Yvonne stepped into her home, slowly closing the door behind her. Soon after a pair of hands hugged her legs, she smiled lovingly at Alexis and Auberon,
the two identical twin she adopted;
her kids.
Hello there, I'm home, how was your day? Hope you weren't too lonely without me?
we missed you Mama,
Alexis said tugging at Yvonne's trousers. Alexis was a lot more carefree and jolly than her twin brother, Auberon, despite all the things they've gone through as orphans sold as slaves.
Alexis wouldn't stop crying,
Auberon informed her, Alexis blushed and pouted at her brother. Yvonne turned to face Alexis ;
Why were you crying baby?
Before answering, Alexis raised her hands, urging Yvonne to the carry her. In one go, Yvonne swooped her off into her hands.
I thought you weren't coming back so I panicked a little,
she giggled.
Why wouldn't I come home to my babies.
Yvonne pulled them close in a bear hug, she felt them both relax in her arms.
So, what should we have for dinner?
Meat soup mama, meat aoup, let's have that!!
Alexis said, shaking Yvonne's hand playfully.
No way mom, we ate that yesterday, let's have beans tonight, we need as much protein as we can get.
Auberon countered.
That both looked up expectantly at Yvonne, awaiting an answer, Yvonne smiled lovingly at theem.
Hmmmm-, I can't say no to any of you, so I say we have both.
Yvonne said in defeat.
Alexis laughed in victory and Auberon humped, glaring at Alexis.
A sudden knock on the door startled them, Yvonne went rigid. She wasn't expecting any visitors, she thought as she moved to the door to slowly open it, her left hand on the tip of her sword.
On seeing who the unexpected guest was, she quickly moved aside for him to enter, Arnold stepped in smiling at Yvonne. Alexis and Auberon came out of their hiding spots to free him, Yvonne bowed low, Alexis and Auberon did the same.
My liege.
Yvonne said bowing her head. Arnold slumped heavily into a chair before speaking:
Get up Yvonne, I've told you several times to stop addressing me like that, and tell the poor children to stand up. Yvonne got up reluctantly facing Arnold.
I'm only expressing due respect for the man who raised me, and as for my kids, it's only natural they do the same.
Arnold sighed heavily.
She never changes,
he thought.
He motioned for Alexis to come closer and a blushing Alexis ran into Arnold's arms .
Hello grandpa,
Alexis said smiling. Arnold patted her head and glanced at Auberon who was hiding behind Yvonne.
Hey there little man, not happy to see Grandpa are we??
Auberon hid behind Yvonne, peeking out slowly, Yvonne carried him up and placed him in front of Arnold.
He-ll-o, sir.
Hi there little man, I've got a little something for you, wanna see it?
Auberon glanced at Yvonne, then nodded slowly. Arnold put Alexis on his laps and reached for his side purse, Auberon cautiously collected the pouch and ran back behind Yvonne, he smiles at Arnold from behind Yvonne.
Thank you sir.
Hey, what about me grandpa?
Alexis pouted.
Arnold chuckles and fetched a princess doll for her. Alexis squiggled in delight, she hopped off Arnold's laps and ran to Yvonne. After playing with Alexis and Auberon for a while, Yvonne sends them off to their room, promising to bring them dinner later.
She then turned to face Arnold whose expression had turned serious.
I need you to do me a favour Yvonne,
He said calmly.
I would gladly do it my Lord, to show my gratitude for saving me even though you didn't even know who I was and for raising me like your own daughter.
Arnold sighed.
It's not like the other missions I usually send you on, it's different this time. There's a chance you might not make it back in one piece.
Yvonne's face turned pale, the reality of his words settled in slowly.
I really wouldn't have brought it to you if I had another option, but, I don't. You're my last resort.
What's the mission?
Arnold was taken aback, he stared at her for a while and smiled. What did he expect, Yvonne would always be loyal to him, and he was grateful for that; he just hoped he didn't regret it later!!
It's about the other five remaining kingdoms, they're all planning on coming here to finalize the peace treaty between all six kingdoms of Marly.
Yvonne looked confused.
Shouldn't that be held in the capital kingdoms of Marly?! Why here of all places??
That's exactly what I said to the king, but he's too obsessed with rubbing his wealth in their faces to see any other thing. I fear that they intend on killing the royal family and seizing Tyrane, so I need you to first investigate the matter, and if i turn out to be right which I hope I'm not, cause we all know we wouldn't stand a chance. So then we'll have to switch to plan B before it's too late.
And what's that?
We evacuate the kingdom.
Where should I go first, which kingdom do you suspect to be behind it all?
Arnold remained silent.
That's the problem Yvonne, .........I think they're all in on this, apart from Cyrus I hope.
But why would they do this?
I really can't think of any other reason except to steal and divide our fertile lands among themselves, I heard most of them haven't really been doing well economically.
Yvonne got up.
When should I leave then?
As soon as possible my girl, I keep getting a feeling that we're running out of time.
Then I'll set out tomorrow my Lord, but one more thing..........
What's that??
Just in case I don't come back..........
she placed an hand on Arnold's ;
Just in case I don't come back, pls take good care of my kids father?
She called me " father",
he thought.
He got up and embraced her ;
Of course Yvonne, like they were my own.
She smiled.
Just like you did for me?
Just like I did for you, and even more.