The Phantom unit, battle-worn but victorious, arrived back in Vaeloris with the urgent intelligence they had extracted from the two surviving captives. Their faces were solemn, knowing that what they had uncovered would shift the delicate balance of power that hung over both Valyshire and Vaeloris. They made their way directly to the royal palace, where King Gregor, Queen Amara, and Prince Lucian awaited them.
As soon as the Phantoms entered the room, Dale wasted no time. "We have confirmation, Your Majesty," he said, his voice clipped. "The ambush was orchestrated by an external force. It was an attempt to frame Vaeloris and destabilize the treaty. The enemy has ties to someone close to Queen Eleonora."
The room fell silent. King Gregor's expression darkened, his mind already running through the implications of this revelation. He leaned back in his chair, fingers pressed against his temples.
"I suspected as much," King Gregor muttered, his voice low but laden with years of experience and suspicion. "The Queen has long been a master of strategy… but it seems she's been pulling strings in the shadows, even if King Theodore remains unaware."
Prince Lucian, ever the intellectual, spoke next, his mind churning over the puzzle. "It's not just a matter of power. If this conspiracy has ties to Queen Eleonora, it's likely that the corruption within Valyshire is of her making. The betrayal runs deeper than we imagined. And if she's working with foreign entities…" His voice trailed off, uncertainty hanging in the air.
The King nodded gravely, clearly disturbed by the implications of his son's words. "We cannot let this stand. If this war is being pushed by Queen Eleonora's influence, the survival of the treaty—of Vaeloris—may depend on how we act from here on out."
Turning to the Phantoms, he continued, "You've done your part. But now we must act. Then it's decided. My private army will discreetly guard the dignitaries. Four men per individual, all covert. They must not draw attention to themselves."
"Understood," Prince Lucian replied, already thinking through the logistics of guarding the dignitaries.
"And as for Mireille," King Gregor continued, his gaze falling on his daughter's name. "Increase her protection immediately. No one gets close to her unless I say so."
At the mention of Mireille's name, Queen Amara, ever the protective mother, frowned. "I'll see to it myself," she said, her tone soft but resolute. "We can't risk losing anyone else." Queen Amara's face turned grave as she suddenly remembered the captives' cryptic final words. "Someone close to him…" she murmured, her gaze fixing on Dale.
He stiffened but said nothing.
Amara picked up her phone. "I'll contact Gray." She frowned as the call went straight to voicemail. "She's out of reach."
"She's with her friend right? They must be having fun and wanted no distractions. This is her first vacation in years, after all. Or so I heard." The king assured her.
---
Meanwhile, in Switzerland…
Gray and Lou's days in Switzerland were spent in a blur of serene landscapes and breathtaking vistas. The fifth day of their vacation arrived, and they decided to embrace the natural beauty surrounding them. They packed a light bag, equipped with snacks and water, and set off early in the morning for a hiking trip through the lush Swiss Alps again.
The weather was perfect—crisp, cool, and clear with a bright sun hanging high in the sky. The scent of pine trees and fresh earth filled the air as they hiked up a winding trail, which eventually led them to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the valley below. Gray, who rarely allowed herself time to appreciate beauty in her hectic life, took a deep breath, her chest expanding with the cool mountain air.
"I can't remember the last time I've been so… relaxed," Gray admitted, glancing at Louise, who had an easy smile on her face.
Louise laughed softly. "You've been so consumed by work for as long as I've known you. It's good to see you letting go, even if it's just for a week."
Gray chuckled. "Maybe it's because there's no one calling me for surgeries, and I'm not worried about people's lives in my hands." She glanced down the mountain trail. "I think I needed this."
As they reached the peak of the hike, they took a moment to rest. Louise pulled out her camera, capturing photos of the sweeping view, while Gray found a quiet spot to sit and take in the peaceful surroundings. For Gray, it was a rare moment of stillness, a reprieve from the chaos of her life as both a doctor and a highly skilled sniper.
---
Later in the afternoon, after a light lunch in a mountain cabin, Gray and Louise made their way to a small, remote restaurant tucked into a hillside. The location was charming, with wooden beams and rustic décor, giving it an authentic Swiss feel. The owner greeted them warmly, and they were seated near the large windows, which provided a stunning view of the valley below.
"Would you like the usual, or should we try something new today?" Louise asked as she flipped through the menu.
Gray smiled. "Let's stick with the usual. I trust your taste."
The meal was exquisite, as expected. The flavors were bold yet simple—roast lamb, fresh vegetables, and a local cheese that was divine. The warmth of the food contrasted perfectly with the chill of the mountain air outside, and Gray found herself savoring every bite.
After finishing their meals, they leaned back in their chairs, content and relaxed. Gray, though a woman of few words, felt at ease with Louise, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.
"Today was perfect," Gray said, her eyes drifting to the distant mountain peaks.
Louise nodded. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. But let's not forget, we still have a day of adventure ahead."
"I'm looking forward to it," Gray said with a small smile.
Just as they were about to stand and gather their things, a man entered the restaurant with two small children in tow. He was tall, with a rugged, handsome appearance, his dark hair tousled and his eyes an intense shade of blue. The man walked toward their table, his gaze momentarily flicking between Gray and Louise.
"Excuse me, are you leaving?" he asked politely, noticing that they were gathering their things. "I don't mean to intrude, but I think there's no more room, and my kids are getting a little restless."
Gray and Louise looked up, momentarily taken aback by the sudden interruption. The man smiled, clearly friendly, and the children behind him giggled, a pleasant sound that filled the otherwise quiet space.
But it wasn't the man that made Gray freeze in place.
Gray's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing. It can't be…
As the man stepped aside to help his children settle into a seat, Gray's gaze fell upon the woman who was carrying a tray of food. She looked remarkably similar to her mother—the same graceful features, the same kind of serene yet strong presence only with different eye color. Her mother's amber while the lady has light brown eyes. Gray's heart skipped a beat.
Louise, who had been equally taken aback, opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Both women were struck dumb, staring at the woman as she approached their table, the tray of food in her hands.