As Princess Vesper walked through the palace, heading to the arena where she would meet Valeria and the Iron Sisters to set off on their mission, she encountered Sir Rathen, Selene's father.
"Your Highness," Sir Rathen greeted her with a slight bow
Vesper acknowledged him with a nod. Sir Rathen was a respected knight in Marlenia, renowned for his outstanding achievements. He had led the kingdom's army to victory in numerous skirmishes and battles, earning a reputation as a fearless warrior. His bravery had also saved the king's life on one occasion, when an assassin infiltrated the palace. The assassin had infiltrated the royal chambers, unaware that Sir Rathen was present. It was said that Rathen had fought fiercely, even using his body as a shield for the king before ultimately slaying the intruder. That act of loyalty had cemented his position as the king's closest friend and most trusted confidant.
"Sir Rathen," Vesper replied, her voice steady as she acknowledged him.
"May we speak for a brief moment, Your Highness?" he asked
Vesper hesitated, glancing at the corridor ahead. "I don't have much time, but I can spare a few minutes. What is it you wish to discuss?"
She gestured for him to follow her, and they stepped into a quiet corner away from the main corridor.
"Selene came to me," Sir Rathen began, his voice tinged with a father's concern. "Please do not think I'm against her joining you on this mission. It is her duty, and I know she's committed to fulfilling it. But as her father, I can't help but worry for both her safety and yours." He paused briefly, his eyes meeting Vesper's. "That's why I've taken the liberty of preparing a small group of men to accompany you. They are among Marlenia's finest warriors. Two of them are well-acquainted with the routes from Everia to Eldrida and can guide you through the most strategic paths, including places ideal for ambushes. Please, Your Highness, consider taking them with you."
Vesper listened, her expression unreadable. When he finished, she replied firmly, "I'm not excluding Selene from the mission out of doubt or mistrust, Sir Rathen. There are pressing matters I need her and Daphne to handle here in the capital. As for the reinforcements you've offered, I must decline. My warriors are more than capable, and adding more men would only complicate our movements. I do, however, appreciate your concern."
Sir Rathen frowned slightly, his lips parting as if to argue. "But, my princess, I truly think..."
"Your time is up," Vesper interrupted, her voice cool and resolute. "I must go now."
She stepped past him but halted after a few steps, turning back to meet his gaze one final time. Her voice softened, though her tone carried an air of command. "Take care of Selene. Ensure she doesn't follow me. I know her well enough to suspect she might try."
Without waiting for a response, Vesper turned and continued down the hall, her long cloak trailing behind her as she left Sir Rathen standing in the alcove, his expression a mixture of worry and resignation.
After parting ways with Sir Rathen, Princess Vesper walked through the palace corridors, her mind heavy with unresolved thoughts. For a moment, she considered stopping by to see her father. The idea lingered as she passed the familiar halls, but eventually, she dismissed it with a slight shake of her head.
"Not that he cares," she muttered under her breath, her tone tinged with bitterness.
Straightening her posture, she left the palace behind and made her way to the point where Valeria and the Iron Sisters awaited her.
The plan was set. Vesper and her elite faction would depart under the cover of night to avoid the prying eyes of spies and informants that might be lurking in the kingdom. Their stealthy exit was necessary, as they sought to maintain the element of surprise. The princes of Everia were not expected to leave their territory for another two days, but the geographical location of Marlenia demanded Princess's Vesper group to depart earlier.
The journey from Marlenia to Eldrida spanned approximately four days on horseback, Considering the path they had chosen to lay in ambush, they anticipated spending around three days to reach the designated spot. The location they had chosen for their ambush was strategically advantageous. Nestled within a mountainous region, the site provided natural cover and an elevated vantage point.
This terrain would allow them to outmaneuver their enemies and conceal their movements until the critical moment.
But the location was not chosen solely for its geography. It was a calculated move. The ambush site lay just on the outskirts of Eldrida, close enough that the Everian princes would begin to let down their guard. By the time they reached this point, they would believe themselves safe, certain that any attack would have occurred farther from Eldrida's borders, at a distance where reinforcements would be impossible to summon in time.
As they drew nearer to their destination, the princes would likely convince themselves that Vesper had indeed stayed her hand. It was precisely at this moment, when their guard was down, that Princess Vesper planned to strike.
When Princess Vesper reached the rendezvous point, the Iron Sisters were already assembled, their armor gleaming faintly under the fading light. Among them stood Valeria, her ever-reliable second-in-command, alongside Selene and Daphne.
Daphne stepped forward, bowing deeply. "As much as I'd love to follow you, my princess, I know you won't allow it. All I can do is pray for your safe return." Her voice was steady, though her eyes betrayed the weight of her concern.
Selene, on the other hand, said nothing. She simply bowed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Princess Vesper stepped closer, pulling her into a firm embrace.
"It will be alright, Selene," Vesper murmured, her voice soft but reassuring. "Take care of the Iron Sisters while I'm gone. And trust me, your old man will need your help keeping the army in line." She added the last part with a faint smile, her tone playful, attempting to lighten the mood.
Selene nodded, still unable to find the words.
"My princess," Valeria called, stepping forward. "Everything is ready, and we're good to go."
Vesper inclined her head, her gaze sweeping over the fifty warriors who stood before her. The Iron Sisters, Vesper's elite female warriors were her most trusted allies. Though the faction consist about two hundred, only fifty of the best had been chosen for this mission. These were not just soldiers; they were her sisters in arms, bound by loyalty and a shared purpose.
Addressing them one last time, Vesper raised her voice, commanding their full attention. "We have trained, we have prepared, and now the time has come to act. Trust in yourselves and in one another. Together, we are invincible. And together, we will return victorious."
A resounding cheer rose from the warriors, their voices echoing into the evening air.
The months of meticulous planning and preparation finally came to an end, the mission to ambush the princes of Everia had officially begun.