8 Chapter 8: Allies

"Next year, the North Empire will open its gates for new staff of the forbidden city." Kai started. "I want you to go. I need something that they have."

The North Empire. Kanna didn't particularly liked learning other country's history. But the North's history was her favorite. No matter how strong Lin Empire is, the fact that it failed to conquer North Empire was their eternal demise. North Empire was on the verge of being wiped out by Lin Empire. The emperor was ill and the ministers were panicking in fear. The crown prince was also cowering in fear. Everyone was hopeless until the princess, a woman, took the military seal by force and led the army in battle. Her wit, bravery, and intelligence helped the empire rebuild its walls and defended their country.

"Why don't you just go? Or your people can go. Why bother me to do it?"

"I did, many times." Kai subconsciously broke into a frown. He must have tried a lot of times to get in but failed. He's not to blame though, the North and Lin have always been hostile to one another.

"The capital city is the farthest my men could go. What I need is at the forbidden city, the Queen's City."

The Queen's city. Ten years ago, after establishing North and declaring herself queen, she made a city of palaces only for her and her attendants. She was named the 'Jade Queen'. From what Kanna had learned, the Queen's city had high walls and thorough security. No one can enter it, and no one can walk out of it freely.

"Why do you think I can enter when your people can't either?"

" Because you look like you're from the North. With jet-black hair, deep dark eyes, jade skin, and petite stature.. there is no doubt that you have the blood of the north. You might also find your mother there."

Kanna was taken aback for a moment. She had known that she was different from Airen people, but she never expected that she looked like a Northern woman.

"I don't really care if I am related to anybody there. Besides, how can I be sure that I'll benefit from it?" She lied. She desperately wants to know who she is but there was no way she would go there just for his sake. She just wanted to have the upper hand this time. She smiled satisfyingly.

"Oh, I don't need to." Kai smirked. "For sure you'll want to go. There is also something there that could take down Shin and his ministers. Besides, you need security in order to operate in this empire."

A weak spot. He had hit a weak spot. Kai holds the military power of Lin Empire. He also has his personal army. If she wants to roam around freely to do matter, she would need someone's protection. There is no better candidate than the infamous 2nd prince himself.

"All right." Kanna sighed. "But keep your words that no Airen people will touch me. Even if they are in the court.. or the new king."

"Your husband?" Kai plastered the same mocking smile he had used a while ago. Seriously, he takes pleasure in seeing other people get annoyed.

"He.isn't.my.husband." She gritted. "Bring this up again and I'll make sure I don't get what you want from the North. Anyways, I want a contract.

The prince just humped. Rowu, the man who had been waiting silently outside came in and prepared an ink and paper. Kai then wrote on it. He poured a candle wax on his name and stamped his ring. Rowu then brought it to Kanna. Because Airen was in good terms with Lin Empire when her father was alive, she was taught the Lin's language and letters.

"This queen is even doubtful huh." Kai commented again. Kanna only eyed him and continued signing. She pulled the dagger her father had given her on the day of the chaos. She stamped it on the wax on her name. An elegant bird pattern formed on the paper.

"That's a unique seal." Kai's eyes sparked on the dagger.

"My father gave it to me before he died." Kanna stated. She blinked, trying to push a memory out of her mind. She immediately hid it back under her sleeves.

"Hmmm…...well then, I'll see you soon for further details." He stood, fixing his black and gold robe. "My men will take you home."

"Wait."

"What?"

"The man that you caught with me, where is he?"

"He's in the other building. Refusing to eat in fear of poison." He chuckled, walking out of the room. "Oh right. Go and see Xiaoni before leaving. She'll think I killed you if you leave without a word."

When she left, she did not show herself to the little princess. She was quite satisfied with herself, leaving the prince to explain himself to his little sister.