A Good Plan

"Your Highness, it's from Commander Iria." Kerin bowed as he handed a letter to Prince Orius. The latter was standing near a window, staring at the view of the capital provided by his room. There was a cup of wine in his hand but he never took a sip.

He took the letter and handing the wine to Kerin, he walked away from the window and read the contents. "Commander Iria is going to Zoris with the Crown Prince." He muttered.

"Zoris? What will you do?" Kerin quickly asked him.

Giving a thought, the Prince's lips curved into a smile. "I have a good plan."

* * *

Iria was in her chamber alone. She sat on the chair and tapped the table again and again, concentrating on her thoughts. Then Rion knocked on the door and walked inside.

"Still no news?" Iria promptly asked him.

Rion shook his head. They will depart for Zoris early in the next morning but... Prince Orius hadn't replied to her letter. This troubled Iria a lot. What did that unpredictable Prince have in mind?!

"Just what is he thinking?" She uttered as she abruptly rose from her seat.

"Maybe His Highness is planning to stay low for now." Rion assumed.

Iria gave a quick thought and shook her head. "I don't think so. Don't underestimate Prince Orius, Rion. He is way smarter than you thought. If he put his mind to it, nothing is never too hard for him. That's why His Majesty sent him here. It's just that... he is not interested in achieving great things. That's why it's so shocking that he came to Qalagon."

"I understand. He is not the successor to the throne. If he has great merits under his belt, it would only put him in danger." Rion quickly responded and Iria nodded.

Nevertheless, she couldn't be at ease as she wondered what the Prince must be up to.

* * *

It was morning. Arin and Iria along with several guards including Rion were about to depart for Zoris and the journey would take around five days. Iria didn't sleep much last night but she still insisted to ride the horse rather than the carriage. She finds the carriage suffocating as she wasn't used to it. She felt more comfortable riding a horse.

"Are you sure you won't regret it? It's five days and it won't be the same as simply riding around the capital." Arin said to her, pointing his chin at the horse where she was about to mount.

"I won't." Iria slightly frowned. "Since yesterday, it's your fifth time saying that."

"I'm only worried. If you regret on our way, it would be useless." Arin simply said. Did she even know that riding for five days wasn't an easy feat? He was worried that she would underestimate and regret it later!

"I will be fine. Besides, without a carriage, we will be able to fasten our speed and reach sooner." She was really tired of this. When will she be able to live as herself again?!

After remaining silent for a while, Arin finally nodded. "Alright, but you should stick right next to me all the time." He already sent some soldiers to check the routes beforehand but still, he wanted to be as careful as possible.

"I will," Iria responded. She mounted her horse with the help of the Crown Prince as the latter insisted. She had no problem mounting herself but she was tired of arguing and she just played along with it. However, when she turned to the back, her eyes widened and she rapidly blinked! Standing far in the back was...

Prince Orius Aventine?!

Why was he here? No... how did he even come here? He was also wearing the uniform of the Qalagon Army!

When she took a clear look, she noticed that he was staring at her with a little smile. Did he watched her the whole time?!

"Is something wrong?"

She quickly turned away when she heard Arin's voice. Then she forced a little smile and shook her head. "No."

"Let's go then."

She couldn't turn back anymore as she didn't want to arouse suspicion. However, she still couldn't believe it. Prince Orius was also coming but... as a guard?! Was he crazy?

Unbeknownst to everyone, she let out a sigh. This was way too dangerous!

*

"Let's stretch our tents here. It's getting dark." Crown Prince Arin said to Antony after riding the whole day with a little break from time to time.

"Yes, Your Highness," Antony responded and started working on building the tents with the other soldiers.

Sitting on one corner, Iria stared at the soldiers who were busy complying with the Crown Prince's order. All her attention was focus on a certain person. Prince Orius blended himself quite well with the other soldiers and she was quite amazed by it. What's more? She glanced at him from time to time throughout the whole day but... he completely ignored her! What was he really thinking?!

"You hold out well than I thought." It was Arin Helev who approached her from the left.

Turning her head to him, Iria said, "Didn't I told you that I will be fine?" There was a hint of victory in her tone which made the Crown Prince slightly smiled.

"I should trust you more from now on." He jokingly said and sat down next to her.

Then she felt Prince Orius gaze on her which made her utterly annoyed. After ignoring her the whole day, he only looked at her now?! However, the unpredictable Prince instantly turned away and focused on his work again.

"You act quite different today," Arin said which instantly made her darted her eyes back to him.

"Different?" She asked, confused.

Arin nodded. "You're always distracted."

Iria promptly narrowed her eyes. It's impossible to not get distracted in this situation. However, she couldn't say anything. If they knew that the Prince of Jerivia was here disguised as a guard, it would be a mess. Both she and Prince Orius will be in a dire situation.

"You're always like this," Arin said with a subtle smile when she fell silent. Then he turned his head to the soldiers. "They've finished. Go and take a rest."

"Okay." Iria stood up and made her way to the tent which was prepared for her. Rion also followed her right away.

As soon as she entered her tent, she sensed the presence of someone before she could even do anything. Letting out a sigh, she turned to the back of the tent. "Show yourself."

Only a second had passed when Prince Orius walked in from the back of the tent. He stood a few steps away from Iria and slightly smiled. "Your sense is still good as ever, Commander Iria."