A Matter of Manor

"You have a plan? Let's hear it," the Queen prompted. She seemed eager to hear anything that might protect her household.

"First, let's not rush to capture these women just yet. Find a few trusted servants and have these women assigned to group tasks with loyal countrymen. With more eyes on them, it will be harder to hide any meetings with accomplices," I paused to try and gather my thoughts into a coherent statement.

"That does not sound like it is keeping Princess Alina safe," the King added. He kept his tone even and non accusatory, but rather just stating a fact from his point of view. I was taken aback, unused to this mild mannered version of King Caderyn. We should've invited Queen Valerie to these meetings long ago.

"Right you are, Your Majesty. I'm almost there. The women talked about needing to report to someone named Nyx soon. I think they mean to act within the week," I stopped as I noticed Lord Bleddyn's pallor.

I must have contorted my face in concern because everyone's eyes shifted from me to the Swordsman from the house of wolves. He looked as though he'd seen a ghost.

"Are you quite alright, Lord Bleddyn?" The Queen asked with sympathy in her voice.

"Yes. Quite alright. The name Nyx is one that I have heard before in relation to the Norads. The Nyx I knew of, however, is dead. I suppose it might be a common name, but it brought back memories. I'm sorry for my inadvertent interruption," Lord Bleddyn apologized.

I had never seen him so shaken. The Nyx he heard tales about must be someone fearsome. I took a moment to breathe before clearing my throat.

"If these women have to report to their Nyx soon, then they would want to make sure their report includes any attempts made by any accomplices. I think any co-conspirators should be easy to identify since the two scheming women have a unique accent. Finley can also help identify the women if need be," I hope that I was not misleading everyone and playing into a larger game I didn't see. Now to share the more objectionable part of my plan. Here goes nothing.

"As for Princess Alina, I think she needs to be removed from the situation. I think the Princess's council from the night of her party should accompany her to my parent's country manor," I took in the reactions of my suggestion.

My father tilted his head with a thoughtful expression I was unable to read. Whether he was thinking of the land he hardly got to visit or the Princess visiting our unkempt manor, I could not say.

Lord Garrison looked intrigued. Removing Alina from the palace had not crossed his mind. I could see the wheels turning.

The King looked worried. I did not have to guess his thoughts as he verbalized them. "Wouldn't that put Princess Alina in more danger? She would have less people to guard her," King Caderyn did have a point, but it was one I already thought about.

"Yes, Your Majesty, she would have less people guarding her. However, what if no one knew she left the palace? Uncle John can bring the covered carriage to the palace under the guise of an inspection of any evidence left behind from the parade attack. The Princess and her council can sneak inside to be transported to the country estate," I took a moment to look over at my friends.

Finley beamed. I could tell his strategic mind liked the way mine worked. Alejo still looked somber but added an affirming nod to give me some reassurance. Alina reached for my hand under the table, not unlike how she and Cali held hands during the gnomes' visit. She needed someone to steady her nerves.

"If Finley stays guarding the library, no one will notice my absence. Likewise Alejo and Marta can keep everyone away from the Princess's chambers. If needed, they can even set up a trap for the unscrupulous maid. Uncle John knows the land and I'm sure he will not be missed for a few days. I'm also sure Calista and Carrion would love to help Princess Alina."

I tried to advocate for Carrion personally. At least I could tell him I tried if my plan fell through. After all, I didn't mean to insult him last time we trained and I did say I would try to include him in the Princess's council meetings. What about a Princess Council field trip?

The uncertain looks I received around the room told me that I had not fully convinced everyone that my plan was the best course of action. Yet, no one stood in opposition yet either. Maybe I was fooling myself with how brilliant I thought my plan was, however it was the best one I had heard so far.

"The manor is east of the capital city. I think that might make it safer than the palace and certainly safer than heading north. The Princess will have four trained fighters with her that are loyal to the country and know her personally. Thank you, Council, for your time and consideration," I added, letting them know I finished and trying to respectfully flatter them.

An uneasy silence fell in the room. I dared not say more in case I might be seen as a nonsensical rambler. My stomach turned in knots. Logically, my head knew that everyone needed time to process my proposal, but every insecurity I have surfaced in a wave of emotions that my head could not combat. It's hard to let others judge your ideas.

Queen Valerie broke the silence, "I like it. If we proceed with this course of action, I think that Jack and Alina need to be seen as much as possible for the rest of the day. Help cement the idea that they're around the palace in everyone's minds."

"We do have fittings for our wedding attire later today. If we think that it's still safe to do so," Alina added timidly.

"The lead seamstress has been locking those clothes away from the hands of Moha. I think it should be safe," I added, trying to ease her mind. It was a lot to take in.

"Perfect. Both of you go get fitted and the council will further discuss Jack's plan. Thank you," the Queen dismissed us.

The wave of emotions that logic tried to hold at bay, swept over me again. Hopefully I did not just disgrace myself