Not Again

I caught a glimpse of a shared glance between my shadows. Alejo's jaw clenched and his hand hovered near the hilt of his sword. I suppose it's one thing to hear about someone threatening your life, but another to meet that person in the flesh.

"Pleasure to meet you, Moha," I managed without too much panic in my voice. "I will let you know if my mother needs help, though I can't imagine someone wanting to leave the employ of the palace."

If her goal was to harm the country, then she was already where she could easily achieve that. I could only imagine she was looking for a way to leave without suspicion once her business for Nyx was completed. My family would not be her escape route.

"Between you and me, the palace seems to make people accident prone. It has thankfully only been little things so far, a scrape here or there, but I would be cautious if I were you! Your guards too!" Moha warned.

If I did not know her nefarious plot, I might've fallen for her ploy. If accidents suddenly befell Alejo and Alina, then my mind would suddenly remember this poor laundress that just wanted to feel safe from the palace. Unfortunately for her, I hoped to thwart her plans for my friends' demises.

"We will indeed use more caution going forward. I would hate to keep you from your work. Please don't let me be a hindrance," I spouted off in my best Balor impression. The arrogance and condescension dripping from my speech made me want to punch myself. Hopefully it made Moha want to get far away from me as well.

Her face said it all. To her I was the quintessential nobleman, looking down on all those who wasted his time since everyone was beneath him. I can only imagine that putting a servant in their place once they became too familiar and open with him was something that gave Balor great pleasure. If I couldn't stand the man, hopefully no one else could either.

"Right you are, Sir Jacobson," she replied with a strained smile and a dip of her head. Moha picked up a laundry basket from the hallway and walked back into the laundry room.

Once she was fully out of sight, I heaved a heavy sigh. I was not cut out for espionage. My heartbeat raced and my palms were sweaty. Finley clamped his hand on my shoulder. I could not tell if it was meant to be encouraging or if he was steadying me in case I might faint.

I didn't have time to ask him. The door to the seamstress's workroom opened. Marta stood anxiously waiting for Alina and Lydia to finish their conversation.

"Really Lydia, I don't know how you do it! It fits like a glove. It is absolutely stunning. Thank you again," Alina gushed.

"You're too gracious, Your Highness," Lydia beamed. Her fair complexion tinted pink spreading from her cheeks to her ears. Her modesty could not hide the pride she felt in receiving praise from such a worthy source.

Alina joined me in the hallway. "You're up, Jack. Be kind to Lydia and she will take good care of you."

"I'm sure she will. Now don't forget, your parents wanted to talk to you," I added loudly, reminding Alina of our plan for her to leave after her fitting.

"Oh, yes. Thank you," Alina squared her shoulders to me so that I was the only audience member as she rolled her eyes at me. Apparently my theatrics were not needed.

Finley and I waited till Alina, Alejo and Marta were safely down the hall before entering Lydia's workroom. Lydia handed me a stack of clothing to try on before coming out from behind a screen. The fabric for the shirt was some of the softest I had ever felt. My waistcoat was similar to Abrin's, but contrasted a cream fabric with a sky blue one.

Although the garments were the finest things that I might ever get to wear, my mind kept wandering back to replaying the conversation with Moha. What should I have done differently? I said very little to Lydia, except for a complement here or there. The fitting ended with very little alterations needed.

My mind was not fully on the tasks in front of me until I was standing in front of the council chamber doors about to enter them. I hope my plan was not too outlandish. I felt confident enough to present it, but now had reservations of if I should have spoken at all. I entered the chambers to see that Cali, Carrion and my uncle had joined the meeting.

"Ah, Yes. Jack and Finley, please take a seat," the Queen motioned toward the two empty chairs between my father and my uncle. Alina, Marta and Alejo sat across from us.

"We have decided to proceed with the plan you presented, Jack. The Princess's council has already been briefed. You all leave tonight," The Queen informed the room.

"Packing will not be feasible so please make sure you have everything you think you'll need on your person. You are welcome to any of the clothing in the manor house once you get there. Once the women have been apprehended, we will send for you all to return," my father added.

"Before you go, Jack, please tell us again everything you know about these women," Lord Garrison inquired.

I gave every detail of physical attributes I could think of about these women. I also recounted the story I already told the council, leaving out the passageway for this audience as well. Somehow, before I realized it, the day was almost at its end.

"Very well. Please let us break for dinner before we send off the Princess's council. Follow me," the Queen rose and led the party out of the room. I was almost to the door when I heard my name.

"Sir Jacobson, might I have a word in private?" King Caderyn asked, motioning me to stay in the room. My heart started racing. I would much rather face both of the treacherous servants at once than be scolded by the King again in this room.

"Of course, Your Majesty," my mouth betrayed me. I should've run.