The Missing King

"What are we going to do about these?" Jonah asked, staring cautiously at the bag of toys.

From afar, they were harmless little toys. But with those crystals in them, there was no saying what could be done if it landed in the hands of someone more sinister than a child. While it was true only nobility had the ability to wield magic, there were also many abandoned children conceived from romps, some led astray.

"Let's see if that man returns for his stones," Atticus said, scratching his chin.

"Alright." Jonah nodded. "I will also send a couple of men to look into this."

"Be discreet. We can't have it attract too much attention."

Jonah scoffed. "Who do you take me for?" Crossing his arms, he continued, "With all due respect, my liege, I am not you. I know the necessary steps of precaution and will make sure to take them."

"Oh, drop it, won't you." Atticus playfully swatted the back of Jonah's head, to which caused Jonah to scowl, rolling his eyes.

"Not until you've learned to keep your word," he quipped. Then, he pointed to the children's toys on the table. "What do we do with these, then? Should I have someone process it and leave it in the treasury?"

The king's eyes followed the direction Jonah pointed at, his line of sight falling on the toys. Immediately, the image of Daphne cradling the toy in her hands with a delighted smile lit up in his mind. Even the toy that had initially caught her attention had been added to the batch. In the end, it was all confiscated as part of an investigation.

Yet, something itched in Atticus's heart.

"Actually, leave it," he said. "I… I have some use for it."

Jonah raised an eyebrow. "What use?"

"Bugger off." Atticus scowled. "Why do I have to report back to you on everything? Am I the king or are you?"

Jonah rolled his eyes. "Suit yourself then, Your Majesty."

If it weren't for the fact that Jonah had slipped out of the room and escaped quickly, he might've been met with a toy thrown right in his face. Instead, the ammo merely hit the door that closed just a tad second prior, shielding Jonah from the impact. Even through the wooden door, Atticus could hear Jonah's laughter from the other side, slowly softening as he walked away.

***

It had been a total of five days since Daphne and Atticus had run off to the winter fair on their own. That also meant that it had been five days since Daphne had seen Atticus, much less spoken to him.

Ever since he had gallivanted off into the sunset with Jonah hot on his heels when they returned, Daphne hadn't even caught sight of the king's shadow. Daphne had tried asking Maisie a couple of times where the king was but the maid could never give more than a clueless shrug.

Oddly enough, the days were too silent for her liking. This was exactly how life was like for her back in Reaweth's royal palace. And yet, the last couple of days were so eventful that it had already shattered the routine she had spent her entire life doing.

Nonetheless, just because her life was quiet now didn't mean that it was a bad thing. The lack of a significantly annoying husband also meant that she now had much more freedom to do what she wanted. Her time was now in her hands, not in the control of her captor.

Time meant she could attempt her great escape once more.

"If you need anything else, Your Highness, please let me know," Maisie said, scuttling to the door. She had just entered Daphne's room to serve breakfast and was already running off. The poor girl hadn't even the time to stay and chat anymore.

"Are you busy with something?" Daphne asked, piercing her fork through a plump cherry tomato. It was wondrous how Vramid had such fresh fruits and vegetables even though the land was filled with everlasting cold.

"I apologize for having to rush off so soon. It's not just me that's busy these days," Maisie answered, sheepish. "The entire castle is currently preparing for the Winter Ball. It's to be held in a couple of days' time. It's usually an event that is held alongside the fair; one for the common folk and one for the noble circle."

Daphne's eyes went wide.

"A ball?" she echoed. "So soon?"

"Did… Did His Majesty not mention it?" Maisie asked. Her face then paled several shades. "Oh no…. Was I not supposed to say it?"

The cogs in Daphne's head started to turn. There was no better time to make an escape than when everyone was distracted by dancing and music. Atticus would be too busy entertaining his guests and the rest of the staff would all be bustling around the castle making sure everything went well.

"I'm sure it's fine, Maisie." Daphne waved the maid's worry off with a smile. "I am his wife, after all. I would eventually know these things."

"That's true…" Maisie muttered under her breath. "Oh well, I best be off, Your Highness. Do let me know if you need me for anything."

With that said, she hurried off, the door closing gently behind her.

Daphne's lips slowly curved into a smile once she was sure Maisie was gone. Poor thing. She was definitely way too naive for her own good. However, Daphne did not have the luxury to look out for others when she could barely care for herself.

If she was to escape, she would need proper tools and a proper outfit.

Jumping off her bed, Daphne trotted over to the wardrobe, pulling the doors open. There were a bunch of different gowns, all beautiful, vibrant, and way too extravagant to be discreet. Now, Daphne had two options. She could either dress up and attend the ball before eventually sneaking out, disguised as a member of the crowd. Or, she could return to her maid's attire and leave through the back.

She had been shown the way once. It wouldn't be too hard to find the exit this time, as compared to the last. Furthermore, Atticus surely wouldn't expect her to make use of the same method twice in a row, would he?

With her decision made, Daphne pulled out the maid's attire she had hidden behind the piles of dresses, admiring the plain fabric.

Freedom was just within reach now.