Potential Bride

Jeny Red

I step through the tall stone gates of the capital. Breathing in the cold air. The smell of the city hit my nose, making me wish I was back in the beast glades. (The capital looks like it's gotten worse in my absence.) I thought as I slipped through the crowd of people entering the city.

After entering the city, I made my way through the crowded cobblestone streets. The sun was just about to set, so everyone was headed home. Lanterns were being lit over the pubs and brothels. I always hated the hustle and bustle of the big city. Even though I was born and raised here, I always felt like a stranger.

After a few minutes of walking, I took a left down a dark alley. I made my way past the beggars lying on the street until I stopped at my shop. It didn't look like much, just a tiny run-down shack with a crooked sign. The sign read. The sign read "Red Emporium." It was a small herb shop I'd owned for decades. I fix the sign before stepping through the door. The rotten wood door creaked loudly as I entered the shop.

"I'm sorry we're close... Oh, Master, it's you!" A curled hair blonde woman with deep blue eyes announced as I walked to the front desk.

"Hello, Sam. I hope all was well while I was away." I said, looking at the pale-skinned girl. Sam was my assistant and right-hand woman. Dissipate girl being much younger than me, she still towered over me, which was no big deal. I had been short all my life. To my dismay, I get mistaken for a child quite often.

"All was well, miss Jeny. I got a few requests, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. Although two requests require your immediate attention. I left notes on your desk." Sam explained.

Although the Red emporium looks like an old herb shop, that was only a front for my real job as an information broker. Herbs didn't make me a lot of money, but the information I gathered was expensive. I had Red Emporiums all over the kingdom of Mira, all filled with women just like Sam. The Red ladies, as they were called, were all my spies.

"I'll take a look at them. Do you mind fixing a bath for me? It's been a long journey." I asked. Sam nodded her head and went to work. While she was busy getting my bath nice and warm, I headed into the secret entrance behind the counter. It was hidden under the floorboards.

I opened the passage and took the stairs underground. I left the door to the entrance open so that Sam could carry the water down. Underneath the store were various rooms meant to hold information and house the other red ladies and me. For now, though, it was just Sam and me staying here. The other ladies stationed in the capital we're busy with their work.

I made my way down the dimly light hallway until I reached my office. Inside was a long wooden desk full of papers and books. There was a small dining area in the corner of the spacious room where I had tea and snacks. Behind my desk stood my small bookshelf. (It's like I never left.) I thought as I sat in my comfortable chair. I lend back, letting out a sigh of relief. I was so glad to be off my feet. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet perfume that lingered in the room. Sam must have spayed recently because I hadn't been in the room for months. The girl was a God-sent, always taking care of me.

I opened my eyes seeing two letters in the middle of my desk. One bared the seal of the royal family. That wasn't surprising with the rumor of rebellion brewing in the kingdom. It was most likely one of the three princes, with the king terminally Ill and yet to name his successor. The princes were all trying to get a leg up on One another.

What surprised me was the second letter. It had the emblem of a lone serpent. I hadn't seen the symbol before, but I guessed it was from the demon kingdom. Mog had sent me a letter with a similar brand, but hers had three serpents. A sign of the royal demon.

I quickly tore open the letter and read its contents. I giggled a little after reading it. (How bold!) I thought. As I set the letter on fire.

"Whoever sent it must think I'm dumb." I laughed as I grabbed a bottle of wine from my desk drawer. ( I should get more eyes in Esha.) I thought as I sipped my red wine. It looked like the demon kingdom was facing something similar to Mira. Rebellion. The letter requested an assassination. I didn't usually take those types of gigs.

That isn't to say that I hadn't done so before. If the coin was right, I had no problem killing. This assassination was just too much. It involved a member of the royal family. The princess of Esha. The same princess under Mog's care. I would be a fool to anger the damn snake woman. She could literally level this entire kingdom. Mog was also someone I considered a friend.

Although she had said we were even after I delivered her message to the same princess mentioned in the letter. I didn't feel that way. I owed her a life debt, something I took very seriously. No, deliver job would ever repay what Mog had done for me. I took another sip of my wine as I began to open the last letter. When the door suddenly opened.

"Oh, Sam. Is the bath ready?" I asked as the beautiful woman walked in.

"Master, we have guests." Sam explained. I was about to tell her to send them away but stopped myself when two other people walled in behind her. Both men were dressed in black cloaks covering their faces and clothes.

"Prince Edward?" I said as one of the two men removed his hood. He was a handsome man with golden hair and green eyes. His name was Prince Edward Marian, and he was the youngest of the three princes.

"Lady Red. It's nice to see you. I hope your journey was pleasant." The prince announced before sitting down in the seat across from me. The other person stood behind Edward, not bothering to remove his hood.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, your highness?" I said sarcastically as I leaned back in my chair. (Damn, nobles think they can do whatever they want.) I thought to myself.

"I know you're just getting back, so I'll make this quick." The prince said as he dropped a bag of gold on my desk. (The prince must have hired someone to wait and see when I'd returned.) I thought as I examined the coin purse. It looked like a hefty sum, so I decided to humor the boy.

"You bought a little of my time. But do be quick. I said as I grabbed the gold and put it into the nearest drawer.

"My question isn't a simple one, but I'll try to be as brief as possible. Edward announced as he looked me in my eyes.

"It's about the rumor of the dark king. I know you were there during the last Elvan invasion." The prince said. His eyes were still glued to mine.

"Don't tell me you believe that ole wis.." I was about to deny the man's claim, but he stopped me by putting another gold bag on my desk.

"I want the truth, Miss Red. Please!" The boy asked. His emerald eyes burned with determination. I would usually deny the rumor about my age, but something told me the man wouldn't leave if I didn't speak the truth.

"Let's say that is true, your highness. What does that have to do with the dark king?" I asked. The prince smiled as if he had gotten the answer he wanted.

"As you know, the Elvan has been far more aggressive recently. They even seem more organized. All their actions point to one conclusion. That the Dark King has been born. I figured you would be able to shed some light on this." The prince said. His words surprised me. Everyone was speculating, but most nobles had waved these off as rumors. I wondered why the prince would go to so much trouble just for that. I decided to tell the truth. I was sure the boy already knew the answer. He was just looking for confirmation. I was also exhausted from my journey and wanted to get this over.

"My spies have confirmed your fears, your highness. The Dark King has emerged." I said, hoping that would be the end of our conversation. My words were true. The dreaded Elvan invasion was upon us. The Elvan army would double in a few years, and war would break out in every nation. I watched the boy's expression change from confident to defeated. ( He must be worried about Mira.) I thought, watching the boy's shoulders slump.

I didn't blame the prince. I was almost sure a civil war was coming. The moment the king dies, the three princes will be at each other's throats. I doubted Edward would even survive the coming conflict. Prince Edward was the weakest of the princes meaning none of the nobles would follow him. To survive, he'd have to pick a side.

"Thank you for your honesty, miss Red. But if I can ask you one more thing?" Edward asked, dropping yet another bag of gold. I nodded my head with a laugh.

"As I'm sure your well aware. A civil war is brewing. I'm ashamed to say I lack the strength desired for a king." The boy said with his head high.

"Would you help me get rid of my brothers and take the throne? My brothers are all selfish and would most definitely lead our kingdom to ruin. They have already planned to cut ties with the Demons and the Darven. We will need those allies for the future Elvan threat." The prince paused as he stared at me. My expression remained indifferent as I waited for him to finish.

"I wish to end this civil war before it even starts. This way, we won't lose much need manpower because of my brother's greed. I have prepared to pay you handsomely even give you a position in court once I take the throne. What do you say, miss Red?" Prince Edward asked with a smile. I smiled back at the boy. (The prince had thought all of this out.) I thought as I closed my eyes. The prince didn't seem to want the throne for his own sake, but for the kingdom's sake. It was too bad the boy was born with low potential. I had a feeling he'd be a good king.

"Although I can see the merit in your plan, I cannot accept this job. The Red Emporium has always remained neutral in matters involving the kingdom. I do not crave power or prestige, and I have all the money I could ask for." I explained.

"I see." Was the prince's only reply. The boy stood and began to leave. Part of me felt sorry for him. If he had a fair chance, I had no doubt he would take the throne. He was intelligent and charismatic. He was also kind-hearted, a characteristic lacking in the current nobility. If any other princes came to me, I would immediately send them away. ( The Goddess can be cruel.) I thought as I watched the men reach the door. I then noticed the half-burnt letter beside me, and an idea began to form.

"Prince Edward? You are still unmarried, are you not?" I asked as the men were about to leave. The prince seemed confused at my question.

"I only ask because I might have an answer to your problem. There is a Queen with incredible strength. In fact, she could give your bodyguard a run for his money. With her as your bride, I'm sure the nobles will have to recognize you." I said, getting the attention of the noble.

"I no nothing of a new Queen. Is she from another nation?" The prince asked.

"Something like that. The girl has only recently established her kingdom, but I'm sure she will be able to help take the throne. If you can convince her to be your wife. She also has ties with the Demon nation and commands a small force of elites rivaling the princes." I said with a grin.

"If what you say is true. Why would she agree to marry me?" The prince questioned. He looked even more confused.

"The girl seeks protection from the Demon nobles. She has become a threat to their natural order of things. She has only survived this long because of her father. The demon king himself. But even he had to send her away." I said. Prince Edward's eyes went wide when I was was done speaking.

"It is only a suggestion, your highness. The young Queen is located in the beast glades if you are interested." I said as my grin grew wider. The prince nodded his head before leaving. ( Things might get interesting around here) I thought as I leaned back, sipping my wine.

Prince Edward: The youngest Prince of the human nation, Mira. The prince was born with lower potential than his other siblings, So he is treated poorly by his family.

Mira: The human nation. Mira was created after the first Elvan war under the hero that helped defeat the last Dark king. Some say the royal family is descended from said hero.

Jeny Red: Also known as the red witch. She owns an information network extended throughout the three kingdoms. Rumor has it that the woman has lived for hundreds of years.

Dark King: King of the Of the Elvan. I powerful being born once every thousand years. The birth of a Dark king signals the start of the worldwide invasion.

Dark Elvan: A race determined to eliminate both order and chaos from the world. They caused havoc on every race, including the demons. They grew so strong that the two Goddesses decided to step in. They tried to banish them from the world entirely but only succeeded in splitting all the races from each other.