The Honor Guard

Striking a Deadly Deal

Frieda Reiss was lonely.

With her younger sister at the Academy now and Eld having to be more careful about sneaking off to see her, the castle felt a lot bigger.

Her days were filled with lessons, etiquette classes, and training to prepare her for her life as a member of the Royal Family.

Oh and the suitors from the party. The teas and parties were exhausting. She was still trying to find a way to avoid being married off as long as she could.

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As Historia was packing to leave she confessed that she saw Eld and her in the Royal gardens.

"You can't tell anyone Historia! Not anyone at the Academy or here!"

Historia smiled at her sister. "Your secret is safe with me. But what about becoming Queen?"

Frieda sat on the bed putting her hands in her head. "I don't know. As a member of the Honor Guard Eld is forbidden to get involved with the royal family, but Historia...I love him."

"What about the suitors, and father?"

"My plan is to stall as long as I can...that's all I got so far."

Historia sat down beside her sister. "If I could I would change the laws of this land."

"Lucky as a page you aren't allowed to be involved in romance, all though I'm sure those pages will be tripping over themselves" Frieda said with a giggle.

"Well...it's kinda pointless..." Historia said looking out the window. "Boys don't really interest me." She said wistfully.

"What do you mean by that?"

Historia turned to her sister and smiled. "I let you know when I figure it out."

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Frieda was roaming the castle, trying to calm her mind.

She hoped her sister was doing well, and was eagerly expecting her next letter.

As she turned the corner, she heard a commotion going on down the hall.

Frieda raised an eyebrow and crept down the hallway. Who would be coming to the palace at this late in the evening.

"Where is King Reiss?" A voice demanded.

"Who wants to know?" A Royal guard asked.

Frieda stood at the end of the hall trying to listen.

"We have an appointment so to speak." Said a cool female voice.

"On whose authority?" The guard raised his voice.

"On this authority" the female said, and Frieda she heard the unsheathing of a blade.

Her heart began to race.

"Now now I don't think there is any reason for that. It would make such a mess"

Frieda was confused to hear the voice of Tom Ksaver, one of her father's most trusted advisors.

"Please excuse the rudeness of the guards...you and your associates can follow me." He said.

Frieda craned her neck around the corner seeing Tom leading a group of people clad in black away.

Sir Daniels went back to his post, with his back to Frieda.

Frieda picked up the skirt of her dress and tip-toed behind him. She was grateful for the many times her and Historia had snuck until the kitchens for late night food. Tom and the strangers didn't even notice Frieda following them.