The Fall of a Kingdom

Who Can You Trust?

As Polaris walked down the hallway thinking of who she could trust she noticed that most areas of the castle were empty. Most of the servants would be elsewhere preparing for the banquet that was to be held in the honor of the birth of the Princess. She had been walking for a few minutes when she came upon one of the newer Archers looking out a window. He was short for a guy and was often made fun of by the others, but he always kept a smile on his face and seemed friendly. She had seen him before talking to others about the area he came from and found him interesting. He always talked about a dragon that supposedly lived up in the mountain. She did not believe dragons still roamed the Earth as nobody had seen one in over a thousand years at least, but the story was entertaining nonetheless.

Getting up the courage to speak, she finally asked, "What are you doing in here today, Gabriel?"

He seemed shocked that someone was speaking to him and quickly turned towards her. Now that she was up close to him, she could tell that he was younger than she had originally thought, probably closer to 14. Seeming to come into his senses, he answered, "I am here to deliver a message today, I was told that General Amherst was coming back to the castle, but I have yet to see him."

The boy seemed angry and on edge for some reason. His eyes scanning up and down the hallways always searching but never finding what he was looking for. Contemplating on whether she should say anything about the Generals odd behavior she finally decided that it is better be wrong and have told someone than to be right and keep it to herself.

"I saw him leaving through a secret tunnel about 30 minutes ago" she said gauging his reaction. The boys anger seems to grow until he finally burst "Dammit, I am too late! Hurry you must take me to see the King and Queen! It is imperative to their safety and that of their newborn childs".

Shocked by his sudden outburst, Polaris immediately took a step back from him. Noticing her do this the boy took a deep breath and tried to explain as calmly and quickly as he could. "They are in danger, you really need to take me to them, I overheard a conversation of the General's where he spoke of killing the Royal family and taking over. He said that he has someone really close to the Queen who is helping him."

Polaris' mind went blank, she knew something fishy was going on! Looking around to see if anyone had heard his conversation, she quickly grabbed his hand and started leading him to the Queens chambers first as they were closer. The boy tried multiple times on the way there to ask where they were going but she just gave him a look that said be quiet and walked faster.

Once they arrived outside of the Queens Chambers, she quietly told him how she had seen Maeve acting right before she had seen him. Gabriel seemed worried about Polaris going in by herself and wanted her to wait in the hall for him. She was so small that it looked like a strong wind could blow her away.

"Let me go in first, if they see you it could cause a panic." Polaris reasoned.

Even though it was logical the boy felt that would be dangerous and only agreed if she would leave the door open so he can hear the conversation after she entered. She reluctantly agreed after a brief argument that would give both of them a small piece of comfort. Though he joined as an Archer he still carried a short sword and a small dagger on his person just in case. He passed her the small dagger, making sure to firmly close her fingers over the hilt.

She gave him a small nod, feeling sweat slide down her back with how nervous she felt. Opening the door slowlt, she saw Maeve looking out the window as if searching for something. Not wanting to leave anything to chance, before she began to speak, she inched close to the crib in the corner that held the young Princess. Even if it cost her life she would protect this small life that held so much importance to their futures.

"Maeve, may I ask you something?"

Turning around quicker than Polaris thought was humanly possible, Maeve glared at her.

"I thought I made myself clear that you were not to come here and be a bother." She seethed through her teeth. Her eyes flashed with an ethereal glow and then faded quickly.

Polaris was scared, but she needed to know what was going on. Looking Maeve in the eye she asked, "Are you helping the General kill the Royal family?"

The moment the words left her mouth a smirk formed on Maeve's lips, and it made her arms tingle and a bead of sweat form on her forehead. If she was scared before entering the room, now she was outright terrified.

"Help him? It is a partnership you stupid girl. I am way prettier than this pathetic Queen, and yet because I was born to a lower station I was never going to rise to my full potential. Until Damien that is, we are in love and he told me I will be his queen when he finishes off his sorry excuse of a brother!"

Polaris couldn't believe her ears, this woman had worked for the Queen for years and yet she was plotting to kill her. No loyalty to those who had always treated her well.

"If that is really how you feel then go ahead and try."

Both Polaris and Maeve turned to see the Queen sitting up in her bed looking at Maeve. If looks could kill Maeve would be dead one hundred times over.