#nbbm

They finally arrive to the bottom of the stairs, greeted by the most dazzling ballroom they’ve even been to.

To be honest, it’s the only ballroom they’ve even been to - But they’re sure it’s more impressive than many other ballrooms. It has to be, decorated in so much golden statues and marble.

Both Kenna and Dom smile, greet people, and mingle until they come to a stop.

A few steps before them, stands a beautiful woman. She’s wearing a golden dress, and has a jewel decorating her wavy, long, black hair.

“This must be the queen,” Kenna whispers to him.

“How do you know?” She looks promising, but so are many other ladies in the room.

“Well, for starters, she has guards.” Kenna points out.

Huh. They aren’t so visible, in first sight. The golden woman does have guards around her, but they aren’t standing so close, and look as if they belong there.

“And her outfit is all-gold. You know.” Kenna mentions, adding.

Dom shrugs. “I guess you’re right.” He nods back.

“I’ll go talk to her. You talk to the nobles meanwhile? Try to charm them before saying anything about a plan about-”

“Overthrowing the Nevrakis regain? Yeah I won’t start with that, I promise you.” Dom chuckled, and Kenna joined him, realizing she was being too bossy, and too obvious.

“I’m just nervous,” She admits. “I want everything to go according to plan.”

Dom takes a deep breathe, and lets go of her hand. “And it will.” He assures.

“Now go get her.” Kenna feels a light push on her back, and lets it guide her towards the queen of Aurelia, who turns out to be a charming lady named Annelyse.

The conversation flows greatly, before Kenna mentions anything about Luther or a rebellion.

“I have to admit Annelyse, I did come to Aurelia with a favor to ask in mind.” She tells her, as Annelyse offer her a glass of the finest wine Aurelia has to offer.

“I figured as much,” Annelyse’s smile never falls.

“Really?”

Annelyse hands Kenna the wine, and hums to herself while a servant pours another one, for Annelyse herself. “Most people come to Aurelia to seek something. I didn’t think you to be different. Please don’t be offended, though, you’re the first one I don’t really want to decline tonight.” She explains,

And Kenna nods.

Kenna sips from the wine. It tastes amazing, better than anything she’s ever drunk.

It tastes a lot better than the glasses she’d manage to sneak while playing with Dom in the summers, and better than the ale she’d shared in the tavern with Val, Jackson and her other new friends.

“Mmmm, this is delicious,” She doesn’t forget to compliment Annelyse.

“I’d hope it would be. It’s the best wine Aurelia has to offer,” Annelyse smiles at her, and something tells Kenna she isn’t lying.

It seems Kenna had charmed Annelyse, and maybe the favor she was going to ask of her wasn’t too far-fetched, after all.

“So... Should I tell you of my plan, and let you decide whether you want to help me or not?” Kenna tries her luck, keeping her voice down and her features unchanged.

For a stranger, it would seem her and Annelyse were still talking about ballroom stuff, just like they had been for the last hour or so.

“Of course not!” Annelyse giggled, placing a hand on Kenna shoulder and keeping with her act. “It’s a party.” She reminded her, talking into her ear now.

“But you should meet with me later for some privacy, and we could discuss that.”

Annelyse gives her a meaningful look, before looking around the grand room. “Well, I have tons of other guests to attend to, but I’ll see you, later.” She winks at Kenna, and with that, sways out of sight.

“So, how’d it go? It seemed like it was going so well for a while, but then she disappeared.” Dom found his way back to Kenna.

“Well, it went... Well? Though I haven’t introduced her to our cause yet.” Kenna furrows her eyebrows for a moment, before remembering she still needed to put on a show and dazzle the nobleman around her.

She put a mask back on her face, figuratively speaking, and smiled as decisively as she could.

“What?!” Dom exclaimed, although they were speaking in hushed tones and whispers. “You haven’t told her yet?”

“She invited me for some private time later, she said discussing those things in a party wasn’t really wise, and she’s right.” Kenna pointed out.

Dom sighed. It was true. It would be dangerous to discuss their plans in here. But he wasn’t sure how he felt about Kenna being with Annelyse in private, either.

“What about you?” Kenna changed the subject. “How did it go with the rest of the nobles?” 

Dom assured her he was quite the charmer. He swayed a few major families to their side, already blindly supporting whatever idea they’d suggest.

“That’s good to hear-” Kenna smiled, but stopped in her tracks when she saw someone approaching them.

Before they could discuss their plans any further, a beautiful, dark and mysterious man stood before her. 

“May I have this dance?” He was offering her an arm.

Kenna only blinked at him once, before shaking herself out of her shock and breaking into a smile. “Of course.” 

Dom couldn't help but feel a rush of jealousy running throughout his entire body.

He came to this party with Kenna by his arm, and yet he lost her so easily.

He just hoped the stars he was seeing in her eyes were still just a part of her act.

“What a beautiful evening,” Kenna commented, being let by the mysterious man on the dance floor.

“It is,” He answered, but unlike her he wasn’t looking around them at all, his eyes were focused all on her, and her only.

Kenna felt her cheeks turning red, but tried to fight that feeling.

What was that feeling, anyway?

“May I ask, who are you, exactly?” She gulped a little, trying to regain her courageous persona.

“My name is Raydan, Raydan Lykel. I’m an... Associate of lady Annelyse’s.” He explained, though his tone wavered a bit when he mentioned ‘Associate’.

“Well, Raydan the Associate, seeing as I haven’t seen you all night long, and the fact that you weren’t announced when you entered, can I deduct that you’re not just an associate, but maybe...” She leans closer, trying to intimidate him just in the right amount, and whispers in his ear. “Her spy?” She guesses.

When she leans back, she’s surprised to see Raydan smile. It still looked like he had the upper hand, and that’s not a situation where Kenna usually were.

“You are correct, my lady,” He nods, spinning Kenna with elegance and grace just in queue with the song. He never missed any beat, Kenna realizes, and he’s been leading her this whole time, with the song. Someone watching them from the side would not be able to tell it’s the first time Kenna has danced to this song.

“And if we’re already playing a guessing game, let me deduct that you’re not royalty, are you?” He looks at her feet, as if he’s motioning for the fact that he was, in fact, leading her this whole dance.

“And still, you got invited to this ball. You’re here because you have some kind of cause in your mind, and you need Annelyse to do it.”

Kenna nods, unsure what her next move should be. He could expose her at any moment. Hell, even more, she fell for his charming smile and silver tongue, but he was just Annelyse’s spy and doing his job, marvelously so.

“You’re also nervous, I can tell,” He continues, answering Kenna’s prayers so she doesn’t need to speak up.

“Don’t worry, I won’t expose you. Not yet at least.” He assures her.

“You won’t?” She can’t help but raise her eyebrows at him. She let’s her guard down, once again, but this time purposely. “Why?”

Raydan seems to think about her question for a second, before smiling to himself, brilliantly. He dips her, just in time for the song.

She lets him guide her, relaxing in his touch and trusting him to pull her up when he needs to. She closes her eyes, and lets the world around her to fade away, for just a moment.

“Easy,” He says, making her open her eyes back. He’s lifting her up, and she watches as the light around Raydan seems to shine brighter than it does around the rest of the room. “It’s because I like you.” He smiles, and twirls them around again.

“You like me?” She blushes again, before reminding herself it might just be an act. “You don’t even know me.” She scowls at him.

Raydan chuckles to himself. Kenna doesn’t like that.

“Since the first moment you set foot in this ballroom, it was obvious you had a cause. A cause you’re ready to fight for, and I respect that.”

“You watched me since the moment I stepped into the room?” Kenna questions.

“Wrong. I watched you since the moment you stepped into the city of Aurelia.” Raydan finally gives away more information, and Kenna feels dizzy.

“Since the moment I entered the city? But... How...?”

“We don’t just let any travelers into our city’s walls,” Raydan explains. “Annelyse tasked me with this.” He shrugs.

“And I also know why you’re here.” He adds, his eyes finally leaving Kenna, as he looks at something behind her shoulder, his eyes getting dark and distant and serious again.

“You do know? And you’re not going to stop me?” Kenna’s voice isn’t so sure of herself as it was in the beginning of this conversation, but the dance is not over yet and she clings to the moments they have until they finish it.

Raydan doesn’t answer, but he looks back at her, the corners of his mouth rising into a light smile, telling her that no - in fact, he wasn’t going to try and stop her.

“Does Annelyse know?” Kenna continues questioning.

“No.” He answers, giving Kenna the answers she wants to hear. She wonders how come she’s so lucky, to meet not one but two people that decide to take a chance on her. The carriage rider and now Raydan, the spy who’s loyalty she should be questioning right now, but she isn’t.

“Now, if you don’t mind, can we finish the dance without further interrogating each other? I do enjoy dancing with you, even if you’re quite inexperienced.” Raydan tells her, making her blush again.

This time, Kenna laughs, and throws her head back. When she returns to face Raydan, he’s watching her intently, her eyes glistening with curiosity.

She rests her head on his shoulder, continuing to dance. “Sure. I enjoy dancing with you too.” She lets only him know, as she’s speaking into his ear again.

Twilight started blooming just as they made it out of the secret passage of Aurelia and into the forest grove.

Accompanied by Jackson, Val, some of their mercenaries, Annelyse, Raydan, Dom and a very few Aurelian royal guards, they were headed into the camp of the mercenaries.

Although the view of the forest was much familiar to Kenna than hidden cities and fancy castles, she did not know this particular place, and had to completely rely on her new allies, without looking as if she didn’t know what she was doing.

And trust her, at this moment she didn’t. But something that Annelyse said had struck Kenna. And if what Annelyse said  was true, then Kenna needed to find herself a leader. She was the brain behind the cause, the plan - but she wasn't much of a leader, was she? She was just a simple girl from a simple village with big dreams and determination. That couldn't be enough.

A voice brought Kenna back to reality, and out of her thinking process. “We should probably make camp soon, we won’t make it till nightfall and we don’t have many hours of light in our favor.” Jackson said, something in his voice sounded different. Something - Dutiful - Kenna realized.

The soldier in him was showing, but for a change, Val didn’t tease him about it.

“He’s right.” Raydan commented, taking off his backpack and placing it on the ground. “And this place should be perfect for camp.”

Jackson nodded, approvingly, and soon the mercenaries and soldiers alike were setting up the camp.

Kenna had to admit, she has never done that before - Set up a tent, all by herself.

Scowling, she looked down at the parts of the tent, but couldn't piece together how they could connect. She tried building them up, but the shape of the tent turned out crooked and looked unstable at all. She was going to try again, when she felt someone watching her from the corner of her eye. It seemed even more ridiculous not being able to build a tent while knowing you're being watched.

“Are you going to just stand there and watch or you’ll come over and help me?” She sighed, Raydan only chuckled in good spirits, before making his way over to her.

“I was only waiting for you to ask, my lady.” He grinned at her, making the way he straightened the shape of Kenna’s tent look almost effortless.

Kenna rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide a small smile forming over her lips. 

“Right, sorry. Thank you for helping me.” She regained her composure, happy it was Raydan she had lost her cool nearby, and not someone else. She wasn’t sure why, since she still needed to set a good impression on all of her new group-members, but something about the way Raydan looked at her made her feel at ease.

Of course, he was a spymaster and had a talent to making people feel this way, so she fought the urge to be swayed by him so quickly.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” He assured, presenting the final product in front of her, as her tent stood tall between the other tents of the campsite.

After the tents were all set up, a campfire was started and soon songs and stories could be heard echoing in the distance.

It was awkward, at first, since the soldiers of Aurelia and a group of mercenaries had nothing in common, at first glance. But right now there was something that bounded them together and slowly, but surely, they joined each other and mingled around the fire.

It was thankful, that the search-parties of the Nevrakis army didn’t go this far into the woods, and that everyone could enjoy the night as it went on.

Kenna decided to call it a night early and retire to her tent, a lot on her mind.

A few curious faces had made it sure they were interested to hear what was on her heart - Raydan and Dominic’s included - she noticed, but Kenna sent an apologetic smile that sent out a clear message of not wanting to be disturbed, and disappeared into her tent without a further hassle.

She couldn’t fall asleep, not as long she left that one matter untouched.

Annelyse said Kenna was the true leader this rebellion needed.

Leader? Kenna never thought of it like that.

Yes, she wanted to do what’s right, to bring Luther to justice and redeem the five kingdoms of his crimes.

But up until now, she just figured she’d gather the right people, and put them on their path.

Could Kenna truly be the leader they needed?

No... She couldn't possibly be. But maybe Leon could be, she thought to herself. Or maybe she'll find someone else. Someone who could truly rise to the challange. A true leader.

She fell asleep, still not having a proper answer to the questions running through her mind. But exhaustion washed over her, and got the best of her.

She had a dreamless night sleep, and woke up not feeling better than she had when she fallen asleep.

But her body got the rest it needed, and soon, with the first light of day - they were back on their way.

As soon as the sun showed the first signs of shining, Kenna was out of her tent. Surprisingly, Val and Jackson were already out. They seemed as if they were deep in conversation, and Kenna wondered if that meant they still didn't trust in her. Shaking her head, realizing doubting a stranger they've only met a couple nights ago was understandable, she decided to let herself be known and cleared her throat, approaching them.

"Kenna! Just the person I wanted to see," Val's smile was bright, but serious. Something Kenna found unfamiliar of the mischievous gal.

"Oh?" She blinked at her. "You wanted to see me?"

“We’ll be entering our territory soon, the one Leon’s man and us mercenaries guard. And we can’t just go around bringing so many unfamiliar foreigners with us. Let along with all your weapons and such.” Val’s gaze was intense, piercing, as she scanned the Aurelian soldiers tents.

“We’ll have to head in with a small group, and we’ll have to take your weapons away. I know it doesn’t sound too good, but this is our policy. And if you want to be on Leon’s good side, you better obey it.” Jackson explained. He looked more comfortable than the day before, but still wary of Kenna more than Val seemed to be.

Kenna gulped soundlessly, praying no one noticed it, before nodding. "That makes sense. I'll talk to Annelyse right away." Val and Jackson shared a relieved smile. "Glad you could understand us."

Kenna made her way towards Annelyse's tent. Two royal guards stood at the door.

"You cannot enter. The queen wishes no one to interrupt her." One soldier said firmly.

"I need to talk to her. It's urgent." She tried to sound as determined as possible, wondering whether Annelyse would even agree to such terms.

"We can't disobey the queen’s wishes-" The guard started answering Kenna, when a lovely voice behind him called out. "Is it Kenna's voice? Let her in, please!"

The guard nodded, once, and cleared the way for Kenna to enter Annelyse's tent.

Kenna was watching as the thoughts raced through Annelyse's mind. She explained everything and waited for Annelyse's final decision.

Finally, Annelyse sighed, and Kenna bit at her lip in anticipation.

"Very well. But Raydan is coming with us. It's not up for debate." Annelyse nodded, and Kenna felt relieved.

"I'm sure they'll be fine with it." She smiled at Annelyse, and the queen smiled back at her.

Leaving most of the group behind, they now headed as a small group into the headquarters of the mercenaries and former soldier’s.

Defenseless, although Kenna guessed Raydan had a hidden dagger on him or two, they now headed to meet with Leon Sterling, and recruit him to their cause.

Kenna’s mind still wasn’t at ease. What possibly could she offer Leon? How could she persuade him?

Even Jackson didn't seem entirely convinced, and he was only a soldier. Leon was an army's captain. He must be even tougher to convince.

Glory and honor, alongside with gold could do the trick, but Kenna had a feeling she’ll need more than that. She’ll need to convince Leon he could believe in her, she’ll need to convince him her plan wasn’t a false hope, she’ll need to convince him to lead her cause for her.

“Kenna, what is it?” Dom was the first to ask, seeing her troubled expression.

She almost gasped, regaining her cool at the last second and forcing a smile. “Nothing.” She shook her head, as if shaking the thought away off her mind.

“M’just tired.” She lied, but skillfully so. “I’ll be better once we arrive.” She assured him.

She didn’t know if Dom truly believe her, but in anyway - he decided to play along and nodded, leaving her be.

After that, Kenna minded her facial expressions, she couldn’t have people realizing something was bothering her right now.

She couldn’t tell Dom what was the problem. She was the one that signed him off to this journey in the first place. How could she tell him she doubted herself now?

No, she couldn’t. She decided.

But she couldn’t trust Raydan nor Annelyse with it either.

The pair didn’t know her enough, and she would be crazy to go and plant seeds of doubt in their hearts. No, she needed them to trust her, so she’ll have to figure it out on her own. She'll have to trust herself.

Lastly, she had Jackson and Val travelling with her. With whom she couldn’t share her doubts too, but at least she could take comfort in the fact that they didn’t know nothing of her plans just yet.

The only thing she told them was that she had a job offering for them, and that she had mountains of gold to repay them with.

Annelyse, Raydan or Dom seeing doubt in her eyes was far more dangerous than Val or Jackson noticing it.

Kenna still haven’t made up her mind when they started closing into the campsite, but at least she put on a brave face.

“Who’s the new meat?” A huge man asked, talking to Jackson and Val, obviously familiar with them.

He was taller and bulkier than any man Kenna had ever met, and had a few scars along his face and torso that could probably tell stories Kenna never even dreamt of.

“They’re friends. From Aurelia. They say they have a job offer for us.” Jackson explained, keeping it as short as possible.

The man scowled, looking unconvinced, but he didn’t say anything further.

After looking down on them for a few more seconds, he turned and left to fend on his own matters.

It felt as if they could sigh in relief, passing some sort of a test. Even though the tough part was still ahead.

“I’ll go talk to Leon. See when can he see you. Make yourself comfortable in the meanwhile.” Jackson turned to the group, before bowing his head slightly goodbye.

Looking around herself, Kenna realized it wasn’t really possible to make herself comfortable in the zone she entered.

Everyone around her were carrying weapons, repairing blood-stained armor or drinking more than seemed humanly possible.

It wasn’t at all something Kenna was familiar with, and she took a step back only to bump into someone.

“Oh! I’m sorry!” She blurted out the apology even before turning around, not even seeing who she bumped into. She prayed it wasn't the huge man from before. Her heart thumped in her chest as she turned around, letting out a sigh of relief.

It was an old man, hair grey and kind eyes. Surprising for the environment she was surrounded with.

“It’s no trouble,” He assured her, a smile blooming into his lips.

After further inspecting him, she realized he must’ve been a former Stormholt soldier as well, he had good-looking uniform, and many medals decorated his chest.

“Are you alright, my dear? It seems as if you saw a ghost. I know I’m old but I’m still kicking.” He joked, when Kenna remained silent for too long.

“Oh! Of course, I’m fine.” She gasped again, but quickly caught up and smiled. The man was indeed kind, it appeared, and making allies in camp seemed a smart choice.

“I just feel a bit out of place.” She admitted, not knowing why she chose to share it with the man in front of her. Maybe to return friendly conversation.

He looked thoughtful, for a moment, looking around himself.

“Aren’t we all sometimes?” He asked, eventually, motioning for Kenna to follow him.

She did, even though her eyes stayed trained on the rest of her group, and she made sure not to wander too far away.

Dom was staring worriedly at her, but she had a feeling the strange old man wasn’t going to hurt her.

He sat down on a tree-truck that was flipped on its side, and had plenty of place for Kenna to join him. She did so without waiting for a invitation, but it seemed to be exactly what the man hoped for.

He stared into the fire in front of them for a few long moments. Long enough for Kenna to wonder whether he was going to speak up again or not. She stretched out her hands in front of the fire, warming herself up. Only now she realized, how strained she was from their journey. She could finally have a second to sit down and just breath, and god knew how much she needed that. After a few more seconds, she looked back at the old man.

examining his uniform, now more closely, she realized that all of those soldiers walking around camp had not felt at home either.

Of course, the mercenaries had a certain lifestyle, but most of those soldiers had only joined in two years ago, when Luther seized Stormholt.

Those were the survivors, the ones who got away and weren’t forced to join Luther’s forces.

“Tell me, what’s bothering you, my dear?” The old man finally spoke again, but still haven’t lifted his eyes of the fire in front of him.

Kenna wondered if the warming nice feeling of the fire had brought entirely different memories to the man. Memories of Stormholt’s walls burning, for an example, flooded her mind.

She shook her head, biting her lip.

Should she confide in that man? It couldn’t hurt, really. He wasn’t crucial to her plan, not right now at least. And she definitely needed to sort out her thoughts before the meeting with Leon.

Maybe he’ll have some wisdom to share with her.

"Well, it's a long story, but I'm gathering a group of people for a... Certain cause. A... life-changing cause, for many people. And I need to find a person who could lead them. 

You see, we're going to have some tough decisions to make, and I don't have any idea how can I possibly find someone who would be willing to do that." Kenna tried explaining herself without giving too much information away.

“But that’s great,” The man finally turned to face her, his own face lightning up.

"Is it?" She raised her eyebrows at him.

"It sounds to me like you already got yourself a leader. Or rather, that you are the leader of this group."

Kenna shook her head at the man. "No, how can I? I've never done anything like it before. How will I know if I'm up for the job?"

He did take the time to evaluate what she just said, before replying.

“Well, only because you’ve never done this before does not mean you can’t do it now. And that cause of yours... Tell me, do you believe in it?” He was looking deeply into Kenna’s eyes, as if he saw there something she couldn’t.

“Yes, I do, with all my heart.” If there was something Kenna was certain in of at the moment, is that the cause she was fighting for was right. She answered right away, not one doubt in her.

This was the only course of action she could see.

“Then I think you can do it.

And I think your friends think so too." She followed his gaze, all of her companions sat down not too far from them. 

Out of earshot, but close enough to run to her aid if she needed that.

She looked back at him, suddenly feeling much better. 

Maybe he was right. Maybe she should've listened to Annelyse from the start.

She didn't have to convince Leon to lead her group for her. She was it's leader. She needed to convince Leon to join forces with her. One leader to another. And that would be the only way it could work, that would be the only way he’d consider joining her.

She was the heart of the rebellion, and she was going to be it’s leader, now, too.

She had no idea why the words of a stranger assured her so much, but he seemed to know what he was talking about.

“Thank you,” She tilted her head to the side, letting him know she was convinced and grateful.

“You’re very welcome, my dear.” He nodded back. “And I think I could be of more use to you.”

He looked back into the fire, but this time his expression was different.

For starters, it was readable. And it seemed as if he was discovering a new fire - within himself.

“What do you mean?” Kenna questioned, although she wasn’t going to disagree with him at all. He did help her make a final decision and feel at peace with it. And she could use all the help she could get.

“I haven’t really introduced myself, have I?” He turned back to her. “My name is Gabriel Amarne. I was the princess’s official royal bodyguard. The queen-to-be.” He told her, some pieces finally falling into place.

“I haven’t done a particularly good job, I admit,” Sorrow washed over his face, as he took off a part of his armor and showed Kenna a huge scar that bore into his chest, right above where his heart was.

“I was struck, jumping before her and lost all consciousnesses. When I woke up, they were already gone. All of them. And my man pulled me out to safety.” He said. “Nothing I can do will bring them back, I know that. But maybe I can start to make amends by helping you?”

Kenna’s eyes widened in shock. The official royal bodyguard was sitting in front of her, suggesting his services to her. He gave her time, all the time she needed, in fact.

“I would be honored.” She finally said, taking his hands in hers.

“I offer my services as a bodyguard as well as my advice,” He smiled at her, a weak smile that showed he was still in pain over the people he lost. It was obvious he didn’t only view them as his duty of protection but they were also dear to his heart.

“But how... Do you know I’ll need a bodyguard?” Kenna wondered out loud. She haven’t told him her plan was to take down Luther’s regain yet.

“You said your cause would be life-changing for many people. There aren’t many things this could mean in this time and place.” Gabriel raised his eyebrow at her, and Kenna knew she had made the right decision, accepting his services and also his advice. 

He was clever, and would have valuable advice, since he already realized what her plan was. Well - the outlines, at least.

Kenna shook her head. “I guess there aren’t indeed.” She smiled at him. “Shall I walk you through it?” She asked, now sensing her new-found determination and clarity.

Dom tries to tell himself he doesn’t trust those people because there’s truly something suspicious about them, and not because of the way Kenna’s face lighted up upon meeting them.

“Annelyse, are you here?” Kenna immediately asks upon closing the door behind her. She ends up on a path lit by glowing lanterns, and finally finds Annelyse leaning against a stone bridge, overlooking a beautiful pond.

The sight of the garden is mesmerizing, even at night.

“There you are,” Annelyse giddily comments, as she’s been expecting Kenna.

She seems a little dizzy, as if she had one goblet of wine too much, but if she wanted to meet with Kenna and listen to her plan, this was Kenna’s best chance.

“You know of Luther Nevrakis, the blood king?” Kenna asks, as soon as she steps foot onto the bridge.

“Putting me on the rack from the start, aren’t you?” Annelyse chuckles, but nods understandingly. “Very well,” She turns to face Kenna, as the latter approaches her on the bridge.

“I heard about him, yes.” Annelyse nods. Aurelia remains the only kingdom untouched by Luther’s hand, but for how long does Annelyse think she can remain that way? Even she ought to know Luther will stop at nothing.

“And you know he’ll come for Aurelia, one day, too.” Kenna has pretty good reasoning. Now, if only she could play her cards right...

“We’re prepared. We have a very powerful army, and plenty of gold to support it with.” Annelyse has pretty strong reasons, too.

“Are you really going to wait till the fight comes to you? Aren’t you tired of travelers coming from foreign lands, seeking shelter from him? Don’t you hate him, from just the stories of the horrible things he’s done?” Kenna showers Annelyse with questions, searching her face. She’s waiting too see a change in her features, even the slightest, to know she’s getting through to her.

Annelyse remains quiet for a while. As if she’s weighting her options. She looks at the pond beneath them, and not at Kenna.

“Look, I feel sorry for the poor victims of his crimes, but I have my own people to protect. How could I just send them off, to handle problems that aren’t even their own?” Annelyse’s eyebrows furrow, as she looks back up at Kenna.

Annelyse did have a point, of course. This wasn’t the Aurelian people’s fight. But soon it would be, and by that time... It might be too late to fight back. By that time, Luther could be too powerful to overthrow.

“Why don’t you give them a chance? Ask them if they want to help. Leave it up to them, as their queen, to decide what’s good for them. Luther will come for Aurelia, one day or another. Isn’t it better off to take the fight to him before that day comes? Before the common people get hurt?” Kenna know this is a long shot, but if she can convince Annelyse to help, she’s going to have a powerful ally, and enough gold to pay and build an actual army. 

While her confidence of convincing Annelyse has been compromised, she didn’t let it show.

“I don’t know...” Annelyse shrugs. “I might,” She still looks unconvinced, but Kenna’s starting to get through to her.

What can she possibly offer someone who has everything? 

“Annelyse, can I ask you something else?” Kenna decides to change the tone of the conversation.

Annelyse’s troubled expression immediately shift, lighting up. “Of course, what is it, dear?” She smiles at Kenna brightly.

“Do you have a dream? Something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t? Something you wish you’ve done?”

Annelyse thinks about it, for another minute or so. Remaining silent but still smiling at Kenna. It’s obvious she likes Kenna’s question.

She blushes, when she finally comes up with an answer. “Well, actually, I’ve always wanted to get out of here, for a little bit.” She confesses.

“Really?” Kenna can’t hide the surprise in her voice.

“Yeah. To see the world. To see the first light of the day, coming into a grassland, and to feel like i’m one of the people. Not the queen everyone expects me to be. I love being queen, truly, I do. And I love my people, I just...” She bites at her lower lip.

“Want to know what it feels like to be free, normal?” Kenna tries her best to end her sentence.

“Something like that.” Annelyse nods, leaning against the rail of the bridge again, her chin resting over her hands as she looks into the distance, imagining what a different life she could have, even if just for a while.

“Well, I have a dream too,” Kenna leans over the rails with her, joining her.

“What kind of a dream?” Annelyse’s tone is kind, and content. She really is interested in Kenna’s dream, for the moment.

“It’s still new, only starting to get a shape, but I have to come clean, first.” Kenna tells her, trying not to make her tone alarm Annelyse.

“I’m not any kind of royalty, or a noble woman, from Stormholt.” She tells Annelyse.

“I’m just a simple girl from a simple village, staying on the borders of Stormholt’s main castle. A small village, not too interesting. I grew up and had a pretty.... Well, compared to this -” She gestures around herself. “Pretty boring life.” She admits. “But this all changed two years ago when Luther killed everyone in a peace conference in Stormholt. I lost my mother a while ago, and I lost my father to the war. Luther took almost all of the men, and we never saw them again. And then, he appointed Marco as the new ruler of Stormholt. Everything started going downhill from there.” Kenna finished the first part of her story.

Annelyse looked her over, before nodding. “I could’ve figured as much.” She told her.

“Really?” Kenna wondered if maybe Raydan did tell Annelyse more than she thought he did.

“King Luther killed all of Stormholt’s royal family, along with the noble lines. When they announced your arrival from Stormholt, I figured you couldn’t possibly be royalty. Although the dress and the poise could’ve fooled me, I never thought you were a simple village-girl.” Annelyse explains, and Kenna listens carefully. She hopes she’s doing the right thing, coming clean now to Annelyse.

“I’m still the Kenna you were talking to a few minutes ago,” Kenna notes, and Annelyse giggles giddily.

“Oh I know.” She tells her. “But you still haven’t told me about your dream.”

Kenna breathes deeply, feeling a bit more secure.

“I woke up one morning, realizing I had to take faith into my own hands. Annelyse, I want to take Luther down. I can’t watch him ruin our beautiful kingdom any longer. I knew a life different than that, I know rulers, kings and queens don’t have to be like that. I thought you were an example of that, too.” Kenna admits, looking into Annelyse’s eyes.

“My dream is much more than just a dream. It’s a plan. I want to take Luther down. I want justice. I want peace.” When Kenna is done with her speech, Annelyse has a smile Kenna can’t quite read through.

“Well, you definitely have the voice of a leader.” Annelyse notes, still not giving too much away.

“What does that mean?” Kenna questions, unsure.

“If you’re going to raise an army, and overthrow the blood king himself, it’s good thing you have a good way with words, and the determination of a true leader.” Annelyse explains, flashing a smile at Kenna.

She doesn’t note how brilliant Kenna’s choice of subject was. She figured the one thing that could persuade Annelyse to join forces with her, and let Annelyse tell her it herself.

“I still can’t quite raise an army...” Kenna sighs, looking anywhere but Annelyse, it appears her attempts were in vain.

“Of course you can, silly.” Annelyse nudges her. “With my help, of course.” She tells her, bring hope back into Kenna’s eyes.

“So you’ll help?” Kenna exclaims.

“I still have to ask my people. But I will throw in a good word for you.”

“Thank you so much, Annelyse!” Kenna takes both of her hands in her own, already planning the next step of her plan.

“I do have one final condition, though.” Annelyse notes, tone suddenly become more serious again.

“Anything. What is it?”

Annelyse takes a deep breath. It’s a big step for her, too.

“If I’m going to help you with your dream, you’re going to help me with mine. I get to go with you on your journey.” Annelyse says, determinedly. 

Kenna can doubt how a queen will fit herself into the life on the run, of mercenaries and overthrowing governments, but the truth is she has no way of declining Annelyse. She needs her help, desperately, and no good reason to tell her ‘No’ right now.

Arriving to the gates of the city of Aurelia, it bested anything they had in their imagination. Aurelia was incredible, and very much like the fairytales - truly covered in gold.

They still had to pass through the streets, and a long way to the palace, but there was no doubt the entire city was going to be as mesmerizing as the entrance was.

Sean suddenly brought the carriage into a stop.

“Is everything alright? Are we there yet?” Kenna popped her head out of the front of the carriage, addressing Sean with various questions.

The old man chuckled in return, once again.

“Not quite yet. But I have some business to attend to, and you two need to find a dress, I understand.” He said.

“That’s.... True.” Kenna blushes. It’s an amusing view.

She’s so determined and sure of herself when in comes to slaying Nevrakis soldiers, but she’s clueless when it comes to finding a dress.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it. We’re right at the center of the city. There’s plenty of good dress-shops right here. I’ll pick you when the first star comes out to the sky, from right here, with your invitations.” And he left them with that.

“So... We need to find a dress.” She states again, the obvious. She and Dom have a walk around the city. They pass plenty of dress shops on their way. Sean wasn’t kidding.

There were enough good dress-shops. They watched numerous shops and dresses, from the finest silk they’ve touched in their life. Embedded with silver, gold and glistening stones. In every color of the rainbow.

“Well, see anything you like?” Dom finally broke the silence.

“Like... Sure.” Kenna sighed, her eyebrows furrowing. “Can afford? None.” She admitted.

Dom nodded, understandingly. 

But it couldn’t be the end of it. They came too close to give up now.

They’ve circled almost the entire market area, when a thought comes to his mind.

A grin smeared around his face as an idea blossomed to his mind. “Kenna, you see the fellas over there?” He points to a small group, sitting by a tavern sign. They look like a group of mercenaries, that just got paid by the sound of that.

They’re drinking, gambling, and generally look like they’re having a good time.

“Yeah...?” Kenna still doesn’t seem to understand his idea, but she watches them intently.

A red-headed, barbaric girl, and someone who they can swear that looks like a former soldier of Stormholt look like the leaders of the group, and the highest betters.

“We could challenge them to a game.” Dom suggests.

“And lose the little coin that we do have? Dom. This isn’t the time for games.” Kenna frowns at him.

“No, it’s not the time for games. But it is the time to gamble. Go big or go home... And you and I both know we’re not going home tonight.” Dom smiles brilliantly, and Kenna finally realizes his idea.

“So we just need to challenge them, and win? And then we’ll have enough money?” She clarifies.

“Exactly.”

They approach the group, that doesn’t seem to notice them. They’re playing with some knives, and place bets against who’s going to get more hurt.

“Can I place a bet too?” Kenna determinedly stands in the front of the group.

“Hey, pretty girl,” The red-haired woman stands tall, facing Kenna. “What’s your name?” She asks, finally noticing her.

“My- Name’s Kenna.” She manages to stay still.

“Well, Kenna, I suggest you mind your own business, and leave us alone to do the hard job.” The redhead snaps, and her fellow friends cheer, sneering at Kenna and Dom.

“Why? Are you afraid you’ll lose to me?” Kenna asks, just when Dom starts to think maybe it wasn’t such a good idea, after all.

“Kenna, maybe we should go-” Dom starts whispering in her ear, but the redhead already looks intrigued. And most of all, pissed off.

“Well, Kenna.” The readhead sits back down. “My name’s Val. Why don’t you join us and show us how brave you are, in a real game?” She asks.

“Happy to.” Kenna nods, and sits in front of her.

Val explains the rules of the game, each taking turn in throwing the knife closest to him, without actually getting hurt. The one that manages to be closest, but still keep all of his limbs and fingers to himself, wins.

That sounds dangerous, and Dom wishes he was the one playing, instead of Kenna, but it’s too late now.

She’s already made up her mind.

It was too bad, since Dom at least had some experience with tavern games, unlike Kenna.

“I’m good with a knife,” She tries assuring him, before going first.

“A stupid idea, since you’ve never played before, but whatever.” Val comments.

Kenna takes a deep breathe, and throws the knife to the ground. It lands just beside her feet, but leaves her boots and, more importantly, foot - intact. 

Val scoffs, angered, but shrugs.

“Beginner's luck.” She comments, but stands up like Kenna, and throws the knife as well. It lend pretty close, but much far off of Kenna’s.

“Whatever it is, it seems you’re the loser of this round.” Kenna smiles, almost... Teasing? Val.

God, he shouldn’t have suggested it, shouldn’t he have? Dom scowls at himself in his head.

Were they going to keep their word? To pay them? Or to just deal with them like mercenaries could?

“Well, Jackson,” Val turned to the former soldier, who didn’t say anything up until now, and generally kept quiet, watching the scene unfolding on it’s own.

“Pay up.” She said, and Dom let out a breathe he didn’t know he was holding.

Jackson handed Kenna a bag of coins. There were more than enough for a dress there, that was for sure.

“What, did you think we were going to rob you?” Val teased at Dom, who tensed despite trying to look tough.

She snickered. “We’re maybe mercenaries, but we honor our code.” She tells him.

“How about another game?” She sits down, and flashes a smile at Kenna.

“Maybe we shouldn’t. We have enough for the dress now-” He starts convincing Kenna to leave, but she shakes her head.

“No, Dom. I like them. Let’s stay for another round.” She sits down as well.

There was no taming Kenna, that was for sure. But she’s been even more rebellious since her father died.

Dom started to ask himself if their entire journey was going to look like that, and if they could make it when Kenna was so unexpected and unpredictable.

“Alright. One more round.” He sat down as well, finally joining in.

They stayed for more than one round, as it turned out to be, and even shared a few drinks with their new friends.

They didn’t lose any significant amount of money, and still had enough for the dress and some robes for Dom.

They bid the mercenaries goodbye when the sky started darkening again, and made their way back to the meeting point with Sean.

Kenna bought a beautiful, lavender silk dress on the way back. She even did her hair, taking it up the way her mother used to do it for her.

“What do you think?” She twirled in her dress, the fabric following her movements gracefully, and tightening around her body in just the right places.

God. Dom was in love with her ever since they were kids, it was true. But for the first time, he saw Kenna as the beautiful woman she’d become.

“You’re... Perfect.” He barely was able to let out, out of words, and out of breath.

Kenna grinned. “Perfect.”

Sean handed them their invitations, and guided them to the palace’s doors. Pointing into the direction the ballroom was at, he gave them one last word of advice.

“Remember, the queen’s opinion isn’t the only one that matters. You should take your time convincing the noble families as well. If you really want their help, you should charm as many people in the room as possible.” 

And with that, he left them goodbye.

Dom and Kenna nodded to each other.

“He’s right. We should split up.” Kenna suggested.

“Are you sure?” Dom questioned. He was so used to following her and making sure she wasn’t getting herself into too much trouble.

“Dom, I know it looks like all I want to do is swing my sword around and kill some Nevrakis soldiers, but the truth is I also want justice for our people. I want to lead this rebellion, and I can’t do that if you’re going to keep seeing me as the little girl that needs your rescuing.” Kenna said, suddenly bursting Dom’s bubble.

“I don’t see you like that-” LIE. 

Kenna just stares at him, her eyes like piercing swords that don’t take ‘No’ for an answer.

“Well... It just looked like that when you were betting with those mercenaries just a few hours ago,” Dom did have a point.

Kenna’s eyes softened.

“I know when things are serious, and I know when I can let loose. We needed to gain their trust. We’ll need them after we’ll have Aurelia’s support.” Kenna told him.

“We will?” Dom questioned. Kenna didn’t say anything about it until now.

“Well, I just thought about it while playing. They’re mercenaries, and hell, maybe there are more former soldiers there, too. They must have more people back home, too. It was obvious they were visitors to Aurelia, too. If we can sway them to join our cause-”

Suddenly Kenna plan looked brighter. It was starting to get a shape, and a promising one, too.

“Then we could actually have a shot at this.” The coin finally dropped, and Dom realized Kenna’s plan.

“That’s brilliant!” Dom told Kenna, still standing by the doors to the ballroom with her.

“That’s the plan.” Kenna smiled at him.

She was right. She wasn’t the little girl he grew up with. She was a woman now. A woman with a cause, a fighter.

And she was going to take everyone by a storm.

“So are we going to do it or what?” She offered Dom her hand.

He got to his house, and packed a bag as fast as he could. He shared his room with Trystan, who was soundly asleep.

Good thing he didn’t wake up while Dom was packing, since he’d rather do the explaining properly and not be caught in the moment of action.

Then, after his bag was ready, he took a long look at Trystan, before sighing and leaving for the kitchen.

He should make them a breakfast, as a thank-you and goodbye note.

Walking out of the house, and into the hen house they had in the backyard he gathered some eggs. 

He warmed up some bread, and fried the eggs by the fire. warming some water, he also made tea.

“What’s all this about?” He heard a sleepy voice calling beside him, completely taking him out of his trance, he blinked up.

“Rose, why are you awake? It’s still so early.” He tried sounding innocent, but it didn’t really work out.

“I could ask you the same thing,” She noted, now her sleepy presence wearing off and her eyes more observant.

Her eyes wandered, to the bag at his feet. “Are you... Leaving?” Her voice wavered.

Dom shifted uncomfortably. He shrugged, figuring he shouldn’t, and couldn’t lie to her.

“Not for forever.” He said, choosing his words carefully.

“I wanted us to have a nice family meal together beforehand,” He admitted, still watching the eggs so they won’t burn.

“I’ll help you.” Rose told him, although there was some kind of emotion in her voice he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

It certainly was not the response he was expecting of her to have.

“Sure.” Was all he managed to let out.

She stood right beside him, smearing some jam on each bread slice he prepared, and pouring tea into their tea-cups.

The sun was starting to show the first signs of morning, by the window, but Trystan and Margaret were still sleeping.

“They should be down any minute...” Dom suddenly started feeling the heaviness in the air between him and Rose, and tried saying something, hoping it would clear the air.

“You’re leaving with Kenna, aren’t you?” Rose snapped, her eyes finally meeting his.

“I...- Yes, but-” He and Rose had something special.

She wasn’t like the other girls he picked up from the tavern. He was gentle with her, and took his time.

But they never got into anything serious... And they both knew why.

Because of Kenna. Because of how Dom felt about Kenna.

“You’re always running after her, GOD.” Rose shook her head, “Unbelievable.”.

“Maybe you need to let her go just as much as I need to let you go.” Her words hurt, and he wasn’t sure why.

He always knew it’ll come down to making a choice between Rose and Kenna, but he never really needed, until now.

Maybe because they both knew who he was going to choose.

“Rose, Don’t say that.” He pleaded with her.

She still had a special place in his heart.... Just not as special as Kenna.

“Do you not realize she’s never going to choose you?” Rose asked, almost as if she was waiting for an answer. Her eyes weren’t piercing through him, they were wet, tearful, pleading with him. Even if her words didn’t match.

“Rose, it’s not about that. She’s raising an army. We think we can save our village, hell, the whole kingdom, maybe!” He tried reasoning with her.

“That’s nonsense.” She huffs out.

“Maybe. But I want to give it a try.” Dom slumps his shoulders.

Yes, maybe he didn’t have as much faith in Kenna’s crazy idea as Kenna had. But he was her bestfriend, and she needed someone to believe in her right now.

He needed- No. Wanted. He wanted to be that someone.

Rose stays silent for a long while. She raises her glass and sips from her tea.

“Do you really think she can do that?” She finally asks. Something’s missing from her eyes. A glistening she used to have.

He knows he’s the reason for that.

“If anyone can, it’s Kenna.” Dom determines. He’s nodding.

“Okay,” Rose is practically whispering right now.

She throws a glance behind her shoulder. “I’ll go wake them up. You need to tell them you’re not going to be home for a while.” She decides.

Maybe she just doesn’t want to see Dom right now.

“Rose, wait.” He stands up after her. She does as she’s said, but she doesn’t dare look at him.

“We’ll wake them up in a minute...” He promises, closing the distance between them as he walks over.

“But, I’m just going... To miss you.” He places a finger over her chin, lifting it and making her face him.

She gives him a weak smile.

His heart is heavy with the decision he’s making.

Yes, his heart belongs to Kenna, always has. But he can’t think that maybe Rose is right. Maybe Kenna will never love him.

And even if she did, never the way Rose did.

So he leans down, and kisses her.

He lets Rose lead the kiss. Allows her to set the tone for it.

She kisses him deeply, as if she’s wishing she could change his mind with that kiss, to make him stay.

She knows she can’t. But he kisses back, his hands find their way to her hair, messing it just a little.

When they break apart, Rose nods at him. She’s a bit more content with his decision. 

“Let’s wake them up, shall we?” He suggest.

If she didn't, her village would starve to death. They won't survive the winter.

She knew her way around a sword. Her father was a blacksmith, and he taught her a lot before being snatched off and killed at war.

She also liked to play sword-fighting with the villages kids. One of them, still her best-friend to this day, Dominic Hunter.

She pushed the curtains back, looking throughout the window. Everything looked sad, lifeless. Even more than it was for the last two years.

Her hand rose up to rest against the cold glass. Her fingers trying to seize the light from the blazing sun, to no avail. Kenna sighed. There was no light in her life, as there was no light in her village, not anymore. She watched as the early-risers started getting out of their houses, looking even more beaten than before.

They had no hope, she realized, as she watched the villagers. No one from the royal bloodline survived. No one was going to come and claim the kingdom, inspire hope and promise a better life for them. No one... Unless they decided to fight together. For themselves. For a better life. For a better future.

That's it, she decided, determined. Having a sense of purpose that was missing from her life in the last two years.

She was going to do it, to inspire them. Someone had to.

It didn't turn out to be an easy job, but she didn't expect it to be, either.

She looked at the locket hanging around her chest. A picture of her mother and father, inside it.

They may have not been with her anymore, but they'll always be in her heart, and guide her.

She knew she was doing the right thing.

She met with Dominic, at downfall, in the town's tavern, and told him of her plan.

"Kenna! That's crazy!" The boy exclaimed.

"Shhh," She placed a hand over his. If her plan was going to have any chance at working, it needed to be secret, until it absolutely didn't have to anymore.

"Dom, aren't you tired of living like this?" She gestured around herself. "I know I am. And you know no one is going to come around, and promise to change that." She explained.

Dom furrowed her eyebrows. He knew she was right. "Do you really think we could pull this off?" An uprising? At their current state? Hell no. But it was a start.

She could see the battle in his eyes. The desire to help her, the doubt that their plan will fail, and of course... The concern for her life.

She was always a bit reckless, quite the rebel. But there was always someone to stop her, her parents loving and protective hand have raised her in a positive environment, and taught her the hardships of life.

Now, with both of them gone... Someone else was ought to take their place.

Finally, she saw resolve in Dom's eyes. He decided to help her, even if she was crazy. He found his role.

She always knew he cared for her a little bit more than she did for him, but it was a conversation for a different time.

"Well, will you help me?" She asked again, already knowing the answer.

"Someone has to make sure you won't kill yourself." He smiled at her, flashing his teeth.

"Great. Let's go over the plan." Dom can swear the light had come back to Kenna's face, once again. After a few years of watching it leave her, and fade away as Luther's regain got colder and harsher, she finally had a new purpose.

Hell, maybe they could actually pull it off.

Realizing they needed to raise an army was the first step.

To fight people who knew how to fight and were ready to fight for their cause... Turned out to be a bit more difficult.

Yes, they both knew how to fight, but... The two of them, along with maybe a dozen other townsfolk wasn't going to cut it.

So they needed coin.

Money to pay for real soldiers.

They were able to convince the village folks their cause mattered, and wasn't too far-fetched. But the townsfolk were already poor as it was. And had nothing to survive the winter with.

Even if they believed in her, they couldn't help Kenna.

Beaten, she went back home at downfall. Dominic by her side, hands in his pockets.

"Don't give up yet, Kenna." He tried to cheer her up, but wasn't much in the mood himself.

"We can still think of something." He tried assuring her.

"Pssst!" A sudden noise has stopped both of them in their tracks. Kenna turned around immediately, and Dom followed her steps, ready to jump in front of her, in case he needed. They couldn't risk any passerby soldiers or scouts learning of their plans.

An older man approached, a poor-looking carriage behind him. His horse lazily following him.

"I heard you were looking to raise an army?" He questioned, clearly talking to Kenna. Her hand tightened around her sword's handle, dangling from her pants belt.

"And what if I am?" She asked back, trying to sound as sure and intimidating as possible.

"Kenna! You can't just go around telling people that--" Dom tried to stop her, but both of the people in front of him ignored him.

"Well, for starters, I think it's crazy. But all great people are. And second of all..." He finally looked at Dom, too. "I think I could help you." He admitted, his eyes wandering back to Kenna.

She gulped. "How?"

"Well, you wouldn't be able to do it from here." He looked around himself.

As much as Dom hated agreeing with him, he was right.

Their town was no place to raise an army from. They barely had any chance at surviving, at this point.

"We figured." Kenna answered, still determined but a curious tone had made it's way to her voice. "What are you suggesting?" She asked.

"I could take you to the golden city of Aurelia." He told them.

"Aurelia?" Both Kenna and Dom repeated together. Aurelia was something out of a dream, out of a fairy-tail. At least it was described as such.

They only heard about that city in books and bedtime stories, no one they met had actually made their way there.

"You'll need gold, and lots of it. And Aurelia has pretty strong soldiers, too. If you could convince the queen to help you, I'm sure that fantasy of yours would come a step closer to a reality." The man explained.

Dom also hated he was making more sense the longer he talked. How could they know if they could trust him?

"I could take you, both of you." The man suggested, and motioned to his carriage. It did have some extra space.

"Kenna, it could be dangerous. How can we know if he's telling the truth?" Dom wanred her, but it looked as if she had already made up her mind.