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 was empty with servants preparing for a banquet to celebrate 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.

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 the General was coming back to the castle but I have yet to see him.”

The boy seemed angry for some reason. Contemplating on whether or not she should say anything 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 seem to grow until he finally burst “Dammit, I am too late! Hurry you must take me to see he King and Queen”.

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 Generals 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. They boy seemed worried about Polaris going in by herself and wanted her to wait in the hall for him.

“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 leaves the door open so he can hear the conversation once she enters. She reluctantly agreed after a brief argument. Though he is an Archer he still carried a short sword and a small dagger on his person just in case and he passed her the small dagger.

Opening the door she saw Maeve looking out the window as if she is 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.

“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 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 family?”

The moment the words left her mouth a smirk formed on Maeves lips, and it made her arms tingle and a bead of sweat form on her forehead.

“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.

“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, and if looks could kill she would be dead.