The Courtesan

Chapter 70

KRON

“Your highness, once again, this sounds like a terrible idea.”

“The court already gave their approval. What is there to fear?”

“Perhaps the LOSS OF YOUR LIFE!”

“Reid, pipe down!”

“Your highness, this is serious!”

“I know it is. Does it look like I am joking?”

“Your highness, I am afraid the grin you are wearing would split your face!”

“Ah, it’s too obvious.”

“Your highness, you drive me insane.”

“Yet, you’re still with me. That’s the signal, let’s go.”

We flitted from the bush into the hole created by the spy into the enemy camp. We ditched our armor for normal clothes in hopes we would pull this off properly. If we didn’t, we could lose our lives. After hearing the plan, Reid nagged from beginning to end. He still agreed to come along since he didn’t ‘trust anyone to do it better’.

The enemy camp wasn’t what I was expecting. It was noisy and filled with more soldiers than we had seen on the battlefield. They looked healthy with ruddy complexions as compared to the ashy faced ones who had obviously been to the battle. The ones who looked healthy were the vast majority.

Everyone was in their casual clothes with only the guards on duty in chainmail armor. We met up with the spy who was a short red haired woman who terrified Reid more than he would admit.

“New troops have been sent to the front seeing the battle is becoming serious. It thankfully hasn’t warranted the arrival of a War General.”

“That’s a shame. I was looking forward to fighting one.”

“Your highness, with all due respect, you would not win.”

“I know.”

“... If you want to experience something similar, you’re in luck. The commander in charge of the front is a direct disciple of one of the War Generals. He is considered one of the strongest and most cunning commanders. They are considering promoting him if he manages to chase back the troops of Casella and capture you.”

“How strong is he?”

“He possesses about 50 percent of the strength of his master.”

“That sounds like a good challenge. We will proceed with the plan.”

“Your highness, I still object!”

“After your screaming and whining to follow his highness, you’re a coward when you’re actually here?”

“I am not talking to you Camilla. Your highness!”

“You don’t need to speak directly to me. You’re weak. Go back.”

“Why you…” Reid growls, drawing his hidden knife. Before he could move another step, he stops short of the almost invisible wire against his throat.

“You were saying?” She c****d her head, smirking.

“Camilla, please don’t kill my right hand. Reid, try to be patient with her.”

“I will kill you one day.”

“You’re welcome to try,” she says in a graceful tone.

“Let’s get on with the plan. Lead me to the commander, Camilla.”

“Before we go, your highness, I have something to say. It pains my very soul to admit it but I agree with Reid.”

“Oi! Wait, what?”

“If you give the order, I can just kill the commander.”

“You’ll die Camilla.”

“We will die together. It would be a great service to you, my prince. I’d rather I die than you.”

“As noble as that sounds, there is no one more competent than you in espionage. It’ll be a huge loss. Don’t worry, I’m not throwing away my life.”

“But you are not armed, your highness”

“There is no need to worry about such trifling matters, Camilla,” I reply, slinging my arm around her. We begin walking towards the commander’s residence. After walking for a while, we look behind and see Reid fuming.

“What is the matter?”

“Your highness, as an unmarried man, don’t you know what you are doing is scandalous?”

“Camilla doesn’t mind it. Do you Camilla?”

“I wouldn’t even if his highness decides to give me his seeds.”

“I think that’s a little extreme, Camilla.”

We continued walking and from the corner of my eyes, I could see Camilla smirking at Reid. That undoubtedly makes him angrier. I couldn’t honestly tell why they hated each other so much.

With Camilla’s expertise, we passed the inspection of all the guards and soldiers. When the commander’s residence was close, we stopped and Camilla tied my hands. Reid gagged my mouth and rubbed a little mud all over my body. I felt his actions were a little spiteful.

Camilla led me bound into the commander’s residence. It was a bit too luxurious for someone who was in the middle of a war. The man in question rested lackadaisically on his makeshift throne, twirling a cup of wine.

“Is there any particular reason you have sought me out tonight, Captain Ulna?”

“I have prepared an appropriate gift for you, my liege. I have captured Prince Kron Lithonius for you.”

“... Captain Ulna, don’t you think it’s a little bit too late for jokes?”

“You can check if you do not believe me”

The man stood and walked forward, his heavy armor c******g as he walked. He was a very cautious man, wearing armor in the comfort of his residence. Yet, he appeared a bit gluttonous. He grabbed my chin, turning my face rather roughly.

“It does appear it is him. How did you manage such a feat?”

“Prince Kron is a lustful man. I managed to capture him and drag him here.”

“Hmmm… Is that so?”

“Yes, my liege.”

“This is a great service you have done, Captain Ulna! He has been giving me quite a headache these days but it’s like you read my mind and captured him for me. That’s admirable!” he yelled with gladness. Yet, it felt a bit fake. Camilla’s face was rigid and one glance at her eyes showed she held onto her wires tightly.

He walked back to his throne and sat on it. He fetched a dagger not too far from his side and threw it forward.

“Kill him,” he said in a deadpan tone.

“I think such honor should go to you, my liege.”

“You captured him, you kill him. I will not be held responsible for killing a prince. The blame and honor can fall on you.”

What a capriciously selfish man. Camilla hesitated a bit, walked up, picked the dagger and walked back to me. It was a good thing Reid didn’t follow us in or he would’ve lost it immediately.

Camilla’s eyes found mine and I felt her reluctance radiate from a mile away. I looked at the man and he looked unamused, like it was a theatrical show he hated was being performed in front of him. He didn’t believe her. I had to do something, and quick.

Camilla was already in front of me. She raised the dagger and slashed diagonally across my throat. In a second, I felt my life flash before my eyes. One face was prominent in my mind; hers.