The journey to retrieve Arlador begins with a rough kick out of bed.

“Wake up. We’re leaving.”

Rubbing my sore back, I glower at Henley hovering above. She meets my glare with one of her own; one more fearsome. The uniform she once wore is now replaced with sharp silver steel that conforms more snuggly to her chest. Silver gauntlets shield her wrists and she wears matching boots. A longsword rests at her hip, a dagger on the opposing side. Likely far easier to move in, seeing as she is probably coming along.

“Could have woken me up without kicking me,” I grumble under my breath.

“Get dressed. Belongings have already been packed for you.” She slams the door after her exit. As friendly as ever, isn’t she?

I bring the book, hidden within the wrappings of a jacket that is stuffed into my satchel. I must keep it near me as often as I can until I find a safe place to hide it. There is nothing unusual about traveling with a satchel while on a journey so this is my best bet, for now.

Once dressed, I meet with Henley outside the door, except there is another with her. A man seemingly chiseled perfectly from pale porcelain with eyes warm and gold as honey. Streams of silver hair are almost lazily resting in a ponytail, soft strands framing a charming smile. He wears armor similar to Henley’s, only black in color.

Even his voice carries smooth, elegant as written word; “Good morning, M’Lady. I am Rehan Arthura and I have the pleasure of also accompanying you during this journey. Should you be in need of anything, anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Rehan? I definitely don’t remember that name.

The downside to traveling with Daithi, other than the possibility of death, is not knowing the characters. Little time is spent following the villain. Even then, not as much information is given on those that follow him. The main members of his court, or whatever system he has, are mentioned, such as Hagen and Esla. Following Daithi’s story consists mostly of his plans against Aquilan, otherwise, I’m clueless.

Henley and Rehan are both characters that were never named in the novel, meaning their actions and personalities are as mysterious as the average person. I’d be okay with that if my life wasn’t on the line. I have to tread lightly and learn as much as I can, in case they continue to follow me. Besides, there has to be a reason Rehan is now beside me, right?

“M’Lady isn’t necessary. Call me Kaeda.” I resist the urge to smile, doing my best to be the confident thieving spy. Upon our return, I should try to learn more about Kaeda, if there is any way to do so.

“Kaeda, a lovely name.”

Henley rolls her eyes.

“We should get moving. We are to meet with His Majesty in the courtyard,” she says when stepping aside, allowing Rehan to guide us. He nods his head in request to follow. Henley brings up the rear while Rehan and I walk side by side.

I’m curious about how he didn’t know of me, or rather, the real Kaeda before now. She is a spy, but clearly lives on the castle grounds. He isn’t the other guard that has been watching me, so why the sudden involvement? Daithi is up to something, isn’t he?

Throwing a look over my shoulder, I observe Henley’s demeanor that is as rigid as ever. However, she never attempts to come closer. Is she merely watching or is Rehan of a higher status?

Servants pass by nodding in recognition or respect, towards Rehan, I presume. I give the man a brief once over, flushing when caught. He smirks. That’s a dangerous look, the kind of charming smile that comes from experience. My heart skips a beat without my permission.

Come on, don’t get tripped up by some playboy! Sure, he’s good looking, but he’s clearly bad news. Pull it together!

“I don’t recall seeing you here before. Were you stationed elsewhere?” I pry, hoping for answers of the new characters.

“Yes, we’ve never had the pleasure of meeting. I’ve been quite the busy body of late; stationed north to keep watch on our border with Tsubetu,” he says.

Ah, Tsubetu is ruled by Arelen, the seventh princess. She and Elfyr are the ones that will align with Aquilan after he rides north. They need an alliance, even if it’s obvious that they hate the idea of it. After all, Daithi’s territory of Vuirin is the largest with a military four, if not five, times the size than most. He is also smack dab in the middle of the continent; a blessing and a curse, as I see it, cutting off routes from his siblings, but also condemning himself to enemies on all sides.

Strange that he would call soldiers back from a border that may become troubling though. Suppose that is good news for me since I know that border will actually cause trouble soon. But is Rehan a nobody that could be recalled or a somebody that needed to be?

“My return couldn’t have been better. Right on time to assist retrieving Arlador, alongside a beautiful lady too.” Rehan winks. “I’ve hit the jackpot.”

“Must still be frustrating to go from active duty to babysitting. I’m sure a man of your skills is more valuable elsewhere.”

“Man of my skills?” Rehan’s shoulders shake with laughter. “Now, now, don’t put too much faith in me, although I’m flattered.” He presses a hand to his chest, peering into the distance. “I’m a man of good looks and nothing more.”

I repress a giggle. Perhaps Rehan won’t be so bad to have around. He may make for good entertainment, not to mention he’s easy on the eyes. I always appreciate a nice view—wait, I told myself to pull it together! Ugh, whatever, I need to appreciate the little things now. Having a hot guy around is nice, simple as that!

Stepping out of the castle, we’re met with the small army obtained for the journey. With a brief glance, my guess is around 100 soldiers await. They stand in line; statues in front of their emperor until commanded otherwise. A procession of wagons join, supplies necessary for the trip are shut within. All move like well oiled cogs in a machine. Not a single hiccup or act of chaos, although there’s enough people here to cause a stir.

But perhaps fear controls chaos for when Daithi rides atop a stallion of black, rivaling death itself, the obedient order is more than understandable.

The ones unfortunate enough to garner the demon king’s attention is us.