How To Love Your Archnemesis [Romance/Drama/Fantasy - Completed]

The war room was seldom used, evident by the thin layer of dust that covered the table - but ever since the Ghost Ship artifact was recovered, Aryn had the servants scrub until it shone once more. Thick stone walls covered with tactical plans and thick banners muffled any sounds from escaping, and the sun's rays filtered through tall glass windows. From above hung a massive iron chandelier that lit the room in an immense yellow glow.

In the centre of the room, Naomi sipped from her cup of hot tea, enjoying the heat that warmed her bones as she listened to the rhythmic drumming of Cassien's fingers against the heavy oak table. Seated at the table directly in front of the windows was Prince Aryn, whose eyes darted across the map of Calypsa and Seraveth as he scrawled. Ser Finneus stood vigilantly by the door in silence, tanned face set in a stoic expression; Thom smacked his lips loudly as he polished off a plate of finger sandwiches that the maids had delivered.

Cassien sighed impatiently. "We should get started - we've spent enough time waiting."

"Let's give it some more time," Naomi said soothingly, putting her cup down. "It's important that everyone is here."

"Everyone I want involved is here," Cassien pointed out, looking at Aryn. "It's a favour to the prince that we're even entertaining any strangers."

Aryn kept writing, barely glancing up. "Thank you for your kindness, Cassien."

Thom licked a crumb from his finger. "That sounded like sarcasm."

"It was," Aryn hummed happily. "But I do thank you all for your patience. Our guest traveled a long way to be here."

"Yes, your guest," Cassien didn't bother to hide his stony expression. "All I'm saying is that I'd prefer to know who exactly will be accompanying us on a literal life or death expedition. I would've thought you'd mention them sooner, before we even decided on the ship."

"I didn't want us to rely on him solely if he couldn't make it. But don't worry," Aryn said as he examined one of the maps, holding it up to the light. "I've known him for many years - he can be trusted."

Naomi brushed her hand over his and squeezed gently. Even if he didn't want to admit it, she could see the anxiety and urgency that was hidden in his depths, eager to cover every inch of their plans. "If the prince of all people can vouch for this person, I think we should give it a chance. Aryn would not jeopardize this mission."

His eyes met hers, expression softening instantly at the sight of her blue eyes and wisdom of her words. Cassien let out a slow breath, returning her touch briefly. "My apologies, Aryn. We'll need all the help we can get."

"No need to apologize, my friend. I fully understand your caution."

Thom watched the exchange with interest, eyes glued as he reached for another sandwich. "Well, I've never seen that before."

"Seen what?" Both Naomi and Cassien asked at once.

"How quickly you just gave in," he laughed, shoving the morsel in his mouth. "Like a drunkard to free ale."

Before either of them could respond, the large doors swung open. Aryn dropped his attention from the impending ruckus immediately as he stood quickly, no longer requiring his cane.

"Darius," Aryn greeted so warmly that everyone in the room could feel the radiance pouring from him. "It's great to see you, my friend."

He was tall and well defined; every angle of his body was sharp and lean, a light shadow of stubble on his sandy-toned face. His armor was made of a supple leather black jerkin and fitted pants, a utility belt with a multitude of pouches and toolsets, and a short dark grey cape from behind. His black hair fell in a swooping curl at his temple, tapering off in small waves at the back. A thick streak of pure white ran through his hair, patterned like a tidal wave raging through the night. His eyes - that were neither blue nor green - swept through the room, appraising each face present. Naomi guessed he was only a few years older, but he certainly had an aura that exuded experience.

At the sight of Aryn, his aura switched immediately - ghastly and brooding - to playful and a dash mischievous. He strode forward so smoothly as if he were made of shadow itself, and the two men embraced in a friendly hold, clapping at their backs.

The man pulled back with a roguish grin as he looked up and down at Aryn. "You look awful."

He had an unfamiliar accent that Naomi couldn't quite place - neither Calypsan nor Seravethian - like a relaxed drawl mixed with an intriguing, rough cadence that rolled off his tongue.

Aryn laughed. "Of course that's the first words I hear after not seeing you for several years."

"Can't let you think I've gone soft," Darius replied.

"Of course not," Aryn turned to the table of awaiting nobles. "Everyone, this is Darius - he and I met in Florentine during my academy years studying plant medicine. We've stayed good friends ever since."

"Your prince here used to have a much more rambunctious streak," Darius explained, chuckling. "No royal mannerisms and law abiding attitude. Actually, he was probably worse than me-"

Aryn threw him a look as if to say 'stop speaking,' though it wasn't unkind. "Yes, thank you Darius. Let me introduce you to the team."

He gestured towards the table, pausing at each introduction. "This is Duchess Naomi Rosenthorn, Duke Cassien Rivain, Lord Thom Paldarin, and Ser Finneus at the door is the duchess's personal guard."

"Pleased to meet you all," Darius nodded as the two took their seats. "Aryn hasn't shared too much - but when you receive a royal decree from the future king, it's hard to say no."

"We're in your debt for lending your aid. It'll be a difficult journey ahead of us," Naomi said warmly.

Darius's eyes settled on her, a crooked smile on his lips. "I am nothing if not loyal to a fault for my friends."

"I can see that," Naomi smiled innocently as she thought of Aryn's high praise.

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He leaned forward slightly, elbows propped on the table. "You'll also find that I'm also loyal to people who are more than-"

"If we're finished with introductions," Cassien interrupted firmly. "We have an expedition to plan."

Thom wiped the crumbs from his mouth with a handkerchief, leaning back as he scanned the faces around them. "So what exactly is the plan? I still don't understand how we're getting across the ocean to Seraveth in the first place. Or what we're doing after that."

Aryn reached into the inner pocket of his suit as if on cue, and pulled out a thick, iron key - slightly rusted and etched with runes - and set it on the table. Everyone around leaned in to take a closer look as Aryn began to explain the intricacies of the key.

"The Ghost Ship can be unlocked with this key," Aryn said as he stood, walking over to a nearby shelf. He reached for a small, wooden box and returned to the table. From it, he produced a tiny glass tube no longer than the length of his pinky, filled halfway with a bright red liquid. "And a single drop of blood from the bloodline of Polovik Kavlier, whom Duke Rivian was able to persuade to provide to us."

Thom whistled, elbowing Cassien. "Are you sure 'persuade' was the right word? The Cassien I know probably bled the guy out himself."

"You'd be amazed at what can be accomplished with the right motivation," Cassien muttered, flexing his hand.

Naomi arched a brow as she squinted at him: What exactly did you do?

Cassien's mouth opened in defense - like a child's hand caught in a candy jar - just as Aryn continued speaking. Naomi threw him a look as if he got lucky that he was saved this time, earning a sly half-smile from the duke.

"We'll be using an old service tunnel that leads under the castle to a large dock beneath. There is where we'll summon the boat, which we'll need to load supplies onto."

The prince's expression grew more serious as he elaborated, standing to write plans on the standing board for all to see. "We have less than two weeks before the Accord ends, so I advise everyone to prepare whatever they need to be loaded onto the ship before then. Any questions so far?"

Thom raised a finger. "Do we really think that the five of us-" his eyes glanced towards Finneus at the door. "-six of us, enough to take down a king in his own territory? No offense, but one of us here doesn't exactly have combat training." He didn't need to say it, but it was glaringly obvious that he was referring to Naomi, even without looking at her.

"You can just say you meant me. But I can defend myself," Naomi protested. "And I have a right to see this through."

Thom bit back a remark at the sight of Cassien in his peripheral vision. "I'm not trying to call your magical prowess into question. It's just a matter of if taking a lady with us is the best choice, that's all."

"Your words are disguised well, but I can read between the lines exactly what you mean," she shot back. "Me being a woman should have nothing to do with anything. If you worry about my safety - it's appreciated - but I don't need it."

The air between them crackled like thunder as their eyes locked, neither willing to yield first. Thom's jaw set, the hairs on his skin bristling like a provoked bear; Naomi's posture was rigid with tenacity, her eyes steeled and unblinking.

"There is no scenario in which Naomi doesn't come with us," Cassien's voice cut through the building tension. "Due to the shard's explosion affecting us, she and I can't stay separated for long without it becoming detrimental."

Thom exhaled exasperatedly. "Seriously?"

"And she's right. Her being a woman doesn't mean she's any less capable than any of us," Cassien glowered.

"Oh, come on-"

Golden eyes flashed at him as a silent warning to cease whatever he was about to say. Cassien didn't elaborate any further, and his expression was clear that he would not entertain any further arguments. Despite his defense, Naomi felt a weight on her shoulders, as if she were nothing more than a burden on the others who were forced to endure her inexperience.

The three of them suddenly felt a waft of calmness settle in them, all of the frustration and resentment flushing away like it had never existed. They turned to face Aryn, whose silver eyes twinkled with a white glow before settling down.

"Let's not forget that first and foremost, we are all allies here," he smiled with such kindness that even Naomi felt ashamed she took part in the squabble. "Besides, I have complete faith in the duchess's abilities, regardless of her powers."

Darius shot him a thumbs up. "Ever the diplomat."

Finneus's heavy steps approached as he stood behind Naomi. "Whatever we choose to do, it's imperative that I stay close to my lady, as is my sworn duty."

"That's understandable, but you should be prepared for any kind of arrangement," Aryn responded. He turned towards the board, tracing the coastline near Seraveth's capital. "The ship will anchor here, to the edge of Redgorn's harbour and away from their other ships. For the first few days, Darius will scout ahead for any intelligence that can help with the palace layout. The rest of us lay low and gather what information we can, discreetly."

Darius leaned back. "I'll have disguises ready to go so that you can move about freely. If it's not obvious, try not to do anything to draw attention to yourselves."

"Is it wise to have you go alone? If you're compromised, none of us will know." Cassien asked.

The rogue simply grinned. "I have some tricks up my sleeve. I haven't been caught a single time in twenty-six years, so, I think my track record speaks for itself."

"You'll have to forgive me for not taking your words at face value," Cassien said, appearing unconvinced.

"Your concerns are understandable. I am an outsider, after all. But rest assured, my skills are quite unmatched. Allow me to demonstrate," Darius replied with a wicked grin.

Before anyone could blink, he snapped his fingers; blackened shadows pooled around his body and rippled upwards before Darius seemed to de-materialize altogether. In his seat was nothingness, the air completely untouched as all except Aryn looked around the room for any trace of the rogue. Seconds later, Naomi yelped, nearly spilling her tea as Darius appeared right beside her in a cloud of black shadow.

His voice was a murmur in her ear. "If the journey becomes too overwhelming for you, Duchess, you're more than welcome to request me as your personal escort. I'm very good at keeping people company."

A tiny, choked laugh of half-embarrassment and half-shock emitted from Naomi. "I wasn't aware anyone outside of Calypsa had magical abilities - was it not all relinquished to the royal family after the Conquest?"

"Oh, you're absolutely correct," Darius said cheekily. "I just happen to be an exception to the rule."

"The story's a lot longer than you'd ever care to hear," Aryn said from across the table. "Let's just leave it at the fact that Darius can be trusted with it."

Darius's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned a touch closer to Naomi, his streaked curl swooping down. "If you're ever interested in a private demonstration, I have a myriad of skills to show off."

A sudden, firm pressure gripped on the bar from beneath Naomi's seat, pulling her effortlessly away from the rogue before she could respond. Cassien's voice was deceptively calm, but his eyes held a primal claim. "If you're hoping to impress, I'm afraid you'll have to win over the both of us."

"No need to get upset, we're just having a bit of fun."

The two men were caught in a deadlock between a red-faced Naomi, though Darius was much more playful than Cassien, who might as well have been baring fangs.

Thom cleared his throat, trying not to chuckle. "As entertaining as this is, maybe we should get back on track…"

"Yes, thank you Thom," Aryn agreed as Darius sauntered back to his seat with Cassien staring holes through the back of his head. "With our small numbers, it's best that we plan to capture and extract Alistair rather than killing him outright."

Immediately, Cassien, Thom, and Finneus erupted in protest while Aryn raised his voice over them. "As tempting as revenge is - and trust me, I want it too - it simply is too risky. We need to utilize our strengths in this plan, which is infiltration, not brute strength. Once Darius has finished his reconnaissance, we'll know the best way to execute said plan. Now, let's discuss…"

The initial outburst and bickering gradually evolved back to seriousness and determination as the realization set in that once the mission began, there was no turning back until completion, one way or another. Every thought in the plan required a focused mind and unity between all six. They spent the next several hours discussing transport and arrival details until the daylight began to fade - the countdown to their departure slowly coming closer with each passing minute.