Realms of power

Sarah and Cleo, dressed in black with their faces covered, slipped into the bustling inn, their eyes scanning the crowded room. They quickly found a vacant room and slipped inside, locking the door behind them.

As they changed into men's attire, Cleo's eyes sparkled with mischief. "We make a handsome pair of men, do we not?" she said, her voice low and full of mischief.

Sarah chuckled, her eyes shining with amusement. "Indeed we do," she replied, her voice equally low.

As they made their way back to the main room, they were greeted by the patrons of the inn, who nodded in respect, thinking they were men. Sarah and Cleo ordered drinks and made their way to a high table, where they could watch the presentations on stage.

As they sipped their drinks, Cleo leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. "So, will you tell me about what happened yesterday?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Sarah's expression turned serious, her voice equally low. "Everything that happened was too fishy," she said, her eyes scanning the room, making sure no one was listening.

Cleo's eyes narrowed, her expression concerned. "Do you want us to speak in a more secluded spot?" she asked, her voice equally low.

Sarah nodded, her eyes locking onto Cleo's. "Yes," she replied, her voice firm.

They quickly arranged for a private room, where they could speak freely without fear of being overheard. As they sat down at a beautifully set table, Cleo's eyes encouraged Sarah to continue.

Sarah took a deep breath, her eyes locked onto Cleo's. "Everything happened so suddenly," she began. "First, my father's horse died. It was one of the best breeds, suitable for war. How could it just die on the street?"

Cleo's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing. "That does sound suspicious," she said, her voice low.

Sarah nodded, her eyes locked onto Cleo's. "And then I went to the inn, and everyone left except for those men. I did not take it seriously at first, but when they began to come after me, I knew something was off."

Cleo's eyes widened, her expression shocked. "And then Prince Liam arrived, like a superhero, and beat them up," Sarah continued. "It was all too convenient. I could have taken care of myself, but he didn't give me the chance."

Cleo's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing. "You think Prince Liam planned the whole thing, don't you?" she asked, her voice low.

Sarah nodded, her eyes locked onto Cleo's. "I do," she replied, her voice firm. "And I wish I had some evidence to prove it."

Cleo's eyes sparkled with amusement. "So, what do you say to me? I am the General's daughter. I'm at your service. I can help you investigate everything. But," she paused. " You will have to beg me first."

Sarah laughed, teasing Cleo. "Oh, please, Cleo, help me investigate," she said, her voice playful.

Cleo grinned, her eyes shining with amusement. "Of course, I will help you investigate," she said, her voice firm. "We will get to the bottom of this together."

***

The dawn broke slowly, casting a warm, golden light over the landscape. The sky was a brilliant hue of pink and orange, with hues of purple and blue lingering in the distance. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, causing the leaves to whisper softly to each other. It was a peaceful, serene moment, one that promised a new beginning.

The tranquility of the dawn was shattered by the sound of horses' hooves and the creaking of carriage wheels. The prime minister, Mister Roland, stepped out of his carriage, his face visibly upset. His eyes were narrowed, and his jaw was clenched, giving him a stern, unyielding appearance.

The two male guards stationed at the entrance of the prime minister's residence snapped to attention, their faces expressionless. "Good morning, sir," one of them said, his voice crisp and formal.

Mister Roland nodded curtly, his eyes scanning the area before striding towards the entrance of his home.

A young maid, dressed in a simple but neat uniform, rushed to greet the prime minister. "Good morning, sir," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Welcome home."

Mister Roland's expression softened slightly as he looked at the maid. "Good morning," he replied, his voice a little gentler. "Please, go and inform Mistress Charlotte that I wish to speak with her."

The maid nodded and rushed off to fulfill the prime minister's request.

Mistress Charlotte, the prime minister's wife, swept into the room, her radiant dress, makeup, and jewelry making her look like a queen. Her long, curly hair was piled high on her head, and her blue eyes sparkled with confidence.

"Good morning, dear," she said, her voice husky and seductive. "Welcome home."

Mister Roland's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing as he looked at his wife. "Good morning," he replied, his voice distant and formal.

Mistress Charlotte's eyes flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "What's wrong, dear?" she asked, her voice concerned.

Mister Roland's face darkened, his voice rising in anger. "You know exactly what's wrong," he said, his words dripping with accusation. "You have turned my home into a place of political turmoil. You know I have always been non-partisan, that I have avoided taking sides in the petty squabbles of the nobles. And yet, you have invited half the nobles in the kingdom to our home, turning it into a hotbed of intrigue and deception."

Mistress Charlotte's face reddened with anger, her eyes flashing with defiance. "How dare you!" she began, but Mister Roland cut her off. "That's not all," he continued, his voice relentless. "You've put our family in danger, Charlotte. You have put our daughter in danger! Is that what you wanted?"

Mistress Charlotte's face was a mask of fury, her eyes blazing with anger. "How dare you question my loyalty to our family," she spat, her voice venomous. "I have done everything for this family, for our daughter. And this is the thanks I get?"

" Loyalty you say, well my dear wife, you are only loyal to yourself! To your ambition! Are you not satisfied with all we have? Why must you be greedy? Why must you put my daughter in danger!" Roland yelled.

" You judge me unfairly," it was clear she would not yield.

* You will not admit it will you? Okay, let me refresh your memory. I know about the deal you had with Prince Liam and his mother the empress! For " Roland blurted and Charlotte froze. 

Sarah, the prime minister's daughter, stood in the doorway, her ears straining to hear every word. She had been awakened by the sound of raised voices and had slipped out of her room to investigate. Her eyes were wide with curiosity, her mind racing with questions. What was going on? Why were her parents arguing? And what did it have to do with her?