Chapter 30: Dancing with the Sword

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Silence dwelled like a clear night blackened by the lack of moonlit skies

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Silence dwelled like a clear night blackened by the lack of moonlit skies. Drowning in the silent place was Asheria, opening her mouth to scream but not a sound was heard, as if she were underwater. 

It was early in the morning, yet the castle was awake. Asheria was in her throne room, anticipating the arrival of the pair who aided in undercover work and she was infested with the desire to act.

She waited quietly and patiently, composing herself. Adrenaline was very common in these situations, a lot was risked during operations like these, and she had to be absolutely precise with her timing and actions, or else failure could be induced.

And the stakes were high. Failure could include the deaths of her people or those who worked for her if her timing wasn't right, if her decisions were wrong, if she didn't bear patience, if she acted too quickly.

Her fingers tapped against the golden armrest of the throne and one leg was crossed over the other. Her hair was disarrayed, she hadn't bothered to look prim and proper because there was no time to fix herself up, nor did she care to.

She needed to take care of matters that were more severe and had less time to worry about what she looked like.

Finally, the huge doors of her throne room were pushed open slowly. Lead by the team were her guards, and behind them, Estavana and Deavana stood, elegantly waiting behind the soldiers. They walked with their heads held high, confidence radiated from them.

The two guards leading them parted to each side, allowing the two women to walk freely and kneel at the throne. They politely got to their knees in respect and bowed their heads. They were dressed in elegant designs, their light-colored dresses flowed to the floor gently like undulating waves. A belt was fastened around their waists, and it bore swirling designs and patterns.

"You may leave," Asheria commanded the guards. What they were about to discuss was extremely private, and the only person who knew that the two women were undercover soldiers was Asheria. She couldn't risk rumors or words getting out that could put the lives of her people in danger.

"You may rise," Asheria spoke, to which the two women stood up.

Deavana smiled, she wore her thick hair like an afro, and it reminded Asheria of a crown. It was an inky black, and it seemed to glow brilliantly in the light of the sun being cast from the large, arched windows behind Asheria. Her dark brown eyes seemed to smile with her. 

"It is good to be in your presence again, your majesty."

Estavana nodded in agreement, her blue eyes sparkling. A long, single braid of her white-blonde fell down her back and she flicked it back over her shoulder when it fell forward. "It's been too long."

"Yes, indeed it has been a long time. But in a way, it is good that I have not needed to do any serious missions. But I am afraid the time has come once more." Asheria replied.

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