Lady Laila

Chapter 12: GOSSIP

"My Lords!" King Stephan's advisors greet as both kings walk into the room. Stephan takes his seat at the head of the table, Xerxes, sitting by him, his face stone cold.

"My Lord, I'm afraid it is not good news," a man in his late fifties, Man of Routes, says.

"No beating around the bush, what is going on?" Stephan asks sternly.

"My Lords...the spy that was planted in the resistance has been killed," General Baine says, regretfully.

Slowly, King Stephan closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, they have lost a man.

"Do we know if he was tortured?" Stephan asks, looking at his Man of War.

"We didn't find his body. He was supposed to show up at our meeting point a few days ago, but he never did."

"That does not mean he's dead!" Stephan exclaims in a shaky voice, glaring at him. "My Lord, I was sent this," the man pushes a small box to him. Xerxes, following Stephan's actions with his eyes, sees what's in the box when it's open.

"That is his finger, My Lord. I recognize that scar on the thumb anywhere," he says resting his case.

"This could mean he's still alive, but they're torturing him," Stephan says.

"Either way, he's dead," Xerxes finally speaks, gaining everyone's attention.

"This is a sign of war My Lords," the Man of Artillery states, looking distraught. "We cannot afford to go to war now. Xerxes' woman is heavily pregnant"

"Betrothed," Xerxes corrects.

"Apologies brother."

"My Lord, we can have your trusted men watch over her."

"Leaving her is out of the question," Xerxes says, glaring at them who bow immediately in apologies at his words. The room is silent, as everyone is in deep thought.

Count Richard clears his throat, the men looking at him, "Forgive me for saying this My Lords but this spy that was sent just died in vain."

"Watch your words, Count," Baine says, his tone, venomous.

"Think about it!" the count says, looking around. "If General Baine had taken my advice and changed this task into an assassination mission, yes, he would've died, but at least he would take the leader of the Resistance with him."

"The plan was to never let him die," the General bites back.

"But he did anyway. Since the affairs of men rest still uncertain, we reason with the worst that can happen and take.care.of.it"

"Enough!" Stephan slams his hand on the table, everyone except Xerxes, turns to him, bowing their heads.

"We're not at war yet," the Man of Artillery says, getting back on topic.

"He's right. We shall begin to prepare for it, but never declare until it is sure we are being attacked. When that time comes, brother, you will need to leave her, it can't be helped," Stephan says as he stands up, everyone doing the same.

"We're dismissed."

***

So far Laila has gotten King Xerxes is indeed wild in bed just like his twin brother, but Stephan is definitely more cheerful and forgiving. She can't believe he threw Princess Saya in the cold room before! She would've run away from the castle had Stephan done that to her...maybe not, if her love was as strong as it is now.

Princess Saya's love for Xerxes is just as strong as hers for Stephan, but yet it has never worked out fine between them like it did Saya and the king.