Swords & Secrets || BeckFreen [Completed]

Chapter 3

"Lady Becca, the king has entrusted me with the honor of serving you while we embark on our quest to find the lost princess." Non bowed before Becca, but she remained silent, her gaze distant.

Non sensed that their relationship had been forever altered by a past tragedy.

Becca's father held the esteemed title of Duke and Commander of all Knights, while Non's father had been his trusted right hand. However, when war erupted between Seraphoria and Celestria, the two great kingdoms of the Sylvanaria Empire, Non's father had abandoned Becca's father, leading to his tragic death. Becca couldn't help but wonder if her father might still be alive today if they had only aided him.

After this tragedy, Duke Richard, Becca's brother, had tried to step into their father's shoes. However, the king had denied him, as Richard was the kingdom's most skilled physician. Consequently, Becca had dedicated herself to rigorous knight training at the tender age of fourteen, driven by her determination to carry on her father's legacy.

"I hope you haven't forgotten to thank His Majesty," Becca muttered as she entered the princess's palace.

Becca had unrestricted access to the palace due to the king's trust in her mission to locate the lost princess.

"Hold on," Becca paused, sensing a presence nearby. "Someone's here."

"Milady, this palace is heavily guarded; no one should be able to breach its defenses," Non reassured her.

Becca gave Non a piercing look. "Much like how your father assured my father before deserting his duty."

Non lowered his head, hurt by Becca's words. He understood that their relationship could never fully mend.

"Nevertheless, milady, something doesn't feel right," Non began before Becca silenced him by pointing her sword at him.

"Speak again, and I will silence your words," Becca warned.

Non nodded in silence. Becca sheathed her sword and entered the palace. She instructed Non to stand guard outside and not to let anyone enter, not even himself.

Becca scanned the princess's chambers. According to the guards, the princess had been confined to her chambers before mysteriously vanishing.

"It appears that even the renowned knight is on a treasure hunt," a familiar voice commented, causing Becca to turn.

Before her stood Freen, her bag filled with stolen treasures from the princess's palace. Freen made no effort to conceal her identity, her face unmasked, her long black hair flowing freely.

Becca had not anticipated Freen's stunning beauty. If the rumors were true, this girl was indeed a captivating beauty. But Becca had a mission to complete and couldn't afford to be distracted.

"What brings you here?" Becca inquired.

"Isn't it obvious?" Freen replied, eyeing a golden vase. "I'm stealing." She casually placed it in her bag. "With the princess missing, who would even notice these missing items?" Freen grinned.

Becca disapproved of Freen's actions. She had been raised with strong principles and taught to uphold her honor. She contemplated confiscating Freen's ill-gotten treasures right then and there.

"Return those," Becca said firmly. "I might let you go if you comply."

"I can make my own exit, Becca," Freen smirked as she approached.

Unarmed, Freen posed no immediate threat, Becca reasoned. It appeared Freen had not yet found another sword or intended to acquire one with her stolen goods.

"Mind your place, rogue. Address me properly," Becca warned, prompting Freen to chuckle.

Freen set her bag down and stood before Becca, a half-smile playing on her lips. She bent her knees slightly, mockingly asserting her slight height advantage.

"Where's my sword?" Freen inquired.

"I surrendered it to the king," Becca replied.

"They've taken it from me four times already, Becca. The rumors are true – you've been fighting battles for Seraphoria since you were fourteen, which is why you know nothing of me," Freen taunted, flicking Becca's forehead and causing her eyes to widen.

No one had ever dared to touch Becca, let alone hurt her. Yet this audacious rogue had just done so, and Becca was powerless to retaliate due to her mission.

"Do you still want to form an alliance with me?" Freen raised an eyebrow, her arrogance unmistakable. "Give me one reason to search for a faceless princess, someone with no recognition in this realm – nothing more than an obscure—"

Freen's words were cut short as Becca's sword swiftly came to bear against her throat.

"Ill-speak of the princess again, and I will not hesitate to end you," Becca warned, maintaining her customary stoic demeanor.

"But you are hesitating right now," Freen retorted, scoffing. In a swift move, Freen disarmed Becca, causing the sword to clatter to the floor.

"Milady, what's happening in there?" Non inquired from outside.

"Have you brought a lover?" Freen asked incredulously, prompting Becca to glare at her and covered her mouth.

Freen pushed Becca away and wiped her mouth. "Your hands smell like rust. You should care for your sword," Freen chided.

"This is your final warning. If you wish to live, depart before the guards arrive," Becca admonished, though Freen simply grimaced.

"Very well," she acquiesced, heading for the door. However, Becca blocked her path.

"What do you think you're doing?" Becca demanded.

"Leaving? You told me to leave," Freen replied, clearly exasperated.

"Why here? The guards will spot you," Becca exclaimed in disbelief.

"I have no other option, Becca. Unless you were expecting me to scale the walls, which, I regret to say, is beyond my capabilities." Freen waved her hand dismissively before wearing her mask and opening the door.

Non's eyes widened, but he remained silent as Becca shot him a stern look.

Freen approached Becca, whispering, "Your lover is rather charming, though there are plenty of handsome princes in the realm eager to win your favor. Take your pick and leave this one."

"Silence," Becca rolled her eyes, and Freen chuckled.

Freen turned to Non, offering a smile. "You must be Becca's lover. She's out of your league, you know. If you wish to live a bit longer, you might consider severing your ties." She winked at Non and leaned in to whisper, "Or, better yet, give her to me." Freen smirked, patted Non on the shoulder, and exited.

"What did she say?" Becca inquired once Freen had departed.

"I think she's interested in you," Non replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Interested, my foot. She's playing games. Keep a close watch on her," Becca ordered. Non bowed in acknowledgment before leaving.

"What is it with you, Freen, and my recruitment troubles?" Becca muttered under her breath. "A little force, and you'd be begging on your knees."