Royal Flower

Chapter Twenty Seven

The following morning, the Red Phoenixes began sharpening their swords and loading their crossbows. Reese was talking with his father's friends about final procedures.

"We all stick together. Splitting up within the castle won't help us much," Reese said with finality. "The others can deal with knights we come across, but at least us four will deal with the Azaleas."

Bryan, Derek, and Lorraine all nodded in agreement before Reese dismissed them. Before Bryan left, Derek stopped him, grabbing one particular crossbow from the table of weapons and handing it to Bryan. "For Tania," Derek said solemnly, his eyes filled with resolve.

Bryan eyed his wife's crossbow with grief. His hands shook slightly when he tried to take it, but he then recomposed himself. Giving a curt nod, he replied with determination, "For Tania."

--

Aster, Rose, and Thierry were in the throne room, discussing the final drill for the eclipse.

"The first string of guards will be guarding the entryways into the palace, the second string will be maneuvering through the castle for any signs of intruders, and the entire third string will be guarding the entrance to the throne room. Finally, the strongest string alongside me will be with you in the throne room," Thierry explained to Aster and Rose. "The lunar eclipse usually lasts about four hours, after that everything should be fine."

Aster and Rose nodded in understanding.

Rose turned to Aster. "We've never had problems with enemies before. This is all just precaution, but four hours should pass quickly."

Aster opened his mouth to reply, but then everyone heard a voice from the door. "Um... Rose? Aster?"

Everyone turned to see Acacia, clenching the hems of her pale yellow dress.

Acacia walked up to where they were standing. "I need to tell you all something," she said softly. "I didn't have time to tell you both yesterday with the party and all, but um..." Rose gestured for Acacia to continue in encouragement. "A Red Phoenix approached me yesterday, a little before the party. He-"

Rose interrupted Acacia in concern. "Oh goodness, Acacia, are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

Acacia frowned, shaking her head. "I'm okay. He waited for me around Saige's home. He wished to warn me."

"He waited for you, specifically?" Aster raised his eyebrows. "I'm glad you're not hurt, Acacia, but do you know him?"

Acacia nodded. "We met in the forest."

Recognition flashed briefly in Thierry's narrowed eyes. "Are you talking about the boy who was with Reese when I found you, Acacia?"

Rose widened her eyes when Thierry mentioned Reese's name. Acacia nodded again. "Yes, his name is Zane."

Rose set her jaw, exchanging a worried glance with Aster. Thierry then said to the troubled royals. "I saw the boy. He looked fairly young, younger than that boy who tried to infiltrate Rose's birthday party, even."

"Devin," Aster found himself muttering his name, unable to forget the boy he had tortured in the dungeons.

"Yes, the Red Phoenix boy I found with Acacia looked a little younger than him," Thierry confirmed.

Rose sighed in relief, placing a hand over her heart. She couldn't imagine what would have happened if Reese or a member around his age had found Acacia.

Acacia continued, her voice a little shaky. "Zane warned me that Reese intends to lead an attack tonight."

"Tonight?" Rose's voice rose a pitch higher in panic.