Aligning Stars (Fate's Intent Book 1) Read Free Page B

majesty, as we were unprepared for the recent events and I regret allowing three men to wipe out an entire company of your soldiers.”
    “Three men? It was only three men?”
    “Yes, your majesty. I stayed to confirm it. It was the Great Seni Fighters, led by Prince Zayden.”
    The Queen sounded disgusted with this news. “ Rebels . Your defeat cannot go unanswered.”
    “What shall you have me do?”
    “You? Nothing. You’re suspended from your duties as of now.”
    I was instantly full of rage but said nothing. I didn’t want to make things worse for myself and lowered my head as a gesture of bowing. “As you wish.”
    “Actually, I have one last duty for you.”
    “Name it.” I quickly looked up with solid words.
    “I want you to assemble the Kalu Assassins and send them into the mountains.”
    Worry overcame me and I tried to protect my family. “But your majesty!”
    Arianna held up her hand and I had no choice but to hold my tongue from making matters any worse. “Aleksander, I know she is your daughter but she and her team are the best and it’s about time to know who possesses the dominant force. Their meeting is inevitable. You know this. Will you not do your duty to your country, not even for me?”
    I was silent and put my head down with an even more silent sigh.
    “Do this and I’ll retract your suspension. Your record will be wiped clean of your humiliating defeat. You shall once again redeem your honor.”
    I knew what I had to do. I had to send them out on the dangerous road of the mountains to face Zayden because I knew whether I wanted to or not, she would have them go anyway.
    “Done. You have my word.”
    “Good. Send them out immediately.”
    I got to my feet, bowing my head one last time.
    I rode a bit more slowly on my way back to the manor just thinking of what could happen. My whole world and everything I cared about could be taken away by having to do this one thing.
    I still didn’t want to.
    Adele was my life and Jaylyn and Ruby had become like daughters to me over the years they’ve spent together. Sending them to their deaths was something I didn’t want to do. I had to make absolutely sure that Adele knew what she would be up against.
    I was alone to place my horse back in the stables with another minute to think but the moment I walked inside the manor, Adele was eagerly awaiting my arrival to hear the news. “What did the Queen say?”
    The look in her eye was anxious and I tried getting to it slowly. “First of all, what you did was unacceptable.”
    “I’m sorry, father. I just had to.”
    “I understand but you know how hard it’s going to be for me? You’re lucky no one asked about it.”
    “You faked it well.”
    I touched my face where the dried blood smears tightened the skin. “You gave me no choice.”
    “So?” She asked, getting back on the subject with an innocent voice like a child. “How did it go?”
    It would seem I couldn’t put it off any longer and knew I had no choice but give her the orders. “Get your gear and gather your team. She wants you to track down the Great Seni Fighters.”
    “Are we to engage?”
    “You’re Assassins.” I hesitated to get out my next words. “Take them out.”
    Adele nodded and turned to leave.
    “Adele.”
    My voice stopped her. “Yes?”
    I was hesitant to let my worry show and came up with something else to say. “Make sure you’re back before the banquet. I know the Queen is expecting you to be there.”
    “Don’t worry, father. That’s weeks away and we shouldn’t even have to leave the country. We’ll be back before then.”
    “Also, it’d be best for you to travel on foot. The sound of horses carries too swiftly through the mountains and you will need the element of surprise on your side. That’s where I failed.”
    “Father—”
    “Remember what I said about them. This will be your most difficult mission yet. Let us hope Fate favors you and the others on this journey as I will. Good