Page 115 of The Curse of the Goddess

“Oh right! I can read them if you want,” she said, remembering Dristan’s plans and how he wanted to contribute more.

If she could get closer maybe, just maybe, she could give Valda some good insight into what her people needed. Maris’s chest was about to burst with excitement. Her eyes drifted from Valda’s tense frown to the folders. As Maris reached for the papers, the queen’s large and strong hand grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

“Valda?” Maris called out, her own hand moving over the queen’s.

Valda gasped as if snapped back to reality and released her. “I am sorry.”

Maris frowned deeper as she studied Valda’s face. She seemed lost, conflicted about something. Maris tilted her head and then softly touched Valda’s forearm. “Is everything all right?”

Valda nodded and faked a smile. “Yes! Yes of course everything is fine.” She moved away from Maris, heading to her bureau, and leaving the folders there. “Don’t worry about those reports for now. Are you hungry?” Valda asked.

“Yes,”Maris whispered, attention moving from Valda’s tall form to the folders.

“Great.” Valda nodded and touched Maris’s shoulders, feeling the robe. “You should get dressed. Let’s have breakfast in the dining room, and then we should head out to an emergency meeting General Arwin called.”Valda smiled an empty smile.

Maris pulled Valda to her, her hands coming to rest the queen’s chest. “Valda? Are you sure everything is all right?”

Valda nodded and then scoffed. “Starving.”

“Oh.” Maris decided to let it go for now. Valda wasn’t going to tell her what had gotten into her, but whatever it was, it had to do with Arwin. She stepped away to get dressed.

As she did, she saw the queen move about the room, nervous, close to the folders. The queen took the folders in her hands, touched the surface of the bureau, and opened a drawer, slipping the papers in and closing it.

***

The meeting was impromptu, and since Isen was already in the castle, Valda asked him to join them, much to Arwin’s disdain. Valda sat at the head of the table, hands neatly folded, with Arwin on her left and Isen standing next to Maris, hand clasped behind him.

As Arwin spoke his agitation grew, and Maris made sure to write that down. Isen’s calm demeanor took Maris by surprise.

Arwin explained that he had received reports about the activities in Umbriel, and Valda listened attentively. He never looked at Maris. It was as if she didn't exist, and Maris was fine with that. She also wished he didn't exist.

“I do believe it would be better if I head down there, under cover. I need to find out who is the one in charge.”

Valda shook her head before he could finish. “Arwin—”

“Your Highness, I can go with a group of experienced soldiers. I am more than sure that I can infiltrate the rogues, find out who’s behind all this, and be done with it. We have enough information to at least get close to them.”

“I can go for you,” Isen interrupted, “I can infiltrate it better than you can.”

Arwin scoffed. “No offense, Captain, but a Sealian infiltrating? Really?”

“What’s the problem, General?” Isen asked, standing up straight and crossing his arms over his broad chest.

“I will tell you what the problem is. A Sealian would never betray the throne. You should know.”

“I will take that as a compliment.” Isen nodded. “Yet, it is possible a Sealian could join the Umbriel rogues if that Sealian is not happy with what is happening to his people in this Kingdom.” The handsome man glanced at Maris before turning to face the queen. “Besides—” He waved his hand at Arwin dismissively. “Everyone knows who General Arwin is. And he is very easy to spot.” He pointed at his cheek.

Maris pressed her lips into a thin line as she tried not to laugh. Isen seemed not to be a fan of Arwin, and for that reason alone Maris liked him even more.

“Captain Hurley, if you may,” Valda said, a soft, amused curve forming in her lips.

“Well, if someone knows who I am, I can just take care of them. Easy, no problem.” Arwin asserted, trying to save face.

“Then the operation will be a waste of time.” Isen shook his head and rubbed his temple. “Let me go. No one knows who I am, I am barely here in the castle as it is.”

“Hurley,” Valda warned, waving a hand at him, signaling to be quiet.

“My apologies, my Queen.”

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