Chapter Ten: An Invitation

The throne room felt colder as Skiddles and the group waited for the king and queen to show up. The orange glow from torches lit the room, fighting back the darkness of the night outside. Maximillian holds the still limp Marcus from the walk here. Just as Skiddles was about to ask what was taking so long, the large orc queen shuffles in, wearing a long robe, wiping sleep from her eyes.

“I was hoping you would retrieve him faster than you did,” Queen Pricilla said as she slumped into her throne. Skiddles admired the queen's lack of polish and etiquette; it reminded her of her friend Areshi, who was absent from the queen’s side this time.

“Apologies, your grace,” Maximillian said. “ We had a hard time finding him, then we found out he wanted to kill the prince and princess, then we were attacked-”

“He what?” The queen moved to the edge of her seat.

“He was working with a group of people who told him to poison the tea he was giving the kids,” Skiddles explained, now more nervous than impressed.

“Guards! Take him away!” Queen Pricilla waved her hand, and Areshi finally showed up with another guard, taking the unconscious Marcus from Maximillian’s arms.

“Um, what’s going to happen to him, ma’am. I mean your highness,” Holana said sheepishly.

“He will be executed, of course!” The queen stands to her towering height once again and heads to the door.

“He might have some valuable information,” Taru chimed in, stepping towards the queen. “We were also told we would be able to ask questions and we-”

“I am the queen of Galhanor, and I say he will be executed for the treasonous act of poisoning my Edward and Connie!” The queen shouts in Taru’s face. “As for your questions, you will be welcome to join the children's birthday party and ask them there.” She turns and slams the door.

“Well, that went well.” Skiddles crosses her arms and walks toward the door they came in.

“Where do we stay if we are not from this kingdom?” Taru asks.

“The guards' chambers do have extra bunks if you would like to stay here.” Maximillian answers, stretching his arms.

Leading the party to the chambers, Maximillian rubs his neck as if he is still nervous about what just happened. Skiddles goes to his side, “What’s on your mind, soldier?”

“I’m a lieutenant, it’s just this is my first assignment from the king himself, and I feel like I failed him in a way.”

“Why?” Skiddles throws her hands up in annoyance. “We got the guy, brought him back, and the queen gave her order. Seems to me like we aced it!”

“Yes, but the kids loved Marcus, and I think the king was hoping for the best outcome of this mission. Now the queen has had him killed, and so yeah, failed.”

“I think you may be too in your head about this. If the king doesn’t trust his wife's judgement, that’s on them, not you. You did your job, that's what matters, ‘Lieutenant’ Maximillian.”

“Thank you, that actually made me feel a little better, and you guys can call me Max. We’ve been through enough, I think it warrants some acquaintancy.” Max stops at a large wooden door and shows each member to their bunks. Skiddles climbs into her bed; it is stiff, and she can feel the wooden rungs digging into her back. She slips into sleep, thinking about her mother and how she would react to her first true mission.

Morning came with a hectic start. All the guards in the castle were set to high alert and were told to wake up early, even Max, who was absent from his bunk. Taru is also up, sitting on the edge of his bunk, sharpening an arrow. Holana is still sleeping, but her face contorts as if having a bad dream. Skiddles had a hard time spotting Wabu, then she noticed his large neck sticking out of his shell, which lay on the floor of the chambers.

“So what is the plan for today?” Wabu asked, stretching each limb out of his shell and standing.

“Wait for the party, ask my questions, leave,” Taru says, walking over to Holana’s bed, gently shaking her to wake.

“The king and queen asked you all to wear something a little less ‘adventurous,” Max walks in holding a handful of clothes.

“There better be a tux in there for me, lieutenant!” Skiddles shouts, successfully waking Holana.

“Everyone has an outfit,” Max laughs, handing out the clothes but skipping Wabu. “Except for you, Father Wabu, the king thought you'd be more comfortable in your religious clothes.” Wabu looks confused for a moment, then nods.

“What about you, Max?” Holana says as she sits up in bed.

“I have been told to guard King Garth again! My captain said the king was impressed with how I handled the mission last night and is thinking about making me his permanent guard.” Max smiles big and straightens his posture.

“See! I told you, we aced it!” Skiddles high-fives Max. “Well, I guess we’ll see you at the party!”

Everyone shouts luck to Max and begins to get ready.