There wasn't much to be found, but Torcan would have been surprised if there had been. If lord Vertus had committed treason, it would be unlikely that he brought it to Auros where it could easily be discovered.

They had discussed everything thoroughly with king Marcos and prince Cyrus, also the possibility that lord Izem of Salvire was involved. That part had been painful for Mikos, and Torcan could tell the boy was ashamed of even the thought that this father had anything to do with it.

Nonetheless, Mikos had agreed to be an informant for Darius and tell him everything he'd find. Now, after a few days at Auris, it was time for the Tirèze party to return home. Darius didn't want to leave his kingdom alone much longer, and they didn't want to raise suspicion with the lords.

They travelled through the South and crossed the border at Valais into Tirzé. Another day's ride and they would be home.

Darius had urged Mikos to travel to Tirzé with them before returning home. There were things that needed to be discussed and Darius hadn't forgotten the request the boy had made regarding a certain nomad girl.

They had declined the offer of lord Valerus, Iolaus' father, to spend the night at his estate. Instead they made camp a few hours across the border. It was good to be on their own ground again.

Mikos watched his brother calmly as Torcan made arrangements to set up their camp. It hadn't gone by unnoticed that the rest of king Darius' soldiers avoided him as much as possible, thought they made sure their king wouldn't see.

For reasons unknown to himself, it annoyed Mikos. There was no reason for these men to treat their fellow comrade like that. He wished he could speak up but he knew it was not his place. These were not his men. He didn't want to offend his king by overstepping his boundaries. Not with Salvire already on shaky grounds.

Instead he stood up, pretending to inspect his horse. In truth he followed his brother who was cleaning his gear. "Does it not bother you?" he asked quietly, "the way they treat you? You are the king's right hand. You outrank them."

Torcan didn't look up, but continued to clean his saddle. "Does it bother you?" he asked instead.

Mikos gritted his teeth. A look of frustration was in his eyes. "They shouldn't. They have no right. There is no reason."

"Isn't there?" Torcan asked. He now looked up at his little brother kindly. "Do not feel angered on my behalf. It won't change anything."

Mikos clenched a fist. "Are you not His Majesty's friend? He treats you as such. He could speak up for you." He didn't understand. Why couldn't king Darius say something to his men? Discipline them Order them to treat Torcan like they treated their fellow soldiers?

Torcan looked at him with a mix of amusement and pity. His brother was still so young, in many aspects. "Think about it," he said kindly, "what would happen if he did?"

Mikos narrowed his eyes. "They would have no choice but to follow his command! They wouldn't treat you like you're infested with the plague. They would..." he paused and frowned in thought. Then he let out a sigh. "They would hate you for having the king's favor. They would look at you with even more disdain." Above all, they would mistrust him. And distrust could lead to all kinds of fatal mishaps. Intentional or not.

He sighed again, in frustration this time. "So you just let them treat you like that? Like you are lesser than them? But it's not fair."

Torcan smiled fondly at his younger brother. "It is not what they say or think of me what will make me less. I am my own person. No one's opinion can make me anything else."

His younger brother seemed to think on that for a moment. Although it was partially true, he could not believe Torcan was not at all affected. Mikos frowned again. He knew Torcan was an excellent soldier. If that on its own was not enough to prove anyone wrong, then there truly was nothing that would change their minds and make them treat him better.

Torcan smiled at the boy's conflicted expression and stood up. Gently he pressed is brother's shoulder. "Don't carry the weight of the word all alone," he said kindly, "come. Let's eat and rest. It has been a long few days. Tomorrow we'll arrive in Tirzé. You can meet your cousins then."

...

Merchants had brought the news to the villages and from thereon out the news had reached Boncini.

Bodies had been found along the Northern border. They were identified as the spies that had been sent to infiltrate Balor. If there had been any doubt there was a traitor at work, then now that doubt was gone.

Vara paced the room restlessly and bit her lip. She wondered if Chloe had already reached the city. If anything had happened to the girl, she would never forgive herself. All she could do was wait for more news.

She looked up when Lykander entered the room a little hesitantly. "No news yet?" he asked. Vara knew he must be anxious too. Chloe was his wife after all.

She shook her head. "Not yet, but I suppose it's still too early for that. Even if she has already arrived, she can't just get an audience with the king. Or even Cyrus. And even then, it takes time to send word back to us." She offered a weak smile. "She will be fine."

Lykander nodded, though they both knew there was no certainty. He cleared his throat. "Would you mind watching Phoebe for a moment? I have work in the gardens that need tending. And all the servants are busy."

Vara smiled kindly. "Of course," she said, "leave her with me." Watching the daughter of Lykander and Chloe would keep her mind off things and the little girl was such a joy. She still longed for a child of her own, but she and Iason hadn't been granted one yet.

Phoebe wadded towards Vara and Vara happily lifted the girl. "Come, little one," she said, "let's feed the chickens."

Lykander shook his head amused. As frightened as his wife was by the animals, their daughter was fascinated by the pecking birds and couldn't get enough of them. He let out a sigh. He couldn't say he was all that happy that Chloe had volunteered to travel to Auros. It wasn't that he didn't trust her with the prince, but the roads were dangerous. Even when she travelled with a caravan, there were still many things that could befall her. And the task she had set out to do was nothing not be taken lightly, spying in the house of a potential traitor. If she was found out, her life was at stake.

His eyes narrowed in worry. He should have gone with her, but he knew she wouldn't have let him. One person was less suspicious that two. Besides, they had a child to look after. What would happen to their daughter if they were both killed?

No, Lykander shook his head, he shouldn't think like that. He needed to be positive. Prince Cyrus wouldn't let anything happen to her.

Lykander took a deep breath and made his way to the garden. It was best to stay occupied and not let his mind wander.

Chloe would be safe. And soon she would return home to him

...

Eunice looked up from her chore when she heard a wagon approach and pull to a stop nearby. Dalós didn't receive many visitors, even though the village lay at a main road. Many people passed through here, but rarely anyone stopped here.

A young woman around her own age climbed down the wagon and thanked the driver before turning a curious look at the village of Dalós. Hesitantly she approached Eunice and studied the house before speaking up. "Are you, by any chance, Euniece? Friend of lady Vara vi Aurelios?"

Euniece studied her cautiously. "Who wants to know?"

"My name is Chloe," the woman said, "I am from her household. She told me to look for the house across the well. The one with the bench outside the front door and the square window. The one with the goat pen next to it. She said her friend lived there and would help me."

Eunice looked at her concerned now. Was Vara in trouble? "What has happened?"

Chloe glanced around cautiously. It would do no good if anyone were to overhear. All of this would be for naught. Quietly in a hushed voice, she began to tell the story of the attack on Boncini and the suspicion of treason.

Euniece's face paled and she carefully lowered herself on the bench. "Vara was attacked?" she said in shock. "H-how? How is that possible? Isn't the army protecting the border? And the fortification too? Are we invaded?"

Chloe shook her head. "The attack was only aimed at Boncini which is why I need to get a message to the prince. Lady Vara has an idea on how to find the traitor."

"But she's okay?" Euniece asked, "and Iason too?"

"Yes," Chloe nodded, "They are both fine."

Euniece still couldn't wrap her head around it. How Vara must have suffered! And there was nothing she could do!

No, Euniece decided, there was something she could do. She looked at Chloe determined. "Tell me what you need."

Chloe nodded. "I can't just go to the palace. Everyone knows me there. If the traitor is in Auros, he might get suspicious. Do you know someone that might get my lady's message to the prince?"

Euniece bit her lip. "I supposed Ethan could go. We've gone before. The village delivers food to the palace kitchen. And the prince knows us."

It would have to be enough. "He can only speak with prince Cyrus or the king himself. If not them, then lord Iolaus, but no one else. Not even a servant."

"I will call for him," Euniece said, "wait here." She hurried to the back of the house where Ethan was cleaning the goat pen.

Chloe waited nervously for them to return. When they did, Ethan's face was grim.

"My wife told me what happened. What message should I bring the prince?"

The servant girl took a deep breath. "He needs to go North for the border inspection and stay at one of the lords of the Northern provinces. And he needs to take me with him in his party so I can be his eyes and ears."

Both Ethan and Eunice stared at her. "You mean to be a spy," Ethan said softly. He glanced around to make sure no one would overhear. "Why would you do something so dangerous?"

"Because servants know things," Chloe stated calmly, "but they'll never speak to their superiors. The prince wouldn't be able to get the information I can get and we don't know who to trust." She looked at him pleadingly. "Please carry my message."

Ethan gave a serious nod. "I will, but it won't be until tomorrow. They won't let anyone in at this hour."

Chloe nodded in understanding.

"You are welcome to stay the night," Euniece invited, "you must be tired and hungry after traveling so far." She ushered Chloe inside. There was an extra bed. Antonia had passed away a few months prior.

Chloe looked around the house curiously. It was small, but very homely. Hesitantly she sat down at the table where Euniece placed bread and cheese in front of her. She really hoped this plan would work and that prince Cyrus would listen. It might be their only chance..

...

They had broken up camp at dawn. Mornings were the best to travel before the heat would reach its height over the desert. With some luck they would arrive at Tirzé at midday.

Torcan flanked Darius' left while Mikos rode on his right, a position of honor.

Darius kept his eyes ahead while addressing the boy. "Once we reach Tirzé, I will send word to your father that you are safe and will return home in a few days. If he asks anything once you're home, you can tell him we're sorting out a fitting reward for Salvire's aid." When Mikos looked at him confused, Darius continued. "It is not a lie. There is no need to tell him the reward is for you, not him."

Mikos gave a nod. What else could he do? Now that they were almost home, he began to have second thoughts regarding his request. Would Malati even remember him? Would she even want to have anything to do with him? He started to feel like a fool. It would be so embarrassing if she rejected him.

"Your Majesty," Torcan spoke up, "we are nearing Tirzé. Perhaps we should send ahead two riders to announce your return."

Darius gave a nod and motioned back. Not long after, one of his soldiers rode up next to Mikos. "My king?" he asked Darius.

"Send out two riders to inform Tirzé of our arrival."

"Yes, Your Majesty." He gestured back to the troops and two riders broke free and made for the city. The soldier fell back in line.

Mikos stole a glance towards his brother. In the past few days he had seen the kind of man his brother was. The kind of man he aspired to be. And he was sure there was much more to learn. He was grateful he'd had the opportunity to learn at least this much and he hoped to see his brother again in the future. He wasn't going to let his father stop him again.

...

Chloe had been pacing the small living space of Euniece and Ethan's home ever since Ethan had left for the palace that morning. waiting was nerve wracking.

Euniece had done her best to distract the servant girl by giving her small chores to do, but Chloe couldn't focus long on any task.

"It will be alright," Euniece tried to calm her, though she herself felt worried too. Not about Ethan, but about the possible traitor. She could only imagine how Vara must be feeling. When her friend still lived in Auros, the war was always something that happened far away, but Boncini was positioned right at the border.

"It's about an hour's walk to the city, and then an hour back. And he needs to find prince Cyrus too. It will take a while." Even if Cyrus knew both Ethan and Euniece, it didn't mean they could just freely roam the palace.

"I know," Chloe nodded. Still, she couldn't help herself.

When horse's hooves sounded outside, both women looked up and hurried towards the door. A cloaked figure dismounted and when he noticed Chloe and Euniece, he threw back his hood to reveal himself.

"Lord Iolaus," Chloe said and fell into a courtesy.

Iolaus' face was serious. "We received your message. What is this plan Vara has?"

"Please come inside," Euniece invited and she held open the door. Once everyone was inside the small house, Euniece secured the door behind them. As the other two sat down at the table, Euniece went to retrieve bread and water.

"Prince Cyrus couldn't come himself," Iolaus explained, "he is busy with reports and petitions. And most of the lords are still at court too."

"What about Ethan?" Eunice asked as she seated herself next to Chloe, "did he not return with you?"

Iolaus smiled kindly. "He will return by foot. It would only draw attention otherwise. Now tell me about this plan."

Chloe took a dep breath and explained how Vara thought there might be information to gain in the household of the northern lords, and how the best place for that was with the servants. Since they didn't know who to trust, Chloe had volunteered to go, but the only one that wouldn't make a sudden visit suspicious was prince Cyrus.

Iolaus nodded in thought. "It does make sense. Both lord Vertus and lord Matís are still at court. I'll suggest Cyrus to ride with them, but we need to find a way for you to join us." He thought a moment. "We will pass through Dalós. You could slip in one of the wagons, but make sure no one sees you do it. Once we arrive in the North, no one will think anything of it if you say you are prince Cyrus' servant."

Chloe took a deep breath and gave a determined nod. "I can do that. When will prince Cyrus depart?"

"I don't know yet," Iolaus said, "we can't rush the lords into leaving. A few days at most. Just be ready to leave at any given moment. I'm sure you will hear a large party like that approach beforehand."

Chloe gave another nod. "I will be ready." It wasn't like she had much to prepare. She didn't need a lot of luggage, just the small bundle she had arrived with at Euniece's house and some food for the road. But a bundle with some bread and cheese could be quickly grabbed, so she wasn't concerned with that. She was sure Euniece would provide something.

Iolaus stood up. "I should return to the palace. I shouldn't be away too long. I will see you again in a few days." He nodded at Eunice and walked out the door.

Eunice turned to Chloe. "Are you certain you want to do this?"

"Yes," Chloe said determined, "I have to. We cannot let Balor win." She looked at Eunice seriously. "I have been at the mercy of men all my life until I came to Boncini. I thought I had no choice. But I know how Balor treats women. Especially those they capture. I will not fall victim to that. So we must stop them, before it is too late."

Euniece smiled sadly and wondered just how this girl's life must have been. "I wish you luck then," she said, "be careful."

...

Elora impatiently waited on the cold marble of the hallway. Two riders had arrived an hour before to announce the return of the king. As soon as the news had reached her, Elora had given instructions to prepare food. The baths would be ready for Darius as well and a room was being readied for lord Mikos da Salve.

Now all she could do was wait.

The boys were both in their quarters, playing under the watchful eye of Mehr, but her daughter Roshan was on her hip. The girl was at that stage where she could crawl away in the blink of an eye, so she wanted the child close.

Finally she could see king Darius and his entourage arrive through the gates.

Forcing herself to be patient, she stayed where she was. In Tirèze, women did not run to meet their husband. Their husband came to them once he was ready. Running to him would only disgrace him. He was a king, so she should act like a queen.

That didn't mean she was not anxious to see him.

She watched as he dismounted and instructed his men. Stable boys ran to take over the horses. Soldiers dispatched to follow orders. And then finally he made his way over to the columns that formed the entrance to the palace.

Elora bowed her head as Darius approached her. "Welcome home, my king," she said humbly.

A hand pushed up her face. "It's good to be home," Darius spoke. His thumb caressed her cheek briefly before he lifted Roshan in his arms. "I've only been gone a short while and she has grown so much."

Elora smiled. "She grows every day. She gives Mehr grey hairs and drives her mother mad, but in the arms of her father she is so well behaved."

Darius smiled at his daughter fondly and looked back at Elora. "I brought lord Mikos da Salve, heir of Salvire. He aided us in freeing Boncini."

Elora eyed the young man curiously. She had only seen him briefly once at Darius' coronation. But that was already over four years ago. She hadn't had time to study him closely. He was Torcan's younger brother, she knew, but the siblings didn't know each other. Or, they hadn't known each other. She couldn't be certain of the situation now.

She made a light bow. "Be welcome, lord Mikos da Salve. I have been informed about your arrival and rooms have been prepared for you. Should you have need of anything, you only need to instruct the servants. May your stay here be pleasant and comfortable."

Mikos inclined his head at her uncertain.

"Lord Mikos will share the evening meal with us," Darius said, "Torcan will join us too."

Elora smiled happily. It had been a while since she and Darius had eaten together. "I will make the preparations." She looked at Darius. "The baths are readied for you should you wish to freshen up."

Darius nodded and handed Roshan back to her. "I will." He was tired and felt filthy. He turned to Torcan and Mikos. "I will see you later."

They both bowed.

Elora smiled at Torcan. "Torcan," she said kindly, "I trust you will take good care of our guest and make sure he gets situated."

"Of course," Torcan inclined his head.

"I will leave you to it then," Elora said. She smiled. "It is good to have you home again." She inclined her head at Mikos and walked away to find her other children.

Torcan turned to Mikos. "Would you like to wash up first? I will take you to the bathhouse, though I will not go in myself." Instead, he would ask for water to be hauled up to his room where he could bathe in private. The other soldiers were most likely at the bath house as well and he did not want to become the subject of their mockery again. Especially with Mikos there.

His brother studied him carefully. "Is this because of the soldiers? We could go to a private bath. Like we did in Auros."

Torcan smiled sadly. "I know you mean well, but I'll be fine. A servant will accompany you back to your chambers once you're finished. We will meet again at the evening meal." He walked his brother to the bathhouse and then returned to his own quarters.

A/N Here it is, the new chapter. I have also posted a new story Cracks. I would love to hear what you think of it.