Jurie sucked in a breath as the doors to the dining hall banged softly. It was suffocating in there. She cringed thinking back to  her mother's icy, maddened glare that followed her till the door slammed shut. She was going to get it from her. Definitely. And it most definitely wasn't going to be pleasant. Especially if her father ever found out. 

Saiya looked at her granddaughter proudly. The moment she was born, she had seen something in Jurie. She saw a baby who would grow up to be strong, determined and undeterred by the disapproval of her family. Someone who would unflinchingly follow her heart. 

As the small group proceeded down the hallway Ajlal began to speak. "As we all know, the Unspeakable are currently in France. There is no telling when they will strike, but we need to ensure that the location of the blood diamond is secured before they even pass through the gates." 

Jurie and Rami shared a look before nodding. 

"Now there are many ways the Unspeakable could enter the palace. They could be disguised as waiters or waitresses. Palace gardeners or chefs. Maids or butlers. Even royalty and advisors. You should not let your guard down at any time, be aware of your surroundings at all times, you never know who is watching you, the Unspeakable are a large mob, one that easily overrides the number of people in both our families." Saiya continued on. 

"Under no circumstances should you ever underestimate the power they hold." Both Saiya and Ajllal said, their serious tone sending a chill down Rami and Jurie's spine. 

As they reached yet another ornately decorated door with intricate French patterns, the two elders pushed it open to reveal a guest room. In the middle sat a round table, and the two gestured for the Arabian Knight and Shadow Princess, along with Takashi and Malek, to sit. Taking a seat next to each other, Rami and Jurie listened attentively to their grandmothers' instructions, even if Rami had sneakily reached for Jurie's small hand. Takashi and Malek also did so, their eyes not faltering from the elders'.

"Though we have superior combat skills, especially one to one, the Unspeakable have more advanced weapons on a mass scale." Ajlal stated, looking the two young assassins dead in the eye. 

"Like their guns." Jurie breathed, squeezing Rami's hand, who had tensed at their mention, remembering the number of bullets he had sustained.

The two elder women nodded gravely. "Yes. And much more."

"Canons." 

"Prototype machine guns." 

"Grenades." 

"Crossbows." 

"Fabric armour."

Their grandmothers' listed, taking turns.

As young as they were, even Jurie and Rami knew that they were severely outnumbered, not just by members, but also by fire-arms. This realisation dawned on them, filling the whole room with general sense of hopelessness. 

"But that doesn't mean we have no chance," Rami said quietly.

"We just have to fight with everything that we've got." Jurie agreed. "Even if there's only going to 4 of us." She looked determinedly at her cousin and Malek. 

They returned the look with equal fervour, and a firm nod. They would be by their best friend's side no matter, and would support them wherever they went. Takashi and Malek believed in Rami and Jurie. They were so strong individually. But as a team. They would be unbeatable and cover for each others weaknesses, warn when under enemy attack and be their for each other. Indefinitely. 

"I still have Sweden with me." Jurie inputted. "We could ask him what type of firearms the Unspeakable have so that we are at least know what we're going to be up against This will hopefully give us a little leg up." 

There was a unanimous nod and they all stood up and exited the room, following Jurie as she made her way down to one of the lower rooms. Having been notified of Sweden's whereabouts late last night, the pathway down was fresh in her mind. 

~~~~~

He knew it was all for the greater good...yet he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had somehow dishonored their family name. He felt Jurie squeeze his hand. At least if they were to be burned, they would all burn together.

"What's our plan of action?" asked Malek.

"No spoilers." said Jurie with a coy smile.

Rami felt something warm ignite in his chest. He loved everything about her even if it did annoy him a little.

Soon they found themselves facing a young Sweden sitting at the edge of his bed. His bleach blond hair once so sleek had now grown long and shaggy. Rough stubble now graced his once smooth complexion, but his midnight eyes held the same sharp clarity. He looked up at them. His eyes once predatory became threatened. Cornered prey.

"What do you want?" his carefully practiced English had faded, replaced with an accent Rami couldn't place.

"You're the son of the Unspeakable." started Jurie

"I'm disowned." he reminded them.

"All the more why we should be allies." she outstretched her hand in a symbolic act of friendship. They had broken so many rules today. Befriending an Unspeakable paled in comparison.

He took it without hesitation.

"Tell me about them." said Jurie.

"My brother Denmark is a little motherf*cker."

"Aren't they all?" said Malek guffawing.

Sweden shot him a sharp look.

"No you don't get it." he said. "He's literally in bed with my mother, he's always hated our father...and let's just say through her he's segued his own route to power."

The revelation struck them as grotesque but also highly fascinating. Oedipus Rex was a brilliant play, but the mental complex itself seemed to outshine it.

"He controls alot of the Empire. Mostly the weaponry."

They had struck a gold mine.

"Sweden do you know anything about the weaponry and warfare tactics. Anything about their plans?"

"Denmark is going to kill me."

"You're under my protection." promised Jurie. "On the Capulet name I swear no one shall hurt you."

"I stand by her." put in Rami. But he gave Sweden a scathing look. As if to say you better no screw this up.

"I'll need a pen and paper." said Sweden. "It's time for my family to taste their own bitter medicine."

~~~~~

Hey!!! Hope you guys enjoyed it so far!!!!!! Sorry for the late update Thea and I were so busy with school! Looks like we're nearing the finale! See you next chapter.