Chapter 252 - First Order of Business

Even though he had experience jumping off the cliff before, Vaughn still felt like his heart would jump out of his ribcage.

"Ha-ha-ha, isn't it exciting?"

He was the complete opposite of Zenia, who seemed to be enjoying every minute that they were off the ground. Vaughn did not know for how long he had held his breath. They were practically flying – Thunderbolt was actually flying.

Thud!

Thunderbolt neighed once when he landed on Tissuria's soil and galloped away. Lewis could not believe what he just witnessed. He saw Thunderbolt flew, but he could not see if he landed safely. But judging from the lack of reaction or concern of Zander's men, Lewis knew that Vaughn and Zenia made it to Tissuria safely.

* * * * *

Zander's men got information that the Left Minister had gathered his allies in his estate. He did not think that someone might have already detected the secret meeting that he organized. He knew that Redivo could be monitoring Damien's actions and whereabouts and decided not to let him participate in the meeting. 

"Left Minister, until now the Queen is not willing to tell us the real condition of the King. What if King Tarendino is already recovering?"

"Marquis Vermont, don't think like that. In my opinion, the King's condition is getting worse that's why the Queen refuses to say it." 

The Left Minister sneered, "Do you think that a woman who only relies on her family's influence can keep up the facade for long? I believe that until now the King has not woken up yet."

"I also think that way. If we should strike, we need to strike now. I also believe that the Crown Prince has been detained somewhere." Count Camarillo gritted his teeth as he stated his stand.

Everyone in that meeting – some are nobles and the others are big businessmen – agreed that it was time for them to take actions while the odds were in their favor.

Everyone laughed and raised their glasses. They were certain that victory was within their grasps. They drank until they could drink no more. 

Outside, a few of Zander's men who were stationed in Luna Inn heard everything. They found Damien's secret guards lurking around and took care of them before they could reach the Left Minister's estate. 

When they were certain that the meeting had adjourned, they left quietly as if they were never there in the first place. Everyone in the meeting room was already drunk. It would take another day or two before the Left Minister and his allies would take action.

* * * * *

Zenia nudged Thunderbolt to go to Luna Inn. She wanted to know the current situation in Tissuria, and the best place to get that information was at Luna Inn. 

"Are you sure that it's safe to go there directly? What if Damien's secret guards are there?" Vaughn began to worry as Thunderbolt got nearer to their destination.

"Even if they are there, they won't recognize us. We can come like this right now," Zenia turned around and grinned, and then gave Vaughn a peck on his cheek.

Vaughn was elated that his wife gave him a kiss, but he suddenly felt that something bad was about to happen. He knew that Zenia was planning something and hoped that she would not do something outrageous.

The one guarding the door of Luna Inn recognized Zenia immediately and greeted her.

"Esteemed guests, welcome to Luna Inn," the man gave his greeting while making eye signals to Zenia that there were Damien's secret guards among them.

Zenia smirked and thought, 'When did they decide to disguise themselves and blend in?'

"I'm here for a job. I hope you can help me." Zenia took out a gold nugget and handed it to the man.

Damien's secret guards went back to what they were doing before when they verified that Zenia and Vaughn were customers. Lately, only a few jobs came to Luna Inn. Damien had suspicions that another group mimicked their operation and snatched their customers away. They had been investigating the matter, but they always faced a dead end each time they thought they were so close to uncovering the truth.

The man gave Zenia a wide grin and chortled, "This way, dear guests. Let me lead the way."

Zenia whispered as soon as they were out of the secret guards' line of sight, "How is everything?"

"According to Commander's plan."

"It's good then. I'd like to meet General Dietrich."

"I will lead you to him."

Zenia held Vaughn's hand and they walked together to meet General Dietrich. Damien's secret guards did not suspect anything and remained oblivious of their surroundings. All the men in Luna Inn – from the group of assassins to the kitchen helpers – were all Zander's men. On the order of General Dietrich, the military men of Ishelon were ready to get rid of the remaining secret guards. Their days were numbered.

Creek! Creek!

General Dietrich lifted his head when he heard the creaking of his door. He was writing a message for Zander to report everything that had happened in Tissuria ever since Zander left. He also asked for the next set of instructions.

He stood up straight and placed his right fist against his chest to salute when he recognized Zenia. General Dietrich was one of the few men who still followed the old tradition of saluting. Zenia never got used to it and would always get startled. Vaughn almost lost his footing when he saw the General's action

"At ease General. How many times must I tell you not to do that in front of me? Do you want to give me a heart attack?"

"My apologies Junior Commander. I only want to show my respect to you."

"You're only three years older than me, but you're acting like an old man. Even my father does not do that kind of greeting anymore."

General Dietrich scratched his head awkwardly and led the couple to a couch. He did not know who Vaughn was, but he had a pretty good guess that he was the Crown Prince. Why would their Junior Commander be together with some random guy, unless she was very familiar with him? Apart from her brothers in the Ishelon Military Unit, General Dietrich did not see Zenia together with an unknown man.

He waited for Zenia to introduce Vaughn, but she never did. Vaughn did not mind it either. The couple sat and General Dietrich told his subordinate to send in some drinks and snacks. 

"Since you're already here Junior Commander, might as well tell you about my report."

"Hmm, go on."

The couple listened as the General explained everything. It took the General a full hour to narrate everything. Zenia massaged her waist and Vaughn helped her when he noticed it. The General gawked at the couple's display of affection. He did not expect that their Junior Commander had such a side to her. He knew that she was gentle with the ladies, especially when she was disguised as a man. He never expected that she could also act like a pampered princess.

General Dietrich would sometimes stop and did not know whether he should continue or just give the couple a room. Zenia kept complaining that her back was aching and her waist was painful.

She turned to Vaughn and even reprimanded him, "It's all your fault! You gripped my waist too hard and pressed against me for too long."

"But I begged you not to do that anymore."

"We were in a hurry and that was the only way I know how so we can both go there quickly."

"Next time, I will be the one to call the shots. My heart was beating so fast that I thought it would jump out of my chest."

"What?! You don't even know how to do it. If that simple exhibition was too much for you, how can you be sure that you will be able to pull it off when I let you take over?"

"I'm a fast learner and after a few more practice I will be as good as you. Nothing can beat a master like you, except me."

General Dietrich's imagination went wild and his nose began to bleed. He could not longer take it and signaled to Zenia that he wanted to be excused. He pinched his nose to stop the bleeding and ran out of the room.

Zenia and Vaughn looked at each other and both of them were confused at the General's reaction. They shrugged their shoulders and Vaughn continued massaging Zenia.