After finalizing Plan A, Xander and Lyra knew the importance of having a fallback strategy. They sat back for a moment, collecting their thoughts before diving into the formulation of Plan B.Xander's expression turned more serious. "If Plan A fails, we'll need to rely on more... direct methods," he began, his tone indicating that this plan would leverage his more ruthless abilities.Lyra nodded, understanding the implications. "Right. If stealth fails, we'll have to fight our way through. You can use your blood mage powers more openly then."Xander agreed, "Exactly. If it comes down to it, I can conjure my blood sword. It's a potent weapon, but using it will certainly draw attention."Lyra pulled the map closer again. "Let's identify strategic points in the palace where you can use your powers to our advantage, places where you can control the battlefield if it comes to a fight."They bent over the map, marking key locations like narrow corridors, choke points, and open courtyards. X
Three days later, Xander and Lyra were ready to set their Plan A into motion. They donned their carefully acquired disguises – Xander dressed as a palace kitchen staffer and Lyra in a maid's uniform. With a final check of their appearances and equipment, they opened the window of their tavern room and slipped out, heading towards the castle.The streets of Emberlyn were alive with excitement and anticipation for the gala. Fancy carriages lined the roads, heading toward the castle, each more lavishly decorated than the last. The city itself was adorned with vibrant decorations – banners, lights, and flowers creating a festive atmosphere.People crowded the streets, their conversations filled with speculation and excitement about the night's event. "I hear the food is going to be exquisite," one woman said to her companion, her eyes sparkling. "The Duchess always has the best chefs for these galas."Another passerby chimed in, "And have you heard? His Majesty Richard, the King of Emberl
Xander, still simmering from Chef Gerard's scathing remarks, decided to enact a small measure of retaliation. As he passed the soup station, he slyly added a generous pinch – rather, a handful – of salt to the simmering pot, his grin barely concealed.With a quick glance around to ensure no one had noticed his culinary sabotage, Xander slipped away from the kitchen, blending into the shadows of the corridor. His heart raced with the thrill of his covert mischief, a brief respite from the tension of their mission.Moments later, as Xander distanced himself from the kitchen, he heard the unmistakable roar of Chef Gerard. "Who ruined the soup? This is saltier than the Dead Sea!" The chef's bellow echoed down the hallways, reaching Xander's ears.Xander couldn't help but grin wider at the sound of the chef's outrage. His grin was a silent victory over the chef's earlier tirade. He continued on his way, moving deeper into the palace. Quickly making his way to the servants' quarters, Xande
As Duchess Celina reached the bottom of the grand staircase, she paused, allowing the crowd to settle before addressing the assembly of nobles and distinguished guests. The hall fell silent, all eyes and ears focused on her."Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests," Celina began, her voice clear and confident. "I welcome you all to this splendid evening. It is an honor to host such a distinguished gathering here in the heart of the Duchy of Krovian."She scanned the room, her gaze commanding and assured. "I am also pleased to announce that His Majesty, King Richard, will be arriving shortly to grace us with his presence. It is a testament to the strong bond between the Duchy and the throne."Xander, mingling among the servers, kept his focus on Celina, listening intently to her speech.Celina continued, her tone shifting to one of subtle excitement. "Tonight is not just a celebration, but also a herald of the progressive changes our Duchy is undergoing. I will be introducing more refor
As the commotion around the unconscious server and Brie's decisive actions began to settle, Duchess Celina stepped forward, addressing the gathered nobles with an air of calm authority."Please, do not let this unfortunate incident disrupt our evening," Celina urged, her voice steady and reassuring. "Continue to enjoy the gala. We must also prepare to welcome His Majesty, King Richard, with the respect and honor he deserves."There was a murmur of agreement among the guests, and slowly, the atmosphere of the gala began to return to its previous state of festive celebration.Brie, ever the vigilant protector, spoke up. "Your Grace, I'll conduct another round of security checks and personally interrogate the staff. We can't take any chances, especially with the King's imminent arrival."Celina nodded in approval, grateful for Brie's diligence. "Very well, Captain Brie. Ensure our security is impenetrable."As Brie moved off to begin her security sweep, Lyra discreetly made her way towar
Xander and Lyra moved with stealth and urgency, navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the palace toward Duchess Celina's private chambers. The chaos of the gala, still unfolding behind them, provided the perfect cover for their covert movements.As they neared the chambers, they could hear voices – Brie and a man with a commanding presence, undoubtedly Riyon, the King's Royal Guard. Riyon was a tall, muscular man, his posture radiating authority. He wore the distinctive armor of the royal guard, polished to a shine, and his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings with a vigilant gaze.Lyra and Xander paused just out of sight, listening to Brie and Riyon discuss the heightened security measures in the wake of the chandelier incident."We need to double the guard at every entrance," Riyon was saying, his voice firm. "And increase patrols throughout the palace. Whoever caused this may still be here."Brie nodded in agreement, her expression stern. "I'll have my best women on it. We can't
Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere of Duchess Celina's chambers was shattered when Xander, with the agility and stealth of a seasoned predator, climbed into the room through the window. His sudden appearance took both King Richard and Celina by complete surprise.Celina, recovering from her initial shock, demanded sharply, "Who are you?" Her hand subtly reached for the dagger concealed in her dress, her eyes narrowing at the intruder.King Richard, ever the protector, instinctively reached for his sword, his movements deliberate and ready for confrontation.But before either of them could act, Xander dashed forward with startling speed. In a fluid, almost inhuman motion, he snatched the dagger from Celina's grasp and secured her in a firm hold, the blade pressed against her throat."If you utter a single word, I'll slit her throat open," Xander growled at the King, his voice laced with a menacing threat.Both the King and Celina were taken aback by his speed and ferocity, which seemed
The room erupted into a violent dance, with Celina exhibiting a level of combat skill that belied her aristocratic demeanor. Her movements were agile and precise, her attacks coming in quick, relentless succession. Xander, equally adept, met her strikes with deft blocks and counterattacks, his own combat experience evident in every move.King Richard, witnessing the ferocious battle, exclaimed, "Stop this madness, both of you!"Xander, while parrying a particularly vicious strike from Celina, called out to the King without taking his eyes off her. "Your Majesty, do not call the guards. This is about your kingdom's future."Celina, her eyes blazing with fury, saw an opportunity in the King's presence. She wanted to kill him, and with her initial plan of poisoning thwarted, she decided to seize the moment. "If I can't poison you, I'll do it by my own hands!" she declared, lunging towards the King with daggers raised.Xander, anticipating her move, swiftly stepped in between Celina and t