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go-ahead, she proceeded with her comment. “Should we not attempt negotiations with Cyril to be sure of their intent in attacking us?”
    I nodded politely to her, “It is a good idea, Councilor West. We shall consider it.”
    The door opened. I looked across the room abruptly. Silence fell across the room as the pageboy announced General Orin.
    “General Orin.” I nodded to him from my perch on the throne.
    “My Queen.” He bowed to me, the bow deep and reverential.
    “Will you please brief us on events at the front?”
    He nodded, planting his feet in a firm stance. He clasped his hands behind his back.
    “Queen Dairdra. Ladies and gentlemen of the Council.” He gave us a brief nod before continuing. “Yesterday, all of our major defense outposts were attacked. There was no provocation on our part for Cyril to mount such an attack. I had one of the field mages send me here as soon as possible to inform you.”
    I nodded to him. “Thank you.” I motioned to an unoccupied seat where guests usually sat. “Please, be seated. I would welcome your opinion in this matter.”
    He gave me a grim smile. As he took a seat, he answered quietly, “I will give what assistance I can, my Queen.”
     “Am I right to assume, General Orin, that you did not contact our ambassador in Cyril?”
    The General gave a perfunctory nod, “That is correct, My Lady. I felt it was best to get the news of the attacks to you as soon as possible so that you could decide what to do.”
    I nodded. “That is fine, General, but now we need to contact Ambassador Firth to find out what is going on.”
    Crypt stepped forward quietly.
    I turned my gaze to him, “Crypt, please establish a link with Ambassador Firth.”
    He bowed deeply, and then straightened. He muttered a few words under his breath, and the link was established.
    Ambassador Firth’s sallow face hung in the air before us.
    “My Lady?” He asked.
    “Ambassador Firth. I am sure you are aware of the attacks on Argent’s defense outposts.”
    He looked around furtively. The room he stood in was empty. What is he worried about? We’re supposed to be at peace with Cyril. Unless this attack was planned out by the royalty of Cyril, he should have no real worries. Something is wrong.
    Ambassador Firth looked back at me, his voice lowering as he said, “Yes, My Lady. I am aware of the attacks.”
    “And? The meaning of them?”
    “They were intentional. There was no mistake in the attack. One of the powerful men behind the throne, if not the King himself, means to….”
    A door slammed open and two black robed men entered.
    Ambassador Firth whirled around.
    He put up his hands, trying to ward off the two men.
    “Please, gentlemen, what is the meaning of this?” His face paled, and his hands shook as he held them towards the two men in black.
    One of the men smiled.
    The occupants of the Council chamber watched the event unfold in horror. The visual link showed us everything.
    The stockier of the two black-robed men pulled out a sword.
    Ambassador Firth tried to run around them, but the man ran him through without a hesitation.
    They stood there watching as he died. They didn’t know about the link yet, apparently.
    But that was soon ended. With his last breath, Ambassador Firth choked out just a few words before the men cut him off.
    “…They’re coming… Wants you, my Lady…”
    A boot crashed into his head and all was still. Crypt terminated the link.
    My heart thudded in my chest. My palms were suddenly slick with sweat. Who wants me? What do they want from me?
    Is someone trying to take not just my kingdom, but my life too?
    Is the whole entire point of this attack to kill me? Or is that just a necessary piece to taking Argent?
    Something worse occurred to me then. Cyril… They must have been the ones who tried to kill my mother and did kill my father!
       I struggled to control the quiver in my voice.  I kept my voice soft to avoid any extra difficulties.
    Everyone