The wedding has concluded, our plans are set in motion, and the celebrations have finally drawn to a close. Now we embark on our journey from Callibean to Soria a grand royal convoy stretching for miles, filled with gifts, diplomats, and guards. Our trusted men are scattered throughout the group and positioned along the route, not only to ensure our safety but also to gather intelligence on neighboring kingdoms beyond just Custodian. We need to know who stands with us, who remains neutral, and who might be swayed by Custodian's promises of power.
Before we depart, I request a private audience with King Theron in his study. The room is quiet, filled with the scent of old paper and ink his usual domain for matters of state and family.
"Vernom," he says, setting down his quill as I enter. "You look as though you have something weighing heavily on your mind."
"I do, Father," I reply, closing the door behind me. "I have learned that while Callibean chose not to invite Custodian's royal family to our wedding, Soria will be hosting them at the second ceremony. They believe maintaining open lines of communication, even with tyrants, is necessary to preserve the peace."
King Theron nods slowly, his expression grave. "I understand their reasoning, though I do not agree with it. Custodian sees diplomacy as nothing more than a sign of weakness."
"Which is precisely why I have come to make a request," I say, stepping forward. "I wish to travel incognito. Cael will take my place as Prince Vernom once again, riding in the royal carriage, while I act as a servant and observer within the convoy."
His eyes narrow slightly with concern. "Are you certain about this? It could put Cael's life in danger. Though he performed admirably during the wedding, fooling Custodian's spies from a distance is one thing. Standing in the presence of Custodian's nobles and royalty is quite another we do not know what they might notice."
"I have been preparing him for weeks," I assure him. "As you saw during the ceremony, he knows my mannerisms, how I speak to nobles, and which topics I favor. Furthermore, very few people outside our court have actually seen me up close. Custodian's royals have never met me, and I am certain they will not recognize my face. Only Soria's nobles and our allies who attended the wedding here know me, but I have already spoken with Princess Miolla. She will inform her family and trusted advisors of my true role to avoid any complications."
Father walks to the window, gazing out at the convoy assembling in the palace courtyard below. "What do you hope to achieve by doing this?"
"By moving among the servants, merchants, and guards, I will hear things that no prince would ever be told," I explain. "I will learn what people truly think about Custodian, what rumors are spreading across the kingdoms, and where their loyalties lie. Additionally, being close to the ground will allow me to spot spies or threats that might go unnoticed by those riding in the royal carriage."
"I also want to observe Custodian's royals firsthand," I continue. "In my studies, I have read about their behavior, but seeing how they interact with others how they treat servants, how they speak of their kingdom will give us invaluable insight into their plans and weaknesses."
In truth, Father, I know exactly how Custodian's armies move, for I was once one of them. I know every sly noble and royal in that land, even with my eyes closed.
The words burn on my tongue, but I hold them back. A wave of guilt washes over me what I am doing feels like deception. Yet how could I possibly explain my predicament? That the man standing before him is not the Prince Vernom he raised, but a soldier from Custodian who woke up one day in this body? It sounds impossible, even to me. Who would believe such a tale? I have carried this secret alone since the day I opened my eyes in this palace, and I know it is a burden I must continue to bear.
After a long moment of silence, Father turns back to me, his gaze warm with a mixture of pride and worry. "You have grown into a wise young man, Vernom. You have always been the one with the sharp mind and careful judgment. Not many princes would be willing to set aside their title and work in secret for the good of their kingdom."
"I am only doing what needs to be done, Father," I say quietly, the weight of my unspoken truth pressing down upon me.
"Then it is settled," he says, placing a hand firmly on my shoulder. "But you must promise me one thing your safety comes first. If your cover is ever compromised, you will withdraw immediately. We need you alive to see our plans through."
"I promise," I reply, grateful for his trust even though I know I am not being entirely honest with him.
As we leave the study, I find Cael waiting outside, dressed in an exact replica of my royal robes. He looks nervous but determined.
"Ready?" I ask with a small smile.
"As ready as I will ever be, Your Highness," he says, straightening his shoulders. "Though I still worry I shall mess up the way you hold your wine glass."
"You will do fine," I assure him, handing over a small leather pouch containing my signet ring and other personal items. "Just remember you are not trying to be me. You are playing the part of the prince they expect to see. As I always say, confidence is key."
I then change into simple servant's clothing: a dark wool tunic, sturdy boots, and a plain cloak to shield me from the weather. I tie my hair back differently than usual and practice walking with a slight slouch, making myself appear smaller and less noticeable. Every movement feels familiar, yet painful this is how I moved through the world for years, before I became someone else.
When I join the convoy as part of the group tending to the horses and carriages, no one gives me a second glance. I move among the other workers, greeting them by name and asking about their families and travels. Already, I can feel the difference; people speak freely, their guards lowered, sharing stories and concerns they would never voice in front of nobility. I listen carefully, storing every detail away in my mind names, places, rumors knowing this information could mean the difference between success and failure for our cause.
As the convoy begins to move, I glance up at the royal carriage where Cael sits, already settling into his role. He holds himself tall and straight, and even from a distance, he looks every bit the prince. Further ahead, I spot a group of carriages bearing Custodian's crimson and black banners—they will be traveling with us for part of the journey through neutral territory. My hands clench unconsciously at my sides as I recognize the insignia; it is the same symbol I once wore upon my own armor.
This journey will be dangerous, and the risks are high. But every step brings us closer to our goal: building a network strong enough to protect our people and bring change to a land that has known nothing but tyranny for far too long. And perhaps, just perhaps, in doing so, I can find a way to make amends for all the things I did as a soldier of Custodian.
The morning sun casts long shadows across the dusty road as our convoy winds through rolling hills toward the Soria border. I am walking alongside the supply wagons, helping to secure a loose tarp, when a hand taps my shoulder lightly. I turn to find Cael still wearing my royal robes, but having slipped away from the carriage under the pretense of stretching his legs.
He moves with surprising grace for someone playing the part of nobility. After a quick glance around to ensure no one is watching, he slides a folded piece of parchment into my hand. His fingers brush mine for a moment, and he gives a subtle nod before turning back toward the royal carriage, his posture instantly straightening as he resumes the bearing of Prince Vernom.
I wait until we reach a small rest stop where the drivers change horses and servants gather water from a nearby stream before finding a quiet spot behind a wagon to unfold the letter. The familiar handwriting makes me smile; it is from Vonce.
Vernom,
I must admit, as time passes, your ideas are becoming more and more… imaginative. I still do not know how you manage to devise plans that walk such a fine line between madness and brilliance, but I cannot deny they are effective.
The supplies you requested are already en route to Meodes, following the routes we discussed. Our merchants report no sign of Custodian spies along the path. Prince Aldric has sent word that their forces are training well, though they grow increasingly anxious as Custodian's armies draw closer to their border.
I have increased patrols along our western passes as you suggested. We found evidence of Custodian scouts mapping our defenses they are careful, but not careful enough. I have ordered our men to leave false markings regarding our troop numbers and weapon stockpiles. If your logic holds, they will report back exactly what we want them to believe.
Father says you have adapted well to your new role. I imagine you find it easier to move freely without everyone bowing and scraping at every turn. Just be cautious Custodian's men are sharp, and even a small mistake could compromise everything.
P.S. Next time you decide to have a servant stand in as prince while you pose as help, please give me more than a day's notice. I spent half the morning explaining to the council why "you" suddenly expressed a keen interest in traveling with the supply wagons. My facial muscles are still sore from trying to keep a straight face while describing your "newfound passion for logistics."
I almost laugh aloud as I read the final line, quickly covering my mouth with my hand to avoid drawing attention. I can perfectly picture Vonce's expression brows furrowed in that familiar mix of exasperation and pride, his jaw tight as he tried to explain my latest scheme to the confused council members. He has always been the serious, steady one, while I… well, I have never been one to follow the expected path. Even in my past life as a soldier, I found ways to bend rules and discover better routes through enemy territory skills that serve me well now.
I carefully fold the letter and tuck it into a hidden pocket in my tunic, then return to the group. As I help load fresh water barrels onto the wagons, I notice a cluster of carriages up ahead their crimson and black banners marking them unmistakably as Custodian's. They are moving to join our convoy for the stretch through neutral lands. My chest tightens at the sight; those banners once represented home to me, but now they stand for everything I fight against.
A man in dark armor rides beside their lead carriage tall, with a harsh expression that keeps even the other nobles at a distance. I recognize him from my past life: Lord Kaine, one of Custodian's most ruthless commanders. He is the kind of man who sees kindness as weakness and loyalty as something to be bought. I remember serving under him once, watching him execute a young soldier simply for sharing his rations with a starving child. The memory still makes my hands shake with anger.
I move closer to the Custodian wagons, pretending to check on the horses, and listen as their servants speak in low voices.
"Did you hear? Crown Prince Ardias himself is traveling to the wedding in Soria says he wants to see this alliance between Callibean and Soria with his own eyes," one says, wiping sweat from his brow.
"His Majesty thinks this whole affair is a waste of time," another replies bitterly. "He claims Soria will fold as easily as Meodes once we show them our strength and so will the Callibeans. Those fools are too idealistic, believing they can secure peace with words instead of swords."
I file this information away as we continue our journey. By the time we stop for the night, I have gathered more intelligence than I hoped for: rumors of Custodian's plan to turn against Soria immediately after Meodes falls, whispers of discontent among their lower ranks who are weary of endless war, and even the location of a hidden supply depot they are using to stockpile weapons in the mountains north of Meodes. I know that place well it was where we stored provisions during my time as a soldier, and there is a secret tunnel leading into the heart of the compound that only a handful of us ever knew about.
As darkness falls and campfires are lit, I see Cael making his way toward me again. This time, he brings a plate of food roasted meat, fresh bread, and cheese slipping it to me when no one is looking. He has managed to secure extra portions, knowing how hard the work is and how little servants are usually given.
"Prince Vonce sent word through the master of supplies," he whispers, keeping his voice low as we sit near the edge of the camp. "Everything is proceeding according to plan back home. Also… he says to stop giving him gray hairs with your schemes."
I grin, taking a bite of the warm bread a luxury I rarely enjoyed in Custodian's army. "Tell him I shall do my best. But no promises. After all, if I played it safe, we would already be preparing for war instead of working to prevent it."
As I settle near the wagons, watching the Custodian camp set up across from ours, I think of Vonce's letter. Call them imaginative or reckless, but every piece we move on this great board brings us one step closer to changing the future. With allies like my brother watching our backs, with Cael risking everything to help me, and with Prince Aldric and Princess Miolla standing beside us I know we have a chance to build something better for all our kingdoms. Even if I can never tell them the truth of who I really am, I will do everything in my power to ensure their faith in me is not misplaced.