Dream?

Iria realized that she had never given much thought. She knew that she longed for a peaceful life which was very similar to the Crown Prince's dream. Was that her dream? Ever since she was a child, her fate was set in stone. She was destined to follow in her father's footsteps and fight for her kingdom.

Just what was her dream?

Blankly staring at Arin for a while, she forced a little smile. "I don't know. I don't think I have one."

Hearing her response, Arin raised a brow. Was that possible? How come a Princess of a great kingdom lived without a dream?

"A dream doesn't have to be a grand one. When you thought of the future and fantasized about something that could or couldn't happen, you can just make it your dream. However, whether it comes true or not will be base on your luck and efforts." Arin said to Iria.

Iria Alewine only nodded and didn't say anything yet Arin's words lingered in her mind. All she did was lived and fight for her kingdom ever since she was a young girl. Though she wished for a normal life free of wars and blood slashed, she never dared to think further. How could she possibly dare when many hopes and lives depend on her? She could only choose to be cruel to protect what she valued!

"It's almost dawn now. I think we should go back to our chambers." Arin said, breaking the silence that already goes on for a while.

"Alright," Iria muttered and they both left the top of the pavilion.

* * *

The royal family breakfast in Jerivia was a quiet one. Crown Prince Zaro Aventine was out for hunting early in the morning and he hasn't returned yet. Only King Tobias and Prince Orius were eating breakfast on the long dining table.

Sitting on his father's left, all Prince Orius did was quietly eating his breakfast. He didn't even glance at his father or tried to strike up a conversation.

After glancing at his younger son once in a while, King Tobias simply said, "You're very quiet today."

Orius paused for a few seconds but he simply continued eating again.

"Orius." The King muttered. Still placing both of his hands on the dining table, he did not move and only stared at his son.

"I think you don't know me well, Father. I'm quiet not just today but all the time." Orius calmly said, not sparing his father even just a single glance.

King Tobias let out a sigh and turned away for a split second before he turned back to his son again. "I'm just trying to strike up a conversation. You know that." He glanced at his younger son with displeasure written all over his face.

"What do you want?" Orius asked. "If you are willing to talk to me, then that means you have something that you want me to do."

"Orius!" King Tobias snapped. "You should watch your mouth. I'm not only your father but also the King of this kingdom."

"I'm well aware of that, Father. If you're not the King... " Orius paused, turning to his father and observing his reaction. Then he turned away again. "Forget about it. What do you want me to do this time?"

King Tobias fell silent for a while until his rage evident face was slowly replaced by a calm one. "You should go to Qalagon." He finally said.

His father's words instantly piqued Prince Orius interest and he ended up darting his eyes to the King. "Qalagon? Is there a problem with Commander Iria?"

"That's not the case." King Tobias replied. "Iria is inside the palace and it's a huge risk for her to keep on communicating with us. You know the false rumours spread by the Queen of Qalagon. I want you to go there and take a peek of the situation."

"You want me to observe the movement of the Qalagon Army and if they were preparing for war or not. In other words, you want me to go there as a spy." Orius uttered.

"It's dangerous but -"

"I will go. It's not a big deal for me." Orius simply said and rose from his seat.

The King raised a brow and glanced up at his son. "Are you sure? It's a dangerous task."

"It's not like I have a choice. I will set out tomorrow with Kerin." Orius responded, narrowing his eyes at his father.

Thinking about it for a while, King Tobias finally nodded. "I will inform Iria about this."

* * *

Rion hurriedly rushed to Commander Iria's chamber after he received a letter from Jolene and Zire. Even if the King had any message for the Commander, he always conveyed it through the two subordinates of Iria as they were the only ones who knew Iria's secret alphabet in Jerivia for now.

"Your Highness, this is a letter for you." He handed the letter to the Commander who was sitting on one of the chairs.

Iria quickly opened the letter and read the contents. She raised a brow when she reached a certain point. "I don't expect this." She muttered and turned to Rion. "Prince Orius is on his way here. He will reach the capital tomorrow."

Rion's eyes grew wide at the unexpected information. "Is his visit official? But we weren't informed beforehand." He promptly asked.

Iria shook her head. "He is here to know the intention of the Qalagons and observe the movement of their army. His Majesty understood that it's risky for me to send letters in secret."

"We indeed expect someone to come but... Prince Orius?" Rion couldn't believe that the King was sending his younger son here! What's more, the second Prince was never on good terms with anyone!

"His Majesty trusts him enough to come here, so we can only oblige," Iria said and rose from her seat. "Rion, be more attentive tomorrow. Prince Orius will surely send someone to us. We must prepare to greet him."

"I understand." Rion firmly replied.

Iria glanced at the letter again and thought of Prince Orius. That stubborn Prince really agreed to come to this dangerous place?!