Preparations for the birthday party filled the princess's days for over a week. Despite her hope, her twin had not returned. Mairwen was beginning to doubt that he would come back at all. "Where are you, Alaron?" She whispered as she looked out her bedroom window into the distance. "You promised that you would come home."

In the meantime, Aurora and Devrim had been preparing for the prince's arrival. Once the Empress had shared the news about the Fate's visit with the Council, the castle began to mount its defense. Unlike Mairwen, the Empress and Emperor had no doubt that Alaron would come, but whether in peace or some other method remained to be seen. They hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst.

The Emperor sat in the war room discussing plans with Captain Caleb, who was captain of the palace guard, a few generals, and Chief Zan. Aurora was present, but was only a passive participant in this particular conversation.

Devrim pointed to the kitchen entrance to the palace. "I need at least three guards checking identification and confirming the passwords of those coming and going. The entertainment for the party will start arriving any day now. We need to be extra vigilant."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Captain Caleb agreed. "My men have sealed off and set traps in the most sensitive areas of the palace. We have a sentry at every doorway and each soldier has eyes on at least two others. Is there anything I should tell them to look for?"

While the Council knew that the prince and Cafer were the threat, they had not passed on the information to anyone. If word got out that the Empress distrusted Alaron, they were afraid word might get back to the boy. They could lose any element of surprise and cause Prince Alaron to do something rash.

"Without going into too much detail, we have received word that there is a threat against the Empress from someone inside the palace. It could be anyone. That is why we need to keep each other accountable." Devrim explained. If Cafer could look like anyone, then anyone could stab the Empress in the back.

"Yes, Sire."

Zan had another idea. "What about over here, Your Majesty? This is a choke point for guests that would be ideal for an attack…"

Aurora stifled a yawn. She was greatful for the protection, but she was done with the details. She was not a military strategist and had given all her ideas early on. That is why when there was a knock at the door, the Empress nearly jumped out of her chair to answer it herself. Junayd was admitted and he bowed low.

"Your Majesties, Cheif Zan, Captain, Generals… Forgive the intrusion. I was told to report the moment Nurlan arrived. I received word that he has entered the stable with his horse." Junayd gave a covert smile to Aurora.

The Empress's face brightened. "Fates be praised!" She called loudly. Realizing her outburst was uncalled for, she added, "I mean, thank goodness he is safe. I will go to him at once and get his report." As she spoke, she had already risen from her seat and was inching toward the door.

"You like him better than me!" Devrim said with mock severity. The Empress walked over and kissed her husband on the mouth, causing the other men to look away.

"Only when he is the one getting me out of a meeting in which I am zero help," Aurora said gently. "Good day, gentlemen!"

——————

By the time the Empress crossed the castle, Nurlan had been able to change into his palace uniform and meet her in the great hall. "I heard you were looking for me, Your Majesty."

"Yes, I would like the final report on your visit and, if possible, dismiss my personal guard so you can regain your post. If you are too tired, please tell me and I will defer until later." Aurora realized she might have been too eager. It was likely the soldier was exhausted after his journey.

Nurlan shook his head. "I am ready to serve."

"Very good. Let us go to the spring garden. I could use some fresh air," Aurora said. As they turned to leave, two figures, followed by a guard, came running toward them.

"We heard you escaped from the war room." Brinn smirked. As spymaster, she should have been in all the planning meetings, but had used the excuse that she would protect the princess to get out of today's gathering.

"I wasn't as clever as you. Junayd came and rescued me." Aurora chuckled.

"Mother!" Mairwen hugged the Empress. "If I have to look at one more napkin color or place setting, I may call the whole party off."

"No more planning for you, dear. I thought it would be a good distraction. I am sorry." Aurora kissed the girl's forehead.

"Distraction? I have only spent the morning with her and I want to gag. You have been torturing the princess!" Brinn arched her brow and pursed her lips. Had it not been for the Princess's good humor, the elf would have almost preferred the war room. Almost.

"You can both join me for Nurlan's report. If that is acceptable to the General, of course." Three pairs of dewy eyes looked at Nurlan expectantly.

Once the gruff soldier had been immune to such entreaty. He was the toughest of the tough. Even his own mother could not make him smile. But he had developed a fondness for the Empress over the years and countless adventures, and that soft spot extended to include the elf and young princess. "Whatever Her Majesty commands, I will do," he said with a bow of his head.

The happy band made their way to the garden and found a secluded spot for their meeting. A servant brought out tea and refreshments, and poor Nurlan felt more out of place each moment. Aurora could sense his discomfort. "Please bring a cup and food that are a little more substantial for the General."

"Thank you." Nurlan felt more at ease. The ladies graciously let him eat while they chatted amicably. The soldier liked watching them laugh. They were only this candid in private. This amount of friendliness in public would easily be viewed as a weakness. Not even the Empress could change that perception.

"We are ready whenever you are," Aurora said as Nurlan relinquished his tray.

Unsure how much the spymaster and princess knew about his previous communications, the soldier gave a summary of his findings. "Xander's little light can do some serious damage, but it seems to be limited to those who can see it."

"Brinn thinks it is a Merpearl. They were made by the Merfolk and received some of their entrancing power."

"That would make sense, actually." Nurlan remembered seeing Junayd entranced by a mermaid outside the land of magic. It had made the young soldier lose his senses. "There were rumors that Xander was a short way up the coast, but we could not seem to find his exact location. He is slippery as a snake."

"At least he has no way to access the palace. The closest he could come on his ships is the Great River, and we would see him coming." Aurora was grateful for small mercies.

"You did not bring back your little friend?" Brinn observed.

"Yes, I had hoped to meet our scientist," Aurora agreed.

Nurlan nodded. "I had intended to bring him along, but Lieutenant Mund insisted that I provide him a replacement cook first. I could not leave him without someone to feed the troops."

"Fair enough." Aurora did not want her soldiers to suffer due to her curiosity.

"How is Renat?" Mairwen asked sheepishly. Both Aurora's and Brinn's heads swiveled to her in surprise.

"He sends his regards, Princess." Nurlan pulled out a letter and a small package. "With Your Majesty's permission, Renat sent this in response to the princess's letter."

"You sent him a letter?" The Empress wondered what else she did not know.

The princess flushed. "I added it to your last communication with Nurlan."

"Way to make the first move!" Brinn applauded.

"It is not like that. I just had some questions." The princess reached for the items, and with permission Nurlan released them to her.

Feverishly opening the letter, Mairwen scanned the page. She smiled, chuckled, and then furrowed her brow as she turned her attention to the little package.

"What does Renat say?" Aurora asked.

"He says I am very clever and sends me this package in hopes that it may helpful with the pirate problem." She pulled out a pair of eye frames with orange-tinted glass inside. "Renat believes that by removing the blue light from view, you may nullify the power of the pearl." She placed the frames on her face and smiled. "You all look very funny."

Brinn snorted. "You should see yourself!"