(Y/n)

I pace up and down the hall during my shift, casting fervent glances at the view of Sindria below me. It's been a week since Sinbad's messengers have reported back to the palace, but nothing's happened yet. There haven't been any attacks. Pisti hasn't spotted any sign of intruders at all. What is Judal waiting for?

"(Y/n)!" I turn immediately to see Ja'far approaching me. "Your shift is over. You can go ahead and take a break," he says. I don't move from my spot. I know that he thinks that I don't know, but I've noticed something different about him lately. Most of the changes are small, like how his eyes seem more tired, his appearance a bit more disheveled, and how he spends less time with the rest of us. Of course, we've all been really busy this week so that could explain it. But there's more than just that. The way he rubs his arms for a second or two, as if he feels cold. How his fingers twitch just a little bit, as if itching to reach for a weapon. The cold look that flickers in his eyes and reminds me of a snake ready to strike.

"Don't look so worried. We've planned all of our defenses and all the Eight Generals are ready. You go and get some rest," Ja'far says. Is it so obvious that I'm worried? Have I become that transparent?

I open my mouth to ask him if he's really been okay, but I know that he won't tell me anything. If he knows that I'm worried, he won't burden me with any of his own problems. So I reply with my usual "hai" and leave.

Judal

Our empress, Gyokuen Ren, stands on a balcony overlooking our new army. "Are you pleased with our plan, your Majesty?" an official of Al Thamen ask. "Yes, I am," she replies, a pleasant smile on her face. "Then, may we set off to execute it now?" I ask. The smile twists into something not quite human as she gives us the permission we need.

(Y/n)

I glare out of the window of my bedroom. I'm not sure whether it's a change in the air or just a feeling in my gut, but somehow I know.

It's started.