You arrive safely

Your trip to Castle Luxem was probably the longest trip you've made in your life, or at least it felt like it. The three day trip with no protection except Akina had both of you on edge the entire time. You passed through clusters of forests that was rife with bandits and other dangerous creatures. The nights were long and uneasy and you barely slept more than a few hours before you hear a howling wolf, or some disturbances in the brush to wake you and keep you awake.

However, the days pass and nothing terrible befalls you, allowing you to reach Castle Luxem. It's evening, dinnertime by the time you and Akina walk up to the castle gates. The guards block your way, "Sorry, The Count's court has been dismissed for today. If you have a petition for the count, come back tomorrow.

You step forward, "We don't have a petition. I'm Princess Anna, Daughter to King Bryce."

The guard chuckles, "Yes, and so am I." he waves his hand at you, "Come back tomorrow."

You puff out your cheeks in indignation before Akina puts her hand on your shoulder. "I can handle this" she steps up to the guards and pulls off her disguise, "I'm Akina, former leader of King Bryce's Spy Corps. I assume you've received the royal decree?"

Two of the guards quickly grab her and pin her to the ground. "You'll not get out of this one Kingslayer!"

Akina chuckles, "There, that will work"

A third guard comes up to you and bows respectfully, "I apologize, your highness. We didn't recognize you with your hair dyed and cut. I'll take you to Count Martin."

The guards lead you and drag Akina into the castle proper and to the dining hall where the count is having dinner. He looks up from his dinner when you, Akina, and the guards entered. He's inherited his mother's hair and good looks and has just a little bit of stubble on his chin. The guard ahead of you bows, "My Lord. We found Her Highness, Princess Anna and the Kingslayer Akina Willow at the gates."

Count Martin quickly gets up and rushes over to you and hugs you tightly. You hug him back too and relax a little. For the first time since this mess began, you feel safer. After a moment he says, "Anna. When I heard the news, I was so worried about you...I'm sorry about your father."

You squirm and pull away from his hug, "And our brother, Prince Donmal. He was slain too."

Martin gasps, "what? We hadn't heard that...The Decree said that only the King had been murdered."

Sighing you explain, "Martin, brother. We've been deceived. That fiend that sits on the throne isn't Donmal, but a demon. A succubus that took the guise of our mother and has taken the throne for her own. I too would have died, had Akina not rescued me."

He looks at you with disbelief, "That's...very hard to believe."

Anxiety washes over you as you fear Count Martin may dismiss your claim, "Has she really never done anything to you to give you pause, even for a moment that she wasn't who she said she was?"

Martin puts his hand on his chin thoughtfully, "Well...I suppose I always felt as if she wasn't very interested in me. Whenever I came to the capital, she was always so indifferent. While she praised yours and Donmal's every move. There were a few times when I didn't feel like her son. If what you're saying is true, then we'll have to rally the vassals loyal to The Crown and declare a war for your claim, but that would lead to a civil war." He sighs, "I don't know if I want to be involved in something like that."

Your heart sinks, "But..."

He puts his hands on your shoulders, "Get some rest. I'll have my servants draw a bath and I'll sleep on it."

You look at Akina, who's still in chains, "Martin, if you would. I'd like Akina to stay in my room. She's kept me safe and I don't know if I'll be able to even sleep without her watching over me."

Count Martin motions at the guards who unchain Akina. She stands and rubs her wrists where the manacles bit into her skin, She eyes the count and says "Your Highness, you go on ahead. I'd like to tell Count Martin what I know."

You nod and are led to a bedroom and a couple of female servants pour you a hot bath. Slipping your worn clothes off, you slide into the bath. All of the muscles in your body begin to relax as the warm water rushes over you. It's not quite the hot springs at home, but it's nice.

You relax there for well over an hour when Akina comes in. She opens the door, "Oh, Your Highness, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were still bathing."

Shrugging, you motion for her to come in, "It's fine."

She walks in, looking pretty disheveled and sits on the bed. You sit up out of the bath a little, your breasts just barely being lifted above the water level, "How did things go?"

Akina starts pulling off her travelers cloak and starts to remove her armor. Underneath the armor you see that she has a well toned body. Muscles ripple across most of her body, but you wouldn't really call her very muscular. Her body is made for speed and stealth, not arm wrestling. Whether it's her training regime, or her beast blood. Her body looks like she's 25...even though she's actually closer to 40. "I suppose we'll see tomorrow."

You see her take a knife from her belt and hide it under her pillow. You wonder if it's time to reward Akina. Despite her roughness and the rarity she handles formality, for the last few days. She's been more loyal to The Crown than anyone would expect her to be.