Honey : The Empire's Treasure 384 Frustrated Hear

Braeden wanted Ailwin to ask Mikaela what she was thinking changing the system to one no one in the Shadow Wolves could understand.

"Ailwin, this isn't right! How are we going to fly those ships if our people can't even operate them!?"

"Braeden, you are thinking short term."

"So, you agree with her changing the system…"

"Yes."

"WhAilwin!"

"Braeden, you know the King has planted some of his people in our camp. Though we have gotten rid of those we have found, we can never be too sure. I've talked it over with Mikaela, and this is the best way to ensure that those ships aren't taken and use against us again."

"I thought the video would keep the King at bay for the time being."

"The video stops him from doing anymore big stunts under the eyes of the people, but that doesn't mean he won't try his hand at small hidden stunts...like this…" Ailwin threw a card for Braeden to catch.

"Hmm... The King has invited you to the palace for the winter solstice banquet…" After reading the invite Braeden placed the card back on Ailwin's desk.

"En…"

"Are you going to go?"

"I have to, in order to keep up my appearance as the victim. Can't let the King turn the narrative around on the people."

"Okay, when do we leave?" Braeden rubbed his hands together, like he was ready for a fight.

"Mika and I will go, you need to stay here, less there is some attack sent this way." 

"...You're taking the brat."

"By this time next week the news will have already reach him about my engagement. Don't you think the King will use this opportunity… Rather than him searching for Mika secretly, I'll present her to him and everyone else properly. This way it can halt any actions they think of taking with everyone's eyes on her."Braeden nodded his head agreeing with the plan.

"When are you guys leaving?"

"Tonight. We should be able to reach her clan by midmorning tomorrow."

"We don't have an air carrier that can travel that fast in twenty-four hours."

Ailwin walked to his windows and pointed at the two warships, "Yes, we do."

"You're taking one of the warships?"

"Yes, I need to make a statement of power to scared the King and his supporters. I need to let people know that I am still a formidable opponent...and what better way to do that then slapping the King's face."

Ailwin retook his seat, "Have the men alter the outside of the main warship a little by adding my emblem on the side."

"Will you be taking some soldiers with you?"

"Yes, along with some servants, but not too many! I don't want to scare the Amara clan members." 

"Got it." Braeden left the room to make the arrangements while Ailwin though about what gifts he should give his mother-in-law to get on her good side.

When sun went down and the sky darken, Ailwin and Mikaela with ten servants and thirty soldiers, boarded Commander Wynfina's warship.

Before they left Braeden wished Ailwin good luck and safe travels.

"We'll head straight to the imperial palace after going to the Amara clan, making sure to keep a look out for any suspicious activity." Ailwin warned.

"En...and you make sure your mother-in-law likes you...heh-ow!" Ailwin slapped the back of Braeden's head before walking up the ramp and entering the ship.

In a few minutes, under Mikaela' and the nano's piloting, the aircraft rose into the night sky and took off.

At the Amara clan, Lyra received news from Mika two days ago about their visit.

"Pia, is everything ready? You hane to make sure the kitchen staff has Mikaela favorite food made."

"Yes, my lady." Pia nodded her head. The change on Lyra's face the minute she found out that Mikaela was coming back was instant. For the pass two days she has been making a fuss inside her courtyard over Mika return.

"Good… Now, i just need Mano to keep the clan members in check while Mikaela and Prince Ailwin are here." Lyra whispered underneath her breath.

"Heh...Don't you worry everything will be fine." Mano had snuck into her room while she and Pia were going over the finally detail of Mikaela and Prince Ailwin stay. So, he obviously heard her remark.

 It wouldn't hurt to check the kitchens one more time while also ordering the servants to clean up Mikaela's room before she arrives. Pia smiled as she walked out of the room leaving the two alone.

Once Pia left the room, Mano walk over to Lyra, "Why are you flustered these past two days? I'm sure Mikaela will just be happy to see you." Hugging her from behind.

"I heard it in her voice, she loves him..." Lyra muttered.

"Is it so wrong for our daughter to love the one she is going to marry...?" 

Mano didn't understand and Lyra didn't want to explain she thoughts on the matter, so she didn't say anymore.

Once again, Mano felt the barrier his wife was putting up around her. 

Feeling a little frustrated himself, Mano pulled away from their hug to sit in the seat opposite Lyra.

"Why are you so against this marriage?" Mano's serious expression told Lyra, she might've have let her feelings show too much.

"She's too young..."

"Most young ladies her age are getting engage now before marrying two or three years later."

"Mikaela is not like other young ladies."

"I know... She much more maturer than they are." Mano smiled thinking about his youngest daughter's antics.

Lyra laughed along with him, but then the smiled drop from her face.

"Getting involved with the royal family, are you ready for that...?"

"He's not like-"

"He is still part of that family!" Lyra raised her voice, stopping Mano's next words. She was shocked by her sudden outburst as was Mano, "I'm sor-"

"I know you are still hiding things from me." He grabbed her hands, "Things that I'm sure will put you and probably this whole clan in danger..." He squeezed her hands a bit. "Things that I assume have to deal with the royal family..." He look straight into her eyes.

"Mano..." Lyra's heart was beating fast as fear set in.

"However, I want you to know that I love our daughter and I love you. Your secrets will not change this."After saying his piece, Mano kissed Lyra's head before walking out of the room.

Chapter end