The Princess' Harem
Chapter 91: Echoes of Betrayal

Chapter 91: Echoes of Betrayal

Viana nodded, accepting his terms. She had expected no less. Joel and Reyes were indispensable, their loyalty and capabilities unquestionable.

Joel could navigate any landscape, slipping through even the harshest terrain like a shadow. Reyes, ever the strategist, would make sure they used every resource wisely.

And Arden Daelis, he could handle the tasks which required them to deal with paperwork, or even logistics.

Preparations began immediately. Unlike a military campaign, this mission focused on survival. Instead of armor and heavy weapons, they packed supplies suited for the desert—a journey built on endurance.

Maps of the eastern deserts, long forgotten in the archives, were pulled out and studied. Scholars and cartographers worked late into the night, piecing together the safest possible path to the Sunstone Wastes.

Their expedition would need to be completely self-sufficient. Water skins reinforced to hold gallons, dried provisions that would last for weeks, desert-adapted horses bred for stamina. Specialized tools were also gathered—small trowels, protective wrappings, and delicate containers for the fragile flower.

The palace, despite the fear surrounding the blight, was filled with tense hope. Servants moved with purpose, guards packed supplies with quiet determination.

Everyone understood the weight of this mission. Every artisan, every stable hand, every quartermaster whispered silent prayers for success.

Early one morning, as Viana oversaw the final preparations in the courtyard, the chill of dawn still clinging to the stone, a distinguished figure emerged from the palace’s main entrance.

It was Count Lazarus. His sudden appearance, at this hour, was unexpected, and made the royal guards and stablehands whispered with curiousity.

Lazarus, impeccably dressed even at this early hour, walked directly towards Viana. His face, usually a mask of geniality, now full of grave concern.

"Princess Viana," Lazarus began, his voice smooth and persuasive, just loud enough volume for nearby ears to catch.

"I have just heard the news of your... proposed expedition. To the eastern wastes. Surely this cannot be true. A Princess of Elysia, venturing into such desolate and perilous lands? It is unthinkable. Your place is here, guiding the kingdom, protecting the morale of our people. Such a journey is for seasoned scouts, for hardened warriors, not for royalty"

His words, while seemingly born of loyal concern, but beneath them lay something calculated. His eyes flickered over her travel attire, her resolute stance. He couldn’t forbid her, for the King himself had granted permission, but he could still try to change her mind.

Viana met his gaze, her expression firm, betraying none of the internal frustration his sudden intervension caused.

"Count Lazarus, my duty to Elysia goes beyond the palace walls. The King has recognized the importance of this mission. If the Desert’s Embrace truly holds the key to ending the blight, then I must retrieve it. My commitment is absolute. My presence ensures this mission succeeds."

She kept her voice even, and her words direct. She had no time for delays.

However, Lazarus wasn’t finished. His tone softened, more intimate. "But, Princess, the dangers are severe. The isolation environment. A brutal landscape. The lingering threat of the blight itself in those distant lands. And if something happens to you... who will lead the kingdom in spirit? You are a symbol, a beacon for our people. Losing you would shake their hope."

He gestured vaguely toward the palace, then toward the city beyond. "Your people need to see you here. Visibly safe."

Viana’s expression hardened.

"And they need their land to survive, their wells to stay full, their children to grow strong, Count," Viana countered. "What good is a Princess who stays in comfort while her kingdom withers? I am not doing this for appearances. This mission is necessary. The risks are great, I understand, and I accept them. This is not a choice of comfort, Count. This is survival."

The debate hung in the crisp morning air, silence stretched between them. Lazarus saw it, the stubborn light in her eyes, the firm set of her jaw. He knew a lost cause when he faced one, and Viana had made up her mind.

Finally, with a sight that seemed to carry the weight of the kingdom, Lazarus finally relented. "Very well, Princess. Your decision is clear. I only pray for your safe return. Elysia cannot afford to lose you."

He bowed respectfully, his expression one of resignation.

But as he turned to leave, his gaze found a particular man within his retinue, a grim-faced scout, known only as ’Dexter.’ He understood the unspoken command from the Count: trail them. Observe. Report Everything.

***

Moments later, a small figure approached Viana, his little shoulders, usually squared with childish certainty, now sagged slightly. It was Cooper. Beside him, Sina looked just as troubled, wringing her hands nervously, her eyes pleading.

"Princess," Cooper said, his voice rough with emotion. "Let us come with you. We can help. Sina has a keen eye for herbs and natural formations. And I can manage supplies, lead logistical support."

He hesitated, then added, "You shouldn’t face this danger without us."

Sina nodded quickly, her gaze pleading. "Please, Princess. We care about you. We can help. Anywhere you go, we want to be there, to protect you."

Viana looked at them, her heart aching. Their loyalty meant more to her than she could say. But she knew, this journey wasn’t theirs to take.

"No, Cooper. Sina," she said gently. "Your place is here. Cooper, the kingdom needs you more than I do. Who else can manage the food supplies so carefully? Who can oversee the water rationing, making sure no one goes thirsty? You are essential. And Sina..."

She turned to her, her expression soft. "You bring hope to the people. Your kindness keeps the palace strong. Queen Isabella needs you here, helping to keep morale from fading. If I am to leave, I must know Elysia is protected. And that means you both must stay."

Cooper and Sina exchanged glances, their expressions filled with disappointment, but also understanding. They knew she was right.

"We will do our duty, Princess," Cooper said, his voice thick with regret. "We will protect the palace until your return."

Sina blinked back tears. "And we will believe."

Viana gave them a rare, warm smile. "I know you will," she said. "And when I return, it will be with a new hope for Elysia."

The morning mist still clung to the palace spires when the expedition was ready to depart. Viana stood beside her horse, dressed for travel rather than royalty.

Reyes checked his supplies one last time, his focus sharp. Joel, ever serious, gave last-minute orders to the guards. Arden, already mounted, watched the horizon, the vast desert waiting beyond.

They were a small group, but the weight of their mission was enormous. They were not just searching for a flower. They were chasing the kingdom’s last chance.

As they rode east, the palace slowly faded behind them. They left behind the safety of the known world, stepping into the great unknown.