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"I care for your brother, Anisel, but he's approaching a boundary that shouldn't be reached. It's not the first instance of him disobeying a direct order from his commander," I expressed, running my hands through my hair.
"I can't dispute that, my dear. Joshua, you've truly surpassed expectations. It's difficult to accept," replied Anisel. Joshua has been stirring up trouble since he joined. Despite our efforts to assist, he only dug himself into a deeper hole. Having Americans confined in our cells is a serious red flag! The fact they arrived in black cars, wearing black clothing, and went unnoticed by everyone. A major cause for concern!
Anisel and I were unexpectedly sought out by these individuals, disrupting our day without any scheduled visitors. It was an unusual situation. Strangely, the girl seemed familiar with Joshua and Anisel's names, hinting at unfinished business – something suspicious was unfolding. Despite Joshua's explanation, I struggled to believe it as it didn't add up.
I informed Anisel that I would personally meet with the prisoners to uncover the answers Joshua fail to seek. He could join later after completing his tasks. Standing up from the chair, Hamon and Mikhal assisted me to the door. Anisel kissed me on the forehead as I left, and it was obvious that they were all anxious about my safety. Upon arrival, my servants awaited at the entrance since they weren't permitted in the cells.
Mikhal ensured I had everything I needed before stepping inside, including delightful tasty treats. Lately, my craving for sweets, particularly pickles with caramel, had intensified. Trust me, it's delicious—give it a shot! Exploring the area, I realized I hadn't been down here in years for a reason—my mother preferred me not to witness it. As I walked, every prisoner's eyes followed my path.
I was called names, accused of being trash for confining them like this. I had to clarify that I wasn't the one who entered my country with the intent to harm. "This is a crime! Kidnapping could lead to the downfall of your kingdom," one of them asserted. It's not kidnapping if they posed a threat first, and I didn't take them by force. Setting that aside, we needed to get down to business. All I wanted was for them to reveal their identities. However, the prisoners turned their heads and remained silent.
Regardless of their hesitation, I had to resort to using my tools. A guard brought a bucket of boiling water. Though they attempted to remain composed, their eyes revealed the tension. They needed to reveal information or face the risk of being burned alive. Torture isn't my preference, but sometimes there's no alternative. I repeated the question.
Once more, he retreated and turned his back to me. It seemed useless. Frustrated, I instructed the guard to throw the water into the cell. The sizzling sound of his burning skin echoed, accompanied by the music of his screams. "W-w-we're from a federal agency," he stuttered in response. Okay, that's the first strike. I snapped my fingers, and another bucket was tossed. I insisted he try again because lying wasn't going to help.
"We're soldiers from the US military, special forces. Our captain was the woman your guard shot in the leg," he explained. The Army? Why would the Army be involved? What did Joshua and Hazel get into?! Footsteps approached – Anisel entered with snacks.
As he handed me my usual cravings, I shared the information. He wore the same puzzled expression as me – why? Anisel has never been to the US or had any military connections. If that claim is accurate, how do they know their names? It seemed like a mere guess, considering our name is common in Satia. It felt like he was just playing mind games with us, and it was starting to irritate me.
Anisel seized a knife from a soldier's pocket, instructing the guard to pull the man from the cell and secure him. Placing the knife at the soldier's throat after they were done, it was the second strike – he needed to correct the situation, or it would get messy. Who were they? The man tilted his head back to avoid the knife. If Anisel wanted answers, he had to release him and communicate with their captain.
I covered my face with my hand, attempting to ease the tension. Suddenly, a scream pierced the air – Anisel had stabbed him in the leg, and blood seeped out like jelly. "Strike three. We're fed up with your nonsense! Share the information we need, or that entire gallon of boiling water will be scalding your skin. There's no time for games," he stated firmly. I love it when he gets like this – it's rather intense.
The soldier was visibly trembling with fear by now. "Alright! Our leader is from Satia, a citizen when your parents held the throne. She collaborated with these criminals to steal the crown. However, upon arriving, it was already taken by those two. Her life took a downward spiral after that – his family owes her 2.3 million in cash."
Anisel's eyes widened as if they might leap out of their sockets. The Diamond wasn't valued at that much. Its cost was around £600,000, equivalent to $600.00 in American dollars. That wouldn't make a dent in the money they owed. They'd need to target the Royal Mint Diamond of Satia, a jewel passed down for generations. This mint-colored diamond, exceptionally rare, has been securely locked away in the vault for years.
"That's what I was trying to said. The Royal Mint Diamond was stolen years ago. Whoever informed you that it's still in the vault lied," the prisoner clarified. Hold on a moment; the Royal Mint is supposed to be under tight security. The brothers weren't in proximity – I should have been informed about this. Is no one aware of the Royal Mint's loss? My entire body felt paralyzed; if they had taken the jewel, their lives would have been drastically different.
I looked at Anisel, who remained silent. It wasn't the brothers who stole it – he was referring to their parents! So they had indeed achieved something, and that something was our demise – the fate of our kingdom.
