Lady Derynn The Daring

The heavy wooden doors of the court room swung open, and the members of the royal court filed in. A tense air hung around the room as murmurs faded into silence. It was time for another meeting.

The war, the kingdom's borders, the growing tensions in the south all were at the forefront of the king's mind. The generals were present, as well as his trusted advisors, but Derynn was not just another advisor. She had proven herself time and time again to be more than just a royal wife; her sharp mind and unparalleled intellect had earned her a place at the table, even if it was always shadowed by the king's own authority.

The king took his seat at the head of the long table, his weary eyes scanning the faces around him. His gaze briefly lingered on Derynn, but he didn't speak to her yet. His eyes, however, did not stray far from the figures of the generals discussing troop movements.

Marc Battle entered just moments before the discussion began. The knight had proven his worth in battle, and his reputation had spread through the halls of the palace. His eyes briefly met Derynn's as he made his way to his seat. Her heart skipped, but her expression remained neutral. The instant recognition from that first meeting lingered between them. Their connection was palpable, but she kept it buried.

Derynn turned her attention to the papers in front of her, gathering her thoughts, her voice steady and clear when it was time for her to speak.

"I suggest we divert some of the eastern forces to the southern border," Derynn said, her voice cutting through the murmur of conversation. "The current route is too predictable. We should use the terrain to our advantage. A surprise attack will throw off their coordination and buy us valuable time."

The room grew still, eyes shifting toward her. Her intelligence was known, but it was rare for her to speak so directly in the presence of the king and his high-ranking generals. Still, her reputation preceded her, and her words held weight. The king's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent.

"Her plan would be a bold move," Marc said, his voice calm but carrying authority. He nodded toward her, a subtle show of respect. "It would catch them off guard, as long as the troops are ready to move swiftly. We need to make sure our forces are well-prepared and positioned. Timing will be key."

Derynn's gaze met Marc's, and for a moment, time slowed. There was no question between them—no need for words. They shared a quiet understanding. They both saw the strategy in the same light, and in that glance, a deeper connection forged between them.

But there was no room for distractions here. Not with the king watching, and certainly not with the other wives around the table.

"Very well," the king said, breaking the silence. "We will proceed with your recommendation, Derynn. But know this—the success of this plan will fall on you."

The weight of the king's words settled heavily in her chest. She nodded, accepting the challenge without hesitation.

The strategy session continued, but Derynn's thoughts lingered on the man who had become her secret ally—the man whose eyes had met hers in the room, understanding without a word.

And though the conversation moved forward, Derynn knew that something had shifted, something that could change everything.Derynn leaned back in her seat, her gaze never leaving Marc. There was something about him that intrigued her—his calmness, his quiet strength. She had to know more.

"Before you go," she said, her voice smooth and steady, "I don't believe I caught your name."

Marc turned slightly, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of curiosity. "Marc Battle," he said, offering a brief nod.

Derynn studied him for a moment, the name lingering in the air between them. "Marc Battle," she repeated thoughtfully, as if testing the sound of it. "I see."

Marc tilted his head slightly, sensing there was more to her words, but Derynn simply returned to her composed demeanor, offering no further explanation. With a final glance, he left the room, the soft click of the door behind him marking the end of their brief encounter.

But for Derynn, the conversation had only just begun.