The Dragon Brothers
Chapter 22 - Debriefing Before Invasion

Cyprian POV

I have arrived at the southern army. Thankfully the messenger was able to get here in advance of me so the army is ready to invade Cait. I have a debriefing with my lieutenants then we depart in the morning. I'm bringing three platoons to the invasion and leaving two platoons on the border. I'm only leaving one on the border since Cait is the only major kingdom that backs up to our border. We mostly face small native tribes. It's decided during the briefing that I will change into my dragon form and act as a scout ahead of the army. We will then meet up at a designated campsite for the night. Then, the following morning we attack.

As I'm flying high my mind likes to roam with thoughts. Ambrose used to like to sing songs in his dragon form. I really miss him. Him, Lucian, and I were best friends growing up. But, alas, that is all in the past now. I am looking forward to taking Cait under the empire's domain. It's actually not too far past the southern border. We're only stopping to rest for the night because we're not sure how many men are guarding the city until I complete my scouting. But, even if there's only a few I don't want my men too tired and unable to fight. Rufus should never have thought that he could have taken us on. He barely had enough resources to supply a small army and still had to outsource men for his invasion plan. Not the smartest of planning if you ask me. But nobody asks me because I'm only next in line to the throne. Just saying! Yeah, these are my thoughts while flying in dragon form.

* Later Debriefing the Southern Army's Lieutenant's *

"Cait has just barely two platoons to guard the city and the castle. The castle sits in the middle of the city which is interesting. There are two entrance points and both lead to the castle. One to the front and the other to the back. Once someone comes through the main gates of the city there's barely a mile to walk to the castle's front doors. The city surrounds the castle and all vertical pointing streets converge at the castle. There are four guards posted at the front entrance and then two guards posted at the back entrance. Then a guard is posted every 100 feet along the top of the wall. Within the city there are 10 guards on the ground in front of the castle and 6 guards patrolling. There's an undetermined number of guards within the castle walls but I'm not counting on very many. They only use mail for armour; which may allow them to move quickly but it also means heavier casualties. Their weapons also don't seem to be very advanced. I didn't see any superior ways to brace the entrances other than a simple bar across the door. They are also not equipped with hot tar to dump over the front or sides of the castle or from the walls of the city. I believe with our three platoons we should be able to quickly take the city with little to no casualties. This should be an easy invasion. But before we let ourselves breathe too easily we need to remember that no invasion is easy and there are always surprises that we didn't expect so we need everyone to be on guard." I debrief my lieutenants on my findings.

"I say we attack the front entrance with two platoons and the back entrance with one platoon. Were the guards on the wall outfitted for archery?" Lieutenant Ashdown asked. He's usually the first of my lieutenants to speak up.

"I agree with your approach on attacking the entrances. The guards on top of the wall were outfitted for archery. They were archers. That's a good question." I love praising my men for good work.

"The second platoon will need to work their way on top of the wall as soon as possible to stop the archers. How do you want to handle that? We could have them scale the wall or once we're inside have them fight their way inside the wall to the top." Lieutenant Ward suggested.

"Have them scale the wall. Take down the archers as soon as possible." I make the command decision.

* Lord Aragon's Manor *

The young slave continues to go about her daily duties. After breakfast she must clean the dining room and kitchen. The head maid, Linnet, was now awake and inspecting her duties. The other two maids, Cataline and Aalis, were also now up and working. Cataline was on laundry duty and Aalis was mopping floors today. Once everything has been cleaned from breakfast I need to start baking dessert for dinner, preparing the roast to simmer for dinner which will cook all day, and preparing the midday food. The midday food is finger sandwiches, tea, and fruit for Lady Avila and fried ham, coffee, and fried potatoes for Lord Aragon. I glance at the clock. I'm five minutes late. I hope Lady Avila doesn't notice. I carry the heavy tray laden with food to the dining room. But, when I got there nobody was in the dining room. I pick up the tray and as I make my way towards the gardens I pass Aalis.

"Aalis, have you seen the Lord and Lady?" I ask hoping they are both sitting together in the garden.

"Lord Aragon is in his library and the Lady is in the garden and she's already not in a good mood." Aalis warns me.

I rush towards the library to give the Lord his food before his ham and potatoes get cold.

"You're late! DO NOT make this a habit!" Lord Aragon peers down his nose at me as I set his food on a table next to his chair. He grabs a hold of my wrist, almost making me lose control of the rest of the food. "But, there are ways to pay off bad behavior. If this continues we may need to make an arrangement." He smiles at me sickenly sweet.

"Of course my lord" I'm used to his tacky advances but there are times when I'm simply at a loss as to what to say.

Then I hurry to the garden with Lady Avila's food.

"What took you so long? I swear you get slower every day! I don't know why we even keep you around. Wait! I know why. You're fucking him aren't you! I know you are! Why don't you just admit it, you filthy whore!" I try to set the food as quickly as I can and get away from her but she throws my whole tray across the garden dumping the food and the tea everywhere. She grabs my arm and starts dragging me inside the manor towards the kitchen. "I'm going to make you pay for this filthy whore! You think you can sleep with my husband and get away with it? Well, think again!" With that she throws me into the kitchen and I slide into the head maid's feet.

"What has she done now?" Linnet says as she looks down at me.

"She threw the platter with my lunch dishes and tea all over the garden and lawn! I want her whipped ten times. That should teach her some manners and a thing or two about her attitude. Kindly send someone to clean up the food and a new midday meal for me. With that Lady Avila turns on her heel and walks away.

"Come on, let's get this over with. Also, I don't know what really happened but I'm taking away today's dinner just for being stupid." Linnet grabs me by the hand and leads me outside to the whipping post. *The Castle at Drakor; The Capital of the Chromos *

Viola POV

"Agenta, Lucian has truly changed since his brother's death. He has become so much more loving and romantic. He loves taking baths with me just to wash me in the tub. He says it's the way to treat a Queen. Sometimes he'll ask me to dance in our room and we'll slow dance to an imaginary tune. Oh! Being in love is so grand. Now if only we had a baby!" I tell Agenta as we drink our tea in the King's private garden.

"Oh, my Queen Viola! From what you say it sure sounds like a little baby might be on it's way soon! Just give it some more time. Maybe another month or so. Hmmm?" Agenta wiggles her eyebrows at me in a joking manner making me laugh. "Oh I sure hope so! Life would be so perfect!" I slip off into daydreaming of having a little one to run after and play with.

Lucian POV

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I'm told that a young messenger from the Salona Kingdom is waiting to see me. That is the kingdom that Viola is from.

"I'll meet with him in the main floor library." I said wondering what this was about. I'm sure this can't be anything good. I prepare for the worst and grab both of my swords. "Greetings! What message do you bring?" I ask the young man.

"The Salona Kingdom has been attacked! The King is asking for your assistance." The young man gushes out in one long breath. He's so nervous his legs are shaking.

"Yes, of course. We'll leave at dawn. You can stay in one of our guest rooms here." I signal for a maid to show him to a guest room.

I'm dreading this conversation but I know it has to happen. I slowly make my way up to the King's private garden. I find Viola sitting on a bench smelling roses. She looks lovely as always.

"Viola, may I have a moment of your time?" I walk over to her and pluck a rose from a stem and place it in her hair. She looks beautiful. Agenta quietly removes herself.

"What is it Lucian? You look troubled." Viola asks making room on the bench next to herself.

"Your father's kingdom is under attack. I need to leave in the morning to get to Wolf's company at the western border. Of course we can always make the most of one last night together." I smile as I kiss her hand and then passionately kiss her mouth.

A/N Please drop me a comment and let me know if you like the story or the chapter. I love all feedback both critical and complimentary. Check out my other book Prince Justus and the Rogue. You can also go to my facebook page for chapter updates and updates on new projects. https://www.facebook.com/Sammi-From-Anystories-1020524119915