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“We get it, Captain. You want to give your heart and soul to your second home. But sometimes it is imperative not to send a boy to do a man’s job.”

“My good looks are rather boyish, aren’t they?” Isen flashed Arwin a perfect grin, and Maris hid her secondhand embarrassment behind her hand.

“My Queen,” Arwin Isen turned his attention to Valda. “Let me go. I will have this done by the end of the month. If I could take you to this operation I would do so, but—”

“I get it.” Valda interrupted him. “Yet I am afraid what Hurley is saying is true. You are well known, Arwin.”

“I always find a way to get things done.”

Valda crossed her arms over her chest, deep in thought. Her lips pursed as her brow knitted together.

“All right,” Valda said, standing from her chair. “I will allow it.”

Isen groaned and shook his head. “My Queen, please, reconsider.”

“Are you doubting me, Captain Hurley?”

He gasped and quickly shook his head. “Not at all. Forgive me.”

“It seemed to me like you are. We will have a small talk after this meeting.”

Maris shuddered. If that statement had been directed at her...well, she would probably become aroused.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Arwin said as he stood and bowed to her. “I will take my leave in the next two days.”

Valda nodded. “Take whatever you need. Everything will be at your disposal.”

“Thank you, I will. Now if you excuse me, I need to get the troops ready,” he said, leaving the room.

Isen swallowed hard before turning to Valda. “My Queen. Please.” He got on one knee. “I didn't mean to doubt you. I just—”

“Knowing you, you must be bowing down with a fist over your heart…”

Maris confirmed. “He is.”

“Stand up, Captain.”

He did and fixed his tunic in the process.

“I have a special assignment for you,” Valda said, lowering her voice and walking closer to him.

“I am at the Sky Kingdom’s disposal, Queen Valda.”

“I want you to follow General Arwin.”

Isen raised his eyebrows and lowered his voice as well. “My Queen?”

Valda nodded. “I want you to spy on him then report back to me. Do whatever you need to do, but I need you to do this alone. If you take a troop, he will know that something is up. It should be done with the greatest discretion possible. No one else should be aware of this task.”

Maris kept her eyes on Isen. His expression shifted from one of concern to a more solemn, serious look. He straightened before gripping Valda’s shoulder. “You can count on me, my Queen.”

Valda nodded before touching his hand. “Go, don’t come back until you have something.”

Isen turned to Maris and bowed his head low before leaving the throne room.

Maris let out an anxious sigh before turning to Valda. “We are alone,” she announced, closing her notebook, and standing. “Captain Hurley looks ready to battle, whereas Arwin—” She shook her head. “He seemed desperate to leave.”

Valda let out a dangerous growl. “That’s why I sent Hurley after him. I do hope he doesn't get caught.”