PLAY BY DECEPTION

PLAY BY DECEPTION
Chapter 27

ROYANNA

Pain was the first thing I felt the moment my eyes fluttered open. It throbbed through my cheek and jaw.

My lips were so dry that I could feel them cracking, the same could be said for my throat.

But the worst of them all was my stomach, the tightness and ache caused by hunger.

My stomach growled as I attempted to drag myself up. A wave of dizziness hit me, and everything around me swayed as I fell back on,not cold, hard walls.

I blinked, realizing the darkness that clung to the dungeon wasn't here. And my body wasn't lying on the damp ground; instead, I lay on something softer, a bed. Then I felt the thin cover drop over my body.

I was back in the quarters I shared with the others, but how? I recalled Saphena's cruel command, she didn't seem like someone who would just let me go.

Did she go after the others to get the truth?

I groaned, trying to sit up, despite my body protesting with every movement.

“Royanna!”

A voice jolted me, and my gaze snapped in the direction of the doorway. Clio, Jira, and Benedict stood there, her eyes wide. She sprinted towards me, crashing into my side as she pulled me into a tight hug. I could feel her tears dropping on my shoulders. I held her more tightly, assuring her that I was fine.

Jira and Benedict also came by my side, each taking turns to hug me.

“You are s–safe” My voice came out weak and cracked. “Where are the others?”

Clio adjusted beside me, gently brushing strands of hair from my face. “Called in for morning meals, we actually finished first, so we could bring you something to eat,” Clio said, glancing at Benedict, she gestured with her fingers, and Benedict nodded, scurrying over to the spot they had been standing.

She crouched, and a few seconds later, stood back up with a wooden platter in hand.

She came by my side and secured the plate next to me. “Come on, eat up,” Clio said, aiding me in taking off the lid on the plate.

It was a bowl of brown soup, while the second bowl was filled with mashed rice. My mouth watered and I gulped, eager to have a taste of food for the first time in three days.

I picked the platter with shaky hands, resting it on my thighs. I dipped my hand into the bowl of rice, scooping the largest portion I could muster and shoving it into my mouth.

I didn't have time to feel the taste, my growling stomach just wanted to be filled up. Minutes later, the bowls were empty, Clio pulled out a water pouch from under her bed, handing it to me. I popped the lid open and downed it all in one go.

Wiping my mouth clean, I whispered, “Thank you so much.”

“We should be thanking you Royanna, you have been constantly saving our lives from day one. You don't deserve to be ill-treated by anyone, not even the commander.”

“Shhh…” I cut in on Clio, “Don't speak of her. The last thing I want is for any of you to fall under her wrath.”

I held Clio's hand, squeezing it with the little strength I had developed. “She's superior; she has the power to destroy us, treat us as she sees fit. Unfortunately, we can only endure or lose our lives. So please Clio, do not speak ill of the commander.” I glanced at Benedict and Jira, “Same for you both, and everyone else.”

“Okay?”

They nodded in response, and my lips quavered into a tired smile.

“You are too kind, Royanna. When we learned that ‘she’.” Jira pulled on the word, “...dragged you off after we left, we were furious and afraid. Then this morning she…”

She stopped mid-sentence, exchanging a look with Clio.

I frowned. “Then she what?”

Clio and Jira exchanged looks, while Benedict avoided my gaze. “Tell me.” I urged, and Clio spoke, “She caught Kithara, and the others.”

My heart stopped.

“What?” The word slipped, barely audible.

Jira nodded grimly. “They were captured in the woods, and brought back this morning.”

My pulse thrummed in my ears “Oh no…” I whispered, disbelief cracking through my words.

Clio’s eyes dropped to the ground. “ They said you snitched on them to save yourself from being punished,” she revealed, and my heart sank.

“No.” I shook my head, “I didn't, I couldn't bring myself to do it, that was why she threw me in the dungeon. She had guards who secretly chaperoned us throughout the entire phase, she knew about the escape even before we arrived at the castle.” My tone came out desperate, fear gnawing at my insides.

“We know Royanna, we defended you, but the rest seemed to have bought her lies.” Jira chirped, wearing a sad smile.

“She planned this.” Benedict joined in, “To cause a rift between us, and I fear it's working.”

Jira’s fists clenched. “That witch deserves a blade through her heart.”

“Jira,” I cautioned, glancing toward the door. “Please...”

Clio exhaled shakily. “We need to prove Royanna innocent, how do we do that?”

I rubbed my forehead, thinking of a solution. Saphena had chosen to play dirty; I couldn't let her win.

Playing by dishonesty is no way for a leader. My father always preached to his comrades about being just, fair, and honest. Saphena has broken all of these attributes with just one lie. I may be very insignificant right now, and trying to report her deeds to the Alpha King may seem out of reach. But if I can prove my innocence to Kithara and the others, then I would be at peace, knowing I cleared the deception behind my name.

“She had a scroll with the reports,” I revealed, causing the trio to stare at me, their eyes flashing with confusion.

“The scroll contains the report the guards sent about our progress. If I get my hands on it, I can prove my innocence.”

“How do you intend to get the scro
ll?” Clio asked and I heaved a sigh.

“I plan to play by deception as well. To steal it.”