The Royal Seal on the parchment was still wet when Robert and Marin stood before the King. The atmosphere in the throne room was different now; there were no more whispers of "servant" or "shadow." Robert stood tall, his posture reflecting the ancient dignity of the Atten line, while Marin stood by his side, her hand resting naturally near his.
"The House of Verath has grown bold," the King stated, his eyes weary. "They believe their wealth hides their rot. But I have seen the reports. Children are being moved through their estate like cargo. I need blades I can trust, and hearts that won't falter."
"We'll bring them home, Your Majesty," Robert said, his voice resonant and steady.
The Preparation
Back at the Montclair estate, the air was a whirlwind of silk and steel. Unlike their previous missions, they couldn't go in armored for war. They had to go in armored for high society.
Marin looked at herself in the tall gilded mirror. The emerald green dress was a masterpiece, but she felt exposed without her plate mail. "I feel like I'm walking into a trap without a shield, Robert."
Robert stepped behind her, adjusting the clasp of her cloak. He was dressed in a tailored dark suit that hid several throwing daggers in the lining. "You are the shield, Marin. And I am the sword in your hand. Remember what we found in the mountains? Our bond is stronger than any armor."
He kissed the back of her neck, a lingering touch that sent a surge of warmth through their magical link. "We play the part of the charming lovers. It shouldn't be too hard... considering we aren't acting."
The Arrival at Verath Mansion
The mansion was a fortress of glass and gold. As the carriage pulled up, the sounds of violins and the scent of expensive wine drifted through the air.
"Stay focused," Robert whispered as they stepped onto the marble stairs. "Identify the restricted wing. Find the children. And most importantly..."
"Don't let the 'chaos team' blow our cover," Marin finished, spotting a familiar flash of blonde hair near the buffet table.
The Chaos Element
Silica, Marley, and Marek had insisted on coming. While they weren't "officially" invited, Marek had used his natural charm (and a few forged invitations) to get them through the door.
"Oh, look at that chandelier!" Marley whispered, her eyes wide. "I bet if I threw a grape at that noble's wig, it would cause a huge scene."
"Do it," Silica giggled, her medal from the previous mission tucked safely under her bodice.
Marek winked at them. "Ladies, remember the plan. I'll flirt with the Baroness to get the keys. You two just... be loud. Be very, very loud."
The Infiltration
As a "distraction" erupted near the fountain—involving a spilled tray of champagne and Marek’s exaggerated apologies—Robert and Marin slipped behind a heavy velvet tapestry.
They found the hidden door. It didn't lead to a cellar, but to a pristine, cold wing of the house that felt more like a prison than a home. The sound of muffled sobbing reached their ears.
Robert’s jaw tightened. He looked at Marin. "This ends tonight."
"Tonight," she agreed.
They pushed the door open, and the flickering candlelight revealed the rows of small, narrow beds. The children looked up, their eyes reflecting a decade of Robert’s own history—lost, sold, and forgotten.
Marin crouched by the first bed, her silver-blue aura glowing softly to provide a comforting light. "Shh... we’re here. The King sent us. You’re going home."
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