Hidden Messages

Scanning across the map, hoping I'll be able to find it on it, but so far no luck; throwing my head back in annoyance, I look over at the clock, to see that the party has been over for about an hour. Moving the floorboard farthest from the desk, I place the map into a small chest before locking it and then putting the floorboard back and making my way towards the other secret passage that leads to the kitchen. Moving quietly, as I reach the hidden door, before opening, I hear people talking.

"Ugh, did any of you found any of their mail?", demanded Lexa.

"Princess, I found a book with messages in them but it's nothing useful.", Liam states while handing over the book.

Lexa grabs it in anger and reads a few lines from it; "Dear Diary, Today was more of a hassled than before and didn't even get anything done."

"What is she talking about?", Harriet asks.

"Like I know, but this isn't helping at all.", Lexa says as she throws the book.

The book lands beside the trashcan as they continue to look around the kitchen, hoping to find anything in me. Holding back a growl, as they trash the place; biting my tongue as I continue to watch them destroy a place they have no business being in. Once all their backs were turned, I quickly but quietly move out of the passageway while dodging the obstacles that were around it. Smirking when an evil thought came into my mind so, I quickly get everything I need and set everything. Flicking the lights, someone screams, smirking. I slide over behind them and dropped a small bowl, which made them turn around in fear. Mr. Archer comes in slightly out of breath-

"What happen?"

"We did nothing.", Lexa states.

"Yeah, the lights flickered and then something fell.", Liam says.

Mr. Archer looks over them, and sees me when the confused look, pointing towards the trashcan, he sees the notice that and sighs. Gently making sure that he doesn't give any anything that would tell them anything.

"Sorry, I didn't know anyone would be down here.", he apologizes before continuing, "As you saw, we have a few ghosts who love playing pranks on new people."

"Should we get someone to get rid of them?", Harriet asks.

"There's no need, just try not to be down here since after a big gathering they get antsy and want time to roam around without causing too much trouble for everyone else.", He states.

"We'll leave then.", Liam says while walking out of the kitchen, followed by Lexa and Harriet.

Once they're far away, I move to grab the notebook and open it to see what it actually says.

"Hello Ruth, do not fear. If anyone who isn't, you can't see the actually message I've written. Now, that's out of the way, on to more pressing matters. I would love to work with you on your goals, but the only problem is you don't own a kingdom. Please write back to me as soon as you read this. P.S. just write in the book and I'll get the message."

"Mr. Arch-"

"Thanks.", I say as he handed me a pen.

Quickly writing back to this lovely person-

"Hello, I'm sorry that I don't know your name, but I understand when speaking about the goal of a kingdom that isn't my own. My brother, Prince Cody, would be my spoke person for this matter as our parents know he exists, unlike me. I would love it for us to meet in person, along with a few other people."

As I wait for them to respond, I head towards my room which was only a couple of doors from the kitchen, switching clothes for more comfortable ones as I sit at the makeshift desk, and take everything I would need to have an effective conversation with this other person.

"Who would these people be and I apologies, but I rather not tell you my name until we meet face to face. As what day would we be doing this?"

"That is completely understandable; the following people besides myself are Prince Cody, his fiancé, Yuma, his guard Ralph. As of what day, I would need to talk to them to make sure it doesn't interfere with anything that's going on that said day."

"Okay, get back to me when you can, but for now, we should sleep."

"Yes, goodnight. Hopefully, we'll talk soon."

"Goodnight."

Closing the book and putting in the draw as I look at the list I've made-

1. Find all allies

2. Gather as many people who share your thoughts

3. Find a secure location to have meetings

4. Gather intel from others who may be potential enemies

5. Find an abandoned kingdom and restore it

So far only I've gathered only a few people, but most of them are from this kingdom which doesn't help other kingdoms or rebels groups know it doesn't matter what kingdom they come from. I'm going to need to talk to Zeke and them, and see if they can't find anyone who also shares our thoughts. Leaving back in the chair as I let out a sigh.

"There's so much to do and so little time.", I mumble out.

Shaking my head, I pull out some maps and other things; crossing off useless things, circling helpful things as I did this for most of the night. When my eyes drop out of my control, as magic swirls around me but I was too out of it to notice fully. Falling, I groan as I stand up- looking around to see new surroundings that I wasn't familiar with but not thinking too much of it since let's be honest, I'm too tired to care. Moving along the place as the unique sounds surround me, as I continue on, hopefully find someone that could help or tell me where I'm at. Reaching the end of the forest, as it doesn't look like anything I've seen from books or maps that I've found.