The Decoder - Chapter 9

Avery

“I was taking a stroll at the park.”

Edith’s words continued to play in his mind like a moving gear, over and over. It was a lie, he was certain. The fact that she had lied, was cause enough to confirm she was hiding something from him. Something she does not trust him with. That is to say, he had lied to her, too. For he never visited the clinic that night. And, he wanted to know what she was hiding from him for he had seen her entered an apartment at Eder Street three days ago when he was on watch. If she was visiting a friend, why would she lie? While her lie made him squirmed underneath the bench at the park located not far from the City Square now, he had relished her warm and pretty smiles in his memory.

The day they were at the forest had brought happiness and he had never felt more relaxed in his life in these eight years. With Edith by his side, he couldn’t be more than elated. Avery recalled the memory she had kissed the baby rabbit so tenderly and placed it in his hands. A mixture of emotions had burgeoned in him and looking into those hazel eyes gave him peace, making him longed for her and what it feels like to kiss those enticing lips. Her smiles were like sunshine to him and he intended to cherish them however he could. The urge to pull her into his arms was overwhelming, but he managed to tame it down when he focused his attention to the baby rabbit. He had come to realised that he loved her ever since they were children and those feelings had only grown stronger ever since the union between him and Edith.

He had meant to ask about her father as well, but after witnessing how she had gazed off to somewhere far ahead and she started trembling, he decided it was best to leave that topic out until she’s ready to speak about it. He wondered what she had witnessed to incite such a reaction.

Gazing ahead at the dim lights from the streetlamps, he sat up straighter, placing his right leg onto his left knee. Anytime now, he would expect his “agent” to arrive. He had received an instruction directly from the High Commander, instructing him to meet with this mysterious agent, who was referred as “Agent A.” Avery couldn’t help thinking how common the code name was. Anyone could be referred to as A.

“Mr. Kainz?” A feminine voice came from his left and he glanced up to find a woman. He couldn’t quite discern her features for her face was silhouetted by the hood over her head. The surname “Kainz” was adopted to disguise his background which connected him to the royal family of Hathage, and to forget that he ever had connections with them.

“Yes, that’s me.” Avery stood, towering over the woman.

“I’m Agent A.” The woman pulled back her hood and he was surprised to see a woman probably in her mid-thirties. He had expected a man to meet him, not a woman. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight bun and her features were flawless.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Avery bowed his head slightly.

“Likewise. I’m told to liaise with you on this assignment.” The woman said softly. Her voice had a feathery feel to it. Avery could only guess she was the third-party the High Commander had mentioned. A spy.

“Yes. How is the negotiation process with Hathage?” Avery asked. He had come to learn from the High Commander that Agent A was in charge with the political negotiations with the Hathagian Royals earlier this afternoon. My elder brother, Avery thought bitterly.

“Still in negotiation. His Majesty, Lord Noel Sykes is still considering the terms. If he agrees to send supplies, then we will consider releasing the refugees.” Agent A sighed.

Avery flinched slightly at the mention of his elder brother’s name, but the woman was looking elsewhere to notice it.

“I see. Hope the negotiation turns out well.” Avery forced a smile. Indeed, he truly hoped for the refugees to return to Hathage. They are innocents who happened to be involved with the political mess that had occurred between Rayard and Hathage five years ago.

“I will keep you informed.”

“And I will continue to monitor the situation.” Before the woman turn to leave, Avery asked one last question.

“And where are the refugees being housed?” He knew they were in Eder Street, but he wasn’t sure of the exact location.

“At Kyron House, an apartment not far from Falborg Forest. You will see the wooden signage as you pass along Eder Street to Falborg Forest.”

* * * * *

The next afternoon Avery sat with the trio for lunch with Lucien sitting opposite him. Since the day they had joined the trio for lunch, it had become a routine for both Avery and Lucien to join in. Besides, it gave him opportunity to be with Edith as well, though her lie still bothered him. Their laughter rang out across the field, and it had attracted some of the nurses’ attention, including his fiancée, Ira Ekker, who happened to be approaching their group. Avery immediately rose from his seat. The last thing he wanted was having to introduce her to Edith, but he had no choice.

“Where are you going?” Lucien asked.

“To greet Ira.” Avery felt everyone’s gaze on him as he excused himself and approached Ira who immediately grasped his hand.

“I wish to join you for lunch.” She gave him a sweet smile. Ira was the High Commander’s daughter and was the most beautiful woman in the Militia. With her long blonde curls, eyes as blue as the sky, heart-shaped face and an hourglass figure, it was no wonder why men would pin after her. Adding on to her beauty, was her intelligence as well. For she was one of the Secret Intelligence Officers who worked alongside the Elites, gathering information for the Militia. She had received many praises for her successful assignments and her father had been very proud of her. Avery should be a happy man to be betrothed to her, but there was a void in him. He certainly cared for her, but he did not feel the same she did towards him.

“I’m having lunch with my friends. You may join us.” Avery smiled in return and led her to the group who were still watching him.

“Meet Miss Ira Ekker, the High Commander’s daughter.” Avery introduced though he knew Lucien, Caden and Merille must’ve known her for she was quite the celebrity here in the Militia. However, for the sake of propriety, he introduced her, especially to Edith who was clueless about her.

“Good afternoon, I’m pleased to make your acquaintances. Please treat me as if I’m one of you and place aside the status and formalities.” Ira curtsied slightly and smiled sweetly.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Ira. My name is Edith.” Edith smiled.

“I find it awkward when you introduced Miss Ira to us when all of us know she’s your fiancée.” Lucien teased and suddenly Avery could feel the tension in the atmosphere. Stupid Al...Why did you have to say that! Avery wanted to strangle Lucien at that moment, but he held on to Ira’s hand to control himself.

“Fiancée?” Edith murmured, her eyes now wide with shock and surprise laced her emotions. Her eyes darting back and forth at him and Ira. At this moment, Avery wished he could hide somewhere, and he needed to at this moment, very badly.

“Yes, they have been engaged for a year now.” Lucien said, seemingly unaware of the tension.

“I see…” Edith pondered for a few seconds before smiling up at him and Ira. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

“Thank you, Miss Edith.” Ira replied with a cheerful chirp.

An emotion stirred in Avery when he heard that wish coming from Edith. He had felt as if a thousand pins and needles had stabbed him in the chest. He didn’t like it and bit his lips. When he had received the same congratulatory wish from other soldiers and peers, he had felt nothing, but not when it came from Edith’s lips.

“Let’s eat.” Avery said awkwardly, trying to break the sudden tensed atmosphere, and moved to sit at his original spot with Ira next to him. Their cheerful conversation returned, and Lucien was now engaging Ira in conversation. Avery dared himself to cast a glance at Edith who was now opposite him with the new seating arrangement, but she was no longer looking at him, her attention on Caden and Merille. He knew at that moment; she was avoiding having to look at him. Drat.

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