STRATEGY

Xena sat quietly as she tried to process what Lynx had just said. She didn't know about the third realm nor had she heard about it before.

"That's strange, I never knew about any of these things. Besides, my family secrets are not told to royals till they come of age. But I will see to it the moment I get the chance to leave this place. That's my first strategy on my revenge scheme."

General Lynx gave her a light grin, he was delighted she understood what he explained;

"Now you're thinking like a warrior." He commented,

"I will give you time to plan and also support your strategies with a few ideas. I believe you'll be unstoppable after this step but first, let's take our leave. this place doesn't seem safe enough to continue this conversation, who knows what creatures are waiting to devour us."

Xena didn't protest to Lynx's words, She knew how dangerous the dark realm could be and how ferocious the beast were.

The energy berries she was given had started taking its effect;So she got up, shook off the dust from her clothes then she walked back with General Lynx.

Xena was overjoyed that General Lynx forgave her but something else still bothered her. She was able to keep her emotions away from Lynx so he wouldn't worry too much about her. He was already too occupied with leading her home as he tried to find a path through those dangerous bushes.

the truth was that she couldn't stop thinking about the new friend she had made earlier.She stylishly observed the bushes, wondering where he would have gone and how he managed to vanish so quickly as she prayed in her heart to find him again;

"Sneaky wolf, I hope you come back to me soon, I miss you already, can't wait to see him again." Xena murmured to herself.

The first realm council were in a hot seat on the account of Zina's upcoming coronation. Duke Charles and Lady Tatiana were opposing each other, giving why their opinion should count as Zina and Sire James listened to them.

"Duke Charles, I understand what you're trying to say but I don't agree with it." Lady-Tatiana pouted her lips in disapproval, not relenting on her point.

"How can you say the coronation of our to-be queen should be done simple, we have to go the extra mile!" Lady Tatiana stated her point with a slightly raised tone.

Lady Tatiana was one of the decision makers of the first realm. She's bossy, and has a great sense of fashion thus making Duke Charles' suggestion sound like treason to her ears.

Sire James on the other hand was trying to calm Duke Charles down, his ears were almost bleeding. He knew Lady Tatiana had always liked grand parties and balls so she could flaunt her expensive dresses in front of other dignitaries. Besides, he knew there was no point arguing with Tatiana as it would lead to achieving nothing on any issue.

"I think we should let the princess decide, she has her likes and dislikes. Moreover, this is her coronation ceremony, she has the right to tell us how and where she wants it to take place". Sire James suggested in his cool voice.

Immediately Sire James made that statement, both their heads turned to the princess waiting for her response but all they got was her silence.

"Your majesty!" Lady Tatiana called out making Zina jolt back to reality,

"Is everything alright with you? You seem to be far away from this conversation, would you like a drink, perhaps water?" Tatiana asked, feeling concerned. Her eyes scanned Zina to make sure she was fine.

"Lady Tatiana, I'm fine," Zina assured the moment she noticed Tatiana's gaze.

"Let's talk about it some other time shall we? I don't seem to be in the right state of mind today." Zina said, getting set to take her leave.

"But your majesty we shouldn't, your coronation is only a week away and you know it would be a disaster if we don't plan for it now."

Lady Tatiana tried to reason with her but she showed no interest.

"Only I can say when I want to be crowned! Lady Tatiana, I can move the date till when I want, don't forget I'm the crown Princess!" and with that, Zina excused herself from their midst.

She took a stroll to the garden where she saw Levi tending the flowers as always. She rolled her eyes, feeling disgusted as she recalled their last encounter. However, for some odd reasons, she called out to him.

"Young man, do you mind if I watch you work? I didn't want to ask for your permission but at the same time, I didn't want to hear the news that a princess like me was staring at you while you carried out your duties."

The only place she found peace was the garden, that's why she insisted on watching him work. The load on her head was too much to bear.

Levi gave her a cheeky smile, he knew she was bored And she didn't know how to express herself well so he decided to tease her;

"What do you want to talk about your royal Highness? I know you're bored and tired of all these royal activities, you should take some time off for yourself, else you'll get old quickly and I won't want that to happen."

"And why do you care, you barely know me and you shouldn't! I am your crown Princess, show me some…

"Respect!" Levi helped Zina finish her statement. He took in a deep breath before continuing his statement;

"Look Zina, someday you'll realise that you should have paid as much attention to yourself as you did to that throne. Don't say I didn't warn you, I'm just trying to be a good friend but it seems you don't need one because you're better off on your own. I wish you the best Zina, oh my apologies, your Royal Highness." He ended in a mocking tone.

Zina quickened her steps to get far away from the garden but she still felt different considering most of the things Levi said got to her.

She came to a realization that what Levi said was the truth. She was bored and stressed from all the kingdom's affairs so she decided to take his advice.

She sent a guard to inform Levi that he was invited for a royal lunch with her. When the news got to Levi, he couldn't contain his joy. He danced to the sound of the wind, tending his flower quickly and rushing home like a racehorse determined to win the race. By the time he returned to the palace, he was almost unrecognizable as he looked dashing.

His dreads was packed on the upper side while the lower side was left neck length, he dressed like a cowboy, his shirt hugging his well built body. The cloth he wore commended his slightly light melanin tone which made his brown eye colour stand out, and he wore the perfect boot to match, he was truly a beauty to behold.

"I didn't know he could look this good, I guess I underestimated this youngman".

Zina thought to herself smiling till Levi interrupted by teasing her some more.

"It seems someone is smitten by my good looks and has forgotten her royal manners. I'll pardon you as a friend just because you took my advice to have a little fun." He grinned to show his perfectly arranged teeth.

"Fun?" Zina replied in confusion.

"I thought this was to make me less bored, I just need to be relieved of royal duties for a while."

She thought to herself, gaping at Levi.

"Young man, let's go to the dining table, shall we?" Levi nodded to her words, following her without any objections.