After leaving Viktor, Sonja returned to her room, her mind racing with the news of her impending engagement and promotion. She knew she had to act fast if she wanted to escape the marriage and her new role as an Elder.
She quickly summoned Aerin and instructed her to find Tanis and invite him to her room for a private conversation. Aerin nodded and left to carry out her orders.
Sonja paced back and forth in her room, trying to come up with a plan. She knew that Tanis would be a valuable ally in her quest to escape the marriage and dethrone Viktor.
A short while later, Aerin returned with Tanis in tow. Sonja gestured for him to take a seat and after Aerin left the room she began to speak.
"Tanis, I have something important to tell you," she began. "Viktor has plans for me to be engaged and promoted to an Elder. As you know I cannot accept this, as it would mean giving up my freedom. I need your help in finding a way out of this."
Tanis listened attentively and then spoke up, "This is a major development. But I don't understand why not accept the offer if you do he will have to hibernate eventually during your rule and when that happens you can easily kill him."
Sonja sighed and said, "You are severely overestimating me and underestimating my father. If this happens he will use training me as an excuse in order to extend his reigning time from one hundred years to two hundred years. If that happens you'll never get the chance to rule."
Tanis nodded, understanding her concerns. "True you're right, we can't let that happen. So, what do you propose we do?"
Sonja hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I have a plan but it contains high risks. The Lycan slaves held in Viktor's dungeons. I believe that they would make a valuable army in our fight to dethrone Viktor. But once we escape, he might kill them all in his rage."
Tanis furrowed his brows, "That truly is a big risk, but it's worth it if it means getting rid of Viktor. But we need to ensure their safety. Do you have any ideas on how to do that?"
Sonja pondered for a minute before saying, "When I was a child I played in the secret passages hidden throughout the castle walls. If we could manage to somehow get the information to the Lycans then when we leave they could perhaps stage an escape attempt."
Tanis nodded, "That's a good plan, but it's going to be difficult to get the information to the Lycans without getting caught. We'll have to be careful."
Sonja agreed, "You needn't worry about that if I have Lucian disseminate this information to the others then there won't be any involvement from either you nor myself."
Tanis thought for a moment before responding, "That could work, but we'll need to make sure that Lucian is on board with the plan and that he can be trusted not to betray us. We should also have a backup plan in case things go wrong."
Sonja nodded, "I trust Lucian and I believe he would be willing to help us. But it never hurts to have a backup plan, just in case. We should also consider the timing of the escape and make sure that it's done at a time when Viktor is most vulnerable. We need to be strategic and make sure that we have the upper hand."
Tanis agreed, "Yes, timing is crucial. We'll need to gather as much information as possible about Viktor's schedule and movements before we make our move. We'll also need to be prepared for any contingencies that may arise. It's going to be a risky endeavor, but if we play our cards right, we could succeed in dethroning Viktor."
Tanis then asked, "What should our backup plan be in case Lucian fails."
Sonja said, "Lucian won't fail but in any case those tunnels I mentioned before. They actually lead to a ship in an underground cavern that I played in. So if things don't go well you should take as many Lycan slaves with you and escape."
Tanis nodded, "That sounds like a solid backup plan. The underground ship could be our escape route if things go wrong. We'll need to make sure that it's still operational and that we have enough supplies on board to sustain us. We'll also need to be prepared to defend ourselves in case Viktor or his men come after us."
Sonja added, "Having the Lycans on our side will make that very easy since they can operate during the day as well as night easily outrunning the death dealer who can only move during the day would be easy. Since it's a hidden ship for Viktor and probably the other two elders then it must already be stocked with blood."
Tanis replied, "Oh so the elders have an escape plan where only they get to live while the rest of us die for their sake. I must admit that's a good plan but I'd much rather be the one to survive than them. I'm curious about how you know this information since you're not an elder?"
Sonja nodded, "Exactly. We need to make sure that we're the ones in control of the situation and not them. We can't let them sacrifice us for their own gain. We need to be smart and make sure that we have the upper hand at all times. I know because my father would abandon all of you easily but he would never do so to me unless it risked his own life."
Tanis chuckled as he replied sarcastically, "Sounds like you're very loved by him. Moving on I gave your maid the key this morning and she returned it when you sent her over to call me so a copy has been made. So I'll need about two days to figure out the layout of these tunnels. Now the only remaining thing is dealing with Soren."
Sonja nodded, "Yes, dealing with Soren is a big concern. He needs to die especially if you wish to move up in Viktor's trust. Right now he trusts me the most, followed by Kraven, then Soren, and finally you. By removing myself and Soren you'll move up. Since Kraven and Soren are notably close Viktor might lose trust in Kraven."
Tanis said, "Thus putting me next to Viktor and possibly having his ear. With this position you want me to feed you information while you're outside to dismantle his empire."
Sonja added, "Yes and to do that communication is key. The tunnel can be our backup plan but truly I had hoped to use it as a way to smuggle information outside."
Tanis nodded, "I understand. I'll work on finding a way to communicate with you while I'm inside and gathering information on Viktor's plans. But first, we need to take care of Soren. We'll need to be careful and take his key without him being aware so that when Viktor questions us he will realize it's missing and try to escape."
Sonja nodded, "We need to be strategic in our approach and make sure that we don't leave any evidence behind. We need to be patient and wait for the right opportunity. We can't rush this and risk being caught. Also, this plan will leave you unnoticed so I will need you to stop trying to figure out ways to save only yourself and focus on what I tell you."
Tanis replied, "My lady Sonja you wound me. You make it sound as if I were planning to stab you in the back.."
Sonja nodded, "If it benefits you then you would gladly stab me in the front as well as the back. We just need to be smart and stay focused. We can't let emotions cloud our judgment. Trust me, the end goal will be worth it. Leave now the next time I contact you everything will be ready on my end so attend to the tasks I've given you."
Tanis nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. He quickly and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him. Sonja let out a sigh of relief, her mind already focused on the next steps of her plan.
She called out to her maids, Aerin and Selina, who quickly entered the room. "My lady, how can we assist you?" Aerin asked, her voice filled with concern as she noticed the blood stains on Sonja's armor.
"Help me remove this armor and prepare a bath for me," Sonja replied, her voice calm and collected. Aerin and Selina immediately went to work, carefully undoing the straps and clasps of the armor. They helped her remove it, revealing the cuts and bruises on her body underneath.
Aerin gasped at the sight of the injuries, but Sonja reassured her. "It's nothing serious, just a few cuts and bruises. I'll be fine it'll heal by the hour."
The maids then helped her to the bath, where they carefully cleaned and tended to her wounds. Sonja closed her eyes, letting the warm water soothe her tired and aching body. She couldn't help but think of the weight of responsibility that she carried on her shoulders, but she knew that it was necessary in order to protect her people and bring down Viktor's regime. She couldn't afford to let emotions cloud her judgment. She needed to stay focused and keep moving forward, no matter how difficult it may be.
As she closed her eyes he focused on more of the original Sonja's memories trying to figure out if she knew whether or not she knew she was pregnant. That was information she needed to be aware of because if it were true then it would influence her future actions.