Chapter 420 - Four Hundred And Twenty: The Raid Tomorrow

The third point of view:

The environment in the meeting room was somber yet alert. Everyone had gathered for the final meeting having found out Miguel's location. Each one present today knew how risky the operation was and the fact that lives could be lost. 

"I'm sure you all know why you're here today," Sakuzi began, standing in the middle of the conference room with everyone's eyes trained on him.

Amongst everyone present was his wife Nadia, his two sons Finley and Victor. Niklaus and Reina were present as well, alongside Eden and his wife, Camille - both had been welcomed into the family.

Emerald was there but without the presence of Cecil. The woman was pregnant with his child and would not let her in even if she wanted to. She detested violence by the way, nor had he mentioned to Sakuzi that he wouldn't be participating in this operation.

Judy was present with Emily, but it was obvious to everyone that the prince wouldn't be participating in the war tomorrow. As much as they wanted help from all sides, Sakuzi wouldn't want to be on the bad side with the kingdom of Lincolnshire - the prince was too important to become a casualty loss. In fact, he knew the queen dowager had not consented to him being here. 

The others present in the meeting were Sakuzi's men in diverse high-ranking positions who would then deliver the final instructions to their subordinates.

"Tomorrow we would vanquish an enemy that had not disgraced our family but taken a precious soul from us. To some of you, Angela might have meant nothing to you, neither had she been the nicest person on earth, but then we live by a code, and that code has bonded us for years, neither would we fail to meet up with its expectation now, "

Sakuzi walked around the room making sure to keep eye contact with everyone he passed through as he went on, 

"We are all different people from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life but bound by a single word, 'family'. Tomorrow! We would defend our code of honor and imprint fear into the heart of our enemies! Family is everything! "

There was clamor and applause from everyone, encouraging him to go on. A minute later, the noise died off as soon as he gestured to them to stop.

"Now, this mission isn't going to be all rainbow and sunshine. You could die. I could die," He broke the information down, "Which is why only one partner can volunteer. No two parents should join this mission no matter your rank nor position whatsoever - the danger is real,"

As soon as he said that, Niklaus and Reina's eyes met yet none of them said anything and took their gaze away. Even a blind man could sense the voiceless tension between both couples. It was obvious that deciding which of them would join the raid tomorrow would be a tough one.

"Make a wise decision. This battle is as real as it gets and there's no shame in withdrawing from battle. Our enemies are ruthless, we won't be kind either. This is Kill or be killed," Sakuzi laid more emphasis on the dangers they would encounter tomorrow. 

"Don't."

Reina's hand froze in the air as soon as she lifted it to volunteer. She turned to face Niklaus whose jaw was clenched tightly, staring at her with intense orbs. Reina knew that look, he was holding back from exploding. 

"Let's face it, you always knew inwardly I won't back down. Why make a big deal out of it now?" She told him, letting her hand fall to her laps.

"I kind of now regret sending you to Angela," He told her, the anguish reflecting in his eyes. 

"Yeah, I regret it too," Reina nodded her head, "Because I brought death to her. She would have been much alive if I haven't come to visit her,"

"I'm sure if Angela could talk from whatever she is, she wouldn't let you do this," Niklaus tried to talk her out of this. He knew he couldn't force Reina not to go - it was her choice- so he hoped to solicit her to change her mind. 

"And I'm sure Angela knows whenever she is that she wouldn't be able to persuade me either. Niklaus, I can't be at peace if I don't do it,"

"Then send me, I'm your husband. I'm the one supposed to do the fighting. Your battles are my battles too." he reminded her - almost desperately 

"Oh, come on, Niklaus," She fought against the urge to roll her eyes, "This isn't the medieval ages where women's rights are limited to the kitchen nor do I have to wait for the prince in shining armors to fight my battle," 

Niklaus threw his face the other way grumpily. 

"Niklaus," Reina grasped his face and brought it back to her line of focus, "I know what you're worried about, but I can assure you that nothing would happen to me. Come on, I'm going with my old man, I'm sure as hell he would protect me with his life," she promised.

God knew how hard it was for Niklaus yet he gave in reluctantly, "Fine," and quickly added, "But promise me that you'd return to me. No damage done, all hale and hearty?"

"I promise you," Reina said, bringing out her pinky finger for them to guarantee the pledge.

Niklaus chuckled at her childishness yet indulged her by bringing out his pinky as well and they sealed the deal.

A smile on her face, they leaned in at the same time and kissed, a tentative kiss that soon heightened into a passionate one. 

No matter how many times he tasted her, Niklaus still couldn't get enough of those wonderful lips. It was like a drug. He sucked on her lower lips while Reina grazed his upper lips with the edges of her teeth as her hand worked in his hair. 

"Seriously, get a room you two," Emily was cringy at the sight of them exchanging saliva, "We're approaching the apocalypse and here you two are making out," she clicked her tongue in disapproval. 

Reina pulled away from Niklaus with a grateful and light heart - the crisis has been averted. 

"I'll be back," She smooched him fully on the lips briefly before standing to make her intentions of joining the raid known.

As soon as she left, Emily took her place beside her brother. She scrutinized him saying, "I know you brother, that was too easy. Reina must be dumb to think you surrendered," she accused him.

Niklaus didn't reply, rather he turned his face away as if declaring he wanted no disturbance. However, that dark look was all Emily needed to know he had something up his sleeve. This was not the end.