Chapter 12: The Princess's Decision
The royal council ended as the sun dipped below the horizon.
One by one, the nobles and commanders left the chamber.
Only King Aldric, Queen Elara, Princess Elena, Helena Frost, and Abster remained.
King Aldric folded his hands.
"The expedition departs at dawn."
"I trust each of you to return safely."
Abster bowed.
"I'll do everything I can."
The king nodded with a faint smile.
"I believe you will."
Outside the throne room, Abster walked alone through the palace gardens.
The cool evening breeze carried the scent of blooming white lilies.
He stopped beside a quiet fountain.
"So this is what another world feels like..."
A soft voice came from behind him.
"You like quiet places too?"
Abster turned.
Princess Elena stood a few steps away, wearing a simple white dress instead of her royal attire.
Without the crown, she looked less like a princess and more like an ordinary young woman.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," she said.
"Not at all."
She smiled and walked to the fountain.
"For someone who saved an entire village... you're surprisingly quiet."
Abster chuckled.
"I've never liked being the center of attention."
Elena looked at the water.
"Neither have I."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was peaceful.
"I watched your duel yesterday," Elena finally said.
"You could have used that mysterious power everyone talks about."
Abster shook his head.
"I didn't want to."
"Why?"
"Because if I rely on power I don't understand..."
"...one day it might control me instead."
Elena looked at him in surprise.
Most people would have chased more power without hesitation.
Yet Abster feared it.
She found that... comforting.
At the edge of the garden, Prince Lucien watched from a distance.
He smiled to himself.
"So that's where my sister disappeared."
King Aldric quietly approached him.
Lucien glanced at his father.
"Should we stop them?"
The king chuckled.
"They're only talking."
"And besides..."
He looked toward Abster.
"...it's been a long time since I've seen Elena smile like that."
The next morning...
The eastern gate of Valoria was crowded.
The expedition was ready.
Waiting at the entrance were:
Abster
Lyra Everwind
Garrick Thorn
Prince Lucien Solaris
Fenrir
As Helena prepared to give the signal...
A familiar voice interrupted.
"Wait!"
Everyone turned.
Princess Elena rode toward them on a white horse, dressed not in royal gowns, but in light traveling armor. A sword hung at her waist, and a small satchel rested over her shoulder.
King Aldric and Queen Elara followed behind her.
Lucien sighed.
"I had a feeling..."
Elena dismounted and faced her father.
"I want to go."
The courtyard fell silent.
"My place isn't only inside the palace."
"If this journey concerns the future of our kingdom..."
"...then I want to see it with my own eyes."
Queen Elara looked at the king.
A long silence followed.
Finally...
King Aldric smiled.
"I expected this."
He turned to Helena.
"Can you protect my daughter?"
Helena smiled confidently.
"With my life."
The king then looked at Abster.
"I have one more request."
Abster bowed.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Bring everyone home."
Abster met the king's gaze.
"I promise."
Elena looked at Abster and smiled.
"Looks like we'll be traveling together."
Abster returned the smile.
"I suppose we will."
Lyra watched the exchange quietly.
She smiled too...
Though for reasons she didn't quite understand, there was a small ache in her heart.
With the morning sun rising behind them...
The gates of Valoria slowly opened.
The expedition stepped onto the road leading east.
Ahead lay forests, mountains...
And the forgotten ruins of Nox Aeterna.
Hidden deep within those ruins...
Someone waited.
Lord Zarek stood before an ancient black throne.
He closed his eyes.
"The Sovereign approaches."
A shadowy figure beside him asked,
"Should we prepare for war, my Lord?"
Zarek slowly shook his head.
"No."
"Prepare..."
"...for our king."
End of Chapter 12