“I want my servants with me, my king!” Elira bowed.
King Budegha’s eyes widened at her request.
He first shot a gaze at Zareth before turning to Elira.
“Elira, I’m sorry, but they can’t be with you.
It’s not…” “Your request is granted!” King Zareth’s cold voice spoke up and they turned to look at him.
“She’s leaving her home to a place she is not very familiar with, I understand her.
Anyone in her place would request the same.” He added.
Elira looked at him, and at that moment, she was seeing Adrian, The man she loved.
Too bad he does not recognize her.
Or does he?
“I will escort you to the carriage while your servants get their belongings.
I still have things to finish with your father!” King Zareth said and Elira nodded.
But she didn’t move!
“Is everything alright?” King Budegha was the first to ask.
He was already standing before her in two steps.
Elira didn’t answer.
Rather, turned turned toward king zareth.
“Can I have a word with my father?” The sudden question made the two kings exchanged a surprise look.
“Of course!” Zareth nodded, and turned and walked toward his men.
“Are you alright?” King Budegha asked and Elira’s gaze softened.
She sniffed and did something that stole the king’s breath.
She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly!
King Budegha didn’t move for quite a moment.
Then slowly, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back.
They held each other, sharing the father and daughter bond that they haven’t shared before.
When the king finally pulled back, his hands lingered on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry that I blamed you father.
I just realized you had no choice.
I will always take care of myself in Nebuzza and I hope you also take care of yourself too.” Elira said and king Budegha smiled.
Slowly he brushed his thumb across her cheek, catching the tears before fall.
“I have always wanted to give you this but…” he hesitated for a moment, then closed the box and placed it in her hands.
“It belongs to your mother.
I have kept it for years, but I think it belongs to you now” “Thank you!” Elira said and bowed respectfully.
Elira then turned away and her eyes met Queen Elzier’s.
For a brief moment neither of them moved.
They held each other’s gaze and Elira could swore she saw something like… regret flash across her face.
She bowed and the queen nodded, acknowledging her.
Prince William stood not far from them.
His hands were clenched in a fist, and hatred burned in his eyes.
Elira merely looked at him, words would only cheapen the silence between them.
And as for Mirelle, she stood beside Prince William rotting in jealousy and hatred.
She believed Elira took her right, and witnessing the simple but powerful things that happened today, she wished Elira could just die.
Elira didn’t give her a glance.
She walked past them and marched towards king Zareth who stood towards the carriage.
And beside him was Rosa and Lillia.
The silence between her and Mirelle cut deeper than insults.
Rosa and Lillia rushed towards her.
They were overjoyed and their perspective immediately changed towards king Zareth.
“Are you done saying goodbye?” King Zareth asked, walking towards her.
“Yes!” She bowed.
“Thank you for letting me” she said and Zareth smiled.
“You shouldn’t thank me, it’s your right.” He said and Elira’s breath caught.
“Let me help you into the carriage.” He extended his hand and Elira took it this time without hesitating, and he led her in.
“Brace yourself.
My men are still in the outskirts of Elarion, we will meet them and from there, we would depart for Nebuzza.” He said and Elira nodded.
She watched him as he made his way toward her father and sighed.
“She was going to loose her mind so” “He’s kind” Rosa said and Elira’s throat tightened.
Not long, king Zareth walked out of the council chamber with king Budegha behind him.
They were accompanied by the Duke and few Lords of Elarion.
The few Noble guests of Elarion who merely came as a witness were still in the grand hall, their presence was not needed in the matters concerning two kings.
Zareth walked forward and stopped, then he turned towards king Budegha.
“Like I have said, I hope Elarion keeps to the peace.
Else, Nebuzza would not withhold.” His voice was calm but cold.
It carried a visible threat within.
And king Zareth had made sure his gaze had landed on prince William.
“Elarion gives their word” king Budegha nodded but Zareth did not reply.
Rather, he turned and walked away.
He did not look back again as he approached his men.
“Prepare to depart,” he ordered.
At once, Alaric, the General warrior of Nebuzza bowed.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Withot another word, the soldiers dispersed with lethal precision.
Some hurried toward the horses while others secured the carriage carrying princess Elira and her belongings.
Within moments, the statuesque soldiers came alive, moving with disciplined, deadly movement.
King Budegha watched them in silence.
Unlike the soldiers of Elarion who often laughed among themselves while preparing for a jorney, the men of Nebuzza spoke only when necessary.
Every command was answered immediately, their movements cut like blade.
No woder the kingdoms feared Nebuzza.
Outside the grand hall , Nebuzza’s procession stood ready.
Fifty elite soldiers of Nebuzza sat upon massive black horses clad in dark armor, their banners stood still.
At the center stood an elegant royal carriage decorated with black steel and silver engravings of dragons, and inside it was princess Elira.
King Zareth swept his gaze over his formation.
Satisfied, he turned away!
He turned and walked towards the carriage.
He pushed open the curtains and his gaze fell on Elira who stared back at him before looking away.
“We are about to leave, whatever you need, do not hesitate to inform me!” “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Elira replied while Zareth merely nodded.
General Alaric led a gigantic black stallion towards Zareth.
He gently patted the animal before mounting on him.
He looked toward General Alaric, “Move.” He ordered, Immediately the massive palace gates creaked open.
The soldiers formed their ranks without confusion and rode ahead.
The royal carriage remained heavily guarded, King Zareth took his place beside the carriage, while General Alaric rode in front.
And the began to move, crossing the palace gates.
Princess Elira drew the curtains and looked out toward the palace.
The ivory crown of Elarion.
She couldn’t quite remember the last time she made use of this gate.
Six years ago or perhaps, more than that.
She closed her eyes and drew in one last breath of home.
King Zareth watched her through the corner of his eyes,and suddenly he felt like reaching out and patting her head.
He drag a hand through his face to kill the thought.
Scarring her won’t be necessary.
Princess Elira watched as the royal house faded in sight, leaving nothing but memories as they rode toward the outskirts of Elarion, where the soldiers of Nebuzza awaits them.
And a heavy wave of dread settled within her.
She didn’t know what staying in Nebuzza would be like, but she knew what leaving the walls she was familiar with felt like.
** Elira didn’t know how long they’ve traveled.
She had slept not long the ivory crown of Elarion had vanished behind them.
But when she opened her eyes, it was almost dark.
“Where are we” she asked, sitting up from Rosa’s laps which she had used as a pillow.
“We’re at the outskirts of Elarion!
Soon we would cross the border into Herbendnez.” Rosa answered and Elira nodded.
She glanced over at Lillia who sat quietly at the other side of the carriage.
She was unusually silent unlike her, and Elira knew why.
Elira didn’t want to disturb her thoughts, so she let her be.
They already knew Lillia was recalling a memory which she had always shared about the time she lived in Herbendnez with her husband, it was a painful experience.
Just then, their carriage came to a halt.
Elira drew the curtain to see what was happening and her eyes widened in shock.
Her breath caught!
This doesn’t seem as an small escort.
Before them were no more 50 soldiers, rather, about 300 soldiers of Nebuzza, mounted on their horses.
And there were about twenty carriages.
Elira didn’t understand what was going on.
She searched through the crowd for Zareth, her eyes searched for him on instinct.
From his position, king Zareth saw her.
He noticed the confusion she wore on her face.
Elira hasn’t been in such a journey before, and she’s likely not to understand what was going on.
“Are you alright ?” King Zareth asked startling her.
“I’m fine, my king !
It’s just…” She couldn’t finish her statement when she noticed Zareth staring down at her lips.
Heat crept to her face as her mind immediately ran to Adrian holding her neck and kissing her deeply.
King Zareth noticed her reaction and withdrew his gaze.
“I told you earlier that that my men awaits us.
Here they are, nothing to afraid of.” He paused to make sure she understood.
And Elira nodded.
“we will be leaving sooner” “Yes, my king!” “The journey is still long Elira.
You will feel a lot of discomfort in that dress.
I will have my servant bring you something more comfortable to change in” Elira nodded.
Trying hard to avoid his gaze because she was becoming unable to control the heat crawling up her face.
Zareth noticed her uneasiness, but he didn’t push it.
He turned around and left.
A cunning smile curved his lips.
Not long Zareth had left, they heard a knock right outside the carriage’s door.
Before Rosa could answer, the door was pushed open revealing a young girl of about eighteen.
Immediately her eyes fell on Elira, her face brightened and she broke into a gentle smile.
“My lady, this is for you.
It’s from the king!” Lillia stepped forward and took it from her.
It was a dress.
“My name is Nasha, I will be at your service throughout the journey.
You need to change my lady, I will get you some fruits.” She said grinning.
Before Elira could respond, she bowed and closed the door.
“I think she likes you” Rosa chuckled and Elira who hasn’t received such attention before was speechless.
Soon the journey began.
Elira has already changed into something lighter but strong enough to withstand the night weather.
She peeked out from the window again and her eyes fell on King Zareth who was riding beside the carriage.
“Are they planning to ride through the night?” Lillia asked, “The moon is full, but it’s still dangerous, unless they are not planning to spend another night in Elarion.
But we would soon reach the border” Rosa replied.
“My princess, have another fruit” Rosa urged but Elira shook her head.
“I’m full !” She replied.
Her eyelids were already dropping down, but she forced to keep her eyes open.
“His highness is so thoughtful.
He arranged the carriage so you would feel comfortable while sleeping” Lillia said grazing her hand over the nice couch, but Elira did not reply.
She looked down while blushing hard.
Elira had been trying to stay calm, but within her, she was definitely troubled.
Even though a crown rested on his head, a golden dress on his body and, a sword on his waist, she would never mistake him for anyone.
But is he pretending not to know her, or was he just playing as a king should?
She couldn’t bring herself to tell Rosa and Lillia the trouble she was facing.
If Adrian was going to pretend, then she would also play along.
Meanwhile, King Zareth rode along, he kept glancing at the carriage carrying princess Elira.
“Relax, she’s going no where” Alaric teased appearing beside him.
“One more word and I’ll have your head” King Zareth threatened but Alaric grinned.
“My head is yours to have, your highness.
But I believe you would not want to scare a fragile soul” “Alaric, I think I’ll have to prepare your wedding when we get to Nebuzza” Zareth smirked as Alaric looked at him with a pleading gaze.
This man is impossible!
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