Knightly (A Reverse Harem)

Chapter 26: Tower Adventure

We all met up back in the town square where the king and queen offered us beds in the palace. We took their offer and headed into the castle and retreat to our rooms. After the long evening spent with Aries I was wiped out. I was ready to sleep.

The bed sheets were silky smooth and soft to the touch. It was like sleeping on air. It didn't take long for me to pass out even if I didn't change into pajamas. However, in the middle of the night I heard something in the hallway. It sounded like people were scurrying back and forth everywhere.

I got up, not being able to ignore the sounds and headed into the hallway. Guards were desperately searching the halls and filing out of the castle. I made my way to the king and queen's bedroom to see the queen crying while the king held her.

The king caught my eye and waved me over. "I'm so sorry for the commotion. We thought he was safe."

"I'm sorry, but what's happening?" I gently asked.

"Raynor was kidnapped. We don't know where Eugenia is either. We heard a loud crash in their quarters and ran. There was broken glass everywhere and the sheets were covered in blood. We're trying to search for them right now." He explained. The queen cried harder into his chest.

The boys started to file in to see what all the trouble was. I gave them a look to give them space. I put my hand on the queen's shoulder. "Your majesty, I will find your son and his bride. I'll bring them back, even if it costs me my own life."

She left her husband's embrace and hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Knight Orion. Thank you so much!"

We left the room to let them grieve. I began to head back to my room to gather some supplies for the search and perhaps a fight. The princes watched me pack with solemn looks on their faces.

"Rion, are you really going out there?" Blaise asked. I silently nodded in response, putting my knife in my belt.

"You don't even know where they could be. You could get lost." Snowen frowned. I ignored his words.

I draped my satchel over my shoulder and moved towards the door. Everyone shuffled mostly out of the way except for Cinder, Snowen, and Mun-Wah. I was surprised to see Mun-Wah get in my way.

"This is incredibly reckless even for you, Rion." Mun-Wah sighed. "I know we haven't known each other for a long time but I can't help but feel that you shouldn't do this alone. I'm coming with you."

The others stood with him, stubbornly holding their ground. "Guys, I appreciate the thought but this is something I have to do alone. I won't be long. It just a search and rescue trip. Stay here."

"No. Don't you remember the last time you tried to handle something by yourself?" Cinder snapped and gestured to the scar on my cheek. "What if this is more than just a search and rescue? What if you get killed?"

I shoved my way out and stormed down the hall. "You guys are stubborn, but I'm even more so. I'll be fine. Promise!"

I ran out of the palace, hearing them all shout for me to come back. I ran faster than I ever had before to get a long head start. They wouldn't be able to catch up to me. I don't think they were going to suddenly get horses either.

After I reached a safe distance into the forest I slowed down to catch my breath. I'll admit that my stunt was childish and uncalled for but it was the only way I could ensure they wouldn't tag along. I was stubborn, what could I say?

I held out a lantern to light my way along the strange path. I didn't hear any nearby guards. I was way out of their path. I did have a piece of information that no one else probably knew. I recalled Eugenia saying she found Prince Raynor in a secret area. That meant I should venture off the path. It was highly unlikely that the secret area would be connected to the road.