Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-six

After the chaos finally subsided, the Imperial guards had Damien restrained, his magic neutralised by his injuries.

"Thank you for helping us," the captain said, nodding with genuine respect. "Your uncle was right about you."

"I could have handled this traitor myself," the crown prince said, stepping forward with measured grace, "but it seems you beat me to it."

Victoria raised an eyebrow, her tone crisp and unyielding. "A simple 'thank you' for saving your subjects would have sufficed."

The prince chuckled, though a flicker of respect crossed his features. "Perhaps... but consider this-today, you've proven yourself more capable than I expected. Though we will still have our duel... after we deal with this traitor."

With that, the crown prince and the imperial guards escorted Damien to the barracks for questioning.

Once they were gone, Celeste hurried over, concern etched across her face. "Are you okay?"

Victoria exhaled, shoulders relaxing slightly. "Disappointed... but I'm okay. I can't believe Damien could do something like this, and I didn't even sense him coming."

"Well, at least he's captured now. We'll get the information we need from him," Celeste replied, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

Just then, the young woman Victoria had saved ran up, eyes shining. "Thank you so much, miss!" she squealed, throwing her arms around Victoria in a hug.

Victoria let out a soft laugh, a gentle warmth blooming in her chest as she helped the young woman steady herself. "Oh... it's nothing, really. You're safe now."

The young woman clung to her, eyes wide. "I don't know what I would have done without you!"

"It's okay," Victoria replied softly, just as a small crowd began to gather, murmuring and cheering at the sight of her bravery.

"You're my hero!" the woman exclaimed, still holding on.

Celeste tugged lightly at Victoria's hand, guiding her away from the young woman.

"Celeste...?" Victoria asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Celeste didn't answer immediately, instead fixing a sharp glare on the young woman, who stepped back immediately.

People began edging closer, curiosity and admiration lighting their faces. "Thank you for saving us!" one called out.

"Are you both knights?" another asked, stepping forward, awe in their voice.

Victoria exchanged a glance with Celeste, a quiet smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Not knights," she said, her tone calm but firm. "Just... doing what had to be done."

The crowd murmured, impressed, as whispers of their deeds began to ripple through the plaza. Celeste's hand tightened slightly around Victoria's.

✦ ✦

The next day, the news of the battle dominated every corner of the capital, yet Victoria still felt a lingering sadness about Damien and his betrayal. She sat in the garden, staring blankly ahead, lost in thought, when her father quietly approached and took a seat beside her.

"I'm sorry, Victoria," he said softly. "I can't help but feel responsible for all of this."

"No... you didn't know either," Victoria replied, her voice tinged with frustration and confusion. "I couldn't even sense the black magic from him. But... why would he do something like that? I just don't understand..."

Her father placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Some people are difficult to understand. Perhaps when you attend the interrogation, you'll finally get some answers."