Chapter 231: The Next Step
(Regaleon's POV)
We have retreated back to where the naval battle was being fought. By the time when we get there, many of the enemy ships were burning. By the time we were on the river's shore, I see General Vincent coming towards us.
"Your majesty, it is good that you are safe." General Vincent gave me his salute.
"What is the status here?" I asked.
"As you can see your majesty, we have won this battle." General Vincent said with a smile. "The enemy's that have laid down their arms are in the custody of my men."
"Good. Be sure to treat the prisoners of war with respect." I said. "I don't want to hear any maltreatment towards them." I ordered.
"Yes your majesty." General Vincent said and then left.
"What is your plan with the Atlantian siblings your majesty?" Dimitri, who was beside me, asked.
I looked at the two unconscious siblings. "For now you put them in a secure and isolated place. Where you put them, I will leave it up to you."
"Yes your majesty." Dimitri nodded and told his men on what to do. "Any other orders your majesty?" He asked.
"For now let's go back to camp." Regaleon said.
This was a long night and we got the victory for this huge battle. The men are weary after a long battle and they need rest.
"I also need to gather my thoughts after failing to capture the queen." I sighed with both regret and tiredness.
**
I was in the tent back at camp. I can hear the joy and merriment the soldiers outside are doing. After winning this naval battle, they came back with joy in their faces.
Dimitri came in my tent holding two mugs of beer. "Your majesty, how about a glass before going to bed?"
"Thanks Dimitri. I think I am going to need it." I took the glass and made a few gulps before putting it down the table.
"Aren't you going out to join the soldiers' merriment?" Dimitri asked while sipping from his mug.
"I have just came from the outside and gave the soldiers my thanks and also given them permission to drink to their hearts content tonight. They have earned it." I said with a smile. "I am very blessed to have such people serving me by my side."
We have just won this battle but I cannot stop myself to think of what is to come next.
"I am sorry I wasn't able to help in capturing the queen of Jennovia." Dimitri kneeled in one knee before me.
"What are you doing Dimitri? Get up." I helped him get up. "It is not your fault. I was also slow in capturing the queen in time." I sighed in regret.
"What are you planning next your majesty?" Dimitri asked.
I was thinking of my next step after failing to capture the queen tonight. I have gotten news that Prince Gladiolus has returned to the capital of Jennovia with his bride to be. Alicia will be in much more danger if she remains in the palace of Jennovia.
"The last letter I got from Alicia informed me of her escape plan this coming weekend." I said deep in thought. "The weekend is only a day away. I would like to meet her on the way after if that is possible."
From where we are now, it will take a week to journey towards the capital of Jennovia. I cannot arrive by the time Alicia and her group escapes but at least I want to meet her along the way. Entering Jennovia incognito won't be hard for us with a small group.
"I want to see my fiancée as soon as possible." I said looking at the direction of the Jennovian capital.
"Speaking of Princess Alicia, I have just received a new letter from her." Dimitri handed me the letter.
I took the letter from Dimitri's hand and opened it carefully. Inside I saw Alicia's beautiful handwriting and it just made me miss her more. I read the letter silently.
"It looks like they will reschedule their escape for about a week." I said after reading the letter.
"And why is that?" Dimitri looked confused and also worried. He knew that Prince Gladiolus being in close proximity with Alicia is a danger in itself.
"It looks like they have won the alliance if the noble resistance faction of Jennovia. With that Duke Matias, the leader of the noble resistance faction will help them escape the day of Princess Satiana's coming of age ceremony." I explained. "With many noble guests and also people to be employed with the said event going in and out of the palace, it will be the best time to get them out unnoticed."
"The princess has gotten the alliance of the noble resistance faction of Jennovia?" Dimitri sounded surprised. "That is an incredible feat."
"Of course it is my fiancée we are talking about." I smiled feeling proud of Alicia's achievement. "And so out plans will also change."
"What are you planning now your majesty?" Dimitri asked.
"We will be going to the capital to secure their escape." I said with a smile. Dimitri had a surprised expression.
"B-But your majesty..." Dimitri was about to argue.
"No buts Dimitri." I stopped him from continuing his sentence. "I have waited for quite a long time to get reunited with my love. And to think she is just a week's travel from where I am now. I cannot wait to get her in my arms and embrace her tightly."
Dimitri sighed in defeat. "I know that I cannot change your mind once you have made your decision Leon." Dimitri called me by my name meaning it was his choice as a friend to let me off. "But I will accompany you just in case."
"Yes, that was what I was planning." I smiled at him. "Pick two of your men that can come with us. The smaller our group, the better to sneak in Jennovia unnoticed."
"Yes your majesty." Dimitri nodded his head in agreement.
"We will be departing tomorrow morning so please prepare the things needed for travel." I ordered.
"I understand." Dimitri bowed his head and left my tent.
I took the mug and gulped down the remaining beer in it and wiped my mouth.
'I will need a good night's rest for the start of our journey tomorrow.' I thought while walking towards the bed. After lying down I looked at the ceiling of my tent. 'I will see you in one week's time my love.'
I closed my eyes and imagined my love's face. It has been too long when we got separated and after a week, I will be able to see her once more.
"Just one more week, wait for me." I whispered to myself.
The night was getting deeper and the sounds of merriment were still heard outside. I was drifting to sleep thinking of my beloved one.
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Chapter 232: The Return of Crown Prince Gladiolus
We have just come back from our visit in Duke Matias' estate. The sun was just setting in the horizon when we got off our carriage.
"Big sis, I will be retiring for the night." Satiana curtsied and walked away after we have come inside the palace.
"The little princess has to carry a huge burden on her small back." Jack murmured to me while looking at the departing Satiana.
"I admire her strength." I said while also looking at Satiana departing. "When I was her age, I was still a coward and didn't know what to do." I sighed remembering my past.
"But you have grown into a strong and independent woman now." William, who was by my side, said to me.
"It is thanks to all of you and all my friends that I became strong." I smiled at him. "I will be going to my mother's quarters. Jack, please inform the kitchen that I will be eating my dinner there with my mother."
"Of course your highness." Jack bowed and left to do as I have ordered him.
"After escorting me to my mother's room, you can take a short break Will." I said. "I am sure you are also tired from our outing today."
"You know that I won't leave your side." William said with a frown.
"You have been guarding me too well Will, you also need to rest." I said.--
I don't know how William was sleeping with the time he has been guarding me. Early in the morning, I see him standing guard outside my room. Even in the middle on the night he was still guarding me attentively. I am getting concerned over his health.
"But it is my duty to stay by your side and guard you as your personal knight." William reasoned out.
"I know. And you need to be in top health if you want to guard me in your one hundred percent. Tell me how long you sleep in the middle of the night?" I glared at him.
"W-Well quite enough." William had an unsteady smile in his face.
I sighed knowing that he was doing this because of his guilt of not protecting me in the past. "I order you to rest." I said with a serious voice. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. And what danger can come to me inside my mother's quarters."
William sighed in defeat. "As you wish your highness."
"Get a good rest, okay?" I smiled in triumph.
The two of us walked towards my mother's quarters.
**
Mother and I were done eating inside her quarters. I have told her of what happened today and our escape plan on Satiana's coming of age celebration.
"It is good that you have found reliable allies Alicia." Mother said with a hushed voice.
"Yes. I am fortunate to have found such good people." I replied with a similar hushed tone.
"Are you still planning on stealing your aunt's half off the pendant?" My mother asked with a worried tone. "You know you can just leave it be. We can escape even without getting it."
"I understand what you are worried about mother but I can't just leave the pendant here on aunt's hands." I replied. "The pendant in itself can be a danger to us when it is used. It stored the Almighty One's magic power and can amplify tenfold any magic." I explained. My mother nodded in understanding.
*knock knock*
"Excuse me your highness." An attendant said from the outside.
My mother composed herself and got back to acting emotionless.
"Crown Prince Gladiolus has come to pay a visit." The attendant said.
My heart was pounding loudly after hearing who was just outside the door. Duke Matias has said that the crown prince was arriving this evening. I never thought I would meet him this early in the night.
The doors opened and I saw Gladiolus coming in. He has matured this past one and a half year that I haven't seen him. He was wearing a gray outfit with silver lining. His aura was more intimidating since the last time I saw him.
"Greetings to the future sun of the Jennovian Kingdom." I stood up and gave my greeting and curtsied.
"It is good to see you again Alicia." Gladiolus smiled widely. He walked towards us and I involuntary shivered. "Greetings Aunt Leticia." He walked past me. He kneeled in one knee in front of my mother, took her hand and kissed it as a sign of respect towards an elder.
My mother maintained her emotionless state. Gladiolus got up and smiled at me.
"I am happy to see you are doing well here in the palace." Gladiolus said. "I haven't seen you for a long time. I have missed you."
His words just made my stomach churn. It was rather sickening to hear.
"I will excuse myself your highness. I am a little tired after the day's event and want to retire for the night." I made an excuse just to get away from him. I curtsied and left my mother's quarters in a hurry.
'I cannot stand looking at him for any longer.' I thought to myself.
Gladiolus was the one that made the attack on our engagement parade and put many lives in danger. He also kidnapped me for his own selfish reasons. He maybe a blood relative but I cannot forgive him for what he has done.
I was about to turn on a corridor when I felt someone grab my hand and pulled me into a corner. I was pinned behind a wall on a dark corridor without a single person in sight. When I look up, I saw the one that pulled me and pinned me down.
"G-Gladiolus!" My eyes were wide in surprise. "Let me go!" I tried to yell but he out his hand over my mouth.
"Shh... don't be so loud." Gladiolus said with a smile. "I missed you so much Alicia. When I departed to Alvannia, you were still asleep."
Gladiolus held strands if my hair on his free hand and smelled it. His gesture sent shivers on my skin, as if many ants were crawling on them.
"I missed your smell. I missed the feeling of your skin." Gladiolus said while doing things that sickens me to the core.
'Was he doing such things when I was still asleep?' I thought. This just sickened me more.
"And I missed the feeling of your lips on mine." Gladiolus smiled and pulled his hand away from my mouth.
I was about to shout for help when his lips took over mine. He was kissing me!
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Chapter 233: My Deranged Family Members (1)
Gladiolus held strands if my hair on his free hand and smelled it. His gesture sent shivers on my skin, as if many ants were crawling on them.
"I missed your smell. I missed the feeling of your skin." Gladiolus said while doing things that sickens me to the core.
'Was he doing such things when I was still asleep?' I thought. This just sickened me more.
"And I missed the feeling of your lips on mine." Gladiolus smiled and pulled his hand away from my mouth.
I was about to shout for help when his lips took over mine. He was kissing me!
"Ughh..." I pushed him with all my strength but I cannot overpower him.
The feeling of his lips on mine disgusts me to the core. How could he do such a thing to me, his blood related first cousin. And to think he was to be wed to Elizabeth in a few weeks.
I remembered the move Regaleon thought me if I was in a tight spot. I used right leg to stomp my healed shoe on Gladiolus' feet.
"Ahh!" Gladiolus groaned in pain but he was still holding my hands and pinning me on the wall. I used my knee to hit him on his groin. "Ughh..."
Gladiolus was now kneeling on the floor from my attack. I took this time to lengthen the space between us.
"You... how dare you kiss me?!" I shouted in anger while wiping my lips with my hand rigorously.
"Heh... hehe." Gladiolus laughed but was still kneeling on the floor clearly in pain from my attack. "You are really a feisty one. I like that about you." He looked up at me with such intense eyes that made me shiver.
"I will never forgive you for what you have done!" I shouted in anger. "NEVER!"
I ran from there in haste. While running I can feel tears coming out of my eyes. It was a mix of fear and relief that made my tears flow. I was lucky to get out of that situation but I am not sure if I can do that next time.
'No, there shouldn't be a next time.' I thought to myself while running thru the corridors.
I was able to escape because Gladiolus didn't put his guard up on me now. But for sure the next time he would be prepared for any attack coming from me.
I was able to get back to my quarters safely. I closed the door and leaned my back there while catching my breath. Tears stained my cheeks and I wipe the tears on my eyes.
"Your highness, what happened?!" Martha who was arranging my beddings for the night was surprised to see me distraught. "Are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine." I stuttered a reply. "Can you please go and fetch me a basin to wash my face? I would like to freshen up before sleeping."
"O-Of course your highness." Martha replied.
I wouldn't like my eyes to be swollen tomorrow because of the crying. I don't want the others to worry about me, especially William. I just ordered him to rest tonight after knowing he wasn't having ample time of sleep since he got here. If he knew that Gladiolus sexually assaulted me just now, he would blame himself for not being present to stop Gladiolus.
"Oh and please relay to head servant if he can be the one to guard my door this evening." I told Martha before she exited the room. "I have ordered my personal night to rest for the evening."
"Yes, of course your highness." Martha nodded her head and exited the room.
I would feel much safer with Jack and William guarding my door. But for now, Jack would do. It would be better to keep what just happened, a secret for now.
I sat on the couch near the fireplace and sighed. My cousin is really dangerous.
"Leon, I want to see you." I said in a whisper.
This event just made my longing for Regaleon more intense. If he was here, I am sure he would protect me.
**
Morning came and I freshen myself up for breakfast. When Martha came in, she said that Gladiolus had asked for the members of the family to eat together this morning.
'I am going to see him again.' I sighed in defeat.
With what he did yesterday night, as much as possible I don't want to see him again. But he gave an order this early in the morning. He is still the crown prince of this country and I am but a hostage. Even if I refuse, I am sure they will force me to go there.
'I have to collect myself first.' I told myself. 'I cannot show to Gladiolus that I was greatly affected from what happened last night.'
If he saw that I was affected then he will be much bolder these coming days. I have to do everything in my power to stay safe until Satiana's coming of age ceremony. After that we could escape from here and I can see my beloved Regaleon again.
"Just a few more days." I encourage myself.
"Your highness, are you ready?" Martha asked. "The Princess Satiana, the Crown Prince and his fiancée are on their way to the dining room."
"Yes, I am all set." I replied to Martha. "Thank you for informing me."
I walked out my room and I saw William waiting for me. He smiled at me but when he saw my face, his smiled turned into a worried expression.
'Did he see my eye bags?' I thought to myself. 'But I covered it well with make up.'
I walked in front of him and William followed from behind as my escort knight.
"Didn't you sleep well last night?" William whispered behind me. "You look tired."
I sighed knowing that William is really observant of me. He can see any little detail about me.
"Y-Yeah." I whispered a reply. Let's just go with what he was assuming. "I was thinking of many things last night that I didn't realize the time and slept late."
"Don't stay up too late next time okay. You just scolded me for lacking sleep just yesterday, so same goes for you." William let out a smile.
"Hehe." I giggled. "I will keep that in mind." I replied.
Not long we arrived at the dining room. My heart was racing fast with nervousness. I know that I have to act unaffected by Gladiolus' assault last night, but the fear I experienced last night was remembered by my body and was shivering.
"Are you cold your highness?" William asked me.
"A-A little." I forced my body to stop shivering. 'Come on Alicia, you can do this!' I scolded myself inwardly.
I closed my eyes and inhaled heavily. When I opened my eyes, my resolve was firm.
'I won't let him see that I am a weak person.' I thought. If Gladiolus saw that I am weak, then he would take advantage of that and attack me even more.
"Would you like me to get your coat?" Martha asked when she heard that I was cold.
"No need. I guess the cold has passed." I smiled.
My eyes surveyed the rectangular table. The one that was sitting was only Satiana. Gladiolus and my sister Elizabeth hasn't arrived yet.
"Big sis." Satiana smiled happily after seeing me enter. "Come and sit right next to me."
By order of hierarchy, Gladiolus is the highest with the queen absent so he will be sitting at the head of the table. Satiana will seat on his right side while his fiancée Elizabeth would seat on his left where the wife should seat. I will seat beside Satiana, being I am a family member.
I took the seat beside Satiana and composed myself. I looked around and saw Jack standing at the servants' side. It looked like he was the one that escorted Satiana this morning.
"I only heard my big brother's arrival late last night." Satiana said. "He didn't stop by my quarters when he arrived. Maybe he thought I was asleep. This would be my first time seeing him after more than a year."
"Oh, is that so." Was my only reply.
'Gladiolus didn't see his sister upon his arrival but had gone to see me and my mother.' I thought with a bitter face. 'It would have been better if he hasn't gone to see me last night.'
Just the thought of what had happened last night made my skin crawl. I felt a mix of fear and anger.
"Crown Prince Gladiolus and Princess Elizabeth have arrived." The servant announced.
Satiana and I stood up upon their arrival. Gladiolus walked first while Elizabeth was behind him. Satiana and I looked at each other in puzzlement for a second and proceeded to look at the couple that arrived. The common entrance of the royal couple should be walking side by side with their hands or arms intertwined. But by looking at their current positions, it looked like Elizabeth was a concubine.
"Greetings to the future sun and moon of the Jennovian Kingdom." Satiana and I said in unison and curtsied.
"Good morning dear sister Satiana. Good morning my dear Alicia." Gladiolus greeted us while Elizabeth stayed silent.
Elizabeth was standing across me with the table separating us. She looked at me with loath and anger. I was surprised with her reaction upon seeing me.
'What do to her?' I thought to myself. I haven't seen her for more than a year now, maybe two. So why is she glaring to me like I did something bad to her.
Gladiolus pulled a chair and let Elizabeth sit. What shocked me and Satiana was the seat offered to Elizabeth was not the first one on Gladiolus' left but the second one. Elizabeth didn't say anything and took the seat offered to her.
When Gladiolus and Elizabeth has seated, Satiana and I was about to seat as well. But when I was midway into my seat, Gladiolus stopped me.
"Alicia, my dear. You must seat here." Gladiolus offered me the seat on his left that should be for his wife.
"B-But that..." I was about to reject the offer Gladiolus gave me a glare as if saying I cannot resist.
Gladiolus was reminding me that I have no freedom here and this was his domain. Even if I want to oppose him, I can't. I need to follow him so that he won't suspect my movements or our escape plan would be in jeopardy.
I walked silently towards the seat Gladiolus offered and sat silently. I looked at the people in the dining room discreetly and all had an expression surprise and confusion.
'This seat was for the main wife of Gladiolus and the future queen. This should be Elizabeth's place. But why was I seating here now?' I thought.
"Let's start eating breakfast then." Gladiolus said with a smile on his face, seeming very content. The maids started to serve our breakfast and we ate in silence.
Mid-way in our breakfast, Gladiolus started to make idle chat.
"Sati, your birthday is next week." Gladiolus said. "I heard Duke Matias will be the one hosting for your coming-of-age ceremony. I am sorry if I was late on coming home. I should have been the one planning for your coming-of-age ceremony but I am currently busy with the wedding preparations."
"It is fine big brother. I know that you are busy with your wedding coming up." Satiana replied. "It is kind of Duke Matias to be the one to host my coming of age. I will also be working hard on my ceremony so you don't need to worry big brother."
"That's good. I hope you are not mad at big brother for neglecting you this past year." Gladiolus said in a worried tone.
"Of course not big brother. Why would you think that?" Satiana smiled awkwardly.
It was just yesterday when Satiana knew about her mother and brother's plans. I am not sure if she can continue acting being that she and her brother are close.
"B-By the way, how is your wedding preparations with Princess Elizabeth going?" Satiana changed the topic in an instant. "I hope you would like it here Princess Elizabeth. Jennovia might be a cold country but the people here are warm hearted."
Elizabeth flinched with hearing the topic has gone to her. She was visibly distraught, as if frightened of something.
"I-I guess I'll get used to it here." Elizabeth replied.
I looked at Elizabeth with curiosity. I have lived with her since we were kids and she was always feisty and hardheaded. But now she was as tame as a sheep.
'This isn't like her.' I thought to myself.
"The wedding preparations are going on smoothly and would be held in two weeks' time." Gladiolus replied. "But my bride won't be Princess Elizabeth."
Satiana and I looked shocked after what Gladiolus just said.
"N-Not Princess Elizabeth? Then who?" Satiana asked the same question that was in my head.
"Elizabeth and I had already signed the marriage contract and there is no need for any ceremony to be held because she is just a concubine of mine." Gladiolus replied. "The one I am marrying is my future queen."
Gladiolus looked my way with endearing eyes full of affection. He took my hand and placed a kiss on my knuckles and smiled.
"My future queen of course is no other than Alicia." Gladiolus said with a voice full of endearment.
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Chapter 234: My Deranged Family Members (2)
"Elizabeth and I had already signed the marriage contract and there is no need for any ceremony to be held because she is just a concubine of mine." Gladiolus replied. "The one I am marrying is my future queen."
Gladiolus looked my way with endearing eyes full of affection. He took my hand and placed a kiss on my knuckles and smiled.
"My future queen of course is no other than Alicia." Gladiolus said with a voice full of endearment.
"What?!" I abruptly stood up from my chair. "That isn't possible!" I shouted in frustration.
"That is my decision and you cannot do anything about." Gladiolus said with a confident smile. "By two weeks times, you would be my bride and wife."
I gripped my hands into fists hard. Gladiolus' plan was so ridiculous that it was crazy.
"Take your seat for now Alicia." Gladiolus shot me a glare and I can't do anything but to obey. I took my seat with a heavy heart.
I decided to stay silent and obedient for now. In two weeks times I won't be here and so this marriage won't come thru. It is best to not ignite her cousin's bad mood. It will not benefit them if Gladiolus threw a fit now and make the marriage arrangements earlier than two weeks.
"B-But brother, you have promised the king of Alvannia to marry his other daughter right?" Satiana said with caution.
"And I have married her, isn't that right Elizabeth." Gladiolus threw a smile on Elizabeth's way. She looked perplexed when the topic now came to her. "She knows that my marriage to her is just for political reasons. Do not worry my dear Alicia, I promise that I won't touch Elizabeth. You are the only one I want." He took my hand and plant a kiss on it. His gesture just made me sick.
Then in an instant, the glass of fruit juice on my right tumbled down towards me.
"Ahh." I was startled and wasn't able to react fast. The fruit juice spilled to my dress and stained it in the process. I stood up in an instant so that the remaining juice won't further wet my dress.
I looked at the overthrown glass on the table while the remaining juice poured down the table towards the floor, dripping slowly until it was empty. I unconsciously looked at Elizabeth who was still sitting in her chair just beside me. She was also frozen in place and then our eyes met. Her eyes were filled with resentment towards me. It looks like she was thinking it was my fault that her marriage turned out like this. I can only sigh to myself thinking why my family members are like this.
"Did you do that?" Gladiolus looked at Elizabeth with piercing eyes. The cold tone on his voice just indicates how angry he was with this incident.
"N-No..." Elizabeth replied. "I didn't know what happened. I just realized that the glass of juice was overthrown and..."
"So you are saying that the glass overthrew itself." Gladiolus' icy glare can put anyone in a state of fear.
"No...No... it just..." Elizabeth was shivering in fear.
This was the first time I saw my stepsister be afraid of something or someone other than our father. Back in Alvannia, she was so high and mighty that no one can stand against her. But now she was shivering in fright.
"Have you forgotten what we have talked about, Princess Elizabeth?" Gladiolus stood up and walked towards where Elizabeth was sitting.
"I-I am sorry." Elizabeth apologized. "I didn't mean to do that. It was just an accident."
*SLAP*
The crisp sound of the slap vibrated inside the room. With the force, Elizabeth was thrown of her chair and landed on the floor. She held her cheek that was clearly swollen from that slap.
Satiana and I looked at Gladiolus and Elizabeth in shock. We never would have thought that the crown prince of Jennovia would do such a thing to his wife that is a princess from the neighboring country.
"Y-You..." Elizabeth was about to retort to Gladiolus but she left her sentence hanging.
"Know your place my dear concubine. Alicia is my soon to be main wife and the future queen of Jennovia." Gladiolus said with a cold tone. "You cannot continue to do things you have been doing to her in the past and go unpunished. I will surely see to it that you will get your just punishment."
Elizabeth just nodded after Gladiolus' words. She was visibly distraught and just closed her mouth to not further anger Gladiolus.
"Then that's good." Gladiolus said and approached me. "Are you alright Alicia?" He asked with a worried tone.
"I-I am fine. "I replied while dodging his helping hand. "I will go back to my quarters to change. Please excuse me."
I curtsied and hurriedly walked away from that place. I was rather glad for what Elizabeth did. At least I was able to escape from there. I think I cannot last any longer with Gladiolus and his show of affection towards me. It just sickens me to the core how he visibly shows his affection.
"Alicia, are you alright?" William was able to talk to me when we were in a safe distance.
When I saw that there was no one around, I gave in to my troubling emotions. I cried after keeping it all in.
"Ahhh...huhu...*sob*" I just felt so helpless after what just happened that I cannot hold back my tears.
"Don't worry, I am here." William took me into his embrace and comforted me. "Shh... I am here." He patted my head.
These past year or more had been the most trying times for me. I was kidnapped and thrown to a place I am unfamiliar with. I was separated from the love of my life and my family. These many hardships have weighed in me and now another problem has occurred. These emotions have been so heavy that now I wasn't able to contain them inside any longer and it burst out.
"Don't worry Alicia. We will leave this place before that happens." William said knowing what I was thinking of. "I won't let him do anything bad to you while we are here, I promise."
I cried my heart out on William's chest. This will be the only time I will show my weakness. After this I have to be strong and make sure to be able to escape from here.
"Thank you Will." I said in between sobs.
After this ordeal, I can see him again. I can see my beloved Leon once more.
**
(Regaleon's POV)
I, Dimitri, and his men were having a rest by the side of a flowing stream. We stopped to get our water containers filled and to eat breakfast.
Dimitri's men and our horses were resting under a tree's shade and eating their bread for breakfast while I was by the stream getting my water container filled.
"We are now inside the Jennovian country your majesty." Dimitri said. "From here on, it will take another five to six days until we reach the capital of Jennovia where the princess is."
"Yes, just a few more days and we will be arriving in the capital." I said. 'And I will be able to see Alicia again.' I thought in my mind and in my heart.
When I was about to stand up I felt a slight tremor inside my heart. It was like a slight pinch that made me uncomfortable. I held my chest thinking of what might have caused this uncomfortable feeling.
"Your majesty!" Dimitri was shocked and worried after seeing me. "What happened?"
Then somewhere deep within in me, I just knew that Alicia was crying. I can feel her burden weighing in on her.
"Dimitri." I stood up in haste.
"Y-Yes your majesty?" Dimitri looked at me with curious eyes.
"Tell the men that we will be departing now." I ordered.
"W-What? You mean right now?" Dimitri was surprised. Not an hour had passed since they stopped to take a rest.
"Yes, now." I ordered with a more forceful tone.
"O-Of course your majesty. I will tell them right away." Dimitri ran towards his men to relay my message.
*Whistle*
I whistled and not long Midnight came to me trotting and neighed when he was in front of me. I patted his mane and quickly got on his back.
I looked around and so the Dimitri and his men were now riding their horses and ready to depart sooner than they have expected.
"We are ready to depart your majesty." Dimitri said.
"Hmm." I nodded. "I am sorry to cut or rest short but we need to get to the capital faster than we have planned." I said. "I felt something foreboding and would like to hasten our pace."
Dimitri and his men nodded in understanding.
"Thank you for understanding." I said and slightly smiled. I was fortunate to have subordinates like them.
"Hiyah!" I clapped Midnight's reigns and we were off towards the capital.
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Chapter 235: Only a Few Days Left
After what happened with Gladiolus, I made sure that I did not go anywhere without a companion. William has been glued by my side ever since then. There were times that we coincidentally bump into Gladiolus in hallways but so far he didn't do anything like the last time.
'Oh my! I would have never thought he would do such a thing to you.' My mother said telepathically.
Since Gladiolus arrived in the palace, my mother and I were playing it safe just in case. She maintained her act even when I was in her quarters visiting her.
'I am not sure why he is so obsessed with me.' I told her.
'It is because of our family's act of intermarriage. They believe that our magic powers will lessen if our blood were to be mixed with people of not royalty.' Mother sighed.
'Has he been coming here to visit you?' I asked.
'Yes. Since he came back, he at least visits me once a day.' Mother replied. 'Don't worry, he didn't do anything to me. He has been very respectful with every visit.'
I felt relieved that Gladiolus didn't do anything to my mother. I have left Snow by my mother's side and I was relieved I made a good decision.
'Don't worry Alicia. I will protect your mother, trust me.' Snow said while having a good spot on my mother's lap.
'I know you will Snow.' I smiled. 'And you have to report to me if ever an emergency comes up.' Snow nodded and resumed leisurely lying on my mother's lap.
When I took Snow home, I have left her here with my mother as a guard. I gave an excuse to the people in the palace that mother has loved cats in the past and can help her heal.
'Our escape has been scheduled on Satiana's coming of age ceremony.' I told my mother.
'Poor Satiana.' Mother said sadly. 'She is still young and she has to carry this huge burden on her back.'
I have told mother of our plans with Duke Matias. She also knew Satiana will have to fight with her mother and brother for the throne of Jennovia.
'The throne is hers by birth right.' I said.
Satiana is the only child of the former king hence she is the only heir by birth right. Gladiolus doesn't have an ounce of blood from the former king. Their mother Queen Patricia is only using this country for their personal agenda and I am afraid that Gladiolus has been brainwashed by his own mother.
'Is there no other way?' My mother asked. 'I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to my sister and her children,' There was a sad expression on her face.
I held her hand that was resting on the chair's arm and squeezed it gently. I can feel that my mother is sad of having to fight with only living relative.
'I am sorry mother, but I am afraid there is no other way.' I said sadly.
'I know. Patty is really stubborn since we were little.' Mother said. 'She only listens to big brother. Even father wasn't able to stop her tantrums.'
"Princess Alicia." Jack called from outside. "Princess Satiana is here to see you." I looked towards the door.
"Let her come in." I ordered.
The door opened and Satiana came in gracefully. Since she was on our side, I have told her that mother has come back but we still acted as if she is still like a living doll.
"Good morning Aunt Leticia, big sis." Satiana gave a curtsy.
"Good morning Satiana." I greeted back. "How are the preparations for your coming-of-age ceremony going?" I asked.
These past few days Satiana and Duke Matias have been very busy arranging for the coming-of-age ceremony. Many people gave started to come and go from the palace just for this event. All of the employees are starting to become busy with the preparations.
"The preparations are going smoothly." Satiana said with a smile.
"Only a few more days." I said.
My words have two meanings. One is that Satiana's coming of age ceremony will be in a few days' time. The other was that our escape plan will be executed on the same day.
"I came here to ask you to come with me." Satiana said. She looked around cautiously. "Duke Matias would like to meet you in secret. It is about the escape plan." She whispered near my ear.
I looked at her with understanding.
'But there is a problem.' I replied to her telepathically that surprised her. I never told her about my telepathic abilities yet. 'Sorry if I surprised you. You can talk to me in your mind if I am linked to yours.'
'Wow big sis, this is amazing.' Satiana said with sparkling eyes. 'Can you also read minds? What other things can you do? I wish I have such magic abilities.' I giggled with her enthusiasm.
'You are still young. I am sure you will still develop other magic abilities other than what you have right now.'
Satiana has been improving her earth magic ability. So far, the palace had started to have color other than the dead white because of snow. Since I have controlled the weather in the past, the snow has gradually stopped but the weather here is still cold. At least greenery has started to bloom in the southern parts of Jennovia and in the northern parts, plants that can endure the cold started to flourish once more. Life had started to flourish here in Jennovia bit by bit.
'Where are we meeting Duke Matias in secret?' I asked Satiana.
'In the town not far from here.' Satiana said.
'But how about your brother?' I asked.
Since Gladiolus came back, the guards guarding me increased in number. I am not sure if he can sense that I have plans to escape from here.
'You are not a prisoner here!' Satiana said with anger. 'You are our cousin. I don't know why big brother is treating you as a prisoner with so many guards around you.'
'I do not know what your big brother is thinking. He even married my sister Elizabeth as a concubine and not as a main wife.' I sighed.
'I am sorry for what my big brother is doing.' Satiana said with a sad face. 'But I can see that he really has fallen in love with you. I am not sure what my brother is thinking but knowing my brother, his feelings for you seems genuine.'
Satiana looked very sad. I know that their sibling relationship is good. I am sad that they would be enemies in this battle.
'I am sorry, Sati.' I said with deep regret and sadness. 'The one I love is only Regaleon. No one can have my heart except him.'
Satiana composed herself and looked at me. 'Don't worry big sis, I will help you escape from here and go back to your love.' She looked at me with certainty.
"First, let's go and ask permission from brother to go to town. It is a town with famous clothing and jewelry stores. Our trip would be a shopping trip." Satiana said out loud and winked at me. "You would need a beautiful dress and jewelry for my coming-of-age ceremony."
I smiled with Satiana's excuse in going to town.
"Of course.' I replied. "I can't look any less in your coming-of-age ceremony. Being as I am your cousin and also of royalty." I giggled.
I hope Satiana's plan will go smoothly.
**
"You are going to town for shopping.?" Gladiolus asked.
Satiana and I paid a visit to the Queen's office where Gladiolus was. With the queen's absence, it was the crown prince's job to do the monarch's work. He was sitting in front of the desk filled with stacks of documents.
"Yes big brother." Satiana said gleefully. "As you know, my coming-of-age ceremony is only days away. Big sis doesn't have any ball gowns for the occasion. Not to mention any jewelry as well."
Gladiolus was holding his chin in thought.
"Do not worry, we will have our guards accompany us." Satiana said. "Nothing bad will happen. It is just an ordinary girl's shopping."
I looked at the siblings talk with each other. I was just standing behind Satiana being silent. I am still wary being in the presence of Gladiolus.
"Then I will come and accompany you as well." Gladiolus said.
"W-What?" Satiana asked in surprise.
"Why? Can't I accompany my little sister and my soon to be wife to go shop?" Gladiolus asked with curiosity.
"I-It's not that." Satiana waved her hand in denial. "It is just that accompanying girls shopping can be very boring for a man like you. And I can see that you have much work to do. I don't want to bother you."
"But I am worried about you two going alone, even with guards accompanying you." Gladiolus said.
"Your highness, the little princess is correct. You have much work to do and don't have the time to accompany them." The High Priest that was standing by Gladiolus' side said. I think his name is Hector or something? He is the queen's most trusted advisor.
"If you want everything to be on schedule to your wedding, then I suggest you finish all of these first." The high priest gestured to the stacks of documents on the desk. "If I suggest, I will ask some of your mother's trusted knights to accompany and guard them."
Gladiolus looked at us and looked at the stack pile of documents and sighed in defeat.
"I understand. Tell my mother's trusted knights to prepare to accompany my little sister and my future wife" Gladiolus said. "Oh and also ask Elizabeth to come with you. She has been copped up inside the palace for days now and I haven't had the time to show her outside. Satiana, take care of her for me."
"Of course big brother." Satiana made a curtsy and I followed as well.
When Satiana and I was about to leave, Gladiolus called for us. "Wait."
Gladiolus stood up from her seat and walked towards us. His every step made my skin crawl. He stopped right in front of me.
"I got this for you my wife." Gladiolus took something from his pocket and showed it to me. It was a gold necklace with a small heart pendant. The gem at the center of the pendant looked like an opal stone. "I didn't have the time to give it to you because of my busy schedule. Come, let me place it on you."
Looking around me, I saw people that were under Gladiolus' command looking at me. I cannot do anything but to play obedient and obey him. I saw William with his fist clenched by his side looking like he was about to pounce out to defend me. Thankfully Jack was in front of him blocking his way and secretly calming him down.
I turned around and lifted my hair. I can feel Gladiolus' breath just inches away from behind grazing my neck and it sent shivers down my spine. He carefully placed the necklace on my neck.
"There, it's done." Gladiolus turned me slowly to face him and looked at me with a satisfied look. "Beautiful. Be careful on your shopping in town." He placed a kiss on top of my hair.
I endured his touches that sickened me to the core until we were able to leave the office. Once outside I heaved a sigh of relief.
"Big sis, are you all right?" Satiana asked worriedly.
"Don't worry. I am fine." I composed myself. "What we need now is to know how to escape the eyes of the knights your brother assigned to guard us."
"Don't worry, I got a plan." Jack, who was behind us, said. "I will be needing William's help on this."
"Me?" William looked at Jack with confusion.