CHAPTER 18 - TWO STRONG KNIGHTS.

In the cottage, Anna sat down looking hopeless. In front of her was Aunt Liz, who had arrived in the afternoon with the news she most dreaded to hear.

"Why is he still looking for me??? Hasn't he given up yet? I can't believe I called him 'father' for sixteen years." Anna spoke desperately as she chewed on her fingertips. It was a habit she had since she was a kid, despite being brought up as a princess. Her father used to scold her a lot, but she had never been able to change this habit. She always ended up chewing her fingertips when she felt at the loss of what to do.

"Anna, why would he give up? You're the only pure-blooded they have found. They wouldn't give up that easily. " Liz said and heaved out a sigh. Initially, she had no clue as to why Anna wandered around alone in the woods back then, until they found out she was being sorted after. This made Anna spill out the truth of her origin and why she had escaped. Hence, for all these years, Liz has been finding ways to hide her.

"Anna, I think you should awaken your pure blood..." Liz said suddenly

"What?? No...then I'll become a red elf. I don't want to be anything that will implicate our family. Besides, awakening this blood is tantamount to doing what they want. They'll be able to find me easily, and you and Lucian will be implicated." Anna said shaking her head vehemently

"You have to look at the bigger picture. Awakening your red elf blood is the only way to protect yourself and Lucian..." Liz said, trying hard to make sense.

"No...Aunt Liz, I know you want to keep us safe, but that will not work. Remember we still haven't found out what Lucian is. The strange power in him keeps growing. He needs us and I can't become something I know nothing about right now. I found out about being a red elf that day. I didn't even know what that was, and I still don't know either. I can't worsen our situation" Anna said almost in tears.

Liz sighed, " But you know you can't hide from your father forever, he has dispatched his men all over with a portrait of you. He will find you, and he's going to know about Lucian too..."

Hearing this made Anna look even more helpless.

"But on that day...., did you know what they were going to do to you??"

Liz asked with her brows furrowed.

"Not exactly, I only know he was going to give me to that man, and from what I found out, the man needed my blood for something. I have no clue what. But it was obvious I was going to be a sacrificial lamb... "

Just then the door opened, and in came Lucian and Nate. It looked like they had been rushing over.

"Grandmother! You're back!" Lucian shouted and threw himself into Liz's arms while Nate joined in the hug from behind. He had sensed her aura a distance away and had told Nate. That was why they had rushed over.

Anna had already changed her mood, she instantly put on a smile and made sure Lucian wouldn't catch sight of any sadness on her face. Ooh, she had forgotten he wouldn't even see. 

"Yes..yes am back. I arrived this afternoon, but your mother said you boys have gone out to play sword fight. Should I be expecting some two strong knights very soon??" Liz said genuinely looking happy.

" Of course Granny Liz, am little god's master. I taught him swordfight today. Rest assured, I'll make him the best knight..." Nate said with a raised chest and head lifted proudly.

Lucian rolled his eyes, while Anna and Liz burst into laughter.

"Hahaha...really?? Now that was unexpected. But it's good you finally have your chance to boss this knucklehead around" Liz said and tapped on Nate's cute nose.

"Aaah...I did miss this nose..." Liz said, pulling on Nate's nose and causing him to suddenly look depressed. He had almost forgotten. Granny Liz was back again, his poor nose would no longer be at peace.

Anna chuckled at the sight of Nate's depressed look. She also began to feel sorry for him...his poor nose.

"Grandmother, whose side are you on?? Your grandson is right here. You can't be on his side alone..." Lucian said feigning anger while he folded his arms and pouted with puffed-up cheeks. He looked so handsome and cute with his golden eyes sparkling. Liz felt speechless. Lucian rarely acted childish, and when he did, it was enough to cause mountains to move. Even Nate looked like he had been caught in a spell.

Liz couldn't help but hug and kiss those puffed-up cheeks. That look was enough to melt the coldest heart.

"Of course not, am in the neutral zone...neutral zone. Your grandmother is getting old, one knight would not be enough to protect her. She needs two strong knights...so am counting on you two to become the best knight in the kingdom."

"That's a given, we will become the best knights and protect Grandmother and Mother from anyone who will dare to cause you harm," Lucian said somehow hinting at something.

Actually...Lucian overheard a little of their conversation. He didn't grasp the whole story, but he heard the latter part, though...they tried to keep their voice as low as possible. He didn't mean to eavesdrop, his hearing was just good.