It's almost ten in the evening yet, Mother and Father haven't come back. The other knights already came back without a trace of my parents. I rushed through them to the gate and ask them.
"Wh-where's Mother and Father?"
"They are still there with His Majesty King Levin, Your Highness." one of the knights replied.
"Why are you guys not with them?! What if something happens to them because you left them there?!" I shout to them as they lower their heads as I saw Timothy, the second class commander of the knights of hunllef, who suddenly came to the front.
"Your Highness, I am very sorry about this but we are just following His Majesty's orders." he said.
"How about my parents?!"
"They are fine, Your Highness. The government officials and monarchy leaders were now gathered there for the emergency meeting since the incident is about the mysterious kingdom. Her Majesty herself brought up the topic to discuss it. Plus, Commander Mavis is there with his squad as His Majesty adjured." I sigh in relief.
"Excuse us, Your Highness. We must go to the headquarters now. His Majesty told us to wait for him there for a discussion once he gets home." he said as they bow and were about to walk past me but I blocked them.
"W-wait, Timothy..."
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"How is Prince Ephraim?" the knights once again lowered their heads as Commander Timothy deeply sighs.
This can't be...
Their response is obviously tells everything.
"You've got to be kidding me."
"Your Highness, we weren't allowed to speak about this matter to you as His Majesty requested. But if you get our simple response, you already see and know the answer." he bows one more time as his knights followed and continue to walk past me.
King Levin already lost his parents at an early age. And now, his older brother. He doesn't have a family now.
I am now more worried about him and wonder how things will go between us. If I meet him again after this, I will try to comfort him the best as I can.
"Commander Rainier." I called.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Accompany me to Mondreich."
"But, Your Highness. It's already ten in the evening. It's dangerous to go back there because the ocean at this hour is not in good weather."
"I don't care. Just please, follow me just this once without Father's consent."
"Your Highne-"
"Please..." I look at them sadly as Rainier sighs and facepalms.
"Okay. But can you do me a favor?"
"Spill." I quickly replied.
"I don't want His Majesty to be angry with me because I will take you to Mondreich without him knowing. All I want is for you to cover me up for him in case it happened." he bows.
"Don't worry. I got you."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Before we go aboard, escort me to Mother's office. I would like to get something there."
_____________________________________
"We're here, Your Highness." Rainier said as he escorted me to go down from the boat, followed by his squad.
We are now in Mondreich and I was only greeted with silence. It's too dark and the houses has no lights. Street lights can only be seen on the road and the knights of Mondreich are carrying their lanterns with them.
"As you can see, they are still searching for the criminal, Your Highness." Rainier explained.
I started to walk with Rainier beside me and our knights at the back as one of Mondreich's knights noticed us and then, he approaches.
"You are not allowed to go more further here. Mondreich is currently in lockdown." he said. Rainier was about to speak but I stopped him.
"I am Princess Oceana from Starnstadt. I came here to talk with King Levin." the knight looked startled as he lifted his lantern and brought it closer to my face.
"Ah- I apologize for my rudeness, Queen Oceana!" he quickly goes down on one knee.
"It's fine." I simply replied.
"What is this little commotion?" a deep voice spoke out of nowhere as another man appeared, riding a horse.
"Oh, Your Majesty Oceana. What seems to be the problem?" General McGunning asked.
"Nothing. It's just a misunderstanding. And call me Your Highness. I am still a princess." I said with a cold tone.
"Apologies, Your Highness. As you wish. But may I ask what did you come here for?" he got off the horse and bows in greeting.
"I am here to talk with King Levin. Please don't ask again because I need to discuss it immediately with him and with the government officials and monarchy leaders that are currently in an assembly."
"His Majesty Levin didn't notify me for your arrival. I am sorry to say this to you, Your Highness but I won't allow you to go in there without His Majesty's authorization." he once again bows down as I loudly sigh and lifts my chin, and looks at him gravely.
"I know that Mother and Father are with them but I still have the right to be with them at this moment since I am also involved in the incident earlier. I am the future Queen in this land so, do consider this matter as my first obligation for Mondreich." the General and the knight exchanged looks as he nods to him, and then the knight salutes.
"I again apologize for this unprepared arrival of yours, Your Highness. Please use my horse as your companion to reach the palace. I will walk and guide you there." I only nod at him as he helped me hop on the horse and started to move.
Actually, I am not sure if our wedding will resume. King Levin is angry at me and he blames me for Prince Ephraim's death. I don't want to disappoint Mother and Father but if this is meant to be just like this, then it's fine. Our alliance will go falter but I wouldn't let another war happen again between our lands. That's why I'm here, still hoping that things will go better to avoid another bloodshed.