29 Quest for Answers

Allyria never thought they would come back—the nightmare they would have to endure now because of that selfish dynasty. The attack at the palace was just the beginning. Who knows at what lengths would they go for the throne?

Verváli had already reclaimed its honor and power from the disaster. It was an extensive process, but her family did it. Why do the Astrenmirs have to come and ruin the things her family worked hard for?

Now that they are back, she can't help but wonder what they will do next. All those battlements, human resources, they were preparing for something bigger. She was sure of that.

She could only think of one solution to all of this: They need to know. They had to leave as soon as possible. For all she knows, the castle is still unaware. Her family. The people. They would be victims of their greed.

"Ow!" Allyria jerked when Kaius damped the cotton too roughly on her wounded arm. She would've done it herself but Kaius insisted. Besides, Allyria could hardly reach the cuts on her back from running.

It wasn't hard to find the treatment since Silas had leaf and herbal ointments stored in his compartment he concocted himself.

"I'm sorry!" Kaius said and lifted the cotton immediately. He did it again, this time, gently. Many of Allyria's gashes were on her arms so Kaius patched it up first.

Allyria could remember their first encounter. It was supposed to be her who's supposed to mend him after he carelessly knocked on a rock but now it's the other way around.

"I think I'm going to have bruises because of you," Allyria messed around.

"Sorry. I never told you I was a professional so please bear with me, Your Grace," Kaius said and set the cotton on another bruise. His gaze fixated on her arm and didn't even bother taking it away as she tried to get his attention. He was really invested on being a healer.

Allyria couldn't help but laugh, "You're too serious. My wounds will be embarrassed and will heal themselves because of you."

"Uh… Isn't that a good thing?"

"You're not a Helbreder. It would take days before I get completely healed."

"I may not heal you on time but I could kiss away the pain."

Allyria rolled her eyes, a slight laughter escaping from her lips, "I'm so done with you."

"I'm done liking you too. Can I love you now?"

Allyria brought her palms into Kaius' shoulders and hit him. He nudged a bit from her beating but continued on with his task.

"Even with all the wounds, you really can't help but be brutal, no?" Kaius said.

"You deserved it anyway."

"Mean."

"Delusional."

"Woah," Kaius drew back, holding his chest, "That actually hurt."

"You're overreacting."

Who would have thought? The prince and princess of two different kingdoms were now helping each other because of a huge mistake that stirred their life upside down.

It took Kaius an hour to finish patching Allyria up without having her to propose a wrestling match. Silas was busy doing 'something' outside, as how he placed it, so they were the only ones settled in the sofa.

Allyria talked to Kaius about what she discovered earlier in detail. Even he couldn't believe it. They were already long gone. Her family wiped them away from history so it's impossible how a military force as large as that was established without the support of the nobles or anyone she knew, unless someone was secretly backing them up.

Allyria stared at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything. Everyone was already asleep—Silas in his bed and Kaius in the sofa across her. She examined the two of them who were already lost in dreamland, snuggled and comfortably rested.

If they didn't appear on time, she would have been gone, slain or killed by wild animals. She just got lucky.

Sadness drained from her face at that thought. She thought being independent and training in the castle were already enough to save her, but no. Deep down, a young girl still exists—she still gets scared, she also feels like giving up. She's not a robot or a god in a princess's gown, she's just human.

And she's beyond grateful for them, for saving her, for always helping on time, for showing her that despite the greed and power lust of people, there were still people like them who were willing to help with no reward.

But it also worries her. A day will come when ashes will be the only thing that's left for them. The Astrenmirs are here to make sure of that.

Innocent lives, children, women; they will be nothing more than collateral damage.

Is this really the only thing she's good at? Worry and cry and get lost in her thoughts? Soon, blood will be on her hands if she will continue to do nothing.

It will be her own demise.

And suddenly, an idea struck her.

Allyria has endured so many near-death experiences, but not as close as this one. She knew it would be a terrible idea, but who is she to tell if the outcome might have a chance of making Verváli at peace once again?

No matter how crazy it might sound, she wasn't left with enough options. If she wants to save Verváli, she has to do it.