70 To Canolita for Good

"Your Highness, we've done as you said. Though, the crown prince of Valencia and some soldiers managed to escape," Tsarmus Kushad reported.

"How many soldiers died?"

"Eleven thousand seven hundred and ninety,"

It had really been a fierce battle. Since I had arrived back then when Iria had thrust herself with the Kraharn, I had been here for a month, at the Rebellion Army camp. The Canolitan troops fought day and night, and finally, we were victorious.

I personally killed the two fhakirs who fatally wounded Iria. Even though she was still breathing, she had been in a coma since that day and nothing I did revived her.

"The Matriarch of clan Hakorhi has arrived," Tsarmus said after a while.

"Acting clan princess," I corrected, and told him to send her in.

"Grandmother--"

But she rushed to Iria's side, snatching up her hands.

"Iriadne!!"

"She's alive," I snapped.

"I know!" She snapped back.

"Then why're you weeping?"

She ignored me. So I left her to weep over her granddaughter in peace.

Hhamir approached.

"Your Highness, His Majesty sent a message,"

I took the scroll. The same thing. Asking whether Iria had woken up yet. I had told him I wouldn't leave until she did. After all, it was for good.

"Sister Nei!" that voice was like honey down my throat. I stashed the scroll in Hhamir's hands and ran to embrace my brother.

"Sister Nei, I missed you! We all did!"

"Don't worry, I'll be taking you with me once Iria wakes up." I ruffled his hair, "have you been lazy?"

"No!" He looked hurt, "how could I have been lazy? We kept making Blood Clotting Pills for the soldiers!"

Why had General Zarin told me otherwise?

Whatever.

"Where's Iria?" He looked around.

"She's unconscious,"

"No she's not," grandmother came up to us, "she's awake now,"

Rudolph and I made for the tent. Iria was indeed awake, the Kraharn laid across her chest.

"Nei," she looked at me when we entered, "thanks for taking care of me,"

"Sister Iria!" Rudolph had never seen her in such a state. She smiled at him.

"I'm alright. Nei, you should leave soon. Rudolph, you're going with her. I'll also come visit you from time to time,"

We all hugged one another.

"You better not do senseless things again," I teased her. She reached out to take my hand.

"Do you know what saved me, Nei? Your tears imprint on my shoulder, back when I got hit by an arrow at Valencia. If not for it, the poison would have disintegrated me on the spot,"