Alferusia Kingdom

[POV Bella]

Inside the palace carriage, I sat with my knees bent, hugging her tightly. I found it hard to lift my face and look at Naura who was sitting in front of me. Guilt haunted me, letting Eric be arrested just like that as a criminal. I knew he was innocent, but I felt helpless to help him.

The sound of the train wheels creaking on the cobblestone road echoed around us, creating a monotonous rhythm and adding to the heavy atmosphere. Usually, traveling with Naura is always filled with cheerful conversations, but this time it was quiet and awkward.

Naura, the palace guard who was like a sister to me, sat down fretfully. I could feel her anxious gaze, even though I kept my head down. Usually, she was a calm and thoughtful figure, always knowing what to say to make me feel better. But today, she also seemed to be struggling.

"Princess," She called softly, her voice full of concern. "I know this is difficult for you. But, I must ensure your safety. The situation in the palace is very tense. We must be careful.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears that pooled in the corners of my eyes. "But, Eric is innocent, Naura. He has saved me and helped me throughout this journey. I can't accept him being treated like this."

Naura let out a long sigh, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and concern. "I understand, princess. But we have to follow security protocols. We don't know who he really is, and we have to make sure everything is safe."

I looked up at her, our eyes meeting in heavy silence. "But what if we're wrong, Naura? She's also a victim of the conflict! I saw for myself how his village was devastated by the human slave hunt!" I said, my voice full of emotion and despair.

Naura was silent for a moment, her eyes softening as she looked at me. She let out a long breath, feeling the weight of my words. Princess, I understand your concern. But the situation in the palace is very complicated right now. We can't take any risks."

I felt anger and frustration boiling inside me. "But, Sis Naura, he's not a threat. He's already saved me from so much danger. How can we treat his like this?"

Naura reached out and touched my shoulder gently, trying to calm me. "We will make sure that Eric is treated fairly, princess. I promise. But we have to be careful. I know it's hard, but we have to ensure everyone's safety."

I bowed my head, trying to hold back the tears that were starting to flow. "I just don't want to see someone who saved me treated like a criminal," I whispered, voice hoarse with emotion.

Naura pulled me into a hug, giving me the comfort I needed. "I know, princess. I know. We'll find a way to help Eric. You have to trust me."

I nodded softly in her embrace, even though my heart was still heavy. The journey to the palace was getting longer, but there was a little hope growing in my heart.

Before I knew it, the sight of the high wall was in front of my eyes. The towering stone walls gave off a majestic yet frightening impression, separating the outside world from life inside the palace. I felt smaller and more helpless as we drew closer to the large gate guarded by soldiers.

The train stopped with a soft creaking sound. Naura reached out to help me down, but I remained silent, staring at the tall wall with mixed feelings. Guilt and worry about Eric's fate still ruled my mind.

"Tuan putri, kita sudah sampai. Mari, turunlah," kata Naura lembut, meskipun nadanya tetap tegas. Aku bisa merasakan kegelisahannya, tetapi dia berusaha menjaga ketenangan demi aku.

Reluctantly, I accepted her hand and got off the carriage. The twilight sky cast a golden glow on the palace walls, creating long shadows and adding a dramatic feel to the scene. The soldiers bowed respectfully when they saw me, but I barely noticed them.

"Sister Naura, please, make sure Eric is okay," I said softly, almost as a whisper. "I can't rest easy thinking about him in prison."

Naura nodded, her eyes full of understanding. "I will make sure, princess. I will immediately speak to the prison commander and make sure Eric gets the treatment he deserves"

I sighed and tried to calm myself down. Naura grasped my hand tightly, giving me the support I needed right now. Together, we stepped towards the palace gate.

…

As I stepped absentmindedly in the corridors of the palace, clasping Naura's warm hand, my mind kept drifting to Eric's fate in prison. Our steps echoed against the cold marble walls, decorated with beautiful tapestries and candles flickering softly on the walls. The scent of flowers from the palace garden wafted faintly, providing a little comfort in the midst of my worries.

Suddenly, the sound of someone's hurried footsteps could be heard at the end of the corridor. I lazily raised my head and saw a beautiful mature woman wearing a long white dress, walking quickly towards me. Her golden hair was flowing beautifully, reflecting the candlelight, and her sparkling eyes were full of love and worry.

"Uuf-... Bella, My little fairy" she exclaimed in a voice full of relief. My mother, Beatrice, leapt towards me, her arms stretched wide to catch me in her arms.

She pulled me into her warm embrace, her soft, fragrant body making me feel safe for a moment. Her white dress felt cool against my skin, and I could feel her rapid heartbeat, reflecting the anxiety she had been feeling.

"Oh, Bella! I was so worried! Thank God you're safe," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of tears and happy laughter. I could feel her tight embrace, as if she would never let me go again.

I let myself sink into her embrace, feeling the warmth and security that I so longed for. "Mom..." I murmured softly, voice hoarse with emotion. "I... I'm fine. But, Eric..."

Beatrice pulled away slightly, looking at me with affectionate eyes. "Eric? Who is he, dear?" she asked softly, while Naura stood beside us, observing quietly.

"Eric is my friend, Mom. He saved me and helped me all the way home. But now he's been arrested and taken to prison. He is innocent, Mother. We must help him," I replied, voice filled with pleading and worry.

Mom nodded while wiping the water from the corner of her eyes, then turned to Naura who was beside us. "Naura, is what Bella said true?"

Naura nodded firmly. "That's right, Queen Beatrice. The boy named Eric was found together with the Princess. But for safety's sake, we must examine him first. Especially in our conflict situation like this, there is a possibility that he is a spy," she explained in a calm and professional voice.

I felt a wave of frustration and helplessness. "But, Mom, Eric isn't a spy. He's also a victim. His village was destroyed by slavers hunter. He's innocent!" I said, trying to convince them with all my heart.

Mom looked at me deeply, her eyes reflecting the dilemma she felt. "Bella, I understand how you feel. But we have to be very careful. We will make sure Eric gets a fair hearing and that no injustice is done to him," Mom said in a soft but firm voice. 

I bit my lip, feeling a deepening frustration. No one could understand me, not even my own mother. "I-I... Hate you guys!!!" I shouted, voice filled with anger and despair.

After saying that painful thing, I turned around and ran as fast as I could, leaving behind my mother and Naura who looked shocked. My tears broke out as my feet carried me further and further inside the long, winding corridors of the palace. The echoes of my hurried footsteps reverberated off the marble walls, but I didn't care. I just wanted to find a place to hide myself from all this.

After running aimlessly, I finally reached my room. I slammed the door and locked it from the inside, feeling warm, heavy tears rolling down my cheeks. I fell to my knees on the floor, my body trembling with overwhelming emotions. It felt like the world was unfair. Eric who had saved me now had to suffer in prison, while I could do nothing to help him.

I sobbed on the floor, feeling how weak I was. I wished there was a way to show them that Eric was not an enemy, that he was a friend who was precious to me. Inside my grief, I knew that I had to find a way to change their minds. But for now, I could only cry, feeling the weight of all that had happened.

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Author note:

Character Description

Name: Beatrice

Age: Not Mentioned (Young Look)

Appearance: Queen Beatrice is a mature woman with a graceful and authoritative figure. She is of medium height, with a well-built posture and a demeanor that exudes authority. Her hair is long, fluttering in the sunlight, and has a color close to dark brown. Her eyes are sharp and intelligent, reflecting his leadership and wisdom. Her skin is smooth and radiant, showing her elegance and power as queen. She often wears magnificent clothes, with intricate details and designs that reflect her status as queen. Despite this, her style of dress remained practical and allowed her to move with ease in her royal duties.

Name: Naura

Age: Not Mentioned (Young Look)

Appearance: Captain Naura is an adult elven woman with a tough and sturdy appearance. She is of medium height, with an athletic and strong build. Her hair is long, silver, and usually tied neatly back for ease of movement. Her eyes are sharp and alert, always watching her surroundings carefully. His ears are firm and pointed, reflecting his elegance and prowess as a warrior. His skin was slightly milky white. He always wore a specially designed combat outfit, likely a magic item with combat gear hanging from his waist.