Betrayal

While Jake sprinted at full speed towards the two ladies to be rescued, another scene was taking place a few dozen kilometers away.

*****

"Aegnor?! What the hell's gotten into you?!You betray the ducal family after all these years of loyal service?! "A young woman with medium-length pink hair cried out in false indignation, betraying a certain nervousness.

The Aegnor in question, a middle-aged man in heavy armor bearing the golden coat of arms of the Velsyos Empire - two symmetrical moon crescents joined at their ends - burst into a rocky laugh in response.

"Good and loyal service? Don't make me laugh Princess, or should I say Esya?" Aegnor sneered with a lustful look. "The only reason you nobles have held on to power for so long is because you used your magic to oppress us. Tell me, Princess, how long did you think you'd keep the truth from us? "