Chapter 22_Stones Kingdom

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Rose POV

It was a two-day ride from Cranes to Stones, the sight was so discouraging, unlike Crane's kingdom which was beaming with life and vivacious people, Stones kingdom townspeople looked starved and sick.

I glanced at Athena and I saw her jaws and fists clenched, I held her clenched fist and it relaxed under my palm. The castle gates opened and we went in, the castle was beautiful but held a dark aura, it was mostly designed with expensive wallpaper and grounds, Statues of lions made with gravel stones sat at the entrance to the palace. There was a fence made with titanium metals dividing the field from the palace building, tall trees, and a stream flowing to the back of the enormous castle building, Guards grouped into two bowed to their king as he stepped down from the horse, walking towards his with his hands behind his back.

" Come, " the general ordered, taking us to the left wing of the castle, we walked for about two minutes and we got to the Servant's quarters. The servants were all busy and bowed to the general whenever he passed by them, we went into the building passageway. he opened the third door at the left and a very cozy room with bunk beds came into view.

" This would be your room," he said and then turned toward us. " Rest today, tomorrow you start your duties. "the cold general said again, he was a huge bulky man, maybe even bulkier than General K and he had a scar on his face, he was a black-skinned man and he also didn't have hair and one of his eyes was white, at one glance anyone would know he was a tough soldier.' he should have worn an eye patch to cover that up ' I said inwardly.

He left and we both went in, putting our belongings down, " Well, at least we get to have our room, that's a good start" I said but Athena didn't say a word.

" It's cozy, don't you think? "I said again but the only response I got was crickets chirping. I felt like I was suddenly talkative while Athena switched to being the quiet one overnight.

"Taking us away from our parents wasn't enough, then they sold us, "Athena said starting at the window blankly, I could hear the pain and hurt in her voice.

"I am never going to see them again, Alex, Sarah, Madam Lisa, and my Xavier," She said, I got up and embraced her from behind.

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At the Crane's kingdom, the meeting was held in the strategy room with the strategist, the crown prince, and the useless twin princes present.

"What are we going to do with the metals when it gets here?"Elvis asked as he relaxed on the soft and cozy cushion.

" I suggest we could build more weapons with it. "Joseph said.

"No, we already have enough weapons for offense, what we need now are..."

"Defensive walls,"The prince said cutting off Strategist luke words.

"Exactly"

"Is there something on your mind your majesty"Nathan asked his father.

"I feel bad, we should not have sold those girls" King Aaron said.

"Your majesty, what's done is done." Prince Nathan said.

"Besides, one needs to sacrifice one's life to save thousands"The strategist said and he nodded, but his mind was still uneasy.

"Well she got herself into this mess"Elvis said.

"What do you mean your highness?" General K asked.

"She's just so pretty for her own good,"Elvis said and Joseph joined him as the both laughed like the unserious chickens they were.

"I can not wait to see the look on Xavier's face when he gets here and finds out his play thing has been sold to be played with,Joseph said and they laughed again.

"Too bad we have to wait for five years, I kind of miss that dork"Elvis said.

"Speaking of Xavier, have you heard from him General? "King Aaron asked.

"According to my sources, the young prince's trainings are quite tough and he picked it himself, he said he wanted to be the best of the best."General K said.

"In five years time, I am sure he will be able to take you head on,"Prince Nathan said and general K smirked.

"I guess we have to wait for five years to find out, your Highness,"He said.