Chapter 47

It was almost noon, when Iris woke up in the carriage. The weather was getting colder as they approached the foot of Calpara Mountain. Iris was taking deep breath again and again as she was super anxious about the quest. She feared she will not able to get the flower. Being unwanted over and over killed her confidence slowly.

They finally reached the Allende bridge. This bridge was the border where only two people can get in. No mage or entourages was allowed. So far, no enemy was sighted. The bridge was the only way to pass the cliff. When they reach the land across no magic allowed. No mana can be used. No weapon allowed. The place was so sacred and mysterious.

The bridge itself was made from wood and rope. It was seen as an unsafe old suspension bridge. Seeing the depth of the cliff and the bridge condition, she became unsteady. Cold sweats broke. She couldn't back up, but she couldn't go either. Seeing her panicked, Iowyrthe understood that she was afraid of height.

"This is safe Princess."

Iris hesitated saying, "I see." But her face shown her fears clearly.

"This is where only two of us can cross. That land, no magic of any form can work. We have to be careful just until the end of the bridge. Ernesti and his underlings cannot touch us after that point."

Iris didn't reply. Iowyrthe continued, "We will only packed light. I won't use my armour or bring my weapon either. We can only bring ourselves and some foods. Metuselah said that you can drink the blood enhancer here. There are some herbs inside the pill that will burned if we take the blood enhancer with us. Euntaras is allowed. So, we will take that as precaution."

Iris nodded hearing the explanation. Iowyrthe also explained, "We can only walk from there and rely on our strength. If you feel dizzy or cold or weak, tell me. I will carry you. Trust me, Princess." Iowyrthe kneeled before her. She felt happy. She felt warmness radiated from Iowyrthe, but dismissed the thought right away. It was too impossible. "He was just guilty," she thought.

"We will wait here, Princess. We trust you," said Felix, "Although, I cannot go with you. I will keep an eye." Felix looked even tougher. He trained a lot to prepare for this journey. He was very alert.

"Alright any time you ready," Metuselah spoke up.

Iris wasn't going to be ready. Iowyrthe offered his hands, "Trust me." She accepted it. With her anxious heart she took the first step on the bridge. She fell to her knees.

"Sorry, sorry. I cannot. I just cannot." Her cry broke, "I was useless. I am sorry for being a burden."

"Princess…" Iowyrthe softly calling her and lowered his body, "You trust me, right?"

"I don't. I know you can take me there. But I don't trust myself too."

"I used to call you useless and burdensome. I apologize for that. But, now, listen, I know you are afraid. But look at me now," He gently turn her face to his. He looked into those dazzling black opal eyes, "It is okay if you feel useless. But to me, you are my life saver now. You do something I cannot even imagine. So now stand up." He helped her stood up.

"Now, step on my shoes."

"Wait, why?"

"I will walk for you."

"Wait, how?"

"I cannot carry you. Since both of my hand will be occupied and I cannot balance us. Let's try."

"No, it will hurt your feet, Your Highness."

"Let's bet then, if I can take you there in that way, you should do what I ask of you."

Iris was overwhelmed.

"Alright, let's try first and see," He lifted her, "Now step on me and hold to me like this." Iris hesitantly did as she told. Iowyrthe started to walk easily.

"You are light to begin with. These shoes are tough. Nothing hurt me."

Iris was blushed. She felt it was too close to the duke. But there's no other way.

All the knights, included Felix and also Metuselah felt like they were as white as snow that they become nothing to the two lovers. The world is Iowyrthe and Iris's. The rest of them were just dust.

"So, the bet is on. One more, now close your eyes," He gently closed her eyes with his hand. He pulled a handkerchief and cover her eyes with it.

"But I won't see anything. How can I walk pass the bridge?" Iris panicked.

"Expect shakiness. But I will keep going. Just trust me and hold as tight as you can."

Iris held him tight. The bridge was shaking and the wind was blowing pretty harsh. She was trembling. She could only hear his heartbeat and felt his breath blowing her head. He took step by step and kept assuring Iris. Each moment pass made Iris calmer and also made her fell even deeper in her feelings towards Iowyrthe.