Chapter 22

The next few days rolled by like a hazy fog, Ana Sofia wanted to get herself up and moving again, without her direction they were trapped. Her party would stay isolated in this cave if she couldn't get herself together although she could trust Wesleynard she couldn't let him do it alone. Despite her best efforts her body was simply too exhausted and weak to do much more than lie in bed and rest. Natalia continued to tend to her wounds, using her magic to heal them as quickly as possible. Wesleynard returned after a few days, He never came to see her he seemed to have succeeded in his mission, though he didn't speak of it openly. Ana Sofia felt wounded by his lack of presence what could he possibly be doing. She spent her days sleeping and when she could manage a few moments of consciousness she ate and received elusive updates of their current status. The days dragged on, filled with anxious waiting and quiet contemplation. Natalia did her best to keep Ana Sofia's spirits up, but the queen could sense the tension in the air.

"Do you think I can get some fresh air today? I've been laying in this bed far too long." She asked eagerly.

Natalia seemed to be hesitant Ana Sofia gave her a pleading look before she made replied. "Alright, let me prepare some tea for you first. The fresh air might make you feel a bit lightheaded, so it's better to be prepared." She agreed, quickly going to prepare the tea.

Ana Sofia nodded gratefully, her mind already wandering towards the idea of finally feeling the wind in her hair again. When Natalia took her first few steps, they were shaky, but she felt steady on her feet. Once they left the room Ana was marveled by the cave it was large and vast she could sense Natalia's magic all around her it felt less like a cave and more like a secret fortress. As they walked, Ana Sofia took in the sights around her, her eyes scanning the walls for any sign of life. Natalia led her to a small clearing where they could sit down and enjoy the fresh air. The queen breathed deeply, feeling the cool breeze against her skin.

"It feels good to be out here." She sighed deeply as if taking her first breath of life. She closed her eyes and let her senses wander letting them race freely like a horse trapped for far too long. 

"Your majesty, you need to drink your tea," Natalia said, handing her a steaming cup. Ana Sofia took it gratefully, her senses sharpening at the taste of the tea.

They spent their time in silence Ana appreciated the feeling of simply existing. There was no rush to go anywhere no urgent news that would cripple her with anxiety. As they sat there in silence, Ana Sofia's thoughts drifted back to Wesleynard. She wondered what could be going through his mind, why he was avoiding her. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her side, causing her to wince.

"Your majesty, are you alright?" She waved her concerns away, "Yes, no need to worry."

"It's getting late, we should head back inside," Natalia said, rising to her feet. She offered a hand to help Ana Sofia up, but the queen waved it off, insisting she was fine.

"No, please Natalia I'm not a fragile child. " She was starting to grow irritated by the constant fear of her falling apart like a sandcastle being washed away by a calm wave.

Natalia bit down her But....."

Ana sighed, "I implore you."

Natalia sighed, understanding her frustration. "Alright, a few more minutes than let me help you back to the cave. But if you start feeling any discomfort, don't hesitate to tell me." She supported Ana Sofia's arm, guiding her slowly back to the cave. 

 As they began to slowly walk back Ana Sofia's thoughts began to question where her men were. She glanced at the area they were in realizing they weren't at the main entrance she studied Natalia's posture she seemed to be tense and eager to get back inside.

"Natalia, why are we not going through the main entrance?" Ana Sofia asked, her brows furrowing. Natalia stopped in her tracks, her shoulders slumping. "Your majesty, I'm afraid we can't go back that way," she replied, her voice low and worried.

"According to who? As a matter a fact just where is everyone? " She replied in a harsher tone than she meant. 

Natalia seemed to freeze, "Your Majesty, I didn't mean...."

Ana Sofia stopped her, growing increasingly frustrated at the secrecy looked Natalia firmly in the eyes.

"Take me to where my men are." She commanded

Unable to disobey her any longer Natalia nodded; her face filled with regret. She led Ana Sofia through a maze of twisting tunnels and passageways, the walls adorned with ancient runes and carvings. The closer they got to the main entrance the more stunned Ana Sofia became the rooms became more complex and brighter it soon became clear to her they were a fully operating military base. They finally arrived at a large chamber filled with soldiers, some standing guard while others were tending to their wounds or resting. It looked as though a lot more had occurred without her knowing.

She felt her stomach drop the sudden realization that Wesleynard had been operating without her approval, it struck her deeply akin to a betrayal. She stood aghast at the doorway soon the men began noticing her presence and fumbling into formation to salute her. Natalia discreetly guided her to a secluded corner, away from the commotion.

"Your Majesty, please understand," Natalia said, her voice low and pleading. "Wesleynard felt that we needed to take matters into our own hands."

Ana Sofia could only keep her face impassive she walked past them trying to contain the rage that began boiling inside her. She could barely comprehend any coherent thoughts she quickened her pace towards the caves main entrance, Natalia growing increasingly worried trailed after her. As they reached the entrance, they were greeted by a stunning sight. The sky had begun to lighten, painting the horizon with hues of pink and orange. The air was crisp, carrying with it the promise of a new day. It was a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded in the depths of the cave. The entrance was heavily guarded as she darted her eyes around the area she spotted Ethan up ahead.

She began stalking her way towards him before Natalia reached towards her "Your majesty please calm down." Natalia's voice was pleading, "You don't know what you're walking into."

But Ana Sofia was beyond caring. She pushed past the guards, ignoring their attempts to stop her. Ethan looked up as she approached, his face etched with concern. "Y-your Majesty! you should be resting " he could barely keep his eyes from widening.

 "Ethan, where is he?" She asked her voice cold and stern. Her eyes bore into him searching for any sign of guilt or deceit.

Ethan swallowed hard, "Your Majesty, I don't know what you're talking about." He replied his voice shaking.

"You better answer me right this moment." She hissed her heart was pounding loudly against her chest Ethan seemed to fumble over his words.

Her eyes bore heavily into his face just before she was about to lose her patience the sound of thundering footsteps entered her the left side of her vision. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. There upon his steed was Wesleynard, his armor dusty and his face a mask of determination. Beside him were her most trusted knights, their eyes trained on her. The tension in the air was palpable.

"What is the meaning of this?" She demanded, her voice low and threatening.

 His face remained still, as if not regarding her he dismounted his horse looking at Ethan and Natalia, "Why is she out here?" His voice was cold and stern, mirroring her own.

Ethan and Natalia exchanged glances, seemingly weighing their options. Finally, Natalia stepped forward, her eyes on the ground.

"Your Majesty, we thought it best if you were informed of the situation," she said softly.

"Do not speak for him, as a matter a fact I demand all of you give us privacy. " They looked nervously amongst each other, "As you wish, Your Majesty," Ethan said quietly, stepping back with the other knights. Natalia lingered for a moment, her eyes full of worry, but she too eventually left, closing the entrance behind her.

Ana Sofia turned back to Wesleynard, her face a mask of anger and hurt. "What have you done?" She demanded taking a step closer to him.

Wesleynard's expression remained unreadable, but there was a glint in his eyes that made Ana Sofia's heart race. He took a slow, deliberate step towards her, their bodies only inches apart.

"I've done what needed to be done," he replied, his voice low and threatening.

Ana Sofia felt something snap within her, "Without my permission! Without my command! Do you realize what you have done?" Wesleynard's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

"I did what was necessary to protect our kingdom and its people," he said through gritted teeth. "You were unconscious and in no position to give orders. I had to act on my own."

Ana Sofia felt a heat in her cheeks it felt like a blaze of fire had shot through her feet to the base of her skull. She clenched her fists tightly, as her anger only grew stronger.

"That is not a valid reason, you must think me a fool." Wesleynard's eyes widened slightly at her outburst, but he didn't back down.

"No, Your Majesty, I don't think you're a fool," he said, his voice low and intense. He began to walk away, motioning for a guard to come escort her back to Natalia she hurried after him, "I am not done speaking to you! "

Wesleynard stopped in his tracks, turning around to face her. "Then speak your mind, Your Majesty," he said, his voice cold.