Chapter 607: Breath of Freedom

Duke, panting heavily, set down the princess. "Great, I'll leave the princess in your care. I need to ensure King Llane's safety."

Without further ado, Duke handed over the princess to Morley.

"Thank you, Duke Markus. I'll ensure the princess's safety."

However, less than thirty seconds after they parted, disaster struck.

"Boom!" A magical blast descended from the sky, hitting the palace corridor. It was accompanied by a terrifying shriek laced with the scent of death.

"No--" Morley turned in horror, watching the tragic scene unfold with over fifteen guards...

Princess Calia didn't even get to scream before she was obliterated by a glob of Deathwing's acid.

In the last moment, Morley tried to pull the princess to safety. All he managed to grab was the hem of her white gown.

"No! No! No! No!" Morley's eyes were filled with rage. In desperation, he tried to retrieve the princess from the corrosive acid that had consumed half of his men, but he was held back by his subordinates.

"Let me go! Release me! I'm guilty! The princess is dead! What's the point of me being the captain of the guards now? Let me end it--" Morley drew his sword, intending to end his life.

His men stopped him.

"No! Sir, as captain of the guard, you have a duty to report this to King Menethil. Didn't you pledge your life to the Menethil dynasty? It's the king's right to decide your fate, not yours!"

"No--" The guard captain, loyal to the Lordearon throne after countless trials, shed tears of regret. He couldn't imagine the grief on the aging King Terenas's face when he heard the news.

Meanwhile, in the Western part of Eastweald (Western Plaguelands)...

A beautiful blonde-haired girl admired the vast fields. She took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the earthy winter air. Elated, she exclaimed, "Wow-- it's so beautiful! Is this what the outside world looks like? Is this the breath of freedom?"

The girl, with her beautiful blue eyes, eagerly absorbed everything around her.

Like a canary freed from its cage, she sang and rejoiced.

She took off her heels, digging her delicate feet into the cold mud, dancing gracefully across the field.

This beautiful girl was, of course, Princess Calia.

Duke had used the "Mirror Image" spell to create a perfect decoy of Calia, which made it seem as if she had died.

To the world, the lovely Calia Menethil was gone.

Duke watched Calia revel in the fields without disturbing her. Anyone imprisoned in a seemingly vast, yet stifling palace for 16 years would feel overwhelmed.

The sensation of breaking free is indescribable.

Amid her joy, Calia's spins became faster. The mage robe she wore flowed like a long skirt. Duke instinctively covered his nose, fearing a nosebleed.

No, he reminded himself. He must remain dignified.

Rubbing his temples, Duke gazed at Calia's exquisite face, his restless heart calming down.

She was truly a remarkable girl.

Realizing her euphoria might have been a tad inappropriate, Calia approached Duke, "I'm sorry! I got too excited. It feels... like I'd gladly die for just a glimpse of the outside world."

Duke smiled warmly, "Calia, don't jest. I promised you freedom. You'll have plenty of time to explore the world."

Calia's mood turned somber, "By doing this, won't we bring trouble to you and my father? Especially with Lordearon in such peril, I feel guilty for escaping."

"I've taken care of everything. I've ensured your 'death' in Lordearon Palace. There's no evidence to link me to your disappearance or 'murder.' As for your father, King Terenas... everyone must bear the consequences of their actions."

"Consequences?" Calia blinked innocently.

"Yes! As the leader of the Lordearon Alliance, he coveted the lands of his allies. That's a true betrayal. Maybe the rulers of Alterac were guilty, but the people of Alterac were innocent. They share roots with Lordearon. I despise King Terenas's actions."

Calia lowered her head.

"I've asked Malygos, the Blue Dragon Aspect, to ensure the safety of Lordearon's citizens. But some losses are inevitable. From the day King Terenas coveted Alterac and brought in Deathwing, this was bound to happen. If I hadn't detected Deathwing early and rallied the Dragon Aspects against him, Lordearon would've been devoured."

Chilled by the thought, Calia slowly accepted the truth.

"What's next for me? Should I hide in your Karazhan?"

"No, I promised you freedom and intend to keep it. Allow me to introduce your companions who will join you on your adventures across the world." Duke gracefully gestured to a group of women emerging from behind a hill.

A maid, a ranger, and a paladin clad in armor.