After he has left, I leave my room and descend down the palace staircase to join the group as they make last-minute preparations to secure the city before we leave. I give Aaron and my mom a nod and they return the same before continuing on the preparations.
Minutes later we set out to Erabithia and I lead the way along with Gunther on my right and mom on my left close to my heart. Violetta is in the third row of warriors as she didn't want to stay back and I don't want her to get hurt on the front lines.
Aaron as a Lord has no choice but to stay back in charge of the safety of the kingdom whilst we are away. All the while we are marching to war I can't help myself as my thoughts drift on to Percy...would he be okay? Have they kept him in good health? Does he remember the fact that we were having a baby girl? Our own little princess whom he could spoil and smother with kisses.
A journey from Tarun to Erabithia typically amounts to a day for a carriage, half a day on horseback, and two days on foot. Hence the reason why we had brought everyone each on horseback. By morning we should be able to make it there.
Sighing internally, I look ahead making out the silhouettes of pine trees as tall as the skies signaling that we were close to Erabithia and even closer to the entrance of the secret passageway. From here we can rest up for the night.
I take notice of the outline of the grapevines dangling at the entrance of the secret passageway. Smiling to myself, I signal the warriors to halt.
I head straight to the right of the wall next to the vines and feel for the yoke on the surface which would be a slight bump tha_ Aha! Found it, I clamp down on the latch and snicker as the wall hidden by the vines opens from the left to the right. Looking back at the warriors, I internally smile as Gunther's group separates from mine and my mother's.
After resting for the night we set apart.
and I leave heading straight for the Southern gates leading my troop through the narrow passageway as my mother marches next to me and my daughter behind us marching along with Spiroz next to her.
"How come only you knew of this passage and neither Gunther nor Aaron did?"
"It's a secret passageway mom, only me, and Percy used it when we needed time outside of the palace." I vaguely reply.
"I'm not following why Prince Percy never escaped with you"
"He had sacrificed himself as the Elite warriors of the kingdom had somehow infiltrated the secret passage and were heading straight for us."
"Where exactly does this lead to?"
"The throne room, the royal tombs, and my and Percy's chambers."
~
I find myself staring at a portrait of Percy and me on our engagement night. We were so happy we were being wed in a few weeks. His mother was still alive and I had changed feelings for him, I was falling madly in love with him.
"Mom we have to go"
I look over to my Vivvy who has unshed tears in her eyes. After helping my mother and her troupe into the throne room I went on ahead with Violetta into my chambers purposely leaving my troupe with my mother so that she has all the help she can get.
I take hold of my daughter's hand and leave with her from the chambers straight to the dungeons... Knowing how powerful Percy is, its only logical for him to be kept in a place where he could not use his powers.
We walk on, continuously dodging the sights of guards and turning from curve to curve going down the hallways. Just when a guard almost catches us I drag Violetta into the dungeon room and walk along the stinking cells looking for my Prince.
"Mom what is this place, it smells horrible like someone died then gave birth to death itself in here"
"Shh...be quiet"
I sport the Nexian seal on one of the prisoners in one particular cell which had three men who look starved. I immediately know it's the Guardians my father had took to rescue me. Using astrapi, I electrocute the silver lock to open and it bursts due to the high voltage passed through.
"Where are my father and the Prince?"
"They've been taken by the witchy queen my princess" a guardian bows seeing the golden armor on me and Nexian seal.
They've taken them? but where to?! urgh Mythia what kind of selfish putrid bitch are you!... Where could they be?.
"Where were they taken to?" I hear Violetta ask.
"The throne room," a guard says and I mutter curses, dragging Violetta there.
Almost reaching the throne room I hear the melodious voice of Percy and my heart flutters in excitement. His voice has gotten more breathtaking, it that's even possible.
I quickly hide Violetta behind the pillar by the throne room entrance as I also hear the putrid, and ugly voice of Mythia. I then make my presence known as I enter the room.
My heart flutters as my eyes are met by the mesmerizing blue orbs I loved, Percy's golden hair is pulled back in a messy ponytail. I almost run to him in pure bliss before the cold and calculated voice of Mythia rings throughout the room.
"I knew you'd make it back home dear, and just in time for the finale"