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I held her body close to mine. Eva had fainted.
Standing up I glanced at the body in the corner of the room. He was still alive but seriously injured. After moments of standing, Bo came rushing into the room.
"Sir! The guards are outside and-"
"Lock this man up. Make sure he doesn't try to kill himself or escape. Find out who is behind this."
Bo bowed, nodding seriously.
"Yes sir! Should I," He paused. "Should I inform the King?"
"...No. I will."
***
Eva rested in my arms as I rode back to the palace. Where ever she was locked up, it was dangerously far from the palace. If I hadn't found her…
"I almost lost you…" I said softly. She was still unconscious. I looked down at her studying her face carefully.
She wasn't hurt, it was probably only extreme fatigue from the overwhelming situation. As well as using her powers. My mind wandered to when I found her, the way the light radiated, even from just outside the room I could see it. I couldn't help but smile bitterly, she was strong, but I still wasn't here to support her.
Her face was slim before but now she was even slimmer. Her jaw was sharper than before as well. My eyes softened the longer I held my gaze on her. Tearing my eyes away from her face, I focused on the road in front of me. I gritted my teeth
"I won't let anything happen to you again. I promise you that."
Anger was boiling inside of me. I needed to figure out who did this, and I needed to make them pay.
***
I processed the environment around me with closed eyes.
I was on a soft surface, much different than the cold room I passed out in. The moment my memory came back My eyes shot open and I tried to sit up, but I was quickly stopped by a raging headache. And, a familiar face.
"Miss! You're awake!" Bella cried. I looked at her with a soft smile, small tears in my eyes. I was so worried I would never see her again. I quickly pulled her into a hug.
Bella was shocked but hugged me back. Only then did I notice a person standing next to her, My eyes widened recognizing the face.
"Y-Your Highness, the 8th Prince." I quickly tried to stand but Bella pushed me down again.
"There is no need, Miss Black Jade. You must rest as of now." He said, his voice full of nothing but kindness. I nodded sheepishly.
"I-I see...may I ask, why are you here?"
Bella tapped my shoulder gently.
"Miss! The 8th Prince is your savior!" She whispered. I froze slightly.
"W-What?"
I glanced at the prince in front of me. Even he looked unsure of that happening!!
The room went silent.
Clearing his throat, the 8th Prince bowed curtly.
"W-Well, I just wanted to ensure your safety, Miss. then...I shall take my leave."
"A-Ah...alright." I nodded softly.
The Prince bowed once more before leaving, his handmaid following behind him. I glanced at the maid but quickly focused back on Bella.
"Now explain. What do you mean the 8th Prince is my savior?"
"Miss…" Bella smiled softly before sitting on the edge of the bed.
"The 8th Prince is the one who rescued you from the kidnappers!"
I shook my head confused.
"What? But that's…" I shook my head once more. "I was almost certain the 4th Prince was the one who...Bella?"
Bella had a look of pity flash through her eyes, but she quickly hid it with a sheepish smile. I frowned.
"What are you not telling me?"
"..."
"Bella…."
"...."
"Bella!"
"A-Alright!" She finally sighed and looked at me.
"Miss… the 4th Prince didn't… he didn't even try to look for you."
I scoffed. "That's not possible."
"Miss-"
"Who told you this?? Was it those nosey girls in training?!? You shouldn't listen to rumors Bella!"
"Miss!" She stared at me seriously. "I'm not lying to you. You know I wouldn't!"
I felt my heart drop. I quickly shook my head once more.
"But, the 4th Prince…he wouldn't, he isn't like that…"
"Miss…" Bella said, resting her hand on my shoulder. Her condescending tone was irritating me. I quickly shook off her arm.
"No! That isn't possible! It was the 4th Prince who saved me. You don't know what you are talking about!"
The room went silent once more.
Suddenly, Bella stood up. Realizing my actions I grimace, looking over at her.
"Bella..." I sighed, regretful. "I-I didn't mean-"
"No, it's quite alright Miss. I was the one to overstep my boundaries." I winced at her words.
"No...Bella that's not-"
"I'll guard the door so you can rest a bit longer." Bella stopped as she reached the door, glancing back at me.
"I truly hope this 4th Prince hasn't betrayed you."
With that, Bella left the room.
I sighed, holding my head with my palm as I closed my eyes. My head was killing me.
"Was I really imagining things? Was it really the 8th Prince and- and not the 4th Prince?"
I sighed once more, deciding to lie down. I was still exhausted, whatever happened definitely took all of my energy. I slowly closed my eyes, quickly falling asleep.
***
"Father, you asked to see me-"
There was a loud bang that interrupted my voice. I immediately stopped talking.
"Y-You!!!" My father pointed his finger at me while shaking with fury, a vein apparent on his head.
"Within the first month, I brought this girl back, and she is already kidnapped!!!"
I frowned displeased.
"Father, but that isn't her fault. That's-"
"You be quiet!!! No more excuses!!! What will happen if I am not here to keep you in line? Your fiancé was almost killed, and now she was kidnapped!!" He yelled. I remained silent.
The room was quiet as my father collected himself. He sat back on his throne, rubbing his temple.
"Alastair." My father said. I tensed but tried to remain indifferent, he always refrained from addressing me by my name.
"I can tell you truly like this girl. But keeping her here at the palace…" he looked at me with pity. "Is it not putting her in danger?"
"....." I remained silent.
My father sighed, still looking at me.
"How about this, I shall have her leave, just for a few months while things settle down. Afterward, then I will-"
"-I will leave," I said. My father blinked dumbfounded before squinting.
"What?" He said. I took a deep breath before bowing.
"Father. You mentioned that you need someone to go east of our castle and settle some things concerning traders and shipments out of the country. I can go and-"
"Are you stupid?!? How will that help the problem?"
I chose to ignore his insult.
"I have a firm belief that whoever is sending these people after her will stop once I leave. They are doing it..." I paused. "To get rid of me."
"..." my father thought for a moment. Another voice quickly spoke up.
"And you are sure about this?" The 1st Concubine softly asked. I glanced at her, a glint of evil passing through her eyes before disappearing completely.
"If you were to leave the girl alone, and something were to happen again… I'm afraid-"
"There is no need to worry, 1st Concubine. I believe these people understand what is at risk. They will not continue these attacks."
"...Alright." The king interrupted us with a soft wave of his hand.
"I will have you leave tomorrow for a year. Shall anything happen to the Black Jade…"
I bowed once more. "I thank you, Father."
The room went silent once more. The king sighed deeply before clearing his throat.
"You are dismissed." He said softly.
Rising, I turned around to the door, my eyes landing in the 1st Concubine for a split second.
I noticed the slight smile on her face that was wiped away the second I looked at her. After briefly studying her expression, I left the throne room.
As I walked out, I felt a cold wrath overtake my heart, clouding my eyes.
'So she is the one who dared to try and hurt my Eva…'
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(Author here! Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed!)