Episode 16
(Get Out!)
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As our carriage neared the towering gates of the capital, the afternoon sun hung low, casting long shadows across the cobblestone road. Dusk was but an hour away, the sky already kissed with hues of gold and crimson. Without warning, the carriage jerked to a halt, causing the horses to snort and paw the ground uneasily.
"Why have we stopped?"
Anne asked, a hint of impatience in her voice.
"I haven't the faintest idea."
"Well, whatever."
She murmured, leaning back against the plush cushions, already closing her eyes for a nap.
Curious, I peeked through the curtain. A small group stood near the front, speaking with the Fellmirr escorts. Though their faces were hidden from view, the richness of their attire was unmistakable—aristocrats, no doubt. But who could they be?
My question went unanswered as the figures turned and rode through the gates, vanishing from sight. Soon after, the carriage lurched forward, the heavy wooden wheels creaking as we passed beneath the grand archway.
Once outside the city walls, I caught sight of them again. The aristocrats, now mounted on fine steeds, waited just beyond the gate. Knights flanked them, their polished armor gleaming in the fading light.
"Lady Isabella! What are you doing? I told you not to peek outside. Can't you sit still?"
"Anne—"
"No excuses. Sit down."
I sighed, leaning back as Anne muttered,"Can't even get some peace and quiet."
"I was just curious. I won't do it again."
"You'd better not."
I rested against the seat, feeling the carriage sway beneath me. It was my first time leaving the Capital, and I couldn't help but wonder what the world beyond its walls was like. As those thoughts swirled in my mind, I closed my eyes. Before I knew it, sleep had taken over.
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A few moments Earlier...
Outside the Capital's Front Gate…
The nobles returning from the Winter Expedition to Ashoron had gathered, though Daniel had gone on to Greycastle Territory. Before they could return to their lands, they had to report to the Royal Court, followed by a banquet in their honor.
"I apologize, Young Master, but you'll have to wait a moment," said the knight guarding the gate.
"Do you know who you're speaking to?"
Lambert's expression darkened.
"My apologies! The Crown Prince of Fellmirr is expected to pass through at any moment."
"The Crown Prince of Fellmirr?"
Gellius blinked.
"Where is he? I want to meet him."
Lambert straightened.
"Let's go together."
Gellius nudged him.
"Tch! Just let them pass. Talking will only waste time."
Roberto, visibly impatient, clicked his tongue.
"But aren't you curious what he looks like, Grand Duke?"
Wendell grinned.
"No."
Roberto scoffed.
"Well, we are."
Lambert grinned.
"Who knows what the Crown Prince looks like!"
Morth chimed in.
"And the Knights too!" added Gellius with excitement.
"Tch! Fine, go. But be quick. The knights are exhausted."
Roberto sighed, clearly agitated.
"You're the one who rushed us back to the Capital, Grand Duke."
Gellius muttered under his breath.
Roberto shot him a sharp glare. "Did you say something?"
Gellius shook his head quickly. "No."
Morth jumped in, "We'll hurry. Don't worry."
The four—Wendell, Gellius, Lambert, and Morth—hurried off to speak with the Fellmirr knights. They returned shortly, looking surprised, and mounted their horses, still buzzing with excitement.
"I never imagined they'd be that impressive."
Wendell shook his head in disbelief.
"I know, right?"
Lambert nodded enthusiastically.
"Their manners, their clothes... everything was so refined."
Morth added.
Gellius, still processing, said, "And here I thought they'd smell like beasts. But not at all."
Roberto, observing their reactions, spoke in a nonchalant tone. "Well, you all certainly look surprised."
Lambert smirked. "You'll be just as shocked when you see them."
Wendell chimed in, "Definitely."
Roberto shrugged, indifferent. "Fine, but why are they here in our Empire?"
Wendell blinked, realizing his mistake. "Ah... we forgot to ask."
Roberto sighed, his tone flat. "Typical. Whatever."
Just then, the grand front gates creaked open, Leonus, along with his entourage emerged, their regal procession drawing all eyes.
"Why would they need such a luxurious carriage?"
Morth glanced at the carriage trailing behind the knights.
"Yeah, doesn't seem like they brought any lady with them."
Lambert added.
Wendell, trying to sound confident, chimed in, "I asked if they brought a lady from Fellmirr, and they said 'No.'"
Gellius shrugged, "Well, if that's what they said…"
"It doesn't concern us. Let's just go. Or do you all plan on standing at the gates all day?"
Roberto, his voice colder than usual, cut through their chatter.
"I'm exhausted. Let's move."
Gellius sighed, rubbing his neck.
They nudged their horses forward, casually passing Leonus and his group. As they did, Roberto unknowingly rode alongside the carriage—her carriage. The very one carrying Isabella, the woman he had thought of every moment during the hunt, the woman he had been so eager to return to.
Isabella, his beloved, sat mere feet away. And yet, Roberto, unaware of the devastating truth, continued riding forward, each step of his horse unknowingly pulling him further from the life he thought was still waiting for him.
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"Aghh!"
I jolted awake feeling a sharp pain tearing through my stomach, like claws ripping from the inside.
"Ahh!"
"What now?"
Anne huffed, clearly annoyed.
"My stomach… It hurts."
"Oh, stop exaggerating. How bad could it really be?"
"I am not–"
Another wave of pain hit, making me grit my teeth.
"Ugh!"
"Princess, are you alright?"
From outside, Leonus's voice cut through.
"I-"
"She is alright."
Anne snapped before I could finish.
Silence.
Then, suddenly, the carriage came to a halt. The door flew open, and there was Leonus, glaring.
"Greetings, Your Royal Highness. I am Ann-"
"Get out."
"What?"
"I said, get out. Don't make me repeat myself."
"But the Princess requested my presence—"
"I'll stay with her. You're done. Out."
Anne's face paled, panic flashing in her eyes. If he finds out I slipped something into her food…
"You are still standing here?"
Leonus's eyes glowed red, his patience clearly gone.
Anne paled. "I-I'm leaving." Her voice trembled. If I stay, I might not survive.
She scrambled out of the carriage, practically tripping over herself in her haste.
Leonus stepped into the carriage, his expression still dark.
"Princess, stop spending so much time with her."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. It might ruin your reputation, me staying with a maid like that."
"That's not the problem, Princess."
"Huh? I— I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"
"Sigh~ Why are you always apologising?"
"I-"
"Where is it?"
"Huh?"
"Where does it hurt, Princess?"
"I am fine, really."
"Is it your stomach?"
"Huh?"
"You're holding your stomach, Princess."
"Oh, that—"
Before I could finish, Leonus leaned in, placing his hand over my stomach, his touch sending a jolt through me. He muttered something under his breath, something I couldn't quite catch.
Then, his eyes flickered crimson, glowing eerily in the dim light.
"Goodnight, Princess."
"What?"
I blinked, confused, but before I could respond, a wave of drowsiness washed over me. My eyelids grew heavy, and I couldn't fight it. I fell asleep, leaning against him.
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"We'll set camp here."
Leonus commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
"But, Your Highness, if we push a little farther, we can reach the portal by nightfall."
One of the knights suggested hesitantly.
"No. We'll continue in the morning."
"As you wish, Your Royal Highness."
The knight bowed and relayed the order.
The group halted and began setting up camp in the forest. The evening's calm was soon filled with low murmurs.
"Pfft! He can't wait any longer."
Randall snickered to Lorenzo.
"Hahaha. Keep it down, or he'll hear you."
Lorenzo chuckled softly.
"Well, the Crown Princess is really beautiful."
Randall grinned.
"I'll kill you."
A sharp, cold voice cut through the night.
Randall's grin vanished as he glanced at Lorenzo, assuming it was him. But Lorenzo was already sweating, his face pale.
Randall gulped. "Ah... crap."
"If I hear one more word, I'll kill you."
Randall stiffened, sweating nervously, turning to see Leonus glaring at him. "I-I apologize, Your Highness."
He and Lorenzo quickly retreated, wisely distancing themselves from the carriage. The rest of the soldiers followed suit, setting up camp far away.
"Haa~"(─.─||)
Heaving a sigh, Blaine, took charge. "No one goes near the carriage." He barked an order.
"Yes, sir."
The knights laughed, their voices carrying around the bonfire. The night air was cold, but the fire's warmth and their easy chatter created a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, everyone feeling snug despite the chill outside.