Frans and the six soldiers were left to rest in a room specially prepared for them. There were seven beds that they each occupied. After they were treated, bathed, then ate, they were immediately directed to return to rest.
While Royce was taken to a special bedroom for himself. There is a wide bed which is soft and very comfortable. Then drinks and some fresh fruit are available on a table in the room.
Meanwhile, Edgar and Erick remained in the same room. They are still asleep because of the side effects of the drugs they are taking. The wounds on their bodies have been handled properly by a reliable healer. Edgar's stomach was wrapped in bandages, as well as Erick's left leg.
While the women namely Athena, Nancy, and Lucy. They were moved to a bedroom that was comfortable and big enough for three people. The bedroom also has three beds in it. The three of them were also left to rest in the room. And palace maids have prepared drinks and some fresh fruit for them.
"I'm sorry about the death of your parents, Royce." Philip said.
Royce smiled a little and he nodded. He also let Philip sit on his left. The wound on Royce's face has also been treated by a healer. Now his appearance looks clean again as usual.
"Thank you, King Philip. And thank you for welcoming us. After discussing for so long in the forest, finally we all decided to bring Aubrey here."
"Yes, I understand Royce. You all may enter this palace. My palace doors will always be wide open for all of you." Philip said. "If I may ask, how did Arthur and Georgiana die?"
"One of Jackson's troops shot arrows at the necks of my father and mother. The first to be killed was my mother, and when the battle was over because we were surrounded, suddenly an arrow shot nimbly towards my father's neck. It all just happened without me being able to stop it."
Philip immediately tapped Royce's left shoulder lightly. He took a deep breath and felt very sad to hear the news. "When I was just thrown out by the enemy troops, I walked alone towards here. My feelings were raging and broken when I saw almost all of your villagers killed by many arrows. Some of those who survived, I saw them heading west to flee to another island."
"Yes, they all left the territory of the Diamond Kingdom. Now, my palace area is worthy of being called the territory of the dead, King Philip."
"Don't lose hope, Royce. I can support you until you can reclaim your rights in the Diamond Kingdom."
Royce lowered his head to cover his tears that slowly dripped down. He shook his head slowly. "I don't think I have any hope. The diamond village has been destroyed, as well as my palace. The inside of the palace has also been destroyed. And I believe all the property, agricultural areas and mining areas will be occupied by Jackson and Bella. All my soldiers have fallen, King Philip. How can I take my castle from them? Now I can only protect Lucy and take my life wherever I go."
Philip was silent for a moment. He understood Royce's current state. Losing parents, villagers and palace is a very sad thing.
Of course Royce felt hopeless. Now he has no possessions and position. He only has a small group consisting of only Frans, the six surviving warriors, Athena, Lucy, Edgar, and Athena's parents.
Only those that Royce considered family. However, Royce could not order them to fight against Jackson's army. Royce didn't have as many troops as he used to.
"Royce, my family and I have become good friends with your family, especially your parents. And I'm willing to lend a hand to help you. If there's anything you want, you can tell me. Whatever it is. And you and the others can also stay here. All of you can live in this palace. And I invite you to invite my soldiers against the enemy army." Philip said. He really wanted to help Royce sincerely.
Hearing the offer of help, of course Royce was very touched. But it seems that he still took the plan he had arranged with Edgar.
"King Philip, I don't think I can accept that favor."
Philip looked at Royce with concern. "Why? I'm very sincere in helping you. Are you afraid that if you pay for all my help by marrying my daughter? No, Royce. I won't even ask you for anything in return. This is my way of making up for the good deed your parents have done to me."
"Ah, sorry. It's not like that, King Philip. Me and Uncle Edgar have planned something. We are going to England to see my aunt, Aunt Jasmine."
"Princess Jasmine? Your father's biological sister?"
Royce nodded. "Yes. After getting married, Aunt Jasmine went with her husband to England. And she was automatically released from the royal family ties. Therefore, Aunt Jasmine must not know about this news. And I have to tell her."
"But I hear that England already has an extraordinary royal government. Do you dare to go there?"
"I'm not worried about that, King Philip. Uncle Edgar says a simple town is already established there. And my aunt's husband is a mayor."
"So, after a few days of being here, are you going there?"
Royce nodded again. "Yes, that was the unanimous decision that we planned. If you don't mind, I want to leave Lucy, Athena, Athena's parents, and the soldiers. Let them stay here. I will go with Uncle Edgar and Frans."
"If that's what you want, then I will fulfill your request, Royce. Don't worry, they will be safe here. And I will take good care of your sister. She can choose to study anything here." Philip said with a smile.
"Thank you very much, King Philip. I know you are a very good person."
"Ah, I just wanted to help you. Then let me know when you are ready to depart. Then I will provide a boat that can take you across the sea to England."
Royce nodded politely. "I will tell you later, King Philip."
*****