Four days passed as Isabella and I continued on the road to Kalsa.
Somehow, we kept ourselves entertained and managed to find things to talk about. Sometimes we would simply stare out of the carriage window at the scenery.
The convoy would occasionally stop for breaks to allow the horses rest and for everyone to eat.
For the most part, however, we were left alone. That is to say, aside from the occasional knight checking in on us as well as the Grandmaster.
At one point, we invited him to sit with us but he declined. He wanted to stay at the front and keep watch.
Sir Gordon was a great guy, but I always felt he was too serious about his job... Although I suppose one didn't become Grandmaster without that kind of determination.
Eventually, we could see large stone walls in the distance.
A short while later, we pulled up to the border gate and were stopped.
"Looks like we're finally at the border," I said.
"Yes. I hope they let us through... We mean no harm," Isabella said.
"Would they have a reason to decline us?" I asked.
"Kalsa sort of...holds a grudge against us. We're at peace, but relations are strained at best. They especially despise the royal family..." Isabella said sadly.
"Maybe I should talk to them. I'm an Iratus and could potentially reason with them..." I said.
"You're also my husband. The Crown Prince of Albatross. I'm not sure if they'd accept that..." Isabella said.
Almost as if on cue, there was a knock on the carriage door.
I opened it and saw one of the knights standing there.
"Prince Mizik Iratus, your presence is requested at the border gate. Right this way, your Majesty," he said.
I felt somewhat stiff being called 'Prince' and 'your Majesty, but I tried not to let it bother me too much...
As I left, Isabella followed me.
"Princess Isabella, we would request that you remain here where it's safe. Please stay seated," the Knight said.
She looked somewhat offended.
"I'm not so weak that I have to be protected constantly. I can handle myself. Besides, if it's diplomacy, Mizik may require my assistance. I demand you allow me to follow him," she said.
"O-of course, your Majesty... Please follow us..."
We were led to the border and I saw Sir Gordon arguing with one of the guards.
"We are envoys of the united front. We demand you allow us to pass! The fate of the world may be at stake!" Sir Gordon said.
"You said that Princess Isabella is here. We can't allow you to pass," the guard said.
"Of course she is! She's a diplomat and one of our country's leaders! Why wouldn't she be here!?"
"Excuse me, can I be of assistance here?" I chimed in.
The guard glanced at me and did a double-take.
"A-an Iratus!? What are you doing here!? We weren't informed of... Wait...Mizik?" The guard said.
It took a moment since it had been a while but I was almost taken back in shock as I looked at the man.
It was one of the two guards that protected my father.
Rage began rising within me.
"YOU! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" I shouted.
"L-listen Mizik, I can explain!"
At once, a door opened on the side of the gate, and a more imposing guard with fancier-looking armor strolled out.
"Is there some kind of problem here?" The imposing guard said.
"No sir... Well...yes sir. This boy here is an Iratus. Specifically, he's the late Sir Ulysses' son. Mizik Iratus." The former guard of my father said.
"I see. It appears that he is here with that filthy Princess as well... Hmm...she is quite ravishing..." The imposing guard said as he started looking Isabella up and down.
"Don't you dare call my WIFE filthy. And keep your disgusting eyes off of her!" I said angrily.
"You...married the Princess...? Wow...Ulysses would be proud..." My father's former guard said in amazement.
"Mizik, please calm down. It's alright. I was expecting this sort of thing..." Isabella said.
"Do not insult her Majesty Princess Isabella. There will be grave consequences if you press on," Sir Gordon said angrily. He placed his hand on his sword.
"Everyone QUIET! Look, we need to pass through here. We need to speak with the Emperor of Kalsa," I said.
"Our Emperor would not wish to speak with a traitor like you. An Iratus that married into Albatrossan royalty? Disgusting...even if she is beautiful... I wouldn't subject myself to something that low if I had been blessed with the sacred emerald eyes," the imposing guard said.
Sacred...eyes?
"The fate of Avernia is in question. We require passage to-" Isabella began.
"Silence, you wench!" The imposing guard shouted as Isabella. He immediately turned to my father's former guard and spoke. "Get the captain here now, she'll deal with this lot."
He reluctantly left.
I gritted my teeth and almost reached for my sword, but I felt Isabella gently take hold of my hand.
"I won't let their insults bother me, my love. Please remain calm," Isabella said with a smile.
I could see that she wasnt okay though.
I felt the annoyance behind her smile.
A few moments after the other guard left, he returned with a female knight dressed in very exquisite armor. She was tall with long blonde hair and had...
Emerald eyes.
Shit...here we go... I hate my family...
"What is the meaning of this? Why does Albatross wish to invade our lands again?" She said.
"Greetings, I am First Princess Isabella Victoria Albatross. This is my husband Mizik Iratus. Crown Prince of Albatross. It is a pleasure to meet you. May we have your name, sir knight?" Isabella said with a bow.
I didn't usually get to see this side of her. It was kind of stunning to look at.
She had such a professional and sweet demeanor. Like a truly refined and elegant lady. If I was negotiating with her, I'd be in for a very difficult battle.
"I am Amelia Iratus. High Centurion and captain of the border wall between Albatross and Kalsa. Despite your intentions not seeming hostile, I regret to inform you that you must be executed by order of the Emperor. We will not tolerate the Albatross royalty so close to our border," Amelia said with a steely expression.
"Wait, hold on a moment!" Isabella said.
"KILL THE PRINCESS!! ARCHERS! MAGES! OPEN FIRE!!!" One of the guards on the ramparts shouted.
"Isabella! Get behind me!" I said as I pulled her behind me.
She was noticeably startled and seemed irritated by it.
"Mizik! Wait!" She said.
Isabella pulled her sword and shield out of her inventory and held them at the ready.
I remained in front of her as several arrows and magic spells came flying at us.
"Mizik! Get behind me!" Isabella shouted.
I turned and grabbed her arm, then pulled her out of harms way.
The arrows and spells missed, but moments later, Amelia came charging at us.
"Gods damn you Kalsan bastards!" Sir Gordon shouted.
I could see Sir Gordon unsheathe his sword as several soldiers piled out of the guard post and charged at him.
My father's former guard stepped back... Seeming conflicted about what he should be doing.
You bastard! I'm going to beat the shit out of you for abandoning us!!!
"MIZIK! PROTECT THE PRINCESS! SOLDIERS, TAKE OUT THOSE ARCHERS AND MAGES!!!" Sir Gordon shouted.
Amelia unsheathed a longsword and immediately brought the sword down towards me.
I unsheathed Vengeance and caught her blade with my own.
This woman was strong.
REALLY STRONG.
The sheer weight of her attack nearly caused me to drop my sword.
"Stop this! We don't have time for fighting!" I shouted.
"You will pay the price for your sin, wayward Iratus! You are not to mingle with the enemy!" Amelia said angrily.
We clashed blades several more times before Isabella charged forward with her shield raised.
"Shield bash!!!" She shouted.
Amelia leaped back to avoid the attack and swung her sword at Isabella.
Once again, I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her from danger.
"Isabella! Get back! Stay behind the guards! I'll handle this," I said.
She seemed really annoyed now.
"Mizik! I can handle myself, you know! We've fought together several times before!" She said angrily.
"Isabella, forgive me for saying, but now isn't the time! You need to get to safety! I can't fight her and protect you at the same time!"
"Are you two seriously arguing in the middle of a battle?" Amelia said curiously.
"I'm stronger now! I can fight alongside you again! Don't you trust me!?" Isabella said.
I looked away from her.
I couldn't bear it...
Truthfully, I did trust her...but I wasn't willing to make her protect me anymore.
I can't lose you...never!
"Isabella, this is for your own good... Please..." I said.
And I regretted it too.
"Dammit, Mizik! I'm trying to help you!" She said angrily.
"I'm growing tired of this. Accept your fates and die," Amelia said plainly.
She charged straight at Isabella and I deflected her sword with my own. Immediately after that, I took my free hand and shoved Isabella back from us.
I'm sorry...but I have to protect you!
Isabella fell back and caught herself, dropping her sword in the process.
Amelia and I exchanged blows several times once more.
I could see Sir Gordon fighting several guards at once. They didn't stand a chance.
Our own guards also joined the fight as I began to feel a strong sense of impending doom.
A creeping feeling began to take hold.
A familiar feeling...
From the corner of my eye, I saw Isabella shiver as if she felt something too.
"Wh-what the...? What is this horrible feeling...?" Isabella said.
Amelia and I clashed blades once again.
"Sword Enchant! Fire! Greater Haste!" I called out.
My sword blazed with fire and I felt my speed double.
Now, I was on the offensive. I was striking at Amelia quickly. She effortlessly parried my attacks before pulling a shield off of her back.
"Lethal Strike!" She shouted.
She shot forward and tried to decapitate me, but Isabella jumped on front and blocked the attack.
"Isabella! What are you doing!? Get to safety!!!" I shouted.
She gritted her teeth and glared at me.
"Shield bash!" She called out as she tried to send Amelia away.
Amelia dodged the attack and readied herself to strike again.
"Shut up! Let me protect you, Mizik! I can handle myself!" She shouted at me.
It honestly hurt my heart to have her angry with me, but it couldn't be helped. She would be angry, but she would also be alive.
"I don't need you to protect me! I need you to get to safety!" I said.
She looked deeply hurt.
"M-mizik? But...back when we met...I said I'd protect you! I meant it! I don't want you to die! Not if I can help it!" She said with tears in her eyes.
"And I don't want a repeat of last time! You almost died from the Black Ooze! I don't know if I can protect you again!" I shouted.
Listen to me! Please! I care about you!
"Can't this wait?" Amelia asked.
"Shut up!"
"Shut up!"
Isabella and I both spoke in unison.
Amelia looked rather annoyed at us, now.
"Mizik, you-"
"I don't want to hear it! Stay back! I'm already feeling like it's nearby!" I said.
"Nearby? What's nearby? And what is this dreadful feeling!?" Isabella said.
"GRRRRROOOOOOOOOAAAARRR!!!!!!!"
We heard roar from the other side of the wall.