#Chapter3
16th Century
Alvar
As he gazed in the mirror, he noted his appearance. He was a defeated man, barely holding the strings of sanity. In his late 40’s he didn’t look less than 60. The worries and solidifying tensions have turned him old at an early age. A layer of fine wrinkles decorated his forehead, and dark circles surrounded the vibrant blue eyes like hollow pits. The shade of his eyes was still breathtaking like the frozen lakes of arctic but they lacked the spirit after watching so many deaths. His chiseled nose and a hard jaw, which used to enhance his feature, now look bony as the cheeks were hollow, sunken inside due to falling diet. His once bulky stature now stood thin, showing ribs and bones of a malnourished being. His bony fingers combed the little dark hairs on the head and sigh, thinking how many he has lost in the wake of this plague. The struggle to survive and nightmares shined on his face and turned away from his reflection. The more he looked, the smaller and vanquished he felt.
The picture doesn’t belong to a king but to a man, who has been through various storms and barely held the rays of hope. If he was fooling someone, it was himself for thinking that they could go past this curse and crisis. No fiber in his body longed to battle anymore. He was about to come on his knees in front of the monstrous situation.
Feeling the gaze of maids on his shoulders, he cleared his throat and left the quarters to attend the other business that requires his thorough attention. Wallowing in pity won't lead him anywhere. All he had to do was drown in work to forget the biting feeling in his chest.
As he exited the bed-chamber, the soldiers guarding the hallways bowed their heads in respect. King Thales forced himself to not yell out, how he doesn't deserve it as he failed to stop the riot shadowing his kingdom, but the men in uniform thought differently. As the king passed by them, they watched him as a man on a mission who was dead set on bringing them justice and relieve the pain.
As the king descended the stairs with his mind filled with various possibilities, a soft patter of running feet brought him to a halt.
/"Papa…/"
A distinct melodious voice rang in the lonely corridors, melting the agonizing silence that was poking him like needles. The corner of his lips lifted to produce a gentle smile, and he turned to greet his angel. His eyes immediately caught a girl running towards him with her beautiful sea blue gown flowing behind her. Her cherry blonde hairs that reached her hips blew in the air as she ran towards him while holding her long skirt. Her warm brown eyes shined under the light with so much innocence that it saddened the king. A chord tugged in his heart, thinking, how would she survive in his absence. She was too kind and trusting for her own good.
As the girl came closer, her blood-red lips stretched in a grin, rejoicing under the fact that she caught him on time. Her arms flung in the air before they wrapped around his torso and tackled him in a tight hug.
King Thales couldn’t help the short laugh that escaped his lips.
/"My Princess…/" he whispered in her thick hairs, and she buried her face in his chest. Her head tucked under his chin as she panted due to running so fast. Her small palms clutched tightly to the fabric he wore. She submerged her 5.8/" ft frame in her father’s protective embrace.
/"I…I thought you had left./" She mumbled lightly, and he chuckled. Suddenly all the worries of the world didn’t look as big he thought of them. He relaxed as he ran a soothing hand on her back, realizing how he still held his most precious jewel, his daughter. He was worried about the withering treasure in the coffer, completely forgetting the fact that he still has someone who will never stop loving him selflessly. Of all, love was the greatest treasure and a gem hard to earn. He kissed her forehead and looked at her angelic face.
His daughter was a gentle reflection of her mother. Princess Valentina of Alvar is referred to as the most beautiful in 7 nations. She was the only child of King Thales and the deceased Queen Amara. Queen Amara passed away at the childbirth, and that had left Princess Valentina to grow on her own as her father was mostly absent in her childhood. He hardly had time to see her because of being tangled in managing the kingdom. Still, she loved him, admired him, and tried to become fearless and as brave as him. Her father was her world.
/"Are you leaving already?/" Princess Valentina asked in a small voice, and the King tightens his hold around her, fearing she might disappear, or he won’t see her again as the plague was high in the air.
/"Yes, my dear. But I promise to return soon./" He assured, and she released a relieved sigh.
/"Okay, I will hold you to that. May you find fruitful results in this visit./" She wished him and backs away before curtsying. The king bowed his head too and turned without wasting any more time. He didn’t want to leave her alone, but this business was important too.
As King Thales descended the stairs, the awaiting little loyal people he had, bowed their heads in front of the ruler of the throne.
/"Good morning, my fellow mates. I and the troop are leaving for Baden now. The journey is to seek help in the crisis. Be safe, and take care of yourselves as well as the princess. It may take some time, but we will try our best to return with positive news. May God bless you./" He wished his people and moved towards the secret passage that opens into a tunnel. This tunnel is the longest and stretches over 20 miles, and open at the outskirts of the deserted forest.
Lord Charles came forward and hugged his older brother.
/"Be safe, brother. The King of Baden is known to be ruthless and cunning. Sent us messenger if things go wrong./" He whispered, and King Thales stiffened but nodded eventually.
With a last glance towards the gawking audience, he ducked into the tunnel, followed by 15 soldiers and 2 golden pots.