Einar accompanied Alaina as they descended into the castle's gloomy dungeon. A potent combination of mustiness and mold intermingled with the repugnant odour of festering wounds in the dank air. The heavy, frigid atmosphere made breathing a laborious task. As she cautiously proceeded, Alaina was mindful not to lose her footing on the slick cobblestone floor.
Guided by Einar, they approached the prince's cell. On route, Alaina spotted the familiar faces of knights who had journeyed with her, each imprisoned and now groaning in agony. Their cries of pain pierced the otherwise oppressive silence that weighed heavily upon the dungeon.
"Have they received treatment for their wounds?" Alaina asked hesitantly while stopping at one of the cells to inspect a wounded knight grunting in pain.
"Yes, their wounds have all been addressed."
"Please make sure they are healing well."
Einar grunted in response. Was she allowed to make such demands of her captors?
"You may have Gareth's favour, but we do not listen to your instructions." His words stung, but she nodded, realising she might have overstepped.
"The prince is two cells down; I will only give you a few moments." He did not even try to hide the irritation in his voice.
Alaina hurried to the cell and looked inside. Within the confines of the dungeon cell, the captured prince lay sprawled on the cold, unforgiving floor. Clad in nothing but a tunic and trousers, his once pristine attire was now marred with the dirt and grime of his captivity.
A deep, bleeding wound marred his side—the crimson stain a stark contrast against the pallor of his skin. His face, though contorted with pain, still reflected the innate nobility in his bearing.
"Your Highness", she whispered. He looked up, and his eyes widened in surprise. He tried to sit up straight, not to seem as incapacitated as he was.
"Alaina…" he coughed; his lips formed into a small smile. He stumbled, getting up, holding his side where she saw a large patch of dried blood.
"Are you hurt?"
"Not gravely," he continued to smile. "It pleases me to know that you are safe.."
"I came to check on you. Gareth had promised your safety."
His eyes squinted at her mention of Gareth's name so passively. But he kept quiet, which surprised Alaina as it differed from his usual self-assured character.
"I suppose I am all right. It warms my heart that you have come to check on me," he smiled. Alaina's intention of seeing him was not out of concern for him personally but rather to make sure that Gareth was telling the truth.
"When we entered the kingdom, there was no inclination that there was even an attack; none of the villagers were harmed. I suppose that caused our complacency…."
She was glad to know that none of the villagers were harmed. She, too, wondered about the attack, seeing as no signs of an actual invasion. How did they gain access so quickly, she wondered.
"What about your injury?" she questioned further. He lifted his hand to show a large, blood-stained bandage around his muscled torso. Alaina gasped at the sight of the wound.
"It will heal; it was just a scratch" Sanson smiled. Alaina looked at him and frowned, searching his face for more information, but the prince just smiled at her.
"We must return to the great hall," Einar said, coming behind her. His sudden presence startled her. She nodded and turned around.
"Wait, Alaina! Do not go!" Sanson yelled, jolting up to the metal grating of the cell door and reaching out to her. Alaina looked at him and almost felt sorry.
"I will save you, Alaina!" the prince shouted from within his cell, clutching the metal gate with an iron resolve. "I will save you from these ruthless barbarians and bring you back to Hann Aisle!" His passionate proclamation echoed through the dungeon, igniting a fervour among the other prisoners who cheered in response to their prince's words.
Einar snorted, fighting to conceal his laughter as the pair continued their journey, with Alaina following closely behind. As she walked, burgeoning hope blossomed in her heart that the enigmatic dinner ahead would provide her with the answers she desperately sought.