Thorold paced back and forth in the courtyard, his mind racing. When Anna arrived, she immediately noticed his anxious state.
"Ethan said you wanted to speak with me," Anna said, raising an eyebrow.
Thorold turned to her without hesitation. "I want to go to the heavenly realm."
Anna froze, her expression turning to shock. "What? Are you out of your mind? You're about to be crowned king, Thorold! You can't just abandon the demon realm to risk your life in enemy territory!"
"This isn't about abandoning anyone," Thorold said, his voice firm. "It's about Maze. I can't let anything happen to her."
"Maze?" Anna snapped, folding her arms. "She's from the heavenly realm. Why would they hurt her? She's one of their own."
Thorold shook his head. "You don't know them like I do. They're vile, Anna. If they see her as a threat, they'll kill her without hesitation."
Anna frowned. "Her parents were from the heavenly realm. Why would they hurt their own?"
Thorold hesitated, then sighed. "Her parents were killed by the heavenly realm. That's the truth they've hidden from her all these years."
Anna's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Her parents were killed? I thought they died of natural causes!"
Thorold scoffed bitterly. "Why do you think they've kept the truth hidden? They didn't want her to know her parents were murdered for selfish reasons."
Anna stared at him, with his words sinking in. "Wait… are you saying Maze isn't just going to discover her powers? She's going to uncover the truth about her parents' deaths?"
Thorold nodded gravely. "Exactly. And that's why I have to go. I can't let her face this alone."
Anna shook her head. "Thorold, it's too dangerous. If the heavenly realm finds out you're there, it won't just be Maze's life at risk, it'll be yours too!"
"I've been to the heavenly realm before," Thorold said calmly. "That's how I've been able to see Maze all these years."
Anna's jaw dropped. "What? You've been sneaking into the heavenly realm? Are you insane?"
"It doesn't matter now," Thorold said, brushing off her shock. "What matters is keeping her safe."
"Why go now?" She asked looking at him "Ethan told me about the dark energy that attacked one of your subjects" she said
"I will attend to that as soon as I return, I just want you to keep the realm safe" Thorold pleaded
Anna sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're impossible. Fine, if you're so determined to risk your life, which I won't stand here and agree to, at least let me send some of my men to watch over her, while you take care of the realms issues, I promise I won't let her get hurt either, despite the fact I don't approve of your relationship together."
Thorold's tense expression softened slightly. "Thank you, Anna. I owe you."
Anna rolled her eyes, trying to hide the sting in her chest. "Don't thank me. I'm not doing this for you," she said rolling her eyes "I'm doing it for the realm. We can't afford to lose our future king because you're too busy chasing after her."
Thorold paused, sensing her bitterness. "Anna…"
She cut him off. "Forget it. Just… don't do anything stupid, Thorold. And don't think for a second that this is about my feelings for you."
Thorold looked at her with a mixture of gratitude and regret. "I'm sorry, Anna. You deserve better."
"Save your apologies," she said, turning on her heel. "I'll take care of Maze. You focus on staying alive." she said and without waiting for him to say another word she made her way and walked out of the courtyard. Annabelle was hurt and was going to break down but at the same time she didn't want Thorold to see her tears, so she immediately discharged herself and took on her heels. She has always loved and adored Thorold since they were little, he has risked his life and protected her on many oceans, he even killed a bear to save her once when she got lost in the woods. She always believed that they were a perfect match made for each other but here she was, living a life without him.
******
Mother Lina sat gracefully at the dining table, her servants moving efficiently around her. She had just begun her meal when Maximus strode into the room, his presence commanding and unsettling.
"Long time, sis," Maximus said, a faint smile playing on his lips as he sat across from her.
Lina's eyes narrowed. "What brings you here, Maximus?" she asked calmly, cutting into her food without looking up.
Maximus leaned back, feigning hurt. "You seem to be avoiding me lately."
"I don't understand what you mean," Lina replied, her tone indifferent.
"Oh, you don't?" Maximus said, his smile disappearing. "I've sent word to see you several times, and each time you've ignored me. Why?"
Lina set her knife down and looked him in the eye. "If you have something to say, Maximus, get to the point."
Maximus hissed through his teeth. "Why are you avoiding me?"
"I'm not avoiding you," she said with a sigh. "I've simply been reflecting on myself. Something you should try sometime."
His expression darkened. "Be careful, Lina. If you try anything foolish, I'll make sure you regret it."
Lina glared at him, her voice steady but laced with venom. "You should be telling that to yourself. You've been heartless and ruthless, especially towards the child we raised together."
"It's for her own good," Maximus said coldly. "You'll thank me one day for protecting her."
"Protecting her?" Lina scoffed. "You've done nothing but torment her. I pray she finds it in her heart to forgive you."
Maximus stood, his chair scraping against the floor. "I could say the same for you, Lina. Watch yourself."
He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Enjoy your dinner, sister. And sleep well."
Lina watched him go, her grip tightening on her fork. As his footsteps faded, she whispered to herself, "I won't let you destroy her future, Maximus. Not this time."