I woke up in my room events of my encounter replaying in my mind. Wait why was I here. Was this a sick prank?
" You're awake!" Austin who was seated by my desk said.
" What happened?" I asked.
" Rest up !"
" Tell me what happened.."
Austin sighed and explained that he got there on time as he had freed himself from the ties that bound him.
" Who were they?"
" I don't know but they seemed frustrated like they didn't find what they were looking for..."
I sighed" The war?"
" Not yet over" Austin reported." But his Majesty is okay."
I nodded and grabbed a glass of water.
" Lilly?"
" She's okay she's sleeping..."
I was somehow relived that everything was well but I still didn't know who the people were.
****
It was time I knew issues to do with our kingdom since I was now royalty. Austin and Lilly agreed to teach me. Austin spoke of our borders and relations while Lilly talked of the Kingdom and its people.
" Shadowfell and Eldoria are Ironhold's strongest allies. Shadowfell helps in wars while Eldoria helps in resources. ..." Austin explained as they ate lunch.
" Ironhold's strongest potential are it's trade and army . ..." Lilly spoke up.
I was fascinated about the kingdom and wondered if l lived in the same kingdom . There was an upcoming dance fest and I swore to attend it.
" Lieutenant Darin...!" A man called out and we turned to face him . " Lieutenant you're needed!"
Wait Hold up! Lieutenant!
Austin looked at me and I threw him a surprised look.
" On my way.." he said.
" You're a lieutenant!"
He nodded and explained that his Majesty ordered him to protect me and not reveal my identity. He said that I was his main priority.
" Well if you're needed that means ..."
" Things are not going well.."
" Go I'll be okay..."
Austin nodded giving me a faint smile.
*****
Honestly the waiting period was terrible. It was unbearable. I stayed in the palace hoping that everything would be okay.
I was wondering in the hallways when I found a couple of guards speaking.
" I heard that Shadowfell couldn't help since they heard internal problems and ironhold was left to fend for itself...."
" I heard that his Majesty was on the Frontline and severely wounded..."
My chest ached. Who knew I would be a widow right after getting married. I left the place and headed for the library. I prayed that all would end well and Xavier was alright.
*****
" Mom..." I called out as my mother was cleaning.
" Jessica!" Mom said joy evident in her tone .
I ran to hug her and she hugged me back. We stayed there for a while.
" I'm so...."
" It's okay mom . I'm fine..."
Mom smiled at me and I smiled back . She served me a bowl of soup . We got talking and she was relieved to hear I was okay.
" I'm sorry about what happened. Is it true?" Mom asked gently squeezing my hand.
" What is?" I asked finishing my last bite.
" That the Emperor's body was found..."
I dropped my spoon and looked at my mom horror written all over my face.
" What!" I yelled. " I need to leave.." I said as I stood up in a rush.
Gosh this had to be a joke as this man owed me an apology and answers.
*****
I couldn't help but feel as if someone was following me as I walked back to the palace. I picked my pace but just then I felt a hand on my shoulder.
" My lady why are you alone?" I turned to face the person.
" General Kilian!" I said in relief." Nice to see you once more.."
" Let me accompany you back..."
" No need I'll be okay from here...now if you excuse me I have to leave .."
With that I hurriedly left not wanting any association with him after our last encounter. I didn't want any more problems with Xavier if he was still alive.
****
I was dead beat when I got to the palace . The halls were empty with no worker in sight. I checked my room but Lilly was no where's to be seen . I was just about to he'd to the servant's quarters when I heard someone yell in pain.
I followed the cry of agony and it came from the east wing of the palace where Xavier's room was. Another cry was let out and I stood infront of the long hallway contemplating what to do.
'My room is off limits..' Xavier's words echoed in my head.
" Screw the rules!" I said marching towards the room where the cries came from.
I opened the door slightly and peeked in to find everything in a mess. There was someone clutching on the headboard of the bed blood dripping from his side where there was a black wound.
I entered the room and saw his face. Xavier!
He turned around quickly as if sensing my presence . He looked ready to devour me. I stood frozen on my tracks fearing if I moved he would devour me.
" Get out!" He yelled and honestly I was thinking of it but the pain he felt kept me rooted.
I began moving towards him and he rushed towards me his red eyes looking deeply at me.
" Leave!"
" I won't. You're hurt..."
" I'll hurt your..."
I looked at him he was in so much pain.