~ Mia ~ “Now, why would I tell?? I haven't gotten a compromise yet. I still want my money.” Sera said. “There is no compromise here. We don't have your request, so I inform you to leave immediately.” Anisel said as he held the gun up. “Then why didn't you tell me you wanted a war? I would have been happy to go over the plans with you.” Sera chuckled. She pulled out her gun and aimed it at Joshua. His face tensed up as he dropped his weapon to the ground. She knew that we were going to be here as she was watching us. That which. I see why they hated her– her personality sucks. She doesn't even look over 40. I don't believe that she is causing this much trouble. I stepped back and bumped into Joshua, who had eyes on the others. What are we going to do now?? Jabrel and Lily’s life is on the line— ours as well. Sera looked past the brothers and saw me. Her expression went sour as she wanted to know how I felt under pressure. I was fine but wanted to let go. "It's not that easy, m
~ Lily ~ With our strength, we rushed Jabrel and Anisel to the kingdom hospital. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw the main gates. Most of our home was destroyed. Smoke has thickened enough to blind people. However, it lightened up when we got to the plaza. Guards were everywhere, treating citizens the best they could. Two noticed us and came to our aid. "Prince Jabrel and the king are wounded. They need help as wel—" I was interrupted by Mia, who grabbed my shirt. She was hunched over in pain; I could tell she was going down too. Without any second to lose, they took the royal family away. This doesn't look too good. Joshua, Hazel, and I got treated as well. We got away with minor injuries. It took thirty minutes for the doctors to return and tell us they were fighting for their lives. Anisel and Jabrel have severe stab wounds to the abdomen and back. Mia is recovering after witnessing her husband and baby brother in that state. With the main royal family out– it was up
~ Mia ~ I felt a cold breeze throughout my body as my body shivered. My eyes opened as my vision became blurry. The nurse noticed my movements and helped me sit up. "What's going on?? What happened?? Why does it feel like I got hit by a horse??" I said. “My lady, your body went into stress, taking a health risk. You have been out for two days, and Princess Lily is doing what she can to protect the kingdom. We gave you time to recover.” “Thank you. What about my husband and brother?? How are they doing??” I asked while trying to collect myself. What I have gathered was that they are still in critical condition. As for my kingdom condition, I need to talk to Lily. I slowly got up from the bed and headed out. The nurse informed me about my parent’s involvement in the process– I must get there fast. I was escorted to the office, and we passed some windows; you could see the destruction in the distance. The gunfire rang through my ears, and the bodies of my citizens covered the groun
"Are you sure you are okay, Mia?? You haven't come out of the stock state yet?? I'm worried.” Lily said as she sat down on the couch. “I just wish I knew what was going on in the battles. This is too much for me to handle right now.” “You have to calm your mind, my lady. You know, causing more stress will and can harm. Plus, you are not the only one stressing.” Lily explained as she slid her hand through her hair. I was going to ask about her breaking point, but I remember what she is going through. Having your fiance on his deathbed is the worst thing possible. I know the feeling. A slight pressure went through my stomach. Lily knew something was wrong. "You need to eat," she said. I was okay for now, and the baby kicked. Her eyes shined bright when I said that, and she placed her hand on my belly. At first, Lily didn't feel anything, but her hand bounced. To handle life inside someone made her want to cry. She called the guards to grab me something to eat. We waited for the sun
Having nobody near me was heartbreaking– I usually have Anisel’s arm around my waist, but he is injured. Tears rolled down my eyes as I looked at the window seeing black smoke fill the air. I thought it was a dream at first. Out of nowhere, the guards came bursting through the door. "MY LADY!! MY LADY!!! BAD NEWS!! WE NEED YOU IN THE THRONE ROOM!!!" he shouted. Without hesitation, I got up and changed into some clothes. I got escorted to the throne room where Lily and my parents stood. I thanked the guard as I rushed in. "What is going on??" I curiously asked. Lily gestured to my throne. Should I be sitting down for this? The room came uneasy and full of curiosity. I wondered what the problem was. The west and south outer walls have been breached. Sera’s troops are headed to the middle level of the kingdom. The middle wall is where the crops are, our food supplies. “We have been informed that Hamon, Mihkal, Matthew, and Hazel are protecting those areas. We are unsure about their cu
~ Mia ~ “ANISEL!! You are supposed to be in bed, resting.” I said as I relaxed. “You are supposed to be resting as well, my love. So, why are you two even here?? You should be getting ready to leave this place.” How did he know that?? He was in a coma for days. He explained how a nurse briefed him about the plans for the royal family when he woke up. He came here to search for files that Hazel hid for him in case he recovered. To me, he still sounds sick and broken. I had to ask if he was hundred percent sure about his condition. If he weren’t, then he would not be here. This wasn’t about him or us– it was about Satia. We need help, and since he is up and running, he can fix it. As king, he has to protect. His words moved Lily. With all this talk, he still needed to rest and let us deal with it. Anisel can not be the only one. My husband ignored my words and went back to searching. Excuse me?? I went up to him and slammed my hand on the desk. I guess I wasn’t loud enough for him
We all were silent; we weren't sure how to comprehend the situation. I took Mia by the hand and told her to trust me. I know that she is scared, shit— I am too. But we have no other choice. “I do trust you— what if this goes wrong?? What if all the possibilities and paths are cut? I can't risk that chance.” Mia said. “Mia, I do not want you to think I am overpowering you. I didn't want you to think that I mistreated your authority. I'm doing what is best for Satia. Our people can not die over this.” I explained as I hugged her. Tears hit my shirt as she returned the favor. Before we left, she stopped me to ask something, but words couldn't come out. We are wasting too much time talking. We have to get back to the main office. When we arrived, the guards had everything ready for us—the maps and where everyone was located. Sera’s troops are almost to the towns. How are we going to warn them?? So let's recap: this girl, Sera, came to the kingdom looking for Joshua and me. Apparentl
~ Mia ~ I tried to get rest, but my body wouldn't let me. All I did was lie on my back. The baby began to kick like crazy— I know, baby boy, you must be in pain right now. I am sorry for putting you under all this stress. Without proper treatment, I don't think my son would last. I haven't gotten any prenatal or something. I am afraid of what may happen soon. I shut my eyes as I hum a song to get him to calm down. Usually, Anisel does it because he loves the sound of his dad’s voice. As I continued, my eyes got heavier to the point where I drifted to sleep. When I woke up, the sun was shining, and Anisel was right next to me. I thought I was napping— I didn't know I was that tired. Slowly getting up, I felt a rush of weirdness in my stomach—morning sickness. I cleaned up what I did until I got interrupted by a maid. "My lady, a doctor, is here to see you," she said. "I thought the citizens from the main town had been evacuated?? Why is a doctor here??" "Your parents request a
So, the diamond has been in that cell for decades, and no one thought to look!! They did explain how the cells were destroyed after their escape leaving everything to rot. People assume they took it as they fled the kingdom. My parents never checked or tried to check if there was anything here under the rumble. It was like they didn't care. As the guards kicked down their door that day, Khali, Anisel’s father, swallowed it like water. He regrets the choice as his stomach was out of order for the days they were in that cell. When it finally passed through, they immediately placed it in a hole. I have many questions but I don't know where to start. Khali cut off my thinking, “I wish we could chat more. But we don't have time to waste. Just meet us here and we will tell you what we know.” Khali said. They bowed as they waved goodbye. In the back of my mind, I should tell Anisel about this sudden surprise. But, I was ordered by them to keep it a secret. So I will. I came across Anisel
~ Mia ~ He just left me here— not one stare back. I never would have thought Anisel could be this cruel to me. Some of the guards turned away once I glanced at them. Why would they stand there and not help me up?? I wiped my eyes as I stood on my feet. I would chase after him, but I know I would make it worse. I headed to the main office to speak to Nina. When I arrived, the others glared at me with such tension. Before I could blink, they walked out of the room, and even my brother gave me a disappointing expression. I felt awful. Nina stood at her desk, waiting for me to join her. At first, I didn't know what to say. “The Queen of Satia, lying about bringing peace only to cause suffering. Why didn't you tell him this on the day you did it?" Nina said. I wanted to tell them before everything, but I couldn't see them like that. They did not know how to live. Giving them that closure brought relief and comfort. I want them to be happy. Nina shook her head. Lovers are not supposed
“How did you know??” I curiously asked. “You have a similar smell to Pinta, like a comforting scent. Mom also told me your name, and it’s a coincidence you have the same name. Plus, you like me as well.” I couldn’t hold back my tears. Mia did say he was brilliant, but this is ridiculous. I was questioning if he was five. Julian began to hiccup as his eyes filled with water. Every time they drip down, I wipe them. Under his breath, he started to say it was okay to cry, but it showed weakness. So, nobody should see him cry. Until today, he came running towards me—my baby boy. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. An hour later, I carried Julian in while he fell asleep. I spotted my wife as he strolled down the hallway. She was worried sick about our whereabouts and asked what happened. I had a guard take him to his room so Mia and I could talk. I told her everything, even the part when he figured it out. The fact Pinta had my scent for so long amazed me. Mia took everything that belonged to me
~ Mia ~ I couldn’t rest last night as we were searching for Pinta. He still wasn’t found. How could Julian lose him that fast? As I was walking around the hallway, I spotted Matthew sitting on a bench, staring out the window. “Hey Matt, you okay??” I asked. He needed some air, that's all. The doctors said he had permission to walk freely. He wanted to build his strength back up, and being cooped up in bed wasn't helping. “Heard you have been looking for something. Searching like crazy.” He mentioned. Yeah, Pinta. However, I gave up because I knew he would appear soon. But I did ask Matthew if he saw him by any chance. It took a second to respond, and he shook his head no. Out of nowhere, he grabbed my waist as I was about to leave. The grip was loose, as he didn't intend to hurt me. He had this expression that I couldn't figure out. He was happy that I found someone who was caring. Who will do anything for me? Matthew never complimented anybody before, and to hear this was heart
~ Julian ~ Mommy and I went to find Pinta. I swear I had him before climbing in bed— I think. If we don't see him, then I will never get to sleep. He is my safe zone. Mommy took us to the living room and began to search. I looked in tight spaces so she didn't have to. I remember playing with him here, but I would never—would I?? I threw the seat pillows across the way, and Mommy saw me struggling as I held it with two hands. "Don't hurt yourself, Julian." She said as she helped me. "PINTA!!! Pinta, buddy, where are you?" I wanted to cry because Mommy said I must be a big boy and never show sadness around people. I am only allowed to cry when I am in the bathroom. She told me to stand here while she checked the kitchen. If Pinta is in there, then he will get punished. While standing, my head spun around to find a brown bear— but nowhere to be found. I can’t wait anymore for Mommy to get back. PINTA!! I searched up and down the hallways as guards helped as well. They said they hadn
My body froze in place while Sera asked again as she walked forward. “Where are the bodies, Mia?? There is nothing in those caskets— why would you put nothing underground?? Did you lie to them??” she said. “Digging up graves is disrespectful. I see your parents didn't teach you manners.” “Like your parents taught you nothing— like you lying. What would the brothers think of this?? If they are not in a casket, where could they be?? Are they alive??” Sera asked with curiosity. I don't know the answer, but we searched the nation for their bodies, and they were nowhere to be found. I had to do it for closure so they could live in peace. It was the right thing to do at the time. If my husband found out about this, then I am dead. Why did she ask me when she killed them? Sera corrected me by saying someone killed them. She doesn't know if they did the job. So, Anisel’s parents could be alive after all these years, along with the diamond. Where could they be hiding?? As I was thinking,
~ Mia ~ As we headed out, everyone else went back to the wagon. I wanted to go alone, but Mihkal and Hamom assisted, leaving me no choice. I suggested we split up for more coverage, but they explained how it is unsafe to walk around with escorts. They know where the keys are. “You are not 100% sure the keys are in her room. It would be a waste of time as the sun will rise soon. Splitting up is the best option. We need this victory.” I said while I searched the area for guards. If they did not listen to my orders, then they should have gone to the wagon. I do not have time for this. After we check the bedroom, we will go our separate ways. If they are, for sure, then we should be in and out. I was listening to what my husband said about her room. Avoid it!! However, they agreed to the deal. Anisel was right about protection. These guards are nowhere to be found. There should be guards down each hallway and guarding certain areas but barely walking one hall. As we got to the door,
~ Anisel ~ What was it like outside?? The sun, the fresh air, the soft ground that smooths my feet. For five years, I have been chained up and tortured. I wasn't allowed to leave this cage or the palace. My body is numb as I lose blood flow in my limbs. I know I look how I used to back in the days— a peasant. As I was dreaming, a bucket of water was thrown at my face. “Wakey, wakey, time for dinner,” Sera said as she opened my cell door. “No." “Now, Anisel, I need you alive. I want to torture you some more, but I can’t if you refuse to eat. Now, I’m not going to ask again.” She began to shove food into my mouth. I could barely breathe. When is this going to end? After she was done, she tossed the plate at my stomach as it hit the ground and shattered. Sera left with laughter. "Bitch, is everyone okay??" I called out. Hazel returned my question and stated Mikhal's condition. He hasn't eaten in months, and Hamon worries about his health. Like the others, he would rather die than
Later that evening, Nina had one of her guards watch Julian while we planned. The queen will oversee the operation as she knows Satia's layout. Nina placed a map up for all to see and explained the path to return. "Here. That is the fastest route to Satia. You will arrive there by tomorrow night if you don't take breaks. No guards will be around at that time. You will be free to roam; they will be locked up under the palace. You should know how to get there." Nina said. "What if they block those paths already?? What do we do now?? Nina reached into the drawer and pulled out photos. The paths are still cleared for now. The back door is probably our safest bet. Nobody knows about that but us— hopefully. Lily chimed in about the information. How does she know all of this?? The queen chuckled and smirked. When she heard about the great fall of Satia, she took advantage of the opportunity. Nina was going to take over if we didn't return. Luckily, we made it to Havin on time. She explai