Nina knew the situation and still gave us rooms in the palace. We could have gotten a tiny hut somewhere in the town, but it is okay. She wanted this to be home as long as possible until we got back on our feet. My mind was doing everything imaginable when I heard that. It was a complete relief. Julian came to me with a tiny crown on his head as I was sitting. "Look! Mommy, the queen, let me make a fake crown!! Look!!" he excitedly said. "Put it on. Let mommy see how handsome you are, my little prince." "Okay," he said as he placed it on his head. Seeing that made me cry a little bit— he really does look like a prince—his true nature. The crown belongs to Julian like Satia belongs to Anisel and me. My soft whimpers turned into a loud sob. Julian rushed to my side, dropping the crown on the floor. He wondered why I was crying like I did not like something. I patted his head and shook mine. Of course, he looks great in the crown, but I can't handle this right now. You can see a soft
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
~ 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
~ 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,
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,
~ 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
~ 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
“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
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