In Gultan, the search for both princesses was carried out with visible tension. The King, though still harboring hatred towards his daughter Princess Lily, was not himself.
"Get me Grand Guard Philip immediately," commanded King Hadrain.
One of the guards, stationed at the south wing where the noble and high-ranking guards resided, ran to Grand Guard Philip's chamber. Upon arrival, he barged in and bowed to show his respect.
"His highness seeks your presence," he said without pausing for breath.
Grand Guard Philip took a deep breath and frowned, knowing that his presence was being requested sooner than expected.
"There must be a reason for his highness's call, but what could it be," he thought to himself.
"Is his highness angry?" he asked to confirm.
"Indeed he is," the guard responded, standing up.
The two men headed to the chamber, with the guard staying back as Philip entered.
"Your highness, you seek me," Philip said, dropping to his knees and swallowing nervously, clearly afraid of his highness's anger.
Sweat dripped from his forehead, as he knew not to provoke the king, whose temper was notorious.
King Hadrain was unconcerned, focused only on the truth and his reputation.
"Does anyone know about the princess being kidnapped by the Scorpio clan?" he asked.
His expression was changing every minute, as if each passing moment felt like years. He wasn't ready to miss the opportunity to have the dark one by his side.
"Yes, my king, Jasmine was also a witness," he answered. The king quickly hid his expression.
"Choose the best fighters and mages and bring my daughters here safely," he said, closing his eyes as if deep in thought. Philip saw this and left, not wanting to anger the king further.
Grand guard Philip arrived at the guards' quarters and selected five men whom he had trained. As he was about to leave the palace, Queen Mica arrived with four guards.
"Grand guard Philip, you didn't inform me that you were heading to search for my daughters," she said, looking at him with fake sadness.
"My lady, I am sorry, but His Highness is the only person I can report to about my departure," he replied, knowing that this woman was two-faced.
"Oh, I see. Well, that's not my problem," she said with a smiling face, feeling insulted by his words.
"Then what is the problem, my lady? You are wasting my time to search for your daughters," he said.
Queen Mica's face turned red, but she managed to retain her composure and smiled.
"Forgive my ignorance, but I am here to also send my right-hand guards to join in this search," she replied.
"If you refuse to take them with you, I will inform His Highness. This would anger him, and you know what happens when he loses his temper," she said.
"No, my lady, it hasn't gotten to that point. I am just being cautious," he interrupted her, obviously not ready to face the King's wrath. He accepted defeat, and they set out to find the captured princesses, leaving the queen behind.
***
Lord Ariston sat in a dimly lit chamber, lost in thought and idle. The door to the chamber creaked open, and he opened his eyes, clearly troubled by his thoughts.
"I apologize, my lord, but I have a reason for coming," Kylan said, standing with his hands behind his back.
"Hmm," was all Ariston said, showing little interest in what Kylan had to say,
"It's about Princess Lilly," Kylan continued.
Lord Ariston's expression changed, a positive sign to Kylan. If the mere mention of her could stir up feelings, it would be a significant sign.
"What about her?" Ariston asked, rising from his chair.
"She was abducted, but upon further investigation, I found out it has to do with the King's first wife, Queen Mica, and her clan," Kylan paused, waiting to see Lord Ariston's reaction.
Lord Ariston's eyes shined crystal red and his white hair gave off energy. Kylan smiled, knowing that Lord Ariston would marry Lady Lily.
But the problem was that no one could identify what Lily looked like. It was intense, and they would have to find a way to save her.
"Why are you still here? You should carry out the pursuit of Lady Lily," Lord Ariston said, trying to calm down. He was really changing, and it seemed to have something to do with Lily.
"Lily, I would love to meet this lady," he thought to himself.
"But, my lord, it can't be possible. We both don't know what she looks like. Since the Prophetess said you guys are connected by some thread that I seem not to understand, you should join us in the pursuit," Kylan replied.
Lord Ariston looked at Kylan and blushed, hiding it as his ears turned red.
"Hoho, did his Lordship just go red in the face? Now he looks beautiful. I'm sure all the ladies will kill to get this man. Unlike me, but alas, I am second to his lordship in terms of beauty,"
Kylan mumbled to himself while smiling. Lord Ariston knew what was going on in his thoughts. He only shook his head and looked at him indifferently.
"What do you think we are going to do, Ariston?" Kylan asked, using his name to show he was serious.
"Hmm," was all Ariston replied.
"But the prophetess told us herself that we shouldn't interfere with any of their problems until Lily is married to me. And I almost made that mistake," he breathed in some air and sat back in his chair.
"Just keep an eye on them and let me know if anything unusual happens, because I felt like I lost her before but now I sense her energy growing. Bring me the prophetess," he said with a sigh as Kylan left. Lord Ariston took a deep breath and closed his eyes, feeling stressed with thoughts of Lily and the reminder of Alice.
Maybe it was the connection that made him feel that way, sensing a little lightness and peace in his darkness.
***
As they delved deeper into the forest, searching everywhere, they all stopped to rest. Grand guard Philip dismounted and led his horse to a small lake for water, with the other guards following.
"We will camp over there, you two should go get some wood," he ordered the guards dispatched to him by Queen Mica.
It was clear that Grand guard Philip had doubts about the men who were sent to him. He could sense something fishy.
The soldiers set up camp in the valley, their tent nestled among the trees. Gathering wood, they huddled around the campfire to keep warm.