After days, Leo's body became more skinny. He hadn't eaten for days; he was close to death.
They gave all the prisoners food and water but didn't even give a single bit of attention to Leo .. it was the king's order.
The prisoner beside Leo's cell threw him some food. He even splashed water on the boy's face by tossing his cup at him.
Leo was very thankful, as that man was keeping him alive.
"You're strong and tough, boy," that person said.
Then a slight, tired laugh came from him. "If I were in your shoes, I'd be a dead man," he added, like he was joking.
Leo cried a lot upon hearing that. "I will never forget your favor, sir," his voice trembled.
He started eating, tasting the bread like it was delicious meat.
The prisoner next to Leo stood up.
He possessed and maintained a bulky physique despite being in jail for many days.
"Anyway... I wonder... Why's a small kid like you in jail? What are you to be in this jail?"
Leo didn't have the energy to respond. He was just focused on eating.
The prisoner kept silent for a moment, then started speaking, his voice honest:
"They arrested me because I was protecting poor people in a village. I was just passing by, but I couldn't stand seeing what was happening."
"...Richard sent them to steal people's properties, gold, food.. everything."
Leo turned and lowered his arm from his eyes.
"B-but why are _you_ here?"
The prisoner hesitated before speaking
"I killed someone."
"He was one of Richard's guards. Then a lot of them attacked me... After that, I had no choice but to surrender."
He paused, his voice trembling:
"I had no choice. I had to defend myself, boy."
"That means you're guilty, though... killing someone."
A small whisper came from Leo.
"Right... I am. Can't argue that, boy." A sigh came from the prisoner.
". anyways I.. Oh he slept Again "
Leo drifted to sleep he didn't know what's waiting for him
Leo drifted to sleep... but he didn't know what was waiting for him.
...
...
"Let's go, guys! Let's get him!!"
"Guys, let's put an end to that filthy king!"
Sounds of a rebel group holding torches, swords, and rocks approached the castle.
"Boy! Boy! Wake up!" The prisoner tried to wake Leo up.
Leo heard those sounds but thought he was dreaming.
Another rebel group rushed toward the castle's gates, heaving a massive log.
"Come on, guys! Three... two... one..."
_Thud._
The gates burst open. Rebel screams echoed up to King Richard's room.
"Tch... What a drag." The king stared out the window as rebels flooded the castle.
"Guess my guards will handle it." He sank onto his throne with a sigh, resting his cheek in his palm.
A butterfly landed on his hand.
"Haha! What a peaceful, beautiful butterfl— W-What?!!"
Richard froze. His jaw hung slack; sweat dripped from his temple.
"That shape... that color... It can't be... NO! It can't be real!" His voice trembled with dawning horror.
"I-I... have to go! Gotta escape... before real trouble comes." He gulped.
The first rebel kicked open Richard's door—only to find a gaping hole dug through the floor.
"Hah! He fled... Left his daughter behind. What a negleted coward."
"Poor Richard... You know I can _smell_ your fear wherever you hide."
He whirled toward the exit. "No problem as long as the boy is fine. Gotta catch him before he gets hurt!!"
The rebels started freeing the prisoners. Everyone began breaking down cell doors for loved ones, friends, family members. Then Leo's turn came.
"We're about to set you free, kid." The prisoner grinned wide, hands gripping the cell bars tight—then tore them open with raw power.
He scratched his head, laughing. "Let's go, kid."
When the prisoner held Leo, a figure appeared.
"I am taking this boy."