Chapter 16: The Wish of a Princess
The crowd standing ahead split into two as a distinguished, middle-aged man stepped out. His striking features, regal attire, and overwhelming aura commanded instant respect.
"Nathaniel Windrider!"
Tyler's brows furrowed when he saw the man approach.
Of all people, Tyler least wanted to face his eldest uncle—King Nathaniel—right now. Nathaniel bore the greatest guilt for Tyler's father's death. His younger uncle, Julius, had only ever played second in the crime.
The entire training ground went tense as Nathaniel's presence settled over everything. Tyler steeled himself, preparing for the confrontation.
Nathaniel had awakened his Heart Core long ago and stood just a step away from achieving the Throat Core, making him an Earth Champion. In the world of warriors, once you awakened the Throat Core, you'd become a true Champion.
By contrast, Tyler had only reached his Solar Core. There was a wide gulf in power between uncle and nephew.
But surrender was never in Tyler's nature.
If he'd lacked the fire to fight, he would've broken years ago.
Fate had given him another chance, and he still had to save Jessica. Now, more than ever, he burned to survive.
Without warning, Tyler gathered all his strength and bolted for the open.
But he barely managed twenty yards before a blue-glowing sword shot past him, slamming deep into the earth, blocking his path.
He pivoted, but another sword embedded itself in the ground, cutting off that escape. One after another, more swords landed, hemming Tyler in with a wall of gleaming steel, forcing him to retreat.
The severity of his predicament became clear. When a man reached "Earth Champion" status, he could harness spiritual force directly. Though Nathaniel had not yet achieved Throat Core, his command over spiritual energy was already terrifying.
"I spared your life so you could carry on your father's legacy," Nathaniel said. "But you don't seem to grasp your place. You maimed your uncle and now try to run. If it's death you want, so be it."
Nathaniel waved a hand. Instantly, the blue swords trembled, then spun up from the ground and streaked toward Tyler.
Tyler's eyes widened as the blades shrieked toward him. Even if his body was now as tough as a Mortal-grade weapon, Nathaniel could easily slice him to ribbons. Panic, anger, and dread warred inside him.
Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out: "Stop, Your Majesty!"
Nathaniel, startled, froze the swords a scant two inches from Tyler's chest, then turned to the unexpected speaker.
Standing in the sunlight was a breathtakingly beautiful girl, her regal bearing unmistakable—Princess Aurelia.
"Princess Aurelia," Nathaniel said with a forced smile. "Is there something you wish of me?"
Despite the fire in his eyes, Nathaniel dared not offend the emperor's favorite daughter… especially when she might one day be family. He forced himself to wait for her words.
"Your Majesty, I ask that you set this boy free," the princess requested, her voice calm but firm.
"What?"
The entire ground was abuzz with stunned whispers. Even Tyler, who'd just abandoned hope, stared in disbelief.
"Princess, surely you don't mean that!" Nathaniel said, astonished. "He gravely wounded both Prince Richard and Chancellor Julius. How can we possibly let him go?"
"Deathmatch rules end when one party is dead, or gravely defeated. He showed restraint—he could have killed Prince Richard, but chose not to. This is not a capital offense," Princess Aurelia insisted, her composure unshaken.
"But—" Nathaniel was about to argue, but—
"Your Majesty! I must agree with the princess," Julius interjected, stepping forward from the sidelines.
"What do you mean?" Nathaniel hissed.
"Brother, have you forgotten who she is?" Julius whispered, only loud enough for Nathaniel to hear. "She's the emperor's favorite child."
Nathaniel's expression changed. He glanced at the princess, but couldn't say another word.
"You promised to grant me a wish during my visit, Your Majesty," Princess Aurelia added gently. "I ask that you free this boy."
Caught between imperial protocol and his own anger, Nathaniel looked to Julius—who gave him a silent, urgent nod.
"Very well, Princess. If it is truly your wish, so be it." Nathaniel turned and gestured to the guards. "Release him. Now."
A handful of soldiers hurried over and escorted Tyler from the training ground, while all around, the crowd murmured in shock and confusion. Yet among them were many who rejoiced at Tyler's freedom—loyalists and old friends of his late father, who silently wished that Tyler would someday return and free Silverdale from these tyrants.
Tyler left in a daze, unable to comprehend it all. Why had the princess intervened for him? Why would the Onyx Empire's princess save a slave she'd never even met before? Was this guilt for her father and Nathaniel's own crimes?
"Thank you, Princess," Tyler said, looking back once for a final, grateful glance.
"You're welcome." Aurelia smiled gently, though she noticed a strange anger hiding in Tyler's eyes—an emotion she couldn't quite decipher.
Without another word, Tyler strode quietly out of the arena.
After he had gone, Nathaniel turned to the princess. "Please, enjoy the rest of the tournament. I must see the chancellor and check on Prince Richard's condition."
He beckoned Julius, then quickly left the grounds.
A short time later, Julius slipped out as well. As he reached the courtyard, a falcon swooped down, landing on his shoulder. Julius pulled a small slip of paper from his pocket and tied it to the bird's leg.
"Go. To Aghora."
At his words, the falcon soared off into the distance. Julius, meanwhile, made his way to a hidden chamber within the palace.
But as soon as he entered, cold steel pressed against his neck—a dagger poised to take his life.
"Don't even think about moving, or I'll cut your throat right here."
Who is this mysterious attacker? Is Tyler back for vengeance, or is a new threat at hand?
Find out in the next chapters…
[ A.N :- Hope you are enjoying the story so far and keep enjoying it in future. Please support me. ]