Lyra's paralysis broke as Kaelin's eyes began to glaze over, his grip on the dagger loosening.
She sprang into action, her heart racing with a mix of fear and adrenaline. She scrambled around the rocky slope, her hands and feet finding holds in the treacherous terrain. Reaching Kaelin's side, she gently pried the dagger from his fingers, her touch sparking a faint flicker in his eyes.
The first sight of blood terrified her, but getting over it to prioritize his life was quite easy, and strangely fascinating.
With a surge of determination, she ripped a strip from her cloak and pressed it to the Prince's neck, trying to stem the bleeding. She knew she had to act fast – every moment counted. As she applied pressure, she scanned their surroundings, desperate for a way out.
Spotting a narrow path she had missed earlier, or maybe didn't say cause she was raised to follow his lead, Lyra knew it was their only hope. She carefully lifted him, her fragile muscles straining under his weight, and began the treacherous ascent. Each step felt like an eternity, Kaelin's limp form threatening to slip from her grasp.
Finally, she climbed to the top with him, gasping for air. She pulled out her whistle and blew a shrill signal, hoping against hope that someone would hear. The whistle given to her by her mother, in case she got lost in the palace.
'Palace my foot! It's a freaking forest!'
The sound echoed through the desolate landscape, and Lyra repeated it, her eyes fixed on Kaelin's pale face. His eye was dead, and that made her heart race.
As the minutes ticked by, Lyra's anxiety grew, but then, in the distance, she saw a plume of dust rising, the sound of the earth being trodden on. With a sob of relief, Lyra cradled Kaelin's head, her tears falling onto his face as she whispered.
"Hold on, please... don't leave me. If you die, I lose meaning."
The sound of horses' hooves grew louder, and Lyra's heart leapt with joy, knowing they would soon be safe. But as she gazed into Kaelin's eyes, she saw something that made her blood run cold – a flicker of darkness, a hint of something ancient and malevolent stirring within. She gazed into his eye, lost in the void until the voice of an elderly woman pulled her out.
As the horse riders approached, Lyra saw an elderly woman with a kind face and wispy gray hair leading the group. She wore a long, flowing cloak with intricate embroidery, and her eyes twinkled with warmth.
''They are from the royal house.'' The elderly woman said, her voice soothing, her eye on the lace around his bloody neck. Displeasure was visible on the rider's face. They glanced at each other, murmuring words to themselves.
''Let's take them back to the village.'' She ordered.
''Leader Yukai!'' A man objected immediately.
''Shouldn't the royal house pay for what they did to us!! His son is here.''
''His quiet son,'' Leader Yukai cut in. ''Does he look like the prince who is always with his father?''
''But still....''
''Please save him,'' Princess Lyra cut in, her tone pleading. ''He's dying.''
''He's dead, another lady from the back cut in. ''He stopped breathing before we arrived.''
''Huh?'' Princess Lyra was dumbstruck, her pupil dilated.
Leader Yukai's eye traveled to the young prince, and her brow was furrowed.
''Get them into the wagon.''
''Are we going to deliver his corpse to the palace?''
She replied. ''We're going home.''
''But leader!!''
''Now!!''
With gentle hands and grumpy murmurs, the woman and her companions lifted Kaelin and Lyra into the wagon, wrapping them in warm blankets. Lyra clung to Kaelin, her heart still racing from the terror she'd faced.
The ride was bumpy, unlike anything she had faced before. She cringed upon his pale frame, her eye locked to the woman in the wagon with them. The silence was exhausting, and every moment counted. By now, the young royal's blood had marked her dress and skin.
It was an experience she had never faced in Eldrida. Holding onto a cold body, she got lost in thought until the cheering sound of people began to surface.
Princess Lyra paid attention to the voice; it was joy, probably because of the arrival of the kind people who had helped them. The wagon soon came to a halt, and the blanket was pulled open.
''Come on out.'' Leader Yukai's face surfaced, her hand stretched out to them.
The princess released her hand around him, giving the leader a space to pull him out.
Silence engulfed the place as the people gathered, their faces ick in instant malice. As princess Lyra stepped out, she understood the situation. They were outcasts, families of people executed by the Royal families, one way or the other. Their hair was all lowered.
She instantly used her veil, shielding her silver locks from prying eyes. They approach a cabin, Prince Kaelin in the hands of the elderly woman.
Yukai led them to a cozy hut, where a warm fire crackled. She laid Kaelin on the piece of clothing, neatly spread in the hut and began to examine him. Princess Lyra only watches, curiosity and restlessness seeping out her every move.
The silence was palatable until the elderly woman heaved a sigh. She stood up and turned to the Princess.
''You must be exhausted, let's wash you up.''
Uneasiness watches her eye. She glanced at the pale face of the prince and back at the elderly woman.
The woman gave a smile. ''Let's go.''
Leader Yukai led her out, only to meet with a lady eagerly rushing in by the door.
The lady called, peeping behind the door.
''Mother.''
''He's inside.'' Yukai pointed.
She rushes past her mother in, while her mother leads the Princess away.
''You're leaving her with him?'' Princess Lyra couldn't help but worry.
''Do not be troubled, young princess, she served him until yesterday.''
TENEBRIA PALACE
The palace atmosphere was in erupting chaos
King Gemma sat on his throne, his face ick with worry. The king of ELDRIDA, KING KAIDA REDBLADE, paced around, his face holding uncertainties.
The sudden flood had separated the princess from her escorts, and only the Queen had arrived.
The search team has been dispatched since dawn in the case of the missing heirs. So far, all efforts have been futile. He didn't say a word, of course, but the thought of losing the one child who can merge both empires is alarming.
He took a seat as the Royal bell rang. The ancient, large door of the palace was pulled open, and two special members of the veil came in, their presence carrying a dangerous aura. They were both covered, face and all, in black, their organization's crest boldly scripted on their back. They approached the king and offered their greeting.
''You sent for us, your Majesty.'' The male spoke, his voice hard as steel.
''I'm sure you are familiar with the reason why I sent for you both, the king spoke, his voice laced with the disappointment he desperately tried to hide.
''Your Majesty.'' The second voiced out, her voice clear as calm waters. Her presence gave off every bit of uneasiness, and the grimoire in her hand gave off the fact that she's a witch.
She steps forward a bit.
''The prince...''
The king stirred up, feeling agitated by the news already.
''What did he do again?''
''Prince Kaelin is dead, your Majesty. He has not been breathing since dawn.''
TBC.....