After three more days of continuous travel, they were almost there.
Only three hours remained before they would finally reach the domain.
Prince Haruto looked ahead at the distant horizon, where the outline of his homeland was slowly becoming visible.
"Finally… we will reach there in time," he said, relief mixing with determination in his voice.
Aisha felt her heart beat faster. She would soon see her mother again.
A small smile appeared on her face. "When we reach there, first we will move the villagers and our people to a safer place. Then we can defend our land properly."
Her eyes were no longer filled with doubt, but resolve.
Haruto nodded. "Yes. Protect the people first… then we fight."
The wind carried the scent of their homeland toward them.
After days of exhaustion, battles, and near death, the final stretch was right before them.
And this time, they would not run.
Prince Haruto slowed his horse, letting out a deep breath. "Let's take a short break… four minutes. We've been riding for days. If we don't rest even briefly, the horses could collapse."
He guided the horse to the side of a small river. The animals lowered their heads, drinking the cool water as the afternoon sun glinted off the rippling surface. Prince Haruto led them to a spot under the shade of a tree and let them sit.
Aisha glanced into her small bag. "We don't have much food left," she murmured, "but we can pick some from the jungle for now. Your Highness… we can eat properly later, once we reach the castle."
Haruto nodded. He dismounted and lay down on the soft grass, the sunlight warming his face. The breeze rustled the leaves, and the scent of fresh air filled the clearing.
"Why… no matter what I do, my father still hates me," he murmured quietly, staring at the sky. "Now he wants me dead…"
Aisha's eyes softened as she looked at him. "I don't know everything about you, Your Highness… but I do know this. You're not a bad person. You're kind, helpful, and brave. Me, Rin, my mother… all the villagers, and even our castle—we believe in you. We don't care what others say. We will fight against the Emperor for you."
Her voice was steady, filled with unwavering faith. The wind seemed to carry her words, wrapping around Haruto like a promise.
He turned his gaze to her, eyes flickering with a mix of gratitude and determination. For the first time in a long while, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter.
The sun continued to shine over the river, the gentle afternoon breeze whispering hope through the trees.
Prince Haruto stood up, determination flashing in his eyes. "Let's go—before it becomes night."
He mounted his horse, and Aisha climbed carefully behind him. Together, they pushed forward, the afternoon sun slanting low and painting the forest in gold. The wind whipped through their hair as the horses galloped, carrying them swiftly toward their domain.
Soon, the outline of their village came into view. Relief and disbelief filled Aisha's heart. We actually reached it… before the royal knights. The villagers' homes glimmered faintly in the fading light, still safe—for now.
Night was falling fast, shadows stretching over the land. The castle and village lay only a few minutes away, though details were blurred by darkness. Haruto's chest rose with excitement and determination. "Finally… we're back home. Now we can protect our domain!"
But before he could speak another word, a long, low hum shook the air around them. A massive explosion ripped through the sky. The force of it sent a wave rippling across the land, raising clouds of dust and debris. For a moment, the blast lit the night as brightly as day.
Haruto and Aisha's horses stumbled slightly as the shockwave passed. Aisha's hair whipped around her face, her eyes wide. Haruto gritted his teeth, urging the horses forward.
As they raced onward, another explosion erupted from the direction of the village. The ground trembled beneath their feet. The night sky was now lit with fiery flashes, and the air was thick with smoke.
Haruto tightened his grip on the reins. "Hold on, Aisha! We have to reach the castle before another blast hits!"
The wind howled around them as they surged forward, the danger of the empire's attack closer than ever. Every second counted, and the path home had turned into a battlefield beneath the night sky.
Aisha froze, her eyes wide with shock. She couldn't move. She wanted to protect the village… but it was gone. Ashes and smoke rose from where the homes once stood.
Her chest tightened with helplessness.
"Your Highness… I…" she whispered, voice trembling.
Prince Haruto grabbed her arm firmly. "We don't have time, Aisha! We have to move—now!"
Tears welled up in her eyes. "I… I can't protect them… it's all gone…"
Haruto shook his head, his eyes filled with resolve. "I know… it's hard. But this is not the time for despair. Remember—your mother and father are in the castle. Before the empire attacks there, we have to save them!"
He pulled her close, holding her steady. "We run together. We save them. That's all that matters now."
Aisha's fear turned into determination. She gripped his hand tightly, her heart pounding. "You're right… Father just returned after many years, and Mother… they're waiting for us. We have to stop them before it's too late!"
With that, they bolted forward, the wind whipping past them as they ran. Every step was fueled by desperation, anger, and hope. Smoke and embers danced around them, but their eyes were fixed only on the castle—home, family, and the last chance to protect what remained.