Living in a Fairytale (Completed)

chapter 24

The mist fell when the sun have settled itself in top of the sky, peering down at us as if it proclaims itself an audience to this madness. I gave my word that I shall lead the assault but there seem to be something wrong about this. I sighed and called for Commander Lyna and Vahar, one of the most trusted lieutenant that I have.

They came at once, falling onto their knees to pay their courtesy. "Our princesa capitana, como podemos ser de ayuda" (how can we be of help?)

"Commander, I want no deaths from our ranks nor our enemies. Have them wounded, if need be, but do not make an attempt to kill. I want no lives lost in this folly."

"Capitana, the queen-"

"I know what the queen wants. This is what I want." I snapped, which caught them both in shock. I sighed, wariness taking its toll on me.

"She wants to put an end to the human race here in La Belleza. I wistful dream, I tell you. This ruination of kingdoms and families will never be put to an end if one side does not stop. I value the lives of the innocent, for they have not taken part in any injudicious deed that their kings have done. It was the King Rouge Delton De Loughrey of El Suelo that killed my family, that put my kingdom to the mercy of desolation, along with his dearest friend King Dreiden Ryne Adair of El He Chizo. It was them that wanted El Malefico gone, they wanted no witches. These people, this young king, they should not be held accountable for the sins of their forebears." I explained, hoping that they'll understand where I am coming from. Niña warned me never to turn my cloak, but as far as I am concerned, this is not treachery. I simply do not want my soldiers to take any part of the killings. If death can be avoided, why should we hesitate to stop it?

"Mi princesa, my sword is yours, my life is yours, I shall follow by your command." Vahar said, both hands holding up his long-sword. A steel forged with magic that gleamed a gray hue under the basking yellow heat.

Commander Lyna did the same, her eyes fixed on the ground. "So is mine, capitana."

I told them to rise and they did, garbed in steel and plated iron, both looked dangerous but I knew there is still a soft side to every one of them. At least, I hoped. "The royal guards, where are they posted?" I asked.

The royal guards belong to the queen, along with the little killers and now Aiken's sworn swords, Night and Vesna. She have us all tied in a tightening noose, I realized. I wonder how long will it take for us to jump over that ledge and be done with a life controlled by some mad driven royalty.

This assault is to take place leagues away from this kingdom and will probably last for hours, given that El Suelo will fight back. Aiken's mortal is in the castle, I cannot have her unguarded but I have no choice. The queen will think of it as an insult if I leave some of my men to guard a mortal that is specifically under her security.

"With the queen, my princesa. They lurk behind her majesty everywhere that she goes."

I nodded. "Have we heard anything from Niña?" That cloaked alchemist, of all the times wherein she is needed here, that is when she decides that she won't show up. I perfectly understood that her loyalty resides with the queen now, but her beloved Captain Raviel will be marching to his death, the least she could do is kiss him goodbye. Tsk.

"None, capitana. Niña Sofara Fianze have not entered the kingdom for days now. We have not heard of anything from her since." I nodded, dismissing them with a wave of my hand.

I drank my cup dry, savoring the sweet metallic taste of rum. They have all left, I realized all of the sudden. Aiken is facing the doom that I have always warned him about, Night is conflicted with his loyalties, either to choose his family and serve the queen or to choose the friendship that he has with his Prince, Niña is obviously working with schemes behind the queen's back, and silence from Kaisen. The silence is breaking me apart.

"Asshole," I muttered, my mind filled with thoughts of what our next encounter may be.

Night came in, pulling me out of my trance. He looked worn out, the bags under his eyes have darken, his hair is a mess, his lips cracked and broken. "What happened?" I asked in alarm.

"Nothing for you to worry about." The smile that he gave was something that I should worry about but I didn't want to press him on. He takes a deep breath, running a hand through his dishevelled hair. "Listen, I know that there is no way in hell that you will agree on this, but hear me out."

"Agree on what?"

"Fighting alongside humans." He chuckled when he saw the expression that passed through my face. "I know. I know, and I genuinely understand. There is no doubt that this assault will be successful. I know you, Ad"

Another deep breath. "Pero kailan ba ito matatapos? This gamble that you, royalties, have been playing is slowly killing us all. So much deceptions and betrayal, so much lives have been lost."

"This is not about what I want, Night. You know that."

He nodded. "Alam ko. Kilala kita, alam ko kung kailan ka galit, kung kailan ka nasasaktan, kung kailan ka masaya. And with that look, I know that you are not happy with this. You don't want to do this, but you need to. You need to do this, because you think that if you should fail in paying back the same ruination the humans have given your kingdom before, you are abandoning the death of your family, of your people. And I totally respect that. I completely understand, I just want you to do this once thing for me. After this assault, when all is done and ruined."

"What is it?"

He exhaled, his breathing ragged, his voice broken. "Talk to Kashika. You'll find her in the card-house."

"I don't understand-"

"You will. When you talk to her." A tear fell from his eyes and he wiped it dry, a chuckle escaping from his lips. There was no joy in it though, only pain and sorrow. "You've been a really good friend to me, Ad. I want you to know that."

"After this, I will talk to the queen in setting your sisters free. You need not worry about them anymore." I assured him, determined to make his suffering fade away. Pixies, why have we ended up here? When did the sorrow started and when will it stop?

"Thank you, Adelaide. Truly. Can I hug you before I leave this tent?"

"You need not ask, Night." I hugged him, standing on my tiptoes to wrap my arms around him with a fierce embrace. I felt him sob under my arms and I let him, taking consolation in comforting a friend and at the same being comforted by his presence.

"Everything will be alright." The worst part is, I had to lie to him just to soothe his pain along with mine own dilemma. Because I know that nothing is going to be the same ever again.