Discovering Truth

Chapter 18

I ended up in the throne room with my parents. Thanks to a servant who walked in on me, Ash, and Damien. She immediately ran and told my mother that she saw me in my room and all three of us were summoned here. Mother had pulled me in for a tight hug and a bunch of questions. So many like “Where were you?” and “Why did you run away?” and so many others. I simply explained to her all I knew and everything about my powers and why I left. Of course I kept everything I said in a hushed tone so no one else can hear but her and father. They were shocked. Especially since I ended up having to come clean about me and Ash. Mother didn’t seemed surprised but by the look on her face and father’s, it scared them. They looked at Ash and he bowed to them with an apologetic look.

“I am sorry your majesties. But I am in love with your daughter.” He told them.

“I am not upset but I am worried. If Madelina finds out about this, then it will be a problem. I don’t want another one of my children to end up in the abyss.” Mother said.

“I am confused since I thought you were in love with Damien.” Father said.

“I love the both of them but I found myself growing closer to Ash and things happen.” I said.

“We have to keep this a secret. No one else can know about this. Alright?” Mother said. We all nodded in agreement. I told them about the original plan I had. The one where I become their queen and they had the same reaction the boys had. That was when they became to yell and lecture me on the dangers of that realm. Then when I reminded them I have been watching the realm and I had some of their powers, they were silent. Then Ash told them about the plan he came up with. Which of course they thought was way better than what I had. They knew my plan was good too but didn’t want to lose me. Again.

Father called all of the advisors and the leaders of the army in for a battle strategy meeting. He had Damien and Ash with him to work out every single detail of the plan so it was full proof. Mother took me to the castle gardens to talk further about everything I been through. She had a few servants set up some tea and food. There were small finger sandwiches and all kinds of sweets.

“So you met your sister? How is she?” Mom said.

“She’s good actually. We established a nice bond while I was in the abyss.”

“She told you why she was there right?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t blame you or her for following your hearts but there are consequences to being with someone from another realm. Especially anyone of the stiellan realm.”

“Ash isn’t like his realm though. At least not around me. He’s different.”

“I bet he is since you were able to fall for him so hard. But when you were first here, you were with Damien. You were happy with him and didn’t want to be involved with Ash in any way.”

“I know. But I have changed since then and, well…” The words wouldn’t leave my mouth. I knew what I wanted to say but couldn’t find the proper words at all.

“I never would have imagined this. I didn’t dream any of this for you. But I do want you to follow your heart. A princess always does what is best for her kingdom. For her people. But I believe that a princess should also follow her heart. No matter what.” She smiled. I smiled back at her. I really could have used her growing up. Once this war is over, I want to build a relationship with her.

“Just be careful. I don’t want to lose you again.” She said finally. We enjoyed the tea and the sweets and chatted. Mainly about what it was like in the abyss and about Ash’s sweet side which my mother didn’t even know about. She told me how he is around them and his mother. Cold and ruthless. I didn’t find this that surprising since I have been watching them while in the abyss. Then a guard came into the garden to fetch me and mother. We were called into that meeting room. Madelina was there.

“So it is true. The princess returned.” Madelina said. I looked over to Ash and he had a cold emotionless expression.

“Yes I have.” I said simply.

“Well this plan seems fitting since you are here now but I still doubt that it will work. We aren’t prepared enough to know if it will work.”

“What is the plan exactly?” I asked. Everyone’s eyes were now on me.

“Well we plan to use you as bait princess. Announcing your return is the first step. Machine will hear about it and do whatever he can to get you. This will be our chance to have someone on the inside.” Ash said.

“So I go with him willingly?”

“Well not exactly. He will come for you and take you but we will be with you the whole time. At the right moment you will give us a signal to go in undetected and we can take down over half of his army.” Damien said.

“The best way for this to work is for you to be cooperative and gain the trust of Machine. Maybe learn a few secrets and weaknesses. Then when his guard is down, you strike.” Damien said. I felt a little uneasy about this. It’s like they want me to be the one to kill Machine. I figured Damien could read my thought because he looked at me with a little sadness.

“Wait, so while you all are killing the army, I have to kill Machine?” I asked. No one could answer me. Their silence confirmed it.