Light from the Shadow

Chapter 24

"I am leaving Ayna in your care, Captain." Kuan said to Jyaga. He had learned about the librarian's plan to stay in Solbaru and so, would not be joining the princess back to Remblan. To be honest, he was quite happy to hear that. It put him at ease.

Jyaga did not answer. He continued to order his men to help with the luggage. In the background, he could hear the ladies' voices.

"Look, princess! The ship is here!" Maria cried. They were in the port, waiting to board their ship. Kuan had offered them to travel by sea for their return trip to avoid encountering a similar situation like last time. Ayna looked at the huge passenger ship that bore Solbaru emblem. She noticed Kuan was waving at her near the entrance.

"Kuan! You are here too!" She looked happy to see him.

"I want to see you before you leave." He held her hand and kissed it. "Take care. I'll visit you soon." He smiled. Ayna returned his smile.

Jyaga looked at the mushy pair with bored eyes. So the famous captain of Solbaru knights could look like that too, he mused. Was this the only way to ensure peace between Remblan and Solbaru? By making the princess marry Kuan Tehra? He sighed. If only he was not a Solbaru prince and if only the princess was not a princess from a kingdom bestowed with the ancient power, Jyaga would not be this worried.

He turned to his friend. The princess was laughing but her eyes were not. She looked... sad. He cursed. That damn librarian had to have something to do with it. What happened exactly between the two? It seemed like she had been trying to avoid talking about him. Damn. He cursed again. Jyaga still did not like him but both the king and the princess trusted him so he had no choice but to go along. Come to think about it, where the hell is that guy? Jyaga had not seen him since he arrived at Solbaru. He had wanted to ask more about the people he said was targeting the princess. And also the people who attacked their royal entourage in the mountain.

Soon, an announcement to board the ship was heard. Passengers started to gather at the entrance, and slowly, move inside. Ayna and her attendants followed suit.

"See you again, Kuan!" She smiled and waved to Kuan from the deck. Kuan waved back.

Before long, the ship departed, living the empire for Remblan.

Kuan left the port after the ship disappeared from the horizon. A man followed him from behind.

"Is that good enough?" He asked the man.

The man nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"I doubt there will be problem on board but, just in case I've placed a few of my men inside. She should be safe." Kuan said. He turned to the librarian. "I don't know what you are planning but can you at least give me a reason as to why you think Ayna is in danger?"

Rishi smiled. "Will you believe if I tell you?" He walked closer to him.

The prince staggered. "De... depends on what you are saying!"

Rishi chuckled.

"What... why are you laughing?!!" Kuan was confused with his attitude.

The librarian ruffled his hair.

"Stop!!!" Kuan cried. Rishi looked happy... but also sad. Kuan did not understand his expression. Why did Rishi act like they were close to each other? Kuan did not seem to be able to hate him too. Before his doubt was answered, the librarian asked him another startling question.

"You love our Princess?" The answer was obvious, of course.

"Ha?" Kuan's face turned red. "How... how does that have anything to do with you???"