Sofia the protected

Chapter 29

   Prince Hugo's perspective

I barely got any sleep last night. And that was only at the urging of Sophia. So today at breakfast I drank 2 cups of coffee. I yawn and struggle to open my eyes. I focus on my shaking hand to pick up a spoon. For breakfast today, I have plain oatmeal. I was offered a cinnamon roll but refused it.

The second after I finished breakfast, Axel and I went to check up on my father. Stubbornly, he refused to tell us if he was in any pain. He urged us to go check on the people.

I thought this was wise. The decrepit state of the Castle wood alarm the people. As well as the fact that their royals were missing without any word. I turned to leave. Behind me, I hear Axle's whiny voice.

" I don't wanna leave your side father."

" Axel it is your duty to our people to make sure they are all right. As the future ruler, you should put up a strong facade in front of them. Especially in hard times."

" Father I-" Axle cringes in anticipation of our father's judgment on his decision. He knows this moment is going to be very difficult.

" Will try my gosh darn hardest." I cut into the conversation and grabbed Axle's arm forcefully. Probably more forceful than I needed to be. I started to drag him out the door. We start walking towards this table. When the door to the stable comes into view he shakes off my hand.

" Hugo! Why did you do that? I finally got the courage to tell him I'm abdicating."

" Exactly you nitwit I'm buying myself some time to talk you out of it."I hit my own forehead with my first four fingers thumb bent under my hand. It's an aggressive motion That suggests he was an idiot for not thinking.

" Hugo, please respect my decision." Axel's speech is quiet and filled with hurt. Whether it's from my actions or his own disappointment in himself I don't know. Either way, I mount my horse and look away from him.

That's when I see a purple feathered pegasus and a girl with a long red ponytail trotting up to us.

" Hey, Sophia." My voice is tired but it's still very clear that I'm happy to see her.

"Hey, guys. Mind if I tag along?"

" Of course." Axel's face changes as he realizes she interpreted his words differently than he meant. " I mean, I mean."

" We'd love to have you join us, Sofia." I smile at my girlfriend. Her presence is reassuring.

Together all 3 of us take off into the morning sky.

The flight home is peaceful. TIt's still early enough to have strong rays of light peek through the clouds. Electra is simply dancing through them. It's quiet and cold. The air is light on my shoulders.

The piece is broken when we land. The happy feelings of the flight are gone replaced by the dread in my stomach. A heaviness prods my shoulders to slump. My once beautiful home is now decrepit and parts of it are reduced to ashes.

The turning in my stomach changes into warning bells in my brain as I hear a crossbow cock behind me.

" Get down!"

I tackle Sophia and roll to the side. Finding shelter behind a pile of rubble. I peek above the pile to see the entire Wellshire army attacking us.

" Hey guys, it's just us. Your royals returned."I yell peeking my head above the pile.

"We only serve Queen Ivy." The voices of the artillery spoke in unison. And it chilled me to the bone.

" We have to get out of here!" Axel yelled and mounted his horse.

Axel's horse started to take flight. And the archers took aim.

" Axel no!" Sofia screamed. Reaching one hand out in the futile attempt.

In syncrasyThe archers released their arrows. I Push Sophia's head down under the safety of the pile of rubble. I tilted my head towards Axel (careful to keep it behind the safety of the Rubble)and watched both horse and rider fall from the sky.