The Enchantress

31.

Princess Mina.

I was on my way back to the castle riding my horse when 3 soldiers on their horses rode hard towards the castle. They were so fast that they didn't notice me. I wonder what was that about. A few minutes later I arrived at the castle. I walked towards the hallway when I noticed General running towards the west hallway. Something's going on so I ran after him. I saw him from a distance entering the library.

When I arrived Papa was reading a parchment while General Ryun was panting waiting for Papa to say something.

"What's happening Papa? General?"

Papa's hand fell on his sides, that's the one holding the parchment. I went to him and read it.

"Tiryan ships are ready and will depart tomorrow. It's estimated to reach Kyria in 3 days. Please activate and follow the protocol for Emergency War Procedures provided to you by The Prince of Twice. We also request for all able soldiers that are willing to fight. It is time to defend Kyria against King Jaryu's advancement. Please."

Oh no. War is coming.

"Get me that protocol and ready our troops. All who's willing shall go, those who chose to stay will defend the kingdom."

Papa looked at me, his eyes worried. He sat by the table. The general arrived and gave the protocol to Papa. We were silent as he reads it.

"Let me know once you've settle the troops. I'll meet you on the castle grounds." He said to the general who came running.

"My dear, Tell the servants to prepare the carriage and enough food for a week. Then find Sana, you both pack your things good for a week."

"We're running?"

"For our safety yes. The protocol says royals should be evacuated for the restoration of the kingdoms. We'll hide on a hidden cave along the mountain of Kion" He said pulling me with him as her walk through the hallway. "Go now, look for your sister and packup. Have someone pack for me."

He then turned and hurried out. I called for servants to help us with the packing. I then ran upstairs straight to Sana's chamber. I went in and told her right away what happened before going to my room.

I hurriedly gather my things and clothes and put it on the boxes. I glanced at the window and saw the troops now assembled on the castle grounds. Oh no, Rowan.

"Please finish it for me." I said to my lady in waiting before I ran down and went to the castle grounds.

Rowan was there talking with the general and Papa. I ran towards him and was about to hold his arm but then he stepped back and bowed.

He looked at me and sort of gestured that Papa is there.

"Papa, may I talk to Rowan just for a second." I held Papa's hand. "Please."

Papa nodded and I immediately took Rowan's hand and pulled him towards the castle entrance. We heard the general they'll go, that he just follow them.

I stopped behind the door and pulled him towards me, hugging him. My heart cried out with fear for him.

"My Love, I can't stay long. I've talked with the King about my intention of marrying you. He just said just come home safe first then we'll talk." He said as he absentmindedly stroke my hair.

"He doesn't want my heart to be broken. So you'll better come home or he'll hunt you to death."

"I'll keep that in mind." He then made me face him. "Know this my Love, whatever happens I am always with you wherever I am..."

His eyes now full of worry and fear. I hate seeing him like this.

He took hold of his heart pendant engraved with our names. "And you're always with me too..."

"Don't speak like that..."

"Please hear me out..." He took hold of both my arms. He now looked more serious. "I told the King about this... In the event that... If I couldn't come home, you need to move on and live your life." I could now see tears building up in his eyes.

"Rowan, no..." I don't want to hear more but he pressed on.

"Open your heart again... And if possible... I would personally chose Prince Chaeyoung for you. He'll protect you and take care of you. He's a good man."

I was shocked hearing this.

"Don't go, Rowan... Run away with me. We'll..."

"I would love to, but that's not me. I will not turn my back on my kingdom, on my country." He then hugged me tight.

"I will fight for you. For our future or your future." My tears starts to fall.

"Please Rowan. It's dangerous. You don't have to fight. Let the others fight. With all the troops from all the kingdom fighting, they'll beat the enemy for sure..."

"I love how hard you try to make me stay. But I can't live that way. I was born for this. All my life I've been training for this moment... I love you Mina." He then lift my chin and was about to kiss me. This time I let him.

I kissed him back and whispered "I love you too Rowan. Please come back to me."

He smiled as our lips parted.

"I've been waiting for this moment, to finally hear you say that."

I do love him, though I know not as much as he loves me and not as how a lover should. But I can't bear him leaving without him knowing that I do love him.

He took a deep breath.

"Please, remember what I said. I will see you again. I love you, my Love." He gave me a quick peck on the lips before running out to the castle grounds.

I ran after him and watch him mount his horse. Papa and Sana was there, they both went beside me and held me by the arm. He then bowed to us then smiled before he nudge his horse forward. When he's near the gates he looked back, waved at me and smiled. He then nudge his horse to ran faster.

I watched him as he rode away from the castle. My tears were already flowing and when I can't see him anymore, I couldn't hold it any longer. The fear engulfed me as I sobbed hard. Papa and Sana hugged me. A few minutes after they help me inside the castle towards my room.

I lay on my bed crying, thoughts rumbled then suddenly an idea comes to mind. I went to my study table and wrote something on a parchment then ran out to have a servant deliver it. I went back to my room and lay down on my bed.

I spent hours of thinking and crying for I was so worried and afraid for him. It doesn't feel right. The way he speak earlier... No... Don't think that way Mina. He'll come home.

"Please come home..." I whispered before I fell asleep.