The Realm

Chapter 14

As we reach the castle, I can see the worry on Matt's face. That look was mirrored on Riley's face as well as mine. How will the the Prince react to seeing us again after we fled with the Rebels? He'll probably will kill us. I shake my head. Having those thoughts wont's help us. I grab on to Matt's hand and rest my head on his shoulder. I close my eyes and turn my mind off of the this situation that we are in and try to go to sleep.

I wake to hitting my head on the ceiling of the car. I groan and I hear light laughter. I punch the person closest to me, "how laughed at me?" I demand. Everybody points to Riley. I glare at her but she just smiles innocently.

"We're here!" Madi calls out from the front of the car. I look out the window and see a beautiful castle in light grey. At the bottom of the castle, moss is growing. Vines hang from the sides in bunches all the way to the ground. I can't believe that I didn't notice them when I was first here. But I didn't go outside.

Royal guards walk to the car and one knocks on the door. Madi rolls down the window. "Do you have any notification that you are allowed in?"

"No but I have Princess Amelia and I am pretty sure the Prince would want here," Madi calmly repiles.

"Very well then," he says, then to a guard near the old iron gate, "let them in!"

We drive through the gate and park in front of the stairs leading to the double doors. Rebecca leads in front and pushes the front door open. She walks to the direction where the Throne Room is. I feel anxious about seeing the Prince again so I grab on to Matt's hand. He quickly pulls his hand out of my grip and walks faster to walk next to Anthony.

Madi slows down, "I'm sure he's just stressed about the situation he's in. He was a Defender and he did run off. It's not good for his rank." I smile at her. Not a happy smile but a sad smile. This is my fault. If I didn't give in to Matt and go with him, he wouldn't be in trouble.

We enter the Throne Room and I see the Prince smirking at me. I shudder. That smile could kill millions of people with just one glance. And not in a good way. "So you are finally back. Wondering when you would, Princess Amelia," he spots Mia, Ashley, Anthony and Riley, "and you brought back some friends. How sweet."

He sees Matt. He slowly stands up and walk towards him. "You. You come running back after running off with your father. He is a coward. He used to be oneof my best guards until he ran off with his now dead wife. I only let you become a Defender because your father promised me that you had potential. And then you run off with a girl! Just like your father! Your family is a bunch of have-beens!"

After a minute of slience, he yells, "guards! Take them to their rooms. I'll think of a punishment!" The guards herd us to the door. "Leave the Defender! I have some business with him!"

They leave Matt and while being yanked by a guard, I look back at him. There is only one thought going through my mind as that is: 'I hope he is ok!"