Realm's Secrets│ The Equilibrium࿐

Chapter VI • Fear

"The prisoner is presently in decent condition, but it looks that he bumped his head hard, and the convict reported that it still hurts. He must remain in this facility for two days"

The expert healer concluded. "You're welcome to leave us at this time", Allura breathed with relief. The healer showed respect by bowing her head before departing. "You don't have to worry about going back there, because I looked at your case again and I discovered that you accepted a false penalty without the decision of the court. Why?" Allura said as she stepped up to the elderly man. "I was wrongly accused of kidnapping a child, but that child was my only granddaughter. I only did it to protect her from her terrible parents, who treat her badly. But they discovered us, and I was unable to get a defendant". Allura took his hand and assured him, "I'll be the one handling your case; don't worry.". The old man gasped after hearing what Allura stated.

"You don't have to, your highness."

"I insist; I'll find a way that you and your granddaughter will be together again."

The old man hugged her tightly and said, "Thank you! Thank you so much, your highness! Please take care of my granddaughter. I don't think she is being treated well by her parents.".

"I will, I promise", Allura hugged him back and smiled.

After she left the room, the Knights were waiting for her outside. They all kneeled on the floor, begging for forgiveness.

"Your Highness, we are deeply sorry about what happened earlier. Knight General Edward is now in the dungeon,", Gregory said nervously.

"Don't even call him Knight General; make sure he'll pay for what he did,", Allura said angrily.

"Yes, your highness. Also, Countess Elaine is with him right now,", Gregory added.

"What? What is she doing there?", Allura was stunned after hearing what Gregory said.

Meanwhile, Elaine stared angrily at Edward. She was disappointed, like the rest of the people here. She looked down at him, who was sitting on the floor.

"As a Knight General myself, I am extremely disappointed in your demeanor. And you dared to call them slaves?", she shouted at him furiously.

"Say what you want to say; all I did was for the Kingdom!", Edward shouted back while aggressively staring at Elaine.

"But not for your people! They may be prisoners, but they are still Ezquirians!", The two looked at the other side, and they were both shocked to see Allura coming towards them.

"We meet again, Edward. Do you think you can get away from this?", Allura said with a cold and serious look.

"The unchosen princess, why would I be scared of you? Threatening me with those words won't work.", Edward stood up and walked slowly towards Allura. They both stared at each other furiously.

"I devoted thirteen years of my life serving the King and this land. The Ezquirians are not what you may expect. Dreamers and passionate individuals? Hah! No, it is your own people that will do you in. You can't trust anyone in life, either. Nobody, not even your loving father.", Edward's eyes widened and he stared at Allura creepily. Elaine looked worriedly at Allura. However, Allura remained silent, but her eyes seemed to be afraid of the words Edward said.

Edward laughed like a crazy man and said, "The people you protect and love the most are the people who will destroy you in the end". Allura gulped, and she felt her hands shivering in fear, but her eyes remained the same.

"I imprisoned him in another cell,", Elaine ordered. The guards followed her orders and took Edward far away from the other inmates. Elaine looked worried and asked if Allura was alright.

"Are you all right? Let's head back to the palace and take some rest.", Elaine ordered the Knights to take them to the carriage and take care of the duty here without a Knight General for now.

While they were in the carriage, Elaine couldn't help but feel bad about what happened. She noticed how quiet Allura was while they were traveling back to the palace. Elaine thought of breaking the silence.

"Hey, are you all right?", Elaine asked as she put her hand on Allura's shoulders. Allura didn't seem to hear Elaine, as if she was zoning out. Elaine tapped her shoulder and called her again, and this time, Allura noticed.

Oh, sorry, I'm fine; don't worry about me", she slightly smiled at Elaine.

"I know you are bothered by what Edward said to you. It's fine if you tell me how you feel.", Elaine looked at Allura worriedly. She cares for her a lot, even if they just met.

"I feel scared and threatened. Should I believe him?", Allura said with a sad and worried tone. Elaine took her hand and faced her.

"Ezquirians will never do that to you. You are their hope and future. They will never do such a thing to you.", Elaine smiled warmly at Allura and hugged her. Allura felt the warmth and appreciation. She hugged back and smiled, "Thank you, Elaine.".

After a long drive, they finally arrived at the palace. Servants are waiting for them outside to help them. The Queen of Reina were also waiting for them to arrive. She went back to the palace early after the incident.

"Are you both all right?", Queen Pia rushed to them and held their soft cheeks like a mother who was worried about her daughters. Elaine touched her mother's hand and said, "We're all right, your majesty". The Queen nodded and smiled at Elaine and Allura.

"You two did an amazing job; I am proud of both of you", The Queen hugged both of them and invited them to have dinner. Allura and Elaine smiled and joined the Queen in entering the palace door.

Meanwhile, on the balcony, the King watched Allura as she entered the palace. He eventually turned away as a familiar voice caught his attention.

"King Erickson, are you worried about something, or should I say someone?", King Eric looked down at the table with an open book. The book has empty black pages. Only those who have the blood of Queen Mimosa can read what the book is about. The book is written by Mimosa herself. It's her diary. A diary that is cursed like her. Just like the crown, it has a Black Stone in the middle of the cover. Surrounded by golden branch like designs. On the first page, you'll see a handwritten note saying..

"A story that has ended without a period. A never-ending storm without a cause. Flames burning through my eyes as I search at every book, hoping to find the cure. However, all I found was death. But whatever is undone must be done."

"Don't try me, Mimosa! I will end her if you don't let me read the golden signature!", King Eric threatened the book that seems to be talking to him. He began to hear whispers, which is driving him insane. He picked up the book and flung it at his reflection. The mirror broke, creating a loud boom. Allura noticed the loud noise coming from her father's chamber as she was about to enter the dining room. She paused and turned to gaze upstairs, but she could also hear voices. A symbol she saw last night and the man who assisted her after she fell to the floor flashed before her eyes. She felt out of balance when she finally remembered everything that happened last night, but she was able to keep them under control.

The glass in the hidden room where the Black Stone Crown is kept sealed suddenly shattered, and voices began to flood the space. But the same thing is being spoken in every whisper.

"She has returned. She has returned. She has returned."

To be continued...