IV. The Impact of Her

~ Forty-One ~

I waited patiently behind the trees and bushes for the perfect time to strike.

Before we took off, James gave us one final instruction: that the griffins would only arrive once the front guards were removed.

I already sent five guards to move closer towards the front gates. As for the rest of the soldiers, I assigned them to the back gates. My specific instructions was to wait for them to drop their defences. And though our position was uncomfortable, we couldn't be reckless with our actions.

One mistake could cost the whole mission.

Finally, the three guards at the front gates sat in front of the entrance. They put their spears aside. They yawned as they shared bread with one another.

I nodded at my men. Immediately, they shot their sleeping darts. In no time, the drowsy liquid took effect and put the guards to sleep.

It was an incredible surprise and blessing that the captain brought some sleep syrup with him. Before we completely made our journey to the front entrance, we made darts drowsed with the said syrup.

We then pushed forward with absolute caution. With the key carried by the unconscious guards, one of my soldiers carefully opened the gates. The rest moved the guards to the side before we silently made our way into the castle grounds.

Encountered by more guards, we darted them as quickly as possible. We allowed the unconscious to fall right where they stood to get the attention of the watchtower guards.

Once everything was set in place, we looked up and waited.

To our delight, our plan didn't go unnoticed. One of them immediately instructed the others to head down. I gave it a bit of a while before I blew the gryphon whistle.

Once the whistle was heard, the guards from the watchtower screamed, only to be blown away by massive gusts of wind. The guards that ran downstairs finally arrived before us. And without a moment to waste, they were darted in an instant.

I looked up and saw James had already removed the crossbows from the tower. As he and his group entered through the towers, we made our way through the front doors.

~*~*~*~

Right away, we were met with opposition.

As much as I wanted to sort this matter swiftly, we made a promise not to harm anyone. So, with what remained from our darts, we did all that we could to put everyone to sleep.

The soldiers and I split into small groups as we invaded every room in the halls. The servants were tied together to prevent them from escaping.

As my men scoured every room ahead of me, I looked at every person who was tied up. I hoped that Laura would be one of them. I even rechecked rooms that were already entered. But one after the other, I was met by disappointment after disappointment.

"Your Highness." I turned around after the captain spoke from behind me. He bowed as he reached me and continued, "Your Highness, the duchess has been found. She is currently with His Majesty in the throne room."

~*~*~*~

I barged into the room, which instantly caught every person's attention.

James, Bethilda, her maids and some of our men stood at the centre of the room. But my gaze never left Bethilda as I walked towards them.

"Have you enjoyed terrorising my castle, young prince?" Bethilda remarked.

"Take it as my revenge when you terrorised our lives," I spatted as I reached them.

James intervened, "That's enough." He turned to Bethilda and continued, "Tell him what you told us."

Bethilda sighed, annoyed. "I know why you're here. Your father told me everything. And it is with great apologies that I have to disappoint you with this information," she said. She stared at me for a moment as she paused. "She's not here."

My brows furrowed.

"The woman that you're looking for is not here," Bethilda continued. "She was never here to begin with because I didn't kidnap her. I never abducted anyone. I don't have the capability to do that and never will."

I turned to James who was emotionless. "Please don't tell me that you believe what she just said," I said which caught his attention. "For all we know, she could be hiding her in a secret area within the walls of this castle."

"I already sent out men to check on the whole vicinity," James replied as he walked up to me. He added, "They have Bethilda's personal map of the whole infrastructure. If she has any hidden passages, the soldiers will find them and look into them as well."

I sighed as frustration brewed within me. I grew restless once more as I did not want to believe that Laura wasn't in Bethilda's castle.

James added, "Let us be patient and wait for the return of our men."

I turned my head to the side as I held back my words and emotions. I wanted to follow the soldiers so badly. However, I wasn't familiar with this place so I was left with no other choice but to wait. And that in itself was irritating.

~*~*~*~

A long while had passed already and the soldiers haven't returned yet.

Have they encountered hurdles along the way? Were they harmed?

Numerous thoughts and frightening scenarios played through my mind as I paced back and forth across the room. I couldn't help but worry as we never fully ventured the entirety of Bethilda's castle.

At the same time, we rarely visited her residence. Bethilda never liked to invite guests over. So, I couldn't help but be concerned for the well-being of our men.

"You are making me dizzy, young prince. Can you please sit down?" Bethilda remarked. "You worry too much."

I came into a halt and glared at her in an instant. "Why shouldn't I worry? Our men are taking too long with their search. For all we know, you could have led them to a trap."

Bethilda scoffed. "I would never do such a thing. Unlike what you think of me to be true, I value every single living being, both on our plane and down below. Even if I have hatred towards other people, I would never bring innocent people into the problem," she replied.

She added, "Do not accuse me of actions that I will never do. Actions that I would never attempt in this lifetime or the next."

"Can't the both of you remain in one room without bickering?" James asked, which put the room back to silence.

A moment later, our soldiers finally arrived.

Without James' approval, I immediately asked the guards, "Any news?"

The soldiers bowed as they stood before us. The soldier at the front answered, "We checked every passageway, hidden and not. Unfortunately, we found nothing."

My eyes widened.

It was as if a mountain of boulders fell on top of me.

She wasn't here.

Laura wasn't here.