ROMAN EMPIRE (Mafia Series 7) (The Emperor of Alpha's Empire) (On-going)

CHAPTER 3

THE DART FEELS heavy in my hand, a weight that mirrors the tension in my chest. I've been practicing since dawn and the sun a relentless presence overhead. But the temperature is perfect, a sweet spot between heat and chill. Euan and the ten soldiers are the only ones here with me at the training ground. I honestly find it easier to focus when I'm not being watched.

Alas syete ng umaga ako nagsimula at halos dalawang oras na ako dito. Mula sa pagsasanay ko sa espada, ay napunta ako sa pagpapalaso. I've been trained since childhood, so everything comes naturally to me now. It wasn't easy being young and learning this way. I pushed myself to the brink, earning every scar and overcoming every obstacle. Training became my escape, my way to forget the world and my way to unwind. Having my bows and swords always cleared my head. Always and constantly.

I lined up my final shot. I closed one eye, focusing on the distant red dot, and released. A smirked form on my lips when I saw hot I hit my favorite spot.

Hmm. Not bad.

I turned my gaze to Euan and gave him my bows. “Leave,” -I commanded, “All of you.”

“Your Grace,” -he bent his head. “I know what you're thinking. You can't leave the palace without me.”

“Euan,” -I turned my back. “If I command you to leave, you have to obey.”

“But Your Majesty—”

“—Now.”

He sighed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

I raised my chin when I felt that their presence is now gone. I need to be alone for now because I have somewhere to go. I am sure that Euan will ask me kapag nalaman niya na aalis ako sa labas ng palasyo.

I gracefully walked towards the stables so I can check my horse—Aslan—who has been my great friend and a great ally for many years. “Hello there, my beautiful friend.” -I carefully caressed his face. “Ready for another ride?”

He reacted quickly to my question. I chuckled at his nervousness. “Easy, boy, easy.” -I opened his cage. “Come on.”

I guided him out of the stables. Napangiti naman ako nang tumama ulit sa'kin ang init na nanggagaling sa kalangitan. I sighed first at agad na sumakay sa kanya. I ran my hand along his flank, soothing him. He hadn't been ridden in days, so his eagerness wasn't surprising.

“I hope you don't mind if I ask you to come with me.” -I breathed, giving the reins a playful tug. “Heave!”

Napangiti ako nang makitang mabilis syang tumakbo. We rode on, leaving the familiar sights behind, until we arrived at a secluded path known only to us. Ito yung daan palabas nang palasyo na palagi naming dinadaanan kapag gusto ko makapag-isa at makalaya saglit.

A massive branch whipped towards my face, and I instinctively ducked, a laugh escaping my lips. I tightened my grip on the reins, urging Aslan to pick up the pace. He was a seasoned rider, so I knew he'd handle the obstacle effortlessly. It was actually nice to escape the palace. Euan probably won't even bother looking for me.

Sa sobrang daming problemang dumadating sa palasyo at sa'kin kinakailangan ko talagang makalanghap ng sariwang hangin upang makapag-isip nang tama. I wasn't afraid of facing the rebels. I wanted to confront them head-on and, if fate allowed, bring them back to the palace myself. It was honestly quite intriguing thinking about meeting them in the forest.

Ten minutes later, I found myself standing before the paradise I had imagined. I got off the horse, feeling a wave of peace washing over me. Ah, god. This spot is a hidden gem that only the late Queen and I know about. It was her hideaway, where she could find peace away from her duties.