Love Amidst Wars

forty-three

Days went on with the invasion still happening. People getting tortured and killed every day. Juliette and her mother hid in the small cottage in the forest, praying for the torturous days to pass. Thankfully, their prayers were heard months later, as the cruel colonisers left the kingdom out of a sudden, claiming they had achieved what they needed.

Johnny cautiously stepped out of the cottage and made his way to the top of the hill, seeing the sight of the kingdom from afar. The palace that once stood tall and mighty now crashed into pieces. Poverty increased as people lost their homes. And things got out of hand due to the absence of rulers of the kingdom.

He sighed and returned to the cottage before locking the front door. Juliette, who was washing the dishes, flinched at the sudden noise. She wiped her hands and watched as the soldier sat down tiredly.

"Is there something wrong, Johnny?"

"The kingdom is in ruins."

"So it's true? The enemies have left?"

"Yes. But I'm not sure if we should head back to our homes. That is... if we can find them."

She nodded and took a seat across from him, "But we should try. Should we not?"

"We might have to wait for a few days before we can head back. I'm sure the royal guards are trying to search for bodies to bury. We might disturb their work if we head back now."

She nodded before standing up again, "Well, I've prepared some meal. Why don't you eat first? I have to check on my mother."

He forced out a tired grin as he observed her leaving the room.

"Mother!"

Juliette's scream caught him off guard. He rushed into the bedroom and saw how foam began forming in Lady Jane's mouth. Pills were scattered next to the Viscountess and an unknown note was found in her hand. Juliette immediately took the note and read it with a heavy heart.

I'm sorry, Juliette.
I couldn't do this anymore.
Stay safe, my child.
I'll be here with your father waiting for you.

"My lady–"

"Don't touch me!" She clenched the letter tightly before taking deep breaths. He looked at her with concerned eyes, waiting for her to say something.

"I need some time alone," she exhaled heavily and left the cottage.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

The expeditionary force ended but it was not celebrated as it usually does. As Jake and Jay led the soldiers back to the kingdom with their horses, they were greeted with the sight of victims bleeding on the ground. Buildings were ruined and there were even corpses under the concretes.

Some nobles who were known to be wealthy now roaming around the streets in their ragged clothes, searching for water and food. Jay took a deep breath, trying to let the reality sink in, that the glorious kingdom his parents made had crumbled down.

He got off his horse and walked forward, approaching a lifeless body on the ground. The blood that pooled around it seemed to dry up due to being left in that state for days.

"The kingdom needs you, Your Highness," Jake spoke gently, "Only you can bring the kingdom back to its glory."

Jay sighed and watched how the royal guards who were on duty approached him before kneeling on one knee, "Your Highness! We are glad to see you back."

"Are there people who are still alive?"

One of the guards spoke, "We made a shelter for women and children, Your Highness. We also hired doctors and volunteers who helped provide food and medical checkups."

"Good. Take me to them."

Jake's lips curved into a small grin, relieved to see the Crown Prince putting aside his wishes of giving up.

As soon as the Prince and the Duke arrived at the shelter with the guards, they scanned the whole room. Children were playing and giggling whilst playing with each other. Mothers were talking and helping some of the volunteers with work.

Jay's eyes caught a familiar figure curled up into a ball in the corner, hugging herself in her blanket. He sighed in relief before his lips curved into a soft smile.

He gathered the courage to approach her before crouching down in front of her, tilting her chin to make her look at him.

"Clarissa?"

Her eyes widened upon hearing the familiar voice. Her voice broke as she tried to call him, "Jay...?"

"I'm here."

She could not suppress her tears anymore and bawled her eyes out, pulling him into a tight embrace, "Where have you been?! I was... I was so scared!"

He returned the embrace, burying his face into her hair as he inhaled the scent he once... missed? She cried into his chest, telling him how she was afraid and traumatised.

Jake watched the scene before him, seeing both of his old friends reuniting. He turned to one of the guards before asking, "Is Juliette here as well?"

"Forgive us, Your Grace. We have not seen Viscountess Anderson and her daughter here. We could not find them anywhere. The Viscount was found dead in their manor."

"It's alright. Well done," Jake patted the guard's shoulder before feeling anxiety rising inside him.