The Inured Villainess

Chapter 37

I run—sprint through the halls.

They were here. They didn't wait long to make their move.

The monsters had reached Ronkia. It was out of the blue. In a flash.

An army appearing from the south of the city. It would take days, weeks to travel across the entire Istryis on foot but the monsters made it here in less.

It was the work of the sorcerers, only they would have the power to transport this many monsters into Istryis. One crack in the shields and they had the power to move masses of monsters.

And now Ronkia is surrounded by them.

We over estimated them. We thought we would have more time to prepare if they came for the egg.

With the attack, I barely had the time to dress in my fighting attire. Flexible black pants and a loose black tunic draped my body. The dragon's egg strapped to my back like a backpack. My hair is still intricately braided thanks to the maids this morning.

I couldn't waste anymore time on fixing it due to my fear of Alastair's safety.

I turn a small corner to see the knights guarding his room. Alastair has been staying in the Sun Palace as a precaution.

I was worried that Alastair would be in trouble if I left him alone in the Star Palace. My father was still a threat.

"Your Majesty!" A rushed voice calls from down the hall as I slow in front of Alastair's room.

Alden, Kyrell's aide, approaches me. "His Majesty has ordered me to escort Your Majesty and the prince from the palace."

I nod. "Let me get the prince first." I walk past the knights at the door and open it.

Inside the room is Alastair standing near the window. "Alastair."

The boy turns his head to me, a look of worry plastered on his face. "Mother." My arms wrap around him gently as I reach him, my eyes drifting out to the window.

Havoc.

The city is littered with smoke and monsters, destroying everything.

"Don't look, Tair." I rub his back softly. "I know this may be difficult but we have to leave. It's too dangerous to stay here much longer."

"How did they get here, Mother?" His fearful eyes meet mine.

"How they got here isn't important right now? We need to leave first." I urge him to the door, my hand moving to hold his.

"Are they after the egg?" He asks another question.

"Yes." The weight on my back felt heavier for some reason. "Now let's go. We need to go somewhere safer."

With our hands linked, we walk out the door to meet Alden and the two knights standing guard.

Little words are spoken as Alden leads us through the palace, the knights following behind as protection. We weave through the palace halls, once in a while passing rushed maids and servants.

I'm anxious.

Kyrell is no doubt with the armies right now. Sending Alden was Kyrell's way of protecting us. And right now I have to do everything in my power to get Alastair to safety.

I take small glances at Alastair as we run through the halls. His face a mix of worry and fear. I only squeeze his hand tighter.

Alden leads us down a hall, at the end is a stone door. The grey stone clashed with the smooth cream walls of most of the palace.