part 64

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The queen welcomed back her brother with a big smile. "I have high hopes from you, brother. Knowing how you deal with enemies, that's why I sent you to deal with them in the first place, and when I saw your own son against you, at first, I got a little shock but then I knew it would be a lot easier for you than before."

She came back to her throne and relaxed on its back, steepling her fingers together as she gazed at her brother. While looking at him, who was unable to meet her eyes, she smiled and said, "So, tell me? What happened?"

King Edward shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the room before finally settling on the floor. "They...they have the testament, sister. And they're not willing to back down."

The queen's smile never wavered, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I expected as much. And what did you do, brother? I'm sure you didn't disappoint me."

Edward hesitated, knowing he had to reveal his actions. The queen's gaze seemed to bore into his soul, as if daring him to lie.

He replied in a low voice, "My son had come to speak on your son's behalf, as I told him your words that you have cut off the routes with him and he is not the prince of Jozeia anymore, he said they don't accept your orders."

The queen's expression changed from calm to shock, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What! How dare he object my orders? As he knows I am the queen of this kingdom."

Edward hesitated, knowing he had to reveal more. "I, I said the same thing, Eliana, but he said that they have the king's testament."

The queen's eyes went wide as she realized what her son was fighting for, and how much her late husband's testament held the power. She knew that it could easily be used as proof and a shield for her son to speak and claim his position forever.

"So he finally found it!" She spoke in a low whisper, as if she was the one who had been searching for that testament, so she could destroy it before her son's hands reached it. But unfortunately, he had made it to the testament first.

After thinking for a while, she jumped from her throne, her movements sudden and swift, like a serpent striking its prey. "That means Jake is... Alive!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper, yet echoing through the throne room like a thunderclap.

Hearing it, Edward's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling as he realized the weight of her words. He felt like he had been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him. "You are right!" he stammered, his voice trembling. "This thought didn't come to my mind..."

He looked out of the window, his gaze lost in the distance, as if searching for answers in the clouds. "Eli... If he is alive... Then what will you do?" he asked, his voice laced with trepidation. "You know he was a great warrior, and if your people saw him, they won't be on your side anymore."

The queen's face was a mask of calm, but her eyes betrayed her, flashing with a fierce inner fire. She began to pace back and forth in the throne room, her movements fluid and deadly, like a predator stalking its prey.

"If Jake is alive," she whispered, her voice dripping with venom, "then everything changes. My claim to the throne, my rule over Jozeia... it's all at risk."

Edward watched her, mesmerized, as she wove a web of intrigue and deception. He knew that he was caught in her snare, a pawn in her game of power and survival.

"What will you do, Eliana?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The queen stopped pacing and turned to him, her eyes glinting like ice. "I'll do whatever it takes to maintain my power, Edward,"
Edward spoke again, seeing her so determined. "But you can't just do anything if the people are on Mike's side."

The queen turned to her brother with a smirk. "They will only run to him when they will see Jake."

Edward's confusion deepened. "What do you mean?"

The queen's smirk grew wider, her eyes glinting with a knowing light. "You'll see,"

**********************

The war had begun, and Mike's caravan was abuzz with activity. Fighters were preparing for battle, donning armor and sharpening swords. Blezi, too, was readying herself for the fight, her sword at her side.

Just as she was about to join the others, Mike approached her. "Blezi," he said, his voice low and serious.

Blezi's eyes widened in shock, her heart skipping a beat. It was the first time Mike had ever called her by her name. Usually, it was "my princess" or "princess," but never just "Blezi." She felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked into his eyes, seeing the intensity and sincerity there.

"Blezi," Mike repeated, his grip on her arms tightening. "Thank you for everything, you have come a long way with me, and you have done so much that I can never expect from anyone but you. You did this all for me. And now we have come to this stage where I want you to stay and see the results. Now you can have a rest Blezi, don't worry about me. Just pray for me, and take care of yourself till I came back okay?"

Blezi rolled her eyes in annoyance. "So you want me to just stay in one place when you and others are fighting for this kingdom? Mike, this is my kingdom too, and you know I know how to fight. Just because of the past rumors that spread about me being the reason for the king's death, you're telling me to hide myself so you can have an easy way in?"

Mike's expression softened, and he took a step closer to her. "No, no, it's not because of that accident. It's just... I don't want my soon-to-be queen to get injured." He touched her cheeks and spoke gently, "I want you to wait for me. I know this is your kingdom too, that's why I am willing to do anything to keep you safe, sweetheart."

Blezi's annoyance turned to determination. "If you're thinking of making me the queen of this kingdom, then let your people see what their future queen did for them first. I won't back down, Mike." She turned to gaze out at the night sky, her eyes fixed on the distant view of the palace. "Once I ran away to save myself, which made people think I was the guilty one. But now it's time to show them who I am."

Mike took his hand off her cheek and put them in his pocket, his eyes never leaving hers. With a sigh, he replied, "Okay, I respect your choice, princess, but I have one condition."

Blezi raised an eyebrow, curious. "What?"

Mike's gaze intensified. "You'll walk with me. We will go together, fight together, and help each other. You'll be my side throughout the war. No leaving, no going off on your own."

Blezi felt a flutter in her chest at the thought of fighting alongside Mike, of being his partner in every sense. She took a deep breath, her mind made up. "Okay."

Mike's face relaxed into a small smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. I don't want to lose you again, Blezi."

Blezi's heart skipped a beat at his words, but she pushed aside her emotions, focusing on the task ahead. "We should get moving, then. The war won't wait for us."

Mike nodded, his expression turning serious once more. "Let's go."

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