Necromancer's Descent

74 - Lingering Guilt

Rosalin's Point of View

Prince Alexis looks around, as the tears of the knights stop quite abruptly, exchanged with shock, confusion and caution.

"Ah, some of Dame Henrietta's knights snuck out to the stables and brought his highness with them," one of the knights in the back calls out, like this wasn't information that was rather important to have mentioned during the trip.

Alexis then looks to Theodore and I.

"Apparently Henrietta favors her chances with you over the Saintess, Rosalin. I suppose summoning the god of death made a rather dramatic impression."

Theodore gives an actual huff at Alexis' words.

"Henrietta turned long before that. Henrietta arranged Rosalin meeting you in the prison by ordering both her maids and your guards to help her. "

Eh?... ah... I did consider it, but to think it was true... although, I would've liked to know earlier...

I look to Alexis, who moves a hand to his mouth, as if to think about the consequences of Theodore's words. It's not surprising. Mia essentially had four different key supporters. Claudius, Henrietta, Wallis and Johannes. Asten is basically attached to Claudius, so he doesn't count as being separate. Of those four, Johannes just lost control of his army, and Henrietta is switched sides-

"If she has really turned, then why isn't she here?" I ask carefully.

"Because she'll turn again in case you fail," Alexis answers calmly, watching me with those calm blue eyes.

In other words, she hasn't really turned, she's just giving me a chance.

"Still, Theodore, how did it end up with me supporting your army instead of the other way around?" Alexis says quite flatly, and gives Theodore a cold stare.

"Your agreement with Rosalin doesn't extend to me, your highness." Theodore brushes him off casually.

Alexis just gives a soft hum, and then looks around at the Troyfort knights, who're trying to compose themselves, but still seem to tear up when they look at Theodore.

Theodore puts his arm back around me, and grabs Alger's reins.

"We need to keep moving. The demon army is still nearby, so lingering like this, will catch too much attention," Theodore says firmly, looking to Azzo, who in turn grimaces like he's in pain.

"Antione, get the wagon," Azzo orders hoarsely, before pressing his lips together, and looking at Theodore as if he's pleading him. The knight Azzo called, and a couple others move to the back of the crowd, and pull out a small horse wagon, which has a saddle on it, as well as a few barrels. They're moving most of the barrels to another wagon, but keep two of them on the wagon, and in exchange, fill the remaining space with hay.

Theodore shifts me in his arms, lifting me back into a princess hold. As Alger lowers his head, Theodore calmly shifts his leg over Alger's shoulders, and slides off Alger's back with me still in his arms, landing surprisingly softly, and then finally puts me down.

Almost in an instant, some of the knights approach Theodore, and to make space for them, I back away.

All of them seem to have their attention on Theodore, all seeming to hope to be able to talk with him personally, before we have to part. To such an extent that it seems they forget my existence. While some talk, others put Alger in a harness so he can pull the wagon.