"A Sacrifice" || Espresseleine ||

3.The News

*Timeskip, they actually had a great time and despise that, Madeleine's behaviour was actually nothing close to the King's, if no one knew, they would say that the two are not even related, but it was time for him to leave and he did*

*Timeskip, next week, like Madeleine had said, they were actually paying attention to the news, it was a wednesday*

*Espresso was watching the news in his living room, sitting on the armchair with his cup in his hands, both him and Latte seeming a bit tense. His mother, Vanessa, was sitting next to him on the couch in front of the TV, while his father, Joseph, was leaning against the back of it.*

*They were all silently watching the news, anticipating something to happen, that is, if Madeleine was telling the truth.*

*Then the Royal news came, which was a rare occasion*

*As soon as the Royal news started, both Espresso and Latte seemed to straighten up, anticipation now running clear in both their faces. Neither of them had touched their coffee yet, which was quite unusual for Espresso.*

*Meanwhile, Vanessa and Joseph seemed to straighten as well, their attention fully drawn to the screen now as they watched the Royal Report.*

*Then the reported said something that made them freeze*

Reporter:Unfortunatly, during the royal Battle, Prince Guareé has suffered severe injuries and stabbed in the heart by his own Father.
He-

*The reporter was interrupted by someone mid live, but whatever the person said suprised the reported*

Reporter:News Flash, The Prince is back up!
The Battle isn't Over!

*As soon as they heard that the Prince was stabbed, both Espresso and Latte gasped, their eyes widening in shock. Vanessa and Joseph also seemed to share the same reaction.*

"What...Wha..?"

*And as soon as the news reporter mentioned how the Prince was back up, Espresso seemed to freeze, and his coffee mug almost fell to the floor.*

Reporter:The Prince is still Alive!

*But that shouldn't be possible....if you get stabbed in the chest directly into your heart....you die immediatly...how is he still up?*

*Espresso was dumbfounded. Everyone in the room were dumbfounded at the news.*

Espresso: "Wait. What..."

*Latte and Vanessa were trying to process the information, as Joseph was also bewildered.*

Joseph: "That shouldn't be possible..!"

*Then the news showed the arena where it was happening, the king with blood on his sword from the stab, and Madeleine still up some how, but completely injuried and bleeding, still being able to stand and hold his claymore, but clearly tired, but knowing him, he was not gonna give up*

*As they saw the arena and noticed Madeleine's very clearly injured figure, both Espresso and Latte gasped, and Espresso's eyes widened with shock.*

Espresso: "Wait..Is that.. Is that Madeleine?"

*His words seemed to startle even his parents, who had been keeping their silence before, and were now in shock as well, having spotted the injured Royal on the screen, and their son's reaction to it.*

*Espresso continued to watch the screen, a mix of shock, concern, and disbelief written across his face. It was hard to believe that this was happening, that Madeleine, his good friend, was in the middle of a battle with his own father, who actually had attempted to kill him.*

*Meanwhile, Latte was staring at the screen as well, also shocked and concerned. And Vanessa and Joseph were watching the TV with widened eyes, clearly surprised by what was unraveling right before them.*

*Then Espresso remembered something Madeleine had said to him before, a long time ago....."No Matter what, I am going to Protect you either you like it or not" and Espresso had responded "Would you give your life for me?" And Madeleine responded back "Yes." And that was it....it was happening.....Madeleine was making their promise real....that's why he said that he wasn't like his Father...bc unlike him he actually cares about Dark magic users....like Espresso...*

*Espresso's eyes widened as the memory suddenly hit him, and he recalled the conversation that he and Madeleine had.*

Espresso: "No...No. No, no, no, no, no..!"

*He mumbled, almost to himself, suddenly getting up from the armchair he was sitting on and getting closer to the television, his expression now one of both concern and realization.*

*Latte and his parents' eyes followed as he got up, clearly alarmed by the sudden action.*

Latte: "Espresso..?"

Joseph: "What's happening to you, son..?"

*Meanwhile, Espresso continued to stare at the screen, his eyes fixated on the battle unfolding in front of him, his expression now completely solemn. His coffee mug was still resting in his hand, but he wasn't exactly paying it much attention at the moment.*

*No....he had to see him...he had to go there, now!*

*The realization of what he had to do dawned on Espresso, and he quickly turned around to the trio behind him, his eyes widened with determination.*

Espresso: "Sorry! I need to go now!"

*He hastily spoke, immediately bolting towards the front door without another word, ignoring the startled reactions and confused calls from his family members behind him. He didn't have time to explain himself as he slammed the door shut behind him.*

*Espresso hurriedly ran out of the house and started making his way towards the arena where the royal battle was taking place. His mind was racing with both thoughts and worry for Madeleine, his heart pounding in his chest with a mixture of concern and urgency.*

*Meanwhile, back at the house, Latte and his parents had been left behind, still reeling from his sudden departure.*

Joseph: "What was that all about...?"

Latte: "I...I'm not sure."

*Latte said, still looking at the front door from where Espresso had exited. She had a confused and puzzled expression on her face, not knowing what to think about Espresso's sudden departure.*

Joseph: "He ran off so suddenly... What could've possibly made him rush out like that..?"