“Maricar, what are you doing here, sis?” Allie asked, a mix of confusion and concern evident in her voice.
Maricar’s face softened, and she gestured toward the hospital bed. “Allie, you need to look at Rainier.”
Allie’s gaze shifted to the man lying on the bed, his face ashen and strained. “What happened?” she asked, her voice laced with worry as she gently pulled away from her sister’s embrace. “And why did you come here?”
Maricar glanced at the two unfamiliar faces by the bed. “We followed you. But we never thought we’d end up here, in this situation,” she replied.
Allie’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You guys shouldn’t have come,” she said, her tone softer now, more concerned than reprimanding. She moved closer to Rainier, who managed a faint smile, though it was interrupted by a painful wince.
“What happened to him? Why is he in so much pain?” Allie asked, searching Maricar’s face for answers.
“He was poisoned,” answered Jhosie, one of the guards. “We found them wandering the city. Because they’re foreigners, we detained them, but... things took an unexpected turn.”
Rainier’s complexion was pale, his breaths shallow. He seemed to grow weaker with every passing moment.
“Allie, they have no idea what kind of poison has affected Rainier. They also don’t have any remedy for him. We’re… we’re really worried,” Maricar’s voice wavered, a flicker of fear crossing her eyes as she glanced at Rainier.
Allie turned her attention to Rainier’s two companions, remembering she had seen them with him before. Her sister introduced them. “This is Kim,” she said, pointing to a young woman with short hair and a hardened gaze. “And Tam,” she added, indicating the man beside Kim, who had a delicate and refined appearance.
“Are you both alright?” Allie asked, glancing between them.
“We’re fine, but it’s Rainier who isn’t,” Kim replied sharply, her voice edged with impatience and concern.
Allie gently took Rainier’s hand in hers, offering a soft smile despite the worry clouding her expression. Meanwhile, Maia watched silently, her gaze steady.
“Hey…” Allie’s voice was a whisper, her words almost a plea. She forced a reassuring smile at Rainier.
“Are you okay?” Rainier asked, his voice barely audible as he gazed up at her.
“I should be the one asking you that,” she replied softly.
Rainier chuckled weakly, his eyes reflecting a sliver of his usual spirit. “I’m… okay, now that I know you’re safe. We were all so worried about you.”
Allie’s heart clenched at his words, the weight of his loyalty and friendship pressing upon her. She turned to Jhosie and Rollieh, desperation seeping into her voice. “Isn’t there any medicine or cure that can help him?”
Rollieh shook his head slowly. “I’m truly sorry, Your Highness, but we’ve exhausted all our resources. No magic we possess can heal him.”
Allie’s jaw tightened as she fought against the surge of helplessness. “What about my grandmother? Does she… know something?” she asked, her hope rekindling slightly. The guards exchanged uncertain glances.
“The queen might be able to help,” Jhosie replied.
“I’ll summon Her Majesty,” Maia offered, stepping forward.
“Thank you, Maia,” Allie said with genuine gratitude as Maia hurried out of the room.
A few moments later, the queen arrived, regal and composed, her expression softening when she took in the scene. Allie explained Rainier’s condition, setting aside her resentment and the strained relationship with her grandmother in the hope of saving her friend.
The queen gently checked Rainier’s pulse, her face contemplative. After a tense silence, she finally spoke. “He’s been poisoned by dark magic.”
A shiver ran through the room, and Allie felt her heart sink. “Can you heal him?” she asked, a flicker of hope in her voice.
The queen shook her head slowly. Disappointment filled the room, a quiet despair settling over everyone.
“But there may be a way to save him,” the queen added.
Allie’s eyes widened. “What is it? Please tell me!”
The queen looked at her, her gaze somber yet resolute. “A mermaid’s tears.”
Allie furrowed her brow, taken aback. “But… Your Majesty, mermaids were wiped out twenty years ago. We couldn’t possibly—”
“There is one mermaid still alive,” the queen interrupted. “She is the daughter of the late King Eidon.”
“Princess Merideth,” Maia spoke softly, a look of recognition dawning on her face.
The queen nodded. “You knew her, Maia. You were close friends when you were younger.”
Rollieh’s eyes widened. “But Your Majesty, where is she now?”
The queen’s expression darkened. “She’s been enslaved by a ruthless Prime Minister in the Kingdom of Kimr.”
A determined light flickered in Allie’s eyes. “Then we’ll find her and ask for her help.”
The queen sighed. “It’s not that simple, Allie. Once someone is enslaved, their life belongs to their master. The Prime Minister… he’s a cruel man, the same man who ordered the massacre of Merideth’s family.”
Allie’s heart clenched, but her resolve only strengthened. “Even so, I have to try. If there’s a chance to save Rainier, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
The queen studied her granddaughter, her face a mix of pride and concern. “Take Jhosie and Rollieh with you. Use my royal ring as payment if needed,” she said, her tone solemn.
“I’m going with them,” Allie declared firmly, refusing to leave her friend’s life in others’ hands.
“No, Alessandra! It’s too dangerous. If they realize who you are, your life could be at risk.”
Allie’s gaze didn’t falter. “Maia can protect me. Besides, I need to understand this world, to see it with my own eyes. If I can save Rainier… maybe I can help save this world too.”
The queen’s expression softened, a hint of pride in her eyes. “You’re starting to remind me of your mother. Very well, then. Zen will accompany you as well.”
Allie’s heart swelled with determination. They had three days to reach Merideth and return with the only hope to save Rainier.
YOU ARE READING
𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏- 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇
Fantasy(FULL ENGLISH VERSION) An eighteen-year-old girl is transported to another world-a world on the brink of collapse, and only she holds the key to saving it. ***** Allie was just an ordinary teenage girl. Though she didn't always get along with her si...
