The Seven Deadly Kingdoms

Chapter 19

Adelaide stood at the beginning of an overgrown path that would supposedly lead her to the road located on her map. The path was narrow and sprinkled with yesterday's snow. The long limbs of sleeping trees hung overhead, allowing the sun's golden beams to pass through the empty branches. Overturned stones sat on the path, bright green moss showing how long it had been since anyone had traversed them.

Adelaide's stomach felt a tad uneasy as she looked down the path. The camp she had inhabited for nearly three months was the farthest she had ever been from her dear home, but at least she hadn't been alone. Now, she would travel to a kingdom she had never stepped foot in completely on her own.

Strangely, the thought of going on this journey by herself didn't frighten her. During her time at the camp, her eyes had been opened to a whole new world she hadn't known about. She discovered what life beyond her corner of the world was like, the highs and the lows. In a way, she felt like a new person. She had been small-minded and innocent when she arrived at the camp. She now felt older; wiser. And she hadn't even ventured out of the camp.

Adelaide considered herself lucky that she hadn't been thrown into battle like so many of her peers. The first wave of soldiers had been sent to the fronts over a month ago, and few had returned. Extollentiam had been the most prosperous kingdom, with a sturdy military, and yet something had sent back its men in shreds. The thought of what could have possibly done such a thing scared Adelaide into becoming grateful for her new position.

A rustling noise caused Adelaide to return to reality. She glanced to her right and left, assuming it was only a rabbit or squirrel. When the noise sounded again, Adelaide realized what she had been hearing was distant footsteps, crushing the crisp winter leaves under their feet. Adelaide didn't turn to see who the person was, assuming Flora and Hanson had arrived to send her off as planned. She closed her eyes, instead choosing to take in the beautiful sounds of nature. Birds chirped their early morning song, and little critters climbed up trees to find refuge.

The person approached Adelaide, stopping only a few steps behind her. They sighed. The husky sound was familiar to Adelaide, though she couldn't pinpoint why. Curious, she turned her head to see who it was. She gasped as her eyes landed on the man. Dark curls and forest-green eyes pierced her heart. Her chest tightened as the air flew out of her lungs. The salt of her tears tickled her lips as she feared she might be hallucinating.

"Henry?"

Henry stood in front of Adelaide. Brows furrowed and a tired smile graced his face as his shoulders slumped. "Adelaide.." He whispered, staying in place. Adelaide noticed his leg was fully healed. She walked towards him until she was merely inches from his face. She reached a hand up and touched his cheek, making sure she wasn't dreaming. She let out a small breath when her skin met his, and he leaned into her touch. "Henry..?" She locked eyes with him, and she came back to her senses, almost screeching in excitement. She hurled herself into his chest, wrapping her arms around his torso. He laughed and picked her up, spinning her around.

"Adelaide!! You have no idea how difficult it's been to get to you. I've been roaming around this camp for over a week trying to find you! I've missed you so, so much." Henry put her down, hugging her tightly to his chest and planting a kiss on the top of her head.

"Oh, my dear baby sister. Why on earth did you do this to me?! Why would you risk your life like that??" He broke the embrace, shaking her shoulders and furrowing his brows. "I spent two and a half months in my bed, wanting to end it all at the thought of you going to war because of me. The only reason I lived was because of the hope that you might come home. And the second I made a full recovery, I came for you. Why did you do this to me, Adelaide?" Henry's eyes pooled with tears, and Adelaide's heart broke in two. She had known that taking Henry's place in this war would probably have this effect on him. She had never expected that he would have come back for her, though.