When You Return (The Lost Princess)

Chapter 12: War

Akali
I watch as the carriage rolls away, tears streaming down my cheeks. I place a hand to my mouth, sobbing quietly.
This is it. This may be the last time I ever see him.
I feel an arm wrap around my shoulder. "All will be well,"Eric's mother, Jaylynn, whispers, her voice choked with emotion.
"He could be killed,"I sob.
"Hush,"she replies. "Let us not think the worst. Eric is a strong and stubborn man. He will not let himself die." I nod, but still, I worry for his life.
She gives my shoulder a squeeze, turning and walking back into the palace. I sit atop the stairs, staring at the palace gates, wishing he would come back to me. My mind shuts down, thinking only of him.
I think of his light sandy hair, slightly curled against the edges of his face, his deep blue eyes that seem to glitter, his deep voice, charming and sweet. And then his scars, one marred across his chin, another at the corner of his left eyebrow, and finally, the newest, the one big one at his stomach, still bright red and angry.
I think of his solid form, bulky.
I think of his laughter, a deep mellowing sound, sweet and charming. And then his smiles. His charming, teasing smiles. I think of each one, for one does not only have one smile. I think of his cheerful one, his most used. His sad one that could pierce your soul. His forced one, one you will only notice if you knew him. His charming smile, the one that claimed my heart.
A tear streams down my cheeks.
I do not know how long I sat there, minutes, hours, my only thoughts were on Eric.
"My lady?"
I ignore the young maid, trying to feel Eric's spirit.
"My lady, her majesty wishes for you to come in and eat."
I continue staring ahead, again, ignoring the woman beside me. She soon leaves, mumbling under her breath.
My eyes water again, thinking of him in the war. I think of an arrow, piercing his heart, ending his life.
Again, my sobs echo, my heart in pain. Why did he have to leave me here alone? Why?
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Eric
It has been two weeks and three days since I left Kal. Two weeks and three days of misery.
I look down at my letter for her, hoping she will be comforted by it.
"Eric."
I turn to my brother, Robert.
He frowns. "Writing a letter?"
I nod, standing. "To Akali."
Robert scowls. "To your wife?"
"Who else?"
"Eric, ever since this woman came in your life, you act as a love sick hulagin. For all you know, she could be an actress, wanting the throne of Shania."
I sigh. "I know Osanna-"
"Don't you ever speak that name again!"he growls.
I continue. "Kal's not like that. I know her."
He seethes. "Did you not think I knew her too! Eric, you said it before. Women are all the same: arrogant and stupid. You swore you'd never fall under their trap."
"Before I met her,"I say.
"No, before you fell. This Akali has got you wrapped around her little finger. She feigns sweetness and love, but she is neither."
I narrow my eyes. "You had nothing against her before. I believe your hurt from Osanna is blinding your better judgement."
I brush past him, walking to camp to ready for battle.
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Rathina
I look down at my cloth, groaning silently. I always despised sewing.
It has been three weeks since I have been in Mytain, trying my best to win Queen Aria's approval. Hence the meaning of this cloth.
I sigh again, clamping my mouth shut.
"I see you are not a patient one,"she says, startling me. She has not spoken to me since arriving, only having servants speak for her.
I look into her eyes, shaking my head slightly. "No."
She nods, hinting a smile. "Much like myself, I see."
My brows raise, "Have you not been sitting here for hours on that?" I gesture to her own piece.
She sighs, setting it atop her lap. "Truthfully, I despise the woman who created such a chore."
My eyes widen. "Then why?"
She narrows her eyes at me. "To see my son's wife at her weakness."
I look down, shames burning my cheeks as I continue on my piece.
"Why do you continue to work with that when you so clearly hate it?"she asks again.
I look up briefly, "To prove myself worthy."
"Worthy of what, may I ask,"she snaps. I cringe at her bitterness.
"Your approval,"I whisper.
"Speak up."
"Your approval,"I say, louder this time.
Her eyes soften a little.
"Why do you need my approval when you clearly have Luke's?"
"Because it means a lot to Luke."
She looks away.
I look back down, my cloth forgotten as I think of Luke now. He has been quite different lately, more quiet and distant.
Yes, his mother's approval means a lot to him.
"You truly love him, don't you?"
I nod, looking up once again.
She grins slightly. "Who am I to forbid such a love? Go. Be with him. I could use a break myself."
My eyes widen, but I slowly stand walking to the door. I look back at her. "Thank you,"I say, walking out.
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Luke
I look down at the letter in my hands, my brows furrowed.
Your Majesty,
It has come to my notice that the people of your towns are starved, while the lords and ladies are fattening themselves with pastries. Just the other day, a lady of Trenton, nibbling on a pastry, when two children came upon her. The children were half starved, while the lady was wide around the waist. The children begged for some food, but the lady brushed past, nose in the air.
It is not my place to demand anything from you, but I believe something needs to change.
Sincerely,
Lady Diana
I groan, resting my head on my fingers, rubbing.
Hands gently rest on my shoulders, massaging deeply. I grin, relaxing against her sweet touch.
"I didn't hear you come in,"I say.
She chuckles, "I suppose it must be because you are focused."
I feel her lips on my head, then lowers to my ear, "Your head needs to relax."
I chuckle, taking one of her hands. I gently pull her to be in front of me, then onto my lap.
Her dark black hair cascades down her back in ringlets, edging her face. Her eyes sparkle with happiness, her wide grin confirming my thoughts.
"How are you, my love?"
"Your mother spoke with me today,"she answers. "She likes me, I think."
My grin widens as lean in closer, kissing her. "I knew she would,"I mumble, kissing her again. "You are a likable person."
She blushes, her smile beautiful and bright.
She looks down at my desk. "Are you busy?"
I sigh, reaching down and grabbing the letter. I read it aloud, and once I'm finished, I look at her.
She pauses, deep in thought.
"Let me go there,"she says.
I shake my head. "No. It's too dangerous. I will not put you at risk."
She sighs in frustration. "What are you going to do? You cannot just do nothing, and you do not know enough to do something about it."
I nod. "What you say is true, but I will not let you go. I will go there myself."
She raises a brow. "The people know you. They know your face and it will be a lot harder to know what to do unless the people don't know who you are."
I growl, forking my fingers through my hair, "There has to be another way."
"Luke,"she says, taking my hand in hers. "It is the best way. I can take a guard to keep me safe."
"Will not the people wonder why you have a guard beside you?"
"He could feign my brother. I will be fine."
I sigh, giving in. "I am coming with you."
She raises a brow. "They will recognize you."
"I care not. I am not leaving you alone. Not after what happened in Albis."
Her eyes change, sadness creeping in. I pull her close once more. "I will never let something like that happen again. I promise you."
She nods, placing her hand on my heart. "Oh, Luke, I do not even know half of it. Kallie is alone in Shania, after losing her baby, and possibly her husband."
I rub my hand down her spine in a soothing comfort, listening quietly.
"I wish there were something I could do to help her."
I nod, kissing her head. "I know, love,"I whisper. "I know."