The King's Bride (Book 1 of Midnight Cinderella)

Chapter 11 : Unseen Air

I knew this would happen. But I didn't know it'll happen this fast.

"You're Majesty! The pier!" Albert yelled to me and I darted my head to the direction of the pier. Truth be told, the bandits can be seen out in the open, scurrying towards boats and scaring away the people. Actually, they can't be called as simple bandits. They are rebels, terrorists, even.

"My Lord, could it be...?" Alberts voice trailed off and I gave him a knowing look.

"What else could it be?" I said, and I nudged my horse forward.

Our horses ran fast, as if it was chasing the wind itself. The air slapped me harshly, and I felt the urge to move faster, and so I flicked the reins, making the horse neigh and ran even faster. I was almost positive it could break through the sound barrier.

They ran through the wooden planks that held together the bridge. I looked around and felt a wave of relief wash over me. Good thing there arent many civilians around. This makes things easier. My horse ran faster at his own will probably by the sight of the rebels scampering around on boats. I jumped off my horse and quickly drew my sword, charging straight to them.

"Hold it right there!" I said and I am positive they noticed, although ignoring me. "This is an order from your King." I said. I hate using my titles in things like this, but I have no choice this time. They are being stubborn.

The rebels looked at me and I sheathed my sword, showing that I come in peace. One wrong move, and these people might actually destroy the town nearby. A large, buff man scoffed and walked towards me, puffing out his chest. "You? A king? Boy, you will never be our King." He said.

I groaned as I replayed that scene over and over inside my head. They were rebelling against me. Against my reign. It's already obvious that who their ringleader is. But then I didn't think they would be strong enough to launch an attack right under my nose. I couldn't believe it. And this is such a crucial time too, since Ianne, a bride candidate, is currently in the country.

The door of my office opened, and I saw Albert open with a bucng of papers and manuscripts on his hand. I sighed and motioned for him to come in. He closed the door gently and walked towards my table, putting the paper in fron of me. It was the records of rebellions and terrorist attacks in the past. I looked up at my right hand man.

"Albert, I don't need this. I already know who they are. I don't need to srudy their relativity." I said and pushed the papers almost to the edge of the table. He, however, put it back to its proper place.

He looked at me sharply. "I believe His Majesty focused on economics and battle strategies during his crown prince days, but now in this time, I believe it is also the perfect time to learn about the different rebel groups. After all, their leader knows pretty well about this, and might use it against you." he said.

I massaged my temple and leaned back on my chair. That's impossible. "No, he couldn't have sunk so low as to use a rebel group's tactic." I said.

"Their leader has sunk even lower than dirt. How could we not expect him to sink even lower? To the deepest pits of hell itself? Sire, there's no can damage done if you would browse the records. It's better to lunge into battlefield prepared with the best cannons, than march into the battlefield naked." he said.

And what Albert told me struck hard. Hes right. I cant believe I still have it in me to trust that the damn ringleader after all hes done.

"Sire." Albert said and I looked up. He pursed his lips and slightly looked away before turning to me again. "Lady Elizabeth... we met her before didnt we?" he asked.