Blood King

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

            When Celina returned to the castle she was greeted by her brother, who gave her a nearly bone crushing hug as he held her protectively to his broad chest, and he showed no signs of letting go of her any time soon.

            “Brother you’re crushing me…” she squeaked.

            “I should crush you in my arms,” he pulled away and placed his hands along the sides of her face. “Do you have any idea how dangerous that was to jeopardize your life the way you did?”

            “I know but, don’t you ever feel the same, when it comes to the lives of those who live in our kingdom.”

            “I do Celina, by the Gods I do. But if I ever lost you, to me it’d be like losing everything, that nothing would be worth anything to me anymore if you were gone from my life. I could never bear to lose you, and if I did, I don’t know what I’d do.” He hugged her once more. “I care for this kingdom, but I care for you more, so please don’t scare me like that ever again.”

            She hugged him back. “I’ll try, though I have been told I am a lot like you.”

            “Really? In what ways are you like me exactly?”

            “You and I think of others first before ourselves, we both speak aloud of what we think even though it may not be the wisest decision and… um…”

            He hugged her again. “And we both enjoy being in each other’s company?”

            She laughed as he picked her up and spun her around before putting her back down again. “Yes, that as well.” then her humor sobered. “I am sorry for what I have done, truly I am but I just could not sit back and allow an innocent to die because of me.”

            “I understand, I never liked it ether but there will come a time where many will risk their lives to protect you, even if you do not wish it, for you are the Princess, and as such your life must come first above all else. Do you understand my meaning?”

            “I do,”

            “Prince Xavier,” the two turned to see General Ares of the Gold Tiger Knights, dressed in the cloths of a noble but still had his sword sheathed to his belt. His long deep red hair tied back in a ponytail as he had a stern look in his light brown eyes his stature was almost like that of a small giant. With a muscular build that was easily seen through the movement of his body and how his cloths nearly strained to keep together.

            “General Ares,” Xavier stated with a slight nod.

            The man was about to speak but then saw Celina and smiled at her with gentleness. “Good afternoon Princess Celina, I had heard you and your handmaidens took care of a bunch of bandits that was very brave of you.”

            She smiled with slight embarrassment. “Thank you sir,”

            Xavier then drew the General’s attention. “You wish to speak with me?”

            His attention returned to the Prince. “Yes, although…”

            Xavier then looked to his sister. “Celina could you go to your chambers for a while, I’ll be there in a moment.”

            “Okay,” she looked to the General. “It’s good to see you again General Ares.”

            “To you as well Princess,” when Celina curtsied and left Ares turned his attention back to the Prince who was looking at Celina’s shrinking form as she then disappeared behind a corner. “Are you truly troubled by what she had done your Majesty?”