The Fate In Us

Chapter Fourteen

Stirlana Kingdom

It took the group two whole days to travel to Stirlana. Both Zahannah and Cleremunda were uneasy- Zahannah couldn't believe that her own flesh and blood helped plan this evil war, while Cleremunda just missed Alexander and wanted his love.

Stirlana was just as silent as the other kingdoms, since nearly the entire population was dead. The flowers were withered and dead, which made Zahannah frown as she picked one up. It crumbled in her hand, then blew out from a gust of wind. The palace lights shone the brightest, showing quite a difference from the other dark and deserted areas. Hugo was close besides Callista, trying to act as tough as he could. She was mute. Her jaw was clenched and she looked very serious.

Zahannah's face suddenly paled. "We have to hide. Quickly." Almon's eyes darted to her. She grabbed Almon's hand and pulled him behind a dead bush. Cleremunda quickly shoved Callista and Hugo to the ground, then hid besides them. Jamettus was extremely confused, but followed Zahannah's orders. Callista's eyes moved around as she laid in silence. A group of soldiers trudged past them. Most of the men looked tired and pissed.

One was speaking. "Damn Alexander is making us look around for any living royalty."

Another snorted. "They're all probably dead."

Zahannah's fists clenched. Almon put his hand over hers. She took a quiet, shaky breath and grabbed it.

"Can someone repeat the orders?" A whimpy boy called from the back of the line.

"Find any living royalty and bring them to Alexander and General. If we see Princess Zahannah, execute her on the spot."

Cleremunda froze, sending a look to Zahannah. She was shaking in fear. Almon held onto her hand. Callista's face formed a scowl.

"Ah." They eventually passed, then disappeared. Zahannah began to sob as soon as she rose to her feet. Almon pulled her into his arms.

"I won't let them touch you, Zahannah."

"I can't believe Alex said that! He wants me dead!" She wailed. "My own brother!"

Cleremunda's expression was full of pain. How could he do something like this? Almon wouldn't let go of Zahannah. Callista looked beyond pissed.

"We need to keep moving," Zahannah finally managed to say, wiping away her tears. "We have to talk to Alex, even if he kills me. This must be stopped."

Almon leaned down and kissed her softly, then let go of her. She smiled weakly at him.

"Good God," Hugo choked out. "I can hardly breathe here. The air is so polluted."

Zahannah frowned. "I know." Callista turned to Cleremunda. She had her back to everyone, refusing to look at them since tears were rolling down her cheeks.

"Clere."

"Yes, Callista?"

"Look at me."

Cleremunda didn't move. Callista stepped in front of her. "What, Callista?" Cleremunda had forced her tears to stop. She stared at her for a moment, then turned around and walked away. Hugo grabbed Callista's hand.

"We're so close to this war being finished," he whispered.

"The damage will never be fixed," she replied in a cold tone, holding his hand tightly.

"I-I know, but at least we'll be alive."

"I don't know."

"Don't speak like that," Cleremunda said from behind them. "We will live."