Th13rteen

Chapter 48

Th13rteen

Chapter 48

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Alex...

I was pissed. I couldn't sleep, again.

"Just one damn night, I'd like to be able to fall asleep." I grumbled, turning onto my right side and pulling the wool blanket over my head. It was still weird to me that even though I liked to be cold, I preferred to be warm at night.

Aurelia's pretty, golden brown eyes popped into my head, causing a dorky smile to play on my lips.

Great, now sleep is definitely gone.

I was so sore after all the intense training I've been doing with William and all the guards these past couple weeks. I've gotten really good though, and I'm much more confident with my abilities.

You'd think I'd be so tired from everything that I would knock out easily, but nooooo. Aurelia has to fill every crook of my brain. Which is totally fine, but can she fill my dreams instead so I can sleep?

Just as I finally started to lull myself to sleep, right before I finally knocked out, I heard a bunch of commotion outside. There was shouting, and loud footsteps were approaching my bedroom.

Feeling confused, I groggily sat up at the same time my door flew open.

A man I didn't recognize stood in my doorway, panting heavily. Within seconds, my guards had him surrounded and handcuffed. Will stepped in front of him with his sword raised.

"Who are you, and how dare you barge into the castle, let alone the Prince's room this way?"

I stood up, not caring if I only had sweatpants on. "What's going on?" I cautiously took a step forward.

"This man came through the portal room, and started gallivanting around the castle as if he owned the place." Will sneered, not taking his eyes off his prisoner.

The man's eyes met mine. I saw nothing but fear and worry. There was no sign of malicious intent.

"Take him to the dungeon. The Queen shall deal with him in the morning."

He continued to stare at me. It was clear he had seen something terrible and had something to say, but he was too in shock, unable to speak a word.

Just as the guards started to drag him away, I caught sight of the peony flower on his left breast pocket. Peonies symbolize honor.

Peonies were something that Aurelia loved seeing all her guards wear.

"Stop! Stop, he's from the 13th Kingdom!" I shouted, briskly running forward.

The guards halted in their steps, and Will turned to me with a questioning look. "How do you know?"

"The flower on his jacket," I pointed, "Aurelia has all the guards wear that."

Will seemed satisfied by my knowledge, and nodded at the guards. They released the handcuffs, but remained close.

Before William could ask anything, I attacked the man with questions. "Why are you here? What's going on? Is Aurelia alright?" Every question left my chest feeling heavier.

He still looked terrified as he opened his mouth, trying to formulate words.

"What is going on here?" My mother came down the hall in her royal night gown, yawning out of tiredness, clearly having been awoken.