The Princess and The Bandit

FIVE

* * *

To reach Weiss Tower, home of the coven of the fae sisters, one must pass through the kingdom of Zaragoza and through the Black Mountain. Weiss Tower is the place where witches, and wizards as well, are frequently gathered. The coven of the fae sisters is the oldest order of witches and has known to be the most powerful as well.

But they are also famed for their aloofness.

The furthest she has been through outside Arcadia's territories past the western borders, is the faerie kingdom of Zaragoza. She had never reached the passes of the Black Mountain, and it feels a bit daunting just thinking about it. There are many tales of doom associated with that place.

She was just a child back then, very easily charmed by the winged creatures of magic called faeries. Her father was an ally of the faerie queen and has come to her aid when apparently during that time, the kingdom was being threatened by a dark faerie who's inciting a civil war and stole the crown from the reigning queen.

During that time, Emperor Michael has come to queen Sinu's rescue at her humble request. Princess Lauren was so young back then but her father wanted her to see and learn from how he handle missions with foreign kingdoms, especially kingdoms that have magical powers in them, just like his father has done before. He wanted her to see for herself, understand the many different cultures and customs of the many different creatures of this world as early as possible. But she was too young to remember specific details of that time and the most that she can remember clearly anyway was how beautifully enchanting fire faeries are and the amazing feeling of being in a village full of different sorts of creatures.

Now, the princess isn't sure of the path she's following because it had been a very long time ago since. Besides, when her father took her to that faerie travel, along with their imperial guards with them, they all flew on the mighty backs of the griffins. It was an exhilarating experience for her child self; she remembered how petrified her mom was watching her fly along with such mighty beast and her father just laughed off her worries. He had so much faith in her even when she was very young. Her mother flew closely to her, worried she might fall off her saddle.

It was a fond memory to look back, even though details of that particular time was quite vague. It was the memory of going on an adventure with her parents that brought tears to her eyes for the nth time that day.

Princess Lauren had been travelling with her horse for two days and two nights now, and in those couple of days, she kept going back to the memory of her parents' bloodied lifeless bodies. She keeps seeing it all in her head.

The shiny glint of Brad's sword, the blood that stained it, the men that attacked and chased after her and Shawn. She keeps wondering what has become of him. She refuses to think of the grand possibility that he might just be dead like her parents. Or that he was being tortured to reveal her whereabouts.

If Brad had a common sense, he should assume that she's hiding out in the imperial temple. It is the only place within the imperial city that cannot be entered by anyone except for the high priestess and the imperial ruling family. But if he knew her at all, he should know that she's coming for his traitorous and murderous ass.

He should be worried for his life.

So far, she hasn't encountered any suspicious beings just yet. Even if she has a feeling that Brad may have sent every single one of his henchmen to search for her. She had been vigilant, despite the many things that worry her mind.

Princess Lauren understands that with her parents gone, a huge responsibility has fallen on her shoulders. Her people expects a wise and strong noble leader, much better than any of her predecessors. A large sovereign land consisting of twelve kingdoms, seventy two cities and seven islands expect her protection and governance. A group of advisors who expects her to continue the Jauregui lineage in accordance to the tradition and religious laws.