Naroaika

Chapter 14

The Celeste Mansion was unusually noisy early in the morning. I got up and met Harl who was hurriedly walking towards father's office.

"What’s going on?"

"The Duke was suddenly called by the King as the Elios Knights led by General Oyir and Duke Al have returned to the capital." He said.

'Al has returned?' Without wasting another second, I went to the office along with Harl.

"Father, I must go along with you." I said.

"Very well, but we must leave now." He replied.

I hurried back to my room and got changed. Soon, we left to the Royal Palace. My heart was thumping wildly, but I didn’t let my face show any emotion.

• • •

~Meanwhile, at the Royal Palace~

“Excellent work on flushing out the outlaws from the outskirts of Azalea.” The King spoke. “There haven’t been much casualties except for the loss of five of our knights and some injured but the goal has been achieved. I congratulate all of you.” 

He then turned to Al. “I shall make sure that the best doctors of Gardenia examine you and ensure for your recovery.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Al knelt before the King.

At the side of the King sat Kai who excused himself after the King spoke. 

‘That lowlife wasn’t able to kill him!’ He gritted his teeth in anger. ‘I have to come up with something else.’

As Kai stood there, he saw Al coming towards his way. They exchanged looks for a second as Al passed by him.

“Congratulations on another victory, Lord Al.” Kai said.

Al turned back at him. “That’s unusual coming from you, Crown Prince. You better be the one leading the army the next time.” He replied. Soon after, he saw Jerinah from a distance and smiled.

Kai was furious on what Al had told him. “Are you trying to get on my nerves?” He growled.

“Why would I even do that?" He shrugged. "Anyways, I'll take my leave, I forgot something important back there.” 

Al went back to the direction he came from as he left Kai burning hot with anger.

‘I will make sure you do not return back alive the next time.’

• • •

We finally reached the Royal Palace. Father was called in by the King into his chamber along with the other nobles while I wondered where I would find Al. I went around the hallway but didn’t find him. 

“Jerinah.”

I stopped in my tracks as I heard my name. I definitely knew who it was.

‘Al!’ 
I turned around to see him standing there; his body was covered in bandages. 

“I’m back.” He said as he smiled.

I ran towards him the next second and embraced him. I never felt so relieved in my entire life that I cried. 

“Don’t cry.” He said gently rubbing my head.

As I calmed down, we sat down on a nearby bench. He told me everything that had happened while they were there and that after they returned to the main town of Azalea, he went to Azlo to tell him about the retrieval of his tower.