"Princess, I've come to report on the current preparations."
I looked up from the documents on my desk as Eugene entered my office and handed me a detailed report on the situation.
"I see; is this all?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Eugene affirmed.
I groaned, rubbing my right temple.
"Very well, you may leave."
Eugene nodded, but before leaving, he turned back, "Don't overwork yourself; it wouldn't do anyone good if you fell ill," he advised.
I smiled, "I know," watching him leave.
The moment the door closed, I looked down at the report again. Troops were thinning by the minute, and if things stayed like this, it wouldn't be long before Glorian soldiers pushed through our borders. Invasion was imminent. I bit down at my nail, deep in thought.
What to do?
I doubted Father would give me command over the troops, even if I asked. But if we didn't make a move soon, the frontline wouldn't be able to push the Glorian army back for much longer. I looked at the report again. Three thousand! Over three thousand soldiers had died over the last week! At this rate, we won't be able to push them back. I pursed my lips, putting my hands together in prayer.
I'm sorry my comrades, I wasn't able to return you home. May your soul rest peacefully, please know your sacrifice was not in vain.
I groaned, leaning back in my chair, and stared at the ceiling for a moment. I needed a break. I got up and left my office.
I strolled down the familiar castle halls, occasionally walking past a servant or two. Preparations for the banquet would be complete soon.
I should visit Aliya and Angelo.
I turned onto the left corridor towards their quarters, hopeful they were doing well. With everything that had been happening lately, I was hopeful they were in a good state of mind. I arrived at a door with a golden handle.
I gently knocked on the door, "Aliya? Angelo? Are you there?" I asked.
No answer.
Maybe they're asleep, it is quite early, best not to bother them.
I pulled my hand away from the door and just as I was about to walk away, I heard a crash.
I turned back, grabbed the doorknob, and … opened the door.
The door is unlocked?
I entered the room, only to find no one there. The window was open, the handle smashed to pieces, and the leg of the bed had broken off. What happened here? My eyes darted around the room. The broken window handle lay abandoned on the floor, but the missing bed leg was nowhere to be seen. I walked up to the open window, and there it was: the missing bed leg, on top of a multitude of blankets tied together. When I looked back into the room again, a folded paper on the table caught my eye. I picked it up, unfolding it. It was a letter.
Hey, Althea, when you read this, I'll probably be gone. I just wanna say that I'm really sorry that we had to leave you and that I'll probably never come back. Please be careful. Oh, and don't worry about me; Minh is with me. That psycho always has some type of plan, so I'll be good. Please take care of yourself and don't work too hard. I hope we meet again one day!
- Aliya
I clutched the paper in my hands, reading it over to make sure I didn't read it wrong before a sigh left me.
She's gone?
And so abruptly. I knew that she wouldn't always be here, but she could have at least told me beforehand. I took a deep breath, folded the letter, and put it in my dress pocket. I left the room and closed the door on my way out.
I let my legs lead me as I walked down the hallway, still trying to organize my thoughts. That was until I came across Eugene conversing with another person.
Seems he's off duty; and... is that Commander Avery? Why is he here, isn't he supposed to be with the vanguard at the borders?
They seemed to be talking about something. I quickly hid behind a corner.
I'm fully aware eavesdropping is not becoming of a princess, but Ms. Anne isn't here to lecture me, so I suppose I'm in the clear.
"How have you been these days, Eugene?" the commander asked
"I've been doing well, Commander," Eugene answered, nodding.
"That's a relief; when I allocated my duties to you, I knew very well that you had some big shoes to fill," Commander said, patting Eugene's shoulder.
Eugene smiled, "What do you take me for, Commander?" he crossed his arms, pride showing on his face, "Your shoes aren't as big as you think they are."
"Is that attitude?" the Commander bantered, "Grown some balls, have you?"
"I suppose so," Eugene replied. Commander Avery chuckled, moving his gaze to the window.
"Well, I best be off, I have a report to send to His Majesty," the Commander stated.
Eugene nodded, saluting to him as the Commander left.
I waited behind the corner, making sure the Commander was gone. Then, I came out and approached Eugene, who had already noticed me.
He turned around, an eyebrow raised, "Were you eavesdropping?"
I smile at him, tilting my head, hands on my hips, "Now is that any way to speak to your princess?"
He smiled back at me, "I don't know, is it?" We stayed silent for a moment before we burst out laughing.
I composed myself, my chest feeling light. It was nice to talk to Eugene like this. With all the work that loaded onto us, I was afraid we'd never have the time to spend together like this.
I looked in the direction the Commander had gone, then turned to Eugene, "So Commander Avery has returned from the borders."
"Yes, but he'll return to the borders once he reports to His Majesty," Eugene explained.
"Well, that's a shame. I would've liked to speak with him about some matters regarding logistics in the vanguard," I pondered aloud.
Then I felt a pat on my shoulder.
"Next time," Eugene assured.
I nodded in agreement, "I suppose so." I yawned, the early morning finally getting to me. "I should return to my duties soon," I mentioned, "It was nice talking to you like this."
"Yes, it's been some time since we had a chance to speak freely," Eugene agreed looking out of the window, "Suppose I best be off as well." He started to walk away but then I called him.
He turned around, meeting my gaze, "Don't overwork yourself; it wouldn't do if you fell ill," I said.
Eugene grinned, "I know." He turned back, returning to his duties.
Once he was out of sight, I felt a wash of grief over me. I reached into my dress pocket feeling the letter Aliya had left behind.
I felt my heart sink; she's gone.
Based on the circumstances, I might never see her again. Though I had only known her for a few weeks, for some reason I had this pain in my heart knowing that that ball of sunshine would no longer be by my side. She had her brother to keep her safe, and although I disliked him, I knew well that Angelo wouldn't let Aliya into harm's way. For now, I could only pray that they were safe and happy, wherever they were.
I took a deep breath.
It's best not to dwell on this matter. I should return to my duties.
I made my way back to my office still holding the letter in my hands.
I should put this in a safe place, I would hate to lose it.
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Commander Avery stood in front of giant doors with two guards standing on either side. The two bowed, opening the doors to reveal a lavish throne room with white marbled floors, large glass stained windows, and a blue and gold carpet leading up to an extravagant throne cloaked in shadow.
The man sitting on said throne raised his head, lazily propping it with one hand, "Commander, how has the vanguard been treating you?"
Commander Avery stood at attention, "Very well, Your Majesty. Though our numbers have lessened, with the Golem in our arsenal, we'll be able to push back the Glorian soldiers."
"Very good. I'm glad it's serving you well," the King exulted, then yawned.
The Commander nodded. "However, it has been slowing down lately, and we'll need more lives to power it."
"I see…" His Majesty paused, deep in thought, "Then collect the criminals set to be executed. That should suffice for now."
"Understood, Your Majesty," Commander Avery nodded, bowing in respect before leaving.
"Commander."
He stopped, "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"How have the heroes fared?"
"From what I gather, they're progressing nicely," Commander Avery answered, his back still turned to the throne.
"Good. Once the banquet is over, you won't have to worry about the Golem running out of power anymore. Maybe you can finally take a break." His Highness suggested.
"That is the goal, Your Highness," the Commander replied.
The two guards opened the door, and the Commander exited the throne room. As the doors closed, he exhaled, calming himself. He walked down the halls heading towards the stables to fetch his horse, but as he walked, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Side Story Dated - 12 yrs
Father Do you Have Time for Me Today?
"Father, Father!" I beamed, running into Father's office with a sheet of paper in my hands, "Father, look! I passed my test!" I cheered, jumping up and down in my excitement.
Father nodded, not looking up from his documents. "That's good, now run along to your lessons," he said, gesturing to me to leave.
A frown slowly appeared on my face, "But you promised if I passed my test you'd finally spend time with me."
"Yes, yes, but another time; there's too much work to be done," he coldly answered, engrossed in his work.
I stepped closer, "But, you promised."
"Well some promises are meant to be broken, now leave."
"But-"
"Leave!" Father shouted with a loud bang, glaring at me.
I flinched, stepping back with my hands trembling.
I gulped down my fear, clenching my test paper, "Okay, I apologize for the inconvenience, Father. I will take my leave," I said, bowing before leaving.
The next day
Miss Anne was out sick today, so I didn't have any lessons. I went exploring the garden; as I turned the corner, I spotted Father and my elder brother, Colin.
Why is Father here? Didn't he say he was busy today?
Colin picked up a flower and handed it to Father. He happily took it, patting Colin on the head.
Father was… smiling?
Father had never smiled at me like that. Why is that? I stood where I was watching the scene. The two looked happy, really happy. As I watched, a thought surfaced in my head. Why couldn't Father be happy with me? Why couldn't he spend time with me, pat me on the head, smile at me like that?
I suppose that's when I knew… Father never liked me.
A/N
I'm really sorry I haven't been able to post any chapters. I promise I'll be able to get back on track. Please forgive me!