The Next Day
Orius received Iria's message through the Master Enaerion and the Duke wasn't that excited to see his sister. Not after what happened!
It was noon. Orius and Valerie, along with Andres and Ophelia and some guards were on their way to Qalagon and they expect to reach the palace before sunset. They left Helsia through another path which they had never known before. The ex-officials told them about it and it turned out that even Zaro Aventine or his soldiers haven't explored the path.
Zane stayed behind along with some guards and 100 specially selected soldiers from the private army who arrived a few days ago. He will aid the ex-officials and keep the Crown Prince informed.
"What will we say to Iria?" Orius asked Andres who was riding a horse beside him. Valerie and Ophelia were riding a carriage.
"I don't know," the Crown Prince sighed. "She wants us to see her and I think that guard informed her everything in detail. She will be so worried and disappointed."
"I don't expect us to mess up," Orius said in a low voice.
"But we still succeed. The ex-officials will start everything tomorrow." With a little smirk, Andres continued, "From tomorrow onwards, Zaro Aventine will never live in peace."
"That's tomorrow," the Duke of Larica bluntly commented. "While our problem will start today. The palace is just a few hours away."
Andres thought about it and let out a sigh. "You're right. Let's reach there first. We will know it soon."
*
When Elian informed the Queen of her family's arrival, the Queen quickly walked out of her chamber. After greeting both Valerie and Ophelia with her usual calm smile, she let the servants escort the two women to the chamber prepared for them. Then Orius and Andres followed her to her chamber.
On their way, the two men felt like they were a child who was about to be scolded by their mother. Not to mention that Iria was the youngest among them!
Why was her aura so formidable?!
It was just as they expected...
"What do you think you are doing?!" Iria promptly snapped once the door was closed. "Going there is already dangerous enough for both of you and you even took Ophelia and Valerie! Are you crazy?"
Orius and Andres exchanged glances with each other as they didn't know what to say. It's not like Iria was wrong!
They had no excuse.
The silence only frustrated the Qalagon Queen and she glanced at her twin brother. "Orius."
"I'm sorry," the Duke quickly said. "I should have thought clear."
He knew that it was a dangerous and risky idea when Andres suggested bringing the Crown Princess and Valerie along but... maybe he didn't think they will really experience that.
Not to mention that it was Iria's men and Ophelia's guard who came to their rescue! Then he just realized that Crown Prince Augustus will be much worse than Iria!
What would they do?!
At this rate, the Emperor and Empress will surely know it too!
"What will you do if anything happened to Valerie or Ophelia?" the Queen asked in a surprisingly calm voice. She made a deliberate pause and said, "You shouldn't have acted that rash. I already said that I don't want anyone to suffer because of me again. Losing Rion is enough."
"But we can't just be still after knowing your condition, Iria," Andres argued. "If you were in our shoes and if you're in a position to do some damage, I'm sure that you will do the same."
"This is why I don't want you to know, Andres," Iria muttered.
"You should learn to rely on us," the Crown Prince said, trying to sound as firm as he could. "Even if you can't do, we can do anything for you. What happened in Helsia was a mistake and it won't happen again. Trust us with that."
Orius stared at his sister who was standing still with narrowed eyes. Then he walked towards her and held her in the upper arm. "I know we're wrong but Andres also has a point, Iria. Don't assume the worst and trust us. You should know that we're willing to do anything for you."
The Masked Commander was never a pessimist but... that day in the Serene Valley, everything changed and her mindset was not an exception.
When Rion told her that he will protect her no matter what, she never expect it to turn to reality. She never thought that they will reach that point and that he will really lay down his life to protect her.
With the uncertainty of life, she was scared that she will have to go through the same thing again.
Losing Orius or Andres or anyone because of her will be another hell.
"We already start the war for you," Andres said to her in a calm voice. "Just sit and watch until the Jerivian King lost all his strength. Then we will hand him to you so that you can pay him back for everything he did."
"We won't fail, Iria," Orius added. "What you fear won't happen. Please trust us."
Iria Helev stood still with many things crossing her mind. Finally, she turned her back at the two men. "You must be tired. Go and rest first."
"Iria -"
"Give me some time," she muttered. "There are so many things going on these days and I'm tired."
So many things?
Andres and Orius glanced at each other as they wondered what she was talking about. Then it just occurred to them that Arin wasn't here though the sun had already set.
What happened?
Believing that it would be best to ask her later, the two men walked out of the room with reluctance.
Standing alone in the huge chamber, Iria thought of all the mess surrounding them. Of course, Crown Prince Emor also troubled her.
What if he didn't make it?
On the other side, it was Arin who was making his way to the province near the northern border. She really hoped that he will be fine......
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