Chapter 42: Pledge

“Hey!” Emil said, frowning. “How dare you raise your voice at the princess - !” he said and was about to grab Michele when I stopped him.

“It’s okay.” I said, then faced Michele. “You… I’ll let this pass since I understand what you feel. My decision may seem rash and irrational – “ I said.

Phillix sighed. Chris shook her head. Oril face-palmed and Rio frowned. Vice just smiled. I smiled back at her, reassuring her.

“That’s not it, Your Highness - !” Emil said, still feeling unresolved because of Michele’s impudence. “What you said is right yesterday - !” he told me.

I sighed and closed my eyes as I remember what happened yesterday.

Flashback

“What?!” the West king said, shocked and angry. “Are you really taking this seriously, East princess?!” he asked, his veins popping in his forehead.

I kept my face as serious as possible. “Yes.” I answered. “And my decision is final. I’m only taking my friends with me. No one else.” I told him, my gaze and voice firm.

“Your friends…” he said and looked at them one by one. He smirked. “You’re overestimating them, East princess.” He said as he turned back to me. “They can’t compare to my whole army – “ he said, his face smug.

“Your whole army?” I said. “It seems they’re the ones you’re overestimating.” I said, lifting my chin high. “They’re nothing compared to my friends – “ I said, my voice filled with confidence as I looked at Vice, Emil, Rio, Oril, Chris and Phillix.

“You really are not taking this situation seriously!” the West king said, enraged.

My friends are just quiet. Even Phillix.

“My son, as well as the two kingdoms are in grave danger!” the West king yelled. “Why can’t you understand that?” he asked.

“You’re the one who doesn't understand.” I said. “That’s why I’m taking them since this’ll be dangerous.” I told him. “You dare sacrifice your ordinary people.” I said, my voice is filled with anger. I rose from my seat. “I would understand if they are all knights, but I know they are all not.” I said.

I found out from Emil that the army of the West Kingdom are all just their ordinary citizens. Only a few of them have undergone proper training to be a knight – like Michele.

My expression softened. “I understand how you feel. It’s your son, and only child and heir.” I said. “That’s why I’m helping you to save him, and to fulfill the prophecy.” I explained. “But if I just had my own people who are capable enough to face the dangers I’ll be facing and I could entrust my life with them, then I’d willingly choose them rather than sacrifice those who aren’t prepared enough to face the evil king.” I told him.

The West king sighed, indicating he lost. “I… I understand.” He said and leaned on his chair. He looked tired. “I’m sorry.” He said. “Michele, you go with them.” He told Michele.

“What?!” Michele said, shocked. “But Your Majesty - !” he protested.

“You trained all your life to protect my son.” The West king said. “This is the time.” He said.

“Your Majesty…” Michele said, obviously unwilling.

The West king patted his head. “You’ve done enough to protect me. This time, you’re going to protect my son.” He said. “I’ll be fine in the kingdom. I have my people there to protect me.” he told him to reassure him.

Michele sighed, then bowed. “I… I comply.” He said, gave up.

…

“I, Chris the elf, am pledging loyalty to Her Highness, the East princess, on the day we made our friendship.” Chris said while kneeling and lowering her head. “I pledge my loyalty, and will protect her with all my life, and will make her safe every time. I pledge to protect what she protects.” She said. She looked up to me and smiled. “That’s why, princess. Don’t worry. You’ve got an elf to protect your back.” She told me.

“I, Oril, a knight, pledge to protect the East kingdom, and everyone in the East kingdom, from the day Her Highness the East Princess Yelena, took me in.” Oril said and bowed and knelt. “I pledge my loyalty to Her Highness, the East Princess, Yelena.” He said and raised his head.

I’m expecting a smile, but I knew better. He only smiles at Rio.

Emil smiled and bowed down to me. “I pledge to protect the East kingdom, and everyone living in the East kingdom, together with the trees and the bees – oww!” he cried when Oril hit him. He chuckled and cleared his throat before he continued. “I pledge my loyalty, and will fulfill my duty as a knight, and your friend – “ he said and raised his head. “Princes Yelena!” he called and grinned widely.

“Woah! That’s the first time I’ve seen you so serious – oww! Ow!”Oril cried when Emil grabbed his neck.

“Yelena.” Phillix said and looked at me. He smiled and knelt, and bowed down before me. “I was created by the great sage, and so I became her son, bound to protect and guide the country she created, and the one who’ll fulfill the prophecy.” He said. “But – “ he raised his head and smiled. “I’m going with you and protecting you with all I have – as your best friend.” He said and smiled.

“Hey - ! that’s my position! I’m his best friend - !” Rio said, glaring at Phillix, then sighed. She looked at me and frowned. She crossed her arms. “I don’t want to do that.” she said, and pouted.

She’s referring to kneeling and bowing. She has always been proud.

Then she suddenly sighed and smiled softly. She took a step back. She put her hand on her back, and the other hand on her chest. Her hand on her heart. “I, the fairy of the East kingdom’s forest, Rio, pledge my loyalty to the East princess, Yelena, and to protect her from any harm. I pledge to be always by her side in times she’s facing hardship – “ she sobbed. “And will always be by her side, no matter what happens. I pledge all this *sob by all my life, to follow her wherever she goes.” she said. She didn’t raise her head since she doesn’t want me to see her crying.