Chapter 16
//Reign of Nakahud//
- He is still here young Norma - said Mary.
The brown-haired maid looked at the green-eyed boy with sadness, those days the youngest visited the princess' quarters regularly, he always remained silent in that room.
- My father... has he received any news? - Norma asked.
Mary denied as she entered the room, taking a seat on the edge of the bed she looked around the room.
- We should have some news by now - said Norma - The empress dowager, did she make any moves? -
- She has kept herself in her palace these days - answered Mary - the palace maids are also checked every time they leave their quarters, as the duke ordered -
- We should have time to be like this -
Mary nodded at Norma's words.
- Like you, I also miss the princess - Mary said quietly - this room, without her it is very dark, I should have accompanied my queen - I should have accompanied my queen -
Norma held back her tears as she listened to Stella's nanny while nodding silently, Norma's gaze rested the pendant on her chest, it was of an emerald color.
- "Stella" -
Norma pressed the pendant tightly to her chest.
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//Reign of Khardia//
- I can't feel the presence of the girl or the Decidit - said Aisha - look for them, don't let them reach the border!
The dark robed mages nodded as they disappeared into the shadows, Aisha standing in front of Layla smiled.
- How long has it been since we last met? - Aisha pointed her sword at Layla, "No matter how many years it is, still, you never change.
The blade of the sword touched her neck, Layla remained silent without flinching, seeing those golden eyes staring at her annoyed Aisha.
- Do you think I don't know what you're up to! - the red thread of blood became more and more abundant on Layla's neck, as Aisha moved the sword - You are making time for them to escape! - shouted Aisha - You... do you think they will survive? - Layla didn't answer, Aisha pulled her sword away from her and smiled - don't worry, for old times sake, I promise I will kill your daughter without her suffering, your daughter will be reunited with you soon.
- Old times? - Layla frowned with annoyance - if those memories were important to you, you wouldn't hurt her! -
- They are important - answered Aisha taking Layla's chin with her hand and looking at her - for that reason, I came here personally, I would never allow someone else to hurt you, if someone is to take your life it will be me.
Layla was surprised to hear those words and felt a slight displeasure about it, although that talk with Aisha did not please her, it was necessary for Agnus to escape with Stella, as long as he kept her in that place Agnus would finish with the other mages.
- "I must create as much time as possible for him to escape" - the queen looked at herself for a few seconds - Cedric... I'm sorry I won't be able to return to your side... - she said in a low voice while she looked at Aisha and the magicians next to her.
- What are you mumbling about? - asked Aisha - Hey, Layla.
- Blessing of the gods! - The ground around Layla was covered with a warm golden color, the mages quickly protected Aisha while they attacked Layla, the surprise of their attackers was notorious in their faces, when they saw that their attacks were repelled, be it elementary or even dark magic, when they came in contact with that golden light, it disappeared.
- What a great energy - said one of the magicians, Aisha was staring at Layla.
- You are wasting energy in vain," said Aisha.
- I don't care, if it's to gain time, I'll spend every last bit of it... - replied Layla while attacking Aisha directly.
- Naive... - said Aisha in a serious voice stopping the attack with the palm of her hand - apparently you forgot my abilities Layla -.
In her hand appeared a dark colored flame that began to consume Layla's magic, Aisha returned the attack with force, the dark magic hit her lower abdomen with force, Layla could barely stand up because of the impact, she clutched her belly choking her scream of pain, Layla raised her gaze with anger towards Aisha.
- "This energy", Aisha, where did you get this magic! - Layla shouted waiting for an explanation from the opposite one - your magic... - -
- Wow, you noticed - smiled Aisha approaching Layla with the dark colored flame in her hand - seeing your expression I can tell that my surprise was a success - Aisha stood in front of Layla staring at her - I'm glad you liked it, sister.
- Aisha... - the queen clenched her hands when she heard her - since I left that place you and I are no longer family - Layla said seriously - don't you dare put those words in your mouth ever - Layla looked annoyed towards Aisha - my sin and yours cannot be compared.
- Hmp... seriously, you are still as serious as ever, sister - Aisha snapped her fingers, her smile was reflected on her face as she watched Layla fall to the ground starting to cough loudly, the impact from before was taking effect on Layla's body - soon you won't feel anything, calm down - Aisha was watching how Layla's body was coughing loudly.
Aisha watched as Layla's body began to pale, her breathing was getting weaker and weaker.
- It hurts, doesn't it? - Aisha walked around Layla - you will feel how my magic will corrupt your body little by little, it will be painful I don't deny it - Layla clung to her body tightly, starting to feel that pain - sister - both gazes met - you want to live, don't you? - asked Aisha - I can do it, I will save you, just leave everything behind, ok?
- I refuse... - replied Layla curtly, Aisha hearing her answer clenched her teeth - "Then, there's nothing I can do, I can't do it.
- Then, there is nothing I can do for you - replied Aisha - you will die.
- I don't need your compassion - Layla with difficulty stood up clinging to her arm - I don't need anything from you!
- How is it possible? - Aisha looked surprised to see Layla standing up - my magic should not fail! -
- I don't fail... - Layla's voice was low, her face showed tiredness, a cold sweat was running down her forehead - just... my body is already used to that corruption.
Layla shed her cloak in that winter cold, Aisha's gaze fell on one of Layla's arms, that arm was completely corrupted, Aisha's eyes showed surprise when she noticed it, she could see how dark energy was coming out of it.
- That's... impossible! -
- Aisha, I lived part of my life by your side, I considered you part of my family, but, the past cannot come back, I will not give you my life so easily - the queen's gaze was fixed on Aisha - you want it? come and take it! -
Those golden eyes shone with intensity, a golden colored sword appeared in Layla's hands as she pointed at Aisha.
- Layla! - Aisha shouted with euphoria as she attacked Layla.
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The sound of galloping horses began to be heard in that snowy place.
- Look for the queen and the princess!!!!!
The unit in charge of Asher had crossed the border of Khardia, her majesty hastened her passage when she faintly felt Layla's presence in that frozen place.
- Your majesty!!! - Asher shouted.
From the snow some men appeared, without saying a word they attacked his majesty.
- Attack!!! - Asher shouted.
His majesty's knights went into battle, his majesty looked annoyed as one by one he finished off those men who got in his way.
- Disappear! - said His Majesty.
His majesty swung his sword without hesitation piercing the bodies of his enemies, as he advanced he saw something curious in his enemies, most of them had a particular seal in different parts of his body, when he noticed it his majesty looked euphoric, his energy began to overflow from his body.
- Do not leave anyone alive! - said his majesty.
All the knights nodded at the words as the battle began the swords clashed again and again, the sounds of explosions from the magic spells could also be heard as they moved deeper into the frozen forest.
A pillar of golden light suddenly rose up drawing everyone's attention, his majesty at the sight of it paled, starting to run towards that pillar of light without paying attention to his surroundings.
Asher noticed the change in her majesty due to the appearance of that energy and went to her side, the queen must be in that place, that energy was only possessed by the monarchs of her kingdom and the fact that it could be seen so clearly meant that she was in danger.
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Agnus' gaze rested on that golden pillar rising towards the sky.
- Queen... -
He hesitated to continue advancing, he felt anger towards himself for not being able to help the queen, when he felt Stella's slight movement, he lowered his gaze to the little girl he held in his arms.
The words said by the queen came to his mind, Stella was his priority now, she must survive at all costs.
- Princess, please don't hate me -
Those crimson eyes were crystal clear as he looked at the little girl, Agnus clung to Stella as he moved forward and her silhouette was lost in the snow.
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His majesty did not look away as they approached the pillar, noticing that it began to dull he stopped his walk, in his hands appeared a golden sword similar to Layla.
- Kill them! - said his majesty seriously.
The sword shone with intensity while it disappeared, the scream of people was heard suddenly, a few seconds later the sword returned to his hands, its blade was stained with blood, his majesty tightened his grip on the sword, those golden eyes shone with intensity while he wielded the sword with force , The unleashing of his magic swept everything in its path, the winter trees that surrounded him began to fall one after another, when he realized the presence of the dark-colored wizards in front of him, he desperately looked for his beloved in that place, when he saw those golden hairs that waved with the winter wind his eyes lit up.
- Layla! - her majesty shouted.
Layla opened her eyes slightly when she heard his majesty's voice, both golden eyes met, Layla's eyes filled with tears when she noticed his majesty's figure.
- Cedric... - tears flowed from the queen's face, as she fell to her knees in the snow, completely exhausted.
Her majesty, noticing the queen's sadness, ran towards her, wrapping her in his arms in that golden pillar that enveloped Layla.
- I arrived on time. - said His Majesty relieved, clinging to Layla.
When he heard a moan of pain from the queen his majesty separated from her, his eyes widened in surprise when he noticed that the queen was very hurt.
- Calm down... - said the queen in a low voice, hiding her arm.
Aisha seeing her majesty next to Layla frowned, the look Layla expressed towards the newcomer did not please her, rather it annoyed her.
- "It's him, the damned one who took me away from her" - Aisha tightened her grip on her sword - "Don't look at him that way, don't do it!"
Asher when he saw that the queen was with her majesty he felt relieved, he swung his sword against the mages that were next to Aisha taking them away from her majesty and the queen, his face paled when he felt the energy that Aisha emanated.
- MAJESTY, WATCH OUT! - shouted Asher.
- DIE! - shouted Aisha, as she rushed at them.
Her majesty turned her gaze to hear Asher's voice, Layla noticing Aisha smiled silently clinging to her majesty, the clang of the sword was present, the look of her majesty looked puzzled, the sword was embedded in the body of the queen.
- Layla! -
The desperate cry of her majesty was heard throughout the place.
Aisha looked at Layla, those golden eyes looked at her with sadness, seeing how the blood ran down her sword, her hand began to tremble, clenching her teeth and averting her gaze she pulled the sword out of Layla's body with a single movement.
- It's over... - Aisha said in a breathless voice, dropping her sword.
That crimson red began to gush from Layla's body staining the snow with its color, the pillar stopped transmitting its light, the magic of her majesty appeared hastily, that golden glow tried to heal the wound.
- Why? - Tears streamed from his majesty's face.
Asher rushed at Aisha, placing his sword on her neck, Aisha did not resist Asher's act, Aisha's eyes were red and she did not look away from Layla.
- Why did you do it? - shouted Asher without receiving answers.
Layla slightly opened her eyes looking at his majesty with a slight smile.
- What a joy... you are well... - Layla placed her hand on her majesty's face.
- It's my fault.... - said her majesty in tears, clinging to Layla's hand - I never... should have let me let you come alone.... -
- It wasn't your fault..." said Layla with difficulty.
- A physician, quick! - her majesty shouted - you must save her!
- Cedric... - Layla squeezed Cedric's hand - please... protect Stella, she is our daughter... she... still... -
- don't say another word! if you're not here... then... what's the point of this life! - shouted his majesty, Asher gritted his teeth at hearing him unable to help him, the wound was mortal.
- I... love your majesty... - the brightness of her eyes was beginning to dim - but... more I love my daughter... so... take care of her... - The queen's tears ran down her face - I'm sorry... and thank you...
- Layla? - her majesty, not feeling Layla's breathing, entered in despair - LAYLA!!!!
Asher, upon hearing her majesty's cry, felt a great sadness, observing the way her majesty clung to the queen's bloody body and her disconsolate cry.
- Get away from her body... - whispered Aisha.
Aisha's sword flew to her hands, Asher pierced Aisha's arm with his sword, before she could get up, the still wounded woman pushed Asher, standing up.
- Layla... - Aisha tightened her grip on her sword, she lowered her gaze, her eyes were crystalline, she did not let her tears run down her face, when she fixed her gaze on his majesty, she looked at him angrily - don't touch her, give her back! - shouted Aisha - she must not be with you - she raised her sword towards his majesty - take back her body! - shouted Aisha, the magicians nodded.
His majesty looked up at Aisha, his golden eyes looked at her with rage and sadness, a wave of wind blew her away from him.
His majesty took Layla in his arms while he looked at Aisha.
- ABYSSUS MORTIS! -
Aisha looked up when she heard those words, turned her gaze to her ally and shouted.
- FALL BACK! -
The earth began to tremble, her majesty's iris began to darken, her energy began to turn dark, as she advanced around her she withered everything in her path, lifeless bodies fell one after another.
His majesty walked towards where Aisha was, the dark energy advanced faster and faster, the oxygen began to diminish more and more, Asher could barely stay conscious, his majesty's magic was out of control.
- Damn!!! - said Aisha, one of the mages put his hand on her shoulder - didn't you listen to my orders! Bring Layla! -
That mage stopped Aisha's walk staring at her.
- The main mission is complete, we must retreat - answered the magician - that man's magic will finish them all! -
- I refuse! I'm not leaving without Layla! Me! - Aisha felt a stabbing pain in her neck, she turned her gaze towards the wizard, her eyes were beginning to blur - no... - she stretched her hand towards Cedric and Layla - sister... - she said in a whisper, losing consciousness.
That man took Aisha in his arms as he retreated, just as he did, his allies also escaped.
- Your Majesty, stop! - shouted Asher, with no answer from his majesty - all the knights will die!
Asher watched as the knights began to fall one by one, barely able to breathe.
- The princess... she's still alive.
Asher fell to the ground unconscious, his majesty turned his gaze to the one he held in his arms, tears streamed down his face as his energy diminished, falling to his knees in the snow his magic stopped.
- SAVE HER! - shouted his majesty.
Asher catching his breath looked at her majesty and denied, the queen's body was no longer alive.
- Your majesty, the queen is no longer... -
- Shut up! I don't want to hear you speak, obey my order! - shouted her majesty.
Asher could not say anything, her majesty still did not accept what happened, silently Asher stood up and addressed the other knights gathered around Asher waiting to know his orders, Asher remained silent while looking at his companions.
- We lost the queen - said Asher.
They all fell silent as they listened to Asher, their faces paled as they listened to him, guilt began to invade them. As knights their duty is to protect their monarchs, if they couldn't do it then why were they knights, they were devoted to the queen and her majesty, knowing that the queen had died saddened them deeply.
Asher turned his gaze to her majesty, seeing her majesty desolate on the snow as she clung to the queen's body filled him with sadness.
Asher had remained serene, but seeing her majesty with the queen's body he could not keep his calm, he could not believe that the queen had died, he wiped away his tears as he looked around.
- Your majesty, we must find the princess - said Asher in a low voice.
When he received no answer from his majesty he approached him, while repeating the same words, his majesty remained unmoved, Asher clenched his hands in annoyance, he could not allow them to lose the princess too.
- Look for the princess! - shouted Asher
The knights nodded as they began their search for the princess.
His majesty stood silently looking at Layla's face, he placed his hand on his queen's face.
- Layla... look at me... I... I still need you, please come back to my side.
Her majesty's voice was broken, her tears were falling with every word she said.
- if you hate me it's ok, if you don't want to stay in the palace I will accept it, I will listen to all your demands, just... please... wake up! -