The King's death

Liam was just about to say something to me but then the sounds of the warning bell interrupted him and believe me, I'm not even joking when I tell you these warning bells were never sounded unless there was a critical emergency in the palace or a very serious danger. When it was sounded, it was an alert for everyone in Akalon to be beware and observant of their environment and most importantly to stay safe.

"Come on." Liam said to me and we both headed to the king's chambers to be sure everything was okay.

As we got there, we met Zed and the queen crying in his arms while the king who was lying in his bed was covered with a white wrapper from head to toe.

"What is going on here?" Prince Liam asked eagerly probably suspecting what I was suspecting.

"Liam..!" The queen said amidst tears breaking off from Zed to hold me.

"Queen Charlotte? What is going on?" I asked still expecting the response I got.

"The king is dead." Zed responded.

"I... I... I tri... I tried Nardin... I tried everything I could... Everything, everything I could to save him." Queen Charlotte cried.

"I know and it's not your fault he died. You'll be fine your majesty I promise you that." I consoled her.

Prince Liam did not even say a word, he probably knew not how to react to such news. 'Has he ever even lost someone he loved so much? No, hold on, I'm sure he probably has never even loved someone that much' I thought to myself.

That night I spent the night with Queen Charlotte to keep her company and comfort her and the next day, I knew I had to take charge and put the palace which was already in chaos in order. Queen Charlotte wanted me to do it anyway, she wasn't ready to face the people. As the citizens of Akalon gathered in the palace, I was standing right before them to address them. Something I've never done before in my entire royal life. I was a bit nervous, maybe because my mother also never dared do it but I built up my courage when I remembered how bold and tall I've seen Queen Charlotte stand before her people and address them.

"My dear people of Akalon..!" I started and observing their attentiveness, I was encouraged. "I stand here today as your princess, the wife of your prince Liam to assure you that everything will be okay as soon as possible. You may have been doubting the news you heard because I'm sure the words must have spread out through the kingdom and I'm here to confirm it." I continued "Yes, the king of Akalon, King Albert is dead." I said with a sad voice. As soon as I said it people who probably heard it for the first time gasped while the rest started to murmur. Some were even weeping. Everybody knew King Albert was a good man and a great king and his people loved him.

"But...!" As soon as I started speaking again, the entire palace went silent and the people started to listen again. "I can assure you that your safety is okay, I and my husband will make sure that no harm comes to Queen Charlotte and every other citizen of Akalon, so please follow instructions from the royal order. This meeting is dismissed." I said and everyone started to disperse.

"You did great. No one would even know it's your first time." Irene said to me after my address as we walked away together.

"Oh. Thank you. Did I sound nervous at all?" I asked.

"Not even in the slightest way. You didn't sound nervous at all." Irene assured me.

"I'm glad. I was scared the entire kingdom would notice. Irene, where's my husband? Where's Prince Liam?" I asked.

"He's with some men outside. His brothers." Irene said.

"His brothers?"

"Yes. They arrived during your speech and Prince Liam had to go meet them outside and Nardin, I don't think they're here just to show condolences. I think there is more to their visit."

"I'll go and see them." I said and quickly left to go meet them.

When I got outside, I met Liam standing with his brothers.

"Well brother, we are all sons of King Albert and have the right to the palace." Percy said.

"You want this building?" Liam asked "go on and have it but not until my mother is healed."

"Your mother." Richter scoffed "Liam we all know you're either the devil's prince or the devil himself so you have no humanity in you. You do not care about your mother." He added.

Prince Percy was about to say something again but as soon as my eye met his, he smiled.

"And here comes our very own princess Nardin. A lady with a golden heart." He said. I don't know if it was mockingly or if he was really honest in his opinion of me. I smiled weekly just not to be rude. Prince Liam turned around to look at me.

"Hey, wifey." He said and put his arms around me "I'm sorry but our conversation is over." He said to his brothers then walked away with his hands around my shoulders.

"Liam, what is going on?" I asked him.

"Nothing wife, you don't have to worry I'll protect you." Liam responded. Just then we both didn't notice an arrow flying towards him or rather he noticed it late as he stepped out of the way but the arrow left a wound on his arm.

"Oh, lights. Stay here Liam, I'll take care of your wound." I said and quickly left to get a first aid box. Liam looked around to see who must have fired the arrow but no one was a suspect.

"That was a nice speech, Princess Nardin." A familiar voice said and held my arm. I turned around to set my eyes on... Edward?! He had this sly smirk on his face.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked.

"I came to see you." He responded.

"I see. Is it you? Did you shoot that arrow?" I asked.

"No sweetheart, it was him." He gestured in the opposite direction and I turned around to see Logain, my half-brother.