Chapter 15

The war has been something unimaginable—something that a person can never get used to. And my life went from having everything provided to me and having utmost luxury to having to fight for my life and rely on myself for everything. A Princess's life is so easy-going but when put into this situation, the hardships make everything difficult. Months have passed since the day we left and most of the battles have been in our favor. Soon the war should be coming to an end. For the past year and half, it has been constant fighting, losing knights and seeing bloodshed. A sight that only leaves one with trauma and nightmares. All of the knights have spent countless days in their blooded armor including me;…a smell that still makes me nauseous.

Right now, we claimed our final victory in the Eastern Empire, soon leaving for the border between the Northern and Western Empire. Everyone is drenched in the blood of our enemies, all the bodies are laying on the ground lifeless. I got off of my horse, walking between the dead bodies. All I could see was the color red as it slowly started to rain, suddenly gloomy clouds surrounding the area. I suddenly turned around as I sensed someone move, immediately bringing my sword up and in motion, I killed the injured enemy.

"LAINEY!" I heard someone shout my name at the exact moment. I turned around to see Duke Aspen approaching me with a worried look but soon that look faded as he saw me kill the last remaining person.

"We're leaving?" I asked as I grabbed the rein on my horse.

"…Yes." He faintly replied back as he stole glances of me.

Throughout this war and many battles, I had surprised many with my swordsmanship and fighting skills, especially Duke Aspen. I vividly remember Duke Aspen preventing me from joining the first battle because he wasn't sure I'd be of much help but thanks to Captain Gabriel, I had gotten the opportunity to go into the first battle. My potential was displayed during that battle and since then Duke Aspen acknowledged my skills. But my very first battle was a huge reality check. I was confident in my swordsmanship skills but I didn't expect the amount of bloodshed I would have been witnessing. That was the beginning of me killing hundreds and hundreds of people. At some point, I felt guilty for taking innocent lives but then I would be reminded that this is for my empire and my people—still the guilt lingered around. I think what hurt the most was losing knights from our army, the people who were ready to sacrifice themselves for the Southern Empire.

Because of how cruelly but swiftly, I killed the enemies on the battlefield—I received a title of my own, the most cruel and cold-hearted knight. I had exceeded all the female and male knights. At first everyone had doubted my skills just like Duke Aspen and now I was even stronger than the Duke. Duke Aspen was strong and has exceptional swordsmanship skills but at the end of the day, my magic helped me gain more strength, giving me the upper hand.

Me and Duke Aspen are walking quietly next to each other, when I see Captain Gabriel and Eva were approaching us. I met Evadine after the first battle and I learned that she was one of the high ranking knights in Duke Astley's group. She was very impressed by my skills and approached me immediately after the battle ended. From then on, me and her have been close friends.

"Have you both looked around the area?" Captain Gabriel asked.

"Yes. Ah Eva, have you gotten all the casualties written down? If there is anything suspicious, write that down as well and send the letter immediately!" I emphasized.

"There are about 200 to 300 casualties which I've already written about and so far there is nothing suspicious!" Eva informed us.

"Evadine, go check on all the knights and prepare to depart for the border!" Captain Gabriel commanded right away.

"Yes, Sir!" Eva left right away and Captain Gabriel turned towards me.

"My Lady, there's a letter for you." Captain Gabriel informed me with a weak voice.

"….I see." Was all I can say since we both knew I wasn't going to reply back to Isaiah and Fathers letter.

"You should at least consider responding back to the letter! They'd want to know that you're alive!" Captain Gabriel insisted.

"There's no point in writing back to them because I know you keep them informed about me." I replied back as I started walking.

"But how can you not reply back to your family?" Duke Aspen asked with confusion.

"They know that I am alive…because our mana is connected to each other so the three of us have the ability to know when our lives are deteriorating and where we are at." I informed them as they walked behind me. "Ah don't walk behind me and don't call me "My Lady" since I am Lainey not Irene!" I demanded.

"Yes I'll keep that in mind." Captain Gabriel affirmed.

We walked until we reached where all the knights were and got ready to depart. The passage to the border went smoothly though it took a week to get there but at the arrival to base, all the knights first went to freshen up so we could all gather up with the Northern Army afterwards. There was a meeting set for all the Captains and the Generals from Northern and Southern Empire which I have to join as well. I had retreated to my room to change out of my armor and headed out after taking a bath with light clothing on. I walked to the training ground and couldn't help myself from eavesdropping on the Northern knights gossip.

"I heard there is a knight in the Southern Empires Army who is stronger than the Captain and the high ranking General!" One of them said.

"It's probably a man!" Another one guessed.

I couldn't believe that there's such rumors going around about me. I doubt Prince Haven has even heard about these rumors but even if he has…why do I even care? Irene get yourself together! I left, heading to the meeting room and came across Duke Aspen on the way.

"Are you ready? The meeting is going to begin in 5 minutes." Duke Aspen informed me.

"Yea, I'm prepared." I nonchalantly replied back and went inside. There was a huge long table with multiple chairs, I went ahead and sat on the last one. I watched everyone come inside and sit in their respective chairs when finally Prince Haven entered with Sir Edwin. I was surprised at how much Prince Haven has changed but then again it has been more than a decade since I've seen him. He's tall…really tall and he's attractive, literally looks like a hot greek god. Oh my, where are my thoughts going…?? Nonetheless, he looks extremely tired and exhausted. The meeting is mostly about the recap of what has happened so far in the war and the plan for the upcoming battles. I don't understand why I even had to attend this meeting when only the Captains and the Generals are conversing with Prince Haven. I could've been resting right now if it wasn't for Duke Aspen insisting me to join him. The meeting was so boring that I was about to fall asleep but to my luck, Prince Haven ended the meeting. I watch everyone leave and wait for Prince Haven to leave as well but he's still sitting in his chair while looking over some documents.

"Lainey! Let's go." Duke Aspen called out to me.

I immediately got out of my trance and realized that I was unconsciously staring at Prince Haven. "Ah…yes." I responded back.

"I heard there is a knight who has exceptional swordsmanship skills." Prince Haven stated out loud, making me and Duke Aspen stop in our steps.

"Pardon?" Duke Aspen said, almost confused. I remained silent behind Duke Aspen as I watched Prince Haven look up at us.

"I want that knight to fight alongside me during the next battle." Prince Haven demanded which caused me to have goosebumps.

"Regardless of whose side she fights, we'll win the battle!" Duke Aspen assured but I could tell that the statement made Prince Haven intrigued as I peeked from behind Duke Aspen's back.

"So the knight is a female?" Prince Haven raised his right eyebrow. "Who's that behind you?" He asked abruptly, making me lose my balance. I lightly grasped Duke Aspens shirt so I could balance myself properly.

"My assistant general, Your Excellency!" Duke Aspen stepped aside, revealing me to the two other people in the room.

"Greetings, the star of the Northern Empire!" I bowed to him instantly.

"I'd like to meet her! Ah what's her name? I don't want to keep addressing her as "her"." Prince Haven asked, his gaze piercing through us. His gaze clearly expressed that he won't take any other answer except for her name and a yes.

"I'm afraid you can't meet her. I have very specific orders to conceal that person's identity unless she, herself, wants to reveal her identity. I sincerely apologize." Duke Aspen finished talking and bowed his head to express his apology.

"Mhm…I'll meet her some way or another. You both can leave." Prince Haven said.

"Have a great night, Your Excellency!" Duke Aspen spoke.

"Farewell, Your Highness!" I instantly spoke out after Duke Aspen. We both exited the room cautiously.

"…I need to be careful now." I mumbled which he immediately caught onto.

"Don't display much of your skills when training. Keep it mediocre! And we need to inform Captain Gabriel about this too." He told me with a serious expression.

"…You're worrying about me? I recall you saying something along the line that you won't help me even if I'm dying. Seems like someone changed their mind." I reminded him of what he said to me on the departure day.

"…I-" Duke Aspen began talking but I cut him off.

"No need to get yourself involved in this. I'll talk to Captain Gabriel about this so just like I had said before, mind your own business and I'll do the same." I insisted, walking past him and going into my room. When I got inside, I threw myself on the bed while taking the magic stone off of me and made myself comfortable but when I turned to the left side of the bed, my eyes fall onto the letter placed on the nightstand. I get up and reach out to grab the letter which was sent by Isaiah. I gently opened the blue sealed letter which indicated that it was from the Imperial family but specifically from Isaiah. The letter started off with my name.

"Dear Sister Irene,

It's going to be 2 years since the war began and 2 years without you being by my side. A lot of stuff has been happening in the palace

and I don't know how to handle most of it but I'm trying my best just like you did. There have been attacks happening within the palace…which is extremely suspicious but I'm looking into it. So far there are no leads. Father has been worried for you, he always waits for your letters but then nothing comes. I want you to write to us back….I know you're alive so even if you don't want to write back; just continue looking after yourself! I miss you so much. Please come back quickly!

Love,

Your little brother, Isaiah"

As I finished reading the short letter, I had tears threatening to fall from my eyes. I missed them so much and the presence of this letter reminded me of how badly I've been waiting to see them once again. But what I'm worried about now are the attacks happening in the palace, who could possibly want to assassinate the Prince? I bet Sir Leo is already looking into the matter since I've left him to keep a close eye on what's happening in the empire. I'll get all the details once I return back but now I need to focus on the situation before me. I need to avoid Prince Haven as much as possible, at least at the base. I have a feeling he's going to try to figure out who that female knight is and will try to stick around Duke Aspen during the battle so he can get a glimpse of that knight…who in actuality is me, his fiancée.