Banished

Michael stood there as still as a statue. His cold aura did not dissipate, making it difficult for anyone to come close to him, even the king. Bruce came and whispered something to him, and he dashed out immediately, with Bruce trying to keep up with his pace. Everyone in the palace were confused and no one could tell what happened, except for the mother-daughter duo who had an evil smirk on their faces, already rejoicing over their success.

'If she is raped, there will be no option left for you, my prince, but to marry me,' Veronica grinned at the thought of being the Prince's bride.

*Minutes ago*

Bruce had been watching Stephanie, who acted so humble, and not disrespectful as some women would be after being engaged to the prince. 'There is something about this girl,' he thought. His brows narrowed, as he saw Stephanie dash out, with a doubtful expression written all over her face. He followed her to make sure she was okay, or else Michael would chop his head off. He saw the shock in her eyes as her mouth formed an 'O'. "This brat!" He cursed.

As Stephanie ran down the stairs, through the hallway, he sent one of Michael's elite members, Bai, to follow her, while he meets Michael. 'I hope I'm not dreaming. The Almighty Devil Prince is frozen, because of a girl. And wait, is that anger? When did he start letting his emotions surface? He-he!' He stood there, watching the prince. He was enjoying it.

The smile quickly turned to a frown, when another elite member, Max— Bai's twin brother, delivered a message from Bai. "Shit," he cursed as he walked toward Michael.

"When did you become flash? Can you slow down a bit?" They both arrived at the woods, and Michael halted almost immediately, as he heard her sob. He looked at the man on the ground, grunting in pain. "Who sent you?" His expression was as dark as night. "Your… Sir, I'm… I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to… I… I was paid," he stuttered in fear. "Who?" He asked.

"…"

'If you get caught, bear the consequences. Never mention my name or my daughter's. We will rescue you!' Those were the words of Madame Sarah.

"You dare ignore the Prince?" Bruce asked.

"No… No. I dare not. It's… Ma… Madame Sarah and Lady Veronica,"

Stephanie gasped in utter shock, 'Why do they want me dead, or rape, rather? He looks like a rapist,' she wondered.

Bruce knew that Michael would kill the man in an inhumane and gruesome manner. "My Prince, why not take your fiancée back to the palace, I'll deal with him."

As expected, Michael did not move a muscle. Bruce had to find another way to get him to leave. "Look, she is already crying. She looks scared, especially with your anger blazing, you might probably hurt her," he said, hoping it works. And it did. The frozen prince turned around. He felt a pang in his heart, the more he stepped closer to her, the more he sees her tears flowing like a river. "Come," he said, stretching his hand forward. She was angry and scared at the same time.

Angry, that he was in an uncompromised position with her step-sister. Scared, by the turn of events. She hesitated to take his hands, but she was more scared of disobeying him, after seeing his angry side a minute ago.

He held her up from where she sat and carried her in a princess style, which surprised everyone present in the woods— Bai, Max, and Bruce. The people, including the king, were worried. King Amos prayed in silent that nothing happens to her, for he knew too well the kind of man, Michael is.

Stephanie his her face in his arms. "You don't need to be afraid," he said, and she flinched. 'Is she scared of me now?' he asked himself.

They reached the palace, and he kept a poker face. His eyes glared deadly at the mother-daughter duo, and slowly averted his gaze to the king. "Where did you find her?" The king asked.

"The woods," he paused. "She was harassed." Everyone gasped as it was impossible for anyone to saw harass the Prince's bride. As they all thought of who could have the effrontery, Bruce dragged the man and set him forth before the crowd. They looked at one another, as they had never set their eyes on him before.

"Who ordered you?" The king asked.

"Uh… My king. This could be a misunderstanding. Why not ask Stephanie why she ran to the woods in the first place?" Madame Sarah spoke. Some supported her, but none dared to voice out.

"Such a cunning woman!" Bruce muttered

"My king, I believe—"

" Shut up, woman. How dare you interrupt the king? He spoke in a thunderous voice.

"I… I'm sorry, My king," she apologized.

"Now, speak!"

"It… It was," he coughed out blood. "Madame Sarah and her daughter, Lady Veronica," he finally spoke.

"Lies, My King. He lies," Sarah protested.

"How dare you lie against an elite member of the social class?" King Amos thundered.

"My King, I dare not lie against—" he coughed out more blood.

"Guards, seize him!"

"My King, please wait," a voice said.

They all turned to see who it was. A fair young man, in his teenage, came forward. "My King, he is my brother. We live in the outskirts of the Lanchester that was abandoned long time ago after the war, we are orphans. I was sick, and he needed money to get medicine for me, and that is why he accepted Madame Sarah's offer. We had no idea she was the prince's bride. Please spare us, and have mercy," He gently said as he kneeled and pleaded.

"How could you do such a thing to your daughter? Seize them both!" He ordered, pointing at them.

"Please forgive us, please!" They begged.

"You are therefore, according to the consecrated law, banished. Never to be seen again." He pronounced his verdict. The crowd began to murmur, while Stephanie stood there, looking at them.

The crowd dispersed as the engagement was over. The young man who defended his brother were taken in by the prince, they pledged their loyalty to the prince, and they were added to the Gallatin army. "What are your names?" Bruce asked. "I am Diego," the older one said. "Damian."

Veronica passed her by and muttered, "I'll return. I. Promise. You."