Echoes of Regret
Linus, taken aback by Ludvig's resolute stance, scoffed in response but refrained from further provocation. He turned towards his soldiers and waved his hand; instantly, his soldiers drew their weapons, the tension palpable in the air.
"ENEMY HAS DRAWN THEIR SWORDS! WARBAND, PREPARE FOR COMMAND!" Adam's urgent shout echoed through the ranks, prompting a collective intake of breath from Elara's warriors as they expanded their circle formation.
"LINUS, HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR MIND? YOU'VE CHANGED SO MUCH SINCE YOUR SISTER'S DEATH!" Ludvig's voice carried across the space, filled with both concern and frustration. "DRAW YOUR WEAPONS, KNIGHTS, AND STAND BY ELARA'S SIDE!"
In response to Ludvig's command, his soldiers swiftly drew their swords.
"Ludvig, I'm sorry, but I don't trust you, so don't take it to heart that we will continue to use our current formation," Elara stated, her gaze scanning the surroundings for a potential escape route.
As Elara spoke, the veins on Linus's face seemed to bulge with pressure. "YOU...YOU DARE TO SPEAK ABOUT HER? YOU DAMN TRAITOR, DARE TO SPEAK OF HER!" Linus erupted, drawing his sword and shouting, "KILL THE TRAITORS WHO DON'T RESPECT THE FIRST BORN PRINCE. KILL THEM ALL, MY SOLDIERS!"
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Linus's soldiers responded to his command, their swords raised in unison, poised for confrontation. In contrast, Elara's warriors stood firm, their resolve unwavering, while Ludvig's soldiers appeared anxious, clearly unprepared for conflict.
Amid this critical moment, a commanding voice echoed through the chaos.
"HALT AT ONCE!" the voice thundered, halting Linus's soldiers in their tracks.
"What is this? Who dares to move against the king?" Linus demanded, his tone tinged with alarm.
"Move against the king? Are you king already?" the voice retorted, causing Linus's expression to pale.
"A-A-Alexandre...w-w-what are you doing here?" Linus stuttered, his bravado evaporating as he turned to face Captain Alexandre, who had arrived with his soldiers.
Seeing Alexandre's presence, Elara let out a sigh of relief. "Good day, Captain Alexandre," she greeted respectfully, offering a bow.
"Please, don't bow before me. You have done more for the kingdom than I ever could. It is my honor to meet you," Alexandre replied, returning her gesture with humility.
"Boys, at ease. Lower your weapons," Sullvian instructed Elara's soldiers as he approached Alexandre. He knelt down and bowed deeply before him, showing utmost respect. Alexandre acknowledged Sullvian's gesture with a reassuring pat on his shoulder.
"How are you doing, brother?" Alexandre asked Sullvian, his tone warm and genuine.
"I've never been better, though age does take its toll," Sullvian replied with a laugh.
Alexandre assisted Sullvian to his feet, and the two clasped hands warmly.
Meanwhile, Maximillian and Adam, still tense and anxious, hesitated to release their sword hilts, though their weapons were now back in their sheaths.
"I will escort the princess to the palace. Do the princes have any objections?" Alexandre inquired.
Ludvig responded calmly, "No, you are free to proceed, Captain," nodding in agreement. Linus, however, nervously bit his nails before replying, "N-n-n-no... Captain."
With Linus's reluctant approval, Alexandre gestured for Elara and her entourage to follow as he led the way toward the palace. The tension in the air began to dissipate, but unease still lingered, especially around Linus, whose anxiety was palpable.
As they made their way through the city streets towards the palace, Elara couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the intervention. She glanced back at Maximillian and Adam, offering them a reassuring nod. Their expressions softened slightly, but the tension remained.
Upon reaching the palace gates, Alexandre turned to Elara with a respectful bow. "Princess Elara, allow me to escort you inside," he offered, his demeanor respectful and composed.
Elara nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Captain Alexandre," she replied sincerely.
"Meanwhile, my soldiers will escort them to a resting place. You can select a following of three soldiers if you wish," Alexandre explained.
"You are very courteous, Alexandre. If it's fine, I would like to take two of my soldiers and your brother-in-arms, Sullvian, with us," Elara said, smiling warmly at Alexandre.
"It would be my pleasure, Princess," Alexandre responded warmly.
With this, Elara turned around and nodded towards Maximillian and Adam. They rushed to her side, and she playfully put her arms around their necks, gently guiding them into a bow toward Alexandre.
"I pick these two hotheads," she said joyously, laughing lightly. "Alexandre, you really saved my back there. I'm truly grateful."
"My Princess, it's my duty to protect the Royal Family and not take sides in their struggles for power, though I may have a favorite," Alexandre replied with a hint of humor, punctuated by a fake cough.
Elara chuckled at Alexandre's remark, appreciating his lightheartedness amidst the tension. She then turned her attention to Sullvian, who had been observing the exchange with a smile.
"Sullvian, thank you for standing by me," she said warmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I trust your instincts."
Sullvian nodded earnestly, his eyes reflecting his unwavering loyalty. "Always, Your Highness."
As they made their way through the palace corridors, Elara felt a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the lingering tensions with the princes outside, she was grateful for the brief respite within the palace walls.
Meanwhile, outside the palace gates, Ludvig and Linus faced each other, the tension between them palpable. Ludvig's demeanor remained composed as he contemplated the next steps to maintain stability. He scanned the soldiers around him, ensuring their readiness for any turn of events.
"I will kill both of you and that brat too. Just you wait," Linus threatened Ludvig with venom in his voice.
Ludvig's response was calm yet calculated. "You do you. But you can't touch Elara or me while Father still draws breath. As long as he lives, Alexandre will not waver in his duty."
With a subtle gesture, Ludvig signaled to his soldiers to turn and depart, leaving Linus standing alone with his band of soldiers. Some of Linus's own men appeared wary or displeased with their lord's rash stance. One of his closest soldiers approached him with concern.
"My lord, it's time to turn back," the soldier advised respectfully. "Ludvig's words hold truth. The princess is untouchable as long as the king lives."
Linus's expression darkened with frustration, but he knew the soldier spoke wisely. Reluctantly, he nodded in agreement.
"Very well," Linus conceded, his voice edged with resentment. "For now, we return. But this isn't over."
The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances before following Linus, their morale shaken by the encounter. As they retreated, Linus's mind churned with thoughts of revenge and power.
Inside the palace, Elara and her companions continued their journey under Alexandre's escort and her three men. The corridors were quiet, the air thick with the weight of their recent confrontation.
"It's been so long since I've seen the palace from the inside. Father never truly wanted me within these walls, and I never desired to be here either. Drinking with my soldiers in a tavern was more comforting and familiar than listening to my father's lectures or attending banquets in honor of the atrocities I committed to stabilize his kingdom," Elara confessed, her tone heavy with melancholy.
"My Highness…" Alexandre began, his expression filled with concern as he stopped and gently took her hand. "His Highness, your father, loved you dearly. I am sorry for what you have endured."
Elara offered a faint smile, touched by Alexandre's sincerity. "Thank you, Alexandre. Your words bring solace."
As they entered the secluded chamber, Elara's gaze swept over the familiar surroundings, triggering a flood of memories—both bitter and sweet. She took a moment to compose herself before addressing her companions.
"Maximillian, Adam, please make yourselves comfortable," Elara said warmly, gesturing towards a nearby bench. "I have something to discuss with Alexandre."
Maximillian and Adam nodded, their expressions serious yet determined.
Sullvian approached Elara respectfully. "Your Highness, I will ensure the area is secure. Please rest assured."
Elara nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Sullvian. Your vigilance is appreciated."
"Your Highness, you did your best. Your father knew her death wasn't your fault, even if some might have thought that way. It was a calculated situation, and even if your father initially blamed you, he realized his mistake in the following years. I believe he regretted not being able to apologize to you," Sullvian spoke, his voice tinged with regret and sadness. "It was my fault. I couldn't contain the anger or explain the situation well to your father."
In that moment, Elara sank to her knees and began to cry loudly. "I have taken so many lives. I am a monster," she sobbed into her hands.
Alexandre knelt beside her, his presence steady and reassuring. "No, Elara. You are a warrior who faced difficult choices in troubled times. Your actions were for the good of the kingdom, and your father knew this in his heart."
Elara looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. "But at what cost? The weight of it all is too much to bear."
"My own sister, Alexandre. My sister died because of me," Elara whispered, tears streaming down her face as she gazed earnestly into Alexandre's eyes.