The Last Meeting

Days, months, years… seven years had passed since the kidnapping incident.

Celesia was now seventeen years old. As she sat in her chair, gazing at the blue sky through the window, memories and events from the past seven years flooded her mind.

"So much has happened since Lina and I were kidnapped. My brother married Princess Fiona of the South two years ago, and I've started taking on the duties of the Crown Princess. Lina's family is gradually regaining their fortune, but sadly, the Empress's health is deteriorating once again. Her body has always been frail."

Celesia sighed and continued to ponder, "Speaking of memories… I miss my mountain teacher dearly. I wish I could see her again."

"Despair is a darkness that obscures the light of hope, so be a candle that illuminates your path and drives away this darkness." Celesia recalled her teacher's words, which she always repeated to her.

"I still remember our first meeting…"

When Celesia was five years old, she had been sent to the northern and eastern mountains to face monsters. One day, after fighting valiantly, she collapsed from exhaustion and passed out due to the harsh weather conditions.

After some time, Celesia began to regain consciousness slowly. "Little one… are you awake?" A beautiful voice touched Celesia's heart, reminding her of her mother's voice. She opened her eyes to see a woman in a dark green cloak covering her face. Startled, Celesia quickly got up.

"Who… who are you?" "And where am I?" Celesia looked around and found herself inside a small hut.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I saw you collapse after fighting the monsters. You must have caught a cold from the weather," the woman tried to soothe her.

"But why would you help a stranger like me?" Celesia asked anxiously.

"Does helping others need a reason? I do what I believe is right and aligns with my principles," the woman said with a smile.

Celesia found her words strange but intriguing.

"I saw you fighting the monsters. You use too much of your serra with your movements. So, how about I teach you some skills that will surely help you?" the woman said enthusiastically.

"Can you really do that?" Celesia asked, filled with joy.

"Of course. So call me your teacher from now on," the woman said happily.

"Alright, teacher," Celesia responded with smiles.

"But first, you need to rest well," the woman covered Celesia and patted her gently to sleep. "I wish you sweet dreams." Tears flowed from Celesia's eyes upon hearing this, as the last person to say it to her was her mother before she passed away. The tears continued to fall until she drifted into sleep.

A week passed since Celesia had fallen ill, and she had now recovered. The woman examined her to make sure she was alright. "Well, it seems you're healed. We can start the training today," the woman said.

"Really?" Celesia asked with excitement.

"Prepare yourself to go," the woman instructed, and Celesia started getting ready. After finishing, they headed towards the mountains to begin the training.

"Alright, we'll start with the first skill. I call it Thunder Merge, where I create a doppelganger using my serra for a short time to confuse the enemy while I move swiftly to ambush from another spot," the woman explained, as Celesia listened attentively, then they began the practical training. Celesia tried to master the skill several times and finally succeeded after much effort. Water Merge was the first skill Celesia learned.

"Well done, you seem talented. Let's move on to dueling now," the woman said kindly.

"Of course, I'm ready," Celesia replied enthusiastically.

The training continued for several weeks, and Celesia mastered dueling and several techniques. The day of her return to the cell arrived. The guards came to take her back.

"Thank you, teacher. I hope we meet again next time," Celesia hugged the woman.

"I don't think we'll meet again… because there's something I need to do, and I don't think I'll be coming back here."

"What?!" Celesia exclaimed in surprise.

"I'm glad we met, but remember, Celesia, try not to mess with the shadows," her teacher's voice changed to a serious tone.

"What do you mean by the shadows?" Celesia asked, puzzled.

"One day, you will understand my words, I'm sure," the woman said confidently. She left slowly, heading into the unknown while Celesia watched, holding back her tears, as it might be their last meeting.

"Knock… knock…" Celesia heard the sound of knocking on her door after her moments of reflection.

"Come in," Celesia said, and Henry entered the room, carrying a bouquet of flowers. He handed them to Celesia and held her hand, saying, "I plan to take you out this evening to stroll through the capital's markets since today is my day off."

"I don't mind that at all. I've always wanted to see the capital's markets up close," Celesia responded enthusiastically.

Henry smiled and kissed her hand, saying, "Then I'll wait for you this evening. Please wear something unremarkable as we'll be mingling with the public."

"Alright… but you're the one who needs to disguise yourself well, because you attract attention without realizing it," Celesia said teasingly.

Henry laughed and said, "I'll try," then left the room.

Meanwhile, the Emperor received a letter from the Kingdom of Lunaris in the south of the empire, inviting the Crown Prince to attend the coronation ceremony of the new king as a representative of the empire and to strengthen the relations between the two countries.

"Go and inform Henry that I want to see him," Edward said to the head servant.

"Right away, Your Majesty," the head servant replied and went straight to Henry to deliver the message.

Henry entered the office, curious about the reason for his summoning. Edward said, "I received a letter from the Kingdom of Lunaris. They want you to attend the coronation ceremony of the new king as a representative of the empire and to strengthen the relations between our countries. Therefore, you must prepare to leave tomorrow."

"But I have an appointment with Celesia this evening," Henry said with concern.

Edward replied, "You can still go out with her. I'll ask the head servant to prepare your things."

"Thank you. I'll go now," Henry said, leaving the office to get ready for the evening, while Lina helped Celesia prepare for their date.

As evening fell, Henry went to pick up Celesia, who was wearing a simple long dress and a dark blue cloak that covered her face. Henry also wore simple clothes and a hat that partially hid his face. He looked at her with a smile and said, "Are you ready?"

"Of course, let's go," Celesia replied.

They left the palace and walked side by side through the streets of the capital. The lights illuminated the paths, and the atmosphere was lively with the sounds of vendors and passersby. They felt free and liberated from the constraints of the palace.

While wandering through the market, Celesia stopped at a stall selling handmade jewelry and began to examine the pieces on display. Henry asked with a smile, "Do you like something?"

"Yes, this necklace looks lovely," Celesia said, pointing to a necklace with a blue gemstone like the ocean.

"Then let me buy it for you," Henry said, talking to the vendor. While Henry was paying, Celesia noticed an intriguing pocket watch and decided to buy it as a surprise gift for Henry.

After some more wandering and shopping, they decided to stop at a small café for some hot drinks. They sat in a quiet corner and talked about their adventure and the things that occupied their minds.

"I really enjoyed today. Thank you, Henry," Celesia said gratefully.

"I'm glad you did. I needed this time away from responsibilities," Henry replied with a smile.

As night began to fall, they decided to go to the top of the tallest tower in the capital to watch the fireworks that were scheduled to be displayed that night. They sat on chairs placed at the top of the tower, waiting for the show. Henry took the necklace he had bought earlier and placed it around Celesia's neck, saying with a smile, "It really suits you."

Celesia blushed, looking at the necklace. "Does it really?" she thought to herself, suddenly remembering the watch she had bought for Henry.

"Actually, I have something to give you," Celesia said, taking out the watch and handing it to Henry.

"Is this for me?" Henry asked, blushing.

"Of course, who else?" Celesia replied teasingly.

"I'll treasure it," Henry said warmly, gazing at the watch. Celesia felt happy from his words, as the fireworks began to light up the sky, creating a beautiful and comforting scene.

After the fireworks ended, Henry told Celesia about his upcoming trip to the Kingdom of Lunaris and that he would be gone for about a week.

"So, that's how it is," Celesia said, surprised and feeling a mix of emotions.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, God willing," Henry tried to reassure her.

"Yes… I'll wait for you until then," Celesia replied with optimism.

"Now, let's head back home," Henry said,

Henry held her hand, and they headed towards the carriage to return to the palace. Henry went to complete his preparations for the trip while Celesia retired to her room to rest.

Morning came, and it was time for the delegation to depart. Everyone gathered to bid them farewell. The Empress embraced Henry, wishing him safety, while the Emperor patted his head, saying, "Good luck on your journey." Celesia hugged him, saying, "Come back to us safely."

Henry smiled and replied, "I will try. But ultimately, it's in God's hands." He released her slowly, heading towards the carriage. The carriages began to move, and everyone waved their hands, saying their goodbyes.

"I'll be waiting for you," Celesia called out, waving to Henry. He noticed her through the window and waved back with a smile.

The carriages gradually disappeared from sight, and everyone returned to their duties.

...

"Who knew that this would be the last meeting..."

That evening, horrifying events turned the palace life upside down...

"The prince's carriage has been intercepted!" shouted one of the knights who survived the sudden attack.

"Who attacked you?" Edward asked in astonishment and fear.

"Mysterious shadows attacked us suddenly. I lost consciousness, and when I woke up, I found everyone dead. I searched for the prince, but I couldn't find him," the knight spoke, trying to recall the details.

"Leo, gather the knights. We need to investigate this immediately," Edward ordered, thinking quickly.

"I will head there immediately, Your Majesty," the archduke hurried to prepare for the investigation, while the shocking news reached the empress, causing her health to deteriorate.

"Celesia, there's urgent news," Lina rushed into Celesia's office, frantic.

"What is it, Lina? Why are you so agitated?" Celesia was surprised by her reaction.

"The prince..." Lina began, struggling to breathe.

"What about Henry?" Celesia asked, frightened.

"His carriage was attacked, and he is missing," Lina said with difficulty.

"What?!" Celesia stood frozen in shock and hurried to the emperor's office. She entered quickly to find Edward deep in thought, his face etched with worry.

"The news must have reached you already," Edward said in a hoarse voice.

"Are there any updates?" Celesia asked anxiously.

"Your father has gone with the knights to investigate. All we can do now is wait," Edward said. "Can you stay with Catherine for now? She fainted when she heard the news, and her condition worsened."

"You are the one I can rely on at this moment," Edward looked at Celesia, asking for her help.

"Of course... you can count on me," Celesia left the office heading to the empress's room, while Edward kept thinking about how to handle this tragic event.

"It must be the work of Alan, the King of the Shadow Kingdom, but knowing that Henry was heading to the Lunaris Kingdom means there is a spy here," Edward mused over the complex thoughts.

"A spy... a spy... Marquess Domont!" he muttered as his thoughts settled on the Marquess Domont.

"Could she be Alan's spy?" Edward wondered hesitantly.

"I should have executed her that day... betrayal repeats itself, for once a betrayer, always a betrayer," Edward's thoughts circled around the need for caution regarding these intricate plots.

Suddenly, Edward stood up resolutely and rushed to the dungeon where Marquess Domont was imprisoned.

"Oh!... I haven't seen you in a while, Your Majesty," the Marquess said with a mocking smile.

"Enough games, you are certainly Alan's spy," Edward said seriously.

"Really, to toy with someone as smart as you is just recklessness," she said with a wicked smile on her face.

"What are you really planning?" Edward asked angrily.

"Shouldn't you be asking the mastermind, not me?" she replied coldly.

"Talking to you is indeed a waste of time, but don't think you'll escape easily. I'll deal with you later," Edward said with a menacing look on his face and left the dungeon heading back to the palace.

Meanwhile, Celesia remained beside the empress until she suddenly regained consciousness. She looked around and saw Celesia by her side.

"Celesia, my dear, any news?" Catherine asked in a faint, weak voice.

"The investigations are ongoing, no new information yet," Celesia replied sadly.

Tears welled up in Catherine's eyes as she looked at her hands, saying sorrowfully, "Just this morning I held him, and now, this evening, he vanishes... Please, God, keep him safe from all harm."

Celesia held her hands, tears streaming down her face, and said gently, "Have faith, I am sure he will return safely, God willing."

"Yes... you are right," Catherine smiled as she went back to sleep. Celesia stayed by her side until nightfall. Edward entered the room quietly and said kindly to Celesia,

"Thank you for staying with her until now. I'll take care of the rest. Go to your room and rest," Edward said kindly.

"Alright... I wish you both a good night," Celesia replied politely and quietly left the room to rest in her room.

"Henry... I hope you are safe," Celesia thought to herself 

.

.

.

"I feel cold..."

"I hear footsteps coming," Henry thought to himself.

"Are you awake?... Son of Edward," he heard a strange voice. He slowly opened his eyes to see a person he had never seen before standing before him.

"Welcome to the Shadow Kingdom," the stranger announced mockingly.

Henry looked into his purple eyes using the power of the Watcher's Eye.

"A terrifying dark aura surrounds him, he harbors intense hatred for me," Henry was shocked by what he saw.

"Who exactly is this person?" he wondered.