Chapter 6 (into the heart of the kingdom)

Around 5 o'clock in the evening, they

finally get close to the Kaldris Kingdom

border, with its wall nearly 15.24 meters

tall.

Getting to the main gate, Isabelle guards

walk to the gate, banging on it with force.

"Open the gate; the young lady has

arrived." Raising their voices.

One of the gatekeepers appears on the

wall with his armor on and a spear in his

hand.

"Identify yourself." He aggressively

demanded. Isabella steps forward,

raising her head, while pointing her

identification tag at him.

"Is this enough, for verification?" The

gatekeeper eyes open wide as he loses

his composure.

"Quickly open the gate." The gatekeeper

ran down the wall, instructing his

subordinates.

The gate was raised, enough for them to

come in.Isabella leads the way while

others follow.

The gatekeeper bows along with his

subordinates. "Welcome back, your

highness. How was your trip?" 

Isabella turns to the gatekeeper captain,

"You can rise up." They all stand

properly, "Thanks for your grace, your

highness." Isabella, in surprise, turned

around, looking strangely,

"Captain, mayI ask why the gate is

suddenly closed when it is not yet time

for curfew?"

The guards captain steps forward a bit,

placing his mouth at Isabella's ear. "The

kingdom is preparing for war, so we are

instructed to close the gate by his

majesty."

Isabella frowns, hearing the news. The

guide captain steps back. Meanwhile,

Drake noticed her reaction, which gives

him goosebumps.

Isabella tries to hide her emotions.

"Please get us a sleigh to take us to the

palace." She instructs the guards

captain.

"Yes, your highness." He replied, turning

back to provide what he was asked for.

Five minutes later, a white wooden

sleigh, attached to two brown reindeers

and controlled by an old man,

approaches them.

The guide Captain emerges from the

sleigh and walks towards Isabella.

"You highness," he says,

"I have brought the sleigh you requested

for." Isabella stares blankly at the old

man on the sleigh, which the guide

captain notices.

" Hum." He clears his throat. "Your

highness, don't underestimate the old

man. He is rated as one of the three

sleigh dashers in our kingdom." Isabella

places her right hand on the guard

captain's shoulder and says,

"Thank you for your help; I really

appreciate it." She then turns to Drake

and his bodyguards. "Let's move."

Drake tries to follow her into the sleigh

but is stopped instantly by Isabella

bodyguards.

"Who are you to share the sleigh with her

highness?" Crossing their hands,

blocking his way.

"Is this how you treat your Savior?"

Isabella pokes her head out of the sleigh

window.

"Let him in." Drake impatiently waves

away their hands, entering the sleigh.

Isabella ordered the old man to "let

move. Be swift and steady."

The sleigh starts moving.

Thirty minutes later, the sleigh finally

arrives at the palace gate. In front of the

gate, an old woman in her late fifties and

two young ladies in their mid-twenties

were standing, wearing black and white

gowns. Isabella and Drake step down

from the sleigh.

"Welcome back, my lady." The old

woman and the two ladies says,

prostrating themselves.

"You don't need to wait for me at the

gate. How is father?" Isabella asks,

walking towards them.

"His majesty is anxiously waiting for your

return in his chamber." The old woman

replied, stepping aside for Isabella.

They all follow after her into the palace.

Drake turns around, admiring the interior

of the palace, which is made of white and

polished crystals.

Isabella turns to the old woman, "Nanny,

provide a temporary room for him to

stay," pointing at Drake, "I will be on my

way to my father's room."Isabella turns

and leaves, "Yes, my lady." The old

woman replied. turning back to Drake,

"Please this way." Making a hand gesture

to her right. " Yes." Drake nods and

follows the old woman.