Whoosh... whoosh…
The birdkin swept into the night sky and vanished from the palace grounds, leaving the converging knights in a state of sheer terror. They stood over a courtyard strewn with corpses, yet not a single enemy remained in sight.
"Where are they? Where is the enemy?"
"Search! Check every room! People don't just vanish into thin air!"
High above, Lucy huddled in Rhea's arms. This was her first time experiencing flight, and the sensation was overwhelming. After about ten minutes, they reached the encampment on the outskirts of the capital.
As soon as they landed, Lucy's legs felt weak. She looked curiously at Jones, who was half-squatting on the ground. Worried, she asked, "Jones, are you hurt?"
"No... I'm fine." Jones's body went stiff, and she shook her head subtly. Her legs were just like jelly.
Rhea shot a knowing look at the leopard-eared girl. Still afraid of heights, she thought.
Confirming Jones had no wounds, Lucy asked, "Right, Jones—what about Catherine? Has she been rescued?"
Chris, who had been waiting for their return, spoke up. "Your Highness, men have already been dispatched to the Grand Duke's estate to save Miss Catherine."
As the overall commander of this mission, Chris had judged the palace to be the most dangerous location. He had sent all the birdkin there, while the remaining elves and airborne soldiers were assigned to duke mansion.
"That's a relief." Lucy let out a long breath. This plan was originally meant for Catherine; if her own rescue had jeopardized her friend's safety, she would have carried the guilt for a lifetime.
"Everyone, get some rest. We prepare to move out tomorrow," Chris said, turning to organize the retreat. Once the news of Lucy's disappearance broke, the city would likely be placed under martial law. However, no one would suspect their escape route was through the clouds.
"Wait, I have one more request," Lucy said hurriedly and politely. "I want to take two more people with me."
Chris turned back, frowning. "Who? And where are they?" If they were back in the palace, it would be a suicide mission now that the guard was on high alert.
"It's a dwarf friend of mine named Euphy. She runs a blacksmith shop in the city. I need to get her and her father out of the capital. If Lucia can't find me, he'll surely take his anger out on her," Lucy said anxiously.
"A dwarf?" Chris paused, then nodded. He turned to Rhea. "Miss Rhea, I must trouble you to take your team out one more time."
"Understood," Rhea nodded.
She signaled a few of her companions to follow. Scooping Lucy up once more, she took to the air, following the Princess's directions toward the blacksmith shop.
*
Outside Catherine's room, the hallway was buzzing with activity. A young man in his late twenties, possessing a forced air of gentleness, called out through the door.
"Miss Catherine, please come out. Grand Duke Kerrac sent me himself."
"Get lost!" Catherine's voice rang out with cold defiance.
She was beyond frustrated. Her father had changed his mind—not to set her free, but to trade her to Viscount Leon, the son of the Great Knight, Grand Duke Benson. He was treating her like a piece of livestock. She had completely given up on her father and her family; she realized now that this house held not a shred of human warmth.
Hearing the word "Get lost," Leon's face darkened. He stared at the door, his eyes smoldering. He was the son of a Grand Duke and a future Duke himself. Even the First Prince wouldn't dare be so rude to him. He suppressed his rage only because of his father's orders: he had to secure her. An alliance between their two families meant they might actually have a shot at the throne. Besides, Catherine was a renowned beauty and a talented musician—the dream woman of many nobles. Pursuing her suited his interests perfectly.
"Miss Catherine, Grand Duke Kerrac is waiting for you at the banquet, as is my father, Grand Duke Benson. Do you really intend to make everyone wait for you?" Leon used the weight of their fathers' names.
"I'm not going. I don't care who asks, I'm not going!" Catherine shouted.
She sat on the edge of her bed, clutching a small slip of paper that had been smuggled to her during lunch. It said someone was coming to rescue her tonight and told her to stay in her room. If not for that note, she might not have been so bold.
"Where are they?" Catherine murmured, glancing at the door. "Please, hurry. I can't stay here another second."
"Miss, what's wrong?" Her maid, Tina, asked anxiously. "If you keep refusing him, won't the Master be furious?"
"Don't worry," Catherine shook her head. She turned to the maid. "Is everything I asked for ready?"
The moment she knew she could escape, she had ordered Tina to pack their valuables and her most precious lute.
"It's all ready. Right here." Tina pointed to two bundles on the table.
"Good." Catherine nodded, her heart racing with anticipation.
"Miss... are you planning to run away?" Tina whispered.
"Yes. And you're coming with me," Catherine said seriously. "If you don't want to go, that's fine, I will give you—"
"I'm following you, Miss!" Tina interrupted urgently. "Wherever you go, I go." She knew the destination was likely Sedona City—how could she possibly miss out on that?
"I knew I raised you right," Catherine smiled, poking the maid's forehead.
"Hehe..." Tina giggled.
"Miss Catherine, do not be so headstrong," Leon's shameless voice drifted in again. "How will you behave as my wife if you act like this?"
Catherine's face soured instantly. "Control yourself, Viscount! I would rather die than marry you!"
"Miss, this man is truly thick-skinned," The maid grumbled indignantly.
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