chapter 24
John's Secret Mission_
The corridors buzzed with morning preparations. Servants hurried with flowers, nobles fussed with garments, and guards checked every corner. Amid the chaos, one figure moved silently, unnoticed.
John paused in the shadow of a marble column, listening. His soldiers, clad in light armor, eyes sharp, stood ready behind him. Not a word passed; no boots clattered, no whispers escaped.
John (low, commanding): "Stay close. Quietly. We cannot alert the palace guards."
The group nodded, stepping softly across the polished floor. Every corner seemed watched, every corridor a potential trap.
One soldier whispered: "Sir… the path near the west gate is heavily guarded."
John's eyes narrowed.
John: "Then we take the underground passage. Faster, safer. Keep your eyes open—any mistake, and we fail."
Beneath the palace, the morning sunlight streamed through distant windows, untouched by their secret footsteps. Every sound amplified in the quiet underground.
John (thinking): Marco… we're coming. No matter what it takes, I'll find you.
They moved like shadows, leaving the palace behind with.
Princess' Chamber
Princess Enolgon stood before the mirror, orange hair catching the morning light, green eyes sharp and alert. Her white gown flowed perfectly, delicate lace sparkling with each movement. Calm on the outside, but her thoughts churned.
A soft knock interrupted her reverie.
Servant: "Your Highness… everyone is waiting in the hall. The ceremony is about to begin."
Princess nodded, adjusting her gown.
Princess: "Yes. That will be all."
The servant bowed and left quietly. Alone, she turned fully to the mirror.
Her fingers absently adjusted the veil, and her thoughts drifted.
Where is Marco? What is really happening? King, prince… their power presses on me like a vice. Every move feels watched, every delay a threat.But then… John.
A sudden ache curled through her chest
princess (thinking) :He's been… different. Quiet. Why doesn't he smile the way he used to? Something feels… off.
She paused, heart heavy, mind racing.
Princess( thinking) :Is it me? Or him? Why does my chest feel restless, uneasy… pulling me toward him, even when everything else hangs in the balance?
She straightened her shoulders, forcing herself to focus.
The hall is waiting. The ceremony… everything depends on me keeping calm.
And yet, a sudden rush of longing struck her again.
Princess( thinking) : Why does thinking of him weigh so heavily on my heart?
Palace Corridor –
Guinevere followed the prince through the gilded corridors, every footstep echoing. Servants scurried past, but she noticed it—his words, seemingly casual, were carefully meaningless, designed to occupy her.
guinevere(thinking) :Huh… he's doing this deliberately. Trying to waste my time. Keep me away from the princess.
She stopped abruptly, folding her arms, voice cutting through the faint hum of activity.
Guinevere: "Why are you doing this, Prince? I thought you called me to discuss something important. I am not here to amuse you or follow your every whim."
The prince halted, a smug smile playing on his lips, arrogance radiating. He leaned closer, voice dripping with condescension.
Prince: "But you will be… at least for the moment. I am going, and—well—you'll see."
His casual tone barely hid the challenge. His voice rose, imperious.
Prince: "The princess is marrying me. In a few hours, I will be king—the future king of Lumivales. Do you truly have the audacity to speak to me this way?"
Guinevere's pulse quickened, but she held herself rigid, gaze unwavering.
Guinevere: "I serve Lumivales, not your ego. Do not confuse duty with blind obedience to your whims."
For the briefest moment, his smirk faltered. Guinevere turned and walked on, composed yet unyielding.He's such a fool, she thought quietly.
The prince's eyes followed her retreating form. A faint frown formed, his thoughts bitter and conflicted.
Prince (thinking): Why, Father… why give me this task? Keeping this impossible, rude woman busy isn't just a challenge… it's madness.Such a crazy women!!!dosent have any manner!!!
Princess' Chamber –
Knock knock.
Princess: "Enter."
Guinevere stepped inside, armor faintly clinking, expression sharp. She leaned against the door, a mix of frustration and calculation in her stance.
Guinevere: "They're trying to isolate us."
She paced, hands on her hips, voice low but tense.
Guinevere: "The prince… he is behind me constantly, calling me for nonsense tasks, wasting my time, keeping me from going anywhere. Now I'm sure—they know what we're planning. Otherwise, why else would they do this?"
Princess, thoughtful, nodded.
Princess: "Yes… that would make sense. That's probably why they are not letting anyone leave."
Guinevere's eyes narrowed, urgency crossing her face.
Guinevere: "Also… John has another report. He left with a squad, moving quickly."
Princess' gaze sharpened, determination hardening.
Princess : Now all we can do is wait.
guinevere noded.
The Cavern – Aftermath
Marco tightened his grip on the reins, eyes scanning the path ahead. Sunlight filtered through the trees, illuminating the winding road back to the palace. Beside him, Chris—the red-haired man—grinned despite the blood and dirt smeared across his face.
The prisoner, Kayan, was securely bound and unconscious, still recovering from the brutal battle.
Marco (breathing easier): "Finally… this is done. The children are safe."
Chris chuckled, sword swinging lightly over his shoulder.
Chris: "Safe and sound. And that idiot… how did you manage him? Was it part of the Monesa's mission?"
Marco: "Relax. We're on a break now. Soon, we'll resume."
Chris' grin widened.
Chris: "Ah… I'm so excited."
Michael, riding alongside, spoke with careful urgency.
Michael: "Let's get him back safely. We have to be creative—can't let the king's guards suspect a thing. The children are already on their way to safety, and the princess… she's waiting. It's too late to delay."
Chris glanced at Marco, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Chris: "Princess? Is she… pretty?"
Marco blinked.
Marco: "What?"
Chris: "Hehe… I love pretty women. If she's worth it, she could be my first love."
Marco laughed.
Marco: "Are you joking?"
Chris, serious, shrugged.
Chris: "Heh? No, I'm not."
Marco laughed even harder, shaking his head.
They rode on, laughter mixing with the lingering tension of their mission. Every step forward carried the weight of their victory, and the certainty that the next challenge would demand even more courage.
...CHAPTER 24ENDS...