"Zariya?"
My gaze stopped in emptiness when Prince Arsh waved his hand in front of me. He tried to grab my attention. That's when my trance returned.
"Are you saying something, Prince Arsh?" I asked.
Ever since we escaped the Kingdom of Lacandia my mind has been flying. I couldn’t focus because of what happened. The trauma left me when we were still captives by Queen Emily. I really feel that we are still confined and have no opponent until now.
The conscience I feel is really overwhelming. I even hurt Prince Cozen for telling me how I really feel for him. I have no intention of hurting him, I just want to make him aware of his wrongdoings and correct them before it is too late.
But I don’t regret directing him. If that act gave me too much conscience, to Prince Cozen it would have been well done. As a result, Prince Cozen opened his eyes that he was spelling in the wrong direction.
At first he also could not accept and it was hard to believe him but with the help of their Mother and the gentle explanation of the Dear Queen, he became aware of the bad things happening because of his blind love for me. The good heart of a true Prince still prevailed over him. Fortunately, he finally stopped wanting to marry me.
Prince Cozen was the reason we escaped from Queen Emily’s captivity. With his help, we were able to leave safely and not a single opponent saw us.
He took the opportunity to prepare the Kingdom of Lacandia so that we could escape. Using his power, he smuggled us behind the Kingdom. There was a secret tunnel there that we used to escape Queen Emily’s captivity.
Gradually I came to believe in Prince Cozen’s remorse because he managed to get us out of Queen Emily’s evil hands. We were thankful that we were not caught by the soldiers guarding the outside.
But even after we escaped, Prince Arsh's anger at his brother did not subside. He still doesn't keep it to himself and in my opinion, he is still not convinced by the good performance of the second Prince.
As for me, I can't help but doubt the person who has lied to me. Whenever I remember his sin, I can’t help but get hurt. With just one mention of what happened then, the pain caused by the lie told returns. Even if I want to restore the good connection between the two of us, it will be difficult for any effort to happen because you know that the trust you have given is cracked.
It's hard to really trust the person who once broke your trust again. You will wonder if what he is doing is real or if he is still planning something behind his kindness to you.
"Son, won't you really allow me to come with you to the Kingdom? I also want to help protect our palace," carving of their Mother. She never tired of repeating her question because she hoped that the Princes' answers might change.
Instead of going straight inside the palace, Prince Arsh chose to take Queen Amelia first to the secret room that was there at the bottom of the palace. This is the very underground of Norland’s palace. This is also where we hid Ysabelle when we ran away from her. The Blessed Queen is far safer here than on Mount Puhon.
This is the safest place we can hide today.
Queen Emily had many connections and most likely, she was looking for us all over the palace.
"Mother, you don't have enough strength to help now. It's better if you rest first. We'll take care of the palace. You can count on us to do everything so that Lacandia doesn't overthrow it," Prince Arsh explained.
I nodded to agree. Prince Arsh is right, it would be better if they rest first now. Their bodies are still weak and they may not be able to cope when they are forced to help in the war that will take place. They had better gather their strength first and be ready when the Princes bring their Mother back to the palace.
“Prince Arsh is right, Dear Queen. Just rest first to regain your lost strength. What if you insist on coming, your health will be in danger. ”
The Queen was speechless. She finally agreed with us not to insist on what she wanted. "But you promise you'll all be careful."
"We promise, Mother."
I was just standing quietly next to Prince Arsh when Queen Amelia's eyes focused on me. Even though it was kind to me and well-treated, I still couldn’t help but feel guilty. I still carry the weight I feel because of the sin my Father King has committed. All this is happening because of my Father and Mother.
"Zariya, be careful. You have helped us a lot so I am very grateful to you. Take care of yourself because I still want to get back at you. Do you understand?"
All I could do was nod. A small smile flashed on the lips of the Blessed Queen.
I felt even more of her being a real Mother than of Queen Emily. It's good that I'm not related, someone cares about me.
"We are going to the palace, Mother. We must immediately inform the war that Lacandia wants to make," Prince Arsh informed.
We have to hurry while there is still time. The Kingdom of Lacandia may not be the first to attack because the Kingdom of Norland will surely be defeated. The soldiers were unaware of the impending war.
A great war was coming and the Kingdom of Norland needed to prepare quickly. We don’t know when they will attack so everyone better be prepared. I really wish they hadn't attacked today.
Queen Amelia hugged the three of us before finally walking away.
Prince Cozen pointed his hand at the air and in a few moments the tunnel we had used before reappeared.
I don’t know but I feel so nervous. I had a bad feeling about the coming war. The outcome is not good.
What happened in the past may happen again. Many people were killed. Even the Princes did not survive. I don't want to repeat what happened a second time.
I need to change the course of destiny.
Even though my legs were shaking and my hands were cold, I still struggled to step into the tunnel. But I think I got even weaker when I got closer. Prince Cozen and Prince Arsh were already on opposite sides of the tunnel while I was still struggling to step because of the extreme coldness of the hand and the heaviness of the feeling.
My eyes fell on Prince Arsh. I caught him staring at me. I can’t explain the pain I’m feeling right now. To this day, I still keep a secret.
I cannot tell Prince Arsh my true mission.
I can’t say many will be affected by this battle.
I can’t say what I know about the past.
And the more I can’t say how I really feel for him.
For a moment I stopped walking, and Prince Arsh walked towards me. He did not hesitate to hold my two hands. If before it was just mad at me, now he is back to dealing with me again. I felt her care again.
"Are you okay? Is something wrong with you? Do you want to just stay here with Mother?" its a series of questions for me.
I refused immediately. "N-No. I'm fine, Prince Arsh."
They need me now. A great war will break out and many will be wounded. Now that I have discovered that I have the ability to heal, I will not hesitate to use it to help others. Even in this way I can only help. When the power given to me was beneficial.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Without saying a word, Prince Arsh squeezed my hand. Just like the first time he touched my hand, I feel the same way now. Every time our palms touch, all the apprehension I feel disappears. Whenever I was in trouble, only his hand would calm me down.
In him I found peace of my heart.
With him, I am at peace.
The three of us crossed the tunnel at once. At the same time as I stepped on the cement, Prince Arsh also released my hand.
We are in the Kingdom of Norland!
We immediately looked around and were so frightened that the soldiers came out carrying their arrows. Others were anxious to close the large gate of the palace properly. Others prepare their ammunition to use fire.
The Kingdom of Lacandia has invaded!
Here they are the protagonists!
"Prince Arsh and Prince Cozen, good and here you are. Prince Ravi has been looking for you to announce that the Kingdom of Lacandia is currently attacking our town. Big explosions are happening there now. The whole palace is preparing because they are definitely here. will attack soon," said a soldier who gasped. There was also a look of confusion on his face.
I’m right, they haven’t wasted any more time with Queen Emily. They invaded the Kingdom of Norland because they knew we were not prepared yet.
"Father? Where is Father?" worried language of Prince Arsh who was beside me.
"He is in a safe place now, Dear Prince. Prince Ravi immediately took King Valor away so that he would not be harmed. Your Father King is still weak so it is better to take him away from the palace first," the soldier replied again.
I saw Prince Cozen sign, as well as Prince Arsh. Perhaps they took a deep breath to know that their Father was in a safe place.
"Come on and get ready," Prince Cozen invited.
Prince Arsh just looked at him but didn't blink. I can’t blame Prince Arsh if he finds it hard to trust Prince Cozen.
We went straight to the room where so many weapons and arrows of the palace were hidden. There is other equipment there that can be used for protection against enemies. The palace is adequately equipped but they are not ready now. Everyone was excited.
We found the General inside, he was accompanied by some soldiers.
"Prince Cozen and Prince Arsh, I have released the antique arrows that your ancestors used. I have also ordered the rest of our soldiers to bring out the warship. Now we have to use them because we don't know what. Lacandia is equipped with combat equipment," said the General.
"It's good that the soldiers use that because Father also blessed that so that whoever uses the equipment will not be immediately defeated," said Prince Arsh.
We waited for them to get all the arrows, swords and even the bombs. Only the weapons and arrows inside the large mirror were left. It seems that only the important person in the palace has permission to use them. They are still shining brightly.
The soldiers put what they were carrying in a large cloth and then wrapped it. They worked together to lift it all. Most of what they took were arrows whose bullets were blazing fire.
The General bowed in front of the three of us. "I will go first Princes. I promise to protect the palace as best I can, even if my life is at stake."
I lamented the General's loyalty to the Kingdom. Willing to gamble his life just for the safety of the palace. I can say he was one of the people to be trusted in the palace.
"Thank you very much, General," Prince Arsh said.
The General left with a smile, followed by the soldiers.
Prince Arsh and Prince Cozen went straight to the large mirror I was referring to where several weapons and the single arrow were placed. They opened it and exposed those weapons to us.
Prince Arsh took the arrow then turned it to me. "This is what you use, Zariya."
He handed me the arrow and even nervously I still took it. I held the red arrow and I was so amazed because it suddenly lit up.
"That's a symbol that the arrow recognizes that you hold her new to serve and protect. That arrow belongs to the Queen Mother. She instructed me earlier to use it on you now as protection in the event of war."
My hands trembled as I held Queen Amelia's arrow.
I want to admit that I don't know how to use an arrow but they might just suspect me. I was known to be raised by Lacandia and considered a Princess so they wouldn’t believe I wasn’t trained to use it. No Princess does not know how to use an arrow and face war.
I held the arrow tightly and closed my eyes and prayed fervently.
"I wish this arrow would take care of me."
Prince Arsh and Prince Cozen have also taken the remaining two large swords. It looked heavy but was effortlessly touched by the two Princes. Obviously they actually owned that sword.
"Prince Nesh, Dern and Ravi probably got their swords as well," Prince Cozen said as he wiped his sword.
"Cozen?" Prince Arsh calls his brother. "I still don't trust you because of what you have done but I hope you are truly repentant and want to prove that you are still on the side of our Kingdom."
Prince Cozen stared at Prince Arsh seriously. "I won't promise but I will."
I think Prince Cozen has truly repented and I am happy because the five Princes are still together to face the biggest problem that their Kingdom will face.
I was surprised because of the super loud noise coming from outside. If I am not mistaken, it was an explosion that took place in the palace garden.
Here they are inside the palace!
"Get ready," Prince Arsh warned.
"We need to hurry. Come because our Kingdom needs us."
Prince Arsh took my hand out of that room again. We ran out of the palace because the explosions were in a row. I could only see soldiers inside and no more servants. Where are my colleagues now? Have they escaped?
Strong explosions are happening in the foreground. Many soldiers lined up at the large door that seemed to block the entry of the enemy.
"Nesh!" I looked away when I heard Prince Ravi's voice. "Go to the throne of our Father. Make sure that the enemy does not seize the throne."
They are on the right side now and are currently looking out the small window that is there. In a hurry, Prince Nesh didn’t notice us as he immediately ran up to the third floor where King Valor’s big chair was. That symbolizes the throne and others cannot sit there because it indicates that King Valor no longer has the position and the power to occupy the whole of Norland has been passed.
"Get ready, Zariya. Just call my name if you need help." Prince Arsh moved away from me and approached Prince Ravi's whereabouts.
Prince Cozen, on the other hand, went out and mingled with the soldiers. He was needed there so that Lacandia's soldiers could not enter immediately. We will have a hard time when one of them has already entered.
I was left standing and didn't know what to do. I looked at the arrow I was holding. "I feel sorry for you, guide me. You will take care of me."
It immediately lit up again as if he understood what I said. I was on my knees when suddenly the shouts of the soldiers echoed all around. They met the Lacandia soldiers with a series of arrows. The noise was also joined by the explosion of the bomb around. Also the sound of the gigantic war vehicle did not escape the noise.
I saw Prince Ravi come down and have already joined the battle going on in the wide ground of the palace.
Prince Arsh is relentless in raining down arrows at the enemies. I took a deep breath and immediately peeked out the window next to me. I saw so many soldiers coming from the two Kingdoms. Many were also injured and fell to the ground. I was even more nervous because the opponents didn't seem to be exhausted. They were still one after the other entering the great gate of Norland. The palace soldiers were struggling to fight with their numbers.
I have no choice. I need to help. I placed in my hand the arrow that Prince Arsh had given me earlier. I wondered because I didn’t know why I was holding the arrow correctly and my two hands seemed to have a mind of their own on what to do. I took a bullet from the bag I was carrying that I slung over my shoulder and fixed it. I made sure that it hit the opponent and I didn't fail, I knocked down two opponents with the same arrow.
I was shocked at myself because I knocked down one after another even though I didn't know how to use an arrow. I'm just enjoying now that the opponents are decreasing.
"Zariya!" I turned to Prince Arsh and my eyes widened as he aimed his arrow at me. "Bow!"
I immediately bowed and was surprised when someone slumped behind me. A soldier from the Kingdom of Lacandia.
They have entered the second floor of the palace!