As Queen Siera tried to see what was wrong with the king, I pulled my aunt to the side. She fought me at first, but later on, she must have realized that there was nothing that she could have done to help her husband.
According to Queen Siera, the king was placed under a comma. Our guess is that it must have been because of one of the potions that he was working on.
The greenhouse was a mess. Most of the vials and potions were scattered all over the floor. Papers were thrown everywhere and even tables were flipped. There clearly was a sign of struggle that led us to the conclusion that someone must have made the king purposely poisoned the king with his own creations.
No one knows who or why they did it, but the security in the palace certainly became strict after that. Every visiting royal shall now be accompanied by a knight or two. It caused quite a commotion at first, but with the summit still ongoing, everyone thankfully agreed. Probably because they felt sorry for the queen as well.
“I can provide healing potion and have my wizards assists the beastmen at a safer distance.” Fred says while pointing at a part of the huge map on the table. “Also, to provide assurance of safety for every realm, I would personally join my magicians and cast protective barriers to every kingdom. We do not know where they would strike next, but it is better to be safe while we still plan on invading them.”
“Wouldn’t it be difficult for people to come and leave if we place a barrier?” Adam, Nate’s half-brother, says.
“I’ll assign witches and warlocks to serve as gatekeepers. Don’t worry.” Fred assured him.
“King Fred, I do not doubt your ideas and all, but shouldn’t the Queen of Thalia give out her opinion instead?” It was Gregory Cleavelan, the first fairy prince and the one who’s next in line to the throne. “It’s been two days and she hasn’t even given her opinion or even express her interest in this matter.”
My aunt was in the room with us, but she wasn’t even paying attention to what was happening in front of her. Instead, she just stared into an empty space.
I nudged her with my shoulder to bring her back to the present. My aunt jumped in surprise and must have realized that she was now the center of our attention, thanks to Gregory. “S-Sorry. Please proceed.” She says.
“I’m sorry, but this meeting is just impossible to run if the head of all the kingdom isn’t even interested.” The king of the Trolls pointed out.
“I’m sorry.” My aunt apologizes again.
“Queen Elizabeth, it has been two days now. We understand that you lost someone, but you have to do your job and-”
“He’s not dead! He’s just in a deep sleep!” My aunt rose to her feet and slammed the table. She gasped as soon as she realized what she’s done. “O-Oh dear. I-”
Everyone, all except Fred, Nate, Ren, Dan, and the elves rose to their feet and slowly headed out for the exit.
“Apologies, your highness, but unless you can participate, we’re afraid that this meeting will be postponed. Again.” Gregory said before he and his family left as well. “Well come back in the afternoon. If you still can’t take this seriously then...I guess that we all should go home and stop wasting our time.”
I met Camille’s gaze and glared at her warningly when I saw that she was about to make a comment as well. Viex growled lowly at her and dared her to open her mouth. Thankfully, whatever scare Custard did must have been engraved into her mind because she immediately shut her mouth and quietly followed the others out of the room.
Good riddance.
My aunt sight as she settled back in her seat. “I’m sorry…” She apologized again. These days, it’s all that I could hear her say. “Everyone is working so hard and I am ruining every progress. It’s just...there hasn’t been any progress with Luke and the culprit still hasn’t been found.”
Ren, Nate, and I exchanged glances. The three of us still haven’t told anyone about what we know. Not because we don’t trust the others, but because we were afraid of who to trust. Ace would have known if he did not lose his memories. We could also tell Fred, but we just can’t seem to find that right opportunity to tell him.
Queen Siera came to my aunt’s side. “Don’t lose hope. Luke is a fighter. He’ll wake up in no time.” Out of all the royals, only queen Siera has been the most sympathetic to my aunt. I guess she was the only one who was able to relate to her compared to the others. “It’s not easy, I know. Just try to think positive.”
My aunt looked at her and smiled. “Thank you, Queen Siera. But I guess I just have to head back to my room and get some rest.” The Queen got up and headed for the exit.
As soon as the door closes, Queen Siera sighed. “I don’t think that she will recover soon.” She says sadly before coming to me. “When I lost my husband, I have my children with me. But Eliza? She doesn’t have kids. She cannot confide to just anyone. But you’re her niece. You’re the only closest one to a family that she has.”
“We’ve been...trying.” I told her. “Stella and I have been constantly visiting her and accompanying her every day. Even we don’t know what to do. But, Stella and I will keep trying.” I told her. But I did not mention how Stella has also been crying in her sleep as well. She was pretty close to the king after all.
I met Ace’s gaze just then. He offered me a sympathetic smile before gesturing at the door. I nodded as I got his message.
Then I addressed the others who are left in the room. “Excuse me.” I told them before Viex and I ran out of the room to follow my aunt.
‘Viex? Where do you think she might have gone to?’
‘This way!’ Viex jumped down from my shoulder and started running. I followed him and saw my aunt in the garden and sitting on one of the benches. She was alone and was starring at her hands.
I carried Viex in my arms as he and I took a seat just beside her. “Dear, I know. I really messed up. As the leader of the whole realm, I should be responsible. But I can’t do it without Luke.” She whispered. “I just don’t have the confidence. I may seem to be the one with the ideas, but it is all Luke. All the plans, all the decisions, it was all him. I am just the one who would give him snippets and he would be the one to polish it.”
“And you’re also the one who would voice out all of those ideas.” I added.
“Yes.” She says. “That is why...I can’t do it. Without Luke, it is just impossible. I am sorry, dear. But I don’t think I even want to rule the kingdom anymore. It needs a new leader. One that isn’t me. I no longer have the right heart for it.”
Before I could stop her, she was already on her feet and began to walk away. I wanted to go after her and yet I don’t. I don’t think I am that heartless to even force my aunt to attend the meeting. Luke is an important person to her after all. He’s her husband and throughout all these years, all they had was each other.
They were the pillars of Thalia. And if one falls, the other would follow as well.
I could go in her place, but I am already representing Gija and not Thalia. I can’t speak for my aunt’s kingdom!
“This is a disaster.” I placed my hands over my face as I started to stress out over the situation.
“Rose?” I looked up to see that it was Ren. When our eyes met, he gave me a small smile. “Mind if I join you?” He looked at the spot on the bench that was previously occupied by my aunt a while ago.
I nodded.
Ren took the seat beside me while I was fidgeting awkwardly. Ren and I haven’t spoken or met gazes since that incident with Ace. We weren’t avoiding each other. It’s just that we were just busy.
He and the others were busy calming the royals while Stella and I have been busy consoling our aunt.
“I’m guessing that your talk with your aunt didn’t go so well?” He says.
I groaned yet again. “Don’t remind me. It’s going to be a disaster without her.”
There was a long moment of silence before Ren spoke. “Rose? I want to...tell you something. After the summit, I am going back with Dan.”
I froze and looked at him. He doesn’t seem to be kidding. In fact, he looked more serious than ever. “Ren…”
“Before you say anything, it’s not because of what I...saw and heard the other day.” He reassured me and ruffled my head playfully when my face didn’t relax. “Stop looking guilty.” He laughed. “Because you’re making me feel bad.”
“I’m sorry.” I said. “I just...it’s happening too fast. Will it be permanent?”
Ren’s brow drew close in sadness. “Yes. It will. The reason why we were looking for you on that day was to tell you about this, but..” Ren trailed off and looked away while blushing. “I guess I kind of gotten hurt so I ran. I mean, I kind of suspected things but....nevermind.” He sighed and turned to me with a teasing grin. “Let’s just face it. I am the only one who can lead Sanver. Can you imagine what would happen if Dan becomes the King?”
I had to laugh at that. “Everyone will be in the dungeon for no reason at all.” I said.
“Exactly.” He agreed. “So it’s not your fault, alright? Stop feeling bad. Hell, NO ONE IS AT FAULT!” He looked to the front and yelled out at the scenery.
I slapped his shoulder and started to look around. “Be quiet! You look like a crazy person!” I hissed.
Ren scoffed and rolled his eyes. “You’re one to talk.” Then he smiled. “But I am glad that you’re feeling a little better now.”
“Thanks, Ren.” I said.
“And, Rose? You don’t have to worry about giving me your answer to my confession anymore because deep down, I already know your answer.” He says and tucked my hair behind my ear. “I told you, didn’t I? Whether you accept me or not, I will still be your best friend. Nothing can change that. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Ren, you’re going to make me cry and I hate crying. I’ve been crying for days now!” I looked away as I started to get a bit teary-eyed. I took a couple of breaths to calm myself before I turned to face him. “It will be very lonely without you guys around, honestly. But for what it’s worth, I am happy for you. And...I’ll be missing you.”
I hugged Ren as I started to cry. Ren returned the gesture and patted my head to calm me down.
Everything was ending. All of us are being torn apart. When I first got here, I never expected myself to get so attached to them.
I miss those days when all of us were just goofing off and enjoying life. The time where they were still competing with one another for the crown. First, it was Fred, who had to leave because of his duties. Then it was Dan, who decided to pursue Liliana. Next, it was Ren, who has to return to his own kingdom for the same reason as Fred’s.
Once I was calm, I sat back as I wiped my tears with the napkin that Ren provided. “Still, Thalia needs a new leader.” Ren says making me look up at him. I saw him meeting my gaze and gave me an encouraging nod. “And I think you know who that is, right? Deep down, even though you never showed it, he was always the one true king in your eyes.”
I laughed. “How did you know that?” I agreed. To be honest, he was right. I do have someone in mind. And it became more clear to me than ever when Fred left the group.
The only thing that was stopping me from making that decision is because of...his strange habits…
Ren chuckled. “I hate the guy and his kind before.” He says. “But he’s the only one who stands up when it is needed. And when he does, even the PRINCE fears him. Besides, I heard that when you’re asked a question, the first answer that comes to your mind is usually the right one.” He winked and got up to his feet. He reached out and offered me his hand. “Shall we go so you can make the announcement official?”
I smiled, took his hand, and allowed him to pull me to my feet. “Definitely.” When the time comes that Stella and I will leave this realm, Thalia will need a good King.
And he is perfect.
...with a few flaws.
But the thought about leaving Thalia made me think of another prince. And I didn’t like that feeling.
Ren and I headed out to go and look for him. It wasn’t that hard to find the guy since he has been spending most of his days in the training area these days. I looked at Ren. He gave me an encouraging nod and pushed me towards him rather harshly that I flew and hit his back.
“Rose? What are you doing here? Have you gone and talked to the queen?” He says. Then, when he looked behind me, he saw Ren before he looked back at me. “He finally told you that he’s leaving? Baby girl, don’t you worry because you may cry into my arms as long as you li-”
“Can it, Nathaniel.” I snapped at him. “This is the reason why it took me a while to make sure that you’re the one!”
He raised a confused brow at me. “What are you-”
“Nate, do you still want to be king?”
“I...Uh...Yes?” He said.
“Good. Then you’ll be the king.”