We move hastily through the crowd, the blazing sun glares at us harshly while the hot air suffocates our noses. We are halfway through the streets. Mylene breathes heavily with the cloak covering her nose, mostly trying to hide her eyes. I hold her hand tightly and turn at a corner for a short cut. I'm completely focused on delivering Mylene back to the castle unnoticeably so much that I don't notice the presence coming toward me.

Suddenly bumping into a board chest, I release a yelp out of pain. I wince my injured notice and quickly look up to apologize. "Sorryー"

However, I immediately pause as his appearance comes into view. Contrary to his tattered green hair, he's well-groomed. None of his soldier uniform is wrinkled or messy. I spot the familiar gleaming swords that hang proudly on his hips.

"Rupert?"

"Elius," the young boy says, narrowing his eyes at me. The orange sunlight beams brightly over his attractive face ー the light that heats up the determination of his eyes. "What are you doing here?" Then he narrows his sharp eyes at Mylene, tightening and twisting into an angry glare. "And you. Do you have any idea how long you were gone and how long I been looking for you?" His low tone is dripped with boiling anger.

Mylene pouts and quickly returns his glare. "How dare you talk to me like that, Rupert? Know your place." She takes a step forward whilst yanking me back by the collar. "Elius isn't at fault, I am. If you're going to sue me, make it quick. We're very busy."

Rupert growls, "I didn't come here on my own accord nor do I attempt to be deafened by your raucous voice. As a matter of fact, Queen Acele assigned me to get your troublesome ass back."

"R-Rupert," I shutter. Rupert's never one to hold back all the cursed words that he knows no matter who it is.

Realizing his choice of word, he rolls his eyes and clears his throat, before going back over what he said. "No, or rather, Your Highness."

"What?! Watch your mouth! I am definitely not troublesome! You're the one who is. We were simply on our ways back to the castle just like how we usually do!"

"Of course, and I believe you know it's currently afternoon right now? Well, to your curiosity, you missed three lessons. Maybe four! Even with your usual petite excuses, what are you going to do about your skipped sessions?"

"I'll make them up!"

"Your Highness, Rupert, please argue no further. Not now," I cut in, trying my best to push them apart while keeping my voice low at the same time. "It's rather... disadvantageous for us to proceed such an argument in the opening of the valley! Look! Everyone is staring at us! If this continues, they will soon discover Mylene's identity!"

Rupert breathes heavily and glares at Mylene for a long moment, before backing away gradually. Glancing sidelong, he looks fleetingly at each of the passerbys, then glares at those who are staring at us, sending chills up their bones and yanking their attention away. Turning around, he inhales in deeply.

"Alright, but you better not mess around or whine to look at something along the way," Rupert warns in a low tone, keeping his eyes on Mylene.

Mylene grimaces, but I hold her back with a hand. She glances at it then back at Rupert. "I understand."

Rupert nods and heads out the street. Following after Mylene, I stay close next to her.

Hot golden streaks spread across the sky, devouring the straw rooftops and Mylene's beating long hair. The bazaar grows more optimistic at the arrival of the afternoon, people are found at every corner. Catching our attentions, many civilians head off to the discussion board where a large crowd starts to congregate.

I cock an eyebrow in confusion.

"A war is coming..." Rupert breathes.

We whip our heads at his murmur. "What?!"

His eyes immediately widen at our lack of knowledge. "You didn't know?" Rupert asks. "There's a commotion about us attacking a duke of Bralulan at the gate. They reported that the guards were irresponsible, one left and one was hostile. Then... he just started attacking their carriage."

"No way...!!" Mylene gasps. "That means we are starting a war!"

"No... This couldn't be...." I'm shocked for a moment, my mouth gasping as I recall the destruction the Great Gacaea War had brought not too long ago and the effect that remained 'till today. "Hey, Rupert," I say, grabbing his arm. "What about Cody? Is he alright?"

"Ah, yeah, that's right... Elius said he guards the gate today," says Mylene. "What happened to him?"

Rupert stares at us for a while in silence before heaving a heavy sigh. "... This might sounds implausible, even I don't believe it, but... the report notified that he deliriously ambushed the Duke."

* * *

"Their army multiplies nonstop. We are unable to get past their ultimate shield!"

"The First Wall is going to fall!!"

"Why did they suddenly attack us without waiting for a consolidation? Could it be this already planned....!?"

"What about the allies?" The senator gasps in realization. "Our allies! Contract them! They may come and help us in time!!"

"Your Majesty! What should we do?!"

Acele doesn't utter a word at the commotion. Staring at each individual in the room, she turns at Charlie and the High Councilor standing by her sides.

It's too late... She thinks her face crunches up and her heart squashes at the news. Things aren't according to her plan in order to settle the matters. Although she has the proof to prove their guilt, what can she do to stop the damage that had been done?

"I didn't do it, I swear! Your Majesty!" Cody shouted at the top his lungs, struggling unwillingly as the knights drag him away.

On the other hand, Acele remained silent with her nonchalant expression.

Cody decided to send out his last piece of hint. "A spy was in our quarters! His name is Derek! He knocked me out! Please believe me! You must find him!!"

ーーDerek.......

Acele thinks whilst recalling when Cody was arrested.

ーーHe's right...!

Looking back at Charlie, she whispers, "Find Mylene. Tell her to meet me in my study room. Also, I'll be entrusting this to you..."

She hands him a paper scroll that is bound by a red ribbon. Charlie quickly nods, receives the paper, and disappears from his place. Acele then turns to the general.

"Gather all the soldiers. We'll protect the First Gate."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Acele stands up, causing the council to quiet down. "Things have gotten this bad, there can be a way to turn back no longer. This kingdom will not be here anymore. It's settled then; Bralulan had planned this from the start. However that I tried to console this peacefully the damage cannot be unfixed. You all should run for your life, save it so the stone Ercanem can live. The stone that resembles our souls, the stone that keeps this land, this kingdom alive! Go!"

The room falls into an intense silence, and then the uproar arrives. Many push each other aside. Some argue to stay with the queen. Few soldiers long to die with the general.

Acele ignores all the suggestions and hands extended to come with her to the other side as she walks toward the doors, the commander follow her. "One more person lives matters than you think. Do not die for me, die for the kingdom."

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

* * *

Light shots through the transcendent, oval windows, illuminating through the shadow of the gray clouds casting aloft the city. The castle stands magnificently. Built upon white brick and coated in a sea of uplifting flowers of different kinds, uproars and below echo within.

Lamps highlight everywhere, footsteps mix with one another running down and up the hallways, shadows tumble their owns and weapons readied in their hands. Exiting from the assembly, we head to the chambers for the royals. Quieter here, its peaceful atmosphere still remains.

Usually, Mylene would've been questioning Rupert on what is going on, insisting on going to Queen Acele. However, she stays put.

Arriving at her chamber, Rupert opens the door. "The Queen told you to stay inside and lock the door."

Mylene stares at Rupert for a moment, confusion nor surprise was displayed as she nodded and moved to the entrance.

"Wait!" A voice shouts, pausing us on our tracks. Turning around, our gazes fall on Charlie who was running toward us with his arm up in the air. His expression is one of emergency. Skidding to a stop, he pants heavily.

"Charlie!" Mylene gasps.

"What do you want, old geezer?" Rupert says.

Taking in deep breaths, Charlie exhales, "Queen Acele... has a change of plan..." He coughs through breaths. "Bralulan is attacking us at the Freezing Ocean. They're going to pull in to the shore soon. She canceled the council and told them to run and survive as much as possible. She orders you to come to her instead!"

Receiving the news, we quickly dart to the study room where Queen Acele recited. Opening the doors for us, we instantly run inside.

Looking up as we come in, Queen Acele pauses her discussion with a commander and several councilors and gazes at us. Her gaze falls onto Mylene and she quickly moves to pull her into a tight hug. "Oh God, you're fine!"

Stunning us, what was supposed to be the elegant Acele in her beautiful weary dress is now a solemn warrior. Her armor shines splendidly, the armored hat rest atop of her oval head decorated with wings on each side shimmers her out as an angel furthermore.

"W-what's wrong?" Mylene stumbles through words, surprised.

"Bralulan had begun attacking, Your Highness," the commander replies simply.

"What?! That's fast!"

"Yes. We're putting soldiers on the front line, both at the shores and at the southwestern wall. I don't know how longer it can hold, though. A few villages and towns near the northern border are being attacked already."

"That's why I'm so glad to see you're fine," says Queen Acele, pulling away whilst caressing Mylene's cheeks who immediately froze in her spot. Still atoned with astonishment, Mylene blinks and holds her sister's hands dearly.

Unable to hold back my concern, I speak up, "Pardon me, Your Majesty, about the assaulting incident this afternoon, I-I've no clue about the background, but there's clearly a misunderstanding here. Cody wouldn't dare to cross out of his line."

Catching their attention, they pause and look at me. Queen Acele composes herself. "I know, Elius. However, there had been a commotion about punishing him by the other soldiers. The only way I could console them was locking him up. I ensure that he's fine. I also left his wane by his cell just in case there's an affair."

I release a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"What we are more worried about is the arising army of Cornelius," our attention avert to the commander as he announces. "His army's consisted of 2,000 men and they are marching toward the southwestern wall to support the previous wave. All of them are armed with Shelter Spell."

Queen Acele knits her brows in worry as she turns to look out the window then back at the general. "What about our allies? Did they..." The general shakes his head. "I see... With the situation turned this badly, it can't be helped." As she speaks, she turns at us.

"You're not going to... sacrifice, are you? Sister? Says something, sister.... Sister!" Mylene approaches her in worry; however, Acele merely stands her ground. Suddenly, she pulls Mylene into another embrace. Holding her head gently on each side, Acele rests her forehead against her younger sister's, closing her eyes and heaving a heavy sigh. In return, Mylene does the same thing despite the confusion, and merely enjoys the few last peaceful moments they'd share of their sisterhood.

When Acele opens her eyes again, she lets Mylene goes with a faint smile, her eyes display all the sorrow and bitter regret she hides in her heart. Mylene's shocked at her sister's expression and furrowed her eyebrows together in a mix of frustration and puzzle. She calls her name once more as she reaches out to her sister, but Acele takes a step back from her range of reach.

"Your Majesty..." Rupert suddenly calls out.

Shifting her eyes to him, she smiles sadly and answers, "Rupert... I apologize that I don't have anything left to teach you."

I spot Rupert curling his fingers into tight grips. "It's forsaken. I learned a lot from you, even though it was in a short period of time... Now, I can go out and fulfill my goal." He then bends his body and bows to her. "Thank you."

Acele smiles genuinely at this while Mylene and I are left confused at what's going between the two of them. Even though I was Rupert's friend, I had no idea that Queen Acele has had been tutoring him... or perhaps he never intended for me to find out.

"I hope that you will be happy with what you achieve."

"..." Rupert wears an expression that seems to be in a puddle of drowsy determination at her advice.

"Rupert, Elius."

"At your command, My Queen," we reply at the same time.

"I assign you to assist Princess Mylene to the eastern gate along with the other members of the Royal Dogs. They will enhance her safety on the journey," Acele commands in a firm, clear voice.

Quickly getting her message, we nod.

"Wait! What's the meaning of this?! I won't leave you behind!!" Mylene grits her teeth; her face is comforted in furry. Her hands close into fists and she crouches forward.

Acele ignores her and speaks in a firm voice, "This is an order. Deliver her to Prahan safely."

"Yes, Your Majesty," we salute in union.

Mylene still stubbornly reaches for Acele, but Rupert and I grab her by the arms and hold her back, dragging her to the exit.

"N-no! Let go! I'm the Princess! I will never leave my bloodline behind!" Mylene struggles with great force, kicking and yelling. Once that first tear slides down her rosy cheek, the rest follows like an unbroken stream. She releases soft whimpering sounds with her face glistening with freshly shed tears. "What about the times when you promised you would spend your days with me? Take me on picnics, walk through the streets like a normal citizen, or... or have dinner together? Were they all but deceptions? Are you... a liar even till the end?

In my vision, Queen Acele smiles happily at Mylene like her usual elegant self. "Goodbye... Mylene. Stay safe. Know that I loved you."

"I do not understand! Let go of me! We need to have a talk! D-don't leave me alone, Sister! Sister!" Mylene shrieks and pushes forcefully. Thankful for the guards at the door, they help us escorting her out of the room.

* * *

The room's no longer quiet. Filling up with shouting and explosions outside, Acele closes her eyes after watching the silhouettes vanishes from her sight. She breathes heavily as she gulps, holding back the desire to chase after her loved ones, the need to escape, the feeling to be by her sister's side. She gulps it all down, then turns around, facing the commander. Taking a final shaky breath, she returns back to her stony figure as she tightens her hands into grips.

"Come. We're going to the First Gate," she commanded, walking toward the table as she began proceeding to the plan slowly sketching in her mind.

The commander silently follows. "Are you afraid?"

She chuckles. "Of course I am, Lucius. Won't a tiger be nervous when it knows it's going to die? That its clan will be destroyed? How about you?"

"I've had been on the battlefield during the Great Gacaea War. I would gladly die for my kingdom once again."

"Just what I expect from the great frontier general of Memor." Acele smiles.

When both of them head outside, the doors suddenly slam close. Locking sounds resound, a big translucent blue circle appears on the door, circling and sparkling then disappearing into thin air.

"So that was your dear younger sister... I heard you talked about her often before the Great Gacaea War, but I never thought she would grow into this young and beautiful woman," says the commander as he chuckles.

Yet, Acele's gaze is faraway with morose stuck her gorgeous crystal blue eyes. Despite said fact, she tucks a graceful smile upon her gentle face. "Yes. I love her very much. We only have each other, after all."

"Hmph. ...Are you planning to die with your kingdom?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I know for sure that they want my neck first before my sister's. If my staying and sacrifice will hold them back for a while for her escape then nothing can be better," Queen Acele replies. "As I said, she is very dear to me."

Turning at the hallway, Acele raises her hands. Forming on her palms appears pinkish blue circles rotating around. A huge magical spell materializes on her feet, encircling an area at the middle of the pathway. The atmosphere becomes glassy and pellucid as if they're walking on the bridge of time. Within minutes, a transparent wall emerges, separating the hallway as the light clears its structure and angle.

When the trap had set, Acele opens her eyes slowly and lowers her arm, the magical circle vanishing from sight. She turns around and catches up with the general. The thudding sounds of footsteps echo in the still silence.

Elius Kirkland

[https://em.wattpad.com/59857e566724b533657da0fdbbd3bf42b3c09827/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6269762d6158754d4a5134766e513d3d2d3232393831363330362e313435333266613030626163643761642e676966?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Mylene De La Fontaine

[https://em.wattpad.com/2575766580d6721509a01d3f34c720596e443342/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f734a4873475f6e317266646d58513d3d2d3232393831363330362e313435326461353232373363383762312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Acele De La Fontaine

[https://em.wattpad.com/6129a8b7fb9736eaa4619d1a10b0709e13c32e72/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f37493150704169525a664a6449413d3d2d3232393831363330362e313435333266396364633665643032372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Charlie

[https://em.wattpad.com/9caec5d4b15c4cb81f1a67e2f2e8184f075b2578/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6351394258724351313534616c673d3d2d3232393831363330362e313435326461353032366632663535342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Rupert Leavitt

[https://em.wattpad.com/f594d9df5bf73cd3d0e66d03368862e28b45ec6b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7a715435504642466b4e626769773d3d2d3232393831363330362e313435326461363862633335343639632e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Cody

[https://em.wattpad.com/8f9727bf50a57f38ee66fac54b97d27ac8f3d7f5/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f33386d336f5a64546f514a3668413d3d2d3232393831363330362e313435333266393562653439623330352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Credits to the rightful artists.