The Alliance Marriage Went Wrong

As the Master Enaerion explained what happened in detail as per her order, anger rushed through Iria. She sat still, clenching her fists while Arin observed her expression from time to time. When the Master Enaerion was done, it was the King who dismissed him as the Queen was too angry to do anything.

"The Master Enaerion said that they will leave Helsia soon," Arin said to Iria while observing her expression all the time. "If you want to do anything, it will be better to wait until then."

"What are they thinking?!" Iria suddenly exclaimed. "How could they go there with Valerie and Ophelia while knowing how dangerous it is?!"

Did her two brothers really have no brain?!

However...

What the Master Enaerion said still lingered in her mind.

That Jerivian King... how dare he capture the two women and used it against Orius?!

He was really the worst now!

Though Arin understood the actions of the two men, he decided to not say about it as his wife was too angry.

"Will you send someone to them?" Iria said to him. "When they left Helsia, I want them to come here rather than going straight to Cedore. I doubt the Emperor and Empress know about this and if I go to Cedore, it will only be a hassle."

Arin Helev nodded. "Alright. I'll do that." He caressed her hair with a little smile on his face. "Don't think too much. They will return safely."

* * *

In the royal palace of Helsia, Zaro Aventine was in his chamber.

The young King was standing near the window with his gaze on the outdoors. General Trevor was kneeling a few steps behind him as he gave the report of the search to the King.

"We already look the whole capital, Your Majesty. But there is no sign of the Duke or the ex-officials," the General informed the King. "We will continue searching at other provinces."

"If you don't find them, we will be in trouble," the Jerivian King muttered. "It's obvious that Orius is planning for a rebellion."

The young King wondered who might be the ones who helped Orius out that night. He made sure that even if someone followed Orius, they won't be able to find him but... that still happened.

Were there spies following him? Perhaps someone from Qalagon?

"Don't neglect the capital even if you search other provinces," he said to the General, giving him a side glance. "I doubt that Orius left the capital. If he is to do anything, it's always better to start from the root and that means everything will start from where I stay - the capital."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"Did you do what I told you to do?"

"Yes. The soldiers will arrive in a few days," General Trevor promptly replied. "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. Even if a rebellion rise, there will be enough soldiers to suppress it."

Zaro Aventine nodded.

No matter how much he hate uncertainty, he could only wait for now while wondering what his once younger brother had in store for him.

* * *

A few days passed and in the royal palace of Qalagon, Antony was hurriedly approaching the King's working chamber with another young man beside him. When they reached the door to the chamber, Antony knocked and he walked inside while the young man waited outside.

"Your Majesty."

Arin Helev didn't fail to notice the anxiety on the face of his right-hand man when the latter walked inside. "What's the matter, Antony?" he quickly asked.

"One of the guards who escorted Crown Prince Emor to Nardodia had returned but... it's bad news," Antony replied with his gaze lowered.

Rising from his seat, Arin Helev immediately felt the pressure. Then the young guard who was outside came in and kneeled before the King. All his body language told the King that the guard was anxious and nervous too.

"What happened?" he promptly asked.

"We were attacked a few hours before we could reach the border, Your Majesty," the guard replied.

Hearing the news which he secretly dread to hear since Emor left, the King clenched his fists.

Was Iria's suspicion really true?

"Where is Crown Prince Emor? What happened to him?"

"His Highness is heavily injured and we take him to the doctor's clinic nearby," the guard replied. His gaze met the floor all the time and he nervously squeezed his dress when he continued, "The doctor said that he might not make it."

The pressure and anxiety that the King felt now was nothing compared to before. However, as a King, he tried his best not to make it too obvious.

Emor Tripas might not make it?!

What was he supposed to do?!

"Where are the guards?" he asked after what seemed to be forever.

"Only two of us survive, Your Highness. Jonan stayed behind with the Crown Prince. His Highness's injury is too severe and the doctor said that it's not appropriate for him to move around. That's why I came alone to relay the news."

Arin Helev thought about it and decided that he shouldn't give up without trying.

"The doctor there can't be compared to the doctors here," he muttered and turned to Antony. "Inform the royal doctor. We will go there and do whatever necessary to save the Crown Prince."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The King briefly looked at the young guard before he turned back to Antony and said, "The assassins might make another move. So, send soldiers there to secure the place. They should depart as fast as possible. Get prepared to leave too."

"I understand."

With that said, Antony and the guard quickly left the King's working chamber.

The King glanced down at all the scrolls that needed his attention. However, he couldn't neglect a friend who was fighting for his life no matter what. As such, he stormed out of his working chamber and went to his chamber.

Though it had been a while since they finished dinner, Iria was in the chamber with Morin and like always, they were learning.

"What's the matter, Arin?" the Queen asked and rose from her seat when she noticed her husband's troubled face.

"Emor was attacked and he is treated on the province near the border," the King replied as he gets prepared to leave. "He is in a serious condition and I have to go there with the doctor."

Iria's face turned pale at the news!

Was Emor wrong? Did Aryan Tripas really want him dead?

Arin looked at Iria who was too flustered to say anything. Then he held her hand. "Don't worry too much, Iria. I will go there and check on him. Everything will be fine."

"Be careful," Iria muttered as concern washed through her.

What if something happens to him too?!

The King flashed a small smile as he nodded and kissed her on the lips. "I'll be back soon.. I'll put things here in your hands."