Our heads turn to the source of the voice, and relief floods the faces of those who have been searching for her. There, at the edge of the cliff, sits another Liora, unharmed and safe. Their eyes meet, and a mixture of joy and concern passes between them.
Liora's maids and guards breathe a collective sigh of relief, their worry transformed into gratitude as they realize she's been found. Their voices echo in the air as they hurry toward her, their embraces and words of concern creating a warm cocoon of care around her.
As the scene unfolds, the royal guard moves into action. The descent that seemed so treacherous just moments ago is now navigated with precision and skill. Liora and I are carefully guided to solid ground.
The Head Maid hugged the princess, "Thank goodness you are fine! How did you survive that fall from such a height?"
Liora's gaze lingers on me, and I respond with a subtle gesture, placing a finger to my lips. The unspoken message is clear: let's keep the details a secret for now.
Yet, the situation takes an unexpected turn. The guards, initially standing by, suddenly tense and draw their weapons, aiming them in my direction. The sudden hostility is palpable, and I understand their apprehension. A stranger like me appearing out of nowhere, close to the young princess, must seem suspicious at best and dangerous at worst.
My heart races, and I remain still, my hands open and visible as a gesture of non threatening intent. I understand their reaction—it's their duty to protect Liora from potential harm.
But Liora, with a quick glance my way, rushes forward, determined to stand between me and the raised weapons. Her voice carries conviction as she addresses the guards.
"What are you doing? Can't you see that he just saved my life?" Liora with a strict voice, orders the guard to back off.
The guards hesitate, taken aback by Liora's defense of me. They exchange uncertain glances, torn between their duty and her words. The head maid intervenes swiftly, her authority cutting through the tension.
The Head Maid stepped in, "Are you all out of your minds? Lower your weapons at once! If you don't want to lose your life, step back from the princess!"
The command is sharp, and the guards quickly comply, their weapons lowered and their stances easing. The head maid's words hold power, a reminder that their duty extends to protecting Liora, not acting against her wishes.
After the guards retreat and return to their poses, Liora goes to the head maid to explain to her what has happened. She explained that I came for her rescue.
"Please, don't hurt him. He's my friend." Liora explained.
The sincerity in her voice resonates deeply, and I can't help but feel gratitude and respect for this young princess who's willing to stand up for me. The head maid approaches, her concern shifting to understanding as Liora explains what transpired.
"He saved me," she says, introducing me to the head maid. "He's the reason I'm here now. Please, trust him if you trust me." Liora added.
The head maid listens attentively, her stern demeanor softening as she processes the situation. The tension slowly dissipates, replaced by a sense of unity born from shared experience. And as Liora vouches for me, her words weave a connection that transcends appearances and backgrounds.
The head maid's words carry a mix of understanding and caution as she welcomes me to return to the royal palace with them. Her eyes, however, reveal a different story. Despite her acceptance of the situation, there's a lingering doubt that colors her gaze when she looks at me. It's clear that her trust doesn't come easily, and her demeanor seems to soften primarily due to Liora's presence.
As we stand there, the head maid addresses Liora, her tone a blend of concern and duty.
"Fine, I believe in your word, princess. But you need to change out of those clothes. Your parents are worried about you. You should go and assure them of your safety." The head maid said.
Liora nods in response, understanding the gravity of the situation. The weight of her royal responsibilities is evident in her posture.
From the outside gate, we are heading towards the inside. This is my first time entering the gate that leads to the royal palace. Thanks to the head maid, I get to pass the magic barrier that prevents anything to get past this place. The presence of the magic barrier is palpable, a reminder of the exclusivity of this space. Only a permitted person can get through this and not many people can go to the royal palace. It's an honor to be granted access.
Afterwards, we get to get inside the grand carriage, an elegant mode of transport befitting the surroundings, that will send us to the royal palace.
While inside the carriage, I try to look at the outside and see the sceneric view from the uphill. It was very beautiful to look at the view of the Altyzurian Kingdom. I turned around to check on Liora. She sits politely while being silent since we are in the carriage.
I could see Liora is a little bit down in anxiety.
I take my chance to talk with her. "Are you okay? You look worried."
"I'm fine. Thank you" She replied shortly. She must be wary because there is also a head maid inside the carriage. She doesn't want to talk to me because the head maid is listening.
Maybe I will talk to her later.