They were already unconscious and face down when the stairs collapsed. Myrrh was the first to recover consciousness, holding her head due to injuries incurred in the collapse. Myrrh sat up, still holding her head, and stared at her unconscious father. Her gaze fell on her father's thigh, which had a massive splinter and was bleeding heavily. She knew the sharp wood was buried too deeply, and she knew her father would have difficulties walking for a long time.
" Ha..haha " Myrrh couldn't help but giggle at what she witnessed, so she hastily covered her lips to conceal her joy. Although she was laughing, her eyes did not show delight... It seems that what she was seeing right now was not enough for her.
Myrrh saw her father's hand move, so she quickly approached and shook her father's body.
" Your Majesty... Please, wake up. " Myrrh repeatedly shook her father and yelled for him to wake up. Because of this, their chances of escaping Celestria Palace are fading because the fire is too fierce, accompanied by dense smoke that makes breathing difficult for Myrrh and leads her to cough continuously. Inhaling smoke is too toxic for the body, therefore even though she wants to leave her father, she can't since her condition would be more dangerous if someone else took the Crown of Vailenor.
" Your Majesty.... Your Majesty.. Your Majes- " After calling her father to wake up for a few seconds, she managed to wake him.
Dazed by the force of the fall and the impact, Castillion raised his head and shook it to clear the dizziness. Holding his head, he saw his daughter Myrrh holding him. He noticed tears welling up in his daughter's eyes, and when their eyes met, Myrrh smiled at him.
" M-myrrh Celes- " Castillion called out to Myrrh, but she cut him off and looked into her father's eyes.
" We need to leave now, Your Majesty, staying here is more dangerous, and we may not be able to leave the palace. " Castillion is still dizzy, but he could hear his daughter Myrrh calling out to him. " Your Majesty, " that is Vailenor's courtesy, not " Father "
Castillion ignored his dizziness and tried to get up. But even though he tried to stand, his body couldn't handle it, and he noticed his right leg couldn't move properly. He looked down at his right thigh and found a sharp big piece of wood stuck in it. Castillion closed his eyes and stared at Myrrh, whose face was drenched in sweat from the heat.
Castillion took a deep breath and caressed his youngest daughter Myrrh's face, wiping away the big droplets of sweat before speaking to her.
" My Dear Daughter Myrrh, could you please help this injured father to stand so we can leave this palace? " Myrrh didn't speak, but nodded in response to Castillion's plea. So, Myrrh stood up and held his right arm to help him stand. Once they were both standing, they began to walk. Even tho Castillion was limping and feeling the pain from his wounds, he didn't show it to his daughter. . . When they saw the palace door engulfed in large flames. And hearing the people shouting outside, they didn't waste anymore time and shouted loudly together.
" We're here!/please help us get out! "
‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡
Outside of the firing flame of the Castle of Celestria Pov's
" Black Knight Lord Ralston, you have failed in your given job... You must pray for our holy emperor's and Princess Myrrh Celestia's safety; otherwise, you will be punished.... You have failed to carry out the role assigned to you, and your long-held title will be rendered useless. " Butler Porter angrily told Lord Ralston to his face and pushed him hard enough that Lord Ralston didn't fall to the ground from the force of Butler Porter's push.
Despite his anger, Butler Porter quietly walked away to speak with Crown Prince Casimir, leaving Lord Ralston staring blankly at Celestria's blazing palace...
Lord Ralston ran his hand over his face as he knew he couldn't just stand there and pray or wait for what would happen. He ran to the water well, grabbing a wooden bucket and pouring it on the burning palace.
" L-lord Ralston, w-we won't be able to extinguish the fire with only water buckets... P-please forgive me for saying this, but C-celestria Palace is too vast to extinguish, and I-i'm certain that even if we put out the fire outside the palace, we won't be able to put out the fire inside, Lord Ralston... W-what will we do, Lord Ralston? "
Although nervous and stuttering, the male servant managed to tell Lord Ralston what he saw and pleaded with him about what they should do. However, Lord Ralston didn't seem to like what he heard from the male servant, so he strangled the servant and told him.
" What do you mean, servant? Are you losing hope in saving our emperor and the young princess...? Do you believe they have died by now?! " Lord Ralston tightened his grip on the male servant more tightly. And he grasped Lord Ralston's hand, and the servant tried to loosen the tight grip on him, but Lord Ralston tightened the grip even more, causing the servant to let go of Lord Ralston's hand, and he began to struggle for air, tears welling up in his eyes.
" Answer me, servant; is that what you're thinking? " He asked the male servant, who was now gasping for air and on the verge of death at the hands of Lord Ralston, whom he had admired since he was a child.
" M-my Lord... hhkk-hhrrhh- I-i have s-sinned w-ith hhkk-hhrrhh- m-my tongue and s-spoken words t-that hhkk-hhrrhh- no... s-s-servant s-hould dare utter. . . F. . .for...gi- "
" Lord Ralston, what are you doing? Why are you strangling this young servant? " Butler Porter questioned Lord Ralston with irritation.
" Lord Ralston, I command you to release the servant boy. " Lord Ralston reluctantly freed the young servant, but Butler Porter shut him off before he could say anything.
" You aren't in the right state of mind; just leave because we can handle this.. "
" HHHAAAHHH-hhhuuuhhh-hhhaaahhh- " Butler Porter gazed at the young servant, who was out of breath and coughing constantly while holding his neck.
" F-forgive m-me. " Butler Porter turned his focus back to Lord Ralston and clicked his tongue when the young servant asked for pardon and hastily left the area.
" We don't need help from someone who is not in a good mental state. . . You should just rest; you appear exhausted. . . Lord Ralston. " As he turned to leave again, Butler Porter spoke again.
" Don't add to our troubles. . . You're being disgraceful, the Crown Princes saw you." Then he left, carrying the wooden bucket filled with water.
Third Person Pov's
In the abandoned palace's dark room, a man entered who was almost as dark as black and barely noticeable in the darkness due to his black clothes, leaving just his eyes visible. When he saw the tall shadow, he knelt down.
" Say it. " The female voice said as she sat in the chair with the open window and moonlight shining behind her.
" The others failed to murder the young Princess, but I saw the emperor jump into the flaming fire to save her, so I can tell you that the fire will cause terrible harm to the young Princess and to the emperor. " She smiled when she heard the news. A demon like smile, not a regular or kind one. It smiled as it eyed the man.
" Even though the plans did not come to success, your news made me delighted. . . So, sir, please accept my additional payment. . . " When he heard that, the kneeling man looked up at the gracefully sitting lady, but he couldn't see the entirety of her face due to the mix of darkness and light behind her.
Because he was staring at the lady sitting down, he was unaware that someone was behind him. The person behind him instantly grasped the man's forehead and slashed his throat, causing the man who was kneeling a moment ago to die and drop into the chilly floor.
The lady clicked her tongue and shook her head.
Narrator Pov's
The Crown Prince of Octavian sat quietly on the plush sofa, reading a book to help him sleep. Someone knocked on his door as he was reading. He frowned and rubbed his brow as he stared at the door, where there was a constant knock.
" The door is open, come in. " Crown Prince Adolphus said while still massaging his forehead. . . The door opened, and a young male councilor entered, knelt, and spoke.
" Good evening, Crown Prince. . . I apologize for disturbing your rest, but I have some news for you. " The crown prince arched an eyebrow and glanced at the kneeling young councilor before turning aside to look at the moonlight.
" Say it. " He said.
" The Celestria Palace, which is the place of Princess Myrrh Celestia y Vailenor, is currently on fire. . . The Princess has not yet been able to escape, and it is uncertain whether she is still alive. . . Another piece of news is that the Emperor of Vailenor dashed into the raging fire to rescue the young Princess. " Upon hearing that, a smile appeared on Crown Prince Adolphus's lips, he stood up from his seat, and took the black cloak with a hood, causing the young councilor to look at him.
" Is there a horse ready outside? " He asked.
" Yes, Crown Prince, there's a horse outside. " When the crown prince heard this, he nodded, left his room, stepped out of the palace, and saw a large brown horse. He mounted the horse and galloped away. The young councilor instantly mounted his horse and followed the crown prince, seeing that they were approaching the Celestria Palace.
Outside of the firing flame of the Castle of Celestria Pov's
" Butler Porter, I believe the knights can enter now. " Crown Prince Casimir suggested to Butler Porter, who nodded and replied.
" Yes, Crown Prince. . . I'll direct the knights to carry out the order. . . We can't just stand here and pour water on a never ending, raging fire. . . " Butler Porter said and ran off toward the Royal guards who were helping to put out the fire.
As Crown Prince Casimir followed Butler Porter with his gaze, his eyes returned to the burning palace of Celestria. He dropped the wooden bucket and held his other hand to the back of his neck, shaking his head three times because he was worried about his father, Emperor Castillion, and couldn't stop thinking about all sorts of things.
" Why does this need to happen? " He mumbled.. " Why did father have to run from this burning palace? He whispered again, staring at the burning palace, and was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice his fist clenching hard and his breathing getting more intense...
" Why. . . Why did Father even have to save that child? " If that child dies, it wouldn't be a loss because He has many children. . .
" Why would He need to do this instead of just waiting for the news to be brought to Him? " . . . Is that child so important that He would risk His own life. . .? To control his emotions, Crown Prince Casimir closed his eyes and bit his lip, then opened his eyes and grinned, he picked up the wooden bucket, spat on the ground, and spoke.
" I have always thought that child was unlucky... That child brings ill luck... I'll pray to the Goddess of Death that you don't last long if you ever leave that palace alive, I hope that the sun never shines on you again. " The Crown Prince Casimir spoke no pleasant words, only wishes that Princess Myrrh Celestia death or despair. Every word he said was full of rage and jealousy To a Child...
" Your Highness, I have gathered the Royal Guards, and they are preparing to enter the Celestria Palace. " Butler Porter appeared unexpectedly and informed Casimir that the Royal Guard was ready and waiting for his order.
" Very well, Butler Porter, show me where you have assembled the Royal Guards. "
" This way, your Highness. " Casimir and butler Porter they began heading toward where Butler Porter had positioned the Royal guards.
Upon arriving, Casimir saw almost fifteen royal guards preparing to enter the Celestria palace, with their shields positioned to block the fire and any possible falling rocks inside.
When the royal guards saw the Crown Prince, they knelt on one knee, lowered their heads, and greeted him. " We greet the little sun. . . Your Highness, we have been honored by your presence. " He nodded and raised his hand to acknowledge their pleasantries.
" I receive your loyalty... You may now stand. " Casimir said to them.
" I do not need to explain why I've gathered you here. . . My father, the Holy Emperor of Vailenor, whom you swore loyalty, entered this burning palace to save the Young Princess, my sister, who is trapped inside. . . And you understand that our emperor's life is more important than our own, so I order you to enter Celestria Palace. " Every word Casimir spoke was cold and no sign of emotions to be seen in his eyes. And gave the Royal Guards a stern expression.
THRUM-THRUM-THRUM!
When they heard the rapid galloping of a fast horse, the Royal Guards, servants, Butler Porter, and Crown Prince turned to see who was approaching from where they were.
A fast drumming echoed across the ground, each beat quickening as it drew near. The ground began to tremble then the horse appeared, mane flying, hooves striking in a furious gallop until it skidded to a halt before them.
Casimir peered at the halted horse a short distance away from their position, and when he recognized who it was, he furrowed his brow and approached the Crown Prince Adolphus.
" Greetings, Crown Prince of Octavian; what brings you to this burning palace, Crown Prince? " Casimir's serious questioning and piercing look at Adolphus
Adolphus shrugged at Casimir's question, and he saw how Casimir's gaze turned toward him and how annoyed Casimir was by Adolphus's behavior. So, Adolphus replied while looking at the burning palace.
" When I heard the news from my councilor about the fire at your sister Princess Myrrh's palace, I immediately came here, Crown Prince of Vailenor. . . " When Adolphus said those words, he approached Casimir and pretended to hug him, placing his mouth near his ear and whispered.
" I came here to aid and save my future Crown Princess of Octavian. Is that bad, Crown Prince Casimir? " Casimir glared at Adolphus, but Adolphus just grinned back at him, patted his shoulder, and approached the Royal guards of Vaelinor.
As Adolphus looked at the Royal guards, they also greeted him. Adolphus looked down at the iron shields laid on the ground and turned back to Casimir, and shook his head at him while grinning. This further angered Casimir, causing Butler Porter to glance at the two Crown Princes.
Adolphus clicked his tongue and spoke while looking at Casimir. " Crown Prince Casimir, I never imagined they'd use the shield to enter the palace fire. . . What's this, and why is there a sword? " Adolphus' criticism of Casimir and his plans further enraged Casimir, which only amused him more.
Casimir's gaze sharpened further on Adolphus, prompting Adolphus to raise his hand in surrender. However, he added even more sarcastic words of criticism and questions.
" Crown Prince, your royal guards will not go to war. . . Their enemy is not people, but fire, and they will save lives. . . Is this how you save lives? Mmm crown prince. " Casimir's other eye began to twitch, and he was about to explode with rage. Because of Adolphus' critiques, before Casimir could approach him, Adolphus pointed in a direction and spoke again, causing Casimir to turn his head and see who Adolphus was pointing at.
" Isn't that Crown Prince Casimir, Princess Myrrh Celestia's appointed guard? I saw him a while ago following the Princess before this incident happened. . . " He said in a serious tone.
" . . . Why is he outside and did not protect the Princess before the fire? " He questioned,
" Isn't it his duty to protect the Princess' life? " His serious question began to sound like teasing and mockery, which caused Butler Porter to turn his head in the direction Adolphus's index finger was pointing. Butler Porter's eyes widened, he swallowed his own saliva, and Casimir frowned at what he saw.
" Crown Prince, the guard you appointed to Princess Myrrh Celestia is about to kill a servant. " Butler Porter bowed his head, causing the two crown princes to look at him.
" Your Highnesses, that is Lord Ralston Everhart you see. . . He is a knight captain. . . His Majesty, The Holy Emperor appointed him to guard Princess Myrrh Celestia. . . Crown Prince, I apologize and will immediately deal with him about the disgrace he caused in your presence. " Casimir nodded in response to Butler Porter's to see and stop Lord Ralston. Adolphus just shook his head at what was happening and turned his eyes to the Royal guards, who were also looking at Lord Ralston disgraceful action.
Adolphus clapped three times to refocus their attention, and everyone, even Casimir, glanced at him. " Too much time is being wasted, listen to me, and you too, Crown Prince of Vailenor. " Adolphus even pointed his finger at Casimir, but Casimir just looked at Adolphus without emotion because he was still trying to calm himself down from his anger.
Adolphus took off his black cloak with a hood and presented it to the Royal guards.
" This cloak is just right to cover the whole body, not too heavy and it has some thickness. . . " He said.
" You, guard, give me that wooden bucket with water next to you. " He ordered a royal guard beside him to bring the wooden bucket full with water.
The guard immediately followed that and placed it in front of Adolphus, then returned to his position to listen to Adolphus.
" This cloak will be soaked in water until the entire cloak is completely wet. Once it's wet, you'll put this all over your body, whole body Head to toe to protect you from potential skin burns, and this cloak near your hand, you'll put over your noses so you don't inhale too much smoke... Do you understand? " Adolphus looked at the Royal guards one by one, and they nodded at what Adolphus pointed out to them. Casimir, on the other hand, held his chin while still looking at Adolphus.
" Now, get any long piece of fabric. Remember, the thickness and weight should be just right. It's better if you get a blanket; that's perfect to use. " As soon as Adolphus said it, the Royal Guards left hurriedly and approached the female maids who were pouring water on the blazing palace. So Adolphus shifted his attention to Casimir, who was still looking at him.
" Crown Prince Casimir, won't you soak yourself and get your own fire barrier...? Don't tell me you won't put yourself in risk. " He asked Casimir sarcastically.
Casimir clicked his tongue and responded to Adolphus's mocking question.
" Stop mocking me, Crown Prince Adolphus, or I might lose control of myself. . . Remember that you are being boisterous and disrespectful. . . You're merely a guest to the Vaelinor Empire, and you're interfering too much. " Adolphus grinned at what Casimir said to him.
" I didn't think helping would turn into interference, Crown Prince Casimir. . . For all the time you've let this palace burn, all you've done is pour water on the outside, not the inside. . . Your father, the emperor, cared more about the Princess and entered the burning palace without protection, while they just stood around here and poured water instead of following your father, the emperor. " There was no teasing or mockery on Adolphus's face toward Casimir, but every word that came out of Adolphus's mouth was serious and he looked directly into Casimir's eyes.
Casimir was about to speak again, but the Royal guards arrived carrying blankets and showed them to Adolphus and Casimir.
" Well done, well done. Now, follow me over to the water well, and there you will soak all the blankets you brought and soak your entire body before going inside. " Adolphus patted Casimir on the shoulder before leaving. And the royal guards also followed Adolphus until they reached the water well, and the royal guards began to soak their entire bodies and the blankets they would use... Adolphus's entire body was also soaked, and his cloak was soaked again. When they were all wet, they looked at Adolphus, waiting for him to speak.
" Are you all ready? " Adolphus asked them.
" We are ready! Your Highness. " All the royal guards responded.
" Can I help, Crown Prince Adolphus? " Butler Porter said to Adolphus, and Adolphus looked at Butler Porter.
" Too many people are going inside, Mr. Porter. It's more dangerous if too many people go in. Just wait here and keep pouring water on the fire. " Butler Porter's eyes were filled with disappointment and despair, but Adolphus disregarded them and focused on the fifteen royal guards.
" Seven royal guards is coming with me inside, and the remaining eight will serve as a shield at the large door of the burning palace. " Adolphus said and chose seven royal guards to accompany him inside.
" Listen, all eight of you, get your iron shields right now. " The eight royal guards quickly followed Adolphus's order and ran back and forth immediately.
" All eight of you listen carefully. . . the first four guards will block the burning fire near the door so that the eight of us can enter without any problems, and once we are all inside, the four of you will leave and soak your entire bodies again. The four of you who remain will then block the fire so that we can all get out again. Do you understand what I'm saying? " Adolphus said his words seriously and looked at Butler Porter, who was listening to them.
" Mister Porter, I am giving you the order to command your Royal Guards and instruct the other servants that the moment the four Royal Guards block the fire entering, they are to pour water to the Royal Guards simultaneously. . . Do you understand. . .? And also prepare the Royal Physician and Carriages so that your Emperor and the Princess can be quickly transported and treated immediately without delay. " He added..
Adolphus nodded and told the Seven Royal Guards to reposition themselves and prepare to enter. They wrapped wet blankets around their entire bodies, and the four royal guards did the same and lifted their iron shields.
Once the eight of them, including Crown Prince Adolphus, were positioned to enter, someone grabbed Adolphus's hand. He looked down and saw who was holding him it was his young Councilor, who was trying to stop him.
" Your Highness, Crown Prince Adolphus, your actions are very dangerous. . . You are Octavian's crown prince; do not put yourself with the problems of other emp-. . . "
" We're here!/please help us get out! "
To be continued. . . . .