Chapter 15: The Escape and the Return
Celesia looked at Henry, who was lying beside Felix on the horse, and said anxiously, "Henry is in critical condition. What if we don't reach the palace in time?"
Felix replied calmly, tightening the horse's reins to speed up, "Don't worry, once we get farther from that place, we'll stop, and I'll treat him."
Celesia followed his lead, and they continued running swiftly.
---
Meanwhile, Alan returned to the palace to find it in chaos. Soldiers were everywhere, directed by the rarely-seen commander of the knights.
"What is happening here?" Alan asked the commander.
The commander turned to him and said, "Greetings, sir. The Crown Prince of the Shinian Empire has escaped, causing this chaos."
Alan shouted angrily, "How did he manage to escape from you?"
The commander responded coldly, "Don't ask me. I was at the borders. Ask these soldiers."
Alan sighed, "He must have had help." He headed towards the palace where Nuara stood at the gate. He looked at her mockingly, "I didn't expect that cat to escape while you remained here."
Nuara smiled, "It seems we underestimated that young prince. After all, he is the son of that fox. Although we wanted to use his unique skills, he slipped away."
Alan, looking tired, said, "It doesn't matter now. I'll go rest, and tomorrow we'll start the attack first." He entered the palace, followed by his wife, who had a malicious smile after hearing about the attack.
---
Back to Celesia and Felix. They continued until they stopped at a valley far from the borders. Felix carried Henry and placed him by a tree trunk, checking his pulse and breathing, while Celesia filled jars with water and tied the horses nearby.
Felix took a deep breath and began using his healing Serra on Henry. Celesia watched anxiously from a distance. After a few moments, Felix stopped and approached Celesia.
Felix said, taking a sip of water, "Don't worry, I've treated him. He's just unconscious now."
Celesia felt relieved and said, "Thank God he's safe. It's good he managed to escape in time."
Felix responded calmly, "That's right, but we need to continue now to reach the palace before dawn."
Celesia nodded confidently, "Alright," and mounted her horse. They set off quickly towards the imperial palace.
After a few hours, the buildings of the capital began to appear gradually. They increased their pace and reached the imperial palace in minutes. A knight spotted them from afar and shouted, "The Crown Prince has returned!"
As the sun rose, casting its golden rays, the noise in the palace increased upon hearing the knight's call. Lina rushed to the gate, eager to see them enter. Edward and Catherine, awakened by the news from the head butler, hurried to the gate, where most of the servants were already gathered.
The gate opened slowly, and Felix, Henry, and Celesia entered the palace. Catherine's eyes sparkled upon seeing Henry's white hair, and tears began to fall. She whispered tenderly, "My dear." The Emperor held back his tears. Felix dismounted, carrying Henry on his shoulder, helped by a knight, and they took him to his room. Catherine followed and stayed by Henry's side, while Edward went to speak with Celesia and Felix.
"Now tell me, what were you doing last night?" Edward demanded sharply, glaring at them.
Felix and Celesia exchanged glances in silence. Felix finally sighed and said, "Celesia couldn't just sit still, so she decided to look for clues at the scene. Naturally, she asked me to accompany her."
Edward scolded Celesia, "I expected you to do something, but sneaking to the enemy's borders at night!"
Celesia remained silent, knowing his anger stemmed from worry. Edward's tone softened unexpectedly, becoming more friendly. "But your recklessness saved Henry, so I thank you both." Edward hugged Felix and Celesia, smiling, and they returned his smile behind his back.
"Now, tell me, did anything happen at the borders?" Edward asked with concern.
Felix replied, "Actually, we were attacked by a Shadow Knight, but we dealt with him."
Celesia added, annoyed, "And I found that the area under Baron Teramore's rule is in ruins, contrary to the reports he sends you. People are starving, so I think you should replace him as soon as possible."
Edward placed his hands on their shoulders and said kindly, "Thank you both. I'll take care of the rest. Go and rest now."
They replied in unison, "Alright, we'll go now." They each went to their rooms to rest.
Edward summoned Richard to discuss future plans.
Edward asked coldly, "What do you anticipate, Richard?"
Richard replied confidently, "Based on the reports from the east and the Crown Prince's escape last night, it's likely the enemy will attack first."
Edward said, gazing out of his office window, "We must send reinforcements to the east as soon as possible. We don't know when they will start the attack. And take the necessary actions against Baron Teramore." He added angrily, "As long as my people are starving, what is my worth as their Emperor?"
Richard responded obediently, "Understood, as you command." He left to carry out Edward's orders. Soon, the carts began to gather to transport reinforcements from the capital to the eastern duchy.
---
"Is this what you wanted?" Alan's voice was mocking.
The carts were ambushed by the Shadow Knights, resulting in a massacre. All the soldiers were killed, and the supplies and weapons were looted by the Shadow Kingdom. This attack was orchestrated by Alan.
---
In the evening, the Emperor heard the news and was shocked by the Shadow Kingdom's quick response.
Edward slammed his desk angrily, "Alan... it seems you're moving faster than expected." He turned to Richard, "Send a message to Duke Orlithia, telling him to prepare for war."
Richard responded obediently, "As you wish, Your Majesty." He left to perform his task.
---
Meanwhile, Catherine sat by Henry's side, watching him anxiously, "Wake up, my dear... I've missed you so much." She whispered tenderly. Henry's eyelids twitched, and he began to open his eyes gradually.
Catherine exclaimed in a mix of alarm and joy, "Henry!... Are you awake?" She stood up suddenly, holding his hands.
Henry looked at her and said calmly, "Mother... is that you?" His vision was still a bit blurry.
Catherine, her eyes filled with tears, replied softly, "Yes, it's me... Welcome home, my son." She hugged him, and he placed his hand on her back, saying with a smile, "Don't cry... I'm home now."
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