Chapter 350 - The Loss of a Comrade (unedited) (1/2)

(Regaleon's POV)

I saw blood trickle down on the side of Alex's mouth. Shock and despair was all that I can feel right now.

”Thank you for this.” Clara had a sinister grin on her face. She pushed Alex and he fell unto the ground with a thud.

I can feel blood rush towards my head, feeling the anger building up. I grip my broken sword firmly and hurled it right towards Clara's head. Before it hit her, a wall of water blocked the way.

”Your highness…” Clara looked at Gladiolus with dreamy eyes that made me want to hurl.

”Clara, come here.” Gladiolus ordered.

With his order, Clara moved swiftly to Gladiolus' side. She instantly gave him the two key fragments.

”You have done well, Clara.” Gladiolus said while looking at the key fragments. ”I am afraid that I cannot play with you any longer king of Grandcrest. I will bid you farewell.”

Clara made a hand gesture and strong wind started to envelope their bodies. They started to float on air and towards the sky. Both of them flew away, with fast speed. If I used my flight abilities, I have no doubts that I can chase after them. But my mind right now was focused on Alex, who was lying on the ground motionless.

”Alex!” I quickly ran towards him.

When I arrived to where he was, I quickly knelt down and carefully moved him. I can still hear his faint breath.

”Y-Your majesty…” Alex said and coughed up blood. ”I-I am sorry…”

”Hush Alex. You will just further worsen your wound.” I quickly said.

I looked at the stab wound on his chest. Much blood has oozed out, staining his shirt blood red. I can feel the pain just by seeing it. I quickly used my white magic to heal him.

”I-I am sorry, your majesty.” Alex said with a groan. ”I have let the enemy get the key fragments. Her majesty… she will be in danger because of me.” Tears are starting to fall from his eyes.

”It is not your fault, Alex.” I said. ”You were caught by surprise by that sneaky Clara.” I gritted my teeth in anger recalling Clara's sinister grin.

”If…If I was just more alert, she could not have…” Alex coughed up blood once more. ”could not have… taken the key fragments.”

”Do not worry about that now, Alex.” I was feeling anxious. ”Let us get you better first, and you can get revenge on her once you are better.”

I have told Alex that, but the wound that I was trying to heal was not getting any better.

'Dammit! Why is my magic not working?!' I cursed inwardly.

I knew the answer to my own question pretty well. My white magic can heal any injury there is, but it cannot heal ones that are past the point of healing. Alex's wound was close to the heart, which I suspect has damaged his major arteries, hence the excess blood loss. I was too late in getting to Alex, and I know that very well that I felt angry towards myself.

”DAMMIT!” I shouted out of frustration.

”Y-Your majesty…” Alex lifted his hand. I quickly took it and I can feel him squeeze mine. ”It has been an honor, to serve you. I… I would have wanted to be there and see you rise to power as the emperor of this continent.”

”Alex… do not say that.” I can feel my heart squeeze in pain from his words. ”I am so useless! I was not able to save you in time.” I was so angry at myself.

”You do not have any fault your majesty.” Alex said with a smile. ”In battle, there are always casualties that cannot be avoided. I was caught of guard and this was the price I have to pay. Do not blame yourself your majesty…*cough cough*. You have been a just and wise leader to us. My only regret was… that I could not stand by your side any longer.”

”Alex…” I squeezed his hand tightly.