Chapter 353 - Chess Pieces (1) (2/2)

”I see.” I replied. ”Then please inform me instantly if a letter comes. I will be by the shore.”

”As you wish, your majesty.” Duke Destia bowed.

”Where is your son Raphael by the way.” I asked.

”My son is currently by the port, your majesty.” Duke Destia replied. ”He is ensuring that no ship will set sail to the eastern sea. As you know, some people do not follow orders easily if no one in a high position is standing guard. That is why he had taken the position to keep watch.”

”That is good to hear.” I replied. ”At least this port is in watchful eyes.”

I walked quickly, making my way towards the shore, where I knew I could find Anatalia. Not long, I can hear the waves of the sea splash in the shores. The brown sand that was listening with the sun's light looked like gold in my eyes. My strides were quick, and I was by the shore in no time. I was about to call for Anatalia when I heard her voice.

”Hey, Leon!” I heard Anatalia's voice. I looked around the wide sea searching for her until I spot her I few meters away.

”Anatalia!” I waved at her. I saw her swim swiftly in the water until she came walking out of it.

Anatalia was completely n.a.k.e.d without any care in the world. I knew that she was still young, but all of us here are men. I quickly took off my coat and dr.a.p.ed it around the young Anatalia.

”Thank you.” Anatalia smiled.

”You need to be careful in the future. Not all human men are gentlemen, like the ones here.” I scolded. Dimitri and William were avoiding their gaze when they saw Anatalia rise from the sea without any clothes on.

”I will keep that in mind.” Anatalia smiled. ”By the way, I got your letter sent by a bird. I have already sought help from my siren sisters. They are now scouring the east coast as we speak. They are keeping an eye out for suspicious sh.i.p.s.”

”Thank you so much.” I said with gratitude.

”It is the least we could do to help.” Anatalia replied. ”Do not worry, we will not let any bad people near Alicia.” She said with conviction and smiled.

”How is Alicia doing?” I asked Anatalia. She have kept watch under the sea near to where Alicia was. I am really grateful that a siren like her is in our side.

”She is still in deep sleep as I what I can see from afar.” Anatalia replied. ”But there is something a little off?” She pinched her chin in thought.

”What is it?” I asked in worriment.

”Only a month has passed by, but her stomach is getting bigger every single day.” Anatalia said. ”If my predictions are correct, she could give birth any day from now.”

I combed my hair with my fingers feeling anxiety with this new predicament. Alicia's pregnancy was anything but normal. If I can put it in words, this was a magical pregnancy. That just means that time was not working in our favor. I do not want Alicia to give birth all by herself in the cold depths of the sea.

”We need to find Patricia's forces and get the half of the key fast.” I said.

”Your majesty!” A servant from Duke Destia's estate was running towards us. ”A letter has arrived from the capital!” He was waving a white envelope.

The servant was panting when he reached us and respectfully handed me the envelope. The enveloped was sealed with the Alvannian royal family's crest. I opened it in a hurry and unfolded the letter in no time.

As expected, Richard had given a royal edict for me to use the Alvanninan forces nearby. That means with this letter signed by him, I can mobilize Alvannian soldiers near here and also give orders to other ports in the east coast to seize sh.i.p.s from departing. Not only that, Richard has mobilized the royal army of Alvannia to aid us. The royal army has departed the capital at dawn and is now marching as we speak.

”Dimitri, take this letter and get as many Alvannian soldiers to be on stand by and prepare for battle.” I ordered.

Alvannia's east coast cities have at least a proper amount of soldiers. It would be better to have them on stand by if ever we need them in the slightest. The royal army of Alvannia has been deployed, but it will take at least two days to get here from the capital. And time is not something we can take for granted.

”Yes, your majesty.” Dimitri bowed.

”William, you go to the other ports in the east coast of Alvannia. Tell them to seize any departure of sh.i.p.s, big or small.” I ordered. ”We cannot overlook small ports. Patricia can make use of any modes of transportation necessary to reach her goal. And with Hector as her adviser, I do not know what other schemes they have.” I said.

”I receive your orders, your majesty.” William bowed.

”You can take Tempest, so that you can travel much faster.” I told the both of them.

And with that, the chess pieces are all in place. 'What will be your next move, Patricia?' I thought.

With my defenses in place, I only need to wait for Patricia's next move.

edited by: nalyn