Chapter 364 - The Final Battle (2) (unedited) (2/2)

”As you wish, your majesty.” Hector bowed. When he turned around, there was an evil grin on his face. He quickly exited the queen's room and go find Gladiolus.

**

Gladiolus was sitting by the window looking out to the open sea. He was holding the half of the key fragment, inspecting it while dangling from his fingers.

”This thing is more important to mother.” Gladiolus scoffed.

Gladiolus remembered the words Regaleon had told him. Those words had shaken something inside of him. He started to doubt his mother's plans and how she had used him, Alicia, and her own twin sister Leticia just to fulfill her plans.

When Gladiolus had heard that his aunt Leticia had a living daughter, he was happy to know that there was another living blood of the royal family of Atlantia. His mother then told him that his cousin was his fated bride. The first time he saw Alicia, he felt a pull towards her. He had thought that it was love at first sight, the she really was his destined bride.

But now, he was having second thoughts. Gladiolus was sure of his feelings of love for Alicia, but he was now contemplating if she really was destined for him. His mother had told him that the royals of Atlantia should only wed those who are inside the family to maintain the pureness of their blood and strengthen their magical powers, but that was not always the case. Regaleon was someone from the branch families tied with the royal family but he had strong magical powers. And Alicia clearly had no feelings for him. If what his mother said about being destined was true, then shouldn't Alicia also feel the pull he was feeling?

”Rather than risk Alicia's life, I would rather let her go.” Gladiolus murmured to himself and sighed.

Gladiolus was now sure the his mother had labeled Alicia as a danger and was planning to kill her.

”Once I see you again, I will tell you my heartfelt feelings and then let you go.” Gladiolus said with a sad smile while looking towards the sea. ”I will surely protect you from my mother from afar.”

There was a brief light illuminating the night sky while he was looking outside the window when a large explosion occurred.

*BANG BOOM BAAM*

Gladiolus closed his eyes for a brief moment because of the blinding light made by the explosion. When he opened his eyes he saw the docks that can be seen by the window was now blazing on fire.

”What the…?!” Gladiolus stood up from his seat with shock. He saw the sh.i.p.s that were parked in the docks were now caught on fire. Every ship was caught ablaze.

After a few moments, Clara who was outside the door standing guard was talking to someone.

”Your highness!” Clara barged inside the room with a grave expression. ”Her majesty has sent word. She wants you to go to her room right this moment.”

”Let's make haste.” Gladiolus replied. He can feel his heart thumping hard inside his chest.

What just happened is surely not some accident. Nevertheless, this had made the plans for the surprise attack tomorrow to become null and void. The sh.i.p.s were an essential part of the plan because they were the main mode of transportation.

Just as Gladiolus was walking down the hallway towards his mother's room with Clara, they met Hector on the way.

”Hector!” Gladiolus said with alarm. ”Tell me, what is happening outside?”

”I am afraid we are under attack your highness.” Hector replied with a solemn look.

”What?! How can that be?” Gladiolus said in a surprised tone. ”No…never mind replying to that question. Where is mother right now?”

”Her highness is preparing to go out to safety, your highness.” Hector replied. ”She has instructed me to tell you to meet her at the open sea where the forbidden magic is. She is sure to have the other half of the key fragment by the time the two of you meet.”

”What?! I cannot possibly do that!” Gladiolus yelled in anger. ”How can I leave my men here while they are fighting against the intruders?!”

”I understand your sentiments your highness.” Hector said. ”But this is also the will of your men. They would want you to be sent to safety, with you carrying the last hope of your people.”

”But still…” Gladiolus understood Hector's words but still was conflicted wether to stay and fight with his men or to go and fulfill the prophecy by taking the forbidden magic and revive the country of Atlantia. Such burdens are resting on his shoulders.

”Have faith in us your highness.” Clara said. ”I am sure that our men can handle the intruders here. Like Hector had said, we would want you to be safe because you are our last hope for Atlantia to rise again.” With her words Gladiolus sighed and has decided.

”Then I will go out to sea.” Gladiolus said with conviction.

”I will accompany you, your highness.” Hector replied. ”Clara, her majesty needs you by her side.”

”I understand.” Clara nodded and looked at Gladiolus. ”Your highness, it is unfortunate that I cannot accompany you. I will surely be back by your side once more, but before that please be safe.”

Gladiolus only nodded to Clara's words. Clara then left to go to answer her queen's summons.

”Then lead the way, Hector.” Gladiolus said.

”Follow me, your highness.” Hector led the way.