Chapter 238: A Line No King May Cross
Cece, Damien, and Edward grew curious as well and leaned forward, their full attention fixed on King Iskara. Iskara’s gaze moved over everyone in the room, and he realised there was no longer any reason to keep the truth hidden. He had never intended to conceal it from Ivan in the first place.
But with Ivan already blaming himself for his mother’s death, Iskara had not wanted to add to that burden by revealing that the Darkrots had entered the palace that night because of Ivan, an event that ultimately led to Queen Irene’s passing.
He exhaled heavily and began, "It’s not that I meant to hide it from you, Ivan. You must know that. I only wished to keep it hidden from those who walk in the shadows, lest they come after you should they learn of it. And you were far too young back then."
Understanding his father’s words, Ivan simply nodded. "I understand."
Then Iskara repeated the very words Septimus had spoken before:
"When shadow falls, and light grows dim, The twin divine flames shall rise again.
Born asunder, bound by fate, Heavens shall blaze anew to guide the world once again."
Iskara added, "It foretells that when the world is enveloped in darkness..." He looked at Ivan as he continued, "Two divine souls will reunite to save it once more. And from everything I’ve heard today, it has become very clear who that second soul is." His gaze drifted to Eve.
Then, almost as a thought to himself, Iskara whispered, "I knew something was different the first time you met her. I am truly surprised that you forgot about her..."
Even though Iskara spoke in a whisper, they all heard him loud and clear. It was Damien who asked, "Uncle, are you saying Ivan had met Evelyn before?"
Iskara gave a slight nod, "Not only that," he said, his lips curling into a small smile at the memory, "he had chosen her as his bride."
In unison, Damien, Cece, and Edward gasped in surprise before turning to look at Ivan in disbelief. Ivan’s forehead creased, but ignoring the three who were gaping at him,
"Father, I remember you mentioning that I was only five years old at that time, but...how come I don’t have any memories of it?" he asked in confusion.
At his inquiry, Iskara pursed his lips, unsure of the answer himself, and could only link it to his mother’s passing shortly after. Not wanting to stir that memory, he merely shrugged and said, "Maybe you were too young to remember."
Silence fell over the room, each of them knowing better than to touch the taboo surrounding the timing of his mother’s death.
Iskara then steered the conversation in a different direction. "So, from what you have told me, there were several witnesses to this incident. By now, word must have spread across the nations, and those working in the dark will act far more boldly," he mused before adding, "How about you return to Dracoria Palace? Princess Evelyn has yet to wake up, and the walls of the academy will not be able to protect her in her current state."
"Hm, I had already thought about that, Father. The journey back would be long, and I am certain they would try to ambush us along the way, so I will need your help," he paused, then looked at everyone present and added, "In fact, I will need each of your help."
"Just say the word, my son," Iskara replied instantly.
They discussed the details and decided to set their plans into motion when the early rays of the morning sun would kiss the land.
After that, they all retired to their rooms. King Alaric extended his hospitality generously to King Iskara and his large army, providing them with food and shelter so they could rest before beginning their journey back to Versailles. With matters cleared by Ivan, Iskara returned to his role as the dignified ruler he was, accepting Alaric’s helping hand as they exchanged a few words. Nothing overly friendly, but polite.
When morning arrived, all were packed and ready to depart for the Kingdom of Versailles. Academy students and the two professors also arrived at the palace to head back under the protection of the large army Iskara had brought with him. This greatly put both the professors and the students at ease, knowing their journey would not be plagued by constant fear of an attack from the dark forces with such a formidable vampire army present.
Ivan, now dressed in his spick and span, impeccable attire, emerged from the palace carrying an unconscious Evelyn. She was snugly wrapped in a white, fluffy blanket that covered most of her hair and face. At the sight of Evelyn, King Solan and Elara, who had also decided to return to their own kingdom, finally caught a glimpse of their daughter.
King Solan quickened his pace towards Ivan, about to approach Evelyn, when Amond, Alex, Caleb, and Regulus stepped forward and blocked his path, their swords drawn, preventing him from taking another step towards the king and crown prince of their kingdom.
Solan, taken aback by the hostility, felt a blow to his self-esteem and barked, "What do you think you are all doing?!"
"Apologies, Your Majesty, but I am afraid we cannot allow you to pass beyond this point to where our royals are," Regulus replied in his deep voice. His cold, dark red eyes dared Solan to take a step forward as he stood between them like a lion protecting his prides.
"I am allowed to see my daughter! I was not going after your king or prince!" Solan sneered in anger.
"Ah, but remind me, was it not you who attacked her the night before? You seem to have the wrong idea here," Regulus clicked his tongue, took an intimidating step towards Solan, and added, "Allow me to correct myself. When I mentioned royals, that very much included Princess Evelyn, who is our Crown Prince’s partner, and we fiercely protect our own. I hope King Solan understands what I am saying."
Regulus’s eyes glinted with danger as King Solan narrowed his own eyes on him.
In a low, barely restrained growl, Solan spoke, each word biting and deliberate, "I. Do. Not. Accept. Your prince as my daughter’s partner. I have every right to take her, and if you stand in my way, it will be branded as the kidnapping of the princess of our kingdom. Make no mistake, I will use force if I must."
"You will do no such thing, King Solan," a sharp voice rang out from within the palace. Lucian emerged from the shadows, Amara at his side, their presence adding weight to the already tense atmosphere.
Solan turned on him at once, his eyes blazing with fury. "And why, exactly, should I heed the High Council?" he snapped, arrogance and rage thick in his tone. "This is my blood, my family, and I strongly advise you to stay out of it."
"Oh, but it is not, King Solan. You seem to have forgotten that you threatened to wage war against a peaceful kingdom under our watch. And not only that, Princess Evelyn confirmed to us herself that you forced her into a marriage alliance with another kingdom against her will. This is not only unconstitutional under your kingdom’s absolute rule, but also a clear breach of her freedom."
Solan glared at him with undisguised hostility as Lucian continued, "Not to mention, imagine the consequences when the people of your own kingdom learn of this. So, under the authority granted by the High Council and the members of the Duke’s family of Luminear, I cannot allow this injustice to take place. Especially not when Princess Evelyn is not in any state to speak for herself right now."
He delivered the words with unwavering confidence, as though daring the king to defy him.
Elara finally spoke, her voice tight with tension. "Are you threatening the king of your kingdom, Lord Lucian?"
"Threatening? I think not, Your Majesty. I am merely stating the law that has been upheld for centuries in our kingdom. You would not want civil unrest, would you, should the nobles who stand firmly in support of the princess catch wind of how she was treated in a foreign kingdom? Not to mention that her identity is no longer limited to that of a princess, but now belongs to someone far superior to anyone on this planet."
Lucian fixed her with a sharp, unflinching gaze, as though her title as queen meant nothing to him.
Solan ground his teeth and snapped back, "How dare you remind me of my own kingdom’s laws when I am its current ruler?"
"It is precisely why I must remind you of it," Lucian stated fearlessly.
Solan was about to say more, but Elara subtly held his arm, silently warning him to stop before he ended up offending the many eyes now fixed upon them. One presence, in particular, unnerved her greatly. It was none other than King Iskara, watching them with a cold expression from a distance, beyond the wall of men blocking their path, standing alongside his son and King Alaric.
