The Royal Mark-Chapter 188: Guilt, Sadness, and Regret

Elandir swiftly made his way to Prince Drake after the mermaids facilitated a faster journey back to Qiryn.

"Are you certain you wish to approach her instead of Mistress Valeria?" he inquired, addressing the prince, who stood by Arla after the mage had been moved to one of the ship’s quarters.

"Do I really have a choice? I can’t bear the thought of Arla dying," replied Prince Drake.

"True, but she might become furious; after all, she strictly instructed us not to reveal her identity yet," Elandir pointed out.

"I am aware of that. However, she owes me this, and it’s time for me to come clean with everyone. Whether she gets upset over Arla or not, she would be angry with me regardless," Drake explained to Elandir, who offered a reassuring pat on his back before departing.

As Prince Andrius made his way back to the main deck, he encountered Prince Drake with a furrowed brow. "Elandir, Rylie mentioned that Arla needs a divine mage, yet we seem to be heading to Qiryn. Is there a portal there leading to Zemaria?"

"No portals, but that’s Prince Drake’s choice. Have faith in your brother; he has a plan that will surprise you," Elandir assured the concerned prince.

Prince Andrius couldn’t shake off the anxiety about Arla’s critical condition. It wasn’t just the looming threat of her potential demise; she was also an invaluable earth mage crucial for their defense. As Lady Constance’s daughter from a distinguished noble family in Zemaria, any harm befalling her on his watch would inevitably result in him bearing the brunt of the consequences.

Because of the mermaids’ help, their two-day journey was shortened to just a day. Before the evening came the next day, their ship was already in the port of Qiryn.

Baahu immediately carried his sister off the ship while Rylie gave instructions to the water healers who were with them.

"Elandir, I heard you can teleport by yourself right? Can you go to her and let’s all meet in the castle instead? It’s the midpoint from here," Drake asked Elandir who only nodded and briskly vanished from his sight.

Given Baahu’s robust physique, he took on the responsibility of cradling Arla in the carriage, ensuring her stability, while Rylie remained by their side. The others rode on horseback to hasten their journey to the castle.

Upon reaching An’owyn Castle, both Prince Andrius and Prince Drake were taken aback to find Queen Ydril awaiting them at the main entrance.

"Follow me. Only Prince Drake and the mage are permitted to enter the room. The rest may wait wherever they please in the castle," Queen Ydril declared, motioning for Prince Drake to accompany her.

Baahu handed his unconscious sister over to Prince Drake before leaning against the wall, slumping to the floor, and unexpectedly breaking into tears, surprising everyone.

Rylie and Kaizer swiftly approached, with Rylie offering him her handkerchief.

"I apologize for displaying this vulnerability and I know I shouldn’t since I am a fighter. But I have been holding back tears for some time now. The two most important women in my life are fighting for their lives while I remain here unscathed," Baahu confessed.

"No need for apologies. Soon, you’ll be fighting your own battles. Don’t claim to be safe. None of us are," Prince Andrius reassured him.

"You’re right, Your Highness," Baahu wiped away his tears and stood up once more. "I’ll ensure those damn witches and demons pay, including King Alaric."

"Recall the pain you’re experiencing now. Remember it on the day we face our enemies once more. Channel that anger to bolster your strength and unleash powerful attacks. Let that rage be the force that crushes our enemies," Prince Andrius added, holding Baahu by both shoulders.

Baahu nodded, his fighting spirit was back in an instant. Having been through numerous battles with Prince Andrius, he always admired the crown prince’s ability to rally their troops. Baahu admitted to himself that the prince was truly fit to be their king.

His leadership is something that he would apply and take everywhere he might be once the war is over.

Once Queen Ydril and Prince Drake had retreated from the prying eyes of onlookers, the queen finally relinquished her pent-up annoyance and frustration directed toward the human prince. Their steps echoed through the corridors as they made their way to the room allocated for Arla.

"What were you thinking, Prince Drake? Exposing Hera’s existence to everyone when she clearly told you not to?" the queen queried, her eyebrow raised in stern disapproval.

"I apologize, Your Majesty, but my thoughts were solely focused on saving Arla. I wasn’t thinking clearly," Prince Drake offered in justification.

"You were indeed not thinking! As a prince, I expect you to avoid repeating such a grave mistake in the future. In Qiryn, everyone is aware of Hera’s existence, but even the commoners possess the sanity and discipline to keep their mouths shut.

There’s a reason we conceal her presence from the rest of Vectus. I implore you to honor and respect that secrecy. Should you commit a similar error again, I will personally order your execution. Do you understand?" Queen Ydril sternly admonished Prince Drake.

The queen’s stringent and harsh warning left Prince Drake more startled than his initial curiosity had. He had never envisioned that the graceful and gentle-looking queen could articulate such words, words that genuinely struck fear in a part of him. The gravity of the situation and the consequences of his actions weighed heavily on him, as the realization dawned that his misstep had not gone unnoticed.

"I understand, Your Majesty," Prince Drake replied tersely.

The queen, her expression softened with a hint of understanding, continued, "In instances like this in the future, if you find yourself in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to seek help. You don’t have to face everything alone, Prince Drake. If you had shared your plans with Elandir beforehand, he might have suggested an alternative approach."

With those words of advice, the queen opened the door, revealing Elandir and Hera patiently waiting inside. Acting swiftly, Prince Drake carefully laid Arla on the bed, and Hera wasted no time in administering her healing powers.

"S-Sis, I’m sorry. I almost broke my promise. I mentioned to Rylie that there’s a divine mage here in Qiryn, and some others overheard it too," Drake apologized, genuine remorse evident in his voice.

Hera responded not with words but by pursing her lips and rolling her eyes at Drake.

"That is okay, Prince Drake. What’s done is done. I will speak with your brother and clarify the situation. I’ll explain that you were momentarily confused and were referring to the Moon Well, which possesses a power similar to that of a divine mage," Queen Ydril reassured him before gracefully exiting the room.

In the meantime, Hera efficiently dispelled the curse that had afflicted Arla. Anticipating Arla’s imminent regaining of consciousness, Hera discreetly left the room through another entrance as soon as her healing work was complete. The air in the room lightened with the lifting of the curse, leaving behind a sense of relief and the promise of Arla’s swift recovery.

"Elandir please look after Arla, I will just talk to my sister quickly," Drake said. He did not wait for Elandir to answer and immediately ran after Hera.

"Hera, wait!"

Hera stopped in her tracks and turned to her brother. "It’s okay Drake, no hard feelings. I am just annoyed at you, but you know that it will soon fade away right? Just like old times," Hera gave him a genuine smile that he surely felt.

"I know but let me explain before you go, please?" Drake pleaded.

Hera looked around and gently pulled Drake to the sofa near them before gesturing him to speak.

"I like Arla, I think I even love her. And she likes me too. She was the first person who showed me that I was important after you were gone. You were the only person who loved me, sis," Drake uttered.

Hera sighed and interjected, "Is that why all these years you were covering up for your mother and Milda?"

Her words utterly surprised Drake, he stared at her with big eyes and was not able to find the right words to say.

"I know everything, Drake. I know that you are always on their side because you want to be loved by them. Ever since we were young you always give your best in everything because you wanted Queen Irina to be proud of you just like how proud she is with Andrius, you wanted to be loved.

But brother, you don’t have to. I am sure they love you in their own ways but even if I’m wrong then who cares right? I am here, I love you completely. Father loves you with his whole heart. Even my mother treats you like her own child.

As for our brother Andrius, he might not show it, but I am more than a hundred percent sure that he loves you. You are his only brother and he doesn’t see you as a competition to the throne. He sees you not only as his brother but also as his wingman. Someone he can lean on and trust.

You are his assurance every time he goes into battle that if ever he does not make it back, you are there to take his place in leading our people, our kingdom. You are his right-hand man, you know, someone he entrusts his everything," Hera said.

All she said went straight to Drake’s heart making him wail and sob in guilt, sadness, and regret.