The Royal Mark-Chapter 38: Not the Right Time
The news of the presence of the Crown Prince of Arcanis, accompanied by a red-haired woman, in the northwest of Zemaria, quickly spread throughout the land as soon as the priestess’ message reached Rügengard Castle.
King Allister Van der Aart wasted no time and promptly dispatched his soldiers and most skilled elemental mages to ensure the safe return of the Crown Prince of Arcanis and the red-haired woman to the castle. The priestess had cautioned them that the woman did not resemble Princess Hera, tempering their expectations.
Despite this warning, the King held onto hope that the woman might still be his long-lost daughter, Hera. It had been an agonizing two years since he had last seen his beloved daughter and his longing to reunite with her was immeasurable.
Upon their arrival in the village, both Elsa and Nuri remained unconscious. Following Prince Christopher’s request, they were placed in the same room, a decision influenced by Ciel, who believed it would be beneficial due to some unexplained connection between the two.
Although the nature of this connection remained a mystery, Prince Christopher placed his trust in Elsa’s loyal dogs, who steadfastly remained at the bedside of Elsa and Nuri, only leaving when absolutely necessary.
"Your Highness," greeted the castle’s fire mage upon entering the room, "I believe it’s in the best interest of the lady to transport her to the castle now. There, Mistress Valeria can assess her condition. Although she’s not the official Archmage, her powers are on par with her mother’s. I’ve already consulted with the priestess, and since we have a water mage with us, we can provide care during the journey back."
Chris, arms crossed, remained indecisive. The life of his mate hung in the balance, and he couldn’t afford to make a mistake with his decision. "Wait, let me seek advice from the experts." The fire mage nodded, and Chris turned to face Ciel, Nile, and Gaia.
Observing Chris engaged in what seemed like a staring contest with the three dogs, the fire mage inquired of the priestess, "What is he doing?"
"He’s a werewolf, so he can communicate with wolves, or in this case... the dogs. I don’t believe they are just ordinary dogs, though," the priestess explained.
’Ciel, you know her powers better than anyone else. Do you believe it’s safe to get on our journey now? I’m eager for Mistress Valeria to examine her,’ Chris inquired of Ciel.
[I would want that too. Nile, what is your opinion on this matter?] Ciel turned to Nile for input.
[I don’t believe a water mage alone would suffice. Haven’t you witnessed the devastation she’s capable of? She would simply overpower any water mages,] Nile pointed out.
Curious, Chris asked, ’So, what do you propose, then?’
Nile responded, [We should travel alongside a water source or at least in close proximity to one.]
Chris swiftly turned to the women and inquired, "Do you happen to have a map of Zemaria, or perhaps a map that leads from this location to the castle?"
"We are familiar with the route back to the castle, Your Highness. After all, we originated from there," the fire mage responded.
Aware of the implied mockery, Chris impatiently retorted, "I’m aware, are you treating the werewolf prince as a fool? Just give me the damn map!"
"I-I will fetch it right away," the fire mage stammered.
Upon her return, the fire mage placed the map on the table near Elsa and indicated their current position. "We are presently located here. May I inquire about the reason for needing the map?"
Chris explained, "The dog suggested that we should follow a watercourse or stay close to one. So, I was thinking... here. Can we follow this river?" He pointed to a specific section on the map.
"The dog mentioned—" The fire mage began to inquire, but she halted when she noticed Chris’s displeased expression. "Y-Yes, Your Highness. However, this will extend our journey back to the castle by an additional two days."
"That is acceptable. Her safety is more important," Chris affirmed.
"But, Your Highness, we already have the most skilled water mages with us, so—" the fire mage attempted to argue.
"My Elsa is stronger than all of you combined. Your water mages won’t be able to contain her fire," Chris responded with a touch of arrogance.
"Understood, Your Highness. I will notify everyone and make the necessary arrangements," the fire mage said before departing to join the soldiers.
’Ciel...’ Chris called out, clutching Elsa’s hand. ’She looks so pale, and her heartbeat is weak. Please, tell me she’ll be alright. I’m losing hope...’ Chris lowered his head, feeling a deep pain in his heart and a sense of despair.
[Just as you’ve said, Your Highness, our Elsa is strong. Even stronger than you can imagine. She and Nuri will overcome this. You’ll learn more once we reach the castle,] Ciel reassured.
’What are you keeping from me, Ciel? Don’t you trust me after all this time?’ Chris asked with sadness in his voice.
[It’s not a matter of trust. It is not the right time. Everything will be in place soon,]" Ciel explained.
Chris let out a sigh and glanced at Nuri, who was in a similar state as Elsa. Both of them were barely breathing, with weak heartbeats. Despite his act of confidence in front of others, he felt quite the opposite.
When they were alone in the room, his face would quickly turn somber. He felt as if he were being suffocated like someone was tightening a grip around his heart. Even though Ciel reassured him that Elsa would recover, seeing her in such a lifeless state made him wish he could trade his own life for hers just to see her wake up.
But there was nothing he could do; Elsa was fighting her own internal battle. All he could do now was hope that Ciel’s words held true.
Once everything was prepared, following his request, both Elsa and her dogs were placed in the same carriage with a healer. Chris and three water mages rode on horses beside the carriage, closely monitoring Elsa’s condition as they made their way toward the castle.
