Chapter 111

The knights finally straightened their backs. The princess had to be captured within the borders of Van Yela, no matter the cost. Once she crossed into another country, that land would become inviolable for both Van Yela and Kyrstan. Leading troops across another nation’s border would trigger a war. Additionally, most of Van Yela’s neighboring countries were allied brother nations of the Northern Grandel Alliance.

“He can’t be that desperate,” Ruben thought, mirroring the tension in the room. “Surely he wouldn’t risk igniting a war.”

“A fortnight,” the lord’s voice cracked like a whip. Just as Ruben believed it was over, the pronouncement came. “If she’s not found, we inform the Empire we’ll proceed independently. Sanction or no sanction.”

A gasp escaped a nearby vassal. “Your Highness! That could be construed as rebellion!”

The lord’s gaze turned steely. “Then let it be known. Issue a formal search order, mobilize every available soldier. And one last thing…”

The threat hung heavy in the air, a stark counterpoint to the servant’s desperate plea. However, it was thick with the promise of a fitting reward.

Rezette remembered the private letter from Noyer, sent about a month back. The Duke of Irrien had demanded that the child of the chosen one be born from the Argan princess, in exchange for dropping the charge of attempted regicide against Rezette. The deal was clear: hand over the child to the duke, and in return, Elise would remain untouched. It was a cold arrangement, devoid of any sentiment on Rezette’s part.

However, with the child growing within her, it became more than just a pawn in the game. It was his possession now, and he had no intention of relinquishing any part of Elise to anyone else. The child would serve as the perfect lure to draw the emperor out.

“I initially declined to respond,” Rezette mused, “but my stance has shifted.”

Silence met his declaration.

“Advise him to make his choice wisely,” he continued. “It’s cleaner for each of us to have what we desire.”

No response was needed to guess Noyer’s decision. He’d always tolerate his younger brother’s impudence, driven by his relentless pursuit of acceptance.

It was a journey with a predetermined destination. Rezette passed by his subordinates, who bowed respectfully as he gave his orders, and stepped out of the cabin. It was time to start the search, beginning with the route leading east.

***

Elise cracked open her eyelids, the terrifying roar finally fading into an unsettling silence. Gone was the wretched, half-rotten cabin. A frigid wind whipped at her face, the harsh bite confirming the unforgiving ground beneath her. Cold stone pressed against her left side, mirroring the chill seeping into her bones.

As the cooing of a nearby pigeon reached her ears, Elise sprang to her feet with a triumphant exclamation. “It worked!”

The teleportation spell, using coordinates gleaned from the homing pigeon, had succeeded. Such a high-level spell, challenging even for Andrei, a renowned mage, had been navigated without incident. Elise’s fears of losing control mid-transit were assuaged.

Collapsed at the alley’s edge in an unfamiliar village, Elise and Ivetsa found themselves alone in the darkness. Not a soul passed by, nor were there any apparent pursuers. Spotting the lantern light of a small inn down the alley, Elise felt reassured. This was the place guided by the homing pigeon; it should be safe.

Adjusting her cloak, Elise rose to her feet and turned to Ivetsa. “Can you stand?”

“Yes, I’m alright,” Ivetsa replied, her response delayed by lingering headache. Elise offered a hand to help her friend up.

“There’s an inn over there.” Elise said, pointing towards the faint glow. “Let’s get inside, rest, and figure out where this place is.” Anxious about potential alleyway dangers, she hurried towards the entrance.

Ivetsa, having steadied herself, surprised Elise by wrapping a supportive arm around her waist. “Let me help you.”

“Oh, thank you,” Elise stammered, surprised by the unexpected strength in Ivetsa’s arm. Ivetsa’s arm felt steady, a reassuring counterpoint to Elise’s trembling legs. Roles reversed, Elise found herself leaning on her friend as they made their way towards the inviting glow of the inn.

Inside, the flickering warmth of a fireplace and the scent of woodsmoke greeted them. A simple, yet cozy atmosphere permeated the small inn. The innkeeper, dozing by the fire, startled awake at the sound of the door creaking open. He rubbed his sleep-crusted eyes, taking in the sight of the two late-night arrivals.

“How long will you be staying?” he rumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

“Three days,” Ivetsa declared before Elise could speak.

Elise, who had been observing the exchange, felt compelled to interject. “Three days seems a bit excessive, wouldn’t you say?” Her plan was to leave as soon as they determined their location and charted a course towards their destination. However, Ivetsa, with a slight shake of her head, leaned in and whispered softly, “Three days are necessary to fully recover your magic. We’ve traveled a significant distance from Rotiara, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Three days it is,” Ivetsa announced, her voice surprisingly firm. “If possible, a large room. Meals delivered three times a day, left at the door. No need to disturb us…”

Elise, despite the initial objection forming on her tongue, fell silent. Ivetsa, hardened by years on the run, possessed a street-smart pragmatism that Elise lacked. Besides, a dull ache throbbed in Elise’s head due to the prolonged tension. She suspected sleep would claim her the moment they reached any semblance of comfort.

As Ivetsa procured the key from the bleary-eyed innkeeper, Elise drifted towards the patchwork quilts displayed by the stairs. One, a vibrant red, held Elise’s attention. Embroidered in dainty lettering were the words:

<Van Yela>

<Koseratie>

“Koseratie,” Elise murmured, the name rolling off her tongue. “So, that’s where we are.”

A closer look revealed a simplified map stitched onto the quilt. Cute little flags marked the major cities of Van Yela. Relief washed over Elise as she traced the map with her finger.

We’re still in Van Yela, but further northeast from Rotiara…

The map depicted Koseratie as a small town nestled at a crossroads. North lay Opel, the capital city, and eastwards, hugging the coastline, was the port city of Norella. The Grenthern Mountains served as a natural barrier between Koseratie and Rotiara, placing them right in the middle of their intended journey.

“The midpoint,” Elise sighed, a weight lifting from her chest. “We just need to keep heading east.”

Now, with a sense of direction, securing a new map became their top priority. The frantic teleportation had forced them to abandon most of the supplies Ivetsa had meticulously gathered. While Elise still possessed the pouch of valuables hidden within her cloak, a new map and fresh clothes were essential. The true journey, it seemed, was just beginning.

Elise watched Ivetsa secure the key from the innkeeper and hurried over, the pouch of coins clutched in her hand.

“Ivets- I mean, Becky,” she stammered, “Shouldn’t we pay?”

Ivetsa flashed a mischievous smile, the key jingling playfully between her fingers. “No need, Lena. Already taken care of.”

Elise’s face flushed with a mixture of awkwardness and a strange, unfamiliar prickle of… something. On the run, they’d agreed to maintain a low profile. Elise had suggested posing as friends, discarding formalities like “Your Highness” in favor of everyday names like “Becky” and “Lena.” Ivetsa had been hesitant at first, bristling at the idea of pretending to be anything less than a loyal servant to the princess. But Elise had been adamant – until they reached the southern territories, they needed to blend in.

It was her own plan, so why did it feel so odd hearing Ivetsa use the alias so casually?

“…Where did you get the money?” Elise pressed, her voice tight. “The pouch is with me.”

Ivetsa’s enigmatic smile widened. “Let’s just say there are ways, Lena.”

The way the keys clinked in Ivetsa’s hand, a discordant melody against the backdrop of the innkeeper’s yawn, sent a shiver down Elise’s spine.

“I see,” Elise mumbled, biting her lip.

The innkeeper lumbered back towards the kitchen, his prodigious yawn echoing in the silence. Seizing the opportunity, Ivetsa nudged Elise gently towards the stairs.

“Second floor, Your Highness,” she murmured, a hint of her usual deference peeking through. “Let’s get you settled. I’ll draw a bath straightaway.”

Ah, there was the Ivetsa she knew. Perhaps, Elise thought, her suspicions were unfounded after all.

***

The room on the second floor, though well-worn, held a certain charm. The threadbare carpet and chipped paint on the wooden figurines whispered of a bygone era, creating a quaint atmosphere reminiscent of a fairytale cottage. It was exactly the kind of cozy haven Elise craved.

As soon as they entered, Ivetsa shed her cloak with practiced ease and moved to help Elise. The heavy fabric was gently lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a comforting woolen blanket.

“Though it’s late, I took the liberty of ordering some food from the innkeeper,” Ivetsa explained. “It will take a while for the bathwater to heat, so please eat and rest for a bit.”

True to her word, the innkeeper soon lumbered up the stairs, balancing two laden trays. Each held a simple yet hearty meal – a slice of rye bread, a boiled egg, roasted tomatoes and greens, and a curious minced meat patty.

“You should eat too, Ivetsa,” Elise insisted, gesturing towards the tray.

“Don’t worry about me, Your Highness. I’m not hungry.”

Elise sighed, a flicker of concern crossing her features. Brushing aside the protest, she picked up her fork and hesitantly speared the meat patty. The strong peppercorns did little to mask the gamy taste, and the texture left much to be desired. It felt more like gnawing on tightly woven fabric than savoring a meal. After a few forced bites, she pushed the plate away, a deep frown etching itself on her brow.

With a heavy heart, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “…Just before the teleportation, something… unsettling happened.”

Ivetsa, who had been gathering towels behind a screen, froze. She emerged, her brow furrowed in concern. “What is it, Your Highness?”

“It might just be my imagination,” Elise began cautiously, searching for the right words. “But right before I reached for your hand…” A shiver ran down her spine as the memory returned. “There was someone. Behind you. Staring directly at me.”