***Sequel to The Choice, Can't be Read as a Standalone***
The competition is over and Amancio has shown his true colours. The Dark Lords have taken over Aridia and half of the nobles- including Princess Barbara have been kidnapped. Along with the fa...
"She's wearing a disguise," Ashley chuckled, at the confusion on my face. It was a very convincing disguise.
"Get in, we don't have much time until they realise he's missing," Allegra said, tightening her hold on the horse.
"Wait," I stopped. "I'm not leaving without Madeline."
Allegra turned to us, raising an eyebrow. "By Madeline do you mean the new Queen of Aridia?"
Queen?
"What are you talking about?" I asked, my eyes darting between Ashley and Allegra, confused.
Ashley sighed, "Madeline and Amancio just got married, Carlos."
My heart sunk. I couldn't believe it. How was Madeline married to Amancio? I knew for a fact she would never agree to the wedding. Unless she was forced...
"I'm pretty sure the guards are going to come after us any time from now- so if you don't want to become a prisoner again, I suggest we get moving," Allegra sing-songed, impatiently.
Ashley sighed, her eyes understanding. "Listen Carlos, Amancio won't hurt Madeline. I can assure you we'll come back for her. For now, we need to go."
With that, Ashley swiftly climbed into the carriage.
I hesitated, before following suit. I felt horrible, leaving Madeline. But there was no other choice. We would come back and get her, I would make sure of it.
Allegra made a clicking sound, and the horse started moving. Further and further away from the palace. I knew I was supposed to feel relief- or even happiness, seeing as I'd escaped. But, I couldn't stop the dark thoughts from seeping back in. I hated the fact that I was leaving Madeline in the hands of Amancio. I hated the fact that I was running away from my throne. The only thing that could give me some sort of assurance was the fact that I would fight back, somehow.
We rode on in silence for a few minutes. Allegra hummed a low tune as she rode while Ashley was silent. I wanted to know how she was doing. I had lost my father as well and it hurt me more than I would like to let on. My father and I weren't at all close. But, losing my mother made me hold onto him more. The fact that he was just...gone, it seemed so strange and foreign.
There were way too many things for me to try and wrap my head around. There was also the fact that Amancio's father had orchestrated my mother's death. Plus, Barbara was also Amancio's half sister. I remembered vividly that Barbara was nowhere to be found after the attack at The Choosing Ceremony. All I could do was hope that Amancio valued their blood tie enough to keep her alive.
"Where are we headed?" I broke the silence. The sky was already dark, the nocturnal animals waking from their slumber.
"We're headed to a safe place," Allegra replied, cryptically.
"She doesn't trust you enough to tell you the specific details," Ashley added.
"No offense," Allegra said.
"What happened while I was imprisoned? What else have The Dark Lords done that I don't know about?" I asked.
Ashley sighed. "After the massacre at The Choosing Ceremony, The Dark Lords went on inquisitions around the kingdom. They captured anyone that didn't pledge allegiance and took them somewhere- we've been trying to find out where they are but we've gotten no leads."
"We think that's where they took the other nobles," Allegra added, her eyes never leaving the road.
It all made sense...
"Amancio was crowned King a day after the attack. Since he technically has royal blood running through his veins, the coronation can't be annulled," Ashley explained.
"So we have to take the throne back by force," I said, like it was obvious.
"I wish it was that easy," Allegra sighed. "The Dark Lords planned this coup for almost 20 years. Reclaiming the throne will not be a simple task."
"So what do we do then? We can't just be sitting ducks and wait till The Dark Lords find us," I exclaimed.
"What do you suggest we do then, Carlos? This takes a lot of logic and thinking. We will get Aridia back- but it won't be easy," Ashley said.
I had a feeling Ashley and Allegra weren't working alone. I had a feeling there was something they weren't telling me. I wasn't sure if I could trust them yet...
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Hi guys *waves tentatively*
I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a LONG TIME. I've been so busy with school and tests and finals coming up soon, it completely slipped my mind.
I'll try much harder to write more.
Till we meet again (very soon), don't forget to vote comment and share.
