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The Halsey siblings marched forward through the forest with great haste, occasionally stopping to rest but not longer than 5 minutes. Luckily, they did not encounter any dangerous animals upon their journey. They had to be careful in the dense forest in case a hungry beasts comes.

They armed themselves with weapons found in the cabin previously. Charlotte packed a backpack with food and medicine, and a flask of water. She also took a knife with her. Carlos found a bow and arrows, to his delight. Archery was the only sport that didn't wear him out as much as swordsmanship, so he practiced to master it. He also brought a bag with him. A smaller satchel that had a box of matchsticks, an extra tunic and another flask of water. James on the other hand didn't take anything since he already had his sword from the beginning.

After spending the night in the forest, they finally found themselves out the next morning. Seeing a paved road for the first time in two days made them happy again. They walked alongside the road, hoping to see at least a person if not a vehicle.

The nearest village is still miles away but they didn't give up. For the sake of family, one is willing to do anything.

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Meanwhile, a messenger arrived at the palace on horseback. He was covered in blood and bruises. He kneeled on the floor and greeted the royal family.

"Your Highnesses, I have come with important news. House Halsey and their governed territory has been under attacked."

"By who?" Oriella asked.

The messenger hesitated at first, as of worried wether or not they will believe him. "We were attacked by the former emperor, His Majesty Anastacius."

Everyone had a shocked look. They were all thinking the same thing. Anastacius is dead!

"Are you sure? You're not bluffing are you?" Jennette spoke in a slightly frightened, slightly mad tone.

"I dare not lie to Your Highness!" He bowed deeply to the ground.

"What happened to the Halsey family? The village people? Are they safe??" It was Arius who raised his voice this time.

"Forgive me, Your Highness the prince, for I do not know. I barely managed to escape with my life to pass on this message. Forgive me for saying this but there are no doubt some deaths."

Arius' face turned even darker. He had no idea wether or not his family is safe. He comforted himself by reminding that his father is a powerful magician that could surely protect everyone. Nevertheless, he was still scared at the thought of them in danger.

Ijekiel started giving orders after seeing that his wife frozen in shock. Oriella glanced at Arius a few times. He was obviously very worried. Arius gestured to her to come with him.

Out of everyone's sight, he started shouting. "What the hell is happening?? I thought you said that bastard won't do anything as long you aren't the heir! Why the fuck did he attack Madame Halsey?!"

Oriella whimpered. She shivered because she was scared. Never has she seen Arius get so angry.

"I-i don't k-know." Tears welled up in her eyes. The aura he was extruding felt heavy and murderous.

"Princess! Arius!" Chris came running while shouting. He worried over Oriella who looked like she was about to cry. "Ari, what did you do to her??"

He sighed. "Look, I'm not mad at you. But I can tell you're hiding something. Oriella. Look at me and tell me right now." After years if experience with his sisters, Arius knows exactly how to intimidate her.

"Yes, I'm hiding something from allof you." She said after wiping her almost-falling-tears. "But I can't tell you. Not now."

Arius ran his hand through his hair, frustrated. "Why can't you just say it!"

"I don't want to!" "You don't want to?? People's lives are at stake and you're being a selfish brat!""Hey hey, calm down dude. Take it easy man" Chris tried to calm his best friend down."No, I am not calming down. Chris, your family is there too. Who knows where are they!"

"I'm extremely nervous too, Ari. My parents are alone in our house. My sister has her own family to take care off at the next town. Who's gonna help my ma and pa? But you see, Ari, I'm not gonna panic and scream because that won't help my parents. By staying calm, I can gather my thoughts and figure out what to do.Please, calm down." Chris put his hand on Arius' shoulder. The blonde teen let out a shaky breath. His best friend was right. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.

"Thanks Chris. What would I do without you." He chuckled.

"I'm still waiting for an answer though." Arius said to Oriella. She snapped back into reality after admiring how easily Chris dealt with his friend.

"I told you, I don't think I can say anything. Call me a selfish brat or a stupid good-for-nothing princess, but my mouth is shut." She said firmly. Truthfully, she was still shaking inside.

"Fine." Was all Arius said before he walked away.

"I want to walk around before going back," Oriella announced. She walked slowly down the corridor with Chris following quietly behind her.

"You know, Arius is right. Any information is important and would be very helpful. I can't deny that you would be a selfish brat if you keep this up." Chris said to her.

Oriella glanced at him and narrowed her eyes. She stopped walking before turning to face him. Her face was stern and emotionless.

"Ah! I-I didn't mean to be rude of course! I shouldn't be talking in such a manner to your highness. Please forgive me princess." Chris stammered in embarrassment. He bowed deeply. Talking to a royal so casually is very rude as he is a commoner. Indeed, Chris was a disciplined man.

"No no! I don't mind! Please get up. You're really nice and close to me anyway. So please speak comfortably." Oriella waved her hands frantically to stop him."I don't deserve to be spoken to in a polite manner anyway." She smiled solemnly.

"What?! You do deserve it! Your Highness is a princess." He said. Something is up, he thought.

He watched as her head drooped and her eyes wandering somewhere else. She then squeezed her eyes shut and opened them again. Oriella smiled faintly while lifting her head to face him."I'm not a princess, Chris. I'm a fake."

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Hello!

Bye byeee

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