Free Web NovelChapter 26: Chapter 26
Augustus gathered a few of the men, sword in hand, behind Adonis. frёewebηovel.cѳm
"I need this sorry excuse of a battle to come to an end," Adonis announced coldly. "Bring me their heads."
They stormed deeper into the castle. A few rushed towards the kitchen and the storage room, while the rest ran towards the grand staircase.
Their shouts had alerted the Silithran soldiers, who rushed forward and stopped behind the barricade they had set up.
"One more step forward, and we will blow you all to bits," one of the Silithran soldiers said.
"That bomb does not discriminate, soldier. We can all die together if that is what you wish," Adonis shouted back.
The two sides glared at each other, then Adonis charged at the men before he could think, and his men followed sharply behind him.
A Silithran soldier tried to light the fuse to the explosive as Adonis drew close. Two swords clanged against each other. Flesh cut against swords, and men screamed in pain.
The bomb exploded and sent a few lucky men flying, while some others lost a few limbs.
Adonis groaned in pain but stood swiftly. He’d sustained a few cuts to his hands and legs, but nothing fatal. Augustus sat up beside him, cursing under his breath. Thankfully, he had no significant injury.
With the men left, they proceeded to fight off the Silithrans left at the foot of the stairs and ran upwards. They searched the rooms one by one, killing the soldiers they met on their way.
Finally, they came upon the room where the two princes stayed, pacing impatiently for the outcome of their fight.
"I see that you were expecting us," Adonis said as he entered the room. "I hope we haven’t disappointed you."
Dread filled their eye, but they tried to hide it.
"Where have they gone?" Adonis asked. "Tell me where your father is, and I will spare the lives of others."
"You animal," one of the prince’s snarled. "You think we would trust you to do the right thing after you invade our land?" He asked. "You’d better think again."
"Have it your way then," Adonis said quietly.
He wasted no time cutting them both down. Leaving them to choke on their blood.
"I trust that you will find them, Augustus," Adonis said. "Bring them back here before they reach any other kingdom we might invade and foil our plans. We need to leave this place at once. It sickens me."
"Yes, your majesty."
Adonis wasted no time rushing back to Astrid. He leaned over her, tracing her face with his fingers.
Andrea cleared her throat. "Did you find Lily?"
Adonis did not look up or budge. "The men will bring news soon enough." He said. "How is she?"
"She’ll live." Andrea replied, "But it might take some time before she regains consciousness."
Adonis smiled at the news, and his eyes softened.
"Your majesty," Augustus said, startling them all. "We’ve seen the girl you asked for."
Doris looked expectantly at him. "And where is she? Tell her to come here and meet us."
Augustus was silent. Too silent. "She’s dead."
Doris stood up slowly, like she was locked in a trance. "What did you just say?"
"She’s dead, my lady," Augustus repeated.
Andrea remained silent, and Doris collapsed to the floor, shut her eyes, and shook her head.
"How did she die?" Andrea asked quietly.
"A stab to the heart and a slit throat," Augustus replied.
"My goodness." Doris choked through her tears. "She’s never going to forgive herself."
"It has happened, and nothing can be done." There was a tone of finality in Andrea’s voice.
Two days passed before Astrid regained consciousness. The remaining royals had been found, the king was beheaded, and they had begun mining the salt.
Adonis was by her side when she stirred awake. His head bobbed from sleep.
"Adonis," she croaked.
He woke up instantly and went to her side. "Thank the gods." His voice was filled with relief. "I thought you’d actually left us."
"Can I have some water?"
"Of course... Here."
Astrid sat up slowly but winced from the pain.
"Easy, easy," Adonis said softly.
"Thanks."
Everything seemed unfamiliar to Astrid. The room, the bed, the walls. "Where are the girls?"
Astrid could see his face tighten.
"I’ll send for them soon," he said, "but you need to rest."
"I know, I know," Astrid sighed. "Did we win? What about everything else? When do we leave?"
"One question at a time, princess." Adonis chuckled.
"I’m sorry, there’s just so much I want to know. How long have I been on this bed?"
"You’ve been unconscious for two days. But you’re awake now, so everything is fine."
"And..."
"Everything is over. We’ve caught them all. We’ve sent word to Erindros on the salt mines, and we’ll be living as soon as you’re well enough to board a boat."
"Thank goodness." Astrid sighed. "I was out cold for two days?" She couldn’t believe it.
"Yes, you were." Adonis was laughing now. "All you need to bother about now is getting better. Don’t think of anything else."
Astrid nodded. "Are the girls doing ok? I know Lily must hate me for giving her such a difficult task. Can you please call them in? "
Adonis tightened his jaw and did not move.
"What’s the matter? "
He sighed. "I’ll send a guard to fetch right away." He took one last look at her, then left.
Andrea and Doris burst into the room a while later.
"You scoundrel," Doris said and engulfed her in a hug. "I thought you’d never wake up."
"Easy, Doris, easy. " Astrid winced. "I might end up dying again from your hugs."
"I’m sorry." Doris began to cry now. "I was just so scared, Astrid. You lost so much blood."
"I’m fine now, Doris, I’m fine." Astrid tried to reassure her. She looked up at Andrea, who hadn’t said a word since she’d entered.
"Are you not happy to see me?" Astrid said jokingly.
Andrea bent and kissed her on both cheeks. "I’m glad you’re alive," she said. "I only wish that had been the case for Lily as well."
