Chapter 60 Start of the uprising
LUCIEN'S POV
Lucien's legs flew off the ground as he trained, sweat dripping off his face and neck.
He raised his legs to kick just as Sam's voice stopped him in time.
“Your Majesty?”
Lucien turned, annoyed that he had been interrupted. All his men knew better than to interrupt him, Sam especially.
“I'm sorry, but this is urgent.” Sam continued, noticing the frown on Lucien's face.
“This better be important.” He murmured as he handed his sword over to a guard who stood nearby.
“It is.” He looked around cautiously. Other men littered around them. “Can we go somewhere private, your Majesty?”
Without waiting for Lucien's response, he began to walk.
Lucien matched his pace, leading him to the entrance of the garden.
“I just received news that Lord Hale is making plans to take the throne.”
A shadow crossed Lucien's face. “What?” He scoffed. “He wouldn't be too brave to do that in my absence. He's not a coward.”
Sam shook his head. “He's not doing that again, My Lord. He's making plans.” Frustration laced Sam's voice. He wondered within himself why Lucien was cranky.
“How?” Lucien shook his head, trying to focus his attention on Sam. He seemed distracted.
“The attacks.” His voice was faint. “They've begun again.”
“That's easy,” Lucien chuckled. “We're not in the kingdom to be held responsible. At least, Isabella isn't.”
“The elders think otherwise.” The words were forced through his teeth. “There is damning evidence that points all fingers to the Lady.”
Sam hesitated, seeing that Lucien was not taking him seriously. “This matter is of serious concern, Your Majesty.” He breathed fast. “I know you think the Lady was framed and that had been settled, but there is new evidence. Human ones.”
Lucien studied his most trusted friend's expression. “It is surely bothering you.” He observed.
“More than, Your Majesty.” He shook his head. “People have been coming forward, with wounds, bodies have been appearing on the steps of the tower.”
“And the elders?” Lucien confirmed.
Sam exhaled. “They're worse. They've all been brainwashed by Lord Hale.”
“Including Lord Sloane?”
Sam nodded. “Every one of them, My Lord. And it gets worse.”
Lucien grunted, giving him the go-ahead.
“While Lord Hale is seeking Justice, some of the other elders, obviously led by Lord Hale, are calling for your removal from the throne.”
“This is preposterous,” Lucien swore. “That cunning bastard. He would rather instigate the people than come face me head-on.”
Sam nodded. “We need to act fast, Your Majesty.” He urged.
Lucien cocked his head to the side. “What do you suggest we do, Sam. We need the support of the White Walls.”
Sam nodded. “I understand, Your Majesty, but there will be no need for any of this, if Lord Hale succeeds in taking the throne before your return.”
Lucien sighed. “Seems Konstatin was right. I've indeed gotten soft, and that son of a bitch, is riding on that.”
Sam bowed slightly. “What do you say, your Majesty?”
Lucien grimaced. “The journey has to be paused. We return to the palace tomorrow.”
“This night, your Majesty.” He said, looking down as though he knew he was stepping out of line. “The earlier we do it, the better for us all.”
“And Isabella?” Lucien asked the obvious.
“We'll pick her up on our way.” He stepped back. “I know I'm way out of line here, Your Majesty, but waiting one whole day before making a move will be dangerous. I vowed to protect you, Your Majesty. I intend to keep that vow till the end.”
Lucien nodded. “I agree with you. Assemble the men. We move in one hour.”
Sam hesitated. “And the White Walls?” He was asking the most obvious.
Lucien sighed. “Leave that to me, I'll handle them. You gather the men.” He patted the young man on the shoulders and made to move.
“This is a secret mission, Sam. Do not expose the details.”
Sam nodded, bowing slightly as they separated, walking in opposite directions.
Lucien sighed as he walked over to the halls of the White Walls, making a detour as he stepped into a small room.
A small man sat behind the table, glasses perched on his nose as he concentrated on reading the scroll before him.
“Your Majesty,” He said as Lucien entered, but made no move to stand up. “To what honour do I owe this visit?”
Lucien smirked, taking the empty seat before him. “It is time.”
His words made the man drop the scroll as she studied him gently. “How do you know this?”
The smirk remained on Lucien's face. “That is not an important question. I have an emergency that requires me to return. Choose your allies wisely. You would not want to be on the losing side when all of these are over.”
He said and stood up, stretching. “I expect to see your men when I call for them.” He said and closed the door behind him, his next stop was his room to pick up his bags.
Isabella huffed kicking Amelia's sword out of her hands. She whooped, her legs in the air, visibly excited that she had done that.
“Do not celebrate too much. That was only a streak of luck.” Amelia said, her lips curled into a smile.
“A streak of luck?” Isabella teased. “You're such a sore loser. I've beaten you five times in a row.”
Amelia shrugged. “It's just for today. You should enjoy it while it lasts.”
Isabella scoffed, shaking her head. “Let's go again. I'm enjoying this so much.” She drew out her jer sword, her legs set to attack.
“You won't be so lucky as the previous times.” Amelia picked up her sword, matching her stance.
“That's exactly what you said the previous time. Look how that turned out?” She mocked.
She lunged forward, aiming for her chest, delivering a fatal blow that made Amelia stagger.
“Still a streak of luck?” She pressed.
“Definitely not.” A voice sounded from behind them.
Isabella paused, releasing Amelia from her grip as she turned around slightly, her hands trembling.
“L…Lucien?” She stammered. “Are…are you alive?” She whimpered.
Lucien chuckled, definitely entertained by the scene before him.
“Come to Daddy.” He said, his arms spread out, ready to receive her.
Isabella needed no more urging. She jumped into his arms, flinging her sword away, the tears streaming down her face.
“You're here…you're real,” she latched on to him, afraid that he would disappear if she let him go.
“I am.” He muttered, his hands caressing her hair as he inhaled her scent.
“Enough of the physical show of affection, Love Birds.” Konstatin's hateful voice sounded behind them.
Isabella sniffed, clutching at Lucien, unwilling to let him go. “Why are you here? We still have four days left?” She whispered into his ear.
“Something came up. We'll talk about it on the way. I'm taking you out of here.”
“Gosh,” she sighed as she stroked his beard. “I've missed you so much…wait, we're leaving?” She widened her eyes her brain just processing what Lucien had said.
Lucien chuckled. “Yes, we are. I'll talk to you about it.”
Fear gripped Isabella. “Elias…” she choked. “Is Elias okay? Is my baby okay?” A sob threatened to escape from her throat.
Lucien nodded. “He's okay.” Turning to Amelia, “Can you please help pack the Lady's bags?”
“We're leaving now?”
Instead, a frustrated sigh escaped Konstatin's lips. “That is exactly what he has been trying to say.”
Isabella rolled her eyes, totally ignoring him as she returned her attention back to Lucien.
“And the men?” She continued.
“They are waiting at the City gates, ready for us.”
Isabella sighed and nodded, releasing herself from his grasp as she walked up to Konstatin, Lucien on her heels.
“I can't believe I'm saying this, but I will definitely miss this place.”
Konstatin's wild, arrogant laughter interrupted her.
“Not the food of course,” she said, scowling. “The people, Amelia,” she sobbed, reaching for the older woman, enveloping her in a hug.
Amelia groaned, rolling her eyes as she disengaged from the hug, making Isabella smile.
She knew the woman did not like to be affectionate in any way.
“Thank you,” she muttered, sniffing.
Amelia waved her away, as she handed the bags to Sam who stood a few feet away.
“And me?” Konstatin chuckled. “No thanks?”
Isabella rolled her eyes. “I still have every intention of killing you when all this is over. You should enjoy the time you have now.”
She said, turning back to Lucien who had a proud smile on his face.
Both men shook hands. “Satisfied, General?”
“Barely.” He responded, his expression turning serious. “My men will be on standby for whenever you need us.”
Lucien's nod was appreciative, his handshake firm. “I appreciate.”
He reached for Isabella, capturing her lips in his. “I've missed this so much,” he groaned, releasing her when he had had his fill.
“Me too,” she said, giggling.