159. Where is My Brother?
Safina
After Shane left, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated and annoyed. I get that he wanted me to stay out of harm’s way and that he didn’t want his father recognizing me, but we were beyond that now. We had bigger, more serious, things to worry about.
And getting the information on where Benji and the prince were at was the number one priority above anything.
I was feeling restless and on edge. The Elites haven’t left yet as they were discussing on how they should proceed on following Arion back to the palace. I don’t think any of us considered the Crown Prince and his vulnerability of being left behind unprotected. But that consideration was being talked about now as the doctor came out of the hidden area to discuss his condition. Prince Z would be highly upset to learn that his brother, their future king, was left behind all alone.
“He still can’t be moved. I’m worried that he could become worse if we do that. Besides, it’s best to stay here with the children and these two in bad condition as well.” The doctor states as he looks to Jordan and Oscar.
“We can’t just leave you here with no protection-”
“And I can’t have any of you stay while the young prince’s life is in danger. Prince Zander will have all our heads if he discovers that his brother didn’t get the best warriors out to find him. Just like Zidane to Zander, he cherishes his little brother above all else, you know that.”
Osmoses looks as if he wanted to keep arguing and fighting on the subject. He didn’t want to give in. I think he also knew what the doctor was implying as he seemed to be at war with himself.
“Osmoses, we’re wasting time. And time is definitely not something we have right now.” Rufus roughly states to him.
They were standing there waiting for his orders. He looks to the children, then to me and Oscar. “We need to see what Shane can find out from his father anyways. He could give us the information we need on their whereabouts, so until he is returned, Nami, Lunar and Nico…” He turns to the three young men of the group, who perked up at hearing their names.
“You three will stay until then and once you get the info you need head straight for the palace. Meet us there.”
All three nod their heads but seem to be disappointed.
“In the meantime, keep a watchful eye on the others. He may be pissed when he finds out, but I can’t just leave any of them unprotected. It wasn’t how I was raised or trained.” He says to the doctor with a stern look in his eyes.
“I informed Benjamin’s father. He’ll be joining us.” Trevor says to Derek, who was highly impatient and agitated.
All he did was nod. Then he looks over to me. “I can’t wait for Shane.”
I just nod my head in complete understanding. “He won’t be upset, he’ll understand.”
His mouth becomes taunt, his eyes filled with fear, worry, and rage. He just nods and doesn’t wait another moment as he stomps quickly out of the cave, followed by his father and the others.
I wanted to go with them. But I couldn’t leave Shane behind. I feel her stirring within me, as if she too was just as agitated and impatient. I could feel that she wanted to be let out. It wasn’t time yet and we both knew it. But it doesn’t stop the raging emotions rolling through me that she was letting off. She wanted to find Benji just as much as I did. I sit there next to Oscar, helping him move positions so he doesn’t hurt himself when the men leave us behind.
I could tell that the remaining three Elites weren’t too happy, but they stayed and didn’t complain about it. If anything, they were more accommodating towards the kids. Micah was pouting, refusing to eat the rest of his food and even sleep.
When he asked about Benji again, I didn’t know what else to say other than that he’ll be back soon. That answer was soon becoming offensive for him as he stomps away and folds his little arms across his little body. All I could do was sigh heavily as my heart sank at the knowledge that Benji might not be alright.
The doctor comes back out and whispers something to Nami, who then nods his head. He looks over to the one named Nico and tells him something and I watch as him and the doctor leave the cave together.
With a frown he walks up to me and asks, “I know this might be a bit weird to ask, but do you mind just staying with the crown prince for a little bit?”
I blink up at him with that. Me? Stay by the Prince’s side? Why would he need me to do that?
“I just can’t have Lunar leave his post out front and I need to stay near the entrance. Nico and the doc had to retrieve some herbs he found yesterday to help with the healing process for the crown prince, but I rather not leave him on his own right now. It’s just a precaution.”
His eyes were begging mine as I quickly nod and stand up to head to the little closed off area. The last time I was faced with the future king he had looked not so good. Now, as I slid through the curtain, he looked a hundred times better than before.
And it was thanks to Benji.
My eyes water at the thought of my new best friend. What was I going to do if something happens to him? I couldn’t lose him too, damn it. Losing Myron was hard enough but losing Benji…I don’t think I would be able to withstand it.
I sit on the side of Prince Zander and stare at him. He was so still and quiet. His coloring looked better at least, not as deathly pale as he first had been. And the ugly black veins were now gone, leaving smooth looking skin. He was so young, no older than Shane was right now. Too young to go through something this horrible.
I wonder then when Shane was going to be back. Hopefully soon and I hoped that his father wasn’t giving him a hard time either. It made me worry for him on that aspect, because I knew just how harsh and cruel, he could be.
I frown when suddenly the prince intakes a sharp breath. Looking at him closely his brows slightly furrow, his eyes moving fast beneath the lids. I lean in closer to him when he makes a very small noise that sounded like fear.
“Prince Zander?” I whisper, wondering if he was facing a nightmare or something like that.
I go to touch his arm when I’m slammed through an icy depth that sends my brain spiraling through a blurry vision that stops right with me falling to a cold hard ground.
I gasp at the sudden fall, my body hitting hard. I groan in pain as I try to pick myself back up. The first thing I feel is the slimy, wet cobblestones beneath me. Frowning in confusion I gaze around to find that I was no longer in the cave, but somewhere I never been before.
And right in front of me was the Crown Prince. Standing tall in his royal getup, staring at the giant wooden door in front of him. There were massive chains crisscrossing against it with a huge metal lock that looked centuries old.
I get to my feet, wincing at the strange pain I was feeling. What was this? A dream? A vision? Maybe a memory? I dust myself off and see that we were in a tunnel of some sort. It was dark, dank, and musky with the smell of wet mildew.
I look back to the prince and I see him tense up. His voice rings out deep and demanding.
“Who are you?”
I look behind me to see that no one was there, and I frown wondering if maybe he was talking to someone through the door. Who was he talking to? Turning back, I nearly jump out of my skin when I see him staring right at me and I couldn’t help but notice how much him and his brother looked so much alike.
They could be twins if it wasn’t for the age difference.
He frowns deeper. “I don’t know you. Who are you?” He asks suspiciously.
“I-I’m Safina.” I didn’t know what else to say.
“How did you get down here? No one knows of this place but the royal bloodline. Are you a royal?” He turns to me, looking even more suspicious.
“Uh…” What do I say? What was he going to do if I tell him I wasn’t a royal?
A loud thumping sounded on the other side of the massive door, making us both turn back to it with wide eyes. Zander rushes to it and begins to panic.
“Something is wrong. I have this horrible feeling that something isn’t right.” He presses in panic as he tries to get the lock to open.
He stops and turns to me again, his eyes desperate now. “I don’t know what it is, but I feel like something very precious to me is in pain and is crying out to me in need. I can’t place it though.” His eyes turn sad and helpless.
Was he feeling his brother’s desperation right now? My heart races with a new thought, making me rush to his side.
“Your highness, do you know where we’re at right now?” I hurriedly ask him.
He turns to me with a scowl. “Of course, I do, but…” He straightens up and backs away from me. “Who are you?” He demands again.
“I told you, my name is Safina.” I say impatiently.
I needed to get him to tell me where we were. And fast. “Your highness-”
“I didn’t ask you for your name. I asked who you were. And why did you follow me here?” He snaps, cutting me off.
He was starting to get angry now. “You shouldn’t be here.” He then turns away from the door and starts stomping down the tunnel.
“Wait! Where are we?! You have to tell me, please! It’s crucial that I know!” I desperately follow him, but he wasn’t budging as a set of stone stairs comes into view.
“I’m not telling you anything! I don’t know how you got through my Elite guards or why, but I’ll be sure you don’t leave my dungeon until you are thoroughly investigated.” He sounded highly upset that I was here, and I wasn’t sure on why.
“Hold on! I’m not your enemy here! I just want to help to find my friend and your brother!” I yell out as we continue on the path of going upwards.
He suddenly stops dead in his tracks, nearly making me collide into his back. I balance myself before I slipped and fell to my death. He slowly turns to face me with eyes that were cold and turned a bright blue. His hair starts to do that glowing thing that I saw Prince Z’s do.
“What did you just say?” His voice was soft, but it was menacing, making my blood shiver in fear.
I swallow hard at the ominous vibes coming off him as he takes a step downward, nearly invading my space to where I had to take a step down myself.
He leans his face closer to mine as he hisses out, “Where. Is. My. Brother?”