CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONEThe words from the General were barely enough to stop the old healer from fidgeting. He stood there like a log of wood, shaking profusely as though he was being pressured by the wind. The effects of his nervousness showed on his face with wrinkles and sweatballs invading everywhere. He tried as much as he could to get himself to give the herb to the king, but the thought of what was going to happen to him afterward made him cringe.“Go ahead!” General Hector ordered again, but the only thing his words did to the old man was to startle him as he wasn’t expecting to hear anything from the General who was boiling with fury and impatience, his hands on the handle of his sword, ready to strike if necessary.“I am sorry, my hands are too shaky.” Elder Enzo said with a shaky voice, his eyes on the Emperor who lay still, awaiting the antidote to the poison that was slowly drawing him closer to his death.The silence in the King’s chambers should have given Elder Enzo the d

CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREEThe Emperor looked around, recognizing only a few people around him. Even the guards were more familiar than Dylan and Helen whom he had never set his eyes on. He knew he had seen Lucian before, but because he had been unconscious for a very long time, his mind was unable to tell where he met him at once.He looked at the General who was the only person he could rely on at that moment, and he couldn’t stop himself from asking questions.“What’s going on here, General Hector? Who are these people? Why am I surrounded by strangers?” His voice was firm, but his mind was occupied with a little uncertainty.Slowly, the General managed to lift his face to look at the Emperor who couldn't stop staring at him. There was a smile on his face, and when he was certain he had the King’s attention, he drew closer to him and spoke with a whisper.“Welcome, my king!” His smile was still intact while he looked at the Emperor who looked a bit confused, wondering why he was using

HAPTER EIGHTY-FIVEThe countenance of the General was confusing to both Lucian and his companions who stood at the back, wondering why he looked very calm and excited. They had expected him to react to the words from Lucian differently, but he seemed to have everything figured out unknown to them.“I could never have left that out of my mind, Lucian Gale.” He finally broke the silence between them, looking at Lucian who had his eyes fixed on him, not sure what he meant.“I knew that your sister is the only family member you have, and your mind shall always be at unrest if she is not close to you, you always spoke about her, and even the spirits know that she is dear to you. I decided to do the needful…” General Hector paused for a short while, and then he cleared his throat loudly, indicating that he was about to say something very loud.“Bring her in!” He commanded, looking in a particular direction that was not too far from them. The others joined him at once, and Lucian p

CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVENThe drums in the background beat faster and faster until their rhythm made almost everyone in the hall dance faster. Accompanied by the flutes, and the clarinets, the strings that produced the wonderful sounds that made the people in the hall smile were very soothing, making most of them forget that they ever had problems. Lucian was seated close to the King, alongside the General and the remaining councilmen who were barely trusted by the Emperor after everything that happened to him.There were three cabinet members left, the rest fled the Empire when they learned that the king’s life had been restored and that Elder Enzo was imprisoned. The news of the death of Lady Seraphina and the escape of Lord Ivan equally shook them, and they were forced to leave the Empire , aware that they could be figured out soon.Their actions aroused intense suspicion in the king, but he was not quick to take action against the remaining councilmen who were still seated with hi

CHAPTER NINETY-ONEEven though Lucian had agreed to fight the men, he also had something to say to the General, whom he stopped from summoning the warriors.“Just in case anything happens, General. I wouldn’t want to be held responsible. This may seem like entertainment for the people, but it is still a fight, and a lot is bound to happen.” Lucian pointed out, and the General nodded.“I understand perfectly.” He said, and then he turned to look at the Emperor, who sighed heavily, almost regretting the reason why he introduced his daughter to Lucian “I really hope this doesn’t get out of hand.” The Emperor whispered to himself, and while he was still battling with his thoughts, Lucian walked to the middle of the hall, exactly where Eliana was standing, and stood still a few meters away from her.“Behold! Our champion!” Eliana said loudly, gesturing to everyone around while they cheered Lucian up in an uproar, eager to see if he was going to be able to defeat the five warriors at