The Exiled Prince and His Siren

Chapter 14

Probably a reckless idea at a time like this, but Violetta chose to stand by it. They pulled their cloaks tighter around their faces. They managed to walk out of the castle premises without struggle. She informed Arissa of their plan and she hesitantly cloaked their scents.

She assured both guardians that there is a method to this madness and it could actually do them good.

They were in the middle of the town square, or what’s left of it. The whole city looked neglected. It was an image of black and grime and she hurt for Maximillian to see all this. The humans’ part of the city was a little better but still people walked around wary of one another.

The kingdom is just not what it used to be.

“Everything is rotting.” Max muttered right next to her. They were huddled with one another which isn’t at all peculiar in a kingdom full of people wrapped in nothing but dark cloaks and purposefully hiding their faces.

“Since Mharne and Malhelm became one, the dragon king has chosen to establish his main home in Mharne. He never looked back since.” She explained to him.

“You lived among humans here?” He asked her.

“Yes, it was the only place I could blend in without suspicion.” She said.

“Are they more welcoming than our kind?” He asked. They were walking towards the end of the town square now. There were more people huddled together on the streets and others walking fast so as to get past that portion of the city quickly.

“Some are, although they did think I was one of them, but there are others who like to keep to themselves. That part you can’t really say is a trait of one kind. I’d say it’s more of character trait.” She explained to him.

Max nodded in understanding. It didn’t distract him enough from the discomfort of having to walk through the dilapidated streets of his mother’s home kingdom.

“Fifteen years is a long time they’ve been forgotten like this.” He said to her.

He breathed out deeply when they made into the walls of the castle.

“Arissa used to tell me my mother was the most decorated queen in Malhelm history. She was appointed as ambassador of the kingdom by her father before the dragon king ascended the throne. She was able to bring in gold and arts into the kingdom from every kingdom she went to.” He paused to scan the towers of what was probably was once an intimidating structure.

“She was a very powerful asset was what Callahan would tell me as well. She attracted suitors all over, but they knew a dragon chooses their mate. No one stood a chance until my father.”

Violetta smilled slightly at that.

“They were a political and love match. They knew how to rule and rule well. The dragon king lost his ace and Malhelm lost their asset. Many were sad to see her go, Arissa said the people showered her with well wishes and flowers on her wedding day.” He said.

“The people loved her.” Violetta concluded.

“I only hope I can be half the rulers they were.” He said to her.

“You are your mother’s son. The people will love you.” She assured him.

“It would have wounded her to see the kingdom she helped build up turn out this way under her brother’s negligence. So, you will correct that. You will be different.” She said to him.

“Is this why you brought me here today? To see the state of the kingdom under the dragon king’s rule?” He asked, turning his body to face her.

Violetta smiled. “I thought it’d be great motivation.” She said.

Max chuckled at her answer. “I was motivated already, but this added more fuel.” He said to her.

Violetta smiled and was about to answer when she sensed a pair of eyes digging into her back. Her head instantly turned to check on who it is, but she saw an empty street right behind them.

Max saw the change in her expression and immediately sensed there was something wrong. The streets were too quiet. The people had cleared. He placed his hand at her back and guided her to walk forward. Based on instincts, the forest is quiet when a beast is around. Granted he was a beast himself, but there must be something else.

They walked fast through the empty streets, the feeling of being followed not lost between the two of them. Their eyes flashed those of their beasts as they were the surface. All their sense heightened and Violetta was able to sense multiple presences throughout the town.

Max in turn could hear and see everyone, and he gritted his teeth at the realization they’ve surrounded the entire town. It’s like they knew they would be coming and planned the formation earlier. He and Violetta must have been so distracted with the castle and the state of the kingdom to have noticed.

His beast was agitated and so was Violetta’s although unlike his, her beast was sitting back calmly, like she was anticipating something.

They rounded a corner only to walk into a group of hooded figures. They stopped abruptly on their tracks, both their arms coming up as if to push one another back. One of the figures broke from the group and slowly approached.

On instinct, their beasts flashed their eyes, halting the figure in their steps. They could sense no hostility but with the dragon king after them, they could not gamble with complacency.

“Your mother was very adamant to give you help your highness.” The figure said in a low voice.

“However, I’m afraid we cannot speak here, I am but an illusion. I am only here to warn you to leave the city grounds immediately. You can pass through the back of the castle and it will lead you to the forest. I will find you through the queen, until then, stay out of sight and stay alive.” He said before the figure disappeared up in smokes.

Violetta and Max took off running right after. Just in time for them to hear the gates open and the sound of hooves resonating on the empty streets.

They could see the castle from where they were. Not very far but the sense of urgency to get there is overcoming them. The hooves were coming close, making them walk faster. They know somebody is here but with their scents masked, they would think it was another town’s people.

They stuck to the wall once they got to the castle, but they stopped abruptly when there was nothing to walk into but the end of the cliff. The sound of waves greeted them and Max couldn’t help but sigh.

“I’m sorry” Violetta said sheepishly. She then took his hand and she stepped off the cliff, taking him with her. They were free falling into the water, but before they could reach it, she engulfed Max into his own personal sphere.

She moved freely in the water, letting her senses lead her to the direction they were supposed to go, she sped out of the waters of the city, the sphere following her out of there.

They came up to the shores of the land owned by the duke of Whel once more.