King

CHAPTER XXVII

“So, are you going to tell me are we just going to stare at each other?” Danilo asked.

Josefina and I exchanged gazes and I felt relieved when someone entered the door and said, “The Queen is asking for your presence,” One of the maids announced.

“That was fast,” I said and pretended to be disappointed but I’d rather have that duel with Felicia than have this conversation with Danilo.

“How do you feel?” Josefina asked with concern.

“I feel a whole lot better thanks to you,” I answered and smiled at her.

She returned the smiled and held my hand, “You’re going to do well,” She said and I nodded.

“I know,” I agreed because nothing comes from being negative.

“Don’t think this conversation is over,” Danilo said and eyed me.

I gave him an awkward smile and said, “I know,” I said because that was the truth.

I’m sure he wouldn’t let go of this topic. He’s like a dad to Josefina and I.

“I trust that you’ll win,” He said encouragingly.

I smiled and nodded. “I’m sure,” I said and we walked out of the room.

As we walk down the hall, I couldn’t get Zynrick and Al out of my head. I wanted to see them before I start the duel with Felicia.

I knew it was a risky question but I went for it, “Do you know where Zynrick and Al are?” I asked and gulped.

Danilo gave me a suspecting glance but he answered nonetheless, “They’re in the front of the crowd. Do you want to see them?” He asked and I answered with a nod.

The illusion I had about them made me feel uneasy but I hope that if I see them this uneasiness will fade away.

“By the way, you should be careful with your duel,” Josefina warned.

I could see that she was trying her best to fight off the concern she was feeling.

“Why? What kind of powers does she have?” I asked.

“She’s a manipulator,” She answered.

I closed my eyes because this is going to be a difficult one.

“I wish I knew that sooner,” I whispered and released an uneasy giggle.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier,” Josefina apologized.

“It’s fine. It’s my fault for not asking,” I said and smiled.

I’m glad she told me that but now that I think about it, I don’t know how to win.

“Hey,” Josefina said and held my hand. “Do you remember my familiar?” She asked.

I furrowed my eyebrows and shook my head, “No, I’m sorry,” I said. I could see that she was saddened by my answer but I don’t want to lie to her.

“He was a manipulator and you were the one who tamed him,” She said and smiled at me.

“I wish I could remember,” I said apologetically. “But now that you that, I feel a whole lot better,” I said.

“You can do it. I can feel it,” She said and just as she was done saying that we arrived in front of the castle.

I searched for the crowd and just as Danilo said, they were in front, “Good luck,” I said Zynrick mouthed and showed me a thumbs up.

I smiled at him and then looked at Al. I thought he wouldn’t say or do anything but when he mouthed, “You can do it,” I couldn’t help but smile.

Seeing them did make me feel better.

“The duel will now proceed now that the challenged, the queen of Maharlika, Felicia, and the challenger, Ellesmiere Isabel, former princess of Maharlika, are here,” I could see the obvious distaste in Felicia’s face when Danilo said mentioned the fact that I was the princess of Maharlika.

“What’s with the face, Felicia?” I teased but she just scoffed.

“Don’t be so cocky, Ellesmiere,” She said and smirked at me, “You’re so proud to be called a princess of Maharlika when you barely even survived the Phantom Castle,” She teased back.

I was pissed by what she said but I made sure not to show it. “I escaped though.” I said and showed her the sweetest smile I could muster.

She rolled her eyes at me and shook her head.

“The winner of the duel will be the new ruler of Maharlika. Now, let us witness the duel between the self-proclaimed queen and the true ruler of Maharlika!” Danilo dissed which made me laugh.

I could hear the crowd’s cheer and I could see the obvious frown on Felicia’s face.

“Let the duel begin!” Danilo announced and I was surprised when she quickly charged towards me.

I was able to step aside just in time but she must be mad that Danilo dissed her and the crowd cheered for me.

“Are you mad, Felicia?” I asked in a mocking tone but she didn’t answer.

She charged towards me again so I prepared to block but I was surprised when I was kicked on the back.

I was thrown a few meters away from the castle entrance but I stood up immediately. I looked at who kicked me and saw that it was her familiar.

“Tsk! I didn’t know familiars were allowed in the duel,” I whispered as I create my sword.

I then lunged at her with my sword. She prepared to block and I saw from the corner of my eye that her familiar was preparing to attack me from behind Felicia so when I was only a few inches from Felicia I created lances that surrounded her familiar. Just as I was about to bury my sworn in Felicia she was able to dodge but I was able to wound her arm.

I should be happy that I was able to wound her but for some reason I don’t feel good.

“You should focus on your opponent, Elle,” She said and suddenly appeared in front of me.

I teleported away from her and released sword that were directed to her.

She was able to block them by using her familiar as a shield which surprised me.

“Why do you look so surprised, Isabel?” She asked in a mocking tone.

“How cruel,” I whispered but she just laughed.

“Familiars as used for our own disposal, Isabel, besides, that familiar would be more useful now that she’s dead,” She said and I saw her familiar’s spirit behind her.

“So, you’re a spirit manipulator,” I said and she laughed.

“That’s right Isabel and soon you will be part of my spirit army,” She said and formed her sword with the blood that came from her wounds.

This is bad.