Let me be your saviour

A beautiful midday in a peaceful kingdom. Then came a coronation, being held in the throne room. Everybody, both priests, royal courts, and nobles, in the throne room seemed very excited. They wore bright smiles on their faces as they watched the king himself put the crown over his son's head.

" Hereafter, my child. You have become the Crown Prince of...

Before the king could complete his words, the door banged open and thirty camouflaged Invaders suddenly barged in.

These Invaders wore no armor to indicate the kingdom where they came from, rather, they dressed as though they were assassins. Their attires seemed quite creepy to the little children who were there in the throne room.

Everyone in the throne room got thrown into confusion, wondering how the Invaders managed to enter the throne room, who they might be, and who sent them. How come the city bell didn't ring to signal them to be at alarm regarding the danger?

The Invaders began killing guardsmen in the throne room. Because it was unexpected and nobody was prepared for the fight, these Invaders killed the whole guardsmen.

Every one of the attendants were still in the verge of confusion. Awe submerged everyone in the throne room, they were scared to death and hopeless. They shivered in terror, gazing fearfully at the Invaders, who had already drawn their arrows to shoot. One of the Invaders held a spear, aiming at the king.

Just when the king thought the Invader would throw the spear on him, the Invader threw the spear, and it landed on the king's son.

The spear penetrated the little boy's stomach, making him unable to move his body nor speak, he was overwhelmed by an excruciating pain which felt like death is the only way to get rid of the pain.

" No!" the king growled and held his son, who had fallen down due to the unbearable pain. " Be strong, son. Stay strong." the king pleaded with his son. It didn't seem to him like his son was going to survive the pain, not by any chance.

In an unruly rage braced with sorrow, the king growled and started running towards the Invaders with his sword.

But already, the Invaders released their arrows and shot everyone down, including the king. The king still tried to stand on his feet to fight, but the Invaders released more arrows on him, which made him fall back on his knees unconscious. Blood gushed out of the king's wounds, more than ten arrows were shot against the king.

As if that wasn't enough, the same Invader who threw a spear on the king's son, prepared to throw another spear on the king. He targeted the king from where he stood by door, then he vigorously threw the spear, and it landed on the king's heart.

The king was unable to withstand the deadly pain, it was ever so unbearable to him, so he fell to the floor.

The king wasn't dead, but he would definitely lose his life in no time. Everyone in the throne room had died, except the king and his son who were still struggling between life and death.

"Father... Father." the king's son faintly called.

The little boy was drenched in his own blood, and was at the point of death because of the pain induced by the spear. He crawled on the floor, struggling to reach for the king's hand.

The king also was close to death, and nothing on Earth could save him from dying. The king tried stretching out his hand to reach for his son's hand, but it seemed almost impossible to move his limbs, all he did was to say his last and most important word to his son.

" Live... Stay alive." The king spoke faintly, as though he were forcing the words.

Immediately, one of the Invaders stood beside the king with an axe raised above his head. Vehemently, the invader beheaded the king. The little boy screamed in agony, wailing with an unsteady tone.

Killing the king didn't feel enough, as another invader lifted the king's son from the floor. Clutching on the little boy's face from behind, he gradually started slitting the boy's neck with a dagger.

The invader whispered in the ear of the little boy, saying, "No descendant of Asriel will live."

******************

Abothorn was known as one of the greatest kingdoms which suddenly impoverished due to the embezzlement of funds and properties by the former King Jooper, also the misdeeds by predecessors.

King Jooper was a greedy and malicious king. Due to no fund and properties, Abothorn had poor citizens, thieves, low or no income earners which are the king's royal courts and subjects. Beggars, hungry peasants, robin hoods, promiscuous men and women, assassins, defamatory citizens who take the kingdom's affairs to other kingdoms to get coins, and more abominable misfortunes. Even the nobles lacked like the peasants in the kingdom.

Worse of all, the king had only one child, which was the heiress, Princess Matilda. The only way to put an end to these misfortunes and to save the kingdom was that the princess be married out to a wealthy and powerful kingdom.

Princess Matilda was the one and only heir to the throne of Abothorn. Matilda was a young woman whose dignity attaches to everything she does. Despite her beauty and good qualities, she always got rejected by bachelors.

Princess Matilda had been told that she would partake in a consort pick in the Kingdom of Messea.

There was absolutely no hope for Matilda to participate in the ceremony, it was pointless. Matilda believed that she definitely would be rejected by Prince Uriah, even though he accepts her, she cannot marry him because of her illness. Therefore, she must find another alternative.

In Abothorn, it was forbidden for a noblewoman to leave the castle without a permission, regardless of how dire the reason might be. Only the king gives permission to his consort and daughter to leave the fortress. This permission requires that the noblewoman must give a clean reason as to why she wants to leave the castle.

Matilda sneaked out of the castle, she wore a blue hooded cloak to camouflage her identity. Yet, individuals who saw her in the city recognized her. Unfortunately for Matilda, even the king's whistleblower recognized her.

*******

In Ephraim's inner parlor. Matilda sat silently, drowning in morose, and her eyes misted in agonizing tears. Despite being the only child of her parents and the successor to Abothorn's throne, her life felt more miserable than that of a deceased. Matilda fell completely from grace.

" Life can never be better for me. Even if I get accepted by the crown prince, nothing would change. Because with my illness, I cannot marry him."

" Princess Matilda, I clearly understand your predicament. I do not suppose you attend the function, instead I advise you let your family know about your illness so that they will know what to do next." Ephraim advised.

Ephraim's son, Ander intended to walk into the parlor. But then he halted by the door because he overheard Matilda's voice. Ander knew they were having a private conversation, and he didn't mean any interruption. Just when Ander was about to leave...

"You alone can convince Eleanor, Lord Ephraim. I cannot attend the ceremony like this. Please, make Eleanor replace me in the consort pick." Matilda requested.

" Are you aware that Eleanor's life would be at stake if she replaces you?"

" I am aware. And I can give anything just for this to be successful." Matilda assured. " You have done enough for me already, please do not fail me this time."

" Are you certain it is your desire that Eleanor replaces you in the function? Have you made up your mind for whatever consequences may occur?" Ephraim asked.

" Aye, Lord Ephraim. I have made up my mind to go through the consequences which may eventually stand against me."

Hearing their entire plan, anger got the better of Ander who still stood behind the door. He frowned upon the very plan that Eleanor would go to Messea disguised as Matilda.

Turns out that Ander has love in his heart for Eleanor, and just couldn't stand letting her risk her life for those people who do not want to see her alive. Such a thing might not happen on his watch. Ander so abhorred their rulers, especially the queen.

The memory of what happened to Eleanor's mother usually came alive in Ander whenever he set his eyes on the king and his relatives. Looking at Matilda, he recalled the day Queen Esther poisoned Rebecca to death.

That very morning, he was playing around the castle with Eleanor when he ran into the passage to hide. He oversaw Queen Esther conniving with a servant who was carrying breakfast to the dining room, and they deliberately put a poisonous potion into Rebecca's food. Despite being little and naive, he still understood that Queen Esther did something evil.

******

Not quite sometimes after Matilda took her leave, Ander walked into his father's parlor. He seemed to be glaring at Ephraim.

Ander despised his father's loyalty towards the king and his family. He vividly remembered telling what he saw to his father on that day, all Ephraim did was to let it slide. Ephraim even urged him to remain silent, and not reveal the truth to anyone.

Ephraim understood his son quite well, he understood that look on Ander's face. Ephraim knew that Ander might have heard something nerve-racking, something he shouldn't have heard.

" Speak." Ephraim insisted.

" I heard everything, Father. If I were you, I would not have agreed to Matilda's decision." Ander spoke in annoyance. Exactly what Ephraim thought.

" I understand your countless affections towards Eleanor, and I beg you to chain those feelings. Our kingdom is at stake, and it is your responsibility as a citizen to give in whatever you have to make Abothorn a better place. You of all people should put your kingdom above you."

" I would rather put my desires above my kingdom. Abothorn does not deserve Eleanor's good. Do not pretend like you cannot remember what happened many years ago. Eleanor is going nowhere, I will not let it happen. Not on my watch."

" You know nothing, Ander. Humble yourself and rather not be an obstacle in this. I beg you as a father... Stay away from this." Ephraim spoke with a perceptible smoldered anger.

" For how long would you ignore the past? You are helping those people who hate Eleanor, those people who...

" I am not helping the king and his family. Whatever I do today, whatever decision I make... is for Abothorn. My people." Ephraim interrupted. " Do not take your father for a fool." He cautioned. "Besides, it is Eleanor's choice to make, nobody would force her."

" Do you not think Eleanor will agree if you ask for her help? Eleanor would want to return your favor, Father. She definitely will agree."

" Then so shall it be, Ander."

Ander gestured in frustration and despondency, he could shed tears because of his father's words. His father wasn't helping matters at all. " But why have the princess refused to attend the ceremony?" pained, Ander asked.

It seemed to Ephraim like Ander would never stop bothering him about the consort pick until he provides a reason for him to stop.

" The princess has leprosy." Ephraim disclosed. Ander remained quiet in shock, mulling over Ephraim's words. " Take the truth to your grave, Ander." Ephraim warned.

Right after Ander took his leave, Ephraim remembered the actual day Rebecca, Eleanor's mother, got cremated. Eleanor was seven years old as of then.

That day, Rebecca's cremation was about to begin. The king's subordinates gathered in the throne chamber and citizens gathered in the inner bailey of the castle, pleading and impelling the king to burn Eleanor along with her mother. That day in the throne chamber, it turned out as a shock that only Ephraim was the one pleading that Eleanor lives, every other person wanted her to be burnt alive.

After the protest, Ephraim went to the king in person to plead on Eleanor's behalf. While he knelt before the king in appeal, the king turned around and looked at him. The king himself was drowning in sorrow which left Ephraim surprised.

King Peruda in melancholy, knelt before Ephraim and held Ephraim's arms, crying to him.

" Ephraim. I am vulnerable. I do not want Eleanor to die, what do I do? How can I agree to the people that my sick daughter be burnt alive? Help me, Ephraim. Help me."

" Cry no more, Your Majesty. There is a way."

" Quickly do whatever you have to do, Ephraim. Eleanor must live."

" I shall meet Constable Joshua immediately, we will make sure to take Eleanor out of the kingdom as soon as possible. Worry no further."

That day, Ephraim and Joshua were to take Eleanor from her mother's bedchamber, where she lay critically ill. She contracted her mother's illness.

It became a war before Ephraim and Joshua could take Eleanor. Queen Esther threatened to expose them and even kill Eleanor herself. They pleaded a million times, but still, Queen Esther disagreed.

If not for the Grand Queen Dowager who met them in the bedchamber and threatened Queen Esther, they wouldn't have left that day with Eleanor.

" You despicable woman. Even hell has no place to contain you. I know that you poisoned the royal concubine to death. I have every proof against you, including the parlourmaid you connived with. You better let Eleanor go, or else." Grand Queen threatened.

King Peruda honored Queen Esther's words, but not more than his mother's words. Therefore, Esther became afraid that truly she would be exposed if she doesn't let go. She had to agree that Eleanor go.

King Peruda later gave the order that Eleanor be burnt alive because he knew that Eleanor was no longer anywhere in the kingdom.

When the people who would burn Eleanor went to pick her from the bedchamber, they realized that she had gone missing. Rumors spread that Constable Joshua was the one who took Eleanor away.

Constable Joshua was a warrior who pledged his loyalty to the king.

For Eleanor to be safe, Joshua agreed that he took Eleanor away. Joshua endured every torture brought upon him by the people who forced him to reveal where Eleanor hid. Despite the pain, Joshua still didn't speak the truth. Therefore, they tied him to a chair in his house and burnt him alive.

Ephraim trusted Eleanor in the hands of Helen. And Helen looked after Eleanor in the Kingdom of Jevins where they escaped to. Many years later, when Eleanor had turned twelve, they returned to Abothorn.

When they returned, Helen now has a husband who claimed that Eleanor was their child they had all along and had decided to come to Abothorn with her.

Eleanor's hair was black when she left Abothorn, but when she returned she now had her real hair color, which was platinum blonde. She now answered Grace, which everyone knew her for in Abothorn.

*******

Evening by the riverside, Ander was practicing a sword fight with a gorgeous young woman. This young woman' beauty was extremely captivating, she was attractive and desirable. One could barely get their eyes off her mesmerizing appearance, almost like people gets hexed to stare at her beauty.

The young woman's fair skin was as flawless as the snow, and it shone fairer under the brightness of the evening. Her eyes as blue as sapphire, she had a heart-shaped pink lips. Her platinum blonde hair was long, and it reached her buttocks. Furthermore, she was so full of grace.

Fighting was her talent, and avocation. Fighting rehearsal was all she did during her little leisure.

The way they fought with rigor, one might mistake them for enemies because they fought as though they were in a battlefield. However, they practiced meticulously, and avoided inducing any pain on each other.

The beautiful woman had too many fighting skills, she fought more like a skilled warrior. She fought with countless styles, with ease, valor, splendor, and grace.

Eleanor was a young woman who had a very busy childhood. She trained to be a warrior ever since she was five years old. Rebecca made sure she found the light in Eleanor before she passed away.

Ander was a knight, and he was a great combatant. After Rebecca died, Ander began training with Eleanor to keep her talents intact. Moreover, Eleanor had always been stronger than Ander.

In the middle of the fight, Eleanor surrendered him with her sword pointing to his throat, very closer to his skin.

" Incredible." Ander praised.

Eleanor put down her sword. Glad her fighting skills had become more perfect, she smiled at Ander's commendation. Although Eleanor fought incredibly, she breathed like a coward after fighting.

Meanwhile, Ander seemed as though nothing happened. He sneered at the way Eleanor tried to catch her breath. The person who just won the fight has eventually lost her breath, but the loser remained strong.

" It takes only a little display of weakness to make a true warrior a coward. A combatant will not lose his entire breath in a fight. It is something you must learn." Ander said, putting his sword into his back scabbard holster.

" Ander. Do you wish to continue being a knight of Abothorn? Let us escape to Abelak, and fulfill our dreams. You want to be a great warrior, same as me. We can run away together." Eleanor supposed.

Ander locked his gaze on Eleanor's face as she spoke. He so admired Eleanor's beauty. Eleanor happened to be the only woman who captured his heart ever since he was a little child, and he loves her quite a lot. If there was anything he'd put above himself, then it will be the woman standing in front of him. His affection towards Eleanor was as countless as the starts of the night. Even though Eleanor's feeling towards him was indifference, all he still desired in his life was Eleanor's love.

Furthermore, whenever he remembered Matilda's plan with his father, his heart broke in two. His pride shattered, and his emotions lingered in the abyss.

He hoped that one day he would confess his love to Eleanor, but fate landed him in despair. All his life he had loved Eleanor, and the next day would have her going to a foreign land. What if something happens to her, something that would make them part for good.

Thinking about losing Eleanor, his emotions saddened. Unable to contain the pangs in his heart, he hugged Eleanor tightly, not letting himself tear up.

" It is my will that we both escape to Abelak, and become true warriors. But a warrior does not need a kingdom to make him true, he is a true warrior in his heart. And he is whom he is wherever he goes. A true warrior, believes he can fulfill his dreams wherever he finds himself. A true warrior can never be afraid to take the first step." He said to her while holding her in his embrace. Then he looked at her face. " You are a true warrior, Eleanor." He took out a necklace pendant from his pocket, and wore it around her neck as the pendant lay on her chest. If there was a place he desired to be in, then it would be closer to her heart. " Regardless of where you find yourself, no matter how difficult the predicament may be... Just be who you are, and whom you want to be."

" I believe your words are true. However, your words sound baffling to me as well." She said in a little disorientation. She looked at the pendant she wore and smiled in adoration. "

" I believe your words are true. However, your words sound baffling to me as well." She said, in a little disorientation. She looked at the pendant she wore and smiled in adoration. " It is beautiful, I like it." She admired.

" That is my little token of friendship. I hope you keep it safe, and I hope it reminds you of me. Keep me in your heart, Eleanor." He said with a slight smile he wore.

" I will. Thank you." beaming, she said. He pulled her into his embrace once again. He was certain about missing her.

Same evening. Eleanor returned home and met Helen, her foster mother, telling her little son a story in the bedroom. Helen was a wonderful storyteller, and every member of the household enjoyed her storytelling.

Eleanor didn't just listen to a regular story from Helen, Eleanor only listened to stories of her birth mother. She put her sword in the sheath beside her bed, then she started stretching her weakened bones.

" Are you ever going to leave behind what is meant for the men alone?" Helen asked with a softer tone.

" The women of Abothorn only share similar dreams. Many dream about finding a good husband, some dream about marrying a wealthy man, a thousand dream about having many male children, and being a good wife. But I, Eleanor... dream about being a warrior. A politician, and a wielder."

" Those dreams are only some typical examples of your mother." Helen said with an amiable smile on her face.

" Is father not willing to return home from hunting?" Eleanor asked. Pestered, then she frowned.

" Maybe he got stuck trying to hunt a rabbit again." Helen ridiculed and laughed.

" I thought as much. This is why I demanded to join him, but he refused my help."

" In ninety days you will be turning twenty-one, yet you do not wish to marry. Do the duties of a woman alone, Eleanor. Leave the men to their work. Stop thinking like the women of Abelak whose duties compare to that of the men."

" That reminds me, it was your promise to give me a story about my mother."

" Come through already, and I shall tell you." Helen said, beckoning Eleanor to come over.

" What about me, Mother?" Feeling slightly jealous, Gideon whined alongside a grimace.

" We will save yours for the night so that you may have a peaceful sleep." Helen convinced. " Now go have supper in the kitchen." Helen insisted, and Gideon paid heed.

Eleanor sat on the floor, just closer to Helen's legs. She leaned on Helen's legs as Helen plaited her hair.

" Since you were my mother's personal maidservant as of then, can you tell me exactly what her avocation was?"

" She liked to fight. Verily, the women of Abelak has a particular avocation. Fighting. Just like you. And she was a great cook, just like you, too." Helen told, smiling. " I remember the day she first arrived in Abothorn. She was extremely gorgeous. She was adorned with gold. Rebecca wore a luxe fabric which could only be found in Messea because of its expensive cost."

" Have you no idea the family my mother belong to in Abelak? She sent Hannah and me to the castle in Abelak, claiming the nobles are her friends."

" Nobody told, not even her. Perhaps, she was a friend of a princess." Helen said. " Your mother was a woman of virtue. Very amiable, a woman with a big heart, very liberal. Every maidservant in the fortress desired to be her personal servant, and I got lucky."

" Did she ever fight a battle?"

" She did. She fought for Abothorn, and we won the battle." Helen disclosed. " Your mother was a true warrior, and she believed in fighting for peace and what is just. Her dream was to fight for innocent people, not only with a weapon as in the battlefield. But with words of peace, with love, care and every good she had to offer." Helen said.

" I wish to be like my mother. To fight for those who are in trouble." Eleanor said, slowly caressing the medallion she wore with her fingers. Her mother's medallion.

"She was known in Abothorn for fighting with the Sword of Peace and Justice. She was the person who rose the sword in Abothorn's fight with the Kingdom of Jevins. That sword is made of luck. Many years ago, when the first battle of all kingdoms ended, each kingdom sacrificed everything they had for the sword to be made. The sword is as a symbol of peace. A curse was laid on the sword that whichever kingdom arose a reason for a battle to be declared, that kingdom would suffer the wrath of darkness. Therefore, every kingdoms honored the Sword of Peace. Wherever the Sword of Peace and Justice is raised to the air, an action for peace must be taken. And if these actions are not taken, darkness must be upon them who refuse to concur."

" According to the Sword, did any kingdom neglect the Sword of Peace?"

" Yes. Kingdom of Delikin. Also, our Kingdom of Abothorn in King Jooper's reign."

" Is there a way this curse can be broken?"

" Yes. It happened when I was little, very little and afraid. Owing to King Jooper's ignorance, our people suffered. No food, our waters dried up. We could not see the light of the day, darkness covered the whole of Abothorn. Our people both at home and in foreign lands died day after day. They died either from many strange diseases, unexpected death, hunger, or thirst. No kingdom came to our aid, as it was a law. And whosoever crossed Abothorn's boundaries, bit the dust. The only way in which the curse was to be broken, was either the king and his entire family in their own will be wiped out. The entire citizens fast with an empty stomach for ten days, or the heads of a hundred citizens be sacrificed to the gods by burning, including the king's head."

" Which ritual did Abothorn performed ?"

" We fasted. It is a memory I wish not to remember because I lost my entire family in the plague, only I was unscathed by grace."

" I must say, that was doleful." Eleanor sympathized. "You said my mother raised the Sword of Peace in a battle. How did the sword rest in her hands?" curious, Eleanor asked.

" Nobody knows. Ultimately, the Sword of Peace and Justice rested in the hands of the Abelak. Abelak was and is still the most powerful kingdom. No kingdom which fought a battle against Abelak emerged in victory. As we all know, both men and women of Abelak fights a battle."

" What happened to the sword after my mother passed away?"

" According to hearsay and slander, Jooper traded the sword to a kingdom which is unknown to the entire Kingdom of Abothorn. No story about the sword is certain yet. That sword is the ultimate reason we suffer today. Following King Jooper's death, the truth concerning the sword's whereabouts remained untold. Abelak took away everything Abothorn had. They left us with nothing to survive with. Every kingdom turned against us."

" Mother. Judging by my mother's ornaments the day she arrived in Abothorn, and the fact she had the Sword of Peace and Justice. Do you not think my mother was a highborn in Abelak?"

" Your mother did not discuss herself to anyone. Although I think she was just an ordinary citizen of Abelak." Helen said.

" Eleanor. The princess would like to see you." a maid walked in and informed, then she took her leave. Eleanor intended to follow her immediately, but Helen held her back.

" I hope Matilda does not want you sneaking into the fortress again today? You know what would happen if you are seen anywhere in or around the castle, you might get killed." Helen complained in glum.

" Mother. I promise, I will return home safely. Trust me."

" I hate it when you promise me like this."

" This time you have to trust me, Mother." Eleanor reassured. " Try not to troubled yourself, believe that I am a warrior."

" Goodness, Eleanor. Do you not know that death knows no warrior?"

" I know, but I certainly will return safely." Giving Helen the last assurance, she kissed Helen's forehead before taking her leave.

******

In Ephraim's parlor, Eleanor felt delighted to see him. Ephraim was the reason she still exists. If there was a person to honor for the rest of her life, then it must be Lord Ephraim.

Eleanor stood before him, and bowed.

" How have you been, Eleanor?" Ephraim asked.

"Good, Lord Ephraim." She answered. " I may say, it has been a very long time since we met. Why do I owe this invitation?"

" Because your help is needed." Ephraim answered.

" You can ask anything of me, Lord Ephraim."

" Eleanor. This I want to tell you, will be very difficult for you. You must not agree to whatever I ask of you, do not look at the good I did for you. This will demand you following your heart."

" And what is it that I must know?"

" Eleanor. The people of Abothorn harmed you, and you deserve to show no mercy to them. They do not deserve your goodness, neither do they deserve your help." Ephraim saved a breath. " But for the sake of those people you cherish, save Abothorn."

" What may I do?"

" You know Matilda is incapable of everything. You know her condition. And that is why she needs you to attend the consort pick in Messea." Ephraim revealed.

As Ephraim's words fell on Eleanor's ears, her heart fell in the abyss of anxiety. She doubted her faith, and apprehended the idea. Was she to think about the implications which may occur when she gets caught, or she was to think about the loving people she would leave behind?

Considering helping the people, who had done her much harm than good, was one reason she might decide not to take the risk. But thinking about her loving people in Abothorn who are suffering, accepting to take the risk might worth it.

Taking the risk might restore her people's joy, but Eleanor did not want to leave her family behind for the sake of Abothorn. She rather dies in Abothorn with her family, than to risk her life for what would benefit the king and the entire Abothorn.

Matilda noticed that Eleanor was feeling quite uneasy about the idea, and she might disagree with it. Matilda quickly walked up to Eleanor.

" I know that it must be difficult for you, but you know that I will not put you up to this if I am capable of doing it myself. Look at me, Eleanor, I am sick. And I may die...

" Do not mention, Princess. I do not want you to die, so you should not mention dying." Eleanor cut in. Eleanor still seemed sad and uneasy. It might not be a hard task, but the consequences would definitely be much on her. " And how am I supposed to carry on with this?"

" I may not have enough time on Earth. I know my family caused you so much pain, and you deserve not to have mercy on them. But remember what your mother always said to us. There is no rancor in the heart of the righteous. God forbid, if our kingdom remains like this, what will become of our people? My hope and the hope of our people, is you. And only you. Please do not fail me." Matilda convinced in tears.

" Eleanor. The choice is yours, not ours. And bear in mind, that if you be accepted by the crown prince... You will forever be married to him." Ephraim revealed. Regarding the truth, Eleanor's eyes widened in terror. " But if unfortunately you get rejected by the crown prince, just know that you had tried the best you can to make your kingdom a better place. Now, do you agree... or not?"

Eleanor felt no good about the idea. It was her will to disagree, but considering Matilda's condition, and also her family who needed her help, Eleanor tried convincing herself to agree. Moreover, Ephraim is the reason she still breathes, and if there was another reason to agree, then it will be for his sake as well.

It felt almost impossible that Eleanor would leave her dreams behind to marry the crown prince if he eventually chooses her. Eleanor came to understand the reason Ander said those words to her earlier, he knew she was leaving and things may not go as planned.

" How can I not agree? After all the good you have done in my life...

" Eleanor, I did you no favor. It was deserving that you live." Ephraim corrected.

" Before you make up your mind, it is necessary you bear in mind that you may be brought to light. But do not fear, you are not alone in this."

It still felt very difficult for Eleanor to agree. Eleanor did not wish to be selfish, rather she chose to give her life for the good of her loving people as it was demanding of a true warrior.

Eleanor wished to be a true warrior, she wished to take her mother's steps, why then was she afraid to take the risk? A true warrior knows no fear. A true warrior is willing to lay down his life for the sake of victory for what is just. Just like Constable Joshua, who died for her to live. Brave, optimistic, true, and successful, was whom Eleanor must be.

" I, Eleanor... At this moment agree to go to Messea."

" Eleanor. Do you wholeheartedly agree to this?" Ephraim asked to be certain.

" Wholeheartedly, I do agree." Eleanor spoke in a way which seemed as though she was nervous.

" God bless you, Eleanor." In felicity, Matilda wiped off her tears. " It does not have to be successful. As long as you attend the ceremony, then I will be happy for your kind efforts."

" No, Matilda. If leaving for Messea will be the reason Abothorn will suffer no further, then I promise you on this day... I shall capture the crown prince's heart, and buy his attention to our kingdom. It is my promise, and that alone I must do." Eleanor promised.

All these while, Ander stood near the door listening to their conversation. Tears rolled down his face as he heard Eleanor say she agrees to attend the consort pick. He knew that Eleanor would definitely agree. Now he has everything to lose, he had become hopeless.

But he made up his mind for one thing... Even though Eleanor would be accepted, he would go to Messea to fight for what is his. Eleanor is his, and nobody else can have her when he's still alive.