Chapter 67

9 weeks later

Prince Tobias

It's been nine weeks since everything happened, but it was all going to end soon.

Flashback

"You called for me, Derek?" Asked Tobias concern, he wondered what else his brother had done; he was pretty embarrassed with Derek.

"Yes, Tobias. We are ready; the tunnels are done; all we have to do now is wait; we won't use the tunnels until we come back." Said Derek with a disappointed face.

"You mean if you come back." Said Phoenix as Tobias was puzzled.

"Right, we won't use the tunnels unless we need to; I would like to use them after we get back. I know Levi will try anything to surround us, and we have a plan." Said Derek as Tobias listened.

"We will cover the tunnels but still have people and bombs there in case we need them; we will only attack on top; we will travel in a covered carriage and escape from the back a while back. Then let the carriage roll with Phoenix and some men around." Said Derek as Phoenix joined it.

"Cole will then be behind Derek and you, Tobias; both of you will be on horses and wait for the attack to begin and attack and surround them from behind; that way, we will get them to surrender." Finished Phoenix.

"Derek, what if they shoot before we can reach them?" Asked Tobias as Randolph also wondered this.

"The bombs would be activated in the tunnels, and then they would open from the bottom and explode. That should give us the advantage to get the net; the explosion would only make them fly out." Said Derek as they all nodded.

"You really thought of everything, Derek; I'm am so proud of you; you've come a long way. From a shoe cobbler to a nice trained king, and you only took three years of classes." Said Randolph as Derek smiled.

"When does this take place?" Asked Tobias as Derek looked at Randolph and Phoenix.

"Nine weeks, the news will travel that we will leave to Thraas in nine weeks; that way, we're ready for this, and this will end because it will." Said Derek.

End of flashback

Today was that day we would leave the next day, after Henry's birthday; after all, it's also given us 24 hours to fix our affairs. I won't lie; this is very risky, but I'm willing to do anything to get my kingdom back and help the people that Levi hurt.

"Good evening Tobias; you going to be in the celebrating Henry's birthday with us?" Asked Isla after bowed to him; he hated when she did that.

"Good evening, Isla, you don't need to bow to me, and I don't know; I'm kind of doing some last things before I go." Said Tobias.

"Oh, well, if you get done, you should come, even if it's just for a little bit." She said and then continued her path.

Not much has happened since last time, they decided to give each other time and space, but it only seemed that they were getting distant instead of closer. They did have conversations, but they never lasted for more than a minute.

He missed her and their time together; sometimes, he just wanted to grab her by the hand and tell her they were being silly.

They belonged together no matter what, and he kissed her, but he knew if he tried, she would probably be upset.

He headed to his room and removed a small box from his closet; he had gotten two things when he left with Courtney. It was something that had belonged to his mother before she died; it was a heart-shaped locket and her ring from when she married his father. He may not have been the best, but he knew her mother loved him very much.

Flashback

"Tobias, come here." Said the queen of Thraas.

"Honey, I know you're just a boy and will not understand this until you're older, but I think it's time for you to know." Said the queen as she grabbed hold of a small box and opened it.

"This locket here once belonged to my mother, she passed it on to me, she said it would protect me from harm, and now I want you to have it to give it to your daughter. Keep the generation going to the next queen or princess of Thraas; this ring is the one your father gave me when we were first engaged, it wasn't official. But it's special; I want you to have it and give it to your future queen." She said as Tobias seemed lost.

"But mommy, I think this belongs to Levi; he's older than me; why are you giving this to me?" Asked Tobias as she smiled at him.

"Because you are my son, and even though I don't know you a lot, I know you will make the best choice in life. When you find that special one, give her this ring, I love you with all my heart, my darling; always do the right thing." Said the queen as she took her last breath.

End of Flashback

Every time he looked at this, it reminded him of his mother, he doesn't remember much of her, but he remembers the last few words she said to him before she passed away.

He knew what he had to do, a while back, he thought of giving it to Levi when he met Courtney, but then he remembered what his mother said and kept it.

Without realizing it, he found the perfect girl to give it to, but with the problems they've had, the thought that maybe she wasn't the one for him, but after all they've been through, it was crystal clear Isla was the one.

They weren't fully back yet, but he knew that she was the only one for him plus, if he didn't come back from this battle, he knew the ring would be in good hands.

He went to find her and saw her reading a book out in the garden near the fountain, it was early spring, and the winter was leaving.

She spotted him and then marked her book before putting it down as he sat down; she smiled at him as he got a bit nervous.

"Hello, Isla." Said Tobias.

"Hello Tobias, shouldn't you be with Tiffany?" She said with annoyance. As he seemed shocked, was she jealous?

"Are you Jealous, Isla?" he asked her as she seemed focused on her book.

"Of course not; it's your life, not mine; you can do what you want with it." She said as he thought for a moment; she seemed so cute when she was jealous; he took a deep breath before speaking to her.

"What were you reading?" he asked as she showed him the book before responding.

"A lady most lovely, it's about a girl in huge debt who needs to pay the debt her father left her in. She decides to marry a guy she thinks will save her, but when a guy falls for her, he proves to her that the guy she's going to marry is doing the same. Then the guy who falls for her tells her to marry him that he'll solve her problems but also because he loves her, but she's having a hard time believing." Said Isla.

"That sounds amazing; listen, I came to tell you something. As you may know, tomorrow is the day we leave; since Henry's birthday was yesterday, were preparing to leave for Thraas. But I….. I can't leave without telling you something first." Said Tobias as he took out a small box and opened it. Isla's eyes widened.

"Tobias…..." said Isla as she was speechless.

"This was my mother's wedding ring; she gave it to me when I was a little child; before she passed, it's been in our kingdom generations for years. I want you to have it; I may not know if I come back alive, but….. in case something were to happen to me, I want you to keep it safe Courtney is technically still the queen of Thraas until I turn 21." Said Tobias as Isla began to water up.

"If something happens to Levi and me, Courtney takes the kingdom and whoever she marries becomes the new king of Thraas, and her children will be the next rulers. I want you to keep it until you find the next Thraas ruler to give it to; trust me when I tell you that when the time comes, you'll know." Said Tobias.

"But Tobias, there has to be another way? Nothing will happen to you." Said Isla as tears ran through her cheek.

"You can't know that for sure, my princess; we don't know what the future holds for us, but I have one request if I do manage to come back, you would make me the happiest man if you would become my queen?" said Tobias as he rubbed her cheek wiping away Isla's tears away as she stood there with her eyes wide

"What about Tiffany?" she asked as he smiled.

"She means nothing to me; she doesn't compare to you; it's you whom I love, so will you become my queen, my princess?" asked Tobias.

"Yes!" she exclaimed as she hugged him.

"With this ring, I promise to fight and try to come back to you; I will not give up until I've tried everything." Said Tobias as he took Isla and pulled her closer to him, closing the small space between them.

Princess Fallon

It's been nine weeks since Cole stopped talking to me; I guess it's alright maybe he wasn't the one for me.

I decided to take upon lessons in teaching to defend myself with Edaline, she would help me with riding lessons, or sometimes I would practice my aiming.

Sometimes Philip would help us with a couple of battle skills; I'm pretty surprised I thought he wouldn't know much because he's a doctor, not a hunter like Cole, but maybe he learned as a kid.

"Good job Fallon; this time, you beat me. I think it's clear that you know just enough now; you can teach other people now if you want to." Said Philip as Edaline chuckled.

"You're a warrior now, Fallon." Said Edaline as she and Philip chuckled, 'they look so cute together,' she thought.

'I don't know why he just doesn't ask to marry her already; he's been courting her for quite some time, and they seem to be getting closer each time.' Though Fallon as Courtney and King Alex came.

They, too, became close after everything they told us; it seems the king has actually taken fond of our dear Courtney, but everyone can see she's afraid to make the same mistake again even though she seems to grow fond of Alex too.

"When is the wedding lovebirds?" asked Fallon as Courtney and Edaline blushed, and the guys looked at them while rubbing their necks as a sign of nervousness.

"Whenever she wants." Said Alex as Courtney widened her eyes, and Alex smirked.

"What about you, Philip?" asked Fallon as he started to look around for an excuse.

"Look over there; it's Cole." Said Philip as I smirked, knowing it was impossible because Cole hadn't been around in the longest time; everyone thought he left to do something for Derek since Gabriel hadn't seen him either.

"Derek wanted me to tell all of you that you must remember to pack everything for tonight." That voice sounded familiar. She knew that voice. I didn't want to believe it; I turned to see Cole standing behind me.

"They got the message; you can leave now?" said Fallon with a bit of sass.

"Am I bothering you, princess?" asked Cole with a smirk, he knew I hated to be called princess, but he still did it to annoy me.

"You know my name very well, Cole. But maybe I'll remind you again, it's Fallon, now remember that because I know that your brother Gabriel remembers it very well. next time tell your brother where you're going before he worries for you." Said Fallon as she walked away.

Flashback

"Cole?! Cole, where are you?" asked Gabriel; he seemed worried he hadn't heard from his brother in days.

"Fallon, have you seen Cole? I've been looking everywhere for him, but I haven't found him." He said as Fallon smiled.

"he's with Derek; last time I heard, he had sent him on a mission." She said as he relaxed, wondering why he didn't tell his brother he was going to be out on a mission?

"He will be the end of me," he said as he brought his palm to his face.

"At least I know you have him." He finished as her eyes widened.

"Oh no, we aren't together; Gabriel, your brother, doesn't like me that way." Said Fallon as Gabriel chuckled.

"You may think that he doesn't, but he does; trust me, he's just too stubborn to realize it; I see how he looks at you." He said as Fallon just rolled her eyes.

"I don't know what to believe anymore." Said Fallon as Gabriel looked at her and told her,

"don't give up, trust me." He said before leaving.

End of Flashback

'Maybe Gabriel was right; he does seem to tease me. I need to find out, though, Fallon; as she quickly went to her room and changed outfits, she was going to find out how Cole felt about her by the end of the day.

King Derek

"What's wrong, gen?" Asked Derek as he went over to the balcony and hugged his wife.

"I'm just worried, that's all; what if something happens to you? And you don't come back?" Said Genevieve, all worried.

"I know you worry for me, but this is something we have to do for the kingdom for a better future." Said Derek.

"Just come back to me, Derek, don't leave me; I need you, Henry needs you." She said as tears were forming in her eyes.

"I promise I will never leave you guys. I'll always be here with you." He said as he wiped her tears away and took he lips.

It was true he was never going to leave her, but you don't know what the future holds; all that can be said is to enjoy your happiness because it can disappear.

When they parted, they stood outside the balcony watching until they noticed Henry woke up.

24 hours later

Queen Genevieve

The day had arrived, the day she had feared for since Henry was in her womb, and hopefully, it was all coming to an end.

She suddenly felt sick to her stomach as she watched everyone saying their goodbye's they all seemed close, and she knew it was hard for them to leave. Still, it was because the only ones going to go were Cole, Derek, Tobias, and of course, a group of the soldiers Derek and Phoenix trained; the rest stayed to protect.

"Please come back to us." Said Genevieve as Derek hugged her and Henry before giving them both a kiss.

"I promise," he said to them, then turned to the guards.

"Men, stand guard and protect this kingdom with your life; the rest of you follow me, and let's go!" Exclaimed Derek as they all got into their horses and ran off into the road; she hoped she would get to see her husband again.

"Everything is going to be okay, Genevieve, I promise." Said Fallon as she and Courtney took her inside. They headed to her room for some tea to try to calm her down.

"So, how is the wedding plan going?" Asked Genevieve to Courtney as she blushed.

"Well, there's time for everything, plus I just want this all to stop before anything else happens." Said Courtney; as Genevieve smiled, she was happy that all her sisters finally were delighted.

Cole

He looked at Fallon from a far away before and then shook his head; when he was going to face her again, he was surprised to see that she was already standing in front of him.

"Goodbye, Cole, return safely, please." She said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek and then left as Derek said.

"Let's go!" After that, he quickly got into his horse and followed.

After a while on the road, they stopped and began to go with Derek's plan; they stopped as Tobias and Derek switched into the other horses Cole brought.

They then let Brandon and a few guards keep going with the carriage, so they believe they are inside. But they continued to follow from behind until they reached the tunnel entrance.

Flashback

"Cole, enough is enough; what is your problem with me?" Asked Fallon.

"You even ask? You're a princess. I have nothing against you; my duty is to protect all of you, nothing else; once the threat is gone, I'll be off for good." Said Cole.

He didn't want Fallon to get attached to him, so he acted cold towards her; either way, she was a princess; she deserved better than what he could offer her.

"You really want to leave, don't you?" She asked him as she began to get closer to him; he knew she was playing with fire and enjoyed it; she was that sense of danger he wanted.

"It's not a want to princess; it's a need; I go where I am needed. For instance, if you need me, I'll gladly stay, but something will have to come out of it, and I'm not sure you can handle that, princess." He said as he got closer to her, wrapped one arm around her waist, bringing her closer as his other arm went to her chin and lifted up.

"Who says I can't handle it?" She asked, a bit nervous as Cole chuckled.

"Because I know you can't; you're so sweet and innocent." He said before she cut him off.

"Maybe you don't know me well enough then; I sense danger and don't run away from it." She said as his grip got lose.

"You're a princess." He finally said as she looked at him, confused.

"What does that have anything to do about it? Yes, I'm a princess, but it's just a title; it doesn't mean anything, especially when something important is forming like... this." She said as he let go of her and walked away, but then she stopped him.

"Cole, I can't do this; You know what I'm feeling, and I know you feel the same. But you run from this, and I don't know why." She said as he looked at her.

He went back over to her, took hold of her waist, and looked into her soft brown eyes.

"I don't think you understand what I do; I hunt and kill; it's my job. I don't have a high job quality like Derek, I'm not king nor prince, I can't offer you want most can, and you deserve better." He said as he rubbed her cheeks and then looked at her lips.

"You think I can't live without it just because I'm used to all this? Well, that's where you're wrong; I dreamt of finding someone for me all my life. I waited and waited, but when you came, I saw who it was. Yes, we have different lives, but that doesn't mean I can't learn, and I decide who I want to be with; no one decided for me except me, and I want to be with you." She said as he got closer to her to the point where their lips were only inches away.

He wanted to kiss her right now but heard a sound and stepped back and turned to see Randolph walking with Derek in their direction.

"I'm sorry, Fallon, I have to go." He said as he left to see his brother.

"Cole, just talk to her; seriously, we both know you love her; it's obvious; everyone sees it." Said Gabriel as Cole just listened.

"Gabriel, she's a princess; she's worth so much more than whatever I can afford her." Said Cole as his brother shook his head.

"If she chooses, you don't fight it; it's her choice because let me tell you this. If you don't fight for her, someone else might get her, and then you will regret it, and I promise you won't like it, so fight for her no matter what anyone else says, only care what she wants, nothing else." Said Gabriel.

End of flashback

'He's right. maybe it's time I accept the fact and try to be happy.' Cole thought as someone called on him.

"Cole, are you alright?" Asked Derek.

"Huh? Oh yes, I'm alright, Derek." He said they must have already attacked as they heard from above the fight.

"Alright, men stand tall; Cole, you wait here until I give you the signal, Tobias, follow me to the end of the tunnel so u can hear me when I send the signal; after that, go ahead and get far away as possible." Said Derek as he left.

Prince Tobias

Tobias ran behind Derek and stopped where he was supposed to but didn't feel like he did right; he watched as Derek got onto the horse and then started to fight as the soldiers all got surprised that's when he noticed that his brother was trying to make a run for it, he couldn't let this happen.

He reached where they were and saw that they were already fighting; Derek was winning for the moment until….

Tobias saw that his brother had kicked Derek as he was on the ground, which caused Derek to fall and made him hit his head on a rock.

It looked like his brother was going to win; he couldn't let his brother win. He took his sword out and stood in front of Derek, making his sword and Levi's crash together; he quickly turned their position so his brother's back would face Derek.

"My, my brother, long time no see?" said Levi, smirking as Tobias looked at his brother with pity.

"You don't have to do this, Levi; you can stop this, and I promise your punishment won't be too severe." Said Tobias as his brother simply laughed, not noticing Cole standing from behind; he grabbed Derek and took him to the forest.

"Have it your way." Said Tobias as he began to fight with his brother; he had gotten better thanks to Cole and Derek. "you think I'm stupid, but the only stupid here is you, brother." Said Levi as he began to laugh, causing him to wonder.

"You and Derek won't make it back alive, that I can assure you," he said as Angel appeared from the back bushes and gave Levi a button, causing the dual to end.

'Oh no!' he thought to himself; that can only mean one thing. He planted bombs like they did; the only difference was that the ones built from Tharras were designed to kill; they were the deadliest.

When they exploded, the distance was far for damage, while the ones they designed were only to knock out the enemy for some time.

He pressed the button, the floor started to tremble, and there was a loud boom from afar but close enough to them.

"They are planted everywhere were at, even the forest, so if Derek went into the forest, he's dead now, and you will be too in just a matter of seconds!" exclaimed Levi happily.

As he got into his horse and rode it to the palace of Glidonia, the floor he was now standing on was trembling and opening.

At the palace

Queen Genevieve

Genevieve was having some tea with her sisters except the triplets who were with her father when suddenly, she let go of the teacup she was holding, hearing it break into pieces.

"Genevieve, are you okay?!" exclaimed Courtney.

"I'm not sure I feel a tight pressure in my chest as if something happened to Derek." She said as her sisters looked at her, worried when all of a sudden.

"Queen Genevieve, we are being attacked; please secure yourselves to a safe area!" Exclaimed Gabriel as king, Alex appeared with the rest of the people. "Everyone stay in this room and hide, do not come out!" Said Alex as he raced after Gabriel to help protect the palace.

Genevieve wondered if she should hide but then remembered that she was queen, and as queen, she must protect her people.

"Courtney, I need you to look after Henry for me, please and do as I tell you to. I want you to be in charge and take care of everyone. I must take care of my subjects and all of you, as queen is my duty." Said Genevieve as Courtney began to worry.

"But Genevieve, you can't fight this alone; we can help." Said Edaline.

"I love you all dearly, but it's better to protect yourself." She said as she looked at Phoenix.

"Phoenix, please guide the family to a safe place and then return but not before sending a few guards." Said Genevieve as he nodded before replying.

"Yes, your majesty." He said as he guided them away.

'I'm not going to run; if Levi wants to confront me, he shall.' She thought as she waited for him in the throne room.