Chapter Nineteen: War

Chapter Nineteen: War

Isabel peeked around the corner where she was to meet Kivar, giving him access to the palace. There he was, waiting for her. At the sight of him, her heart surged involuntarily. Because part of her was Vilandra, part of her still loved the evil man. But the Isabel part of her tried to tamp it down. If she allowed Vilandra to take over, everything could be ruined, everyone would be killed. She wouldn't betray her family again, not for anyone. She closed her eyes briefly, running over the plan in her mind. With a deep breath, she picked up her long skirts and rounded the corner. "Kivar."

He turned, a large grin on his face, and held out his arms. "You look stunning," he told her, "perfect for our wedding." She beamed back at him, stepping into his arms and reluctantly relishing in the feel of his arms around her. "If I'm holding onto you, maybe you won't get lost." Isabel drew back. 'I won't get lost, Alex,' she promised. Kivar took her by her shoulders. "You know the plan?" She nodded. "The moment the preacher begins to speak, your armies will enter the cathedral. I'll pretend to cower in fear, while you … kill Rath. And your men terminate the guests." She let out a wavering breath of air. "Don't be nervous," Kivar told her gently, "by the end of the day, you and I will be married and Antar will be ours." He pulled her in for another hug, kissing her neck.

"The armies are assembled in the guest seats," Max explained, meeting Isabel outside the cathedral, "are you going to be okay?" She nodded, feeling her heart beat loudly in her chest. She gripped his hand tightly. "Promise me you'll be careful, Max. I need you to come back with us. All of this will mean nothing if you're killed." Max hugged her reassuringly. "Don't worry, Iz. We're all going to make it out of this and go home." She smiled. "Good. Because I don't want to explain to Liz why you're not with us." "Believe me," he said, "she's my courage. With the thought of going back to her, I can do anything. We can do this Isabel. Are you ready?" She nodded nervously, and placed her arm through his. Together, they ascended the steps.

The congregation stood in honour of their king and princess as they made their way down the aisle. Max and Michael exchanged a small nod at the altar when Max handed Isabel over and took a step back. "Well, this is weird," Michael muttered to her, as they turned before the preacher. "Yeah," she chuckled nervously, "it's not exactly how I pictured my wedding day." While the music and fanfare dwindled, Max rushed Tess and his mother from the cathedral through a back entrance. He held up his hand to the armies and they pulled out their weapons, awaiting his signal. "This is it," Michael whispered, holding Isabel's arm tightly. He nodded to the preacher, who began to speak. "Friends, family, and honoured guests, we are gathered …" The doors flew open. "Now!" Max shouted. Michael pushed Isabel out of the way. She and the preacher made their way through the same doors as Tess and Lara.

The entire congregation stood, their numbers exceeding Kivar's. He stood frozen in the doorway. "Retreat!" he called, backing his men out and down the steps. "Follow!" Michael ordered.

Isabel and Tess stood on the highest balcony in the palace, staring down at the fighting below. "Can you see them?" Isabel yelled to Tess. She shook her head, searching the crowd of thousands of men, trying to locate Max and Michael. Lara came up behind them, taking hold of their arms. "Come, girls. Come inside where it's safe." "But mother," Isabel cried, "they've never fought in a battle like this before. They don't know what they're doing!" Lara shook her head. "They have darling, as Rath and Zan. They have those memories, those skills." Isabel wasn't convinced and ran to the balcony again. "Max!" she screamed. "There!" Tess cried. Isabel looked to where she was pointing. "Max," she whispered, racing from the room. "Vilandra!" Lara shouted after her, "stop!"

"Well, well. We meet again." Michael turned, his breathing ragged. "Nicholas." "I killed you myself in your last life. Ready to die again?" Michael remembered his words. "Bring it on."