Chapter Six
I hurried through the forest, making my way back to the royal palace. I had to tell Father. I had to tell someone what had just happened. My mind racing as fast as I did. Trying to process what had just happened.
What had just happened?
Was Jade really gone?
Who was that creature?
Where did that portal come from?
I needed answers.
I made it back to the palace in record time. Running down the corridor to my father's office, barging in without knocking. He was conversing with a few officers I recognized from our military. Ignoring their conversation, I started rambling to my father about Jade's kidnapping, portals, and disappearing four-armed creatures. Looking back, I must've sounded deranged.
Jerrod did his best to calm me down. He told the officers to gather up some guards and form a search party in the Edenian woods.
"I'm going with them," I demanded.
I could tell my Father didn't like it, but this wasn't a negotiation.
"Wait," Jerrod said. It was an instinctual reaction.
"Don't try and stop me, Father," I retorted.
"I wouldn't," he said solemnly.
###
Monte watched with curiosity as I frantically rummaged through the dresser drawers in my quarters. Whirling around my room without a care, I looked for something that I could wear. Something that would intimidate my foe, while also disguising my appearance. I didn't want to chance anyone recognizing me outside the palace walls this time.
Buried under my lighter dresses, I found an old, royal-colored corset. It was breathable but thick, which would help in combat.
Perfect.
I also found a matching veil to cover the bottom half of my face – I recalled wearing this to one of my father's ridiculous costume parties.
In my closet, I dug out a pair of old leather combat boots that contained holsters, perfect for holding my new fans.
Before leaving, I gave Monte a small pat on the head.
That was the last time I saw him.