Opening her eyes, Alethia found herself standing in the heart of Minstrel Forest, a little fox darting past her. Chris materialized beside her, his grin stretching from ear to ear. She glanced downward, taking in her attire - tan form-fitting pants, a dark green halter top, and a long, flowing travelling cloak draping over her shoulders. A quiver and bow rested on her back, while a scimitar hung at her hip.
"Excellent job, Alethia," Chris praised. "We've arrived in Minstrel Forest, not far from Shudon."
Smiling, Alethia surveyed her surroundings. "This place is enchanting. I have fond memories of coming here."
Chris nodded. "Indeed, it is a beautiful forest. The more time you spend in these realms, the more your memories will resurface."
They set off down the path together, basking in the occasional rays of sun that penetrated the dense foliage. The air felt fresher than what Alethia was accustomed to in her polluted realm. As they strolled, she admired the majesty of the trees and the vibrant colours of the flowers.
Suddenly, a sense of danger washed over her, and she knew she was being watched.
"I sense something, Chris," Alethia warned, her heart pounding. "There are men behind us, and they mean us harm."
Chris glanced at her, taken aback. "I sense nothing. Are you sure your heightened senses aren't a result of your recent use of magic after such a long time?"
Five men emerged from the shadows of the trees, their faces twisted into malicious smirks. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Two lovebirds out for a stroll?"
Chris positioned himself protectively between Alethia and the men, whispering for her to remain silent. "We are merely travellers seeking the next village to acquire supplies. If you gentlemen could kindly point us in the right direction, we would be most grateful."
The leader sneered, his eyes fixed on Chris. "Oh, we can certainly point you in the right direction. But I think your little friend should stay with us. Traveling from town to town can’t be very enjoyable."
One of the men approached Alethia, his hands gripping her shoulders. He whispered lewdly in her ear, "We can show you a lot more fun, sweetheart."
Alethia tensed, feeling the weight of his touch. "You will regret laying your hands on me if you do not remove them this instant."
The man laughed, his voice dripping with disdain. "And what can a pretty little thing like you do to make me?"
"I warned you," Alethia declared, swiftly dropping to the ground and sweeping her leg around, causing her assailant to topple backward with a resounding thud. Three others rushed toward her, but she sprang back to her feet, drawing her scimitar from its sheath.
Chris extended his leg, tripping one of the men and sending him careening into a nearby tree. As another swung his sword at Alethia, she deftly dodged and rolled away, delivering a powerful kick to his knee, causing him to crumple in agony. Chris seized the last remaining assailant, the apparent leader of the group, and snarled, "Leave now, or we will do far worse."
The leader smirked, gesturing toward Alethia. "She's of no interest to us anymore. She won't survive the night. No fun in that. Enjoy your walk."
Alethia glanced down at the shallow cut on her side, shaking her head in disbelief. "What does he mean I won't last the night? This is a mere scratch."
Chris sighed, running his hand through his hair as he inspected the wound. "Some blades are laced with poison. If he's telling the truth, we must get you treated before the poison claims your life."
A wry smile danced on Alethia's lips. "Ah, always the optimist, aren't you?"
Chris shot her a stern glare. "This is a grave matter, Alethia. If this blade was indeed poisoned, he's right. You won't survive the night."
Alethia sighed, holding her head as a wave of dizziness washed over her. "Then perhaps I should attempt to heal myself?" she suggested weakly.
Chris grasped her arm, supporting her as they made their way toward a tall white building in the distance. "To heal yourself, you must concentrate, and judging by your stumble, I fear you won't be able to maintain that focus for long."
After a brisk fifteen-minute walk, they arrived at the outside steps. Alethia surveyed her surroundings, her eyes catching sight of a nearby lake and a bustling village and marketplace surrounding the central building of Greg Minister, the capital of Shudon.
Chris ascended the stairs, partially carrying Alethia as she drifted in and out of consciousness. At the top of the steps stood a man with long black hair, donning glasses and a red robe. He scanned the area before descending towards them. Observing Chris struggling to assist Alethia, he hurried down to meet them. "What has occurred here?" he gasped, recognizing her. "Princess?"
Chris appeared worried as he replied, "We need a cleric. She's been poisoned. We were ambushed on the road to town."
The middle-aged man's concern deepened. "Bring her inside. I am a cleric specializing in poisons. You're fortunate you were heading to Greg Minister."
Chris continued guiding Alethia up the stairs, her vision blurring and her head throbbing. She caught a glimpse of Chris on her right, then shifted her gaze towards the door. Unable to fight off the encroaching darkness any longer, she slowly closed her eyes.
"Will she be alright, doc?" The voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't place it.
"Please, tell me she'll be alright," Chris's voice trembled, growing distant.
"She will recover. I managed to slow down the poison and remove it before it caused any severe harm," a male voice she couldn't quite identify reassured them. He stood beside her as she gradually opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings.
Chris stood by a peculiar man, whom she remembered as the doctor they had encountered on the steps of the ivory structure. Chris wore a deeply concerned expression as the doctor busied himself with tending to her, dampening the cloth on her forehead in a nearby bowl of water.
As she turned her head, she felt someone's hand clasping hers. "Hello, beautiful. I see you've finally awakened," Zepher's worried face came into view. It was him, but he appeared different, older, more battle-hardened. He was dressed for war. "Zepher?"
"Indeed, my love. I wasn't expecting you to arrive for another day, but I am grateful for the surprise. Although, next time, perhaps travel with more than just one man for protection."
So, they were in Shudon, and he was her betrothed. Slowly sitting up, the world seemed to spin around her. She glanced at the doctor, Huan, memories flooding back. "Huan, you... you saved me. Thank you."
"Of course, Princess. I could never forgive myself if any harm befell you while I was present."
A blush warmed Alethia's cheeks. "Well, I am forever indebted to you."
Huan smiled, patting her hand. "All of our lives will be indebted to you once you fulfill the prophecy."
Chris interjected from the window, "Your father has been informed of your arrival, and we encountered some troubles on the road. But now, you are well."
Nodding, Alethia acknowledged, "Thank you, Chris. I'm certain he was relieved to hear of my well-being."
A loud knock echoed through the door. "Your majesty, you are needed in the war room."
Zepher sighed, rising to his feet. "I shall be there shortly." Returning his attention to Alethia, he said, "I apologize, my love, but duty calls. If it's not Kakaron attacking, it's Yuber. We never experience peace here."
Alethia smiled, reassuring him, "Do not worry about me. I will rest and join you later."
He nodded, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Rest well. I eagerly await our time together when we can discuss further details about the upcoming wedding."
Her heart tightened, a wave of unease washing over her. Why did the thought of the wedding frighten her so?
