The moment Iria put down the letter, she nervously clenched her fist. "This can't be true. Iria won't die!" she grunted. Glancing at the Prince, she was searching for an assurance.
It was afternoon and it had been half a day since the second Prince received the letter. However, judging from the Prince's face, it was clear that he wasn't much different from the Commander. He still finds it hard to believe it though he knew that it was the truth.
Hearing his Commander's words, Rion quickly took the letter and read it.
"It's the truth," the Prince finally spoke up. "Today is the fifth and last day for her mourning."
She heard the Prince yet Commander Iria still shook her head. "I can't believe it," she muttered. "I have to see it for myself."
What Prince Orius feared just happened. Iria wasn't in her right mind as the death of her friend struck her hard!
Unable to think clearly, Iria quickly turned around and took a few steps until...
"Stop."
She abruptly halted when she heard the authoritative voice of the Prince.
Letting out a breath, Prince Orius walked towards Iria and stood opposite her. "You will return to Jerivia? Then what about the aftermath?" His keen yet firm gaze observed her and when he noticed the unfamiliar fear in her eyes, he felt helpless.
What should he do to make her collect herself again?!
"Iria died, Your Highness. Do you expect me to stay here as if nothing happened?" Iria Alewine grunted. Right now, all she had in mind was to rush to Jerivia and see her friend!
"Snap out, Commander Iria! Do you think Iria will get back to life if you return to Jerivia now? You will only put everyone in danger!" Prince Orius argued. It wasn't easy for him to stay put too but... what could he possibly do?!
"Then what about the deceased?" Iria asked. This time, her voice was miraculously low compared to before. "For everyone, I'm Iria Aventine but... if my friend dies now, she won't even be able to get a proper funeral just to conceal the truth. That's so unfair for her!"
Only the royal family, a few ministers, maids and guards will be the ones to mourn for the death of that innocent soul! After living her whole life with kindness and for the well-being of others, the Princess didn't deserve that!
"Iria loved the people and the kingdom more than she loved herself," Prince Orius firmly said. "Do you think she will be happy if you ruined everything for her sake?"
The moment Commander Iria heard the Prince truthful yet hurtful words, she stood frozen and in a split second, a tear rolled down her face.
She never felt as useless as she did now! After failing to protect her innocent friend who always placed trust in her, she can't do anything for her even at her last moment in this lifetime. And now, her friend died a lonely death and even the fact needs to be hidden!
What sins did the Princess commit to have such an ending?
Why must the good ones leave first than the evil ones?
Iria couldn't understand.
"You should try to think clear," Prince Orius continued patiently. "Even if you go now, Iria will already be buried by the time you reach Jerivia. You also know the other news that His Majesty sent. He is coming to Qalagon. It will be an official visit."
When he recalled how the Commander always had a close relationship with the King, Prince Orius added, "You won't want to disappoint him." He didn't want to say this but he felt pressured and he didn't have much choice. No matter what, she must composed herself!
Though Iria's mind was still a mess, she now understood one thing. If she returned to Jerivia now, it won't solve anything. She was already too late! Feeling hopeless, she felt weak and involuntarily took a step back.
Prince Orius looked at her and believe that she won't act recklessly. Then he turned to Rion who was standing a few steps behind Iria. "Escort your Commander back to the tent. If you let her leave the camp, you will have to answer for it."
Rion bowed when he heard the Prince. "Yes, Your Highness." Then he holds Commander Iria and took her back to the tent.
Staring at the disappearing form of the two, Prince Orius clenched his fist. The Princess died and it was hard for him too but... he can't show it.
When the King crossed his mind, he felt lost. Why would his father come all the way to Qalagon? What was his purpose?
* * *
"Please try to get a grip of yourself, Commander. I know it will be hard but... His Highness is right. Returning now won't solve anything," Rion said to Commander Iria.
The two just reached the tent and the Commander was now sitting in the bed with her gaze fixated on the floor. Without making any movement, she never appeared as downhearted as she did now!
Standing a few steps away, Rion glanced down at his Commander. Though he didn't say any more words, he was feeling troubled too. Right now, their situation was too much of a mess!
For Iria Alewine, Princess Iria Aventine was always a family. Born in the same year, their fathers were best friends and they agreed to give them the same name as a sign of their friendship. After she was named Iria Alewine, Iria Aventine was born a month later and she was given the same name.
They grew up together despite the vast difference in their nature. One was a gentle and elegant Princess while the other was trained to become a warrior. Even when Iria Alewine returned from war with victory, Iria Aventine was always the first one to welcome her. That's what their friendship was like.
"Rion."
Rion was flustered when his Commander suddenly called his name after a long-running silence. "Yes, Commander," he quickly responded with his head bowed.
"Will you keep watch on me and stop me from leaving as His Highness ordered you to?"
Hearing her question, Rion raised a brow and he dropped to his knees. "I dare not. I'm a soldier of the Alewine Army and your command will always be my first priority."
"I want to leave this place."
pαndα noνɐ1,сoМ "Commander, you can go anywhere you want but if that destination is Jerivia, I will risk my life to stop you from doing that. However, it will be for your sake."
Commander Iria can't return without the King's order. Making a move without an order would only endanger her life and Rion was well aware of that. He would never want his Commander to stuck in a situation that had no way out but death.
"It won't be Jerivia," Iria muttered. "I only want to be alone somewhere."
"I understand," Rion responded with relief. "I will deal with His Highness. You don't have to worry, Commander."
After hearing Rion's response, Iria rose from her seat. Then she put on a red cloak and left the camp alone.....
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