CHAPTER 409: HE ESCAPED

They had successfully made it out of Vitalis but it was uncertain what Cedric’s status was. Abrielle stayed mostly in the cabin room with Evelyn to reduce the chances of being recognised. Evelyn was Princess Abrielle’s handmaid, her face might be recognised by the higher class.

Back at Vitalis Eleanor was waiting for news. It was the first daybreak after Kaiden’s death, and the entire Kingdom was in mourning.

Kaiden was a warrior who fought many wars to make Darconia the prosperous kingdom it is now. Eleanor’s hands were filled; she had to organise the funeral and also work to make arrangements for the incoming of the new king.

There was a soft knock on her study door. Eleanor was busy listening to reports from one of her court ladies concerning inquiries related to the funeral when the door was knocked drawing her attention.

She sighed, "You may come in." Her voice was soft but the person at the other end had already announced his presence to her

The door clicked open, and a middle-aged man stepped in. "Greetings your majesty." He bowed before the queen.

Eleanor glanced over, dropping the parchment before her. "To what do I owe this visit, Duke Silverheart. Have you apprehended the culprit?" She asked Eris’s father, the Duke of Silverheart, and the head general of the imperial army.

.

The Duke was still bowing before the queen. "Unfortunately the first prince..."

Eleanor cut him off with her sharp voice. "He isn’t the first prince anymore. Address him appropriately." She cut off the Duke.

The Duke nodded and immediately corrected himself. "Unfortunately, Cedric outsmarted the soldiers, and we believe he escaped. While on the search last night. He and his knights disappeared."

A book came flying at the Duke which he didn’t avoid to prevent aggravating the queen further. "Why couldn’t you catch one man? Hundreds of soldiers and still he escaped." Eleanor burst out. The Duke’s lips were sealed

He understood what was going on; his family had worked with the Von Drakkar family long enough to know the truth behind the battle of succession. He was certain there was a possibility that Eleanor might have killed the late king herself. Even if she didn’t kill him

It was still possible that Cedric had nothing to do with Kaiden’s death but Eleanor used it as an opportunity to get rid of the only major opposition to Lucian’s succession as the next king of Darconia. She was a mother who cared a bit too much about her family.

She was looking after Lucian. From what he heard Lucian hadn’t said anything about the current affairs of the nation. "Answer me. I am talking to you." Her voice drew

The commander didn’t look at her face, not to seem disrespectful in any way, but he answered her regardless.

"Cedric was a former general and one of the best strategists the kingdom had seen. He is a formidable opponent but justice would be served to him." The Duke answered. Eleanor’s fingers curled into a fist. She already knew about that. She knew the answers already.

Cedric was hard to handle. She only regretted not killing him as a baby, this was all Kaiden’s fault..for falling for that vixen that bewitched him and protecting Cedric as a child

Truth be told, Kaiden knew she had killed Cedric’s mother. Although he wasn’t close to Cedric, he had his men watching the boy as he grew, making it hard for Eleanor to use obvious means to kill him. She could only resort to poisons, but he ended up developing an immunity to poison.

"Place a bounty on him. Cedric must be found." She instructed. The Duke bowed once more. "Your wish is my command." He said then retreated from the study.

****

Elsewhere in Darconia. In a castle not far away from Crescent Palace. A tall figure was seen standing next to a window watching the forest that surrounded his castle.

Lucian’s strawberry blonde hair was a bit over his shoulders. He didn’t pack it into a bun, he let it down, allowing the soft breeze to flow through it...

His mind was filled with thoughts, not to forget the voices. They were right but he felt something was off. He just couldn’t point his finger at what.

The door was pushed open, the person didn’t knock but he already knew who it was without glancing.

"Lucian," she called out in a soft voice. Her face was etched with concern, and she looked at his lonesome figure.

Callista stopped a few steps away from him. She felt a burden on her heart. Lucian was too soft, yes he was smart, charismatic, cunning and strong but at times that soft side showed

.

Compared to how ruthless his brothers were he had more compassion. That was why Kaiden didn’t hesitate to make him the crown prince. He knew he was the best who could understand the people instead of Cedric, who didn’t even understand emotions and flipped without any warning.

"You have been staring at the window for a while now. What is bothering you?" She asked him. Lucian sighed, his gaze still locked on the window.

"Was Cedric able to escape?" Lucian asked. Calista thought he was bothered because of his strong sense of justice. Lucian did care for his Father.

"He and Abrielle had gone missing. It is safe to assume they have fled the capital." She answered and a tired smile crossed his lips. She saw his reflection on the glass window, which left her puzzled.

"Will it be wrong if I say I am glad he got away? " Lucian asked, and Callista’s fist was secretly clenched, although her face was still calm.

"I thought you cared about Kaiden." She asked, confused, still maintaining a calm expression.

"I did but he wasn’t the best father to Cedric. I don’t know but I feel Cedric didn’t kill Kaiden. Something feels off." Lucian muttered, holding his cheeks, then he turned to face Callista.

"By the way, where did you go during the victory Banquet?" Lucian asked Callista. It was a harmless question, but it left her speechless." What do you mean I went to attend to my duties?"