CHAPTER 550: UNEXPECTED VISIT

"The palace is under attack." The guards chorused. The tension was unpalatable in the air. Sensing the urgency, Lucian placed Eleanor on the bed and then glanced at the guards. "Make sure she doesn’t harm herself." He instructed, then glanced at his oblivious mother who was still crying about the flower.

His jaw clenched, and without a word, he ran out of the room. Lucian’s mind was racing, wondering who could be attacking the palace today.

Was it Alfonso? He wondered because it couldn’t be Cedric. His footsteps rushed down the endless hallways of the palace.

From a distance, he could already feel the waves of magic clashing from ahead. There was also this chill in the air, Lucian recognised as Callista’s ice magic.

His brows furrowed, Callista was in danger. His pace increased and he found himself running to the scene.

The closer he got to the scene, the more intense the magic in the air.

He eventually made his way to the chaos. His stomach churned once he spotted him. "Cedric." He blurted, staring at Cedric, who had Callista in his grip, and slammed against the wall. She was blacking out already.

Cedric had Callista completely under his mercy. It took Lucian a second to snap out of his daze before he dashed towards Cedric with his sword. "You bastard!!!" He cried out rushing towards the first prince.

Cedric finally glanced at him, just before Lucian’s sword could touch him, a strong pressure hit Lucian, knocking him off course.

The crown prince of Draconia’s body slammed straight into the wall. He coughed out a mouthful of blood and collapsed on the ground. His eyes locked on Callista’s whose gaze was begging him. ..

"Get up Lucian?!!" She manages to scream at him, tears brimming in his eyes.

That’s right he had to stand. He gritted his teeth and tried to get on his feet. The pressure came again forcing him down. A strange voice, which seemed a bit familiar to Lucian, boomed.

"Better stay down, the more you fight it the quicker your death." Lucian managed to look up, his eyes fell on the source of this power. The man looked a lot like the new emperor of Heliosa but it wasn’t Aurelius.

His eyes went wide. Was this, by any chance, the former emperor and the praised strongest mage in the entire continent of Zeravon? A sad smile crossed his lips. Of course, Cedric got support from his father-in-law.

This wasn’t a fair fight. Lucian laughed. "I’d rather die than let a murderer like you have the throne. Kill me if you want but the entire kingdom will know you as the tyrant." He declared. The fire in his eyes was not extinguished..

Cedric’s jaw clenched. "You think I care. This isn’t about being right, but survival, Lucian. I have always been called a tyrant, it makes no difference to me." He declared. His grip tightened on Callista’s neck.

He was barely holding back from snapping this priestess’ neck. Every inch of his body was screaming to do it. Cedric smirked. "If you want to die, no worries then I will grant your wish. " Cedric chimed.

Something sinister flickered in his eyes. Callista whimpered a cry escaping from her lips. "Lucian please.." she cried before her eyes slowly closed.

Maybe that was what the ’ male lead needed’ the female lead to be in mortal danger. Lucian snapped his body finding a strength even he had no idea he possessed that kind of strength.

Like a flash of lightning, he broke free from Silvanius’ spell and bolted straight to Cedric using all his strength. Even Cedric didn’t see it coming.

Lucian’s speed was even strange for a human to possess. In the last second, Cedric had to toss Callista away to be able to pry his attack.

Lucian’s gold eyes burned. His veins are rushing with power. The first prince frowned. Cedric could still keep up with his strength, but he would have to rely on his divine abilities, which he was avoiding doing.

Why did Lucian possess such inhumane strength?

While the two princes were facing off. Silvanius rushed forward to grant support but it was hard considering how close they were for him to attack as a mage without hitting Cedric. He could only help by keeping the soldiers away.

Cedric men were all over the city now; this was a complete coup against all of Lucian’s supporters. They didn’t have the luxury of excess manpower.

His eyes then flickered, and a sense of recognition hit him. His eyes darted around the room trying to find someone. "Where did she go?" The former emperor blurted, unable to find the silver-haired priest.

*******

While the battle was raging in Draconia, Abrielle was in the protection of Aurelius’s fortress. The castle with the high walls.

Aurelius had offered to stay with her but she turned him down. They were already doing enough for her and Cedric, she could not ask for more. Aurelius also had his hands full being the new emperor

She beckoned him to leave. A sigh slipped out of her lips. The princess was standing next to a window. She wished Sebastian were here; then maybe they would have prayed together.

Unfortunately, Sebastian had to leave for Draconia immediately after the coronation because of his duties. Also, they were keeping information about Cedric hidden.

Although she trusted Sebastian, they could never be too careful. "I wonder if the gods still answer prayers." She muttered that her mind drifted off to a distant memory of Hazel.

Her throat was choked, and she shrugged off. This wasn’t the time to be negative. Cedric was going to come back. She was certain about that.

A soft knock on the door drew her attention. Abrielle glanced at the door. No guard was standing watch, and she was expecting Evelyn to bring her some tea.

"The door is open," she said, still looking through the window. The door creaked open and someone stepped in.

The person didn’t say anything, "Are you still worried about Elias?" Abrielle was concerned for Evelyn. There was still no answer.

Her brows furrowed, Abrielle finally caught the reflection of the person at the door. Her body went on high alert and she spun around ready to attack

"How did you get in here?" She cautiously asked.

The person stepped forward, her face blank. "I’m sorry, Abrielle, but I have to pay my mother’s debts." She said, Her hood fell, revealing her ginger hair, which burned like the sun.