The Palace Beast

*** KINGDOM OF WEX, THE KING'S ABODE ***

"Lord King!" Commander Leo's face flushed with excitement as he approached the king. "We came bearing good tidings." The king peered at him intently wondering what the news would be. "Don't keep your King in suspense. Speak now."

"The Crown Prince lives, Lord King," he said. "Our scout brought this news now."

"And why is the Crown Prince not here to present himself before me?" There was a trace of indignation in the king's voice.

"I am unsure my King!" he lowered his head slightly in reverence.

The king continued to focus his gaze on the Commander. "And where is Prince Eliot?"

"He's still in the fortress of the Duke of Weslex."

"I need all my sons behind the walls of the father's abode before sunrise in two days."

"I shall do as the king has commanded!" Commander Leo exits with a bow and moves on to do the king's bidding.

*** KINGDOM OF MAXIS ***

As she sat up, Princess Bonnie let out a deep breath, breaking free from the clutches of death. She slouched and looked around. Her eyes slid to her father, then to the healer. The king was forced to embrace her with open arms.

He kissed her on the head and whispered, "I am glad you kicked death on his arse."

There was no sign of hurt on her fragile skin. No burnt skin. It was as if nothing happened. The smoke oozing out from her body had stopped.

"Where is she?" she started glancing around desperately.

"Where is who?" the inquired with a wide-eyed gaze.

"The old woman," she said. "Where's she?" There was certainty in her voice. She hadn't forgotten it was the strange old woman who killed the guard and then put her in a state of unconsciousness.

Neither the king nor the healer have any idea what she's talking about. At first, the king thought it was perhaps a side effect of the concussion. It became evident to him that her daughter was in her right mind.

"You mean an old woman did this to you?" the king gaped with surprise. He can't believe an old woman could disarm the guard and then harm the princess.

The princess explained further that it was a dark art at work. On hearing it was a dark art at work, the healer picked interest and cut in sharply. "We must find that old woman. She must be an evil spirit that can't find rest.” He seems to know a lot about magic. He's not a magician but has little knowledge of how to use some spells.

"What will it take to find this so-called evil spirit?" asked the king. He's growing nervous. He can't afford to let such a thing repeat.

"The service of a few witches will help," the healer spoke up in courage. He knew the king hates magic and that's why magic is hardly practiced in Maxis.

"Is there no other way?" the king grumbled. "Perhaps a trap."

The healer peered intently at King Gilbert. "Lord King, only magic could be used to fight magic."

"Father, can we not debate on this," she cuts in, narrowing her gaze on her father. "I sensed something's not right about that old woman."

"What?" asked the King. His curiosity to find answers and rid the old woman from his palace is eating him up.

"Err... I think she is...."

Her words were pushed back by a few gentle knocks on the door. All their eyes narrowed at the door at once, eager to see who it was. The healer quickly invited the visitor in as they continued to look on wanting to see who it was. Commander Gil walked in with haste. He didn't wait to be invited in the second time.

"Your Majesty, I am afraid that we have been attacked. Our fortress was ambushed by a group of well-trained and heavily armed soldiers who managed to breach our defenses and infiltrate the main hall. The attack was swift and coordinated, and our soldiers were caught off guard. We have managed to push them back, but the battle is far from over. Our men are exhausted, and we have suffered heavy losses. We need your orders and reinforcements to turn the tide of the battle." As he finished speaking, a sense of urgency and determination filled his voice.

The King's face consorted with rage on hearing the tidings brought to him by his army commander. "When did this happen?" he tightened his hand into fists on his thighs. The more he frowns, the angrier he becomes, wanting to take everyone and everything around him.

"A few minutes ago, Lord King," said Commander Gil. He cleared his throat and continued, "There was something strange about the attackers, Lord."

"What?" Princess Bonnie cuts in. Her interest has been drawn and there's no way she will turn a deaf ear to that.

"The eyes of these men were all glowing."

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"Werewolves," the healer said, his tone devoid of surprise, unlike the rest of the company. Shifting his gaze towards the king, he expressed his concern, "My King, we must seek assistance from the King of Wex to eradicate these ferocious beasts disguised as humans."

Upon hearing the healer mention the King of Wex, Princess Bonnie realized that it had been quite some time since she last spoke with the princes. She longed for their comforting presence. However, she understood the need to focus on the impending task at hand. Dismissing her impure thoughts, she directed her attention towards finding solutions.

"I have heard of a particular plant that instills fear in these savage creatures," she revealed, a sense of relief audible in her sigh. "It would be advantageous if we cultivate this plant, known as wolfbane, throughout the kingdom of Maxis." Curiosity sparking within him, the king peered at his daughter and inquired, "What makes this plant so special?"

Princess Bonnie promptly answered, "Wolfbane possesses the ability to ward off these creatures. By having this plant proliferate in every corner of our realm, we can ensure that these malevolent beings will not dare to set foot within our borders."

She carries the burden of her people's welfare, unaware of the immense sacrifice that lies ahead. By strategically planting wolfbane throughout Maxis, the princes of Wex will be deterred from ever setting foot in the city again, fearing the exposure of their hidden secret upon coming into contact with this potent herb. Little does she know that she will no longer have them flocking to her side in Maxis. Nonetheless, her father approves of her suggestion and commands his trusted commander to safeguard the valuable seeds of the plant.

The king leaned in close to Bonnie, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have dispatched messengers throughout the realm," he confided. "Your mother and brother shall soon join us in this noble struggle."

Bonnie's eyebrows knitted in concern as she absorbed his words. Her relationship with her mother had been strained and volatile, akin to a never-ending battle. As for her brother, she longed for his presence. Her gaze hardened as she looked up at her father. "Why must mother come?" she inquired. "Is it not possible for her to remain where she is?"

Princess Bonnie's mother and brother had been stationed in the Eastern region of Maxis, diligently maintaining peace and warding off the encroaching outlaws seeking to claim that part of the kingdom.