“My king, I can’t allow that. Your life is far more important than mine; you have to protect it,” the guard said, finally looking up at the king. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire
“I understand what you mean, and that’s why I have not asked you to keep yourself safe, but to protect my family.
You are receiving the greatest task any guard can. They are in your hands now. Take their lives as your own and protect them to your last breath, the same way I’ll protect the kingdom to my last breath,” the king said.
The guard was still reluctant, but an order was an order. He rose to his feet, bowed his head, and then bolted out of the throne room, leaving the king.
As he left the throne room, he stopped and looked at the guards beside the throne room. “The king asked that we keep the Royal Family safe, but he has decided that he will stay and fight.
You two, please stay with him. If he chooses to punish anyone later, I will take the blame for not fully obeying what he asked of me,” the guard said.
The other guards understood why this guard would do this. They all balled their hands into fists and struck their chests in salute to him.
“We will meet on the other side,” one guard said, and all of them responded, “We will meet on the other side.”
The guard ran from there with all the speed he had. He found his group still situated where they were. When they saw him, they all rose to their feet, looking at him, wanting to know what was to happen now.
The guard struggled to catch his breath, and when he finally did, he spoke. “The king asks that we head to the Queen’s chamber, take the queen and the children, and make sure that they survive.
This is the greatest task of our lives, and we will carry it out like our lives depend on it—because they do. If it means you die for them to live, then gladly throw away your life.
Now, if you understand this, follow me, and let’s save this kingdom,” the guard said. All of them let out a loud roar, and they charged behind him as they headed in the direction of the Queen’s chamber.
The Queen’s chamber had a very large door made of expensive wood, well-carved and decorated.
The guards stood outside the door. The leader walked to the door and banged on it.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
“My Queen, the king has asked us to come and get you. Please open the door,” the guard yelled.
There was a silence that followed before a voice was heard.
“How do I know my husband, the king, sent you?” the queen asked from inside.
“Because, my Queen, my name is Pier, a Royal Guard assigned to the Royal Family since birth. I have walked the walls of this castle, seen the coronation of the king when I was a little boy.
I have served here all my life. This place is all I know, and it is all I will ever know. My Queen, I have no need to trick you,” Pier said loudly for her to hear.
Another silence followed, and then the sound of unlocking bolts. The door slowly opened, and the queen peeked out. When she ascertained who this person was, she allowed all of them in—about ten guards in total.
The guards came into the room, each one taking a vantage point that would ensure no attack could get into the room.
The queen was a beautiful woman. She looked stunning even though she was in her middle age. Her skin shined with the beauty of youth, and her jet-black hair had a marvelous shine to it.
She sat down on the bed, and beside her were two children—the elder prince, who looked like his mother, and the younger princess, who looked more like her father.
They were both twelve and ten years old, respectively.
Pier walked to the queen. He bowed a knee and dropped his head low before speaking. “My Queen, the situation of the kingdom has become dire. Your husband, the king, has asked that we come to you and take you away from here along with the children to ensure that you are safe,” Pier explained.
“And where is my husband?” she asked.
“The king has refused to come. He said his duty remains in the kingdom, and he will fight till it is over,” Pier responded.
“I see. If that’s so, then we will not be leaving as well. We will stay and fight alongside my husband,” she spoke with a determined look on her face.
“Sorry, my Queen, but he has given us orders to force you if need be. We pray that you will comply,” Pier said.
“You will force me, your Queen? I’d like to see you try. We are not going anywhere,” she said, making her stand clear.
Pier got up to his feet, his head still bowed. “You will have to forgive us, my Queen,” he said, and immediately the guards moved in faster than the Queen or the children could react.
They grabbed all of them and made sure they couldn’t get away. The Queen, the prince, and the princess all struggled to get free, but no matter how they yelled and tossed, they couldn’t get away from the guards.
The guards used force, paying deaf ears to all their threats. They took them out of the room. Pier led the way, following a route that led to the castle library.
As Royal Guards, they were taught all about the secret passages that the castle had, and the closest and best one that they could use now was located in the library.
The guards carried the Queen and her children over their shoulders and jogged to the library. Pier pushed the door open and went in. Rows and rows of shelves lined the room, with different statues around for decoration.
But Pier headed right for one of the statues located at the edge of the room.