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CHAPTER FORTY – SIX
Alice’s POV
As the battle raged on, I fought with everything I had. I swung my sword, parrying and thrusting, determined to protect the kingdom that was rightfully mine. The rebels fought with fierce determination, too, and together we pushed the enemy back.
At first, it seemed like we might actually win. But then, my uncle’s forces began to gain the upper hand. They were better trained, better equipped, and better organized, and they pushed us back. I fought as hard as I could, but it seemed like no matter what I did, I couldn’t stem the tide.
Just when it seemed like all was lost, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Andrew, one of the prince’s I had grown close to, and he was not here alone, he came with a lot of support. He was wielding a sword that glowed with a fierce, otherworldly light, and he charged into the fray.
With Andrew by my side, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Together, we fought with a ferocity that inspired the rest of the rebels. Slowly but surely, we began to gain the upper hand.
And then, just as quickly as it had started, the battle was over. The enemy forces were defeated, and the lost kingdom was free once again.
As the dust settled and the bodies of the fallen were cleared away, I looked around at the triumphant rebels. They had fought with bravery and determination, and they had succeeded in reclaiming the kingdom that was rightfully mine.
“We did it,” I said, tears streaming down my face. “We did it.”
Andrew came to my side, a proud smile on his face. “We did,” he said. “And now, the lost kingdom is yours once again.”
I asked Andrew how I ended up here, with him. He told me that Edward had begged him to leave the kingdom to rescue me, no matter what. I could see the pain in Andrew’s eyes as he spoke of his brother’s determination to save me.
Andrew mentioned that maybe one day Edward would learn to forgive their father, who I had accused of killing my parents on his birthday. I felt a twinge of guilt in my chest as I realized the weight of the accusations I had made.
I looked out at the kingdom, taking in the sight of the rolling hills and the towering mountains. This was my home, my birthright, and I was determined to rule it with fairness and justice.
“Thank you, Andrew,” I said, turning to him. “Thank you for your help, and your support. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Andrew smiled at me, a warm, genuine smile. “It was my pleasure, Alice,” he said. “I’m honored to have been a part of this.”
I thanked Andrew for his words and told him to go back to the kingdom, to tell Edward goodbye. As he left, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss, wishing things had turned out differently between Edward and me. But I knew that it was for the best, for both of us.
I turned to the people who had fought alongside me. I smiled at them and even without speaking I could feel the aura of happiness, relief, and joy flowing through the air.
“Victory!!!!!!” I screamed out loud and the cheer was very loud. I looked at every one of them and I smiled.
“Meredith, I did it. Are you proud?” I spoke softly. Jack and Alex heard me and they looked at me, I nodded at them giving them a sad smile.
We had won but she was not here with me and I would not lie that I missed her a lot more than I thought I would.
Together, we turned to face the future, ready to build a better kingdom for all who lived within its borders. The lost kingdom was finally free, and I was finally home.
I followed Alex to where my uncle was being kept, my heart racing with anticipation and fear. I couldn’t believe I was about to face the man who may have been responsible for the death of my parents.
As I entered the room, I saw my uncle, bound and guarded by two of the rebels. He looked up at me with a smirk on his face, and I felt a rush of anger.
“So, you’re the little princess who thinks she can take the throne,” he said mockingly.
I stepped closer to him, my voice firm. “I want to know the truth,” I said. “What really happened to my parents?”
He laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in the small room. “You really think I’ll tell you? You’re a naive little thing, just like your mother.”
My anger boiled over. “You’re the one who ordered their deaths, aren’t you?” I accused him.
He simply chuckled and looked away, refusing to answer.
I turned to Alex, frustration evident in my voice. “Can I speak to him alone?” I asked.
Alex looked hesitant, but he eventually nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.
I took a deep breath and approached my uncle again. “Please,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “Just tell me what really happened. I need to know.”
He looked at me with a cold gleam in his eyes. “Your parents were weak,” he said. “They were unfit to rule this kingdom. I had no choice but to get rid of them.”
I felt a pain in my chest, like a knife being twisted. “How could you?” I whispered.
“Easily,” he replied with a shrug. “It was for the good of the kingdom. And now, it’s time for you to step aside and let me rule again.”
I shook my head, determination filling me. “Never,” I said. “I will reclaim what’s rightfully mine, and make sure you pay for what you’ve done.”
He simply chuckled as I turned and left the room, my mind awhirl with emotions. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard, but I knew one thing for sure – I was going to make sure justice was served.