Caspian's fists clenched at his sides. He shouldn't have been thereâhis father had ordered him back to the capital. But he had defied that command. He had returned for that girl.Yet when he reached the camp, she was nowhere to be found. Frantic inquiries led to a chilling revelation: his father had used her as bait and threatened her life. Now she was gone, abducted by the winged man in a desperate bid to escape her grim fate.The dim glow of lanterns flickered across the sprawling camp, shadows stretching like restless phantoms over the tents. Prince Caspian stood hidden behind the thick canvas of his fatherâs tent, his breath shallow as he peered through the narrow opening. The scene unfolding before him was both harrowing and mesmerizing.Ivar, shackled in burning iron, knelt on the ground, his body writhing against the cruel restraints. Smoke curled from his scorched skin, and yet his eyesâ fierceânever wavered. The king stood over him, his expression cold and triumphant."Take him outside," the king ordered with a wave of his hand. "Guard him well. I want him alive until I decide otherwise."The guards dragged Ivar to his feet, his boots scraping against the dirt. Despite his agony, he held his head high, radiating defiance. As they hauled him past the tent, his gaze met Caspianâs. For a brief, charged moment, neither spoke, but an unspoken challenge crackled between them.Once Ivar was gone, Caspian clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He couldnât stand by any longer. Pushing aside the tent flap, he strode inside, his voice firm but urgent. "Father, donât kill that man," he demanded. "If you do, weâll never be able to find the girl."The king's eyes gleamed with fury. "Why are you still here?" he thundered. "I ordered you to return to the capital. How dare you disobey me?"Caspian's pulse quickened, but he held his ground. "I couldnât leave, not when I knew she was in danger. I came back for her."The king's face twisted with disdain. "Your foolish infatuation clouds your judgment. What happens here is none of your concern.""She is my concern," Caspian retorted, his voice breaking with desperation. "And so is this madness. If you kill that man, we lose any chance of finding her. Donât make things worse, Father."The king's voice was ice. "I will handle this as I see fit. Leave. Now. Or I will make you leave.""No," Caspian declared, his voice steadier this time. "Iâm not leaving until I find her."A tense silence fell between them, the air thick with unspoken conflict. The kingâs glare was venomous, but Caspian didnât flinch. Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the tent.His heart pounded as he made his way through the camp.Caspianâs thoughts were consumed by Amelia. The moment he had learned she had been taken, a sense of urgency had driven him forward. He had disobeyed his father, abandoned the camp, and now he was hereâstanding on the quiet path of her Village , searching for answers.The village was small, nestled between mountains and thick forests. The scent of fresh earth and woodsmoke lingered in the air, and the snow covered cobbled paths were lined with modest homes. It didnât take long for Caspian to find the one he was looking for. Ameliaâs house stood at the end of a narrow street, a humble wooden dwelling with a small garden at its front. The place was peaceful, but to Caspian, it felt eerily silent, as if waiting for bad news to arrive.He stepped forward and knocked on the door. The sound echoed through the quiet evening. A few moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man with graying hair and sharp eyes filled with suspicion. Mr. Eric Risberg, Ameliaâs father.The instant he saw Caspianâs attire, his expression hardened. His jaw clenched, and a flicker of anger flashed across his features. "Why are you here?" he asked sharply, gripping the edge of the door. "Haven't your soldiers done enough?"Caspian took a breath, keeping his voice steady. "I was looking for your daughter. Has she come home?"Mr. Risbergâs eyes narrowed. "You're a soldierâyou should know where she is," he snapped. "No, she hasnât come here."Caspian hesitated, knowing no words would truly make up for what had happened. "Sir," he said, his voice quiet but firm, "I apologize for what my fatherâs men have done. They will be punished, I swear it." He looked Mr. Risberg in the eye, hoping he would understand his sincerity. "Please, do me a favor. If your daughter returns home, do not let her leave. No matter what."Fear flickered across Mr. Risbergâs face. His hands trembled slightly as he held the doorframe tighter. "Is she in danger?" His voice had lost its edge, replaced by a quiet dread.Caspian nodded grimly. "She might be. She was taken by the winged man from the forest."Mr. Risbergâs face paled. His knees buckled, and before he could steady himself, he collapsed to the floor. A broken sob tore from his throat. "Oh, my poor Amelia..." His voice cracked as tears welled in his eyes. "She never did anything wrong. She never deserved this."Caspian knelt beside him, placing a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder. "I will find her, sir," he vowed. "No matter what it takes, I will bring her back."Mr. Risberg wiped at his eyes, nodding weakly. "Please... just bring my daughter home."Caspian stood, his resolve only strengthening. "I will. And remember what I saidâif she returns, donât let her leave."Without another word, he turned and strode away from the house, his heart heavy yet determined. He had no intention of failing.It had been days since Amelia last saw Ivar. After he brought her to this mysterious realm filled with ethereal beauty and unsettling silence, he vanished without a word. The air hung thick with unanswered questions that gnawed at her mindâquestions about this place and most importantly, her family. How are they? Were they safe? The uncertainty weighed heavily on her heart.She stood by the tall arched window, gazing out at the vast landscape that stretched beyond the gardenâa shimmering expanse of emerald fields bordered by mist-shrouded woods. The sky was painted with hues of pale gold and soft lavender, colors she had never seen in her world. But even this mesmerizing scenery couldn't distract her from the storm brewing inside her.The soft creak of the door broke her reverie. Amelia turned to see Daisy, entering the room. She carried a silver tray laden with a feastâfluffy pastries, vibrant fruits, golden toast, and a pitcher of what looked like freshly pressed juice."Good morning, my lady," Daisy greeted with a cheerful smile. "Your breakfast is ready. Please let me know if it suits your liking."Amelia's eyes widened at the sight. She had never seen such a grand breakfast before, not even on special occasions back home. Her heart softened at Daisy's thoughtful presence."Thank you, Daisy," Amelia said warmly. "Youâre very kind."Daisy's expression softened further. "It is my duty, my lady. Lord Ivar instructed me to take good care of you."At the mention of Ivar, a flicker of hope lit in Amelia's chest. "Daisy," she asked hesitantly, "where is your Lord?"Daisy's cheerful demeanor faltered slightly. "He had important matters to attend to, my lady.""When will he return?" Amelia pressed, unable to hide the urgency in her voice.Daisy's face grew apologetic. "I do not know, my lady."Amelia sighed, trying to suppress her disappointment. "Thank you for your time, Daisy. You can go now."Daisy bowed politely and turned to leave, but Amelia's voice stopped her. "Daisy, wait."The maid paused and glanced back. "Yes, my lady?""Can I go outside after breakfast?" Amelia asked, her tone hopeful. She longed for fresh air and the chance to explore this strange place, even if only to distract herself from the unease gripping her.Daisy hesitated. "Iâm not sure, my lady. But if you truly wish to go out, I can ask Lord Alvin. He is in charge while Lord Ivar is away.""Please do," Amelia requested earnestly.Daisy gave a reassuring nod. "I will see to it, my lady." With that, she quietly exited the room.As the door clicked shut behind her, Amelia exhaled deeply. Her gaze returned to the window, her mind racing with thoughts. she needed to keep her composure. A few moments after Daisy left, a firm knock resonated through the door. Amelia turned, her curiosity piqued. The door creaked open to reveal a tall man with broad shoulders and an air of quiet authority. His long silver hair gleamed in the soft morning light, and his sharp features gave him an almost regal appearance. It was the same man she had seen on the day she arrived in this strange realm.He bowed slightly. "Good morning, my lady. I am Alvin. I've been informed that you wish to visit the garden. I've come to accompany you."Amelia offered a polite smile. "Thank you. I would appreciate that."As they walked side by side through the grand corridors, Amelia's eyes drifted to the intricate carvings on the walls and the shimmering crystals that lit the passageway. Everything about this place felt ethereal, as though it belonged to a world untouched by time.
Chapter 44: chapter 44
Beneath The Pale Blue Eyes•Words: 9167