14. Light at the End of the Cave

Finally, I saw a glimmer of light at the end of that long cave of stairs.

I stepped out, blinking against the brightness—and I was back.

Back in my kingdom.

Back home.

I sprinted into the forest at the top of the mountain, right beside the roaring waterfall.

The sight of it brought back memories of Vascor’s and Cassian’s techniques—their monstrous ideas when they were still little children.

How on earth had they conceived such a magnificent plan as burning a house to gain attention, even in the midst of stress?

I couldn’t concentrate that well as a child back then, and even now, i still would be able to do so in my own.

If it weren’t for that vivid image of fire where the house once stood, I’d never have realized what I’d done.

So once again, it's all thanks to my brother...

Using his idea, I set the entire forest ablaze using the fire source I’d managed to get from the village.

The flames served as both our shield and our curse—they separated the enemy kingdom’s warriors from Elliot and me, yet they also chased us relentlessly.

I couldn’t stop running.

Every step pounded with regret:

“If only I’d listened better to those lectures—I would have known where the soldier bases were.”

Before long, I heard many voices and the pounding of footsteps.

Soldiers, I hoped, drawing ever nearer. “Please. Please. Please!”

I pleaded silently as my legs, already betraying me, began to give in.

Elliot, light as a feather compared to my lazy, untrained limbs, seemed almost weightless in my arms.

If only…

if only…

if only it had been Vascor,

carrying Elliot instead.

He could have done it, right?

After all, he’s so much better than I am…

Then, in the midst of my despair, I voiced out desperately my wish:

“VASCOR, SAVE USSSS!!!”

...

In that moment, I saw the soldier base—my soldier base—the very men of my kingdom.

Suddenly, hope surged inside me.

I was saved.

Liam, overcome with relief, collapsed to his knees as he held the still-unconscious Elliot close in his arms.

That was the first time Liam truly cried—the nonchalant prince finally broke down that day.

Soon, the soldiers took them in, loading us into a carriage and bringing us to the castle—a place deemed the safest haven for us.

The prince warned them about the enemy kingdom’s warriors, and the soldiers stood ready.

Ever since the day the royal children reappeared, security in that area had been taken with utmost seriousness.

All I could think was:

Finally, I will meet my brother again.

And then, maybe, we will all

be safe.

...Right?

____

Thanks for reading.

I plan to do an open end. So this is it for now.

Maybe or maybe not, I will make one or two last chapter/s to clear up Elliots actual identity. But this will change everything then.

Not sure whether I want to confuse you too much....

Either way...

Please give me a quick feedback :)

Oh and share your thoughts on the chapters with me, I love reading comments, especially, when they are funny and relatable :D

I hope you enjoyed reading it.

:)

Yours sincerely ~♡

-Author