222 King Regin's Wrath

After they left and had gotten far from the initial battleground, Cari moved out from where he was hiding.

"Now this mission just became a whole lot troublesome.' He thought to himself and let out a sigh, before following after them.

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~ELVEN KINGDOM – PALACE~

After Aelfdene went on his own to search out Astrid, all he could find was another dead end and finally returned back to the place.

In the throne room, King Regin is seen sitting on his throne, with his right hand raised to support his chin and the other tapped away lazily as he listened to the matters of the kingdom and presided over them.

To his side was his son, Prince Terrence, who stood near a table load of scrolls. He had one of them opened in his hands as his eyes moved up and down, reading its content.

Just then the doors to the throne room opened with General Aelfdene, Cleon, Lyklor and Borak walking in.

"Your Majesty, your royal highness," they all chorused and bowed their head inform of respect as they greeted them.

Upon seeing them, Regin's eyes lit up. He had long been expecting them and waiting for their good news ever since his meeting with General Ivan, Cleon, Clive, Lieutenant Flynn and his children.

They had informed him of all that transpired in the forest as well as Avery's feat with the beasts.

He was more than proud upon hearing all that she did, especially when they faced off Astrid outside the forest peak and her ability to lead and command the soldiers with her.

He was only sad that Astrid had gotten away and his precious princess became hurt. So upon seeing the last troop that went in search of Astrid, he was more than joyed to hear what news they had for him.

"Welcome my generals," Regin welcomed them, his hands spread at his side as he got up from his throne and walked over to where they stood. "Rise, Rise."

His face brightened and beamed with happiness, with the corners of his eyes cringing from sheer delight and showing how in-dept his smile went.

He walked up to Aelfdene first and placed his hands on his shoulder, looking into his brown eyes and shaking his body lightly. He proceeded to do the same to the others before moving to stand in front of them.

"Welcome," Terrence also greeted them, dropping the scroll in his hands on the table and proceeded to stand close to his father.

"Thank you, your majesty, crown prince Terrence," Aelfdene spoke up, being the main leader of the troops.

What he did next, left everyone in shock, as his legs gave way and he half knelt on the ground before the King and Prince.

"Forgive me, your majesty," he apologized. Raising one hand and placing it across his chest to rest on his left shoulder, he lowered his head again.

"Rise, General." His calm and deep voice reverberating in the entire throne as silence ensued. The other soldiers didn't kneel down yet, they all did not understand why he did so, all except Cleon.

He understood perfectly, seeing that he himself did the same thing when he met the king after returning from the forest.

"I am afraid I cannot sire, I would accept all due punishment," he replied the king, his eyes and head still lowered.

"Why? What are you sorry for?" Regin asked him, knowing partially why his General was behaving that way.

He wouldn't deny it, General Aelfdene and Cleon were one of his most trusted Generals even though they weren't very old in age, but they offered their service and loyalty to him without question and if put in a tough situation, they would offer their life for him.

This was the very reason he sent them first on the mission to bring Avery back because he could trust them with his life and daughters.

"For putting the Princess's life at risk and for not adhering to your instructions to return her to the palace safe and sound," he replied Regin, his voice calm and clear but held a sense of guilt in them.

"Hmm." Not saying much, Regin stepped to the side where General Lyklor stood.

Before any of them knew what was happening, he pulled out Lyklor's sword from his sheath at his side and stepped back, turning to face Aelfdene with the tip of the sword pointed under his chin.

He moved so fast that they could barely have predicted his movements or known he was aiming for Lyklor's sword.

Lyklor stood there in a daze, his mouth and eyes opened at what just happened. The others took a step forward, wanting to intervene, but when they saw the cold look in King Regin's eyes, everyone stayed back and kept their mouth shut.

They knew better than to speak when the King's eyes turned dead cold like that. He could punish and deal the same fate to you if he was not in a good mood, so it was wise not to refute him at times like this when his eyes grew cold.

It was obvious where his third son, Prince Blade took it from, that cold nature.

He was sure an offspring of their King and unfortunately his was worst, sending a chill down the spine of those who crossed him or butted into his business when he wanted to be alone.

If only he hadn't locked everyone out and followed in his father's shoes, he would have been the most loved prince in the kingdom as his looks, skills, speed and power bested all others in the kingdom.

Even his elder brother was second to him, same as his father King Regin whose speed couldn't compare to his son's.

"Then you accept your punishment for endangering the life of the princess?" King Regin's cold voice rang out.

"I accept."