Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 105

Zaroka

My boots echoed with determined purpose through the stone corridors of Fenriswood Bastion. Servants and guards stepped aside as I passed, some pressing themselves against the walls to let me through. I could feel their eyes on my leather armor and the weight of my double-bladed battle axe across my shoulders—good. Let them know I meant business.

"Where is Vespera?" I asked a maid who was adjusting wall sconces.

"Third Legion Commander has just gone to the east wing armory, Your Highness," she replied with a slight tremor in her voice, keeping her head bowed.

I nodded without thanks and strode toward the armory. The east wing armory was a spacious stone structure, and I could see its heavy oak doors standing half-open from the corridor's end. As I approached, low voices drifted from within.

"...we must leave tonight. If we wait until tomorrow, Draven might not hold out." That was Vespera's voice, calm but resolute.

"Sir, going alone is too dangerous!" another voice responded—likely his deputy. "The borders are hostile now, and if Commander Garrick discovers your movements..."

"The King has already permitted Adelaide and Thalia to search for him. I must ensure their safety," Vespera interrupted.

My eyebrows rose as I immediately grasped the situation. Without hesitation, I pushed open the door and strode into the armory.

Vespera and a young werewolf deputy immediately turned toward the entrance, their expressions shifting from surprise to alertness. The deputy's hand moved to his sword hilt, but a gesture from Vespera made him relax.

"Princess Zaroka," Vespera regained his composed expression. "How may I serve you?"

I cut straight to the point. "You're going to rescue Draven?"

The atmosphere in the armory froze instantly. Vespera exchanged a glance with his deputy, who nodded knowingly and left, quietly closing the heavy door behind him.

Vespera sighed. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough." I stepped closer. "Draven is missing, Thalia found his location, and you plan to secretly mount a rescue."

Vespera silently studied me before finally nodding in acknowledgment. "Yes. Draven may possess crucial evidence to stop this war."

"You believe this war is a mistake," I stated—not a question, but a certainty.

"I believe this war was deliberately instigated," Vespera said quietly. "We've all been manipulated."

I suddenly grinned, feeling my tusks show. "Then I definitely must come with you."

Vespera clearly hadn't expected this response. "No, it's too dangerous. You're an orc princess—if anything happened to you..."

"Dangerous?" I laughed heartily, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "I've been dancing with danger since the day I was born, Commander. Besides," my expression grew serious, "my tribe might be drawn into this war. If I don't personally understand the truth, how can I defend orc honor?"

Vespera considered for a moment, then a rare smile touched his lips. "You truly are unlike most warriors I know."

"That's because I'm better than they are," I replied without modesty.

Vespera finally nodded in agreement. "Very well. Tonight at moonrise, meet at the oak grove west of Lycandor Keep. Bring necessary equipment, but travel light—we need to move quickly."

"I'll be there on time." I turned to leave but stopped at the doorway without looking back. "Thank you for your trust, Vespera."

I heard the slight surprise in his voice as he replied softly, "The honor is mine, Princess Zaroka."

---

Adelaide

I carefully parted the low-hanging branches as moonlight flowed like water across the edge of the forest west of Lycandor Keep. My heart hammered against my ribs as I moved cautiously toward the appointed meeting place.

The dark traveling clothes I wore—trousers, tunic, and deep gray hooded cloak—helped me blend into the shadows. At my waist hung the small knife and herb pouch Seraphina had specially prepared, while Lycanthar's silver wolf pendant rested against my chest, gleaming softly in the moonlight like a prayer for my safety.

Thanks to the secret passage Lycanthar had arranged, I successfully avoided most of the guards' sight lines. The night air was fresh and cold, clearing my thoughts even further. This adventure wasn't only to rescue Draven—it was to find the key to stopping the war that could destroy everything I loved.

As I approached the designated oak grove, I saw Vespera already waiting with four horses. He wore simple dark green leather armor without any legion insignia, looking more like an ordinary hunter than a werewolf legion commander. But what surprised me was the tall figure standing beside him—Zaroka, the orc princess, with her intimidating double-bladed battle axe slung over her shoulder.

"Adelaide," Vespera said quietly, nodding in acknowledgment. "You're punctual."

"Princess Zaroka?" I asked in surprise. "How are you here?"

Zaroka stepped forward, her golden eyes glinting with wild light in the moonlight. "I heard you were going to rescue a missing commander and possibly prevent an unnecessary war." She shrugged as if discussing an ordinary hunt. "Sounds like a worthwhile evening activity."

I looked to Vespera, who smiled slightly. "She learned of our plan and insisted on coming. Honestly, having another warrior is always good, especially one like Zaroka."

I considered for a moment, then nodded. "If Vespera trusts you, then I trust you too. Thank you for risking this, Princess Zaroka."

"On the battlefield, don't call me Princess," Zaroka corrected. "I'm just Zaroka, a warrior."

Just as we were conversing, I heard slight rustling from the forest. All three of us immediately became alert, and I watched Vespera's hand move to his sword hilt. Moments later, Thalia's figure emerged from the tree shadows. She wore a deep blue traveling robe and held a staff embedded with pale blue crystals. Though she appeared paler than usual, her eyes burned with unwavering determination.

"Sorry I'm late," Thalia said softly. "I had to ensure I wasn't followed."

Vespera nodded in understanding, then addressed all of us. "Now we're all here. According to Thalia's divination, Draven is in an abandoned hunter's lodge about twenty miles northeast of Greymill village. It's approximately six hours' ride from here. If all goes well, we can arrive before dawn."

"What about border patrols?" I asked. "Garrick must have increased security."

"I've already arranged tonight's western border patrol routes," Vespera replied. "We have a one-hour window to pass safely."

I watched as Thalia moved toward one of the horses, but she was visibly weak, her steps unsteady. I immediately went to support her. "Are you sure you can manage?" I asked quietly, my voice full of concern.

Thalia gave me a determined smile. "For Draven, I must persevere." She lowered her head, her voice so faint I could barely hear it. "And for the baby..."

I helped Thalia mount her horse. Vespera mounted his black warhorse while Zaroka easily swung onto her mount, looking eager for action. I also mounted my steed, feeling the tension and resolve that the dangerous journey ahead brought settle over me like a familiar cloak.

"Remember," Vespera gave final instructions, "our primary mission is to find Draven and bring him back. Avoid any unnecessary conflict. If we encounter danger, prioritize your own safety."

We all nodded in understanding. I took a deep breath and said quietly, "For peace."

The others responded solemnly. Vespera raised his hand in signal, and our four horses slowly moved forward towards the border, gradually melding into the night. The forest swallowed our forms, with only occasional hoofbeats proving our existence.

This nocturnal journey that might change the fate of two kingdoms had officially begun.