Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 140

Adelaide

The first rays of dawn pierced through the gaps in my curtains. My fingers traced over the various magnificent gowns and royal robes hanging within, finally stopping at a simple travel pack tucked away in the deepest corner. Four years ago, I had carried this very pack when I left for Silverhowl. Now it would once again bear the weight of my journey to that place that existed somewhere between nightmare and dream.

"Your Highness, do you require assistance?" my handmaiden asked softly, watching as I pulled the dust-covered pack from the depths of the closet.

"No, thank you. I prefer to prepare alone," I replied, my voice carrying a note of finality. I began selecting practical clothing. The trials of Silverhowl had hardened my resolve; I no longer felt the same fear that had consumed me four years ago when facing this dangerous journey.

As I folded a thick cloak, urgent knocking interrupted my preparations.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your immediate presence in his study," a guard announced respectfully.

I drew a deep breath, set down my belongings, and smoothed my attire. I had known this moment would inevitably come.

King Edmund Valendria stood at the window of his spacious study, his silver-white hair gleaming in the morning light. When I entered, he didn't immediately turn, continuing to gaze out at the beautiful landscape of Eldoria.

"Father, you summoned me?" I asked quietly.

The king slowly turned, his expression grave and weary. "General Marcus reported last night's events to me. The message that werewolf apprentice brought—about the Wolf King being poisoned." He paused. "He also told me you're already preparing to depart for Silverhowl."

I straightened my shoulders. "Yes, Father. I must go."

"Must?" The king's voice rose slightly. "Four years ago, I sent you because we had no choice. But now it's different, Adelaide. Silverhowl's internal problems are not our concern."

"On the contrary, Father," I replied calmly. "If the Wolf King dies and vampires seize power, it will be catastrophic for Eldoria."

The king moved to his desk, where a map lay spread across its surface. "Do you truly believe you alone can change anything? That place is filled with danger, and—" He paused, seeming to search for the right words. "And he chose another over you, Adelaide. I've heard of his betrayal."

A sharp pain pierced my chest, but I maintained my composed expression. "This isn't about personal feelings, Father. This is about our kingdom's security, about the lives of thousands of Eldorian citizens."

I approached the map, pointing to the border between Silverhowl and Eldoria. "For the past four years, our border has remained peaceful. This wasn't by accident. Lycanthar kept his promise, despite having the power to destroy us. If he dies, if Garrick or vampires take control, that peace will cease to exist."

The king nodded thoughtfully but remained reluctant. "Even so, why must you be the one to risk this danger? We could send envoys—"

"Because only a Moon Bride's blood can purify black magic corruption," I interrupted. "And in all these lands, I am the only Moon Bride."

My voice grew more resolute. "Moreover, Father, humanity owes the werewolves redemption. Three hundred years ago, it was our ancestors who betrayed the two-race covenant, allying with vampires to attack them during the eclipse moon. The werewolves have already shown restraint by not launching full-scale war out of desire for peace. Now it's our turn to extend a helping hand."

The king sighed deeply and sat at his desk. "You're right, my daughter. The Valendria ancestors did commit grave errors. They were seduced by vampires, blinded by promises of gain." He looked up at me. "But that doesn't mean I must again send my daughter alone into the wolf's den."

"Father—"

"Let me finish, Adelaide." The king's voice was gentle but firm. "I won't stop you from going, because I know you're right. But this time you won't go alone. Alexander and his elite forces will escort you to the border and station there, ready to provide support. Four years ago, I allowed my daughter to venture alone for the kingdom's benefit. Four years later, I won't make the same mistake."

Tears welled in my eyes as I walked to my father's side, kneeling and grasping his hand. "Thank you, Father."

The king stroked my hair, his eyes filled with both pride and concern. "I have only one request, Adelaide. If the situation becomes critical, don't hesitate—withdraw immediately. No mission is worth sacrificing your life."

I nodded in agreement, though I knew in my heart that some vows were destined to be difficult to fully honor.

Returning to my chambers, I continued packing. I withdrew a small dagger, testing its sharpness before concealing it in my boot. This was a lesson learned in Silverhowl—always prepare an escape route.

Another knock came, this one softer.

"Enter," I said, not looking up from my preparations.

The door opened to reveal Thalia standing there, her golden hair radiant as always, but her face alarmingly pale. "Were you planning to leave without saying goodbye, Adelaide?"

I looked up sharply, seeing my friend's weakened state, and immediately dropped what I was holding to rush to her side. "Thalia, you shouldn't have left your bed. The physician said you need rest."

Thalia shook her head, allowing me to help her to a comfortable chair. "Something's happened in Silverhowl, hasn't it? What news did that werewolf apprentice bring?" She looked directly into my eyes. "You're going back, aren't you?"

I hesitated, having intended to hide this from Thalia to spare her additional burden. But her direct question left me no escape. "Yes. Alexander and his forces will accompany me." I finally admitted. "The Wolf King has been corrupted by vampire black magic. If it isn't purified, he'll completely lose his sanity, and all of Silverhowl will descend into chaos."

Thalia's eyes blazed with determination. "I'm coming with you."

"No, absolutely not!" I immediately objected. "Thalia, your physical condition—"

"My physical condition is precisely why I must go," Thalia interrupted, her voice surprisingly firm. "Adelaide, we both know my time is limited. Before I leave this world, I must see Draven once more."

I knelt before Thalia, grasping her hands. "Thalia, the journey will be perilous. Your body may not withstand it. Think of Nova and Pax—they need you."

"They need their father more," Thalia's voice was soft yet resolute. "Draven has the right to know the truth, to spend these final days with me and the children." She paused, looking directly into my eyes. "And don't tell me you're going to Silverhowl solely for Eldoria's peace. You're worried about him too, aren't you? Worried about Lycanthar."

I avoided her gaze. "This is for the kingdom's security."

Thalia smiled and shook her head. "Ask your heart, Adelaide. Can you truly let go of Lycanthar? Can you bear the pain of losing him?" She gently squeezed my hand. "My concern for Draven is no different from your feelings for Lycanthar."

I fell silent for a moment, feeling tears gathering in my eyes. I had tried to convince myself that returning was purely out of duty, but Thalia's words exposed the deepest truth in my heart. "You always see through me, Thalia."

"That's because our hearts are so similar," Thalia smiled. "So, may I come with you?"

I sighed deeply and finally nodded. "But you must promise me that if your condition worsens during the journey, you'll return immediately."

Thalia agreed to this condition, and we began discussing travel details and necessary preparations. As we became absorbed in our planning, I thought I heard a faint sound outside the door, but it quickly faded away, and I didn’t think much of it.