Chapter 142

FELIX

I was halfway out the door before the messenger could even finish his sentence, racing at a full sprint down the hallways to welcome my friends back.

Joseph and Isla were waiting in my chambers, standing a little too close together to be platonic. I decided I would address that later.

“What did you learn?” I asked, bursting through the doors.

“You were right,” Isla said breathlessly, her eyes wide. “Magic used to be commonplace in Fresonia. It was everywhere. But something happened a long, long time ago that severed the powers from a majority of the people, along with their memories of the magic.”

“Sofia,” I breathed. I filled them in on everything I had learned, up to Esmeralda’s unknowing role in all of this.

“Poor Mila,” Isla said when I was done. “She must be out there somewhere, all alone. I hope she’s okay.”

“I think she’s figuring out her powers as we speak,” I said. “That must be the power surge I felt coming from the mountains.”

Isla still looked worried. “I just want her to know that she is loved.”

“She will,” I assured her.

At that moment, my parents burst into my chambers, with a still-chained Charles and a subdued Esmeralda hot on their heels.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, noting the troubled expressions on their faces.

“The riots have grown even closer to the castle,” my father said grimly. “They are now in the streets of Fresia.”

“I can’t deal with that right now,” I said. “I have to go find Mila.”

“Felix,” my father said. “They’ve gotten violent. It’s dangerous out there.”

“I’m sure it’s not as bad as you’re saying,” I said.

My father merely pointed to the large bay window overlooking the capital in response.

I rushed over to the window, Joseph right at my side.

From this vantage point, I could see most of the capital city sprawling out below me, my beloved apartment building sparkling in the distance. But what had once been quiet streets were now flooded with people.

Some were holding signs–but others were holding pitchforks. And even worse, guns.

My heart sank as I turned back to the others. “Have they breached castle security yet?”

“No,” my father said, “but it might be a good idea to move the dragons even closer.”

“They’re still so weak,” I said. “It might not be safe to move them.”

“I can work on that,” Esmeralda volunteered. “I’ll talk to the guards about the best ways to move dragons.”

“But that’s not all.” My father’s face was full of pain and concern.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, afraid of what the answer would be.

“The unrest has grown in all of the towns and villages across Fresonia. Only a handful are not currently experiencing riots,” my father explained.

“Were there riots in Stone Springs?” I asked Isla.

The maid shook her head. “Not yet, anyways. But there are definitely rumors about dragons swirling. In fact, my mother said she’s heard whispers about magic in the royal family for years.”

“Then we’ll just have an extra barrier on our search for Mila,” I reasoned. “That’s not the end of the world. I can handle a few riots.”

“Felix, they’ve surrounded the castle,” my father said, exasperated. “There’s no way to get out, even if you wanted to.”

“What about the secret tunnels?” I asked.

My mother sighed. “They lead directly into the capital, which is arguably the worst place for you right now.”

“So there’s no way out.” Great. I was trapped here, with my beloved somewhere out in the kingdom, no way of reaching her.

“I can create another portal for you,” Esmeralda spoke up. “I can get you out of the castle and into a remote part of the country. Your transportation from there will be up to you, but I can at least get you out of the way of the crowds.”

“We need someone to hold the line here if you’re going to be away,” my father said. “Someone who can make decisions that you would approve of. Someone you trust. And I don’t think it should be me.”

I knew that it pained my father to say that, but it was also a show of respect from him that I deeply appreciated.

“You haven’t appointed any advisors yet,” my mother continued. “Is there someone you trust to make those split-second decisions for you while you're away?”

I pointed at Joseph. “I appoint Joseph. He shall be my main advisor, in this time of emergency and then permanently moving forward.”

“What?” My friend blanched.

“I trust you,” I explained. “And you know how to handle yourself in an emergency.”

Joseph placed a hand over his heart. “I accept this role with honor, Your Majesty.”

“I’ll revoke it if you keep calling me Your Majesty,” I warned him.

Charles winked at me, a twinkle in his eye. Isla grabbed his arm excitedly before realizing that everyone was watching them. She dropped his arm and looked away.

“What shall we do about Charles?” I asked. “I want eyes on him at all times, but we need all our guards out there protecting the walls of the castle. There must be some other way to keep a handle on him.”

“I can make some magical shackles for him,” Esmeralda offered. “That will prevent him from attempting any treason. They will drag him back to the dungeons if he even thinks about betraying you again.”

I studied the witch for a moment. “Are you sure all this won’t put too much of a drain on your magic?”

“My role is to protect and serve the royal family,” Esmeralda said proudly. “It’s up to you and Mila now to restore the magic for everyone else. This is a sacrifice I am willing to make.”

I knew then that this last push from her might drain her of her magic permanently. And for a woman of her age, kept alive primarily through magic, that could be most dangerous indeed.

Before I could protest, Esmeralda smiled at me. “This is for the best. Believe me, Felix. We are all doing what we must for the kingdom.”

Charles spoke up, doubt in his voice. “Magical shackles?”

“It is the best way to keep you under control,” the witch said cheerfully.

I looked at my brother uncertainly. “You think this is a good idea?”

Charles swallowed. “It’s either that or the dungeons.”

I took a step towards my brother. “It means a lot that you are willing to put your pride aside and fight for the greater good of the kingdom. I know it’s hard for you, but we all do appreciate your help.”

“I know that you all do not trust me,” Charles declared, “so I will gladly wear the shackles. It’s the least I can do.”

I could tell that he was being sincere.

“Great,” I said. “You and Joseph hold down the fort here. Keep an eye on the riots in Fresia, and continue to monitor the state of magic both above and below ground.”

“What will you do?” My advisor asked, eying my brother warily.

“Isla and I are going to find Mila,” I said. “And there is not a second to lose.”