Chapter 43: Rose determination

Chapter 43: Rose determination The sun cast long shadows across the stone walls of the inn as the group gathered in the small room they had rented upon arriving in Vylonia. Elira sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the guards patrolling the streets below. "I still wonder why those soldiers allowed us to pass without asking questions or checking our belongings," she said, breaking the contemplative silence that had fallen over them. Captain Diana looked up from the map spread across the small wooden table. "The border guards of Vylonia have always been more concerned with those leaving their kingdom than those entering it. They assume anyone foolish enough to enter uninvited will meet justice within their borders soon enough." Rose stood quietly in the corner, her face an impassive mask. ’If only they knew it was my influence that clouded their minds as we passed,’ she thought, remembering how she had subtly diverted the guards’ attention. ’A simple trick, but damn effective. These fools have no idea what I’m capable of when Eren’s safety is at stake. I’d burn this whole kingdom to ashes if it meant finding her.’ Lyra remained by the other window, her sharp eyes tracking the movement of elven guards along the cobblestone streets. Frustration etched lines across her normally composed features as she turned to face the others. "Five days we’ve been searching, and still no sign of Eren," she said, her voice tight with restrained emotion. "Every lead goes cold before we can pursue it. It’s as if she vanished into the forest itself." Across the room, Naia sat cross-legged on the floor, her hands extended before her as a small sphere of water rotated between her palms. Each day since their arrival, she had devoted hours to training, maintaining the control of her elemental powers that might lead them to Eren. Captain Diana watched her approvingly. "Your control has improved significantly," she noted. "Remember, the essence of water isn’t just in its flow but in its persistence. It finds paths where none seem possible." Rose observed them silently, her thoughts returning always to Eren. ’Where are you hiding, my beloved? What secrets have you discovered that drove you so far from home—from me? I swear I’ll find you if I have to tear apart every damn tree in this cursed forest.’ Lyra suddenly straightened, her attention captured by a memory. "Yesterday, I overheard people talking in the marketplace about a woman—one of the soldiers here. They say she speaks to the nature spirits around the realms to locate people. Apparently, she’s found numerous fugitives this way." "That could be our best chance of finding Eren," Naia said, allowing the water sphere to dissolve back into mist. "The problem is," Lyra continued, "this woman resides within the palace itself. None of us can approach without risking recognition. The royal court of Vylonia has had diplomatic relations with Moonlight Kingdom for generations—they would recognize members of our royal family immediately." Elira shook her head firmly. "I cannot go back into another danger like that," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "The memories of that battle at the ridge—I still see their faces when I close my eyes." "Nor would I ask it of you," Captain Diana said gently. "You’ve faced enough horrors for one journey." She frowned thoughtfully. "I’m not suited for subterfuge either. My years as Captain of the Royal Guard have made my face too well-known among the nobility of neighboring kingdoms." The room fell into heavy silence as they contemplated their limited options. After several moments, Naia’s face brightened with sudden inspiration. "I could go," she offered, sitting up straighter. "With a simple disguise—" "Absolutely not," Lyra cut in sharply. "It’s too dangerous. If you’re discovered, we’d lose any advantage we might have in negotiating for Eren’s return." While the sisters argued, Rose stepped forward from her corner, drawing the attention of the room. "I will go," she said, her voice quiet but firm. Lyra opened her mouth to protest, but Rose continued before she could speak. "I’m the only logical choice. No one knows my face. I can easily pass as a servant seeking employment at the palace—they’re always in need of extra hands. The guards would never suspect a kitchen servant ." Captain Diana studied Rose with newfound respect. "She’s right," she admitted reluctantly. "Her plan offers the least risk." Lyra’s brow furrowed with concern. "But if you’re caught—" "I won’t be," Rose said with such calm certainty that even Lyra seemed momentarily reassured. After some further discussion, they agreed that Rose would enter the palace the following morning. Lyra spread a rough sketch of the palace layout across the table, pointing to various entrances and corridors. "The servants’ entrance is here, on the eastern side," she explained. "Once inside, you’ll need to navigate to the military wing in the northern section. Our information suggests this tracker, Ester, has quarters near the captain’s office." "If you can convince her to leave the palace grounds, we can intercept her here," Captain Diana added, indicating a secluded garden area on the map. "Be careful not to arouse suspicion. Just gather information about Eren if you can, and try to lure Ester outside." Naia approached Rose, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "Thank you for doing this," she said sincerely. "Please be careful." Rose nodded, her face betraying nothing of the determination burning within her. ’I would slaughter every guard in this damn place if it meant finding Eren. This palace is nothing.’ ** The next morning, Rose walked alone through the streets of Vylonia. Unlike the crystal and stone architecture of Moonlight Kingdom, Vylonia’s structures were built into massive trees, with bridges of woven vines connecting various levels. The elven guards were all bald, their heads gleaming in the sunlight that filtered through the leafy canopy above—a stark contrast to the citizens who wore their hair in elaborate styles adorned with flowers. ’So different from Moonlight Kingdom,’ Rose thought as she approached the palace. ’No wonder Eren might seek refuge here. But I’ll find her. I’ll always find her, no matter where she tries to hide.’ The palace itself rose from the heart of the largest tree in the kingdom. Its entrance was a natural archway formed by curving roots, with guards standing at attention, their armor crafted from hardened bark and reinforced with metal. Following Lyra’s instructions, Rose circled toward the eastern side where servants came and went. She merged easily with a group entering through a less guarded doorway, keeping her head down and her movements purposeful. Inside, the palace corridors were illuminated by glowing crystals that cast soft light across walls of living wood. Rose moved through the servants’ corridors with practiced ease, nodding acknowledgment to those who greeted her. "You must be new," a young elven servant said, falling into step beside Rose. "I’m Lily." "Yes, just arrived," Rose replied, keeping her voice soft. ’I don’t have time for this useless chatter. Every second wasted is another second away from my Eren.’ "If you’re looking for work assignments, the steward’s office is down that corridor," Lily said, pointing. "But if you need anything else, my quarters are near the western kitchens." Rose thanked her and continued on her way, making her way through the winding corridors to the military wing. When she finally reached it, she slowed her pace, noting the increased presence of guards. The third door past the captain’s office bore an intricate carving of intertwined vines. Taking a deep breath, Rose knocked firmly. "Enter," called a voice from within. Rose stepped inside and closed the door behind her. The room was surprisingly sparse—a simple bed, a wooden desk covered with maps, and walls adorned with dried herbs and plants. Standing by the window was an elven woman with a shaved head, her back to the door. ’This is it,’ Rose thought, recalling Lyra’s instructions. ’Lure her outside so they can ambush her.’ Instead, Rose cleared her throat. "They told me to lure you outside so they could ambush you," she said bluntly, "but I find the idea stupid and dumb." The woman turned sharply, her hand reaching for the sword at her belt. She was tall and lean, with striking green eyes that seemed to glow against her dark skin. Intricate tattoos of leaves and vines wound their way up her neck and across her scalp. "What do you mean?" Ester demanded, fingers closing around the hilt of her weapon. "I was hoping to do this the easy way," Rose said, her demeanor changing completely as she stepped forward. "But for the love of Eren, I’ll do it the hard way." Before Ester could draw her blade, Rose raised her hand. The air in the room seemed to thicken, becoming heavy and oppressive. Ester found herself moving involuntarily toward Rose, her limbs no longer responding to her commands. Rose’s eyes, once soft, now burned with cold intensity. "Tell me where Eren, daughter of Queen Elysia, is hiding," she commanded, her voice resonating with power. Ester struggled against the invisible force that held her. "I—I don’t—" she gasped. "Do not waste my time with lies," Rose hissed. "I know she came to Vylonia." Sweat beaded on Ester’s brow as she fought against Rose’s power. Finally, her resistance crumbled. "She never came to Vylonia," she whispered, the words seemingly pulled from her unwilling lips. Rose’s grip tightened invisibly. "Then where is she?" Ester’s eyes unfocused slightly as she reached out with her tracking senses. Rose watched in fascination as the tattoos on Ester’s skin seemed to pulse with a faint glow. "I can sense her essence," Ester said, her voice taking on an otherworldly quality. "The trees whisper of her passage. The stones remember her footsteps. She is in Thornvale, has been there for days now. She never came through Vylonia." Rose held her gaze for a long moment, searching for deception. Finding none, she released her magical hold. Ester collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath. "If you sound the alarm," Rose warned quietly, "I will return. And I will not be as merciful." With that, she slipped out the door and back into the corridor, resuming her servant’s posture as she made her way swiftly toward the exit. ’Thornvale,’ Rose thought, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. ’Hiding so far away, my love? It doesn’t matter. I’d follow you to the ends of this world and beyond. Nothing will keep us apart. Nothing and no one.’ "Thornvale Kingdom," Rose announced upon returning to their inn room. "Eren is in Thornvale. She never came through Vylonia at all." Lyra looked up sharply from the book she’d been studying. "Thornvale? That makes no sense. They’re known for their isolation and hostility toward outsiders." "Yet that’s where she is," Rose replied confidently. "The tracker confirmed it. I saw her powers at work—her tracking magic is incredible. The tattoos on her skin glowed as she connected with the elements." "How did you manage to get this information?" Captain Diana asked, her expression suspicious. "Did you follow the plan we discussed?" ’If only you knew what I’m capable of, you suspicious witch,’ Rose thought, but kept her expression neutral. "I found another approach more effective," she said simply. "The important thing is that we now know where to search next." Naia embraced Rose impulsively. "Thank you! This is the first real lead we’ve had in days." Elira looked troubled. "Thornvale borders the Forgotten Wastes. The journey there will be perilous." "We leave at dawn," Captain Diana declared, already studying their maps for the best route. "We’ll need supplies for at least a week’s journey." As the others busied themselves with preparations, Rose stood by the window, her gaze turned northward toward Thornvale. ’I’m coming, Eren,’ she thought, a slight smile playing at the corners of her lips. ’Whatever you’re searching for, whatever danger you face, I will find you. Nothing in this damn world will keep us apart. You are mine and mine alone.’