576 Prince Zeroth
When the introduction was out of the way, Ren asked the Prince, "Everyone is searching for you, Prince Zeroth. What are you doing here in this parts, if I may ask?"
Instead of Prince Zeroth, Elena was the one who answered; her smile fell, and her face darkened. "Hear this Ren. Prince Zeroth said my sister is here! She's been captive by Russet in Autumn Palace."
The words hung heavy in the air as Elena's revelation cast a somber shadow over the conversation.
Ren wasn't surprised at the news. He had a guess when he saw the Prince in the Fey Realm. "Is that right?"
The Prince nodded. "Yes. Sad to say that my mother is behind this. She's been working with the Queen of Air and Darkness in the shadows. They wanted to take down the White Elves and rule the mortal planes."
The Prince's voice resonated through the air, captivating Ren with its melodic quality. Every word he spoke seemed to carry weight and significance, weaving a tale of treachery and betrayal.
As the Prince revealed the sinister collaboration between his mother and the Queen of Air and Darkness, Ren matched it with the story that he knew. So far, there were bits of it that were the same.
Ren couldn't help but notice the effect the Prince's words had on Elena. Her eyes were fixed on him, drawn by the compelling combination of his mesmerizing voice and his noble countenance. At that moment, it was as if the Prince embodied both strength and vulnerability, a captivating figure who seemed destined for greatness.
Ren couldn't fault Elena for being charmed by the Prince's presence. His voice, like a soothing melody, resonated with a certain charm that was difficult to resist. It harmonized perfectly with his handsome features, creating an irresistible allure that Ren himself couldn't help but acknowledge.
"So you went here to save the princess but ended up trapped in the White Queen's domain."
The Prince's eyes bore a weight of sorrow as he nodded solemnly. "Indeed, the web of deceit stretches far and wide, and trust is a scarce commodity in these treacherous times. It was difficult to find someone I could confide in, someone who would believe and support my cause."
Ren's brow furrowed, his mind grappling with the implications of Princess Elaine's capture. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place, revealing a much deeper conspiracy at play.
He turned his gaze to the Prince, a glimmer of curiosity shining in his eyes. "Do you have any insight as to why Princess Elaine was targeted specifically?"
The Prince's expression grew grave; his voice tinged with a mixture of concern. "Elaine possesses a unique gift, aside from her exceptional healing abilities. She has been blessed with the ability to glimpse fragments of the future, to peer into the threads of destiny. It is likely that she has foreseen the impending danger that looms over the kingdom."
Elena chimed in, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and concern for her sister. "Elaine's visions, her dreams of the future, have always been a source of wonder and guidance. She has the uncanny ability to glean snippets of what is to come, and it is possible that her foresight threatened the plans of those who seek to plunge the mortal realms into chaos."
Prince Zeroth nodded, agreeing with Elena. "That's my initial thought as well."
His obsidian eyes, filled with determination, locked onto Ren's gaze, conveying a sense of unwavering resolve. "If you are to venture into the treacherous depths of the Autumn Palace, then I shall accompany you," he declared, his voice laced with an unwavering determination. "It is my duty to rescue Princess Elaine from the clutches of captivity and put an end to my mother's nefarious schemes. Moreover, our union, a marriage uniting the White Elves and Dark Elves, holds the promise of unity and hope for our fractured realms."
Ugh . . . Ren felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. He didn't mind about his cause, and he definitely didn't have anything against the Prince joining them. His stat was slightly greater than Elena, and he was proficient in both physical and magical damage as well.
Only an idiot would say no to him.
Though the Prince mostly dealt dark magic.
Ren's eyes went to Elena, gouging her expression. But the woman only looked at him with determination. Not one bit jealous about the marriage that Prince Zeroth spoke of.
Instead, Elena's eyes sparkled with a mixture of gratitude and concern for her beloved sister. She reached out and gently touched the Prince's arm, her voice filled with unwavering support. "We shall stand by your side, Prince Zeroth, in this perilous undertaking. Together, we shall navigate the treacherous path that lies ahead, facing the dangers that lurk within the Autumn Palace. Princess Elaine's freedom and the fate of our realms hang in the balance.
"We are bound by a shared purpose, a quest for justice and truth. Let us embark on this journey together, Prince Zeroth, united in our resolve to thwart the plans of darkness and bring light to our realms once more."
[With your fates intertwined and your hearts set on a noble mission, you stood united, ready to face the perils that awaited you. Bound by your unyielding courage and the strength of your bond, you would forge ahead, driven by the hope of reuniting your fractured lands and restoring peace to a realm overshadowed by darkness.]
What's with this prompt? Ren thought and could only shake his head.
"As promised," the White Queen's ethereal voice resonated through the chamber. "I shall fulfill my pledge and guide you to the heart of the Autumn Palace, shrouded in secrecy and concealed from prying eyes. May fortune favor your endeavors as you embark on this perilous quest," she declared, her tone laced with a touch of enigmatic wisdom.
With a wave of her hand, the White Queen conjured a subtle shimmering portal, an entranceway to the clandestine realm they sought. Its translucent beauty beckoned them forward, promising both danger and opportunity in equal measure.
"My Queen," Elena's voice trembled with a mix of determination and desperation as she made a final plea. Her eyes locked onto the enigmatic figure of the White Queen, hoping to sway her resolve. "Please, I implore you to reconsider. If you were to lend us your power, we would have a greater chance of success in our journey to save my sister and the realm."
