The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 59: The Mirage Of Power

The rain poured heavily, drenching Alexia as she sprinted through the dimly lit streets of the city. Her breaths came in quick, ragged bursts, her chest heaving as she clutched her sheathed sword tightly at her side. The water splashed beneath her boots with every hurried step. "I need to hurry," she muttered, her voice barely audible over the storm's relentless roar.

Glancing down at her hand mid-stride, her gaze locked onto the dark, ominous ring glinting on her finger - the Dark Swordsman's ring. It felt warm despite the chill of the rain, a constant reminder of the one who gave it to her. "Good thing he came back," Alexia whispered, her lips curling into a faint, fleeting smile.

Her steps quickened, her eyes hardening with resolve. The smile faded, replaced by a fierce determination. "Now, the only thing left is getting to the Crystal Chalet. Right away."

"Princess Alexia!"

Alexia froze mid-step, her boots still splashing in the puddles as she turned sharply toward the source of the voice. A Crimson Order knight stood before her, his armor gleaming in the dim light, despite the heavy rain. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, and his expression was stern, though his eyes betrayed a hint of hesitation.

"If you're here to ask me to go back to the castle," Alexia said, her voice cold and unwavering, "then you better back off."

The knight visibly flinched, his breath catching for a moment. But he straightened, locking his gaze on her with newfound resolve. Trembling slightly, he drew his sword and raised it in a formal stance, his voice trembling but firm as he spoke.

"It's a direct message from His Highness, Princess."

Alexia's eyes widened in disbelief, her grip on the hilt of her sheathed sword loosening slightly. "My father?" she whispered, her voice laced with both surprise and trepidation. The words lingered in the air, almost lost amidst the relentless downpour.

Her father, the King of Midgar, was a man of few words when it came to her. Direct messages from him were as rare as a clear night sky in the midst of the stormy season. The thought that he had reached out to her - now, of all times - sent a shiver through her, though it wasn't from the cold rain soaking her to the bone.

For a fleeting moment, Alexia's lips parted in a small smile, her heart swelling with a long-sought sense of recognition. Could it be that her actions tonight - protecting the capital from impending danger - had finally caught his attention?

She swallowed hard, the smile fading as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the steadfast determination she wore like armor. There would be time to process her emotions later. For now, she had to know the truth behind this message.

"Speak," she commanded, her voice steady yet tinged with curiosity. "What does my father want with me?"

The knight hesitated, glancing down before meeting her eyes again, his expression conflicted. "His Majesty bids you return to the castle immediately. He said..." The knight paused, seemingly unsure of whether to continue.

Alexia narrowed her eyes. "What did he say?"

"His Majesty..." He hesitated again, his voice faltering. "He said, 'Your actions have been reckless. You've endangered the kingdom by defying my orders. As the second daughter, you have no right to make decisions on your own. Return at once, or face the consequences of your disobedience.'"

The weight of the words hung heavy in the air, the storm's fury a mere backdrop to the bitter sting of her father's disappointment. Alexia's face paled, and for a brief moment, it felt as though the world had shifted beneath her feet.

"Reckless?" she whispered, her voice cracking as she tried to hold back the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "I... I was only trying to protect the people..."