CHAPTER 19: Panic

7:06 PM 7/19/2024
Chapter 19: Panic
"Hey, Raze"

Claressa lifted her head and saw Isla.
"I should have known. You're the only one that calls me by my middle name".

"Did you have brain damage from being here too long? Don't you forget. My father also calls you that".

"Isla, I'm very sure that you didn't just come here to talk about my name"

"Why? Should there be another reason?"

"Come on, Isla. Be serious".

Isla took in a deep breath.
"Claressa, how have you been doing in here?"

"Very well. As you can see".

"The guards and the maids are saying that you haven't been eating well".

"I don't think a normal person in his right mind will be able to eat well when he knows his days are numbered", Claressa said, revealing a pained smile.

"My dear cousin, you're just too much. You need to eat if you're going to use your strength".

"Use my strength? Isla, what do you mean by that?"

Isla slammed her lips shut because she had said something she shouldn't have.
"Just forget I said anything. It's nothing".

"Isla?", Claressa called with a pressing tone. Isla had to bend down slightly.

"Claressa, your mother is doing this for you. You must make sure you eat. In fact, I'm going to tell them to bring you a tray of your best dishes
right now".

"My mom? What is she doing?"

"Your mom and your friends including me is in on this. We are going to break you out. Tonight".

****
In the castle courtyard,
The king, Cedrick and Gamaliel were taking a walk in the courtyard while discussing matters.
"Your Majesty, the deadline is tomorrow. What are you going to do?", Cedrick asked.

"I'm not sure. But I plan to see her tomorrow before I leave for Moonhaven. Gamaliel, what do you think?"

"Regardless of what your decision is, personally I think that you try to save her. She's your daughter. However, I think the people are divided.
Some don't want a war so they're in favor of having Claressa killed while some love the princess so much they are actually ready to go to war to protect her".

"Are they in a panic of any kind?"

"No, Your Majesty. They're actually calm".

They didn't notice that, beside them Cedrick was laughing inwardly. �The people don't need to be in a panic. It's you".

Chapter end