Chapter 48

Samara's POV
Zairo and I were interrupted when one of my soldiers announced Grandpa's arrival. Zairo bowed slightly and stood to the side. I looked at Grandpa who was staring straight at me.
"Today is your fiancè's coronation. Why are you here? You must be there to show your support to the upcoming king of filifia because you're going to be his bride within a month Samara!" Grandpa's voice sounded like thunder in the four corners of my office
I sighed as I sat down, "I still have a lot to finish Lo and Dwight and I have already talked about this matter. I'm truly sorry if I can't go there, I want to go but .... I had responsibilities Lo, "I explained
"What responsibilities are we talking about here in Samara?" Grandpa's eyes dimmed "I am so very proud of you my granddaughter. You were the first woman to establish the palace after a big tragedy. You kept your promises. I can see the difference between now and before but Samara, even though you're the Queen, you're still Dwight's soon-to-be-bride. I felt so bad putting you here, giving you more responsibilities but I can't do anything. I am old and weak. I can ' t rule the kingdom anymore. As the Queen of Filifia too, Wife of Dwight, you had to fulfill your responsibilities to him, "Lolo
I smiled then took Grandpa's hand, "I know, Grandpa. I know what responsibility I have so as much as I can, I want to end all the problems that should have been solved a long time ago. I don't want to marry Dwight when I can't "My own country has been fixed. So Lo, I need your understanding now like my beloved fiancè had. I will end my responsibility here first before I become Dwight's wife," I explained.
Grandpa shook his head, "If only your father was here. You wouldn't be this pressured." Grandpa said sadly
I hugged Grandpa to erase the sadness he was feeling, then I looked at Zairo who's staring at me. He smiled meaningfully.
***
Because it was a big gathering. Everyone came with Ly, Tita Liana, Grandpa and also General William to present our kingdom. General William had intended to stay here but I forbade him. I took him with my grandfather so that he could take good care of my family. I have Zairo with me so I am confident.
The two soldiers opened the large railing that was the door to the dungeon. Our footsteps made a sound into the prison of the traitor to the kingdom.
"Good afternoon to you Minister Costomo," I said in a simple voice
He stood up on the wooden bed on which he was lying as if he had seen a ghost.
"A-What are you doing m-here! Go away!" He shouted in a confused voice
"You don't have the rights to command the Queen to leave her own place. Know your limit Costomo," Zairo
"Open it," I commanded sternly
The two soldiers looked at me in surprise. They were hesitant to follow me so I narrowed my eyes at them.
"K-Majesty," I heard Lady Son whisper
"Will you open it or will I put you there?" I threaten
They quickly complied and opened the railing that locked Costomo inside. The former minister's stares at me were brave but that disappeared when I pulled out the sword from Zairo's side.
"Milady!"
"Majesty!"
They all stiffened to their feet as I walked inside to where Costomo was. The tip of the sword rubbing against the floor made a noise.
"F-Forgive me y-your majesty! Forgive me for my audacity! G-I'll do everything majesty! K-anything! Please! Dear queen! W-Don't kill me! Majesty!"
He falls to his knees as his hands fold begging me. He overtook him when I stabbed the sword to the ground and it sank with force.
"Leave us! Now!" I shout authoritatively
I knew they were nervous about what I was doing but they complied as well. I turned to Costomo as they left. Costomo seemed to lose his breath when the tip of the sword I was holding hit his neck.
"Where are they fortifying?" I asked coldly
He was even more pale with my question so I knew he had an idea in my question.
"W-what are you saying, Your Majesty?"
"Don't get up early if you don't want to throw you in the lions' den!" Trembling, I said, "I'll repeat Costomo's question. Where are they fortifying?"
A few minutes passed but he did not speak so I stepped back, "Prepare to meet the lions Minister Costom—"
"S-I'll tell you k-majesty! Don't send me away!"
"Spill it out. Now!"
***
"Are you sure he's telling the truth Milady?" Zairo asked doubtfully
I sat down then opened the drawer under the table and picked up an envelope.
"I can only make sure that's true when we go. Send two people to make sure Costomo is telling the truth. Let me know right away," I ordered.
"Yes milady," Zairo replied
I sighed and sat up tiredly, "I can't believe it. All this time ....." I bit my lips to stop myself from being emotional
Zairo gave me a small happy smile, "Me too milady but I am happy for you,"
"Thank you Zairo. You've been a very trusted ally but I won't be happy now, I want to make sure first if what he said is true," I said determinedly.
"I know what to do milady. We'll set up traps," a mischievous smile appeared in his lips
"Traps?"
"Yes milady!"
"You're indirectly telling me to play wit the enemies Zairo," I said seriously
"Exactly milady. They are trained but your armies was more trained. Maybe it's time for you to show how powerful the Ihmapuleya become," Zairo
"Thanks my adviser but there's a right time for that," I smiled
He sat on the sofa while thinking deeply. I could see that in his face.
"If she was alive ... What about him?" Zairo asked
"There's only one thing to find out," I leaned back in my chair
Zairo looks curious what I was thinking. I took courage first before getting up from my seat and exiting.
"10 of my soldiers. You will come with me," I ordered
"What are you planning Milady?" Zairo was clueless
"If he's dead then there must be a cadaver Zairo unless he was taken away," I said seriously
I went to the gate with the shampoo on my staff. Lady Son looked at me in surprise when she met me.
"K-Majesty? Where are you going?" Lady Son
"At my father's grave. Do you know ... where he was buried?" I will ask
"O-Opo majesty. It was Minister Costomo who presented that grave at the top of Mount Ilopos," Lady Son
I clenched my fists to control the anger that was welling up in my veins. They planned it so well. Very well.
"You'll join me there," I commanded and continued walking but I stopped "Don't forget to bring a shovel for digging,"
***
It took us an hour to travel to the Ilopos mountain. I expertly got off the horse and stopped in front of the said grave of my father.
"Power—"
"Dig it up!" I command that they all be shocked
"Milady! What are you planning !? That's the King Magnus grave, your father! You're disgracing him!" Zairo
I looked straight into his eyes, "No Zairo. I'm not insulting my father to his own point. I'm just making sure." I turned to the three soldiers "Now!"
They did nothing but do what I commanded them. Lady Son can't even take a look when they raised my father's coffin up under the ground. I approached and I voluntarily removed the cover there.
We froze in our spot when we saw what was inside. It's empty! I was depressed. What did my father go through all this time at the hands of the protagonist?
"W-what the f-fck!" Zairo cursed under his breath
"M-My father was a-alive!"
Samara's POV
"N-it can't be !! S-everyone witnesses how we put King Magnus in his coffin! N-it can't — his body can't be lost here!" Lady Son
My fist clenched, "My father is alive! He's alive!" I whispered
I can't believe this! For several years we thought my father was dead, I could not believe he was alive and in the hands of the enemy. They must be torturing him for now! No! I will take my father back! They will pay.
I walked quickly and got on my horse, "Go home first. Zairo! Come with me!"
"Yes Milady,"
I urge the horse to run as fast as it until we reach the palace immediately. I quickly picked up the arrow I had and wrote on a small piece of paper before I went back outside again and got on the horse. But that's new. I first changed into a dress where I would not be recognized as a queen and mask.
I am done! I will take my father back!
"I need my assassins to shield me in the area. Active the bombs and wait for my signal," I authoritatively commanded him.
"Right away Queen Samara!"
We parted Zairo's path. I quickly went to the enemy's fort and when I got there. I pointed the arrow at the window where I could see the alleged general of the rebels who wanted to oust my father from office. Costomo's accomplices!
They went panic when they saw the arrow pinned in the wall along with the paper I was pinning there. They almost didn't bother to find out where it came from. I knew the General will call his boss right away and I'm even more ready and angered. I quickly called Zairo.
"Bomb the area in one ....," I saw their general riding "Two," I whispered when some of them went off from the area. I waited for the right timing and when it was now right, "Three,"
A loud explosion rang out around. I moved quickly to chase the general with some of his men whom I had purposely fled for capture. I feel my assassins in my back when I heard some horses.
I jump off from my horse and point my sword at them, "I want the general!" I command in a voice that I know no one will recognize me
But they became stubborn and tried to fight back. There were I started fighting. We were able to bring down the general's promoprotective personnel in just a few minutes. He started fighting to depend his self but I was way more trained. I blocked off his attacks with my sword and give it a perfect timing to kick his chest causing him to fall to the ground.
"W-Who are you ?! What do you need from me!" He shouted
I removed the cloth covering half of my face and looked at her coldly, "I am the Queen and you have to tell me where my father is,"
***
"Make sure he can't get out because when that happens. You'll be the ones to upset me!" I have an authoritative command
I want them to take their jobs seriously because my father's life depends on it. I"m sure they already know that I already know the truth. They will prepare and so I am. They bowed before I left the jail.
Zairo was beside me the whole day. He helped me with everything that needed to be done and we were able to plan well. We're just waiting for them to do something then we'll attack. As I came out of the jail, I met General William who immediately bowed as a sign of respect.
"Where's Grandpa? I need to talk to him?" I immediately question
"They're in the kitchen dear queen," he replied
I don't really expect for his response so I walked first but when he called me, I stopped.
"King Dwight came with us your highness. He wants to talk to you," General William
I sighed, "I will. Where is he?" I will ask
"In your room Queen," he replied
I nodded, "In that case, I'll go to him first before talking to Grandpa. Tell him I'll talk to him and I want you there," I ordered.
Surprised, he nodded, "Yes, your majesty," he bowed
"In my office, general," I finally said before I walked into the palace
We quietly walked to my room and only the sound of my shoes echoed around. I stopped in front of my room then opened it. I told them to stay outside while I talked to my fiance.
I stared at Dwight's bulk sitting up. He was wearing the traditional king outfit making him more handsome than he ever was but I noticed the strange aura on his face.
"Dwight—"
"I told you I trust you My Queen. I will understand everything but I can't just help to be mad at you for being with your butler," His locked eyes with me "You're hurting me Vy,"
I was speechless for awhile. I could feel the resentment and anger in Dwight's voice that stopped me from where I was standing. This was the first time for me to see him mad. I bowed.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry because I didn't go to—"
He cut me off, "That's not what I mean here Vy. What I mean here was your butler being so close to you! I'm trying my very best to understand that he need to be close but I'm reaching my limit! I love you and seeing other men near you ....., "he sighed then approached me. He hugged me tightly and I replied "Please my queen. I'm the one you understand now," he begged.
I sighed, "I understand Dwight. I'm being insensitive. I don't even consider how I feel because I'm too complacent because I know you understand me. I'm sorry Dwight but I need Zairo next to me. He's the one I trust. my man now but I can assure you that you are the only one I love. You don't need to be jealous, "I cupped his face
His eyes softens, "Can't you need me too? I am your fiancè but I felt like an outsider. At least tell me what can I do for my bride?"
I smiled at him then kissed him on the lips, "My father was alive my prince and he is in danger. I need to save him as soon as possible because I'm sure the news of my arrest of the general they consider has reached them. And tomorrow. ... I will execute the plan, "
His lips parted in shock, "K-King Magnus is alive? But how?"
"I don't know. He's just alive and I'm sure of that. There's no body in his grave. Somehow, Costomo did that. I need to act Dwight. I don't want to marry you until I've finished my duty. I don't want to give it to you. "I am the Queen and it was my responsibility to raise up my kingdom before I marry you and pass the throne back to my father," I determined to say.
He nodded and stroked my cheek, "I will stay in your back to support you my Queen. You're going to be my wife afterall," he smiled.
"I love you Dwight and thank you for believing in me,"
"When you love a person. You don't judge. You just gave everything you can to make her be better,"
After our conversation. We went together to my office where Grandpa and General William were sitting. Not wanting to waste time, I told them all what I had discovered and plans I would make tomorrow as well. They looked so shocked but happy. As I expected, my grandfather gave his full support to me.
"If that's your plan and you believe it will work. Then I'll give you my support Samara," Lolo
"Thanks Lo," I sighed and looked at Dwight's habit. He gave me his heart-melting smile before I spoke again "Tomorrow will surely be bloody, eventful and dangerous but I will do everything. I can only save my father.
They carefully dressed me the dress I would use for the fight I was going to later. When they had placed the sword by my side, I immediately left the room to go to Dwight with general William. They bowed when they saw me.
"Is everything ready?" I will ask
General William nodded at me, "The soldiers are ready to attack Your Majesty,"
I looked at Dwight. There was still concern on his face so I hugged him.
"Don't worry too much Dwight. I can handle myself and another. I'm with you. I know everything will be fine," I reassured him.
"I can't help it. What you told me last night. I had this feeling that they were dangerous. What if you get hurt?" Dwight
I sighed then closed his face in my palms and smiled brightly.
"As long as you and everyone who is important to me are safe. I know I will win this fight Dwight. I will not let myself be ruined. You are there and I know we are stronger when we are together," I said.
He smiled then kissed my forehead, "Stay safe my queen. We still have a marriage to manage," he whispered.
I was just shaken and then my horse went. I am an expert in riding doot as well as others. The gate opened and we were about to leave when someone blocked our way.
"Papa?" I asked the former caregiver who I thought was my real father
"I will help your majesty. If you will allow me?" He said
I raise my chin up then smile at him and nod, "If that's what you want former general. Come with us," I said formally.
Dad smiled broadly then bowed. We started our journey to the place where they hid my father. We were already in the middle when Zairo simply approached me. I glanced at Dwight and saw he was busy looking around for a possible trap.
"The traps were planted securely milady," he whispered
I nodded to him, "Goodjob Zairo. Make sure you get everything off before you activate all that," I commanded him.
"Yes milady,"
***
After a two hour journey. They also reached Samara one of the enemy's strongholds where his father was. They are in a hidden place but I can see there the whole area to be attacked.
"Half will wait here and the rest will come with me. Zairo, you will take care of the next attack. General William you will come with me. Be careful," Samara commanded weakly.
Dwight approached him as they got off the horse. He held her hand tightly which he also did to let her know that he would be fine.
"Stay safe my Queen," Dwight whispered despite the concern
"I will my King," Samara smiled then gave the young man a kiss before entering the place quietly.
Her eyes and ears were alarm in any nearby enemies. He made sure there was no noise with his feet until he could get inside. Knowing the enemies, they don't use guns because they were more trained in swords and guns was never been in their tradition. It will be easier for him to find the father.
Samara saw a shadow coming towards her so she quickly hid on the side and in time. He hit him in the neck causing him to lose consciousness. As long as he could not kill, he would. She is a clean person and even she is a queen who succumbs to disaster. He would not stain his sword with blood unless it was necessary.
She proceed in the first floor. The base looks like an old mechanical shop. There's so many rusting parts of cars and metals. When he saw a door, he slowly opened it but the father was not there. She was sweating really hard and a little nervous. It was her first time to do this after so much training but she need to embolden herself for her father's safety. She won't back out and she swear that.
He turned to the other side but suddenly two guards saw him there. The two men took their swords out from it holder and tried to attack her. He acted quickly. She blocked the man before kicking him sending him to the ground and continue attacking the other man. He wounded his arm causing the man to release the grip of the sword. She didn't think twice and knocked it down before putting all her focus on the other guy which she successfully turned down. But it didn"t all end there, the previous two had gone beyond sampo so he ran.
He reached the lower part where there were no scattered car parts and steel. She started fighting those men. He still struggled with the number of them but he was able to knock out five. Fortunately, some of her soldiers come to fight them off for her. Dwight also arrives just in time to attend when he sees a man holding a bow and staring at him.
Her eyes widen and before the arrow hit Dwight's back. He jumped here to dodge the oncoming arrow. The shooter was immediately suppressed.
"You alright?" Samara asked worriedly
Dwight held her shoulders with serious eyes, "Are you okay?" Repeating this to his question
Samara nodded then hugged Dwight. She released a sigh of relief.
"Good day to you ma'am. It's a compliment to see you here in our little place,"
Samara turned out to see a tall man in his late thirties wearing a metal armor. There's a hint of evilness in the man's eyes then suddenly, the whole area was surrounded by enemies.
"Where is my father?" Samara looked so deadly serious not cutting her cold gaze at the man
"Your father? Here he is majesty and he is waiting for you,"
Samara froze in her spot when she saw the man she thought was dead. Numerous wounds on the body are evidence that it was tortured. Her father's hair and body was covered in dust. His chest tightened when he saw his father's condition.
"A ... Ama?" He cried softly
Then their eyes locked. She can see where her looks, definitely her eyes, came from. They are very much the same father. Her father's eyes were so tired but she can see a little glint of happiness in them but it fades away.
"Why don't you give your son Magnus a hug? He's so smart. Who would have thought he'd know you're alive ?!" The man laughed
Samara couldn't control herself and rushed to the man as her father blocked the way. She was surprised that she didn't see her father coming. His body fell to the ground when his father pushed him.
"SAMARA!" Dwight shouts his name
Dwight tried to reach her but he was instantly pulled back by the enemies. Samara slowly stood up while her eyes were on father padin, unable to believe that he was able to push her away.
"A-Ama? B-baki—"
Everything happen so fast. Magnus tried to attack his daughter but Samara was fast. He blocks his sword with hers and pushes her away. He didn't know if the father meant it or really weak it because it no longer had the strength.
"What are you doing! Don't I know me?" He shouted at his own father but he did not speak
Magnus tried to attack her several times and Samara was just blocking him. He can't hurt the father even if he intends to kill him with his appearance now. She don't understand! Doesn"t it recognize him? Is it mad at him? Why is it attacking him? Is it an accomplice of the opponent?
Did he make a mistake in predicting that the enemy had captured the father?
Samara's mind was so confused that she didn't notice a rock and stepped on it as she avoided her own father's attack. She fell flat on the ground making her groaned in pain. Her eyes watered when she saw her own father raise his sword aiming to attack her.
"A-Father? Why?" The girl whispered to the father
"N-No! What are you doing !!? She's your daughter! King Magnus!" Dwight shouted
He was trying to take the enemies hold in his both arms but they were strong. Her heart stopped beating as Magnus drew his own sword at his own son. He can't see Samara clearly but he knew she's in danger!
N-no !! Samara
"Get your hands off me! SAMARA!" Dwight shouted
His heart stopped.
"SAMARA! No!"
To be continued....