Part 33~Imposter~

Part 33 ~Imposter~
Shandy, Donovan and the king stepped out onto the forest floor of Rolod. The castle stood at least a mile away from their location, yet they had made it through safely which they were all extremely grateful for.
The king knew they had very little time to get to the palace so he could set up a barrier of protection to keep Jackson and his guards from stepping right inside the castle walls undetected and waging war upon them.
"We must go now!" The king thundered out as they all ran into the direction of the castle.
Shandy had no idea what was happening with the panicked attitudes of the two men with her, yet she didn't ask questions as they ran in a mad dash to get there as quickly as possible.
15 minutes later they were entering the prodigious structure.
Shandy followed, being pulled along by Donovan. The three entered into the king's chambers as he immediately began an incantation of protection.
The king finished and prayed to the gods that he had made it in time. For all he knew Jackson and his goons could already be hiding in the shadows just waiting for the chance to destroy them all.
Even though the king nor Donovan had felt the presence of anyone else within the confines of their home, it didn't mean that Jackson wasn't there covered with a cloak of invisibility waiting in the darkened corners for the right moment to attack.
Half the guards were stationed around the castle to prevent any issues from developing on the vast grounds surrounding the outside.
The other half had been instructed to search the place from top to bottom for any unwelcomed guests.
For centuries Rolod and the neighboring kingdom of Elayzia had lived in peace & harmony. The king wanted nothing more than to keep it that way. However with the recent turn of events he wasn't at all sure if peace could be kept between them and he felt completely responsible for the quandary they were in right now.
He knew very well that Elayzia was well known for its elite army. They were strong and trained to take down their enemies with no mercy.
Even though Rolod had an equally powerful army, they were somewhat at a disadvantage with Elayzia's army of soldiers that were willing to go above & beyond for their king....no matter what the cost.
"Where is Jayzon?" The king asked Donovan, his voice a bit anxious.
"I...I have no idea father, I haven't seen him since we returned." Donovan took on an concerned look.
"I know where he is." Shandy replied, eyes widening . " He was with Jackson's sister, they are supposedly in love, and h..he had left with her before Jackson took me." Her eyes bounced from Donovan to his father.
"Oh for the love of the God's nooo!" The king bellowed running his hand through his salt and pepper hair, panick taking over him.
"Wh...what is it!" Shandy questioned frantically.
"Jacksons sister Zylvia possesses the ability to manipulate people.....she can mentally persuade others to do her bidding!" King Kimbers voice rose significantly, causing Shandy to jump and her body to tremble as if it were her own fault.
"Oh I'm sorry...it...it's because of me!" She cried, placing her hands over her face.
Both men assured her she was not to blame. Donovan wrapped his large arms around her, as she breathed a small sigh of relief.
The king tried reaching out to his middle son, but received nothing indicating he was safe.
"What shall we do now father?" Donovan sighed his voice becoming higher than he intended it to. His heart seized up at the mere thought of his brother possibly being hurt or even dead.
Just as the king was about to respond Jayzon strode leisurely inside the room as if it were just any other ordinary day.
The three just stood staring for a moment.
All at once the king rushed to his son enveloping him in his strong embrace, relief showing on the older man's face.
An hour later after all was explained and the king had removed the remains of the taint Jackson's sister had on his son, Jayzon still felt the love in his heart for Zylvia, but remembered nothing else of being in the bedroom when Shandy was taken.
"I...I'm so sorry Shandy, I do not remember anything that happened." Jayzon replied, rubbing over his forehead, eyes full of regret for something he had no control over.
"It's ok Jayzon....it wasn't your fault." She squatted down in front of him reaching out to gently take his hand in her own, a small smile on her lips.
Jayzon was feeling the start of a headache and also a heart that was full of love for their enemy's sister. He knew she loved him, he could feel it strong as though it radiated all around him at this very moment.
The king stood quickly. "I must make sure Devin is safe. I'll have to bring him home, otherwise he'll be vulnerable to Jackson where he's at right now.
A portal was created as Donovan and the other two watched the elder man step through to go and retrieve his youngest son from the mortal world.
Within 20 minutes Devin stepped out into the room. He held the hand of a pretty girl, along with his father following them both. Devin had refused to leave without the girl that was his betrothed.
After all introductions were made, they all sat waiting for what may happen next.
Donovan sat with his arm around Shandy protectively. He would make sure he didn't leave her side and could tell by her unusually quiet demeanor she was afraid of whatever the outcome may be.
A guard came rushing to the doorway of the large room where they all sat....watching and waiting.
"I beg your pardon king...but this just arrived for you sir." The man held out a note that was stamped with the seal of Elayzia. King Kimbers immediately shot up, rushing over and snatching it from the hand of the middle aged guard that was a trusted leader of his army.
The king snapped open the seal of the letter and began reading the message inside. A look of astonishment took over his features.
The note read:
{To: King Darren Kimbers of Rolod}
I want you to know that I still possess what is rightfully mine. I guess you and that whoremonger son of yours thought you could walk inside my home and take whatever you pleased. Come on now....wasn't it all just a bit too easy for the two of you? However I didn't allow you to leave empty handed. Ask my dear "brother" if the lady he holds so close is truly his betrothed.
👑King Jackson Vanderson of Elayzia👑
The king stood with his mouth agape at what he'd just read. His eyes landed on his eldest son sitting beside an exact replica of Shandy. This had to be some kind of sick twisted game Jackson was playing.