31

Ace from the past

My brother, back in our world. The audacity of it all.

"Soldiers! Search every inch of this realm, inside and out. Find my brother and the princess! Alive, I want them alive!" My voice boomed, echoing off the palace walls. I locked eyes with each soldier, their faces a mix of confusion and unease. They knew I was lying. They knew the late king had trusted my brother, the top general. But I'd fed them lies, twisted the truth, and they had no choice but to obey. After all, I was the next king, the one destined to marry their princess. No one knew the late king's true plans, and until then, I was the rightful heir.

I needed muscle, though. I needed teeth. So I called in the "Tigers," the most feared assassins in the realm. Each one a predator, honed for the kill. Their leader, Aries, a man with eyes like a hawk, demanded a high position in the palace once they succeeded. A small price to pay for their loyalty. I needed them by my side if I was to rule this kingdom.

******
General Erox Lander from the past


The sun was sinking, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, and a chill crept into the air. My heart ached for Margaret, alone and lost in this strange world. She needed me, and I had to get to her, but first, I had to gather supplies. My own home, a place of comfort and security, now felt like a trap. But for Margaret, I would risk it all.

I moved like a shadow, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, my senses on high alert. Every second felt like a gamble, one wrong move and I could be caught. I couldn't let my guard down, not for a moment.

My mansion loomed before me, but it was a fortress now, swarming with soldiers. Ice clan, I recognized their insignia. Margaret's words echoed in my mind: my brother was framing me, using my own home against me. He was trying to pin his crimes on me.

I slipped past the guards, desperate for coins and clothes. As I was about to leave, I saw Homer, one of my most trusted soldiers. His eyes widened in shock.

"General, I thought you were in hiding! What are you doing here? You're in grave danger! Come to my room, we need to talk."

I shook my head, "I'll be back. Just grabbing a few things. Trust me, I'll make things right. I know I'm in danger, but I have to steal from my own house to survive. I'll be back."

"General, your brother sent the 'Tigers' after you. Be careful, they're ruthless."

I patted his shoulder, "I will. Thanks for the warning.”

He saluted, and I vanished into the night, moving with the grace of a seasoned thief. It was insane, stealing from my own home while assassins hunted me, but I had to do it. Margaret needed me.

I had to buy food and supplies, but the assassins were everywhere, their eyes sharp and hungry. I disguised myself as a beggar, hoping to blend in. Good heavens, I never thought buying groceries would be this difficult.

I moved as quickly as I could, grabbing food for Margaret and me, some clothes, and then tried to walk away as if nothing had happened. But as I reached the edge of the forest, I saw them, the assassins, their search intensifying. They were relentless, their reward surely substantial.

They were relentless, their eyes sharp and focused, like hounds on the scent. I bet they were paid handsomely for their dedication.

I moved like a shadow, using the trees as cover, my steps silent and swift. I smirked. These were the 'Tigers,' the assassins Ace had sent. They were good, but not good enough. If I wasn't worried about jeopardizing Margaret's safety, I would have taken them out one by one, leaving their bodies as a warning.

"Anyone suspicious, bring them to me!" The leader's voice boomed, his authority unmistakable.

I was about to slip into the forest when my foot crunched on a dead branch.

"Silent! I hear something!"

Damn it. I told myself to be careful. Margaret was waiting, and I couldn't afford to fight my way out of this. It would take too long, and I couldn't risk losing these supplies. I had to find another route.

I had to find another route, even if it meant a longer journey. I couldn't risk losing these supplies, not after stealing them from my own house. It was more dangerous than finding a safe route to my mother's house.

"There! I saw a beggar!"

My heart sank. They'd spotted me.

I took off running, my heart pounding in my chest. If they caught me, it was over. And what would happen to Margaret? She was alone, lost in a world she didn't understand, depending on me.

I had to escape, I had to survive. The sound of footsteps pounded behind me, but I didn't stop. I ran faster, clutching the supplies in my hands. I needed them, just as much as I needed to survive this danger.

"Faster! That man's hiding something! Maybe he knows where the people we're looking for!"

My teeth clenched. They didn't know that the person they were looking for was the one they were chasing.

As I ran, Margaret's face filled my mind, her beauty, the warmth of her kiss. If I survived this, I would kiss her again, tell her how much she meant to me.

I cursed again, the sound of more footsteps pounding behind me. Where could I hide? But before I could even think, I heard a shout, and a flash of steel in the air.

Was someone coming to help? Or was another group after me? A few days ago, I was happily gazing at Princess Margaret, her endearing clumsiness, and now I wasn't sure if I'd see her again. My best friend, my heart ached for her.