The Lost Heir: Battle Of Royalties - Chapter 157

After the physician ensured that Sarah is in good health, Prince Leo and Lady Shammah sat on the bedside chair and asked the young lady the whole story of how she got to the inner room.

“The voices get stronger and louder as I went near the altar. However, there was a certain presence that knocked me down. I fainted before I even knew it.”

“You didn’t hear anything else?” Lady Shammah stared at her intently.

“I could hear voices but I couldn’t listen to what they were saying since there’s a lot of them. But that presence that knocked me down, I’m sure she has a word for me.”

“She? A lady?”

“Yes, I’m sure it was a voice from a woman.”

Lady Shammah was lost in her thoughts when Sarah suddenly asked something that made her come back to reality.

“If I may ask, what happened to that room? Who stayed there before? How is it being used?” The prince and lady Shammah jerked due to her curiosity. “That specific room was securely locked yet the iron chains were loosened as soon as I stood in front of the gates.”

The two looked at each other amazed and Sarah can tell that they knew something about the mystery.

“D-did you say the iron bars were loosed when you went there?” Lady Shammah asked mortified.

Sarah nodded in response. “Why are you too surprised?” She was puzzled to see their shocked expressions.

“Because no one was able to open that gate for years now.” Prince Leo answered.

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure if you have noticed it, but the room is not an ordinary room.” Lady Shammah started.

“I did notice that.” Sarah replied.

Lady Shammah heaved a sigh before reminiscing a certain event in the past.

“That place was once used as an altar for the Lord. Offering prayers and petitions to the living God was done there. It was once a place of happiness and peace until an awful even happened.”

“What is it?” Sarah buŧŧed in when the lady paused for a few minutes. She was obviously hesitating to continue the story.

“There was a great massacre in that room.” She continued.

“M-massacre?” The young lady yelped in unbelief. She suddenly felt a freezing chill running through her spine.

“Yes. Massacre.” She confirmed as soon as she met the young lady’s eyes. “The priests who tried to protect the seers were killed along with two heralds right in front of the altar!”

Sarah shuddered greatly! She suddenly felt a strong presence that gave her an eerie goosebumps.

“Why? What’s the reason of their deaths?” She asked.

“Politics.” Lady Shammah lowered her head in grief when she remembered that awful day. “They were the innocent lives that were sacrificed because of the dirty politics inside the palace before. They were accused of a sin they never did.”

“Did they receive the justice for their deaths?” Sarah was curious.

“No. No one dared to serve the justice due for them. That must be the reason why that place was completely haunted for years!”

“The king and the officials wanted to renovate and use the room, however, no one could withstand the presence of the spirits inside that room. And also, there were times wherein people could hear some cries at night so the king ordered the place to be locked down. Since that moment on, no one dared to enter nor go near that place for years now.”

“According to your story, it was clear that those dead people seek justice for their deaths. Why can’t the king find a way to prove their innocence?”

Lady Shammah smirked mockingly but sighed afterwards. “If it was that easy then he should have done it a long time ago.” She replied before standing up.

“Anyway, you said you wanted to enter Milcah’s old room and find the book she left for you. I’ll try to see what I can do to help you out but the only way you can enter is through the king’s order. And I’m sure you know the consequences of asking a favor to the king.” She stared at the young lady who just sulk after hearing her words.

“I’ll have to disclose my identity, is that right?” Sarah muttered.

“Yes, you’re right. Though there is another way and it’s safer, however, time is your enemy.”

“What is it?” Sarah wanted to hear the other options she has.

“Be a seer.” She uttered. “The king favors the great herald because they were once good friends but a certain event destroyed their good relationship. But even so, the king gave that room to the old herald. You can own that place if you become a seer just like your grandmother.”

Sarah heaved a heavy sigh. That second option will truly eat much of her time. And also, she doesn’t want to become an official seer. She can accept her special ability but to follow the footstep of her grandmother is a total NO for her.

Never!

She saw how awful it is to become a herald and she promised herself never to follow Milcah’s footstep no matter what happened. She can provide ȧssistance to whoever needs it but to become an official prophet is not included in her dreams.

“The spiritual guides are recruiting potential seers every year… If you want, I can help you.” Lady Shamah added.

“No. I will never become a herald like her.” She immediately interjected.

***********************

“Hey, how are you doing?” Princess Laura went to sit beside Diana whose eyes were settled on the shore. “How’s your foot?”

“I think I would be able to walk after a few more days.” She smiled sweetly.

“Well, you should.” The princess grinned mischievously. “You have a great aid after all.”

Diana chuckled. She can’t even hide the sparkles in her eyes.

“And how about you? Did you tell prince Zyrie about your plans already?” Diana looked at the princess who seemed startled for a few seconds.

Princess Laura met her eyes but her gaze holds confusion in it.

“I… I haven’t told the prince yet.” She faked a smile. “I was planning to tell him later once they come back. They went down to the city early morning.”

After confirming something, the princess partly grinned before looking at the shore from the distance.

“Ah, how I wish I could go down and enjoy the shore or at least explore the city for once.” She muttered.

“Is being a princess that difficult?”

“Most of the times, yes. But if I can choose, I would rather become a simple person. I wanted to do a lot of things but my status becomes a wall for me to explore things beyond the life as a princess. I’m being held back you know.” She scoffed a little.

“I think freedom to do what you want is a choice.” She looked at the princess. “Whoever you are and wherever you are, I believe you can achieve your dreams and your goals in life as long as you are determined to do so. Why don’t you gather an ounce of courage to step out from your comfort zone? I ȧssure, it’s worth the risk.”

“Well, freedom to do what you want is not a choice for me. Being a princess holds a great responsibility, a responsibility that closes the door of leisure and exploration. Being a princess means sleepless nights and restrained freedom from wants and crown that speaks of duty to protect the kingdom and its subjects. It is not about you but always about the kingdom.” Princess laura answered with a hint of sadness and exhaustion. She looked at Diana intently.

“You’re lucky.” She smiled bitterly. Diana looked at her.

“I wish I could snatch you out from your country and tour you around the world….” She immediately paused when she noticed the princess who was looking at her with a playful grinned.

“D-did I say something funny?” She asked. She couldn’t bear to see her taunting smirk.

“Miss Diana… For how long are you planning to hold an act?” Princess Laura voiced while Diana held her breath in shock.

“Y-you… H-how did you…”