TKP Ruination Ch 3

Chapter 3
The five of them sat there talking, fawning overing Seraphina, hearing her little giggles as Jurian played with her while Idelisa held her. Spirits were high until they saw shadows fly pass the windows, giving a grim reminder to the task at hand. Jurian looked to Idelisa who only nodded, giving Sera to her father and stood up, walking out silently with Jurian to the highest tower of the castle. As they ascended the stairs, Idelisa looked to Jurian and asked, “What do you think they want?” “Us obviously but I feel there is more at play here,” said Jurian as he looked out a nearby window, seeing dark clouds all around the castle and town. Idelisa only frowned, knowing this wouldn’t end well for them but had to at least try and save her future family from these evil beings. As they reached the final few stairs, they could see silhouettes on the balcony, two figures standing there that projected evil auras. The young lovers stepped outside to see what could only be described as their evil admirers.
Vendrick had a wicked smirk on his face while Mia was looking on happily, actually glad to see Jurian once more. Mia’s look had caused Jurian to feel unsettled but stayed strong regardless while Idelisa looked on with an angry fury. “We’re here now, where are Zeldana and Zandu?” “In due time, we have a proposition for the exchange of the children,” said Vendrick as he crossed his arms and leaned against the railing. “I’m not surprised, what is your proposition?” Asked Jurian with an annoyed tone on his voice. Mia looked on angrily but then smirked as she stepped forward towards Jurian, saying in a sweet voice, “Simple, in exchange for the brats, surrender yourselves to us.” There was a sigh in unison, knowing that was coming, causing Mia to look annoyed again. “Its not as simple as that. Argosia’s army has surrounded the area and if you don’t, we’ll wipe the entire clean of you and your people.” Her gaze looked directly at Idelisa, looking at her triumphantly.
Idelisa looked on in horror, not sure what to think at this but Jurian stepped forward. “If we do submit, will you spare Thanesan?” “For the time being but honestly, this entire realm will be under her control so its just a matter of time. It’s more of do you want the conquest to start or end here?” Said Mia in a matter of fact tone. Jurian had no words because it seemed that all was lost no matter their choice but knew if he could draw out Argosia, maybe he could save his siblings. “Since it seems you’re at a loss for words, we will give you two days and if you refuse, the conquest will begin,” said Vendrick as he gestured Mia to follow. She huffed at him but followed, they taking back to the sky, towards a ball of dark energy that floated out a ways away from the castle tower. Idelisa looked to Jurian, unsure what to do but Jurian guided her back inside as he comforted her. “We will save this kingdom, we have friends who can help, I’ve already sent a message to them.”
“You have?” She asked, completely taken by surprise at this. “Yes, I sent messages to James’ crew, the Royal order of the realm, and the merchant circle. Hopefully we can assemble an army to fend off Argosia’s but only time will tell.” Jurian spoke with a hopeful smile, reassuring Idelisa that everything would be okay for them. Seeing his general upbeat attitude caused her to smile, feeling better but didn’t like the idea that people would be fighting to the death for her sake because she was descended from an angel. Jurian moved in front of her, taking both of her hands in his and kneel before her, “Idelisa, I know you’ve never liked conflict, especially when you’re the cause of the fight but everything will be okay. Death will be inevitable but we aren’t just fighting for your sake but for the entire realm because if we don’t stop Argosia now, we won’t have a home to live in.” She listened nodding only slightly before smiling, kissing his forehead, thanking him for the reassurance.
Night fell and the young lovers retired to Idelisa’s old room, sleeping in her bed while they had a crib brought in for Sera to sleep in for the time being. As Jurian slept, Idelisa sat on the bed next to him, only wearing a night gown when she heard some flapping coming from outside on the balcony. She got up carefully, grabbing her dagger when she looked outside to see Vendrick standing there with his hands up. “I come in peace, I just wanted to speak to you alone,” he said softly, showing he had no ill intent for her. Idelisa kept her distance but looked at him skeptically, “Why? I know you just want me as a concubine, why bother trying to fill my head with pretty words?” Vendrick sighed a bit, “I know I’ve said and done some stupid things in the past but since being dead, it’s made me realize what kind of man I had become. I remember how we use to be like when we were kids but something made me...evil.” Idelisa frowned, remember their past as children but knew that was long since past.
“Vendrick, you know our talks of back then can never come true. You changed for the worst and I’m engaged to Jurian, I can’t just run away with you,” said Idelisa, looking away as she felt bad for him. “Why not? I can keep you safe, I can take you away from Argosia and we live in harmony,” pleaded Vendrick as he walked to her. She rose her hand, keeping him there before saying, “You know I’ll always care for you, it killed me to have to stab you back then but Argosia will want to kill me no matter what and you’re blind to the truth. Please leave but stay safe, I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Vendrick sighed softly, knowing the damage he had done was never going to leave but took to the sky, heading back to the orb in the sky. She rejoined Jurian back in bed, snuggling into his chest and softly said, “I love you Jurian, you are my heart and soul. You make life worth living and even if we are to die tomorrow, I would gladly follow you into that dark night, as long as I walk it with you.”