REGULUS POV
Darkness… It was like being submerged in water, with complete darkness. I couldn't breathe, yet I didn't die.
I tried to swim up, but I couldn't move? My arms…. My legs…. My whole body! I can't move it at all! It was like I was being held against my will.
And so, I drifted, sinking into the depths of what you would call the void. For hours I sunk, until I saw a light…. But this light…. It came to me, it crept closer to me…. Until a bright blinding light engulfed the darkness around me.
Then I woke up….
THIRD PERSON POV
It had been a few hours now since Regulus was safely treated, it was already starting to grow dark as both Regulus and Olivia were accompanied home by Gideon, as the young king was currently lying down in a carriage, with Olivia taking responsibility in watching over him. Gideon and Mikhel were in another carriage while Yvonne had decided to go on a detour before going to Loren.
As the carriage continued on, Olivia stared at the sleeping Regulus.
"Mhm… He's much more handsome when he's sleeping." She said giggling at the remark.
As she attempted to get closer to the young king, Regulus jolted awake. Breathing deep and heavy breaths, like he was being drowned at sea.
"The elemental! Wher- Oh…. Hi Olivia…" Regulus said, chuckling at the sight of the young woman.
They stared at each other for a moment until Olivia bursted into tears and pulled Regulus into a tight embrace.
Taken aback by the sudden embrace, Regulus slowly hugged her back as tears continued streaming down her face and into Regulus' shoulders.
"There, there…. Don't be sad now, I'm alive aren't I?" Regulus spoke, comforting Olivia.
"I-I…. I thought you died…." Olivia sobbed, her voice breaking in between words.
"Mhm… You must've been so worried about me huh?" Regulus asked as he continued comforting Olivia.
"Yeah… I mean…. You're probably one of the…. only friends I have…" Olivia admitted in-between sobs.
"Me?"
"Mhmm.."
"Well I'm happy then! I get to be friends with one of the kindest girls in the continent!" Regulus teased, making Olivia giggle a bit.
"After all, everything in my vacation was free! Though that ship ride was still traumatizing…. And the timing of the ruins closing and the elemental…. But at least I was happy…. Kinda." Regulus chuckled as he recalled the day so far.
"I'm sorry…." Olivia whispered.
"Huh? For… what?" Regulus asked.
"Today I… I nearly g-got you killed…. If I hadn't been so I-Impulsive…. If only we stayed the night and l-left the next day… Maybe you w-."
Interrupting her, Regulus started caressing Olivia's hair making her blush quite a bit.
"Don't worry, we couldn't have known…. So don't blame yourself."
Then the carriage stopped, with the driver indicating that they were back in Loren. Olivia quickly stood up blushing, as she hurriedly stepped out of the carriage. Leaving Regulus confused, but unbeknownst to him, he too was blushing.
As he stepped out, nearly the whole royal family was there along with the royal guard.
"Olivia!" A woman said, rushing to Olivia and giving her a hug.
Regulus immediately knew that this was queen Gloria, and the man with the crown was definitely king André. Along with them were Olivia's siblings, the middle child, Andre ll the heir to the throne, and the youngest of the siblings, Emily. Though king André's other wife, Melissa, mother of Andre ll, was not in attendance
The royal guard with their coated Gold, Blue and white armor stood behind the royal family, Gideon was there as well, and so was Mikhel. Though another knight was among them, unlike the vibrant colors of the royal guard, he wore deep ashen gray armor.
His black hair with his red eyes pierced through Regulus, his gaze almost hostile.
Suddenly Olivia held Regulus' hand as she dragged him in front of her family.
"Mom, dad, brother, Emily, this is Regulus! He's a friend of mine! He's the one who saved me along with the soldiers today!" Olivia excitedly said, pushing Regulus right in front of her family.
"Um… Hi?" Regulus nervously greeted.
It took a moment but queen Gloria pulled Regulus into a hug.
"Thank you…. Thank you for protecting my daughter, and the soldiers of this kingdom. Know now that Loren is indebted to you, not just for saving our citizens, but for saving the princess."
Gloria said, thanking Regulus. Then it came to Andre ll, though he seemed hesitant at first, he eventually shook hands with Regulus.
"Thank you, you don't know how much Olivia's life means, I thank you…. In return, I shall give you a gift tomorrow." The prince said, giving Regulus a smile.
Next, it was princess Emily. Accompanied by her mother, she gave Regulus a hug.
"T-Thank you so much for saving my big sister!"
Finally, it was the king himself. Regulus was extremely nervous, as the king approached he nervously bowed down in front of him.
"Pick your head up, a king never bows down to other kings."
"Y-Yes…." Regulus said, picking his head up he immediately felt king André hug him.
"Thank you…. From one king to another, thank you for saving my daughter. A child of mine is far more important than even my own kingdom." André said as he then shook Regulus' hand.
"Tomorrow, let me tou-"
All of a sudden Olivia took Regulus' hand and pulled him away.
"Come on! Dinner is ready! Let's head to the kitchen! You need to taste our paella, like right now!" She said as they both passed all members of the royal guard, all of whom bowed when they passed.
Except the knight in the ashen armor, who's stare pierced even deeper into the young king's eyes, with his hands formed into fists, Regulus could tell from his eyes alone.
He hated Regulus, a hatred that could kill, but Regulus didn't know why this particular knight had such a hostile attitude towards him .