CHAPTER 447: RUNNING OUT OF TIME

The door of the room was pushed open and an elderly woman dressed in black stepped out. Her hair was completely grey and her skin wrinkled. She had sharp eyes that spoke of experience.

The old lady glanced at Abrielle, and before the princess could even ask, she slowly shook her head. Abrielle’s stomach churned, and her eyes stung. Her legs went weak in defeat and tears started pouring out. This can’t be it

The lady slowly approached the princess, "I can’t understand his condition. I have never seen such a curse before. It is not something of this world." She explained. Aurelius, who was watching silently, his heart squeezed uncomfortably. He didn’t like to see Abrielle in the condition she was in.

"Is there really nothing you can do?" Aurelius asked, and Abrielle glanced up at the lady. Her eyes were glassy. Tears brimmed in them but they held slight hope. She hoped for a positive answer.

The lady shook her head, then glanced at the crown prince. She was surprised when the royal knights came to her house. A few days ago, she had a letter from an old apprentice of hers explaining the situation, which she never imagined was that they were influential people.

She was gifted with the magic of healing and prophecy. Two rare gifts, but even with them, she could not find a solution. She only saw that Cedric was running short on time. His body was being taken over by the darkness, by the curse but she could not find a solution.

There was something that was shielding her from being seen further. A strength she had never imagined before. "It is beyond my capabilities but I think there is someone strong enough to help you." She said and Abrielle’s breath hitched.

"Who is it?" The princess asked hopefully. She rose to her feet, seeing the faint glimmer of hope. "Can you take me to them or write a letter?"

The seer shook her head, Abrielle grew nervous by the second. Scared of what her next words would be. "It is beyond my abilities to meet the person, unfortunately, and they are the only ones who can help."

Abrielle’s hands clenched. What was she going to do now? It was ironic how what she always wanted was about to happen, and she dreaded it so much now.

"I can’t help you but the crown prince can help you. The strongest mage in Heliosa is the only one I can think of. With the help of Prince Aurelius, you might be able to meet the emperor." Abrielle gasped, her eyes darted between Aurelius and the old lady

Aurelius’s expression changed for a slight second. Hesitation was written on his face for a split second. "Thanks for your assistance. My knights will escort you to your home." Aurelius said then beckoned his knight to take her away.

The seer bowed then left, her footsteps faded the farther she went, and it left Abrielle and Aurelius. The princess’s eyes were still stuck in the direction that the seer left..

Aurelius sighed. "I will be in my study." He informed her. Abrielle glanced at her, and she closed her eyes to organise her thoughts before she spoke. "Is there really no way to meet the emperor?" She asked him.

"I am sorry about the situation but he won’t grant you an audience unless Cedric agrees to his terms," Aurelius explained. A sad smile crossed her lips.

"I understand." She replied. Aurelius nodded slightly then left. As soon as he was gone she went into the room. The door creaked open and she stepped inside.

"You heard what the seer said." She said, her eyes fell on Cedric, who was seated on the bed, his eyes staring at the window. Watching the dark moonless sky. Abrielle was aware of his peculiar hearing.

"It is hopeless Abrielle. I doubt even the emperor can help me at this point." Cedric said she sensed something was wrong. His voice was like he had lost complete hope.

She didn’t move from the door, her hands clenched by her side. "A dead man can’t be loyal to love. I am going to accept the emperor’s condition on our behalf." She stated. She was going to make the decision that was so hard for him. It was just a marriage, even if she was going to be stuck as a lower wife and having to check her back for the rest of her life.

It was worth it as long as he was alive. He had saved her life multiple times and she was going to save him now. Cedric’s head turned towards her, and his face was wrapped with a scarf. His gold eyes were dark.

His eyes sparkled like he was smiling but something felt wrong about the smile. He didn’t argue with her. She knew something was wrong. Abrielle briskly walked towards him and pulled open the sheet following her instincts.

There was nothing off at first but she knew it wasn’t that simple. Cedric didn’t stop and let her pull up his shirt. The wound was still there, wrapped with bandages, but she realised something. His back was clear, not a single mark. "Where are your marks?" She asked him. Her eyes studied him closely.

"Cedric answer me for crying out loud?!" She barked then whimpered. "What is going on?"

"Even if we see the emperor I doubt he can do much. I can’t feel my legs, and my left arm, which is also injured, has gone numb. I don’t think I will make it past this week." Her hands and lips trembled. She didn’t hold back the tears.

"Don’t say that. This isn’t going to be your end." She barked at him but her voice broke. She wiped off her tears. Then got off the bed. "Stop accepting death like a pathetic fool Cedric. You are better than this." She declared and then stormed away from the room.

"You are not going to die now, not after everything," Abrielle said in a fleeting moment. Cedric heard her and smiled.

"If I die now at least I die knowing I was able to melt your heart." He muttered and then drifted back to stare at the window.

Abrielle found her way to Aurelius’s study. She pushed the door without taking any permission. "We need to talk." She declared. Her eyes fell on Aurelius, who was busy reading a letter that had just arrived from the palace.

"We do need to talk, Abrielle. News from the palace says the nobles are making a motion to force Cedric out of Heliosa." Aurelius mentioned, his hand crumpling the letter in his hand. Who was behind this?