Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 13. Bloody Wedding IV
"How dare you ignore me," muttered Flare in displeasure. Her hands threw her chakrams at Duke Bartlet as her legs moved to chase him.
Realizing the attack, Duke Bartlet dodged to the side, allowing her chakram to pass over his shoulder but the other one managed to injure him. Still, his feet didn't stop moving towards the altar. The rebels also left the fight in front of them and stormed to the front.
Noticing that Duke Bartlet had already noticed the magic formation, Angel's hand began to emit a dark aura, preparing himself for battle.
"Finish the ceremony," he ordered to the blessing minister.
"W-With the authority given to me by the Kingdom of Euphorion, n-now I declare you as h-husband and wife. Y-You may k-kiss the b-bride," said the blessing minister as he came back to his senses.
Angel approached Rose, hugged her waist with one hand and pulled her closer. His other hand was already filled with a dark aura. Their eyes were on each other. Their faces drew closer. Their hearts were pounding, either because this was their first kiss after what happened in Asteria or because of the battle. Rose closed her eyes as their lips met. Her mind was too messed up. She didn't know what she should feel right now. While Angel's attention was focused on Duke Bartlet who was already near them.
At the same time, Duke Bartlet swung his sword on the carpet. In one slash, the magic formation was destroyed and the barrier dimmed. Duke Bartlet raised his sword on that couple, but before he could attack them. Flare's chakrams managed to injure his legs.
"Argggghhh!" groaned Duke Bartlet in pain before he fell. His blood flowed from the two-deep cuts he had on his legs.
Angel broke his kiss when the remaining rebels attacked him desperately. He extended his hand on them, creating another barrier in front of him. As the rebels drew near, they were bounced into the centre of the hall, as if an invisible force was pushing them since the barrier's power was much stronger than before. Their weapons slipped out of their hands. The Euphorion soldiers took the opportunity and slaughtered them before they could stand up. In just a few seconds, the rebels lost.
Rose shifted her eyes to the room, staring at the chaotic room with corpses scattered everywhere. Splashes of blood filled the hall and Duke Bartlet lay beneath them weakly. The wounds on his legs were so severe that he couldn't get up again.
"Bring him to me," said Angel in a cold voice. His eyes looked on Duke Bartlet in disdain. An evil smirk on his lips.
Upon his order, two Euphorion soldiers approached Duke Bartlet. But he didn't give up. Between his pain, he swung his sword blindly, blocking the Euphorion soldiers who tried to approach him. With alacrity, the Euphorion soldiers dodged his attack. As they drew closer, Duke Bartlet did the last thing he could do. He threw the sword in his hand at Rose, hoping it would kill her.
Everyone gasped in shock, so did Rose. She tried to dodge, but her long dress prevented her movement. Flare threw her chakrams but she knew it was too late. Swiftly, the dark aura in Angel's hand formed his sword and in one movement, he brushed off Duke Bartlet's sword.
- Trang!
The sword stuck into the wall. Unarmed, the Euphorion soldiers dragged Duke Bartlet in front of Angel easily and made him kneel in front of him. The soldiers' swords were pressed to Duke Bartlet's neck, making sure he didn't do anything to harm Angel and Rose. His eyes stared at the royal couple in front of him with hatred.
"Do you want to say something to him, Rose?" said Angel with an evil smirk. Obviously, he didn't want to forgive him.
"Duke Bartlet... You are one of Zephyrus' pride, one of my uncle's confidants. In power, you are the third most powerful person in Zephyrus after me and my uncle. Why are you doing this? Why did you betray us?" said Rose in disappointment and anger.
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"Because both of you are too weak," hissed Duke Bartlet in a cynical tone.
"All you can do is send your soldiers, generals and loyalists into the battles. While both of you hide behind the castle walls like cowards!" he vented his dissatisfaction without hesitation since he already knew his end was near.
"Even though the Heart Family's fighting ability is not much, we have done our best for Zephyrus. Father, uncle and me. All of us have led the battle on the front lines! Not to mention, it was the Heart Family's poison that helped the soldiers to win the battle easily!" She could help herself but yell.
A bitter chuckle escaped Duke Bartlet's mouth.
"Your poison is useless without a warrior. It's no different from a sword without a master," he said in a mocking tone. Then he turned to Angel.
"Besides... Didn't your uncle finally sell you to this bastard king?"
- Thump!
A punch from Flare landed on the side of Duke Bartlet's face.
"Watch your mouth!" hissed Flare in anger.
Meanwhile, Rose could only remain silent without being able to say anything. She couldn't deny the truth of Duke Bartlet's words.
"I think that's enough," said Angel, since he noticed Rose's grim expression. He approached Duke Bartlet and gripped his head. While Duke Bartlet couldn't do anything since Euphorion's soldiers were gripping his body tightly.
"Farewell, Duke Bartlet..." And he cast his Corruption of Mind. The dark aura coming out of his hand enveloped Duke Bartlet's body.
Duke Bartlet screamed in pain. While Rose shivered saw the scene in front of her. Even though her hands weren't clean from blood, she never tortured her enemies.
Angel released his hand and opened his eyes breathlessly. His eyes stared at Duke Bartlet who fell motionless to the floor.
"Finish him." Since he had obtained all of Duke Bartlet's memories, he decided to end his life. Even though Duka Bartlet had lost his memory, his crime was too heavy, so forgiveness was out of question.
Without saying anything, Flare swung her chakrams and ended Duke Bartlet's life.
Angel turned his gaze to Rose.
"Shall we go now?" he asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," said Rose.
The Euphorion troops swiftly pulled away the corpses that were blocking their path before they stood on either side of that couple.
"Flare, I'll leave the rest to you," said Angel. And Flare answered by bowing her head. After that, he and Rose walked towards the exit. As Rose stepped on the bloody carpet, her mind filled with everything Duke Bartlet had just said as well as a lot of questions. Was this what her future would be? Endless battles and paths filled with their enemies' blood even though all she wanted was peace?