Chapter 410: Third Arc (Fallen Heart) – 171. Rebellion and Ambush I

After a long meeting with King Eudon and Zephyrus' higher-ups, the royal couple left the castle the next day with a platoon of elite soldiers. Frost was also with them, but instead of wearing his usual uniform, he disguised himself among the soldiers. Meanwhile, his double remained at the Scarlet Stone Castle, pretending as if he had never left.

Everything was in place, all that was left was the execution of the plan itself.

Several days passed as the royal convoy made its way southeast through the forest of Zephyrus. The evening sun shone brightly as they traveled, and they knew that once they passed through the forest, they would enter Euphorion territory before nightfall. According to their schedule, they would spend the night at the Euphorion outpost located on the border. However, Angel knew that the rebels would likely attack them today, as it was their last chance before the convoy entered Euphorion territory.

The surroundings were alive with the beauty of nature. The trees towered above them, their branches reaching toward the sky like outstretched fingers. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, creating a symphony of sound that filled the air. The ground was covered in a blanket of soft grass, and wildflowers dotted the landscape, their petals blooming in a rainbow of colors.

The elite soldiers escorted the convoy with the utmost care, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. They were a formidable force, their armor glinting in the sunlight and their weapons held at the ready. They moved with precision, their footsteps almost in sync as they marched through the forest.

The convoy couldn't help but be awed by the beauty of their surroundings. Despite the tension that lingered in the air, they couldn't help but be enchanted by the serene atmosphere of the forest. The sounds of nature filled their ears, and the fresh, crisp air invigorated their senses.

Despite the peaceful atmosphere, they were on high alert, their senses heightened in anticipation of any potential danger. They were prepared to defend themselves at a moment's notice.

As the convoy passed through the forest, Rose continued to gaze out the window, her mind whirled with conflicting thoughts and emotions. She couldn't shake the worry that weighed heavy on her heart, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as they neared their destination. The thought of seeing Ivetta again filled her with dread, and she didn't know how she was going to face the woman who had betrayed her.

Her hand clutched the whip that lay in her lap, the metal cool to the touch. She knew that she would need it in the battle to come, but the thought of using it to kill her trusted friend filled her with a sense of unease. Her heart was a chaotic mess.

Beside her, Angel sat with his eyes closed, using his Evil Eye spell to scan their surroundings. He was on high alert, sensing that the rebels would make their move soon. He was restless, despite his careful planning, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that the rebels were a formidable force, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He kept his senses heightened, ready to react at a moment's notice.

Amid the silence, Angel decided to break it. "You've been quiet all this time. Is it because you're missing Zephyrus, or are you worried about your uncle's safety?" he asked suddenly, his eyes still closed. He could sense the tension emanating from Rose, even in her silence.

Rose briefly glanced at Angel before turning back to the window and letting out a long sigh. "You know the answer," she replied, her voice tinged with worry. She was so tense that she wasn't in the mood for small talk anymore. All she could think about was the impending battle and the safety of her uncle.

As Angel sat beside her, his brow creased in thought. "Then I assume it's all of those things," he finally said, his voice heavy with concern.

Rose turned to him, a hint of frustration in her voice. "You forgot one," she reminded him, her eyes meeting his closed eyes. She knew that he understood what she meant - the plan that they had worked so hard to put into action.

Angel sighed, his eyes flickering with worry. "I know," he said softly. And then, as his Evil Eye hovering above the carriage, saw some movements, his eyes snapped open and he tensed, "They're coming," he muttered, his voice low and tense.

At his words, Rose's eyes widened in alarm. "What?" she asked, her voice laced with tension. She hadn't heard him clearly before, and the realization that the rebels were approaching sent a shiver down her spine.