Chapter 151: Lifeboat
Princess Nessa immediately positioned herself in between Soleia and the guards. Her bangles pulsed with light as water appeared in her hands, transforming between a multitude of weapon shapes without settling on one.
"Princess Soleia," Sir Penrose, who stood at the very front of the pack, said, "By order of the King, you are sentenced to confinement until your wedding ceremony. Please do not resist, or force will be used if necessary."
"She is not going anywhere with you," Nessa said, frowning.
"Apologies, Princess Nessa, but His Majesty has decreed that all foreign guests should leave the kingdom by dawn." He wore a light frown, almost as though he was regretful of his words. "It is best if you return to your chambers and prepare for departure."
Soleia’s eyes scanned the crowd. There were simply too many guards present. Even if she had absorbed Florian’s magic before they chucked him out her window, Soleia wasn’t sure how much was left in her reserve, as she had found that it wasn’t infinite. With how she was exhausted, nullifying Elowyn’s magic and dispelling the ice her father had cast, her body felt weaker than she wished it did.
"Princess Nessa," she said with a weak smile. "It’s fine. Perhaps this is as far as it goes."
"But Princess Soleia!" Nessa argued, her jaw dropped down as she blinked in confusion. "If you return now, you will be married off to that... that... nitwit for the rest of your life!"
"Those are my father’s orders," Soleia said with a sad smile. She stood up, stumbling a little as she did, walking past Nessa and towards the guards.
"I’ll come with you," she said. "Just don’t hurt them."