Chapter 397: Meeting the Saviour 2
"The rightful heir?" Lara’s voice was steady, but her eyes gleamed with sudden intensity.
Raynor nodded, his face darkening with memory. "The old royal family was slaughtered and betrayed by their most trusted general. He seized the throne the same night the king and queen were murdered. But karma found him, and he was also murdered. Now, his son sits in his place—a usurper ruling a kingdom soaked in stolen blood." He paused, lowering his voice. "But the bodies of the two princes... were never found."
Lara raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So the heirs might still be alive? Did they truly escape?" she asked again.
"There are whispers," Raynor admitted. "One tale says a loyal guard escaped with the eldest prince and swapped the younger with a servant boy to throw off the assassins. If true, they might still be alive—hidden, waiting."
"I hope they’re alive. Estalis deserves better." Lara replied before turning to leave.
Raynor lowered his head, emotion welling in his throat. "My Lady... my saviour...You told me once to thank you when I recovered. I did survive—because of you. You pulled me back from the abyss, and today... ou saved my wife and child, too. I have no riches, no lands to offer you. But I give you the only thing I have left: my loyalty, for the rest of my days."
He dropped to one knee, bowing low.
"Raise your head, soldier Maro," Lara commanded, her tone firm but not unkind.
As he obeyed, she met his gaze without flinching. "Call me Miss Lara. I am Lara Norse—daughter of General Odin Norse."
Raynor froze. Odin Norse? The very name struck him like thunder. Suddenly, her presence, her authority, her fearlessness—they all made sense. She was the daughter of the war hero... the same man Estalian children had been taught to fear. And yet here she was, saving lives on both sides.
"Miss Lara sounds kinder than... Kane Mendel," he said softly, the realization dawning. "I understand now. You posed as a man during the War of Carles."
Lara gave a faint nod. "I did what I had to. But you don’t owe me your life, Raynor. If you want to repay me—serve Calma. Stay in the army, if you still believe in the cause. Or join the Gabriella Guild. They’re forming a guard division, and your wife and mother can join the women’s circle for healing and trade."