Chapter 101: The Race Against Time
Duke shouted at the guards, "Hurry! Get a genuine doctor! The princess’s body is turning blue!" Panic filled the air as he desperately sought help.
Crown Prince Maximus, equally alarmed, rushed into the hall and sought help from anyone he could find, momentarily forgetting his royal status. "Someone, get a doctor! The princess is dying!" he repeated urgently.
"Please, calm down, Crown Prince. I fear there may not be any other doctors here. We might have to search outside the palace," one of the guards explained.
Crown Prince Maximus wasted no time. He ran toward his horse, mounted it in a hurry, and despite attempts to stop him, he was determined not to halt. Urgently, he spurred his horse toward the main entrance, which was locked, placing him in a dilemma.
"No, stopping is not an option now," he muttered to himself.
"Up!" he yelled, and his horse leaped over the locked main entrance, carrying him outside. He briefly halted and glared at the guards who stared at him in fear.
"I will deal with all of you once I return," he declared before urging his horse toward the tribal empire. His destination was uncertain, but he didn’t care. Despite discomfort, he rode faster than ever.
Upon reaching the border of the empire, he dismounted and approached a cave he had previously discovered. He attempted to move the cave stone, but it was too heavy for one person. He struck it relentlessly until a tribal guard approached.
"Hey, help me move this! I urgently need to speak with your ruler," he said, panting.
"I’m sorry, your highness, but I have received no such order. I cannot assist you," the guard replied.
"I understand there is no order, but this is an emergency. I pose no threat to the empire. I am unarmed. If I attempt anything, you can execute me. Please, open the entrance. I must meet your ruler at any cost," he pleaded, his eyes filled with tears, his voice trembling.
"Very well," the guard agreed, opening the entrance. As it swung open, Crown Prince Maximus ran without concern for protocol, his heart racing in the face of the crisis.