The head knight of the High Kingdom, turned towards the king and bowed. "Forgive me, your Majesty. I have received some disturbing news," he said presenting him with the letter. King Filip read it carefully.
"This cannot be! Surely, this is a hoax," he uttered astounded.
"I assure you, your Majesty. This is no hoax. I would recognize the princess' lovely handwriting anywhere," the guard said. Standing up, he added, "With your permission, I would like to assemble a group of our best men and head to the Seven Hill Kingdom."
The king grumbled. "Men don't grow on trees, you know. But, we can make some preparations in the morning."
Theodor looked at the king, dead serious. "Your Majesty, I was hoping it could be done tonight."
"Tonight? As in right now?" the king stuttered, shocked. "Don't be ridiculous. It is the middle of the night!"
His wife emerged, woken up by the noise. "What is happening?"
King Filip, presented her with the letter, which she hastily read and gasped. "This is terrible. Theodor, you must go there right away."
The king wanted to say something, but two stern looks made him reconsider. "Fine! Go! Do, whatever. Just let me sleep," he said and went back inside as his wife exhaled through her nostrils.
Withing an hour, the men were on their horses, galloping down the path.
As the sun slowly bathed the earth, the shadows fell over the guardian's beautiful garden. The powerful creature rested on her rock with her long hair covering her dress and feet. Zora slept in the carriage, using her cloak as a pillow.
The yelling from the castle woke them both.
"On whose orders do you come barging in with your soldiers!" they heard Nathaniel bark.
"Princess Zora herself, the Lady of this castle, sent me this letter. Here is the proof. Now, let me speak with her."
Zora smiled, recognizing the harsh voice. "They are here!" she told the grumpy Viniria.
Nathaniel's ears were letting out steam as he crumpled the paper. He, and a few of the men he had left, were already frolicking in the new castle. "Do you think this kingdom has no soldiers of its own? We will deal with this crisis ourselves! Leave now, or my battalions will escort you one way or another!"
"We are not going anywhere without the princess. And why are you greeting me? This is her home, is it not?" Theodor growled, making his already threatening presence even more terrifying.
The carriage wheels rolled down the path, moved by the unusual appendages. Zora emerged from it and greeted them politely, "Loyal Theodor, I am happy to see you so soon. I assume you got my message."
The guard bowed, with one knee on the ground. "I have. Nothing could've stopped me from reaching you as soon as possible."
Her villainous brother-in-law watched them both dumbfounded. "What is the meaning of this?" he yelled.
Zora turned to him with a cold stare. "This, my dear Nathaniel, is your final warning."
"What!"
"You heard me. Last night, you made arrangements for me to get murdered. And since I last checked, threatening the member of the royal family is considered an act of treason!" she stated in a strict tone.
The king gasped, hiding his shivering hands. "You... How dare you talk to me like that. I am still the king!"
"You are what?" Viniria emerged, bringing the carriage from the shadows. "Say that again?"
Nathaniel gulped, seeing the furious creature. The sight of his tied men, made him even more nervous.
"I see you have noticed my carriage. These are all your lackeys, are they not?"
"I..."
"And they were ordered by you to kill me in that secluded area? The ransom note was not real either, was it?" she continued.
Nathaniel held in his breath, with his gaze frantically shifting from one scowling face to the other. "But Zora, my dear sister. Surely, you do not believe I orchestrated all of this?"
"I do. Theodor, seize this man and lock him up. The others as well. In fact, lock anyone who protests, lock them as well," she commanded, which her guard happily obliged, grabbing the guilty man. The king tried to avoid capture, but was unable to escape the colossal man. Although plump and vital, he could barely reach Theodor's shoulders, let alone wrestle him. The knights of the High Kingdom took the rest to the dungeon's. Stone and steel facilities, which Nathaniel make extra sure no one can escape-
Viniria seemed pleased, watching the sly snob make a spectacle of the whole thing. Once he was dragged inside the sturdy walls, she sighed from frustration.
"The deed was done, my green guardian," Zora said. "Now it is your turn to hold up your end of the bargain."
"Are you sure you can handle things here on your own?" Viniria pleaded. "What if they come looking for him?"
"Yes, I am certain. If others ask, I will tell everyone that Nathaniel went to look for his brother. They will not dare make a move without him," she said calmly.
Viniria frowned, unconvinced. "You are playing a dangerous game, Zora. Are you certain you are up to the task?"
The girl sighed. "I realize I was acting foolishly. But I did think long and hard about my next move. I will be safe for now. Still, none of this will work, if Aidan doesn't come back."
Viniria shook her head. "How can I leave with you in such a fragile state."
"You made a promise. Now please go," Zora said.
The creature sighed. "Fine. I guess it's time for me to go," she said and slowly retreated into the forest. Preparing her travel bag, she looked up at the branches. Chirp was patiently waiting.
"The time has come, my feathery friend," she said as the beautiful creature landed on her finger.
"Chirp! Yes. I am happy you accepted this mission."
"Well, it is very hard to say no to two such adorable creatures," she smiled, lifting the dark shimmering device.
"I wish to see where prince Aidan is," she said, visualizing him. The circle started glowing, with Chirp impatiently flying in. The forest creature puffed, placing the magical wire over her head. Her body was sucked in, leaving the forest without its protector.