As soon as Rachel woke up, Sebastian was no longer on her side. She had to stay in her bedroom all day because her husband kept making love to her. After his emotional outburst, he looked so disoriented that it pains her heart to think about whatever he might be going through.

'Why does he keep telling me he's sorry? During our marriage, he has never hurt me. In fact, she is overwhelmed by his affections and care.'

Rachel decided to ask him after he returns home from his military mission in the Oviedo Forest. This mission is to destroy the wicked sorcerers who harmed her. Sebastian will kill them all so she can be safe in their realm. She married the most capable man to protect her, how lucky is she?

Rachel smiles dreamily and takes the pillow he slept on and hugs it tight. Her heart is brimming with affection for her husband. When he returns, she'll tell him how much she loves him. She will say it with no regrets.

'Sebastian, my husband, my whole heart is yours. I love you this much.'

She blushed as she repeated the words in her head. As she felt overwhelmed by her emotions, Corine and Carole entered her bedroom.

Today, Sebastian and his military men are going to the forbidden forest. She needs to get ready quickly, since she is going to send him off.

"Your Majesty, please let's get you ready. The Duke requests your presence and is waiting outside."

"Alright, please dress me quickly. I'd like to spend a bit more time with His Majesty." Rachel quickly got up and went to the bathroom in a hurry.

As Rachel approached Sebastian standing before his knights, she rushed to his side and encircled her arms around his neck.

"Husband, please take care of yourself. I don't want you to be in danger. If something horrible happens to you, your wife will be devastated." She crept up to his height and gave him a smooch on the lips.

Sebastian became flushed and smiled foolishly. He then tightens his grip on her waist, nearly pulling her off the ground, and passionately kisses her on the lips. After a brief, intense kiss, they were out of breath and heavily panting.

"My wife, I'll be back soon. Nothing can ever happen to me; you have a strong husband." He winks at her and continues,

"Until then, for your safety, do not leave the castle. You will be protected by William and the most powerful wizards. Wait for me till I return." He kissed her once more and embraced her tightly.

Sebastian could not let her go and kissed her over and over again. The knights and staffs blush as they observe the royal couple's affection for one another. They too wanted for a love comparable to that of their masters.

They unwillingly parted ways, and Sebastian was about to get on his horse when Rachel walked up behind him and gave him a farewell hug.

"Sebastian, my whole heart is yours." She whispered into his ears and then released him.

As soon as he heard his cherished wife's most beautiful words, he turned around and kissed her on the temple. He then whispers back,

"I love you."

He reluctantly released her from his embrace and mounted his horse. Rachel bid him farewell with tears streaming down her face.

Is it possible for someone to love so intensely that it consumes her entire being? An exhilarating love that fills the soul.

She felt sudden melancholy as if this were the final time, she would see his face.

***

In a hidden chamber, the Dark Master smirked wickedly. He estimated that Sebastian would have entered the forbidden forest by this time. He can't wait to see the expression on his face when he has the opportunity to inflict him pain. Arthur understands that he can't defeat his brother, but there is a means to bring him to his knees.

"Ha ha ha ha ha! Brother, aren't we back in the past? The woman you have protected and loved will always be your weakness and a hindrance to our mother's ambitions. Shall I watch your misery as I kill her in front of you?"

The mere idea of inflicting physical and emotional pain on a Guardian drives his heart to accelerate. Who would have thought that a lowly being could bring a Guardian to his knees? He will make certain that the extremely proud Guardian weeps in despair. This has never happened before in the history of the Guardians. He will achieve the highest glory that other beings cannot obtain.

Arthur hummed an eerie tune. "I forgave you for destroying the core of our mother and causing her death. Even on her deathbed, our mother pleaded with me to support you. I loathed the fact that she holds you in such high regard because you were born a guardian. And me? I was born out of wedlock because of her illicit affair. A son who lives in the shadows. I have always waited for her admiration to place me on the same pedestal as you." He uttered with bitterness as tears streamed down his face.

'Mother, I shall fulfill your dream. I will drive brother Sebastian to madness and destroy this world. Then, allow me to follow you to Nakara (lowest realm of hell with the most sufferings) and share your agony. This son is the one who loves you most.'

"Iker, bring me the Crown Princess and activate her role. Also... inform the spy mage to deliver the Duchess unscathed and prepare the confinement box."

"I follow the master's command."

***

Rachel hears a knock at the door as she prepares for sleep. Corine walked to the door and escorted Carole into the Duchess's room.

"Please excuse my unexpected intrusion, Your Majesty, but I have an urgent message from your mother to give."

Carole gave her a piece of paper. She can't speak since the most powerful knights and wizards are defending the Duchess room from outside.

This evening, she felt uneasy and uncomfortable for no apparent reason. She senses that something dangerous is about to happen, thus she hides a poisonous knife in her magical pocket. Sebastian gave her the weapon and instructed her on how to use it should her life be in danger.

Rachel nods and opens the paper with trepidation. The contents of the paper state,

'Follow Carole immediately. Your life is in great danger.'

Rachel's lips twitch in fear, and she looks at Carole with apprehension. Her nanny signaled for silence after hearing footsteps outside her room.

"I apologize, Your Majesty, but I must do this."

Carole casts a spell that causes Rachel to faint, but she catches her before she falls, and they both vanish from the Duchess's chamber.

Before they left, she offered Corine a solemn and sorrowful look.

"You can do it. Don't fail us."

The door opens with a loud crash, and the wizards and dark sorcerers exchange a large amount of magical blows.

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*Author's note: If you like this chapter, please don't forget to hit vote. Thanks for all your support 😍 🥰 😘

*Soundtrack: Helium by Sia