The group transporting supplies to the north soon finished their discussion. They felt that waiting at the farmhouse might give the enemy an opportunity to call for reinforcements. So, after finalizing the plan with Anastasia, they set everything in order and left the village.
The journey to the sea took six hours. Normally, it would have taken no more than two, but because they were carrying heavy loads, their movement was slow. Moreover, after the attack the previous day, some of their carriages had been damaged, making travel even more difficult.
The commander, experienced in handling such situations, took extra precautions due to Anastasia’s concerns. He sent a few men ahead to prepare the ship and instructed them to secretly investigate whether there were any issues with it.
When the group arrived, everything was ready, and they immediately began loading the supplies. Once that was done, the group was divided into two.
The commander ensured that he shared the same boat as the princess, along with some highly skilled men.
"Your Highness, you’ve been working all night without rest. A room has been prepared for you to sleep," the commander said to Anastasia.
Anastasia nodded silently, her head lowered so no one could see her face.
"Let me help you," Rosa said as she supported Anastasia while boarding the ship.
Dorothy, standing to the side, clenched her fists in anger, barely restraining herself from lashing out. She had also worked tirelessly through the night, yet all the attention was on Anastasia. The only thing the princess had done was grind some herbs, and now everyone acted as if she had saved them all.
"Physician Dorothy, you should also try to rest," the commander said.
It wasn’t that no one acknowledged Dorothy’s efforts, but as a physician, treating the wounded was her duty. While skilled female physicians were rare, she was not the first. Moreover, in the soldiers’ eyes, she was only present because of Anastasia’s presence. The princess had personally instructed her to treat them.
The men respected Anastasia for her humility. Most nobles would never share their physicians with foot soilders. Though the soldiers in the group were highly skilled, they were not considered important enough to receive treatment from a royal physician. Yet, Anastasia had ensured they were cared for, which made them deeply grateful.
What truly impressed them, however, was that Anastasia had not simply gone back to sleep, she had personally helped prepare medicine for the injured. This act left a lasting impression on them.
Dorothy, unaware of all these sentiments, forced a smile before boarding the ship. She and Miss Magdalene were assigned to share a room.
The ship was not large, and there were only two small rooms. The other soldiers shared a larger space, while the remaining area was used to store the supplies.
The ship sailed smoothly over the waters, the gentle rocking lulling some of the soldiers into a state of weary rest. Anastasia remained tense. Her nightmare still haunted her. She sat in her small room, Rosa beside her.
"Your higness, you should try to get some rest, the journey would definitely be smooth," Rosa advice.
Anastasia sighed but her head remaind lowered. She did not say anything in response to Rosa’s words.
Outside, the commander and his men kept watch, their hands never straying far from their weapons. Though they had searched the ship before boarding, everyone knew that enemies could hide in plain sight.
Moreover, since he heard Anastasia words about the possible intentions of the Gube people he was tense. And reminded everyone to be watchful and his actions was right.
Since Shortly after the boat set to sail the first sign of treachery came as a sudden cry from one of the soldiers.
The warning barely left his lips before a blade sliced through the air. One of the crew members, previously thought to be an innocent sailor, had drawn his weapon and attacked. Within seconds, several others revealed themselves as enemies, lunging at the soldiers.
The ship erupted into chaos.
The commander drew his sword, quickly cutting down one of the traitorous crew members. "Protect the princess!" he roared, rallying his men.
Anastasia barely had time to react before Rosa grabbed her arm. "Your Highness, we must stay inside—"
Before she could finish, the door to the cabin burst open. A man with wild eyes and a curved dagger stormed in.
Rosa screamed, stepping in front of Anastasia, but the attacker shoved her aside and he lunged at Anastasia.
Instinct took over. Anastasia dodged, knocking over a chair in the process. The ship rocked violently as another explosion of shouts and steel clashing echoed outside. The source of thɪs content is novel⦿fire.net
The assassin swung his dagger again, narrowly missing her. She stumbled backward, her heart pounding. She immediately forgot Rosa’s words and run out of the room and climb towards the upper deck.
Just then, the ship tilted sharply as another fight broke out on the upper deck. Anastasia lost her footing.
The assassin who had chase after her, saw his chance. With a sinister grin, he lunged—
But before his blade could strike, Rosa tackled him from behind. He staggered forward, losing balance just enough for Anastasia to grab a nearby wood and smash it against his head. He collapsed with a grunt.
But Anastasia had no time to recover, she quickly climbed up the deck. Rosa follow behind. Just then sudden force, perhaps the ship hitting a strong wave threw her off balance. The floor tilted beneath her feet. She reached out, but there was nothing to grab.
Then, just as in her nightmare, she fell backward and tumbled into the open sea.
The cold water swallowed her whole. The shock of it sent a gasp through her lips, but no sound escaped, only bubbles. The world above blurred as she sank into the dark depths.
"Help, the princess has fallen into the sea," Rosa screamed. When the captain heard this he immediately push the person he was fighting off. And jump into the sea.
A few other guards did the same. The assassin did not continue to fight and they started escaping but the guards did not pursue, anyone still fit jumped into the waster to recuse the princess.