Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 618: The gods be with you

Chapter 618: The gods be with you

Valerie was stunned by Derek’s outburst, having not expected that. However, he quickly recovered his composure and said, "If you say so then."

Although their relationship had been rocky due to Derek’s betrayal in the past when he spied on him for his mother but Valerie could not deny that his second in command has been trying to make up for what he did, especially recent. However, it would take a lot of efforts for their relationship to go back to the way it was. If it will ever be.

"You should rest. You have an hour tops before we begin our journey."

"As you command my prince." Derek bowed his head and left.

Valerie sighed as soon as Derek left, the graveness of his plans finally dawning on him. However he had no choice, things had escalated to this point and there was nothing that he could do. The only comfort that Valerie had was that Islinda would be freed once he won; he would keep his promise no matter the cost.

Even when he lay on his bed, Valerie’s thoughts were consumed by Islinda and it was no wonder he was up on his feet as soon as his rest time was up. They had to go before sunlight ran out of them. Derek came in at the same time and from the look on his face, it was obvious he did not catch a wink as well.

Together they prepared to leave and it was a huge surprise to Valerie when he came to the throne room only to realize that Jagon had prepared a great load for them to go with.

"No, we travel light. The terrains are dangerous enough, I wouldn’t want such load, it would be more of a hazrad than help." Valerie said to him.

"Ahh, sorry, your highness." Jargon apologized for his mistake.

In the end, Valerie had to make do with a small load filled with skins of water, dried food and clothes they could change into.

"Also, what you asked for," Jagon handed a container to him and upon opening it, Valerie pulled out a map. "No one has ventured there for years now. It is old and you might have to be careful with it."

It was a map of the mountain and possible location of his grandfather.

Valerie placed the map in his bag slung over his side and staring at Jagon, he said, "Thanks a lot for your help."

Jagon bowed, "I’m always at your service, yout highness."

Valerie gave him a small smile and then made subtle signs to Derek, it was time to leave.

But as soon as Valerie made a step, Jagon grabbed him on the arm and said with grave seriousness. "Don’t dare to die, Valerie. You are our only hope and may the gods save us if your mother dares to hear misfortune befell you, it would be the end of the summer court and any other court she would ruin in her vengeance."

Valerie swallowed unconsciously, slightly shaken by his words. He didn’t know whether to tell Jagon that the queen Fae already attempted to kill him. Nothing she does now will faze him. He was literally already dead to her. Might as well die gravelly in his guest for power, his people would much honor him that way, than giving up on the fight with Aldric.

Valerie grabbed tightly onto the same arm Jagon held onto and said with determination, "I swear to the gods, I’ll be back."

Jagon saw the ferocity and will to live in his eyes and approved of it. He blessed him.. "May the gods be with you."

With grim determination, Valerie let go and turned to Derek. It was now or never. His second in command met his eyes, filled with the same vigor.

Together, they embarked on their journey to the harsh and dangerous mountain, where high heat and molten lava dominated the terrain. Despite the centuries that had passed since Valerie’s grandfather had retreated to seclusion, a map pinpointing his location had been painstakingly drawn by scouts who had been sent to search for him. Armed with a clue to his whereabouts, Valerie set out to find his grandfather.

As they ventured deeper into the treacherous terrain, the temperature rose steadily, and Valerie could feel the allure of the heat tempting him to yield to its call, to harness power he had never before manipulated. But he fought hard knowing his body could not handle it.

Night descended upon them, casting shadows over the rugged landscape. Valerie could feel the heat sapping their strength, their water supply dwindling rapidly as sweat soaked their clothes. Eventually, they discarded their tunics, their bare chests exposed to the scorching air.

Time seemed to blur as they pressed on, Derek’s vigilant presence the only thing keeping Valerie from succumbing to the hazards of the mountain. Countless times, Derek pulled Valerie back from the edge of a treacherous crevices, saving him from being consumed by the molten lava below

But despite Derek’s efforts, exhaustion began to take its toll. Derek was the first to falter, his strength waning as he stumbled forward. Valerie, determined to press on, refused to leave his comrade behind. With grim determination, he hoisted Derek onto his shoulders and continued their journey, the weight of his friend dragging him down.

As they pressed forward, Valerie felt his vision blur and his movements slow. Every step felt like an eternity, his body screaming for rest. But he knew they couldn’t afford to stop. They would die if he dared lose consciousness. He promised Jagon he would return. Most importantly, Islinda was relying on him go save him from his wretched brother. He would do this for her.

However, the heat enveloped him, draining his energy until Valerie could no longer fight the urge to surrender to unconsciousness.

With a sad smile, Valerie collapsed, his body giving in to exhaustion alongside Derek’s. At least he had tried, he thought, before darkness claimed him.