Not only that but Riley heard James ask, "Then, where is he now, Wood?"Before Riley could answer, with a panicked face the young man turned to Alen, "Smith, where is he?" Alen who was surprised by James' reaction asked back, "So why are you asking?""Just answer where he is now!" James said through gritted teeth.Exasperated, Alen replied, "He's probably already in front of the main gate. Those who didn't pass-"James stood up without listening to what Alen had to say. He immediately ran away from the table. Reflexively, Riley and Alen also got up and followed James. Halfway there, Alen commented, "He runs like a cheetah.""He's ... ahead of me on this," Riley replied under his breath. Riley and James had trained together so the young man knew James' running ability was indeed impressive. "Are you kidding me? He's better than you?" Alen said incredulously.Riley nodded, "Yeah, I lost. He's really fast.""Wow! No wonder it's so hard to catch up with him," Alen replied as he was alr
James and Diego didn't seem to realize that Riley was there. But Riley understood enough to let the two people talk.As he turned around, he bumped into Alen who had just climbed inside. "What's wrong? Diego's not here?""He is.""Then why did you come down, Riley?" Alen asked with his breathing still ragged.The young man had to hold his chest to calm himself down. Riley pointed at the two people who were still hugging. Alen immediately frowned, "Hey, what are they doing?"Riley replied, "Talking. Come on, let's go down!""Huh? Why, I want to talk to Diego too. I'm not running out of breath like this to chase after James. I didn't-"The young man was unable to continue because Riley had dragged him off the bus by force. Meanwhile, James and Diego had apparently heard Alen's noise. The two of them broke away awkwardly.James cleared his throat loudly, disguising his embarrassment and said, "If you leave, then who can I tease again?"Now that Diego had gotten over his sadness, he reto
Riley could only sigh in annoyance at James' usual childish behavior.After James and Alen had gone a little further, he said to one of the bodyguards, "I'm ready to go now.""Go ahead! Come with us!" the bodyguard said.Riley was taken to the king's palace, which was the largest and most spacious palace in the kingdom. It was almost twice as large as the palace of his children or even his queen.The security was also much tighter than the rest of the palace. But, Riley realized that it was necessary. Keannu Wellington was the leader of the kingdom so he deserved maximum protection.The king's palace had a large hall that was usually used to welcome guests who were officials or other staff. However, Riley knew that the king had a garden that was the king's favorite garden. He knew it from his father who had entered the area several times, both in the time of the previous king and the current king. It was very rare for people to be allowed to see the king in that garden. So it was no
However, Keannu's wrath did not go away, so he said in an irritated tone, "You must take responsibility for what you have done.""Yes, Your Majesty," Riley replied without denying or defending himself.However, Rowena apparently did not accept. "Father, he's innocent.""Rowena, what do you mean? How is he innocent? He already dared to hug you, you ...." Monica really couldn't understand her daughter's way of thinking. "He's not, Mom," Rowena said, while glancing at Riley who looked calm.While Keannu hissed angrily again, "You think I'm so blind that I can't recognize that boy, little girl?"Rowena shook her head, "That's not it, Daddy. It's true he is. But, what I mean is ... I ....""Promise me, if I tell you everything you and mommy won't punish him," Rowena continued with eyes flickering pleadingly.Monica disagreed and waved her hand that it was clear she rejected her daughter's request. Meanwhile, Keannu looked hesitant. He took the time to glance at Andrew but the war general
"Are you ... serious, young man?" Andrew asked with a surprised expression."Yes, General Reece." Riley replied witout fear.Monica and Keannu were now looking at each other, looking confused. In fact, they had wanted to ask for an answer from the young man from the start. However, they became helpless when a fact was revealed in front of them all.It was not Riley Wood who seduced his daughter, but the other way around. So, of course, that left them unable to speak freely.However, this time the young man made things easier. Keannu cleared his throat softly, "I allow you to marry my daughter."Monica winked at her husband's words. Marrying off her daughter to a prince from another kingdom was already difficult. Moreover, she was sure that news of her daughter's scandal would certainly spread quickly in the near future. She also felt that there was no way to save her daughter's reputation."Fine, I also allow you to marry Rowena," Monica said in the end.Rowena, who was shocked to de
Rowena bit her lip and decided to answer her father's question, "Why the rush, Father? Aren't we still a long way from getting married?""Asking his family to come to the palace can be done when the time is near," Rowena continued.Keannu snorted, "I'm not talking to you, Rowena. I'm talking to Riley Wood.""You must not interfere in this matter. This is a matter between the parents," Monica chimed in.It was obvious that her mother wanted to get to know Riley's family so she supported her husband's right decision.Thoughtfully, Riley finally said, "I can't tell you yet, Your Majesty. You already know that we ... as prospective soldiers are forbidden to communicate with our families outside the palace.""We are only allowed to communicate after we complete the selection. So-""Oh, I know what you're going to say. Well, we'll wait until after you've been sworn in as a bodyguard in this palace," Keannu cut in impatiently.Andrew Reece frowned, starting to think seriously about the young
Offended at being accused of fear, one of them said, "Fear? Gosh, what are we afraid of?"Alen kept smiling, "Alright, then just wait for the next selection."However, the young man named Michael Hickson who seemed to be the leader of the group of youngsters said, "Is there any guarantee that you won't cheat?""Cheating? How can it be called cheating when no one wants me here?" James said without turning around.Riley grimaced.James casually continued, "Trust me! Almost everyone here wants to send me home. Maybe, if possible, they're the ones cheating to get rid of me, not me."Michael couldn't reply.Meanwhile, his other friend was still saying, "Oh, it could be that your father still has people who are loyal to him. So, that person is helping you here."Oh, James couldn't take it anymore. Alen also didn't want to hold James back anymore because he knew James had the right to defend himself. "What did you say? My father's confidant?" James repeated the question as he turned around.
Riley Mackenzie couldn't give his response because he was too shocked. "Oh, don't show that stiff expression, Wood!" James said with a frown.Riley just shrugged, still looking reluctant to respond to James' words.Meanwhile, there were so many prospective soldiers who showed expressions like they wanted to go home.A young man from dormitory one named Seamus Fork had raised his hand."What is it, son? What do you want to ask?" Greg asked with an annoying smile.Seamus had very pale white skin, but Greg's announcement had made his skin look even paler than before.With trembling lips he asked, "Are you serious about sending us into battle, Commander?"The smile on Greg's lips instantly vanished, "Have I ever joked about something like this, young man?"Seamus gaped, but he quickly controlled himself and asked again, "But, Commander. We're ... just prospective soldiers. How can we be sent to war?"Another added, "That's right, Commander. We ... haven't even practiced much. Our abilitie