Chapter 204: Cannot Unseal the Book

Lauren felt a surge of anticipation course through her veins as she watched Anthony carefully inspect the ancient book.

Anthony’s voice carried a tinge of reverence as he spoke, "This is indeed a very old book, its age evident in every weathered page and worn binding. However, it appears to be more than just age that keeps it closed. It is sealed by a powerful spell."

"But I cannot sense any spell binding the book. How is it possible that it is sealed by magic?"

With a thoughtful expression, Anthony explained, "Sometimes, skilled magic users possess the ability to conceal the energy of their spells. It’s likely that the owner of this book desired to hide its true nature, making it appear as an ordinary tome. Or perhaps it was specially crafted for someone, and only that person holds the key to unlocking its secrets... perhaps, Queen Lauren, that person is you."

Lauren’s confusion deepened, her frustration at her failed attempts to open the book weighing heavily on her. She had searched tirelessly for a way to access its contents, but all her efforts had been in vain. They were losing time and she didn’t have all the time in the world to find the answers.

Anthony’s gaze met hers, his eyes glimmering with a mix of encouragement and mystery.

"Think back to what Priestess Eleanor revealed to you in the dream. She spoke of visions involving a spellbound ship crafted by the great priestess Luciana for her husband in the distant past. It was within that ship that you discovered this book. Could it be that the book and the ship are intertwined? That this is a riddle meant specifically for you to unravel, and not for anyone else? Perhaps the great priestess intentionally left clues, hoping that someone in the future could break the unintended curse she had cast."

"But I don’t have any idea how to unlock this. Don’t you know any ways to unlock a book sealed by magic?" Lauren asked Anthony, determined to find the key to the book one way or another.

"I will do my best, Queen Lauren, but I must warn you that breaking such a powerful spell is beyond my capabilities. However, I sense that this magic is intimately tied to the essence of a person’s soul. It seems to be attuned to a specific individual, and I believe it will only open for whom it is truly intended," said Anthony in a light manner as though he was sure Lauren would be able to open it when the right time came.

"You should stay here while you are figuring out a way to unlock the book. You were attacked by our enemies because they discovered you are helping us, so we must extend some generosity and give you a temporary shelter," said Alec.

"That sounds fair enough," Vincent seconded. "My uncle also suggested that you stay here for the time being, Anthony. Who knows if more people will be sent to kill you if you go back now?"

Anthony smiled, there was no hint of worry in his eyes. "I am not easy to kill, Lord Vincent. You should not worry." Then he turned to Alec. "Thank you for having me, King Alec. I will stay for a couple of days to help Queen Lauren open the book."

Lauren was reassured by Anthony’s latter statement.

The next day, while Lauren and Anthony were working on the book, Alec and Vincent were busy preparing the defense for the rebels’ attack. Vincent volunteered to lead the army to protect the main town where the rebels would most likely wreak havoc. Amber sent a message saying that the Supreme House would watch over the situation and would not step in unless necessary.

Lauren grew more anxious by the hour as they kept trying and trying to unlock the book to no avail. Anthony had done all sorts of seal-breaking formations he knew until they exhausted their energy, but none of it worked.

"What shall we do, Anthony? None of it worked!"

The weight of her quest weighed heavily on Lauren’s shoulders. They had spent countless hours trying to unlock the book’s secrets, trying every method she could think of, only to be met with disappointment.

Now, her frustration had reached a boiling point, and the idea of tossing the book into the fireplace in a desperate attempt to force it open crossed her mind.

"Please exercise patience, Queen Lauren," Anthony said, his voice steady and reassuring. "You cannot expect a great priestess to create a riddle that is easily solved. However, at this point, I have proven my skills to be insufficient in breaking the book’s seal. I apologize but the assistance I can provide ends here, Your Majesty."

Lauren sighed in acknowledgment, her frustration tempered by Anthony’s words. She understood that his expertise had brought them as far as they could go in breaking the book’s seal. While disappointed, she knew she had to accept the limitations of their current resources.

Recognizing that Anthony had made the decision to leave that very night instead of staying for the originally planned duration, Lauren didn’t attempt to dissuade him. She trusted his judgment and understood that he believed he could protect himself adequately. Alec and Vincent, too, didn’t object to Anthony’s departure, so she believed the man could fend for himself perfectly.

"You shouldn’t worry too much about it," said Alec that night when they had gone to bed. "After we have taken care of the rebels, I will help you find a way to break the book’s seal."

"Thank you, Alec," she whispered, inhaling his soothing scent as she leaned toward his body. Her body temperature had become colder these days, and only the warmth from Alec’s body could appease her coldness.

The next day was the date of the lunar eclipse. When Lauren woke up, the uneasiness settled upon her, and she couldn’t bring herself to offer anyone even a small smile.

Sitting at the dining table, the atmosphere was filled with tension and silence.

Vincent, wearing a smirk on his face, broke the silence with his confident tone. "Cheer up, Queen Lauren. Things are going to be fine after this night. I will lead the royal army to subdue the rebels."

Around the table, Matthias, Edith, Julian, and Colton were present, their expressions reflecting a mixture of concern and readiness. However, it was Vincent who seemed to be the most talkative, his voice filling the room. Darius, who had been invited to join them, had chosen to check on the royal horses instead.

Lauren acknowledged Vincent’s words, her gratitude evident in her voice. "Thank you very much for your help, Vincent. It means a great deal to us that you, despite not being from this kingdom, are willing to lend your assistance."

Vincent chuckled, his gaze shifting towards Alec with a mischievous smile. "Of course, I am always willing to help a friend," he replied, emphasizing the word ’friend.’ "Isn’t that what a kind gentleman should do?"

Alec couldn’t help but interject, his tone laced with playful annoyance. "Why must you continually brag about being a gentleman instead of focusing on eating? It would be wise for you to keep quiet, Harrington."

The remark elicited stifled smiles from Matthias and Julian, while Edith coughed slightly, attempting to hide her amusement.

As the tension eased momentarily, Lauren found herself grateful for the camaraderie that surrounded her. The unity of the group, with each individual playing their part in the defense against the rebels, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the looming threat.

With Alec having disseminated their assigned tasks the previous day, everyone had ample time to prepare. Darius and Colton had been entrusted with leading the royal guards to protect the castle, while Edith and Julian would join half of the royal army in safeguarding the borders.

Lauren’s voice cut through the air; her words were tinged with concern as she sought Alec’s attention. "Alec," she called. "Regarding what I asked you the other night, about the servants..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Matthias interjected, clearing his throat to capture their attention. "Queen Lauren," he spoke with a respectful tone, his gaze meeting hers. "The matter concerning the servants’ shelter has been addressed. His Majesty, King Alec, has taken care of everything. They will be leaving the castle after lunch, escorted by soldiers, to a safe location he has arranged."

Lauren’s eyes widened with relief, a weight lifting from her shoulders. She felt grateful for Alec’s quick action and consideration for the well-being of their loyal staff.

Her gaze shifted to Alec, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Alec," she whispered, her voice filled with appreciation.

The sides of Alec’s lips were slightly pulled up. "Aren’t I a great husband?"

Vincent coughed, feigning a choking sensation, causing Alec to shoot him an annoyed glare as he struggled to suppress a laugh.

"You know, Vincent," Alec remarked with a playful tone, "for a vampire, you certainly have an impressive appetite for human food. Perhaps you should allow yourself to indulge a little more."

Vincent recovered from his coughing fit, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Ah, my dear King, you underestimate the pleasures of the mortal world. Food is one of life’s simple joys, regardless of one’s supernatural inclinations."

"Indeed you have a point. Then, why don’t you just continue eating and mind your own business."

Lauren shook her head, a small smile forming on her lips. The grumpy Alec and mischievous Vincent were really a strange pair of friends.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read