As the Fire Army marched toward the Icelands, death lurked around every corner, and the majestic kingdom was stained with blood. Varenka was anxious for her mother's life, while Aamon could only suppress his fear and worry for his beloved queen.
Destruction and chaos spread throughout the kingdom as the Fire Army entered its borders. Ancient Soldiers were swiftly wiped out by the invading forces. Suddenly, a powerful beam of energy pierced the sky.
Varenka immediately recognized it as a security breach from the Ice Palace. Without hesitation, she hurried toward the palace, with everyone following close behind. She arrived a minute too late. Dismounting from Winter, she rushed toward the Throne Room.
She was stopped by her father, who warned her to remain cautious and not act rashly. Together, they carefully peeked inside and saw the Mysterious Emperor standing before the Ice Queen.
The Ice Army had fallen. Only the Ice Queen and a quarter of her people had temporarily survived the massacre.
The Mysterious Emperor voluntarily introduced himself.
"I'm Alastair, once the Fire Prince of the Firelands. You are my brother's lover and my niece's mother. In a way, we are related. So, let us form an alliance and a truce. No more blood needs to be spilled from the Royal Winter Bloodline. But if you plan to betray me, you shall die. It would be an honor for me, the Fire Prince, to be the one who ends your life. However, I have a secret." He leaned closer and whispered, "The Ancient Army killed our fathers."
Byanka was immediately triggered. After all, no one had ever discovered who had mysteriously ended the lives of both kings.
"Then why are you with them?" Byanka asked.
The Mysterious Emperor laughed.
"Because when I was exiled for attempting to kill my younger brother, everyone betrayed me. They hailed him as their king after I was officially declared an exile. I eventually found myself in the territory of the Mysterious Emperor, where they revealed the truth about our past. They could have killed me, but instead, they pitied me."
Aamon was shaken after hearing his brother's story from his perspective. Meanwhile, Varenka clenched her fists, her anger steadily rising.
"Mother!"
Before anyone could react, Alastair suddenly stabbed Byanka. He leaned close to her and whispered, "The Mysterious Emperor has chosen me as his successor. I participated in the war where our fathers mysteriously died."
Varenka rushed forward and slaughtered every Ancient Soldier who attempted to block her path.
"You demon! How dare you try to kill my mother!" Varenka screamed.
Alastair laughed.
"You finally came out, Princess."
Byanka weakened, barely able to remain standing as she neared death.
"Even if my father took what you believed was yours, you have no right to claim what belongs to my mother and me. This is your fate, not ours. We may have our faults, but we never chose this. You will die by my hands, and your body shall be reduced to ashes. Your soul shall never be reborn again, not for all eternity!" Varenka cursed.
Alastair merely smiled at her threat.
"Princess, you cannot end me, nor can you change my fate. I will conquer and claim everything my brother once owned, including your lives and your treasures."