"We live, we survive and at the end we die, we can't escape this destiny, so why do we keep trying to?"
''In the threshold of life and death, for a god to be naturally born is to defy the laws of the universe itself, so one must live as human to set the engine straight''. The words of the oracle made the gods' decision even harder, to abandon your own flesh and blood, to leave a defenseless child alone to fend for themselves. However they uphold no choice in the matter whatsoever.
''I don't think I can'', the Light god's voice trembles as tears flow through his cheeks, his eyes fixated on the newborn child his wife holds tightly on her arms. ''Can't we… go down with him?'' His words carry meaning, to be willing to give up on their divinity, their life as gods, only further shows the love they have for their child. Their love isn't enough, though. As gods they have responsibilities, born from the universe and to die for it, their path isn't theirs to choose. To give up on their divinity wouldn't mean becoming the universe's beloved humans, but to perish as stardust, forgotten by those who today worship them.
The oracle itself is already salvation for their son, to wish for more is to be overly greedy.
''You can always choose to let him perish'', the words of the god of Wisdom makes the two gods look at each other with despair. ''Remember that his survival is equally dependent on your behavior''. His threats are clear, if they interfere or attempt to alternate their son's destiny, they'll suffer the consequence, and the biggest one is the extinguishment of their precious offspring by the hands of those they consider colleagues.
''C'mon it would be fun if they mess things around a bit'', the goddess of War exclamates with a deep laugh, the god of Wisdom shakes his head, distancing himself from his peers, annoyed at their irrational and emotional choices, those which he'll never truly understand.
''Regardless of the pain you're experiencing, Uri,'' the goddess of the Moon says, appearing suddenly, her silver eyes shining with the night. ''It's his survival or your selfishness'', her words are wise, and the gods know that, but being apart from their child is too much, being able only to watch from a distance when they suffer, it can't exist a worse torture to a loving parent.
A solitaire tear flows through Amaya's cold cheeks as she stares in the heterachromatic eyes of her newborn, his pale skin reminiscent of her and the tip of his nose is just like his father's, at least in her eyes. I love you so much, she thinks, unable to say it out loud, the newborn only makes a small noise, still not able to understand the world surrounding him, he probably can't even properly see the face of those who love him unconditionally. Uri bends over, his forehead touching the child's, he whispers a low incantation, the body of the newborn shining brightly and a small necklace with a sword pendant appears on his neck. ''May the light bless your days'', he whispers at the end, kissing the newborn's forehead.
Amaya smiles softly, doing the same as her husband, the sword taking a different tone as she infuses her power as well, becoming dual color. ''May the darkness bless your nights'', she whispers, another tear flowing down.
In the end all they could do was trust their most precious treasure to the Temple in the Kingdom where their blessings reach, a wish deep in both of their hearts, that you be happy as a human and that you know in your heart that we'll always love you.
❥
''I understand that you somehow fell in love with someone a ocean away by letters only, however, there isn't a single good rumor about him'', an exasperated voice fills the office in the Castle of the Morke Kingdom, the room lit by scented candles is where the King of the Morke Kingdom is being nagged by his aide and best friend. Cypress has a soft yet annoyed expression, he isn't sure how to deal with his employer, his seafoam eyes are gaunt, and his dark circles have dark circles, a clear sign of the amount of overwork he has since he had taken refuge in the Kingdom. His long emerald hair is poorly styled, as he has woken in a hurry with the news of the upcoming conquest, his shirt even backwards, earning him a few glances from the maids who very kindly didn't warn him about it. ''Your majesty, you must remember that you carry a whole nation on every single decision you make''. He attempts to be wise, and be the voice of conscience to the idealist King Lyor, those who judge the King to be a Tyrant, clearly haven't dealt with the man in person.
Sure, Cypress is nothing short than grateful for the man. Years ago when they were both still teens, Lyor, who was training to be King, gently took care of him, providing him a home and warm food. But slowly as Cypress spent more time with the man he realized that he's nothing but a pushover, a great leader and excellent swordsman? Sure, but a pushover nonetheless.
Half of the Castle staff are refugees of past wars, or even those abandoned by their own nation like Cypress. The King even took kindly over those he conquered, avoiding bloodshed when possible, taking in those of royal bloodlines most would exterminate. In the aide's eyes, though, those aren't acts of kindness or benevolence, but pure stupidity.
Well, if he was perfect he wouldn't need me, he tells himself, slowly calming down, aware that his lack of sleep was driving him senseless. His eyes fixated on the King, who's staring at a letter that just arrived from his surprise fiance… The more Cypress thinks about the situation the more worked up he gets. From all the nations in the Earth, he had to choose the one Prince that even the people from our small Kingdom know rumors about. Bad rumors.
''Cypress,'' Lyor speaks, burning the letter on one of the scented candles lit on his desk, a soft smile on his face, ''There was something I was reading yesterday,'' one of the things the King enjoyed doing the most was reading books on abstract subjects, I wish he read his own documents instead, ''Life only has meaning when you decide it does, what do you think this means?'' His words are soft, his voice hoarse due to the late hours. Lyor grabs a strip that came inside the letter envelope. The string is approximately seven centimeters long, made of red, yellow and black fabric, braided perfectly, at the end a bow made with the same braided fabric and a fox charm. He analyzes it closely, reading the inscription on the charm and laughing quietly. Don't die, a simple wish that made the man happy. Slowly with every letter they exchange, he can feel that he's starting to understand the Prince, perhaps even more than the Prince understands himself.
''I don't know, I'm not a fan of philosophy'', Cypress answers, turning his gaze back to the pile of documents in front of him, once the King leaves for the conquest, he'll have even more to work on. I should make a revitalizing potion later, he thinks.
''It means that the meaning we give things is often times, what limits them'', Lyor says, grabbing a paper and his quill. ''We can't expect a person who we judge to be evil, to be good, because the lens in which we're looking at them are already tainted with our judgement.''
''Is that why you insist in taking strays?'' Cypress retorts, his expression of displeasement only makes the King smile further.
''No, that's why I see Prince Nikias in different eyes than yours, I choose to see him as my future partner and someone whom I can trust, while you choose to see him through the lens of the rumors, assuming he'll take advantage of me'', he can't retort this remark, after all what Lyor is saying is true, that they both have biases regarding the Exos Empire Prince.
''Lyor'', Cypress says, passing the line from aide to close friend. ''I don't think he's taking advantage of you, I know he is'', the aide brushes his long emerald hair back, trying to control the locks running free from his poorly made ponytail. ''I spent a fair amount of time in my father's court to know that this Prince isn't to be trusted''.
''Why so?'' Lyor asks as his quill's tip moves swiftly on the parchment paper, crafting an answer to the letter the Prince sent him earlier.
''He…'' Cypress starts speaking but stops himself. ''Lyor, you already know all the rumors'', he sighs, aware of the test the King is doing on him. ''I hate being tested'', the man laughs, his aide staring at him angrily. ''If you know all the rumors surrounding him, then why?''
His hand stops, Lyor looks at his aide, who's expressing only concern in his eyes, ''Because as I said, I chose to trust him''.
''May I just know what he's demanding of you?'' Defeated, the aide asks, redoing his low ponytail, as worrying about a man taller and stronger than him seems to be going nowhere anyway.
''Protection and partnership'', Lyor answers shortly. ''He's demanding what is my duty as his fiance and future husband, so don't worry too much Cypress, his monthly funds are probably bigger than our reserves''.
''You speak as if you don't know that what we have is deeper than just money'', he expresses.
''Cypress, I don't think he covets our position as saints'', for the first time in the conversation Lyor's tone is cold and harsh, his heterochromatic eyes shining as a bit of mana leaks from him, showing his discomfort and anger with the insinuation in the aide's words. ''Remember that even if the gods can take away the power they bestowed on us, it doesn't take away our own merits as masters of our fields'', even if his words are empty to the aide, Lyor feels them more deeply, as he believes himself that the gifts the gods gave him are nothing more than consolation prizes for the weight he must carry due to it. Their own selfishness is the driving force behind Lyor's gift, therefore he can't count on them to forge his path.
Of course, he uses his overwhelming mana to cover and protect the Kingdom, as well as to aid him in his battles, but that isn't all, he studied for years before being crowned, he spent hours training the sword to be able to be called the ultimate swordmaster by those who crossed his path. He didn't become King only because of the gifts the gods bestowed upon him, but also due to his own hard work. The religious Kingdom might see it otherwise, but if Lyor himself wasn't satisfied with the knowledge and abilities he forged in his childhood and teen years, he wouldn't have accepted the crown even if as a Saint it was expected of him to do so.
''Does he know?'' Cypress asks, seeing it through Lyor's words of assurance.
''Yes'', he doesn't elaborate his answer, he neither needs nor wants to. There are things he and Nikias talk about that he doesn't want others to know, be it his secrets or the Prince's. As he believes trust is the foundation of any relationship. Especially one expected to last the rest of their lives.
Cypress decides, wisely, to be quiet after the King's answer, all doubt and distrust he has won't be entertained, therefore all he can do is wait and see with his own eyes if the Prince is worthy of his best friend. Because in his eyes, Lyor is too good for the useless Prince.
Lyor himself on the other hand is quite satisfied with the one he made a deal with, they both needed only to exchange the bare minimum, be it in affection or political information, but they actively chose to give their all in the currently three-day relationship, extensively exchanging letters and pleasantries. He's quite awkward with his words, adorable, Lyor thinks as he reads his own letter, remembering Nikias', seeing with rose colored glasses all of the Prince's words, he's not exactly in love or smitten, he is though, quite intrigued and harboring a certain affection after the kiss they exchanged. Again, they could have a relationship like most political marriages, the bare minimum, but they choose to become more. Especially Lyor, who never even thought about marriage, but is now excited about what his future with Nikias will bring. Excited to their monthly meeting and even more to slowly unravel the man's world with every letter and conversation.
Dear Nikias, I hope this letter reaches you well.
I'll safeguard the strip you made for me, unfortunately due to the nature of my sword I won't be able to use it in it, therefore I'll attach it to my uniform, and will carry on with your words in my heart, being sure not to die on you. Your trust and belief in me bring warmth to these cold nights. I wish I could keep your letters with me, to read while on the battlefield, but due to their sensitive content I can't.
Nikias, did you know that your name means 'victory'? When you say I'll win, your words carry much meaning, as I believe that my victory will be attached to your words and existence. Last night I had a dream, maybe it was the poor attempt of the gods to make me give up on our relationship. In the dream I watched as you committed crimes, however I couldn't see it as you, not only was the way the fake moved, but also the way it spoke. The gods don't smile upon your existence, but I'll bless you instead, I'll send the artifact through Ji-won.
Attached to this letter will be Ji-won's information, he isn't the most respectful, but he is trustworthy. If he disrespects you or treats you poorly, you can discipline him as you see fit, after all, once married my knights will be yours.
The artifact is a bracelet, I wish that you use it, don't keep in a drawer gathering dust, it was made by me and blessed upon completion so it isn't the prettiest, however you would be the first to wear it, the effects are protection and it contains light magic, it'll show you the path even in the darkest of nights.
I'll make sure to bring you the peaches. Nikias, stay safe as well, eat a lot as you were too skinny when we met and be sure to take care with the summer approaching to not get sunburned.
Here's a recipe of sunscreen one of my tutors taught me, use everyday and re-apply if you enter in contact with water.
2 sunflower seeds, crushed in a fine powder
1 ice mana stone, crushed in a fine powder
4 spoons of any neutral cream
2 ginger roots, roughly cut
Mix it thoroughly, keep in a dark dry place for a week and then apply it to the skin before going out in the sun.
Obs: Don't use red ginger, use the yellow or blue one. As red ginger can become abrasive in contact with mana.
If any of the ingredients aren't found in the Empire, ask for it and I'll send it with Ji-won. You can ask your servant to do it for you if you don't know how to use a knife properly yet, as I don't wish for you to lose a finger in the process.
I decided to send you a few information about me as well and I expect you to share some with me in return, as it would be disgraceful if I didn't know anything about my future husband.
My favorite fruit is pomegranate, my favorite flower is mirtle, my favorite scent is any sweet fruity or floral one, my favorite food is wild boar roast with grape sauce and the last book I read was 'Commonality and Causation'.
Dream of me,
King Lyor Natrix Noir.
With his final review he sends the letter, it's probably night there already, he thinks, getting up from his desk to leave his office, he takes a glance at his friend, working hard on the paperwork, before leaving and walking the Castle hallways towards the training grounds. The Castle of the Morke Kingdom is simple, the structure is made of basalt and the place itself isn't that big, compared to other Kingdoms he visited, especially if he compared it to the lavish Palace of the Exos Empire. Containing two small ballrooms, six bedrooms, one kitchen, the throne room, one dining room, two drawing rooms, the two offices and a dungeon of course, it's more lavish than most commoners houses but not lavish enough for Royalty. Not that Lyor wants to have a huge Castle or a Palace adjourned in gold, but for a future Emperor he can admit that the Castle isn't enough to support the future of the Morke Kingdom.
We'll need to make renovations, he thinks, distracted, the maids and other employees that cross his path bow simply before carrying on with their tasks. Out of the Castle walls there is the small garden, a prayer room and the training grounds. Because of the small scale the employees need to commute, I should make a building for those without families, he makes a mental note.
''Your majesty!'' A deep voice startles the King, he turns to see his butler, Keres Draeger, running towards him, the woman is wearing the usual black robe most Priests use, the robe covers from her neck to her ankles and has drawings made of silver portraying the blessings of the goddess of Darkness. Keres is one of the many half-dragon Priests of the Temple of Darkness. Dragons are the patron species of the Kingdom and the goddess, therefore half-dragons are considered blessed individuals and most are devoted to the religion of their goddess.
Other halflings are also welcomed in the Kingdom due to their policies and beliefs, where most of other Kingdoms tend to condemn halflings, in the Morke Kingdom they're considered of blessed blood even when they don't follow the gods they believe in. It's also one of the few nations where commoners can have surnames, as they become devotees of one Temple, they are assigned the blessed surname, Draeger, as obvious, is the surname given to those who choose to devote themselves to the goddess of Darkness, while those who choose the god of Light, receive the surname De Luce.
Not only those are unique mechanics of the Morke Kingdom, but as they also don't have nobles besides their King, as a religious nation, the Priests are those regarded high as nobles in other nations would be. And the only one with a different surname is the King and Queen, as they have a separate blessing ceremony, where they're assigned surnames by the gods. Usually they only receive one, but Lyor got two, one by each god. The whole Kingdom's system works due to religion, and the King isn't an exception, only Saints can be chosen to sit on the Throne. Most times saints are chosen by either one of the gods, Lyor being again, the exception, being chosen by both gods. Which most see as a blessing and I see it as a curse, he reflects, waiting for his butler to reach him, the woman breathless once she does.
''Your majesty, I need you to approve the employees budget before you leave for the conquest'', Keres is holding tightly a stack of documents that make Lyor shiver just by looking at it, unfortunately budget documents can't be overseen by Cypress, so he must be the one to do so. ''I already talked with Anwar and Leora,'' she continued, ''But I must ask that you analyze it carefully, our reserves are already dry due to the last conquest'', she sighs. Keres is 26 years-old, but still makes sure to speak to Lyor respectfully, her eyes are a deep tone of purple with a slitted pupil, characteristic of dragon's blood, her hair is almost completely shaved off, but the little it has is black like the darkest of nights, and her skin is almost transparent, another characteristic of those dragonborn. The woman is one of the few as tall as Lyor, and her trustworthy persona earned her position as his butler; very few he met in his years at the Temple are worthy of such. ''Also, do you know how much will be your fiance's dowry?'' And she's also the only one who would dare to ask such a question. Lyor laughs.
''I didn't question him about it, but I won't demand any'', his words are calm, he can see the anger on the woman's face but tries to pretend not to.
''You must, your majesty, or we'll become broke before we can finish the conquests!'' She's right, of course, even with the money of the Kingdoms Lyor conquered, they don't have enough money to continue this pursuit. But asking for money from Nikias isn't the answer, as he doesn't wish to turn their already transactional relationship even more trade focused.
''If it becomes unsustainable, then I'll ask him'', he answers with a sigh, giving in to the woman's pleading eyes.
''Good!'' The woman answers with relief, clear in her tone, ''I'll leave the documents at your desk, but please don't forget.'' Lyor nods. ''Also, have you told Leora about your engagement? I mean sure you don't need to, but that… child still thinks she has a shot''. Her tone shifts, her words are filled with disdain. Usually Priests of the Temple of Darkness do not have hurdles with those at the Temple of Light, however there are exceptions, and Keres and Leora are one. Both were raised as orphans at their Temples and while one was blessed by blood, the other had to work harder through her path to Priesthood. Due to it, the two women tend to butt heads every so often, and Leora's affection towards Lyor contributes to Keres disdain, as she believes that as a Saint those of the robe shouldn't covet him. While Leora believes that being of the Temple means that she has more right to be next to him than others who may not follow their religion.
''I didn't'', he answers shortly, Keres nods, understanding of his choice.
''She'll find out sooner or later'', she warns before leaving.
Lyor sighs, he never considered marriage, due to his position, marrying anyone of the Kingdom would feel wrong, as they not only see him as a ruler but as an object of worship and adoration. Leora's affection came also from her adoration for the god of Light, and Lyor as his saint was the closest she could get to the god, he would never reciprocate those feelings as they're not directed to him as a person.
Not that Nikias was after me as a person too, he thinks as he continues his path to the training grounds, he never said I was strong because of my divinity, I wonder if that is the reason, though. He ponders, maybe I should ask, losing my mind over something he never said just because others see me as such, is unfair to him.
And to be completely fair, all the man mentioned was needing protection for the upcoming rise of the Ancient God, afterwards he claimed to only want a life of partnership, so in the end of the day, all truly needed from Lyor was to work hard and be by the Prince's side.
Should we have one or two children? As the youngest brother he might want his children to have brothers as well… His mind is going elsewhere completely as he attempts to stop the self-doubt. While the Morke Kingdom is underdeveloped in aspects of technology, he knows that in the Exos Empire, birth between those of the same sex is possible through mana manipulation. I would like to have one boy and one girl, they both can be just like him, as he's the prettiest out of the two of us. If Nikias could hear his thoughts right now he would not only say that the man was getting ahead of himself, but as he was wrong since to the Prince, the King is certainly the most attractive one.
''Noir,'' his delusions are cut short by the Captain of the Spectres, Lyor's elite knight division, Anwar de Luce. He's one of the charity cases Lyor did while training to be the King, the boy was an urchin, living on the streets of the neighbour Kingdom, his rugged appearance and acts of thievery caught the young Lyor's attention, offering him something Anwar would describe later as 'salvation'.
For someone trying not to be connected to the religious view of him being a messiah, he sure enjoys acting like one.
''The preparations are almost over'', Anwar speaks once Lyor approaches him, the man is a few centimeters shorter than the King, his cool brown skin is covered in scars, his black hair is short to avoid troubles during his fights and his black eyes lost a bit of its pigment during one of the conquests when an enemy knight poured acid on his face. Luckily Cypress was able to concoct a potion that almost fully regenerated his vision. Anwar was made Captain once Lyor rose to the throne, his position earned purely through skill, as no Knight even in the Spectres could defeat the man, not only because of his skill with his weapon of choice - the sai - but also his geniality when it comes to forming strategies. Lyor owes a few of their victories to the man's brain. ''Are you sure about sending Jiwon to the Empire?'' His doubt is justified as the man is part of the Spectres, the elite group already doesn't have many members, and sending one away right before the conquest doesn't sound like the best strategy.
''Yes, he has a role there, and don't worry about the conquest much, we already have more than enough to succeed'', his words are funded on the trust he placed on Nikias words and his scout notes.
''As you say, Noir'', Anwar is one of the few that call Lyor by his surname, a reflection from the days they trained together, before Lyor became King.
''Having fun without me?'' A voice followed by a bulky man's appearance makes Lyor smile, Noor de Luce was the oldest in the Spectres, at 30 years old he became a legend in the Morke Kingdom, not only he's a strong devotee of the Light god, but he's also the sole survivor of the Red Sea, a place where no human was ever able to cross, except for him of course. Before coming to the Kingdom, Noor was a pirate, stealing from other boats and fighting naval brigades, but he retired after becoming stranded on the Red Sea for two years, he returned a changed man, without one eye and one leg, the man became the instructor for Lyor and the others in the Spectres, proving that even after retirement he was still a formidable fighter. ''What about a sparring session, your majesty?'' He bows, his tone is light.
''Did your muscles alter the chemicals in your brain or are you naturally stupid? Last time it took you three weeks to heal from your sparring session, and you have a conquest in two days.'' The remark comes from a figure close to the shed where they store the knight's equipment. Jiwon Draeger as usual is staring at his colleagues as if they're bugs, even if his expression is of disgust, the man is anything but arrogant, even if his attitude says otherwise, that is a reflection of his days as a Prince of an affluent Kingdom that perished six years ago.
To describe Jiwon, first one must explain those who most refer to as the Triplets from the Fallen Kingdom. Part of Lyor's history of charity cases, the Triplets were washed on one of the Morke Kingdom's shores six years ago, beyond malnourished and with scars that would last a lifetime. Two Princesses and one Prince, coming from the Solidm Continent after a war broke in the Angae Kingdom, leading to its downfall, and while most believe that the whole Royal family was decimated, the three Royal descendants survived and took refuge in Lyor's kindness.
All three former Royals took this new life in a different way, even if all three of them became part of the Spectres. Jiwon is the youngest of the Triplets and also the one that took least damage from the war, some argue that he was spared due to a god taking pity on him, but that was never solidified, he's outspoken and hardworking, he's proficient with a fauchard and a katana, both symbols of his fallen Kingdom. Lyor also thinks that he is the one that took everything the hardest, even if the man denies having traumas due to the lost war.
Jiwon is good-looking in a different way from Lyor or even Nikias, most would describe him as ordinarily gorgeous, with almond-shaped black eyes, black smooth hair that is always styled differently, and soft facial features, his body isn't the more muscular or skinny one in the order, he's one of those people that find hard to put up muscles but still tries to, being strong yet having no definition in them. His only visible mark of the war being a lengthy scar on his back.
His older sisters weren't as lucky, though. Seoah Draeger is the middle triplet, her appearance is similar to her brother's, but her hair is longer, reaching her neck in a straight cut, in personality however, she is more energetic and dedicated, while her siblings are more proficient in weapons, she is more mana-focused, a brilliant magician with a mana tailored for nurturing, as she is more nature focused, not quite like Cypress, who literally is the saint of the Nature god, but her mana is able to grow, disperse and even control plants to her will. Her scars from the war were deeper, her head was almost cut off during a scuffle, severely damaging her vocal chords, having to remove it with mana while healing herself in their journey out of the fallen Kingdom. She found solace in a small lab in the Triplets house, where she learned from Cypress how to make potions, cultivating her skills further. And even if she's completely mute now, she uses her mana to express herself, writing on the air to communicate with people, or even sending telepathic messages. Maybe if she had more time or better support she could've learned sign language or some other form of communication, but that was the best she could do as she trained to earn her spot as a knight in those six years.
The oldest sister, however, got the worst out of them. Hayun de Luce was the Crown Princess of the Angae Kingdom, training her whole life to be a ruler, facing not only the death of her people but also of her family, being the only out of the three that saw firsthand their parents' death. Lyor always sympathized with her the most, and she also aided him a lot, giving the man pointers before he took the throne. As one of the triplets, her appearance is similar to her siblings, but her hair is long, reaching her thighs, due to her lack of mana she decided to become a spy, using her appearance to attract unsuspecting eyes. Her skill with the slingshot also helped her to not blow her covers during operations, most are surprised the first time they see Hayun using the slingshot or engaging in body-on-body combat.
That is because Hayun doesn't have her eyes, during torture when her Kingdom was overtaken, she got both of her eyes removed by the enemy's soldiers. The fact that she endured and managed to not only escape but train herself to function completely blind, is an inspiration to the children of the Temple she helps. Because of the lack of light in her life, she decided to turn to god, receiving a blessing on her third year in the Morke Kingdom, after praying everyday, she's now able to perceive the world surrounding her as light, not being able to see colors or even shapes, but is able to sense what's around her in the form of sludges of light.
All five people that compose the Spectres are unique in their own way, and not only that but they also have an unique sense of loyalty towards Lyor. Seeing him as their saviour, even if the man himself protests against such a view. The only one that was on the receiving end of Lyor's kindness and didn't become a devout, was Cypress, and that's why he's the only one Lyor considers a close friend. Maybe I can include Nikias now, but he isn't exactly someone I ''saved'', I would argue that we ''help'' each other. In the future, Lyor hopes that he can feel fulfilled in his actions, rather than becoming the ''messias'' the gods and the Priests wish for him to be.
''So he's the one you're sending to protect your fiance?'' Noor asks the King, expressing his displeasure.
''I'm also questioning myself'', Jiwon comments, approaching the three men, ''I very much would prefer going to the conquest''.
''So that you could disappear while hanging with the women from another nation?'' The voice is from Hayun, who appears from behind the building, she has a fabric covering her missing eyes and is wearing light clothes for her afternoon training. ''I believe the Empire would also have women for you to play with'', her tone is one of sarcasm and disgust. As her younger brother is quite famous throughout the Kingdom for his indulgence in short-term relationships.
''Listen, it isn't my fault I believe in love'', Jiwon's words make everyone laugh. ''Hey, back me up here, I'm not indulging, I truly loved them''.
''What kind of love lasts 3 months?'' Hayun retorts as she opens the shed where the weapons are, grabbing her slingshot and a few explosive ammo. ''One day you'll meet someone that will ruin you''.
Noor scoffs. ''Well, I can't wait to see that''.
''Silence, musclehead'', Jiwon retorts in anger.
''In my eyes, Jiwon is the perfect choice for Nikias protection'', Lyor cuts his knights scuffle, grabbing one of the swords laying around at the training grounds, he touches the blade, analyzing its balance and sharpness. ''He'll understand when he arrives at the Empire,'' the King points his blade at Noor, signaling his acceptance to the spar. ''Nikias is someone who'll change our lives'', his words are followed by his knight's doubtful looks. They heard the rumors, huh. But Lyor pays no mind to try to justify or explain the rumors surrounding his fiance, as he, himself, doesn't believe them. A spoiled brat that hits employees? If so, then why did he sound so lonely, so broken? Just like Lyor feels himself. If Nikias is a useless prince with no skill whatsoever, how could he send a detailed explanation on how Lyor could conquer the Osas and Nier Kingdom which he was struggling to find an opening to? How could someone that drinks alcohol like water, smell like spring breeze and form a cohesive conversation with him? And at last, if Nikias was an evil incarnate, he wouldn't bother to even do something as meaningful as that strip.
''I think you're easily manipulated, your majesty'', Anwar says with a sigh, but he doesn't elaborate on it. And perhaps Lyor is falling for the Prince's trap, or maybe they're all barking at the wrong tree and Nikias is just trying hard like everyone else.
I will improve myself to be a worthy Empress for your future Empire as I expect you to achieve the pinnacle of human prowess and defeat a god for the sake of your people and myself, and after the worst goes by, we must thrive together. I won't run from the responsibility that comes from marrying you; neither I expect to fake it disrespecting what it means to be a ruler in your Kingdom. Nikias words from their first conversation rings inside the King's head, and those words are why he doesn't see himself as being manipulated by the Prince, as such sincerity can't come from those wishing to deceive someone. Laying your heart and mind bare is the essence of trust and a well-forged relationship as they both wish to establish with each other.
''On the contrary Anwar'', Lyor finally speaks after pondering for a few seconds. ''It's you who can't see what I see in the Prince'', he smiles softly. ''And that's good, since I'm the one marrying him, not you''.
Noor laughs, ''Chill out everyone, we all know that his majesty wouldn't bring harm to the Kingdom'', his words are sensible, everyone nodding along, Lyor's face is stoic, but inside he feels the burden, the burden he carries since he was a child, living on the streets and on a poor rundown Temple. The burden of being blessed.
He is their saviour, their messiah.
When Nikias asked him to ''save'' him, at first he thought not again, yet his morality still bugged him to do so, however marriage isn't as light as training someone to be a Knight, he had to put the lives of his people on the scale and weigh his choices. As a ruler, his decisions carry weight, even if he never wished they did. Slowly, he's realizing that the Prince never asked for blind salvation as most do, he's putting on the work and endlessly trying to not only have a good relationship with Lyor, but also become what he said he would, a good Empress.
Most of Lyor's knowledge may come from philosophy books, and he might never truly have understood what love is, but it doesn't make him less eager to find such a thing. He doesn't love Nikias, he respects him, and like one of his favorite books said. Love slowly grows from familiarity and respect, one can't love if they don't respect their partner, and lust, often mistaken as love and vice-versa, is a natural causation from attraction. The ideal relationship doesn't exist, the ideal one changes from person to person, so deeply reflect upon yourself: what do you wish to find in a partner? And it may surprise you, that the one who has such a characteristic isn't the one you're immediately attracted to or saw as your first choice, but that's what love is, is what you never thought you wanted but desperately needed.
At first he saw those words as a reflection upon the difference between physical and emotional attraction, but he understands now, slowly as you reflect on what you expect from someone by your side, the one that shows such may not be the one you thought as your forever partner. By rumors alone, Lyor would never even give Nikias the time of day, but after interacting with him, the man has exactly what Lyor would seek in a partner: sensibility. Able to understand small queues and reflect upon his choices, all that Nikias laid to him when they first met was enough to prove all the rumors false.
Sure, Lyor doesn't know yet Nikias dark heart. But as humans, one has many more sides than the ones they show to their partner, and that doesn't make any side invalid.
Well, the author wasn't completely right, though. Lyor thinks, because I was completely physically attracted to Nikias as well.
❥
Chapter curiosities:
On the new introduced/mentioned characters:
Anwar is a name of Arabic origin and means 'more radiant'.
Noor is also a name of Arabic origin and it means 'light'.
Ha-yun is a Korean name that means 'talent' (Ha) and 'grace' (Yun)
Ji-won is a Korean name that means 'wisdom' (Ji) and 'pretty' (Won)
Seo-ah also of Korean origin, means 'felicitous omen' (Seo) and 'elegant' (Ah)
Leora is of Greek origin, meaning 'light'. (yes we have a theme on those that follow the god of Light, I know)
The Kingdom's surnames:
De Luce is of many origins (couldn't find the exact one) and it means 'of light'.
Draeger is of German origin, and it means 'negotiator', as is a surname originated from a position/career, the name has a bit more lore in the story, so isn't as straightforward as the light god's one.