King Draelos who was still in his chambers...it was almost going to be dawn. Immediately after that demon had
invaded his mind, making him see visions, visions of himself, of things he desired, even things he never thought he could have. The demon had promised him power, the kind that would let him rule for the next 20,000 years, directly violating the ancient Kinnikon rule. He even promised him that his bloodline will be the one to continue to rule....
But now, doubt was creeping in. What did the demon truly want with his daughter, Aralyn? Draelos knew that demons forming bonds with other kinds, especially royalty, was an abomination. The offer was tempting, dangerously so. Yet the threat was clear: if he refused to give Aralyn to the demon, something terrible would happen, something he would regret deeply.
A sudden knock pulled him from his thoughts.
"My husband, Your Majesty, please open the door. You can't stay locked in there forever. There are matters that need your attention," came Irene's voice, his queen. Draelos sighed, he had other important issues to attend to, Irene had followed him when he left the ball but he dismissed her as his mind was filled with different thoughts. Still, he opened the door, and Irene stepped in. His royal chamber, lined with fine chairs and warm lights, suddenly felt colder. He gestured for her to sit with him in his council chamber in his room which had many chairs bracing himself for the conversation ahead.
He asked Irene to sit with him, then he looked at her. She was his only confidante, and he loved her dearly. He stuttered, "I'm confused about what I should do." Irene moved closer as Draelos explained everything he had seen in his vision.
After hearing him out, Irene laughed softly. "Is that why you're all worked up? The way has been cleared for us. Give Aralyn to the demon. If you're worried about alliances, Klara is still here, she can marry one of the princes."
King Draelos sighed deeply. "I know, but will she be safe?"
Irene understood his fear and held his hand gently. "Aralyn is no longer a child. She was away from you for 1,500 years and came back fine. She'll be alright. But if you're still worried, I can help you create...Ever Shield Cuff , it could shield her from evil and would activate in her last moment if she were in danger. King Draelos smiled and said, "I knew you were the right woman for me." Irene was overjoyed that the king had finally agreed with her. With Aralyn gone, the main reason why she actually married King Draelos would be much easier to achieve.
"But there's one more thing that needs your attention, my love," Irene continued. "Yesterday, Prince Dorian tried to defile Klara, and a fight broke out. The Royals of Endyron. were disgraced. We both know this could cause serious issues, though they are at fault. But I heard Aralyn embarrassed him brutally." Irene deliberately mentioned Aralyn's name to shift the blame onto her.
"Are they still in our kingdom?" King Draelos asked.
"Yes, they're currently staying in one of their houses."
"Send them a letter. We will meet during lunch to discuss some diplomatic matters with them. And I will see Aralyn too. I wonder why she's always creating trouble."
"Okay, rest well, my king. I have other matters to attend to as well."King Draelos stood up, ready to head to his study as he did every day. After finishing there, he would meet Aralyn.
Far away, in the Grimveil kingdom, the Royals of Endyron family....the Fencrest family had a large house. Lucy paced the living room angrily.
"What the heck is your problem, Dorian?" she snapped.
Dorian sat unfazed and unbothered.
"You're not even listening! You're only thinking about how to get back because your ego was bruised. Are you even hearing me? You've ruined our chance to form an alliance that would have greatly benefited our kingdom , the King of Endyron kingdom."
Valmir sat down, clearly displeased with Dorian's behavior. He hadn't spoken since, but finally said, "You really spoiled your son too much."
"Oh, now he's my son and not ours anymore, right? You didn't train him properly," Lucy snapped back.
Before the bickering could continue, a calm voice interrupted, "Instead of arguing, shouldn't we focus on the bigger issue?"
It was Ellie, the firstborn of the Fencrest family, known for her intelligence. She had coily blue hair like her mother and hazel eyes like her father. Ellie descended the stairs and continued, "The King of Duskhelm just sent an invitation requesting our presence."
Dorian snickered, "Why are they calling us?"
Ellie shot him a sharp glare. "Shut up, Dorian. You're the one who got us into this mess, and now we all have to clean it up."
Dorian didn't respond. If there was one person he respected, it was his elder sister. He adored her.
Ellie turned to their mother. "Mom, please sit. I want everyone to hear my suggestion.""As we all know, there are five kingdoms in this realm, three of which are the most powerful. The strongest kingdom, Duskhelm, rules over all. They have less than 1,000 years left to rule before the power shifts to the Witch Clan. But the rule could go to any witch family."
"You know Queen Irene is a witch, a greedy one, at that. We're witches too, and we deserve to rule next. Though rumors say the Fox Clan might hold power for the next 5,000 years."
"Our chance to rule depends on an alliance. We must form one."
Ellie glanced at Doran, "You really messed up, but there's always a solution. Forget marrying Princess Aralyn, it will only bring trouble. Most people already think you're a pervert."
"Princess Aralyn would have been a perfect match, she holds great power. But it's best to cancel that plan."
"You need to apologize to Lady Klara."
Dorian suddenly stood, furious. "You think I'd ever beg that girl? Never."
King Valmir's voice cut through, "You will do it."
Ellie stepped closer, lifting his chin to meet her hazel eyes that shone with determination. "Do you know what will happen if you don't apologize? People will hate you, and they'll question if you're fit to be a prince."
Dorian was stunned into silence. His sister had a way of messing with people's minds, even he couldn't resist it. Ellie continued, "You will also marry Princess Klara, so you'd better put your flirting talents to good use. Meanwhile, I'll focus on Prince Roshan." A sly smile spread across her face.
Dorian rolled his eyes, fully aware that Ellie had been crushing on Roshan since childhood, and whatever she wanted, she always got.
King Valmir wore a proud smile. "I know I raised a brilliant daughter." He stood up. "That being said, get ready. We'll soon be heading to the castle, and I expect everyone to be dressed in their finest." Then he left.
Ellie told her mother she wanted to go to the market to get something. As she left, Dorian muttered, "Probably something for Roshan."
Dorian stood, attempting to leave, but his mother's voice stopped him. "You have to act mature, Dorian."
He said nothing in response and walked away. Queen Lucy rested her head on the chair, her heart heavy. What she truly craved was a happy and loving family, not one driven only by power. She knew how the hunger for power could lead to destruction. She had seen it before. But how could she explain that to her family? With a sigh, she decided to go around the kingdom herself, to heal the land and crops and cleanse the water, Queen Lucy, a powerful nature witch, traveled across the kingdom. She used her magic to restore the earth's vitality, ensuring the harvests would be bountiful and the rivers pure. Once her work was done, she would return to prepare for the invitation from King Draelos.
Meanwhile, Aralyn lay on her bed, lost in thought. She hadn't eaten and was consumed by memories of a man, his name eluded her, but his golden eyes and devilish smile....that smile were burned into her mind. His crimson red hair and perfectly toned body made him unforgettable. Urgh! why was she thinking about him...she tried to remember his name but...she just couldn't, she was so focused on his goldeneye yesterday. She recalled how he had caused her father pain, a sight that stirred a strange mixture of dread and joy inside her. Though she wouldn't let her father die, she wanted him to suffer.
Sighing, Aralyn rose and ignored the cookies Pearl and Paulina had brought earlier. Instead, she reached into her drawer and pulled out the bracelet her mother had gifted her long ago, made from rare gemstones collected during her sixth trial. Holding it close, she whispered, "I miss you, Mother." The bracelet was a symbol of protection, and though she wasn't ready to wear it yet, she knew she would soon. Callistus had promised her something and she knew he would fulfill his promise, the thought of it brought a smile to her face. Next, she retrieved the Sacred Fox Codex from under her bed, yesterday night she was excited to dive into its secrets. But to her frustration, the pages were blank. After researching about magical codex, she understood that the book only reveals its knowledge when the reader is truly ready,but she was ready.... wasn't she?
Just then, she sensed her father approaching her room. Quickly, she hid the codex and wondered why he was coming.