The throne room was a vast, echoing space, heavy with the scent of old stone and polished metal. Massive, black obsidian columns, carved with the spiraling forms of ancient Eagles, supported a high, vaulted ceiling. Sunlight, thick with dust, pierced a high window, creating a shimmering path that led to the throne.
The throne itself was a golden massive, imposing chair, twisted into the shapes of a roaring Eagle. Its back was a fan of sharp, obsidian shards, and the seat was cushioned with deep velvet. It rested on a high dais of black and white marble, a dozen steps above the floor. On either side, guards in polished gold armor stood motionless.
Perched on a magnificent golden throne was King Lucius the Second, the king of the Eagle Kingdom. His head was adorned with a crown that perfectly complemented his red and gold robe. He had a chiseled face that belied his age, and a gray beard that spoke of wisdom earned over the years.
"Levi," he called out in an ecstatic voice that instantly irked the hero.
Levi forced a smile and greeted him in a calm, deep voice laced with a subtle tinge of anger. "King Lucius, how have you been?"
As if noticing the change in Levi's tone, Lucius sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "I know you're angry about the whole ring issue, but look on the bright side."
Levi scoffed in disdain. "King, even you should know that nothing is bright these days."
The king offered a sincere smile and descended from his throne. He had a mighty build that easily towered over Levi, and he looked down at him and placed a hand on the hero's shoulder, guiding him toward another door—one far less impressive than the one Levi had used to enter.
"Look, don't be like that. If you knew what I wanted the ring for, you'd at least hear me out," the king explained as they passed through the door.
Looking around to ensure no one was watching, Levi pushed the king's hand off his shoulder and frowned. "Tell me, what is so important that you sent me beyond the borders to find a ring? A simple ring at that."
The king sighed. "Do you really want to know?" he asked in a submissive tone.
Levi's anger subsided slightly. "Of course, I do," he answered, looking around with an annoyed expression. "This better be good."
The king nodded before beginning his explanation. "You see... My son's wedding is just around the corner, and as a good father, I wanted him to have the most beautiful and perfect ring for his beloved." He paused, studying Levi's expression before continuing. "I told my men to get a ring from the Frost Kingdom, but things got complicated. The carriage meant to deliver it was attacked by a group of Dark slaves, and due to the lack of time, I sent you because I knew you would find it. Do you understand now?" The king smiled, but the smile quickly faded when he met Levi's eyes and shuddered.
Levi was smiling at the king, but his eyes seemed to pierce him like daggers. He stifled a short, ominous laugh. "Wait... so you're telling me that all of this was for your son's... wedding?"
The king nodded. Levi slowly palmed his face.
'I wonder what I ever did to deserve this,' Levi thought, calming his raging heart. He lowered his hand, revealing a calm, nonchalant expression.
"Uhm, strange to ask, but did you find the ring?" the king asked carefully.
Levi nodded and retrieved the ring from his pocket. The king's hands trembled as he almost snatched the ring from Levi's grasp.
"Thank you so much," he said, holding the ring. "Isn't she a beauty, she's made out of real diamonds"
Levi simply nodded, his demeanor grew serious. "Any news from the Mid Realm expedition team?"
The king's face fell. He carefully put the ring away, a visible strain on his expression before he answered. "No... there hasn't been any news lately."
Silence settled between them for a moment before the king broke it. "What do you think of the preparations for the tournament this year?" he asked enthusiastically.
Levi looked at a nearby glowing crystal and answered, "It's nice. You really outdid yourself this time."
The king chuckled and smiled his best as he received praise.
"I'm heading out. If you have any more MISSIONS, you know where to find me," Levi said, emphasizing the word with a cold tone. He then left the hall in a hurry, leaving the king to shudder, for what Levi had just said sounded more like a warning than a simple reply.
The king sighed and went back to studying the elegant gold ring when Levi's voice sounded once more.
"Oh and king, I have a request"
The King's face dimmed and he rolled his eyes, guessing what the hero wanted this time, "What is it, Levi".
Silence reigned only for a moment before Levi spoke : "It's about my horse … I need a new one ", his voice full of regret.
"That's the third time this week Levi, you know horses don't grow on trees" the king spoke in a pained voice.
Levi's sigh echoed in the corridor, "I'll leave it to you" and then silence ruled over the corridor again. The king looked around and slipped into a room to continue admiring his newly acquired ring, which made one wonder whether it was him who was getting married.