As the sun peeked through the curtains, casting its warm glow upon the grand living room, Agneyastra descended the staircase, her footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. Her eyes immediately fell upon Sinai, who sat in solitude on the intricately patterned rug, his toys scattered haphazardly around him. There was an undeniable sense of sadness emanating from his small frame, tugging at Agneyastra''s heartstrings.
But before she could reach out to console Sinai, the familiar voices of Ramil and Emathion filled the room, their heated argument barely contained. Agneyastra turned her attention to the dining room doorway, where Ramil and Emathion appeared locked in a tense exchange. Ramil''s frustrated tone resonated in the space.
“I need you here, Emathion,” Ramil insisted. Agneyastra couldn''t help but feel a surge of empathy for Ramil''s plea, acknowledging the immense burden she had shouldered in their shared responsibilities.
Emathion replied, “I am sorry, but actually, Agneyastra and I are going to visit Moriko in the Earth Kingdom.”
Ramil''s arm instinctively gestured towards Sinai, a small figure playing idly on the floor. It was a poignant reminder of the responsibilities Agneyastra had undertaken, the roles she had played in their lives. A flicker of frustration crossed Ramil''s face as he turned to Agneyastra.
“Why can''t your father watch Sinai?” Agneyastra''s voice held genuine curiosity, seeking an alternative solution to the current predicament. Her eyes momentarily darted towards Sinai.
Ramil''s incredulous response reverberated through the room, sparking a ripple of tension. “You can''t be serious,” Ramil retorted.
Agneyastra sprinted up the stairs, each step echoed in the silence of the dimly lit corridor, creating an urgency that matched her racing thoughts. She reached Marudeva''s bedroom door and knocked hastily, her hand trembling.
As the door creaked open, Agneyastra''s eyes fell upon Marudeva, slouched in a chair, his troubled gaze fixed upon a half-empty bottle of wine. Without a moment''s hesitation, she lunged forward, snatching the bottle from his grasp, her voice firm and commanding. “Enough, you must stop this now,” she implored, her words laden with a mixture of desperation and affection.
Marudeva''s wearied posture straightened, a flicker of defiance igniting in his eyes as he attempted to reclaim the bottle. “Stand down, girl,” he retorted.
She hurled the bottle to the floor, its fragile glass shattering into a thousand pieces. The sound reverberated through the room, a sharp and final punctuation to her plea. Her voice carried a resolute tone as she repeated her protest. “No!”
Feeling defeated, Marudeva sank back into the chair, a defeated expression settling upon his face. The weight of his sorrow engulfed the room, and a heavy silence enveloped them both, punctuated only by the sound of their labored breaths.
In that moment, Ramil burst into the room, his hands gently pulled Agneyastra away from Marudeva, his voice laced with concern. “Angey, stop!,” he pleaded, his tone a blend of compassion and apprehension.
Marudeva''s voice was but a whisper as he echoed the depths of his despair. “I lost the love of my life,” he murmured, the anguish evident in every word.
Agneyastra''s eyes blazed with determination as she shoved Ramil aside, her heart pounding in her chest. The air crackled with tension as she stepped forward, her voice cutting through the silence like a sword. “At least you got to be with the love of your life,” Agneyastra''s voice trembled with emotion, her eyes filled with pain. “Most will never experience a love as deep as yours. But how do you repay Pyla''s love? By abandoning your children, leaving them parentless?”
Marudeva''s shoulders slumped, his head hanging low. His voice was a whisper, heavy with sorrow. “How can I ever move on from this? How can the ache in my heart ever heal?”
Agneyastra''s voice was steadfast, her gaze piercing through Marudeva''s despair. “I may never have met my own parents, their loss forever etched in my soul. But I know deep down that they would never want me to give up. So, Marudeva, you must dedicate each day to Pyla - to honor her memory and fulfill what she would have wanted. Her legacy lives on in these boys, in your children.”
Ramil, sensing the weight of the moment, took a step back, allowing Agneyastra to take the lead. She walked forward, closing the distance between herself and Marudeva. With tears welling up in her eyes, she pulled him into a tight embrace.
“We all miss Pyla,” Agneyastra murmured, her voice muffled against Marudeva''s chest. “But let us never forget her spirit, her love that bound us all. We must carry on, for her and for our own sake. Together, we can face each day, cherishing the memories and building a future filled with love and strength.”
Marudeva, his darkness momentarily lifted, smiled down at Agneyastra. Her words, spoken with such conviction, echoed in his mind like a soothing melody. “You speak like your father,” he said softly. “The way he would encourage and uplift, even in the darkest times. Thank you, Agneyastra.”
Marudeva stood tall, a spark of determination reigniting in his eyes. “I shall take your advice,” he declared. “Let me shower, and together, we shall face the day. For Pyla, for our boys, and for all those we have lost along the way.”
The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of Marudeva''s cozy bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Ramil and Agneyastra moved about with purpose, their movements synchronized as they diligently gathered up the remnants of yesterday''s chaos. With each piece of clutter lifted and discarded, a sense of order began to settle in the space.
As they made their way towards the door, Ramil couldn''t help but inquire about Agneyastra''s seemingly effortless ability to transform the cluttered room into one of serenity. Questioning with genuine curiosity, he asked, “How did you do that?”
Agneyastra, her eyes reflecting a determination that belied her humble response, replied, “I don''t know, but someone had to do something.”
Later that morning, delicious aromas filled the air as Marudeva and Emathion took to the kitchen, their culinary prowess on display. Agneyastra watched with a smile as the duo effortlessly maneuvered around the stovetop, their movements graceful and coordinated. They had mastered the art of cooking, each dish reflecting the wisdom passed down from generations and enhanced by Agneyastra''s invaluable assistance.
Standing side by side, Marudeva beamed at Emathion, unable to contain his amazement at his son''s newfound culinary skills. “Wow, amazing that you can cook now,” he exclaimed.
Emathion, with a touch of pride in his voice, acknowledged the role Agneyastra played in their culinary journey. “I remember what Mother taught us, and Agneyastra has been an incredible help as well.”
Marudeva glanced at Agneyastra, a silent tribute to her unwavering dedication and support. “And I''m sure you''ve been reading about it too,” he added.
Agneyastra nodded, a subtle smile gracing her lips. “Yes, Emathion has been exploring new spices, and Moriko kindly sent some for us to try.”
With plates in hand, Agneyastra led the way into the inviting dining room, with Marudeva and Emathion following closely behind, their arms laden with freshly cooked delicacies. Together, they artfully set the table, carefully arranging each dish like a canvas for a masterpiece.
As the meal was prepared to be shared, Ramil and Sinai joined the gathering, their presence adding to the atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. Agneyastra observed the joyful interactions, delighted to see Marudeva''s genuine smiles and the easy banter exchanged between the friends. Ramil leaned closer to Agneyastra, his voice barely above a whisper. “You did well today, Agney,” he commended her, appreciation gleaming in his eyes.
***
In the cozy dining room, rays of sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the faces gathered around the table. Ramil couldn''t help but wear a constant smile on his lips as he watched Marudeva, engage in playful banter with Sinai and Emathion. Laughter filled the air, creating an ambiance of familial love and joy.
As the meal came to an end, Ramil and Agneyastra, the ever-present and dedicated duo, began to clear the table. Together, they gracefully carried the dishes into the kitchen, their footsteps echoing softly on the tiled floor. Agneyastra took charge of the washing, her delicate hands gently scrubbing each plate and glass, while Ramil stood by her side, ready to assist.
Amidst the rhythmic sound of running water, Emathion, the bearer of news, entered the kitchen, his presence commanding attention. His voice carried excitement as he announced, “Agney, Yeongi is here to take us to the Earth Kingdom.”
Agneyastra paused her chore, turning towards Ramil with a mix of surprise and anticipation illuminating her eyes. She embraced Ramil tightly, momentarily forgetting the task at hand. With a tender smile, Ramil reminded her, “Agney, that''s enough.”
Reluctantly, Agneyastra released her grasp on Ramil, ready to embark on the adventure that awaited her beyond the confines of their home. She joined Emathion, their departure leaving Ramil alone in the kitchen. Yet, his smile remained intact as he methodically finished cleaning up.
The kitchen door swung open, revealing Marudeva''s weary figure as he entered the room. Ramil against the counter, finishing up the task of wiping it down. Marudeva approached silently and stood behind his son, a touch of urgency in his voice as he spoke.
“Dean Jost is here,” Marudeva announced, his words seeping with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Ramil''s eyes darted towards his father, his expression uncertain as he stumbled over his words. “It was Phobie''s idea to do it in his office,” he explained, his voice laced with hints of guilt.
Marudeva let out a sigh before responding, his voice tinged with disappointment. “He wanted to speak with you about your grades, but what did you do with his daughter?”
Ramil remained silent, tossing the cloth he had been using into the sink. In a determined stride, he headed towards the exit, Marudeva following closely behind. Their journey took them through the dining room and into the living room where Dean Jost awaited their arrival.
As Ramil approached Dean Jost, he extended a hand in greeting, his voice filled with charm. “How are you doing on this lovely day, Dean Jost?”
Dean Jost, burdened by stacks of papers, looked up, his tired face showing signs of mild frustration. He spoke in a serious tone. “Mr. Ash, you have been missing a lot of classes this year.”
Standing beside Ramil, Marudeva took a step forward, offering an explanation for his son''s poor attendance. “That is my fault. I have been in mourning, and Ramil was taking on my responsibilities. However, that time has come to an end. What can he do to make it up?”
As Dean Jost approached Marudeva, he handed over a pile of papers, seemingly containing an endless array of tests and assignments. A look of authority and concern lingered on Dean Jost''s face as he spoke with conviction, “I have entrusted Ramil with the completion of these tasks, and they must be handed in by Monday morning.” His gaze then shifted to Ramil, emphasizing the weight of his words.
Marudeva, with a firm and assured nod, accepted the papers and extended a hand to shake Dean Jost''s. Their hands, in a moment of connection, solidified the agreement. Marudeva''s eyes then settled upon the stack of papers, a testament to the challenges that awaited Ramil. “Rest assured, I will personally ensure that he accomplishes this extensive workload today,” Marudeva declared confidently.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
With the exchange completed, Marudeva turned to open the door, revealing a stunning sight. A convertible carriage awaited them outside, its luxuriousness echoing the wealth and prestige of the Jost family. Phobie, Dean Jost''s daughter, leaned against the carriage, her graceful movements reminiscent of a dancer. As her eyes met Ramil''s, she offered a warm and encouraging wave.
Simultaneously, Dean Jost settled into the carriage, acknowledging Phobie''s gesture with a reciprocal wave. Marudeva couldn''t help but be perplexed at the connection that had formed between Ramil and Phobie.
As Marudeva observed this scene unfold, Ramil, sensing their presence, retreated back into the house. A mixture of curiosity and disbelief danced in Marudeva''s eyes, prompting them to question, “How did you manage to leave such an indelible impression on the Dean''s daughter?”
Ramil, now alone with the papers clutched firmly in Marudeva''s hand, took a deep breath and entered the house. The weight of the impending tasks loomed over them both, and Ramil broke the silence. “I think we should get started,” Ramil suggested.
The room was dimly lit, sunlight spilling through the gaps in the heavy curtains and casting soft shadows on the worn wooden furniture. Ramil and Marudeva sat in Marudeva''s cluttered home office as the air hummed with the sound of their pens scratching against paper.
Ramil, his brow furrowed with concentration, diligently worked on his makeup exams at a small table near Marudeva''s desk. In moments of confusion, he glanced up at his father, who provided guidance and support whenever needed. Marudeva, engrossed in his own paperwork, paused occasionally to offer assistance, the lines on his weathered face easing into a small smile as he watched his son''s determination.
A sudden knock echoed through the house, causing Ramil to stir from his seat. Marudeva motioned for him to stay put, assuring him that he would answer the door. Ramil returned his attention to his work, the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall overshadowed by the scratching of his pen.
Marudeva re-entered the office, breaking the silence with his words. “It was a young lady for you,” he informed Ramil, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and dismissal. “I told her you were unavailable for this weekend.”
Ramil nodded, his thoughts returning to the task at hand. The interruptions continued throughout the day, as more young ladies from his class sought him out with eagerness in their eyes. Yet, Ramil remained steadfast, focused on completing his final test. With a sigh of relief, he placed the pen down and turned to face his father, a flicker of triumph illuminating his tired eyes.
“I think that is it,” Ramil said, a smile curving his lips. “What are we having for lunch?”
Marudeva, curious and cautious, couldn''t help but voice his concern. “Why are so many ladies from your class coming here to try and see you today?”
Ramil''s smile wavered, replaced by a sense of gravity. “Ever since I have been titled as the heir to the Ash Kingdom, more ladies have taken an interest in me,” he admitted.
Marudeva''s eyes widened, the weight of his words settling heavily in the room. “Please, tell me you haven''t indulged with these young ladies,” he pleaded.
Ramil''s voice grew quieter, his gaze dropping to the floor. “Father, that is quite personal,” he replied.
Marudeva''s voice held a hint of desperation as he spoke. “You need to tread lightly on this path. The Fire Kingdom can withdraw their betrothal agreement at any time if they find out about your actions. They can take Agneyastra away from us.”
Ramil''s heart sank, the weight of his choices becoming clearer. “Where would she go?” he whispered.
Marudeva shook his head solemnly. “I don''t know. Tyson will not take betrayal lightly,” he confessed.
***
On the scorching desert terrain, where the blistering sun hung high in the sky, a carriage sped through the sandy dunes. Within the carriage, Emathion anxiously sat next to Agneyastra, their faces etched with worry. Across from them, Yeongi attempted to calm Emathion''s nerves, gently patting his trembling hand.
“I don''t want to do this,” Emathion confessed, his voice quivering with anxiety.
Agneyastra, sensing his fear, leaned in closer and asked, “Why? What''s the worst that could happen?”
Emathion sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting both hope and fear. “What if she doesn''t like me... or worse, what if she hates me?”
Agneyastra, wise and calming, reassured him gently, her words filled with warmth. “You need to calm down, Emathion. Everything will be okay. Remember, you have dreamt of this moment for years.”
Yeongi, the ever-supportive friend, added his comforting voice to the conversation. “Believe me, Moriko is ecstatic to meet you. You have no reason to doubt her feelings.”
As the carriage rumbled to a halt, the trio emerged to find themselves standing at the edge of a majestic green forest, its towering trees casting a cool shadow upon the golden sand. Yeongi led the way, his anticipation palpable. “Come on, Emathion, Agneyastra. Moriko awaits us in the stone city,” he exclaimed, his excitement infectious.
Emathion''s eyes were filled with wonder as he took in the sight of the towering trees that surrounded him. The mystical aura of the forest enveloped him as he followed closely behind Yeongi and Agneyastra. Their journey led them through a magnificent stone tunnel.
And then, as if entering another realm, they emerged into a stone city. Its grandeur and scale were awe-inspiring, but there was an eerie stillness to it. The only signs of life were the Brucies, diligently working to repair the city''s structures. Emathion''s gaze wandered, and he noticed a girl with green hair and an ethereal skin tone engaged in conversation with a Brucie. He couldn''t tear his eyes away from her, an inexplicable fascination and compulsion holding him in place.
Agneyastra looked back, following Emathion''s gaze to the girl. With a sense of urgency, she pulled him by the hand. “Come on, let''s go meet Moriko,” Agneyastra urged, her voice carrying both excitement and a touch of uncertainty. Emathion reluctantly tore his eyes away from the girl and allowed himself to be led.
As they approached Moriko, her eyes met theirs with a mix of recognition and delight. Agneyastra''s vibrant purple skin and black hair, along with Emathion''s unique features - the tan snakeskin tattoo-like patterns on his skin and silver-gray hair - stood out amidst the stone surroundings. Moriko''s smile brightened the air, her voice filled with warmth as she spoke Emathion''s name.
Emathion couldn''t help but feel a surge of both nervousness and excitement. “Moriko, it is nice to meet you,” he managed to say, the words escaping his lips with a hint of shyness.
Still holding Emathion''s arm, Moriko extended her hand to him and spoke with a gentle tone, “Come, I will show you around before lunch.” Her touch sent a shiver down his spine, but he gladly accepted the invitation, eager to spend more time in her presence.
As they walked through the Stone City, Moriko leading the way, Emathion. The ornate architecture, the intricate details that adorned each building, all captivated his senses. He gazed in awe at the dazzling beauty around him, momentarily forgetting his surroundings and losing himself in the moment.
Yet, amidst this wondrous tour, Moriko''s voice brought him back to reality. Her question hung in the air, laced with a hint of uncertainty. “Are you still upset with me?” she gently asked, her golden eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
A smile slowly spread across Emathion''s face, a reflection of his inner peace. “I am not upset, Moriko,” he assured her, his voice filled with sincerity and affection. “Everything is amazing, and I am truly happy for you.”
As Moriko pulled Emathion further towards the Earth Kingdom castle, the massive structure loomed before them like a great mountain touching the sky. The walls, built with stones of ancient history, held stories untold within their strong embrace. Emathion, guided by Moriko''s delicate yet firm grip, couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer magnificence of the castle.
Passing through the grand stone doors, Emathion''s eyes widened as he took in the majestic interior. He followed Moriko''s lead, his gaze dancing across the walls lined with endless rows of books, their bindings whispering secrets and tales waiting to be discovered.
“This is the first room,” Moriko spoke softly, her voice a gentle melody. “I had the Brucies repair and even expand it. Some of these books are from our realm, while others, I collected for you on my travels.”
Emathion''s heart skipped a beat at the sight before him. The library was a sanctuary of knowledge, a treasure trove of worlds waiting to be explored. He couldn''t help but smile at Moriko, gratitude shining in his eyes. “You have a truly magnificent library,” he said, his voice filled with awe and appreciation.
Moriko, ever the gracious host, pointed towards an open door leading to a spacious bedroom. “And this,” she said, gesturing towards the room, “is your room. Whenever you come to visit, Emathion, it will be your sanctuary.”
Overwhelmed by the generosity bestowed upon him, Emathion''s words caught in his throat. “This is far too much,” he managed to utter, his voice tinged with humility and disbelief.
The sparkle in Moriko''s eyes dimmed for a moment, and she sadly seated herself on the floor. “You don''t like it?” she asked, her voice laced with a hint of insecurity.
Moved by her emotional response, Emathion immediately dropped to his knees in front of her, gently lifting Moriko''s head to meet his gaze. “No, dear Moriko,” he whispered, sincerity filling his voice. “I love it, truly. No one has ever gifted me with so much kindness and generosity.” With a rush of affection, Moriko surged forward, pulling Emathion into a warm, heartfelt embrace.
***
The early morning sunlight cast a soft golden glow through the intricate stained-glass windows of the Water Kingdom palace. Evain walked down the hall, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting beneath her feet. As she entered the room, her gaze was drawn to a figure sprawled across a couch, a lady in a sumptuous evening dress. She approached, her steps carefully and deliberately.
Coming closer, Evain''s eyes shifted from the sleeping lady to the bed where her brother Marius lay, his features relaxed in slumber. She called out his name, her voice filled with urgency. Marius stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he turned to face his sister.
“Yes, Evain. Why are you in here?” Marius''s voice carried a hint of confusion.
Summoning her courage, Evain spoke with determination. “Father had me come here to inquire about something. Did you lay with that woman from last night?”
Marius sat up, shaking his head in clear denial. “No!”
Evain''s eyes widened, a mixture of relief and caution washing over her. “Father will know, Marius. He plans to have her examined once she leaves your room,” she warned, her voice laced with urgency. Her next words would reveal a secret she had held close. “I understand if you''re not attracted to women. I, myself, am drawn to both women and men. But, we must keep this from mother and father. For now, you must follow through with this arrangement.”
Marius''s brows furrowed, his expression a mix of apprehension and longing. “It''s not that,” he admitted softly. “I just want to lay with someone who truly loves me, Evain.”
Evain perched on Marius’s bedside, her eyes filled with concern and a touch of sorrow. The lines of worry etched upon her face spoke volumes about the weight she carried on her shoulders. “Love, really you must be joking,” Evain whispered, her voice heavy with resignation. “Brother, you will never have that luxury.”
Marius, his weary eyes fixed on a distant point in the room, shook his head slowly. “Prince Tyson from the Fire Kingdom is in love with his wife,” he said, a hint of yearning in his voice. “I read up on them, that''s the life I want.”
The golden tendrils of light danced around Evain''s face as she shook her head, disbelief etched across her features. “You know it''s rare for Princes and Princesses to marry for love,” she murmured, her voice filled with a tinge of sadness. “We are at war with the Fire Kingdom. Wait, is that why you let Agneyastra go? Is it because you idolize Prince Tyson?”
Marius met Evain''s searching gaze with honesty. “What if I did?” he questioned, a spark of determination lighting up his eyes. “It''s better than idolizing Father. This war will not last forever, and peace treaties will need to be made. Just think, Evain - no more war, just peace. And maybe, during this time, you would find love as well.”
In a moment of uncharacteristic frustration, Evain''s emotions overwhelmed her, and she gave her brother a slight push. “You should do as Father orders,” she pleaded.
Marius, rising from the bed with unsteady movements, his disheveled clothes a testament to the turmoil that plagued his mind, turned to face Evain. A mixture of sadness and defiance welled up within him as he spoke. “Why? So, I can be miserable like you?” he stated.
Evain stood with a commanding presence as she pointed towards the lady peacefully slumbering on the couch. Her voice wavered with a mix of urgency and frustration, as she spoke to Marius. “Just pretend you love her and get it over with, or father will likely bestow the title of heir upon Devereaux, leaving you behind.”
Marius looked bewildered. He glanced at Evain, his eyes searching for reassurance. “Father can''t do that, can he?” he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Evain sighed, her gaze locked onto her brother. “Yes, Marius, he can. As of yet, we have not been formally presented and our father has not officially declared you as the rightful heir to the Water Kingdom. In such a vulnerable state, he has every power to choose Devereaux over you. I will not lie to father for your sake again.”
Frustration welled up inside her as she kicked the side of the couch where the lady lay, starting her awake. Disoriented and alarmed, the lady''s eyes fluttered open, trying to make sense of the sudden disturbance.
Evain''s tone turned cold and unrelenting as she issued her command. “Get up and do as he ordered you to. Or shall I have our father ready the executioner?”
Reluctance etched across his features, Marius finally relented, muttering a defeated, “Fine, I will. Leave, Evain!” With that, Evain stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her, leaving Marius and the lady alone.
The lady, now fully awakened from her slumber, cast a puzzled gaze at Marius. “Did I do something to displease you?” she inquired.
Marius shook his head, his expression softening. “No, it''s not you. I...I just can''t help but wonder how my father selected you,” he admitted.
Biting her lower lip, the lady summoned the courage to speak her truth. “I volunteered myself,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. “My family carries a heavy burden of debt, and the King offered to clear that debt and grant us more land, in exchange for my presence with you or your brother. I''m grateful it was you, for rumors have circulated about your brother''s unpleasant nature.”
Marius absorbed her words, realizing the weight of the sacrifice she had made. “I guess that will do,” he replied, his tone filled with an undertone of resignation, as if accepting the circumstances thrust upon them.
Moved by an undercurrent of certain shared pain, Marius leaned towards the lady and pulled her into an embrace, his lips meeting hers in a tender kiss. Breaking the connection, he looked deeply into her eyes, his own filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. “I am sorry,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “But just like you, I too am bound by the debts of my very existence.”