As the morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden floors, Agneyastra gracefully made her way from the dining room into the living room. She glided past the cozy furniture and followed the hallway that led to Marudeva''s office. The room was filled with aged books and the soft sound of rustling papers as Marudeva immersed himself in his work.
With a gentle knock on the frame of the open door, Agneyastra called out, “Marudeva.”
Marudeva lifted his head from the piles of paperwork, his tired eyes meeting the enchanting gaze of the young girl. “Ah, Agneyastra,” he replied. “I have already approved your request to spend your birthday with Moriko. Yeongi will be here in a day to retrieve you.”
An appreciative smile graced Agneyastra''s lips. “Thank you,” she responded with genuine gratitude. But then, curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, “Can you tell me more about where my mother and father come from?”
Marudeva''s expression shifted, a mix of sadness and hesitation clouding his features. “I''m afraid I am not allowed to share any more details,” he answered, his voice laced with regret.
Agneyastra''s eyes widened with disappointment. “Why?” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration. “Don''t tell me it''s because I''m too young. I will be 16 years old soon, after all.”
Marudeva''s gaze softened, and he reached out a hand to gently touch Agneyastra''s shoulder. “It''s not me keeping this information from you,” he explained, his voice filled with empathy.
Agneyastra''s determination flickered in her eyes, her determination unyielding. “Then who is? Tell me, so that I can ask them myself.”
Marudeva opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, a knock resonated from the front door, interrupting their conversation. Marudeva sighed softly, understanding the urgency of the situation. “Agney, just go and enjoy this lovely day,” he advised, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance. “I must attend to whoever is at the door.”
As Agneyastra ascends the stairs. Meanwhile, Marudeva opens the creaking front door to reveal a mysterious figure cloaked in a hood. Yeongi, Moriko, and the Archivist stand beside the hooded man, their expressions filled with both concern and determination.
Moriko''s gaze lands on Agneyastra, her voice echoing through the grand entrance. “Angey!” she exclaims.
Agneyastra turns swiftly, a bright smile spreading across her face. She rushes towards Moriko, enveloping her in a warm embrace. “I thought you were coming tomorrow,” Agneyastra whispers.
Moriko explains, “Yeongi suggested that if it was alright with Marudeva, we could spend the night and leave in the morning.”
Marudeva nods approvingly, acknowledging both Agneyastra and Moriko. “Yes,” Marudeva responds, voice calm yet commanding. “We have a spare rooms next door for our esteemed guests.”
The Archivist, his eyes fixated on Agneyastra, steps forward, his curiosity evident. “This is the lady,” he states matter-of-factly, seeking confirmation.
The hooded man maintains his mysterious demeanor, his voice muffled from beneath the cloak. “Yes,” he affirms, his tone low yet urgent. “But we must find a solution.”
Marudeva''s gaze intensifies as he faces both the hooded man and the Archivist, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What are you talking about?” he asks, his eyes narrowing with curiosity and concern.
Archivist, Marudeva, and the others. The weight of their words hung heavy in the air, tugging at her every breath. And then, as the Archivist pointed directly at her, it felt as if time had frozen.
“Girl, did you sign a betrothal agreement with Prince Marius?” the Archivist''s voice echoed through the chamber, cutting through the silence that enveloped them.
Agneyastra''s eyes flickered to Marudeva, seeking a glimpse of recognition, or understanding. She held Moriko''s hand tightly, finding solace in their connection. With a deep breath, she summoned the courage to respond, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes,” Agneyastra admitted, her voice trembling. “But Marius let me go.”
“Yet, he has to sign documents to release you from this agreement,” Marudeva explained, his brows furrowing with worry.
Agneyastra''s eyes widened in confusion, catching the Archivist''s gaze as he produced a cloth resembling seaweed. She watched. “You must write to Marius and request a meeting for both of you to sign and end the betrothal,” the Archivist instructed.
Agneyastra smiled, a flicker of hope igniting within her. She glanced at Moriko, their love and support emanating from the touch of their hands. Then, turning to face Marudeva, the Archivist, the hooded cloak man, and Yeongi.
“Does that mean I get to see Marius again?” she inquired. “What does Marius look like now?”
The Hooded Cloak man''s eyes pierced Agneyastra''s own, his gaze full of hostility. In the dimly lit room, his presence loomed larger than life. “Marius is at war with the Dwellers, the very ones who have taken you in,” he declared with a voice steeped in malice.
Refusing to back down, Agneyastra jabbed her finger in his direction, her voice filled with defiance. “That is King Arroyo''s war, a war that was started by his soldiers and brought immense suffering to me and Marudeva’s family. Marius despises everything that his father stands for. He released me in order to restore peace to the Kingdoms of Elements one day.”
Moriko quickly redirected Agneyastra''s attention, guiding her towards the safety of an upstairs bedroom. Agneyastra''s black hair, mirroring her fiery temperament, began to flicker with dancing flames. Sensing her distress, Moriko urged her to regroup, saying, “Agney, take a deep breath and picture the gentle growth of grass.”
Agneyastra chuckled, her fiery hair subsiding back into its dark hue. “Thank you, Moriko,” she expressed gratefully. “I cannot stand the presence of the cloak man. Why is he even here?”
Yeongi stepped in to offer an explanation. “He is your legal guardian, Agneyastra, and he means well,” Yeongi reassured her, his voice calm and steady.
Agneyastra''s curiosity was piqued. She leaned in closer, her eyes searching Yeongi''s face for answers. “Does he know more about my parents? About me?” she inquired eagerly.
Yeongi nodded, a hint of sadness creasing his brow. “Yes, he does. But there are certain laws and circumstances that prevent us from revealing everything to you at this moment. Be patient, Agneyastra. In due time, the truth will be revealed to only you.”
***
Afternoon cast a golden glow upon the bustling streets of downtown Dweller City as Ramil found himself in the company of his friends Phobie and Ruby. Amidst the throng of passersby, his gaze was drawn to a distant figure - Emathion, hand in hand with Sandra. Their laughter intertwined with the ambient sounds of the city, coloring the air with a joy that betrayed Ramil''s apprehension.
Phobie''s touch on his chest drew his attention, her words a whispered promise of privacy. “My parents will be home late,” she murmured, her voice soft and inviting. But Ramil''s focus remained fixed on the scene playing out before him, his thoughts far from Phobie''s advances.
Ruby, keenly observant as always, caught Ramil''s longing gaze and voiced the question that lingered in the air. “Why does Emathion choose to spend his time with her, when his true Princess awaits him at home?”
Startled by Ruby''s proclamation, Ramil turned to her, his eyes filled with curiosity. “How do you know that?” he inquired.
Ruby, her voice carrying the weight of hidden knowledge. “My mother saw them earlier, in the company of a Kingdoms of Elements archivist,” she confessed, her words blending with the soft whispers of the city breeze.
Ramil stood in silence, his face solemn, his thoughts hidden deep within. Nearby, Ruby and Phobie, oblivious to Ramil''s turmoil, carried on with their own conversation. Ignoring their chatter, Ramil made his way towards Emathion and Sandra, his footsteps measured and deliberate.
Ramil finally broke the silence. “Emathion, did you know that your future wife is at our house?” His words carried an air of urgency, cutting through any previous distractions.
Emathion''s eyes widened in surprise, his features contorting into a mixture of disbelief and irritation. “What? Shut up, Ramil!” he retorted. “Moriko is supposed to be coming to pick up Agneyastra for her birthday.”
Ramil''s voice remained steady, determined to relay his message. “Ruby just told me that she is at the house with Archivist,” he revealed.
Caught off guard by this unexpected news, Sandra yanked on Emathion''s arm, pulling him closer to her. In a moment of passion, she pressed her lips against his, manifesting a desperate need to hold onto the little time they had left. Breaking the kiss, Sandra spoke with urgency. “I want to finish studying for the health exam,” she confessed.
Emathion spoke, desperation lacing his words. “I really want to but let me go home first to make sure everything is okay with Moriko.”
Ramil smiled knowingly at Sandra, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. “Did you know that he and Moriko can speak to each other in their minds?” he asked, his voice holding a touch of awe. “That is how deeply they are connected.”
Sandra, her own bond with Emathion rooted in trust and transparency, nodded with understanding. “I know,” she replied, her words carrying a note of disappointment. “Unlike you, he doesn''t hide things from me.”
Emathion, torn between his responsibilities and his heart''s desires, could only nod in acknowledgment. “I will see you tomorrow,” he said quietly.
Emathion walked briskly along the dirt roads, Ramil trailing behind. The air was filled with a sense of secrecy and anticipation, evident in the hushed whispers that floated from doorways and the sideways glances exchanged by passersby.
Ramil''s voice cut through the silence, laden with concern and caution. “You know, Emathion, if Sandra''s father finds out about what''s going on between you two, you''ll be in for a world of trouble.” He couldn''t help but taunt his younger brother, aware of the unspoken consequences that lurked in the shadows.
Arriving home, they stepped through the threshold of their family house, into a room filled with hushed voices and mysterious figures. Marudeva, their father, stood in the center of the living room, engaged in conversation with the hooded cloak man, Yeongi, and an enigmatic figure known only as the Archivist. Their younger brother, Sinai, played innocently on the floor, oblivious to the gravity of the situation.
Ramil turned to Marudeva, his voice filled with uncertainty. “Why are they here, Father?” His words hung in the air like mist, waiting for answers that were yet to be revealed.
Marudeva''s voice, tinged with a mixture of protectiveness and authority, broke the silence. “Emathion, take Sinai upstairs with you,” he instructed, his gaze unwavering.
Obeying the command, Emathion led Sinai up the stairs, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting.
Meanwhile, in the living room, the Archivist extended a stack of papers to Ramil, the significance of which was not lost on him. A sense of unease crept over him as he scanned the documents, his eyes widening in disbelief.
“What does this mean?” Ramil questioned, his voice trembling slightly as he turned to Marudeva, searching for comprehension in his father''s eyes.
Marudeva''s response was cold and distant, a dismissive wave of the hand. “Nothing for you,” he uttered.
Feeling a surge of desperation, Ramil pressed further. “But what will happen to Agneyastra?”
The Archivist, his expression unreadable, finally offered a glimmer of insight. “Prince Marius has agreed to the arrangement,” he revealed.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Ramil''s world shifted beneath his feet, the ground no longer stable beneath him. “What?” he gasped, unable to comprehend the magnitude of the changes that were unfolding before his eyes.
Ramil rushes up the grand staircase, the echoes of his rapid footsteps reverberating through the silence of the mansion. He bursts into Agneyastra''s bedroom, finding her seated on her bed engaged in an intense conversation with Moriko. As their gazes meet, Ramil''s voice quivers with emotion as he pleads, “Agney, tell me it''s not true.”
Agneyastra''s eyes grow solemn, a flicker of uncertainty passing across her features. “Yes,” she responds, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn''t realize it was real until today.” She glances at Moriko, her confidante in this tumultuous moment. “I hope he is still the same.”
A surge of anger ripples through Ramil''s form as he takes a step closer to Agneyastra, his voice brimming with betrayal. “Are you really going to marry Marius? How could you betray my mother, such a way?”
Agneyastra''s brow furrows in confusion, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What? Marius is not Father''s soldiers. We need to go to the Earth Kingdom to resolve this. I was hoping you and Emathion would come with me.”
Ramil''s voice drips with skepticism as he retorts, “And you trust the Water Princes? Don''t you both read at all? Maybe you should pick up a history book sometime. I will not allow him to take you away, Agneyastra.”
As the tension reaches its peak, Moriko interjects with a curious question, her voice laced with genuine concern. “Why don''t you trust the Water Princes?”
Ramil''s frustrations simmer beneath the surface as he replies, his voice laced with subtle exasperation. “Because they have a long history of deceit and treachery. We cannot afford to be naive.” His eyes lock with Agneyastra''s.
In an unexpected moment of respite, Ramil wraps his arms around Agneyastra, pulling her gently into a comforting embrace. “I will not let you leave the Dwellers,” he vows, his tone softened by a hint of sorrow. “I refuse to lose you.”
Agneyastra''s initial resistance melts away as she chuckles softly, her voice tinged with warmth. “I am not leaving the Dwellers, Ramil. You are being overly dramatic.” The tension that had tightened their bonds begins to dissipate, replaced by the sound of shared laughter.
***
The morning sunlight cast its golden glow upon the stone streets of the nearly empty Stone City. Moriko walked gracefully beside Agneyastra, their footsteps the only sound breaking the serene silence. Behind them, Yeongi followed, her eyes focused on the two girls, always cautious. Ramil and Emathion lingered a few steps behind, their presence silent but strong.
A sense of excitement rippled between Moriko and Agneyastra as they strolled hand in hand. Moriko''s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she spoke, her voice filled with a hint of mischief, “I have taken care of everything, Angey. You shall have the most magical and extraordinary birthday party.”
Agneyastra''s lips curved into a genuine smile, her eyes shining with gratitude. “You spoil me far too much, my dearest friend,” she replied, a gentle warmth in her voice.
Embodied by Moriko''s determination, the two friends quickened their pace, leaving the others momentarily behind. Yeongi''s cautionary words trailed after them, a reminder to be careful. Yet in their moment of exuberance, their spirits soared like birds taking flight.
Meanwhile, Ramil''s voice resonated with admiration as he conversed with Emathion. Awe painted his face as his gaze swept over the magnificent city. “This place is truly astonishing, brother,” Ramil began, his voice filled with wonder. “I can’t hardly believe that one day, you will rule over this wondrous land.”
Emathion''s expression turned serious as he locked eyes with his brother. A flicker of determination danced in his eyes as he corrected him, “No, Ramil. It is Moriko who will rise to rule over the Earth Kingdom.”
With a dismissive glance, Emathion pushed past Ramil, his long strides carrying him closer to Moriko and Agneyastra. They reached the grand entrance of the Earth Kingdom Castle, its massive form resembling a towering mountain, the embodiment of strength and power.
Once inside the Earth Kingdom Castle, Moriko stood facing Agneyastra and Emathion, with Yeongi and Ramil trailing behind them. Moriko''s smile beamed brightly at Agneyastra as she said, “I understand that due to certain issues, we couldn''t travel to the beach for your birthday. However, that doesn''t mean we can''t have a fun-filled day here in the Earth Kingdom.”
Ramil, his expression disgruntled, interjected, “I didn''t sign up for this. Where''s the kitchen?” His impatience was evident in his tone.
Moriko''s gaze shifted down the grand hall, her finger gently guiding Ramil in the right direction. With a determined stride, Ramil headed towards the kitchen, while Emathion, ever the responsible one, offered, “Don''t worry, I''ll make sure he stays out of trouble.” And off they went, Emathion trailing behind Ramil.
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the Earth Kingdom, Moriko and Agneyastra found themselves in a grand, nearly empty stone city. Amidst the ancient buildings, they discovered a tall structure boasting a grand fireplace, where a chessboard had been carefully placed. The flickering flames danced and crackled, creating a sense of warmth and coziness in the otherwise abandoned space.
With a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, Agneyastra turned to Moriko and sheepishly admitted, “I am not good at this game, Moriko.”
Moriko moved her piece gracefully across the board, her delicate fingers gliding over the ornate figures. “All things take practice, my dear friend,” she responded with a reassuring smile. “Just as you have mastered your weapons over time, so too can you master the game of chess. Try again, this time with your knight.”
As if summoning courage from deep within, Agneyastra moved her knight across the board, her hand trembling ever so slightly. The piece hopped diagonally, representing a bold move amidst the other pieces. Agneyastra''s face lit up with a mix of surprise and pride as she looked at Moriko, her eyes shimmering with renewed determination.
Agneyastra whispered, “Thank you for doing so much for my birthday, Moriko.”
Moriko''s voice, soft as a gentle breeze rustling through leaves, responded, “I am glad you are enjoying your special day, dear Agneyastra. Your happiness is a gift to us all. And after this game, we can venture towards your treasure trove of gifts. I believe your father, Rufus, has left a few surprises that will surely delight you.”
Agneyastra, her mind abuzz with strategic possibilities, observed Moriko with a distant gaze. The air hung heavy with anticipation as she broke the silence, her voice gentle yet curious, “What is on your mind?”
Moriko''s movements were deliberate as she maneuvered a pawn across the chessboard, her eyes meeting Agneyastra''s. A flicker of vulnerability flashed across her face as she voiced her concern, “Do you believe Sandra makes Emathion truly happy?”
Agneyastra paused and chose her words carefully. “I believe Sandra has undergone a remarkable transformation this year. Her growth has been evident, and she holds a deep fondness for Emathion. They spend countless afternoons together, building a connection that seems to bring him joy. But tell me, Moriko, do you not approve of their union?”
Moriko''s fingers tapped lightly on the wooden table, a melody of uncertainty and concern. Her voice, soft yet resolute, revealed a depth of emotion. “As long as Emathion finds happiness and remains safe, it brings me solace. My concern lies not in their companionship, but in his well-being.”
As Moriko and Agneyastra sat at the ornate chess table, their minds engrossed in the strategic battle taking place on the polished marble surface, an unexpected rapping on the door filled the air. The sound echoed through the opulent chamber, breaking their concentration and drawing their attention to the entrance.
Stepping forward, a figure emerged into the room, accompanied by a delivery man adorned in sea bass skin pattern. It was Brucie, the loyal servant of Moriko''s household, who greeted them with a respectful bow. The delivery man stood silently, clutching a letter in his hands, the weight of its contents unknown. Brucie, with a sense of purpose, spoke to Moriko, “More gifts have arrived for Agneyastra, I had them put with the others.”
Moriko offered her gratitude for the delivery, her voice filled with a curious anticipation. Retrieving the letter from the delivery man, she held it delicately, feeling the faint tremor of excitement running through her fingertips. The delivery man and Brucie departed, leaving Moriko alone with Agneyastra and the letter from Prince Marius.
As she made her way back to the chess table, Moriko broke the seal and unfolded the pages before her. With every word she read, her expression shifted from surprise to a mixture of empathy and admiration. Agneyastra, eager to know the contents of the letter, spoke softly, “What does it say?”
Moriko, her voice trembling with the weight of the prince''s words, shared the heartfelt message. “Dear Agneyastra, I am truly sorry for all the pain you had to endure because of me and my family. I know some of these gifts might be a little young for you now, but I bought a gift every year you left the Water Kingdom, plus your 16th birthday gift. I still believe if the circumstances of my life were different, we would''ve had a beautiful life as husband and wife. I must take my place to honor my Kingdom and my mother''s wishes and marry Princess Brooke from the Lake Kingdom. I hope you are not angry at me, and I look forward to seeing you again. Signed Prince Marius, first prince and heir to the Water Kingdom.”
Agneyastra, standing beside Moriko, took the letter from her and studied it attentively. A faint smile graced her lips as she observed, “He writes with a lot of passion.”
Moriko, in awe of the prince''s sincerity and remorse, couldn''t help but acknowledge her own surprise. She handed the letter back to Agneyastra, her voice filled with a sense of wonder, “I thought Water Kingdom royalty were vile, but his words are kind and filled with sorrow.”
Curiosity piqued, Moriko proposed a visit to the gifts that Prince Marius had sent. Agneyastra, however, directed Moriko''s attention towards the unresolved chess game, a gesture that spoke volumes about their unwavering bond. “Do you want to finish our game?” Agneyastra inquired.
With a playful glint in her eyes, Moriko made her move, skillfully maneuvering her pawn in the path of Agneyastra''s queen piece. Triumphantly, she declared, “Checkmate!”
In an instant, Moriko''s excitement took over, and she rushed to hold Agneyastra''s hand, guiding her towards the door. Eager for the surprises awaiting them, Moriko enthused, “I am so curious to see what your water prince has gifted you.”
***
In the Water Kingdom Palace, nestled deep within the realms of the underwater world, a small dining room awaited its occupants. Marius stared intently out of the window. His eyes scanned the bustling observing the villagers as they emerged from a hidden tunnel. Their distinctive purple skin and light gray hair stood out amidst the watery landscape, concealed only by their gray cloaks.
As the villagers carried cases of food and other supplies towards the palace, Marius couldn''t help but wonder about their presence. Princess Brooke, with her shimmering silver skin and flowing white hair, gracefully entered the room, her presence commanding attention. She approached Marius and lightly bowed, her delicate movements reflecting her regal heritage. With a soft voice, she conveyed, “the queen''s wishes for them to share breakfast with their siblings.”
Marius, still lost in his contemplation, replied with a dismissive tone. “There is no need,” he muttered, his gaze refusing to shift from the intriguing sight beyond the windowpane.
Curiosity sparked within Princess Brooke''s eyes as she took notice of Marius'' persistent fixation. She stepped closer to the window, admiring the underwater village with genuine interest. “Why do you always watch them?” she inquired, her voice filled with a gentle curiosity. “Do you know why they choose to live so far beneath the surface?”
Caught off guard by the princess''s questioning, Marius turned towards her, his expression revealing hidden depths of emotion. “Yes,” he replied softly. “A group of Keeners left the Loftyworld. It is said that the angels there committed unspeakable acts against them. Seeking sanctuary, they found solace within the leader''s farming land near the deep trenches. Observing them reminds me of a dear friend.”
Brooke glared at Marius, her betrothed. Her elegant features twisted with anger, she pushed him away, her voice filled with frustration. “I have sacrificed so much for this kingdom, for you, Marius,” she spat, her voice laced with bitterness. “Do not embarrass me.”
Marius, seemingly unaffected, kept his gaze fixed on the window, his eyes scanning the bustling village outside. His tone remained nonchalant as he responded, “Do not worry, my dear. I am still planning to marry you. And I will grant your wish to have your soldier as your personal guard.”
Brooke''s patience wore thin as she demanded his attention, desperation creeping into her voice. “Look at me, Marius.”
But Marius''s eyes stubbornly remained locked on the outside world, his mind seemingly lost in deep contemplation. “Please, leave me be.”
As the dining room door swung open, Devereaux, radiating confidence, entered with two elegantly dressed ladies on his arm. Their laughter carried down the hall, contrasting with the tension-filled atmosphere in the room. Following closely behind, Evain walked with grace, her eyes immediately drawn to the scene unfolding near the window.
She saw her beloved brother Marius, seemingly distant and disconnected from Brooke''s desperation. Concern etched into her features, Evain approached the table where they were gathered. Sensing the need to intervene, she moved with grace and purpose, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and determination.
As Evain approached Marius and Brooke, a sense of unease hung heavy in the air. She gestured to the nearby soldiers, their eyes filled with steely determination, ready to intervene if needed. But before the soldiers could reach their destination, Brooke, fueled by a mixture of jealousy and anger, took matters into her own hands. In one swift motion, she pulled out a small dagger, its silver glinting in the dimly lit room, and stabbed Marius in the side.
A gasp rippled through the air as everyone''s attention instantly turned to the scene that unfolded before them. Evain''s heart pounded in her chest as she rushed to her brother''s side, her hands trembling with a mix of fear and concern. The soldiers swiftly reacted, forcefully removing Brooke from the room, her voice filled with rage and frustration.
Meanwhile, Marius, his face contorted in pain, managed to remove the small knife and toss it onto the intricately carved table. With Evain at his side, he made his way towards the exit, his steps unsteady. The urgency in Evain''s voice was palpable as she pleaded with him to wait, her eyes pleading for him to listen.
Outside the dining room, in the solitude of a private chamber used for such emergencies, Marius removed his shirt, the fabric clinging to his wounded side. A skilled doctor rushed to his aid, their hands deftly moving to stem the flow of blood and begin the process of healing. Marius''s gaze never left his sister, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination.
As the doctor worked diligently to stitch up Marius''s wound, Evain stepped closer, her breath caught in her throat as she surveyed her brother''s injuries. Her voice trembled as she asked the question that had long plagued her mind. “Marius, how many times has she done this to you?” Her tone carried a mix of anger and pain, a fierce protectiveness for her brother fueling her inquiry.
Marius, barely flinching as the needle pierced his skin, locked eyes with Evain, a knowing sadness etched into his features. “Only a few times,” he admitted, his voice laced with resignation. “This time, she stabbed me out of jealousy. I fear she may be growing fond of me.”
Evain paces in front of Marius, her footsteps echoing in the quiet chamber. Anger surged within her as she thought of their mother, the woman who had allowed such cruelty to befall her own flesh and blood. “I will never forgive mother for putting you through this,” she declared in a voice filled with defiance. “I will be so glad to leave this place for a few days.”
Marius, now assisted by the doctor in wrapping a bandage around his wounded side, nodded in agreement. “They say the Earth Kingdom is lovely this time of year,” he murmured, a hint of relief and anticipation in his voice. However, his expression quickly turned serious as he warned his sister of an impending danger. “But we must be cautious, Evain. We are not allowed to enter with our soldiers or weapons. Marudeva''s two older sons will be there, and we need this journey to go smoothly.”
Evain''s jaw tightened as she absorbed Marius''s warning. She knew they had no choice but to proceed with caution, for the stakes were higher than ever. Steeling herself, she met Marius''s eyes with a determined gaze. “Fine,” she replied.