“Lying there won’t help, Aven”, Zane lay against the cell walls.“What else can I do, huh?!”, Aven yelled, kicking the bars on the prison door.Zane scoffed “I’m guessing you aren’t paralyzed anymore.”Aven started to cry out of frustration “Fuck… Fuck man.”Zane sighed “Listen to me, whatever Nero says, don’t comply even if it costs me my life.”Aven pushed himself on the cold concrete as both hands were tied behind his back. Aven attempted to calm himself down “He’s raping my wife and all I can do is rot in a prison cell.”Zane tilted his head downwards “Letra’s daughter, she’s a good woman. She is strong, but in her current mental state… it is unpredictable to know how she’ll act afterwards.”“It’s my fault, Zane, and I intend to pay the consequences, but not with your life. Letharia was willing to die to tend to your wounds. I won’t let you wither away so easily… let me do one good thing before I sell my soul to Hades”, Aven sighed.“Aven, I have no one to live for. The only woman
Aven woke up with Ezekiel by his side as he was too scared to sleep alone but didn’t show it. He had gripped on to Letharia’s nightdress as if he were having a nightmare. Aven patted Ezekiel on the back to wake him up gently “Ezekiel”, Aven whispered.Ezekiel had finally looked up at Aven “Come with me”, Aven spoke.Ezekiel gently scooted towards Aven’s side of the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed, lifting his arms up. Aven kneeled on one knee waiting for Ezekiel to get on his back. Ezekiel climbed on his back. Aven walked quietly around his room, he headed towards huge windows towards the back of his room. He gently went under a curtain and opened four latched on the windows that made the windows look like a set of doors. He pushed the windows open and walked onto a hidden balcony.He gently closed the windows behind him making sure not to wake Letharia.“Have you eaten well?”, Aven asked.“Yeah”, Ezekiel rubbed his eyes as he stared at the sunrise.“I’ve never seen a sunrise like
Nero had stared at Valerine as she had come back from New Germany. Nero hadn't dare left his throne to greet her. Valerine had bowed after the gates had opened. “Take off your hood”, Nero demanded. Valerie gave Nero a look of confusion “Absolutely Not my lord.”Council Member Arlin’s booming voice echoed “Valerie Previs as of now we have come to the decision that you are no longer a member of the RMC.”A look of shock had completely taken over her face.“You deserve a promotion, Valerine, spending your life on the council isn't fit for a Queen”, Nero spoke as he stood up off his throne. Nero approached Valerine and kneeled as he pulled something out of his back pocket, a beautiful golden sapphire ring “Valerine Diane Previs...She took off her hood and gasped with her hand over her mouth.“But my lord...”, she spoke“Will you marry me?”, Nero asked.Valerine hesitates to look at Council Member Alin for answers “The Gods for once in a lifeti
Nero hurried through the palace corridors, his mind filled with worry and curiosity. The mention of a woman claiming to be related to Letra from the Valley of the Fools stirred something within him. The Valley was known for its enigmatic residents, renowned for their mystical abilities and peculiar way of life.As he reached the palace’s grand entrance, Nero spotted his trusted advisor, Lucius, waiting by the gates. Lucius, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a sharp intellect, greeted Nero with a respectful bow.“My Lord, I received word of the woman claiming to be from the Valley of the Fools,” Lucius began. “Shall I arrange for her to be brought before you?”Nero nodded, his expression serious. “Yes, Lucius. Bring her to my study immediately. I want to learn more about her and her connection to Letra.”Lucius departed swiftly to fulfill his orders, leaving Nero to ponder the implications of this unexpected visitor. Letra, his late wife and
Valerine sat at the table, her mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. Aven, ever patient, sat by her side, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of her thoughts. After a prolonged silence, she glanced at Aven with a hint of concern in her eyes."I smell a curse, Aven," Valerine said, her voice tinged with unease.Aven chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Perhaps, I thought--""You thought only Zane and Arlin could smell curses, huh?" Valerine interrupted, her tone slightly teasing.She continued, her frustration evident. "I am furious at your father for thinking he can leave me here all night. Lucky you. Get him back here right now, and I won't say a word. You have my promise."Aven shook his head, acknowledging her anger, but he held a hint of defiance in his gaze. Before he left, he glanced back at her, his expression serious yet resolute. "I truly don't care if he finds out or not. An angry father is better than an
Aven's voice carried a hint of trepidation as he spoke, "I can't help but dread tomorrow."Letharia, engrossed in brushing her hair, glanced at Aven's reflection in the mirror, "Why's that?"A sigh escaped Aven, "We'll be meeting other royals from different countries. And after the ball, Claytis and I are scheduled to talk."Pausing briefly, Aven continued, "Besides, there's the matter of our ballroom dance practice. Tradition dictates I dance with Valerine, and then it's our turn. We'll go over the schedule soon."Letharia's own sigh expressed weariness, "All this for tradition and preventing wars, it's rather dreadful."A soft chuckle escaped Aven, "I find enjoyment in it. And I have a feeling you might too."Letharia's gaze held awe, "You chuckled!"Aven's chuckle evolved into a laugh, "Is that so surprising?"Letharia's smile faded slightly, "I thought the curse was broken."Aven's smile dimmed, "Oh, my love. The curse allows me to experience joy, even laughter, but it still shiel
In the dimly lit bathroom, Aven's haunted gaze stared at his trembling hands. His nightmare had yanked him back into the past, to the vivid memory of his mother's execution. The anguish was a blade through his heart, a pain he could never truly escape. He missed her with an intensity that weighed heavily on his soul regret gnawing at him like a relentless predator. He wished he could have done more to save her, to shield her from the cruel fate his father had orchestrated.The room seemed to close in around him, memories of his mother's laughter, her comforting touch, and the warmth of her embrace flooding his mind. The weight of his responsibilities and the gravity of his actions pressed upon him. He had grown so much since then, but the scars ran deep.As the minutes ticked by, the silence was shattered by a soft creak from the door. Ezekiel, perceptive as ever, had awoken to his turmoil. The young boy shuffled into the room, his eyes wide with concern. “Aven?” he whispered tentativ
Glancing at Aven, she sighed and leaned back against the bed's headrest. "I'm awake."Aven's lips found her forehead, a tender gesture that conveyed both understanding and affection. "I know. I've been finding sleep elusive as well. Ezekiel, on the other hand, is peacefully asleep."Letharia managed a light chuckle amidst her apprehension.Aven's smile was inviting. "Let's practice our dance. It might tire us out enough to find some rest. Plus, rehearsing our roles might help ease our minds."Letharia's kiss on his cheek was a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "I'd love that. I'm just so afraid I'll mess up."As the moonlight filtered through the windows, Aven and Letharia stepped into the grand ballroom. Its opulent walls seemed to hold the weight of centuries of celebrations, now standing as silent witnesses to the forthcoming event. The room felt both intimate and imposing, a space where their dance would unfold under the watchful eyes of history.With each step, the tension
Glancing at Aven, she sighed and leaned back against the bed's headrest. "I'm awake."Aven's lips found her forehead, a tender gesture that conveyed both understanding and affection. "I know. I've been finding sleep elusive as well. Ezekiel, on the other hand, is peacefully asleep."Letharia managed a light chuckle amidst her apprehension.Aven's smile was inviting. "Let's practice our dance. It might tire us out enough to find some rest. Plus, rehearsing our roles might help ease our minds."Letharia's kiss on his cheek was a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "I'd love that. I'm just so afraid I'll mess up."As the moonlight filtered through the windows, Aven and Letharia stepped into the grand ballroom. Its opulent walls seemed to hold the weight of centuries of celebrations, now standing as silent witnesses to the forthcoming event. The room felt both intimate and imposing, a space where their dance would unfold under the watchful eyes of history.With each step, the tension
In the dimly lit bathroom, Aven's haunted gaze stared at his trembling hands. His nightmare had yanked him back into the past, to the vivid memory of his mother's execution. The anguish was a blade through his heart, a pain he could never truly escape. He missed her with an intensity that weighed heavily on his soul regret gnawing at him like a relentless predator. He wished he could have done more to save her, to shield her from the cruel fate his father had orchestrated.The room seemed to close in around him, memories of his mother's laughter, her comforting touch, and the warmth of her embrace flooding his mind. The weight of his responsibilities and the gravity of his actions pressed upon him. He had grown so much since then, but the scars ran deep.As the minutes ticked by, the silence was shattered by a soft creak from the door. Ezekiel, perceptive as ever, had awoken to his turmoil. The young boy shuffled into the room, his eyes wide with concern. “Aven?” he whispered tentativ
Aven's voice carried a hint of trepidation as he spoke, "I can't help but dread tomorrow."Letharia, engrossed in brushing her hair, glanced at Aven's reflection in the mirror, "Why's that?"A sigh escaped Aven, "We'll be meeting other royals from different countries. And after the ball, Claytis and I are scheduled to talk."Pausing briefly, Aven continued, "Besides, there's the matter of our ballroom dance practice. Tradition dictates I dance with Valerine, and then it's our turn. We'll go over the schedule soon."Letharia's own sigh expressed weariness, "All this for tradition and preventing wars, it's rather dreadful."A soft chuckle escaped Aven, "I find enjoyment in it. And I have a feeling you might too."Letharia's gaze held awe, "You chuckled!"Aven's chuckle evolved into a laugh, "Is that so surprising?"Letharia's smile faded slightly, "I thought the curse was broken."Aven's smile dimmed, "Oh, my love. The curse allows me to experience joy, even laughter, but it still shiel
Valerine sat at the table, her mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. Aven, ever patient, sat by her side, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of her thoughts. After a prolonged silence, she glanced at Aven with a hint of concern in her eyes."I smell a curse, Aven," Valerine said, her voice tinged with unease.Aven chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Perhaps, I thought--""You thought only Zane and Arlin could smell curses, huh?" Valerine interrupted, her tone slightly teasing.She continued, her frustration evident. "I am furious at your father for thinking he can leave me here all night. Lucky you. Get him back here right now, and I won't say a word. You have my promise."Aven shook his head, acknowledging her anger, but he held a hint of defiance in his gaze. Before he left, he glanced back at her, his expression serious yet resolute. "I truly don't care if he finds out or not. An angry father is better than an
Nero hurried through the palace corridors, his mind filled with worry and curiosity. The mention of a woman claiming to be related to Letra from the Valley of the Fools stirred something within him. The Valley was known for its enigmatic residents, renowned for their mystical abilities and peculiar way of life.As he reached the palace’s grand entrance, Nero spotted his trusted advisor, Lucius, waiting by the gates. Lucius, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a sharp intellect, greeted Nero with a respectful bow.“My Lord, I received word of the woman claiming to be from the Valley of the Fools,” Lucius began. “Shall I arrange for her to be brought before you?”Nero nodded, his expression serious. “Yes, Lucius. Bring her to my study immediately. I want to learn more about her and her connection to Letra.”Lucius departed swiftly to fulfill his orders, leaving Nero to ponder the implications of this unexpected visitor. Letra, his late wife and
Nero had stared at Valerine as she had come back from New Germany. Nero hadn't dare left his throne to greet her. Valerine had bowed after the gates had opened. “Take off your hood”, Nero demanded. Valerie gave Nero a look of confusion “Absolutely Not my lord.”Council Member Arlin’s booming voice echoed “Valerie Previs as of now we have come to the decision that you are no longer a member of the RMC.”A look of shock had completely taken over her face.“You deserve a promotion, Valerine, spending your life on the council isn't fit for a Queen”, Nero spoke as he stood up off his throne. Nero approached Valerine and kneeled as he pulled something out of his back pocket, a beautiful golden sapphire ring “Valerine Diane Previs...She took off her hood and gasped with her hand over her mouth.“But my lord...”, she spoke“Will you marry me?”, Nero asked.Valerine hesitates to look at Council Member Alin for answers “The Gods for once in a lifeti
Aven woke up with Ezekiel by his side as he was too scared to sleep alone but didn’t show it. He had gripped on to Letharia’s nightdress as if he were having a nightmare. Aven patted Ezekiel on the back to wake him up gently “Ezekiel”, Aven whispered.Ezekiel had finally looked up at Aven “Come with me”, Aven spoke.Ezekiel gently scooted towards Aven’s side of the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed, lifting his arms up. Aven kneeled on one knee waiting for Ezekiel to get on his back. Ezekiel climbed on his back. Aven walked quietly around his room, he headed towards huge windows towards the back of his room. He gently went under a curtain and opened four latched on the windows that made the windows look like a set of doors. He pushed the windows open and walked onto a hidden balcony.He gently closed the windows behind him making sure not to wake Letharia.“Have you eaten well?”, Aven asked.“Yeah”, Ezekiel rubbed his eyes as he stared at the sunrise.“I’ve never seen a sunrise like
“Lying there won’t help, Aven”, Zane lay against the cell walls.“What else can I do, huh?!”, Aven yelled, kicking the bars on the prison door.Zane scoffed “I’m guessing you aren’t paralyzed anymore.”Aven started to cry out of frustration “Fuck… Fuck man.”Zane sighed “Listen to me, whatever Nero says, don’t comply even if it costs me my life.”Aven pushed himself on the cold concrete as both hands were tied behind his back. Aven attempted to calm himself down “He’s raping my wife and all I can do is rot in a prison cell.”Zane tilted his head downwards “Letra’s daughter, she’s a good woman. She is strong, but in her current mental state… it is unpredictable to know how she’ll act afterwards.”“It’s my fault, Zane, and I intend to pay the consequences, but not with your life. Letharia was willing to die to tend to your wounds. I won’t let you wither away so easily… let me do one good thing before I sell my soul to Hades”, Aven sighed.“Aven, I have no one to live for. The only woman
“You came to see me," Letharia spoke unemotional.“I have”, King Nero spoke.“I have a child to take care of, make it quick”, she spoke in a somber tone as if she had given up on life.“He offered you to me, only for tonight”, Nero took off his shirt cuffs. Letharia finally laid eyes upon him. Nero kept the rest of his clothes on. Letharia smiled “I don’t buy it.”Nero had unclipped his satin cape. Under it, he had worn a white button up shirt and black dress pants.“I want you to listen to me”, he kneeled at her bedside.She looked at him drained, with dark bangs underneath her eyes “Yes, Nero.”“I swear on my honor… the little honor you think I have left, I won’t harm your adopted son.”“Were you going to? , Letharia asked.Nero touched his stubble as if he were stroking a beard “Yes. You wouldn’t understand the rage I felt when I saw that notarized document. As leading monarch, I will get in trouble with the council for this. I was going to kill that child in the throne room, but