"Why didn't you say it before?" asked Letharia, leaning her head as she rose, looking at Aven with a smile. Aven looked at her, "I'll tell you later, but just know that I love you and I didn't want to ignore you."Letharia smiled “Our relationship is just as bipolar as you are.”Aven chuckled “At least you’re calling what we have a relationship.”Aven approached Letharia as she looked at the distance stuck in her thoughts. He didn't bother to get out of his tight wig. He now stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. I'll be vulnerable with you as long as you're vulnerable with me, love."Letharia at last looked at him, "Go for it."Aven stared into Letharia’s doe brown eyes, “You’re beautiful, you could wearing rags in a pigsty and I would still find you beautiful.”Letharia laughed, "What a strange thing to say."“But it’s true”, Aven chuckled.The room was once again full of silence, but only for a moment. Aven had embraced the bittersweet lips of Letharia. Shortly ther
Letharia’s POV__\__________We left the village in the direction of the forest. I was astonished at how fast it was for Aven to trap and kill a deer. I saw him smile with blood splatter on his face "I can't believe I caught him!" he laughed out of breath. He looked stunned as he wiped the blood off his forehead and cleaned his knife with a single shake. I couldn't help but laugh at his stupefaction as he hunted a deer. But I put my pride aside, the one pride I had in being slums. "Good work," I walked past him. I stopped in my tracks carefully looking back at Aven “Remember… Aspen, you’re blind motherfucker, make up a story of how you caught that deer, we’ll skin it then give it to the people as a dinner offering.”Aven chuckled as he held the deer around his neck “I want to carry it, like a trophy of sorts, just tell them you guide my steps to getting out the forest.”I smiled a little "Whatever."He smiled “I’m excited.”“You’re sweet, sometimes”, I walked with his walking stick a
Third Person POV——————-//——-“How do you think the crows died?”, Aven asked.“Probably through a parasitic infection”, Xander spoke while they both picked up the deceased birds, one by one. “How’s Letharia holding up?”, Xander asked as the breeze gently lifted his hair. Aven sighed “Running a fever, asleep.”Xander rubbed his arm “Aspen, I’ve never been uneasy, but this does it.”Xander had been sunburned “Damn this sun”, he scoffed.Aven continued picking up the crows one by one “Hey, Xander, I have a question.”Xander bent down to pick up another crow “Ask away.”Aven paused “ Why do you choose to stay in the slums?”Xander scoffed “We have no choice… are you from another country or something? Any Xorian would know why.”Aven nodded “Yes, I’m originally from Krystonia, and never really gave the slums a thought until I left the military.”Xander nodded “Well, we don’t choose to stay here, it’s hard to swear under the oath of a pompous prince and a knackered king. It’s systematicall
Third person POV——-///—————-Letharia had been the last to awaken from her dreamless slumber. She glanced over to find that Ezekiel and Aven had left. She opened the wooden doors with the little strength she had left. She grunted as the doors opened, showing dim skylight. She panted onto the forest floors. She spotted Ezekiel and Aven marking graves in the forest. Ezekiel followed Aven in his wheelchair “So you are Prince Aven?”Aven glared at him for only a second before he nodded as he took the shovel to bury Xander.“Go inside, you don’t need to see this.”Ezekiel glared at Aven “He’s my father! I want to bury him!”Aven angrily placed the shovel into the ground before he noticed Letharia standing a distance away in front of dinning room doors.Aven gently wheeled Ezekiel towards Letharia “I need to hurry up and bury the townsfolk, the ones that weren’t engulfed in flames.”“Are we in a hurry? “, Letharia asked.“Knowing my father, he would of arranged something bittersweet”, Aven
“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
“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
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