I was so worried. My sister was all alone. And… and the King might take the chance to… I refused to think about it. I mentally shook my head. Then I looked at Rugien, scowling.
“It didn’t occur to me to tell you about it. Besides, you didn’t ask the King’s whereabouts. You didn’t wonder why he wasn’t sitting in his throne for the past few days? You’ve been assigned there for more than three days now.”
Yes, it just occurred to me when he said all this. The days that I was assigned to the palace hall where the throne was placed was empty. I didn’t even have any idea why he wasn’t there.
Right. I was too busy thinking about Rugien and the preparations for the selection of the Grand Crown Princess. I was too blind to see why the King wasn’t present there at all. Really! I acted so stupid and illogical lately.
I slapped my forehead, feeling dumb. “Can I go out of the palace?”
Rugien looked at me. “You can’t. It’s against the law. If you’re not ordered to do
How could Rugien read my mind while blocking his? I wondered once again. I caught his sly smile while looking at me. I pursed my lips.“You know what? You’re so unfair!” I complained.He snorted to tease me more. “Are you done eating? Are you full?”“You keep shoving food into my mouth. Yes, I am! Why?” I raised my chin, feeling irritated on how he was treating me right now.He then took my hand, raised it, and kissed it. It was so sudden that I was speechless. The subtle electricity traveled all over my body, stopping in the centermost of it. He stood up and almost dragged me out of the Warriors’ Hall.“Don’t you have to change so we can discreetly go out of the palace to visit your sister?” he quietly asked and glanced at me with a toothless smile.It was like he was playing with my feelings, taking things lightly even though they mattered a lot to me. I wanted to cry all of a sudden because of his teasing and playing at my expense. The corners
Right, Shahrae didn’t know the story yet. So, I explained it to her. She was speechless with amazement. I laughed at her then.“I didn’t know this would happen. But you know what? I do really love him. And… and I know that he feels the same… although it’s too fast, isn’t it?”But my sister just slowly grinned with a dreamy look on her face. Right, she was a hopeless romantic. I should’ve remembered that.I cleared my throat. “But I have no doubts about it. And… he’s done everything for me… to keep me safe… to help and support me even though I don’t ask for it… He’s just amazing, Shahrae.” I told her everything what I felt for Rugien—that this wasn’t superficial or anything that was fake or impossible or even infatuation. This was real. Everything was real between the two of us. Fast-paced it may be but I had no complaints about it. I was feeling lucky with him and to have him. I wouldn’t feel like this if I weren’t. I just knew it for myself. Deep inside in my hear
After a few moments, I asked Rugien that we go to Zelian’s house. I explained to him that the elder was the only one I could trust that could protect my sister while I am not around. And he could do something about this situation, too. I was sure of it.Zelian welcomed us in his home, which was only a couple blocks away from ours. It was near the farm field where he grew his favorite hot spice plant. It was known to be not from our world but I had no idea where it came from. I had already tried eating it mixed with some dishes and I loved how it burned my mouth as I kept on eating it. It was like a challenging food.From the kitchen window, the wide farm looked bountiful and nice, with the red-orange sun bathing the refreshing view of the beautiful horizon. The green plants bore small yellow and red fruits, which were hot and spicy.I sipped the glass of fruit juice that was offered to us by Zelian’s wife, Dalrina. I thanked her with a smile and she exited to leave
I blinked as if it would undo what Rugien has just said. I gulped down another lump of saliva.“W-what did you say?” I asked again dumbly.“I don’t think I can go through that ceremony when my heart wants you, Xerra.” His eyes were like beseeching mine.I looked at him with a weak smile on my lips. “You have to. You yourself said you need to buy time… for whatever it is. Do you think your father will just listen to what you have to say? He’s going to do everything, using his power, so that you’re not going to be with me who’s only a half-breed… who’s without real roots in this world. And because you’re from the royal family, it is important who and where your bride-to-be is from. Besides, you know that I want your father’s head for killing my mother. And he knows it!”Rugien blinked. His brows were knitted tightly together. “You still think that he’s behind your mother’s death?”I let out a deep breath and looked away from him. My eyes settled on the el
“Are you crazy or what?” I heard Rugien’s angry voice when I was back in my room. I didn’t know that he was already waiting for me there and was informed about that scene to boot. By whom, I could only guess. However, I didn’t say anything, merely taking off my scabbard with Ponpon in it. I placed it on the nightstand that was next to my small but comfortable bed. Then I took off my boots off to sit down in my bed with my back supported by pillows. I crossed my ankles without a word, still, and did not meet his eyes.He blew his face in exasperation and put his hands on his hips. “Why are you acting like this? Do you want to have justice for your mother’s death or do you want to die?”I still didn’t say anything. What was the point? He already knew the answer to those questions he hurled at me.“You’ve just accused him of murdering your mother, Xerra. How long do you think he’ll tolerate your acting like this, huh?” He paused, looking at me intently. “And ho
My eyes fell to the Creyer that the King didn’t go without. I presumed that his powers also came from that mysterious staff. It glittered despite its dark color. It was because of the diamonds, which were one of the components that the staff was made up of. Well, from what I heard of.“What’s this commotion about?” the King gently asked that it was almost impossible to hear.The two warriors let go of me. I shook my arms once and slightly bowed to him just like the others did. Then I looked at him straight in the eye. “I-I had to talk to you about something…”“We have nothing more to discuss, Xerra. Whether it is about your mother, your sister, or about yourself, there’s nothing left to talk about,” the King said with a low tone but it was filled with danger. Then he left with the palace healer who gave me a warning look before following the King.I followed them with my eyes as the warriors bowed to the King respectfully. I took a deep breath. I had t
I cursed in my mind. I immediately turned around to exit the room. However, the door was closed from the outside. How come I hadn’t noticed it? I cursed again. I quickly decided to levitate higher than usual and used the darkness to conceal myself. It was just in time when the three guards checked behind the curtain.They checked around but they hadn’t seen me. I used that time to sneak behind the King’s throne noiselessly. After a few moments of checking around the throne room, the three guards decided to stop searching and went back to their respective posts.My problem now was how to get out. I peered around me. At this moment, I couldn’t just use my telekinetic power to open the lock outside when I had no idea who could be there.I weighed my odds and solution of the current mayhem I was in. There was no doubt that I’d be punished for entering the palace hall when I wasn’t assigned here anymore and to be present here at this time was even more difficult
My jaw dropped from what I heard. His face became clearer to me now. I swallowed hard while I shook my head, still. He was truly that man that my mother loved back then, after she gave up waiting on my father who she also loved dearly. I looked at him again.“B-but you’re supposed to be dead!” I got confused. Wasn’t this Uzob, after all? If not, then what was this place? I looked around trying to understand how I got here.“It isn’t important right now, Xerra. You must get out of this place as soon as possible!” His voice was urgent.“B-but you know that my mother died, don’t you? And how did you know?” I wanted to confirm it to him.“Your mother died, yes. And it’s my fault.” His voice was regretful. Still, he was in agony. I think it wasn’t only because of the thing that bound his forehead, hands, and ankles but also of grief and guilt—it seemed.“What? But I thought—” I got even more confused.“She did everything she could to become The Queen o
The celebration was held at the palace ground that very same night. Foods and drinks were served in a matter of less than thirty dots. It would last until midday. And before that was over, the prisoners of Uzob were all freed and joined this rare celebration. It must have been a very historic day for everyone in the Aryan world.But before that, Miryeob and my sister Shahrae, together with Kaiyahv, had a priceless reunion. It filled my heart with warmth and joy as they embraced each other. I smiled watching this happy moment for our family. I watched them with a smile on my face. They were talking animatedly like they really had a lot to talk about. Well, I thought that was true since it had been a long time since they had been separated from each other. Thinking that my sister’s father was already dead, there was indeed a lot to catch up. The whole evening would not suffice it, I’m sure.Rugien embraced me from behind, watching the scene that I was focused on. The King
“Free all the prisoners in Uzob. The only thing they did wrong was go against the impostor king. That means they’re all innocents,” Rugien said. He then informed them where Uzob was located.They nodded. They were about to go when Rugien halted them. “One other thing.” He glanced at me first before he continued. “Frith’s body.”“We’re going to take care of it,” Bullox said. “Right now, he’s going to be washed clean by a couple of our fellow warriors before he’s going to be sent to his family. That’s the least we can do for him at the moment.”However, Rugien shook his head. “No. Frith can still be brought back to life. Will talk to Healer Ulf regarding this matter.”I snorted. “Huh? Are you saying that he still has the chance to be alive even after his life source is sucked by the Creyer?” I asked Rugien about that unbelievable suggestion.He turned to me and all eyes were on him now. “The old palace healer has found something in their research, Xerra.
It was then that Rugien and I grabbed it at the same time that it was taken away from Isoog like his strength diminished. Together, we thrust the staff through his chest and to his heart. Blinding light erupted from within and it seemed that he just melted into a mist, into nothingness, only to appear the real King.I knew it the moment his green eyes were settled on Rugien. The Grand Crown Prince could tell it, too, that it was his real father.“Father!” He embraced the older man.The two males looked happy with this reunion. Well, who wouldn’t? I looked at the staff that was now solely in my hand. I couldn’t feel its surging power now. But I didn’t care. All is well now. My eyes met Zelian’s who stepped closer to us. He bowed to the two royalties and so did the others, including the Furezos and the remaining elite warriors. It looked like there was less than half of their number that was still alive.“Zelian! It’s been a long time since I last saw you,” the
As the General told me his real name, he attacked me with a whip that he manifested. I barely realized that the name of his brother’s staff was Creyer, which was taken from his name after all. The impostor loved his brother dearly—it was crystal clear to see. It was quite admirable. I could understand since I had a precious sister that I loved so much.Anyway, it was good I was fast enough to dodge his attack. My poniard blocked it the second time, which was caught by it. In turn, I pulled it and slashed it. His hold was broken. I quickly bluffed a thrust but attempted to slash his leg. He was quick to dodge both times it was amazing. He was amazing. I gave him that. However, he just got motionless all of a sudden.I whipped around to look behind me to see who it was. Of course, it was Frith. He used his favorite weapon, the needle, which made the General paralyzed. I smiled, satisfied, at the unmoving Crey.I then paid attention to Rugien and the King who are stil
“Or you’re going to break my neck? Is that it?” I sarcastically told him but my hand was still tightly holding my weapon. I refused to be threatened by him despite of the current situation.Rugien suddenly made a more-than-a-superbeing move. He stood right in front of us in less than a split dot. His face was grim that I’d never seen before. His eyes burned with fire as he looked at the General of the Elite Aryan Army.“Ah, my son!” The King followed as well after a dot passed by.I looked at his Creyer. With this distance, I could probe into the King’s mind. However, it was blocked somehow. He looked at me with a mocking and evil grin. He shook his head unaffectedly.“I know your ability, Xerra. However, you cannot use it against me.” He paused. “Even you, Rugien. No matter how powerful you are.” He turned to the Grand Crown Prince.Rugien reached out to my mind, I realized. I let him probe into mine. Now he knew what I discovered. His face went grimme
The Furezos spread out quickly and with agility that I’d never witnessed before. I realized that they indeed worked hard to be able to defend themselves and to protect their land against the King, although it was unsuccessful until now. The King and General Isoog just got out from the flying capsules, which obviously warped from the palace to get here quietly and quickly.I ducked when a flying sword was aimed at my direction. I quickly ran to take cover behind a tree. The leipods or simply called as follow-the-enemy flying weapons were deployed all over us to automatically track and attack us. They were as big as an Aryan hand with a triangular shape and steel gray color. They flew without sound, hence perfect for surprise attacks as well. Once it sees and locks in on its target, it won’t stop until the target is terminated.“Execute all the rogue warriors and the rebels!” I heard the King’s command.I swallowed and looked at my poniard that was in my hand.
I thought it was me but Kaiyahv commanded her people who were about to attack me and Kalith. My troop, on the other hand, surrounded us even though we were literally outnumbered. But we had advantage of the technology of the Elite Aryan Army. If what we had would be used properly, combined with our own powers and skills, there was no way that we’d be defeated by the Furezos. The Elite Aryan Army was named as so.“I just need your head to be delivered to the King,” I said.“But you heard what Harrupero said! We didn’t and hadn’t raided the Nazian tribe!” Kaiyahv insisted.I decided to probe into her thoughts to know if she was telling us the truth, if she hadn’t ordered it so. But what I saw in her thoughts surprised me. I saw Miryeob’s younger version, saw her talk to my mother before she became a Queen, and grieved when she heard about her brother’s fake death as well as my mother’s.“What do you see in my mind, Xerra?” she demanded, haltingly as my hand was
I was really astonished upon hearing that. Their leader was a female Aryan being? Well, that was interesting. Indeed!Wait, was it her that I saw in the mind of the Furezo who got imprisoned in Uzob?I signaled Kalith to come to us. He did so in an instant, leaving Bullox and the others to gather the captives, while some injured elite warriors did their best to revitalize their energy. They still had to hear what order I would give them after this. Belatedly, I decided to call on Jegosh as well.“You deliver this message to the King. Tell him that I will meet the leader of the Furezos and I will negotiate for him,” I spoke with the playful Jegosh. I believed that something would happen if I were to send him, judging by his personality. “If I cannot get back to the palace, I’ll have Kalith deliver a message as soon as possible. For now, don’t make the King do anything against the Furezo tribe for an entire day.”Jegosh nodded although his forehead formed some
Other elite warriors who were not expecting it were caught by the smoke. They already coughed and groaned. Well, I could just imagine how they feel now, as I experienced it at the Banatan. I knew they felt like dying right now.I transformed into my Arcturian self, using my black aura to cleanse the smoke. As soon as the air was cleared out, my fellow elite warriors that were affected got back their strength and were healed. Then they used their clear helmets as well.They dashed toward the Black Forest where blazing arrows kept coming at us. It was like more than hundreds of them. However, the elite warriors easily managed to parry them now and those were rendered useless. I could now make out the people who were as black as the black trees of the Black Forest. No wonder why it was called Black Forest and why their hiding place couldn’t be found even after numerous raids that the King had made all these years. Thus, only the innocents were killed. That was indeed a pity