In the Fire Kingdom’s ballroom, Marudeva couldn't help but feel a deep sense of concern and unease as he watched Aiden's unsteady movements. The weight of responsibility pressed down on his shoulders, reminding him of the importance of the Fire Kingdom's stability and the well-being of its ruler. Although Marudeva thought of Aiden like a father to him and had shared many joyous moments together, tonight, Marudeva saw a side of the king he had never witnessed before.
As the night progressed, Marudeva noticed the once eloquent and charismatic king slurring his words and struggling to maintain his balance. The guests, initially entertained by his jovial antics, now exchanged worried glances. Marudeva's heart sank as he realized that Aiden's excessive drinking could mar not only his reputation but also the reputation of the entire kingdom.
Then, Aiden approached him. The alcohol had clearly taken its toll on Aiden, his speech slurred and his laughter boisterous. He clapped Marudeva on the back, a wide grin on his face as he regaled the other guests with stories of their mischievous youth.
“Did I ever tell you lot about the time this one and my youngest son stole and drank up all the best wine?” Aiden exclaimed, his voice filled with mirth. “They were just fifteen at the time, causing havoc wherever they went!”
Marudeva stood at the entrance of the grand ballroom, his laughter mingling with the joyful chatter of the guests. The opulent setting, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and ornate tapestries, seemed to fade into the background as his eyes were drawn to the open double doors. There, he caught sight of Tyson, his brow furrowed with worry, accompanied by a group of Fire Kingdom soldiers carrying an unconscious figure.
Without a moment's hesitation, Marudeva slipped away from the festivities, his curiosity piqued. As he approached the group, he noticed the soldiers, usually strong and resolute, bore the marks of a fierce battle. But it was the sight of Prince Maccoy, limp and vulnerable, that sent a chill down Marudeva's spine.
“What happened?” Marudeva inquired, his voice filled with concern.
One of the soldiers, his voice trembling, replied, “Prince Maccoy attacked us, but Tyson intervened and knocked him out to protect us.”
Tyson, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination, silenced the soldier with a stern look. Turning to Marudeva, he pleaded, “Please, Marudeva, do not utter a word of this to anyone.”
Marudeva nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Together, they carefully carried Maccoy to his room, placing him gently on his bed. Marudeva's hand instinctively reached out to touch the prince's forehead, searching for answers in the fevered heat of his skin.
“Why would he attack his own soldiers?” Marudeva whispered, more to himself than to anyone else.
Tyson sighed heavily, his gaze fixed upon his brother's motionless form. “Marudeva, while we were staying in the Red Hell, Maccoy became entangled in an affair with Hanina, one of Rowan's assistants. I had no choice but to force him to leave her. But during our journey out of the Underworld, he went missing, and when I found him, he was unconscious. Ever since we returned home, he has not been the same. My father refuses to acknowledge the truth, but now that the soldiers will file a complaint, perhaps he will finally see reason and seek help for Maccoy.”
Marudeva's heart ached for Tyson, burdened with the weight of his brother's affliction. “You should call upon a healer or a doctor who specializes in such matters. If you wish, I can send one of our Dweller healers to assess his condition.”
Tyson's face contorted with anguish. “We cannot do so without my father's approval. Marudeva, I have never been fond of you, but I have always trusted you. Promise me that you will keep this secret, that you will not breathe a word of what you have witnessed tonight.”
Marudeva met Tyson's gaze, his own eyes filled with sincerity. “I give you my word, Tyson. But if your father fails to see reason, if he refuses to help Maccoy, come to me. You and Maccoy have always been like brothers to me, and I will do whatever I can to assist you.”
With a heavy heart, Marudeva returned to the ballroom, bidding farewell to Aiden and the other guests. As he and his wife Pyla made their way out of the Fire Kingdom, heading towards their home in the Dweller lands, Marudeva couldn't shake the weight of the secret he now carried.
***
Early Morning in the Fire Kingdom Palace, the golden rays of the sun filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting a warm glow upon the throne room. Aiden, a formidable figure with a crown of flames atop his head, was escorted to his throne by his loyal attendants. As he took his seat, he noticed four soldiers, their bodies battered and bloodied, standing before him. His son, Tyson, stood by their side, a look of concern etched upon his face.
“What is all this about?” Aiden inquired, his voice carrying authority and curiosity.
Tyson stepped forward, his voice filled with urgency. “Father, these soldiers have come to speak to us about an incident involving Maccoy last night.”
Aiden's brow furrowed as he surveyed the soldiers. “Very well. Clear the room, leave only the six of us.”
In a flurry of movement, the throne room emptied, leaving only the king, the prince, and the four injured soldiers. King Aiden approached them, his presence commanding and intimidating.
“Out with it,” he demanded, his eyes searching for answers.
One of the soldiers stepped forward, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and determination. “Last night, we apprehended Prince Maccoy as he attempted to enter the passage to the Underworld. But instead of surrendering, he turned on us, attacking me and my comrades. Two of our own fell victim to his rage.”
Tyson interjected, his voice filled with concern. “Father, we must lock Maccoy in his room until we can find a way to help him. He is a danger to himself and others.”
Aiden, his face devoid of emotion, circled behind the soldiers. In a swift motion, he drew his sword, a magnificent blend of silver and gold, and without hesitation, he severed the heads of the four soldiers. Their lifeless bodies crumpled to the floor, followed by their detached heads. Tyson recoiled in horror, his eyes wide with disbelief.
“Father, why?” he choked out, his voice trembling.
Aiden wiped the blood from his sword, his gaze unwavering. “We cannot afford to show weakness, my son. The other Kingdoms of Elements must not perceive any vulnerability within our own. Do you understand? Does anyone else know?”
Tyson, not wanting to endanger Marudeva, chose his words carefully. “Father, no one else knows. I stayed in Maccoy's room last night, and not even my wife is aware of this.”
Aiden nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. “Good. Keep it that way. When I call the soldiers back in, you will stand by my side and agree with everything I say. We must protect our kingdom at all costs.”
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Aiden's heart pounded in his chest as he pushed open the heavy doors of the throne room. The room was filled with the hushed whispers of his Fire kingdom soldiers, their faces etched with concern. Their eyes darted between the lifeless bodies strewn across the floor and the imposing figure of their king.
Aiden's voice boomed across the room, cutting through the heavy silence. “Remove the bodies,” he commanded, his tone firm and resolute. “And escort my son, Prince Maccoy, to the throne room.”
A soldier, his voice trembling, dared to question the king. “Why were the soldiers killed, Your Majesty?”
Aiden's eyes narrowed as he met the soldier's gaze. “They possessed knowledge that could threaten our kingdom,” he replied, his voice laced with a hint of sorrow. “Now, go and fetch my son.”
Tyson, his heart pounding even harder now, stepped forward. “Allow me to go get my brother,” he pleaded, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and determination.
But Aiden's face hardened, his eyes cold and unyielding. “No,” he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. “You will remain by my side.”
Aiden and Tyson stood in the throne room, their faces etched with concern. The air was heavy with tension as they awaited the arrival of Maccoy. The room was a hive of activity, soldiers scurrying about to remove the bodies of the fallen, maids swiftly cleaning away the remnants of the chaos that had ensued moments before. It was as if the room had magically transformed, erasing all traces of the violence that had marred its grandeur. Finally, Maccoy was escorted into the throne room, his eyes downcast, his demeanor filled with apprehension.
Tyson interjected, his voice laced with frustration. “Father, Prince Maccoy's actions have caused immense damage, and yet he claims to remember nothing.”
Aiden raised his hand, silencing Tyson. He turned his gaze back to Maccoy, his eyes filled with disappointment. “My son, you are the future of this kingdom. You cannot simply act on your whims. I, King Aiden of the Fire Kingdom, hereby order you, Prince Maccoy, the future heir, to be confined to your chambers until after your marriage to Princess Uahi. There will be no more exploring, no more adventures. Take Prince Maccoy to his chambers. He is to remain there until further notice.”
As Maccoy was led away, his mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions. Confined within the walls of his chambers, he knew he had to find a way to break free from the chains that bound him. The future of the Fire Kingdom may have been predetermined, but Prince Maccoy was determined to be with Hanina at any cost.
***
Early morning fiery flames streamed through the lace curtains, casting a soft glow upon Hanina's face as she slowly awakened from her slumber. A heaviness settled in her heart as she remembered the message, she had received the night before. With a heavy sigh, she rose from her bed and made her way to the desk where the black coal-like cloth lay.
Trembling hands unfolded the cloth, revealing the words etched onto its surface. Her eyes scanned the message, each word piercing her soul like a dagger. “Dear Sweet Hanina,” it began, and her heart skipped a beat. It was Maccoy, her forbidden love, reaching out to her once again. His words were filled with both longing and determination, promising that he would keep trying until they could be together again.
Hanina's heart ached with the weight of their separation. She had yearned for him every moment since their last stolen encounter when he had been a guest in Rowan's mansion for those fleeting five days. Their time together had been a whirlwind of stolen glances, secret rendezvous, and passionate embraces. She could still feel the warmth of his lips on hers, the electric touch of his hands on her body.
As she sat at her desk, a mix of emotions washed over Hanina. She felt a sense of longing, of yearning for the touch of her beloved. But there was also a tinge of fear, of uncertainty, as she contemplated the risks, they would have to take to be together. The weight of duty and responsibility hung heavy on her shoulders, reminding her of the consequences that awaited them if their secret love was discovered.
Hanina stood in front of her bedroom mirror, carefully selecting her outfit for the day. She smoothed out the wrinkles on her dress and adjusted her jewelry, making sure everything was just right. She was headed to work at Rowan's grand mansion, a place that had become her home over the years.
As she made her way down the hall, she noticed Lucy, the maid, standing a few feet away. But it wasn't the sight of Lucy that caught her attention; it was the passionate embrace she shared with Rufus. Hanina's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, but she quickly composed herself and called out to Lucy.
“Lucy, don’t we need you in the kitchen? Rowan will be awake soon and he'll be expecting breakfast,” Hanina said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Hanina walked alongside Rufus, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern. “Are you going to tell Rowan about my attempt to leave last night?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rufus shook his head, his gaze fixed on the hallway ahead. “No, my brother doesn't need to know. Besides, you're here now, so there's no need to bring it up.”
Relief washed over Hanina, grateful that Rufus would keep her secret. She reached out to touch his arm gently, a gesture of gratitude and concern.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “But are you okay? You seem... troubled.”
Rufus stopped in his tracks, turning to face Hanina fully. His eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of sadness and determination.
“I meant what I said last night,” he confessed. “I promise, I will not tell Rowan.”
Hanina's heart ached at Rufus' words, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for the role she had unwittingly played in their complicated dynamic. She reached out to him, her voice gentle yet sincere.
“Thank you, Rufus. But we can be friends, can't we since you’re keeping my secret?” she suggested, hoping to salvage some semblance of their connection.
Rufus looked at her, his expression uncertain. “Sure, I guess. I've never really done the friend thing before. What does that entail?”
Hanina smiled, relieved that Rufus was willing to give friendship a chance. “It's simple, really. We just talk about our day, our interests, our dreams. We support and care for each other without any romantic expectations.”
Rufus furrowed his brow, contemplating her words. “So, we just... talk? No kissing or sex?”
Hanina chuckled softly, shaking her head. “No, Rufus. Just genuine friendship. We can get to know each other on a deeper level, without any complications.”
As they continued down the hallway, Hanina and Rufus began to discuss the possibilities of their newfound friendship. Hanina descended the grand staircase, her laughter echoing through the elegant foyer. Rufus trailed behind her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. They were like two children, caught up in their own world of joy and camaraderie. At the end of the stairs, Rowan appeared, his stern expression softening as he witnessed the infectious happiness radiating from Hanina. He approached them, a mix of concern and admonishment in his voice.
“Rufus, I've told you before to stop bothering Hanina,” Rowan said, his tone laced with a hint of reprimand.
Hanina quickly interjected, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. “It's okay, sir. Rufus and I have decided to be friends. We enjoy each other's company.”
Rufus chimed in, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “That's right! Hanina explained to me that friends don't kiss or have sex. We just talk and have fun together. I'm always open to trying something new.”
Rowan's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his stern expression momentarily replaced by a mixture of amusement and curiosity. He hadn't expected this turn of events, but he couldn't deny the genuine connection he saw between Hanina and Rufus.
“Well,” Rowan said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, “friendship is indeed a beautiful thing. It's about companionship, trust, and shared experiences. If you both have found that in each other, then I have no objections.”
As the day wore on, Hanina found herself engrossed in her tasks, her thoughts momentarily distracted from Prince Maccoy. But every now and then, a fleeting memory of Maccoy would surface, causing her heart to ache. She yearned for his presence, for his touch, for the chance to be with him. But she knew it was an impossible dream, a fantasy that could never come true. As the day drew to a close, Hanina found herself reflecting on her feelings for Prince Maccoy. Yes, she still thought of him every moment, but she realized that Rufus's friendship was a precious gift.
After Hanina dismissed Rowan's house staff for the night, Lucy rushed over to Rufus, throwing herself into his arms and planting a passionate kiss on his lips. Hanina couldn't help but feel a surge of joy for her dear friend Rufus, knowing that he had found happiness in Lucy's embrace.
As Rufus looked into Lucy's eyes, a spark of mischief danced in his own. He couldn't help but tease her, his voice filled with playful affection. “I guess you missed me today,” he said, his words laced with a hint of smugness.
Lucy giggled, her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and adoration. “Oh, Rufus, you have no idea,” she replied, her voice a soft whisper. “Every moment without you felt like an eternity.”
Hanina watched the exchange, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. It was moments like these that reminded her of the moments she shared with Maccoy.