A month had passed since Prince Maccoy had been confined to his bedroom in the Fire King Palace. The golden growth that had started as a small spot on his hand had now spread, covering his entire arm, and reaching up to his shoulder. The prince slept shirtless on his bed, his muscles shimmering in the morning sun that streamed through the window. The only glimmer of hope in his monotonous existence came from the messages he received from Hanina and his friend Marudeva.
On this particular morning, Prince Maccoy woke up, his eyes filled with sadness as he surveyed his room. His gaze fell upon his desk, where a message was forming on the coal-like cloth. It flickered and danced like a flame, revealing the words that he had been eagerly waiting for. It was a message from Hanina.
With a surge of excitement, Prince Maccoy quickly rose to his feet and rushed over to the desk. His heart pounded in his chest as he read Hanina's words. “Dear Prince Maccoy,” the message began. “I fear I have news, but I am unsure if it is good or bad for us. For some time now, I have been feeling off, my stomach becomes warm, and I missed my courses. In a moment of curiosity, I decided to urinate on barley, and to my astonishment, it quickly sprouted. I believe that I am with child, your child.”
Prince Maccoy's face lit up with a joy that had been absent for weeks. He couldn't contain his excitement and began jumping around the room, shouting about becoming a father. Little did he know that a Fire Kingdom soldier had entered the room and overheard his exuberant proclamation. The soldier quickly closed the door, but Prince Maccoy paid no mind to it, too consumed by the prospect of impending fatherhood.
Prince Maccoy paced back and forth in his opulent bedroom, a wide smile playing on his lips. The message from Hanina had filled his heart with an overwhelming joy - she was carrying his child. The weight of this news, however, was soon overshadowed by the haunting presence of the Demon voice in his head.
“They will never allow the baby to live,” the Demon voice whispered, its tone dripping with malice. “Your father will have Hanina killed because she is carrying your child.”
Prince Maccoy clenched his fists, his face contorted with anger and despair. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Hanina, the woman he loved more than life itself. “Leave me be, go away,” he pleaded, his voice trembling with desperation.
But the Demon voice persisted, its words like venom in his mind. “Let's kill them all and go get your beloved Hanina. We can be together, forever.”
Prince Maccoy shook his head, trying to fight off the darkness that threatened to consume him. “Shut up,” he growled, his voice filled with defiance.
The Demon voice laughed, a chilling sound that sent shivers down his spine. “You can't fight me forever, boy. I am a part of you, always lurking in the shadows of your mind.”
Overwhelmed by the torment, Prince Maccoy collapsed to the ground, his hands clutching his head as if trying to silence the voice within. He lay there, gasping for breath, until finally, he mustered the strength to rise. Determination burned in his eyes as he made his way back to his desk.
With a flick of his wrist, his red and black hair burst into flames, casting an eerie glow across the room. He picked up a stick and, using his fiery hair as a makeshift pen, began to write on a black cloak-like cloth. The words flowed from his heart, a desperate plea to his beloved Hanina.
“Sweet Hanina, I am truly happy, my love. And as soon as I find a way, we can run away together and raise our child far away from the Kingdoms of Elements. The King's laws are merciless, and any mother carrying a child out of wedlock that possesses the powers of the Kingdoms of Elements is condemned to death. Please, my love, tell no one of our secret. I am filled with joy at the thought of you carrying our child, and I will not rest until we are together again.”
Prince Maccoy sank back into his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. The image of Hanina carrying their child filled his mind with hope and determination. And then it hit him - his best friend, Marudeva. A loyal and trustworthy ally, Marudeva had always been by his side, through thick and thin. Surely, he would help them. With renewed hope, Prince Maccoy resolved to seek Marudeva's assistance, knowing that together, they would find a way to protect Hanina and their unborn child.
***
Prince Tyson stepped out of his castle home, the Fire Kingdom Palace, clutching a worn leather-bound book in his hand. The fiery glow of the kingdom's walls illuminated his path as he made his way towards the grand doors of the throne room. As he approached, Prince Tyson stood tall in the Fire Kingdom throne room, his eyes fixed on his father, King Aiden. The room was adorned with opulent tapestries and golden chandeliers, but today it felt suffocating, as if the weight of the world rested upon their shoulders.
“Good morning, father,” Prince Tyson greeted, his voice filled with a mix of respect and concern.
King Aiden, surrounded by his advisors, stepped away from the group and approached his son. His face was etched with lines of worry, his eyes weary. “Good morning, Tyson. Why are you here?” he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.
With a sense of urgency, Prince Tyson reached into the folds of his cloak and pulled out a worn book. “I was reading this book, and I came across a story about a member of the Earth Kingdom who suffered from the same illness as Maccoy,” he explained, his voice filled with hope. “I was wondering if I could accompany Victor to the Earth Kingdom to research their medical records. Perhaps there is a solution we haven't considered.”
King Aiden's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. “Absolutely not,” he declared firmly. “You will never set foot near that kingdom again. It is too dangerous, too unpredictable. Tell Victor what to look for, and he will gather the information you need.”
Prince Tyson's heart sank, but he understood his father's concerns. The tension in the air was palpable, the threat of war looming over them. He knew he couldn't argue, not when the Fire Kingdom's stability was at stake.
Just as the conversation seemed to reach its end, the throne room doors swung open, and a Fire Kingdom soldier, Victor, rushed in, his eyes filled with urgency. He approached King Aiden and Prince Tyson, his voice trembling with concern. “Sir, a soldier has fallen from a window. Did anyone see anything?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.
King Aiden shook his head, his face etched with concern. “No, we were all here. It must be the stress, the changing air. War may be on the horizon,” he replied, his voice heavy with foreboding. “But do not delay in the Earth Kingdom, Victor. And Prince Tyson has a request for you.”
King Aiden turned away, retreating back to his advisors, leaving Victor and Prince Tyson alone. Victor nodded respectfully at the prince, his eyes filled with curiosity and concern. “How may I assist you, Prince Tyson?” he asked, his voice gentle yet cautious.
Prince Tyson took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination. “I need you to gather all of Princess Calla's medical records,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and hope. “It might hold the key to understanding the affliction that torments my brother.”
Victor hesitated, his brow furrowing. “Do you think it's wise for you to be the one viewing Princess Calla's old medical records?” he questioned, his voice filled with concern.
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Prince Tyson's gaze locked with Victor's, his voice filled with an unwavering resolve. “Please, Victor,” he pleaded. “It's for my brother. It might be his last hope.”
Victor sighed, his eyes softening with empathy. “Very well then,” he conceded, his voice filled with compassion. “I will do everything in my power to retrieve the records you seek.”
As Prince Tyson watched Victor depart on his important mission, Tyson couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and hope. Victor finds information that could potentially save Tyson's beloved brother, Prince Maccoy.
***
In the magnificent halls of Rowan's mansion, Hanina found herself in the solitude of her bedroom. The soft glow of candlelight danced across the room, casting shadows upon the walls. Hanina's mind was burdened with a secret she could not bear to share with anyone.
With a deep breath, Hanina made her way to the small private bathroom, seeking solace and a moment of contemplation. She looked down at the piece of barley, its tiny shoots reaching towards the heavens. It was a symbol of hope and new beginnings, but also a reminder of the dangerous path she had chosen.
Determined to protect her secret, Hanina walked back into her bedroom, her eyes fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace. With a swift motion, she tossed the piece of barley into the fire, watching as it crackled and burned, its life extinguished in an instant. The scent of burning barley filled the air, a bitter reminder of the sacrifices she had made.
As if on cue, the door to her bedroom creaked open, and Lucy, one of Rowan's maids, stepped inside. Hanina quickly positioned herself between Lucy and the fireplace, shielding the evidence of her actions.
“Good morning, Miss Hanina,” Lucy greeted her, her eyes curious as they darted towards the burning barley.
Hanina stood her ground, her voice firm. “What do you want, Lucy?”
Lucy wrinkled her nose at the smell, her gaze fixed on the flames. “What are you burning? It smells awful.”
Hanina quickly thought of an explanation. “Sage. It keeps the demons away.”
Lucy raised an eyebrow. “But I thought you were a Keener. Demons don't affect you.”
Hanina sighed, her patience wearing thin. “I still don't want them in my room. Now, why did you barge in here like this?”
Lucy hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I wanted to talk to you about Rufus.”
Hanina's eyes narrowed, her voice laced with annoyance. “I don't have time for this, Lucy. You should be cleaning Rowan's collection room right now.”
But Lucy persisted, her voice tinged with concern. “I want you to stop trying to change Rufus. He used to be a carefree demon hunter, and I miss that side of him. Ever since you two became friends, he's been kind and thoughtful.”
Hanina scoffed, her tone dismissive. “How is this my problem?”
Lucy took a step closer, her eyes filled with a mixture of adEviantion and frustration. “You don't see it, Hanina. You are a rare beauty in the underworld. If Rowan didn't prefer the company of men, I'm sure he would be infatuated with you too. And Rufus, try as he might, is undeniably infatuated with you. Just like most men here.”
Hanina's patience snapped, her voice sharp. “You are delusional, Lucy. Rufus is responsible for his own choices. If he is striving to better himself, that's on him, not me. Now, get back to work before I have Rowan fire you.”
Lucy's eyes flashed with a hint of defiance. “Hanina, mark my words. One day, I will find something or someone you care about, and I will use it against you.”
Frustrated, Hanina pointed to the door, her voice filled with authority. “Lucy, go back to work.”
Lucy reluctantly left the room, and Hanina followed her down the hall, ensuring that she returned to her duties. As she walked, Hanina couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. Lucy's words lingered in her mind, a haunting reminder that secrets have a way of unraveling, and that the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences.
Hanina continued about her day, assisting Rowan in the management of his sprawling mansion, and overseeing the house staff. In the afternoon, Hanina found herself drawn to Rowan's personal library. The room was a sanctuary of knowledge, with shelves upon shelves of books reaching towards the ceiling. As she strolled through the rows, her fingers lightly grazing the spines, she couldn't help but be captivated by the stories and wisdom contained within.
***
In the vast expanse of the Dweller land, hidden beneath the scorching desert sun, a humble farmhouse stood amidst a sea of golden wheat. Inside, the aroma of a home-cooked breakfast filled the air as Marudeva toiled away in the country-style kitchen. His seven-month pregnant wife, Pyla, lovingly attended to their two-year-old son, Ramil.
As Marudeva meticulously set the table, Pyla entered the room with Ramil in tow. With a mischievous smile, she kissed Marudeva and playfully remarked, “It looks edible this time.”
Ramil giggled, and Marudeva, his heart swelling with pride, replied, “I have a good teacher.” He leaned in and planted a tender kiss on Pyla's lips.
However, Pyla's observant eyes noticed that only two plates adorned the table. Concern etched her face as she inquired, “Are you not joining us?”
Gently lifting Ramil and placing him in his designated chair, Marudeva sighed, “I can't, my love. I must embark on a mission to lock down the Dweller city and ensure that nonresidents are expelled. But before I leave, there is something I must tell you.”
Pyla, sensing the gravity of the situation, stepped aside with Marudeva, shielding their conversation from Ramil's innocent ears. Her voice barely a whisper, she urged him, “What is it?”
With a solemn expression, Marudeva implored, “Promise me, Pyla, that you will never speak of this to anyone.”
Pyla's eyes filled with sincerity as she vowed, “I never do, my love.”
Taking a deep breath, Marudeva revealed, “My cousin, Prince Maccoy, has fallen in love with a woman from one of the hells. She carries his child, and I have promised him that if he manages to reach us, I will allow them to raise the child here, away from harm. The Dweller land is not bound by the King's laws that govern the Kingdoms of Elements.”
Pyla's concern deepened, and she whispered, “But we are not safe from the prying eyes of the kings from the Kingdoms of Elements.”
Nodding, Marudeva affirmed, “That is precisely why I must journey to the city and aid Aurgelmir and the other Dweller warriors. Together, we will secure the Dweller lands, shielding them from outsiders.”
Pyla's voice trembled with emotion as she whispered, “I wish you luck, my love.”
Marudeva held her close, his touch offering solace in the face of uncertainty. “Tell no one of my whereabouts. No one is allowed on this farmland; it is protected because of my father's name. Ramil, be a good boy for your mother.”
With one final kiss to his wife Pyla, Marudeva bid his family farewell and stepped out of the farmhouse, leaving behind a sense of both hope and trepidation. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the rolling fields, as if nature itself was bidding him Godspeed on his journey. Marudeva's heart swelled with determination as he made his way towards the dweller city, his mind filled with thoughts of the task that lay ahead.
As he approached the city limits, Marudeva noticed a commotion in the bustling streets. Dweller warriors, led by his trusted general Aurgelmir, were questioning the citizens, their voices filled with urgency. The air crackled with tension, and Marudeva's horse made from ashes seemed to sense the gravity of the situation.
With a steady gaze, Aurgelmir addressed the crowd, his words carrying the weight of authority. “My fellow Dwellers, we gather here today in the wake of a heinous attack on our leader Marudeva's home. An assailant, sent by the treacherous Water King, sought to bring harm to our esteemed leader and his family. But fear not, for justice has been served. The perpetrator has been apprehended and sentenced to death.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mixture of relief and anger. The Dwellers were a peaceful people, but their loyalty to Marudeva burned fiercely within them. Aurgelmir's voice rose, his tone resolute. “We shall not stand idly by while our leader and his family are threatened. From this day forth, we declare that anyone who seeks to harm us, or our leader will be met with swift and decisive action.”
His words hung heavily in the air, a solemn warning to any who dared to challenge the unity of the Dwellers. Aurgelmir's eyes scanned the crowd, his gaze piercing through the sea of faces. “Let it be known, my fellow Dwellers, that we have no tolerance for treachery or betrayal. If anyone in our city or any part of the Dweller land is caught conspiring or spying, they will be found and apprehended.”
The crowd grew silent, the weight of Aurgelmir's words sinking into their hearts. The gravity of the situation was clear - the Dwellers would protect their leader and their way of life at any cost. Aurgelmir's voice softened, filled with a mix of determination and caution. “I implore you, my fellow Dwellers, to heed my warning. Leave now, before we catch you. For rest assured, we will find you. There is no escape from our watchful eyes.”
As Aurgelmir's voice trailed off, a heavy silence enveloped the crowd. The people exchanged glances, contemplating the consequences of their actions. The choice was clear - loyalty to their leader and the safety of their community or the treacherous path of defiance. Slowly, one by one, the crowd began to disperse, some choosing to leave the Dweller land, while others pledged their unwavering support to Marudeva and his cause.