Marudeva, the leader of the Dwellers, resided in the Dweller land with his pregnant wife Pyla and their two-year-old son Ramil. Their home, a grand house, stood near the vibrant Dweller City. Marudeva was a unique being, an intriguing blend of Dweller and the Ash kingdom. His body, adorned with the intricate snakeskin pattern of his fellow Dwellers, possessed a striking shade of gray, reminiscent of storm clouds. His hair, too, was a dark gray, complementing his enigmatic appearance.
On this early morning, Marudeva embarked on a journey across the desert, riding towards the Fire Kingdom. Marudeva urged the horse forward, and together they ventured into the depths of the sand, the walls closing behind them. Marudeva, on his horse made of ash, stood tall and resolute, his eyes fixed on the burning forest before him. The flames danced and leaped, consuming everything in their path, yet Marudeva remained unfazed. He was the King of the ash kingdom, a leader among the Dwellers, and he had come to the fire kingdom for a purpose.
As the inferno began to subside, a group of soldiers emerged from the smoldering forest. Their armor glimmered in silver and gold, a testament to their loyalty and power. They approached Marudeva with reverence, bowing before him in a display of respect.
“King Marudeva of the ash kingdom and leader of the Dwellers, welcome,” one of the soldiers spoke, his voice filled with deference. “Your uncle, King Aiden of the kingdom of Fire, awaits you in the Fire kingdom's main palace. We are here to escort you.”
Marudeva nodded, acknowledging their presence. “I appreciate your guidance, but there is no need for such formalities. You may address me simply as Marudeva.”
Marudeva followed the soldiers through the remnants of the burning forest. The flames had dimmed, their once ferocious power now reduced to smoldering embers. Finally, they reached the Fire Kingdom palace's throne room. Marudeva stepped inside, his eyes locking with those of King Aiden. The fire king sat upon his throne, his regal presence commanding respect and authority.
“King Aiden,” Marudeva said, his voice laced with a hint of defiance. “Just because you where my mother's favorite cousin doesn't make you, my uncle.”
Aiden chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Ah, Marudeva, always the one to speak your mind. You may not be my blood nephew, but you hold a special place in my heart. If my own sons weren't so jealous, I would gladly call you, my son.”
King Aiden rose from his throne and approached Marudeva, embracing him in a heartfelt hug. Marudeva, slightly taken aback by the king's display of affection, returned the embrace with equal warmth. As they pulled away, Marudeva's curious gaze met King Aiden's, and he asked, “Why have you summoned me here today, Your Majesty?”
King Aiden spoke in a hushed tone, “I require your assistance, my dear friend. It is of utmost importance.”
Marudeva's brows furrowed in concern as he listened intently to the king's words. “What is it that you need, Your Majesty?” he inquired, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
King Aiden sighed heavily, his gaze fixed upon the flickering flames. “I need you to undertake a perilous journey, Marudeva,” he said. “You must escort my son's wife, Princess Yeongi, to the Earth Kingdom. Both of my sons are away on urgent matters, and Princess Yeongi wishes to check on infant Princess Moriko in Earth Kingdom.”
Marudeva's eyes widened in surprise. The task that King Aiden had bestowed upon him was no ordinary one. “Why me, Your Majesty?” Marudeva asked, his voice filled with a mix of humility and uncertainty. “Surely there are others who are better suited for this task.”
King Aiden placed a reassuring hand on Marudeva's shoulder, his eyes filled with unwavering trust. “You are family, Marudeva,” he said. “I trust you more than anyone else with this mission. And I know my son, Prince Tyson, would trust you as well.”
With a determined nod, Marudeva looked into King Aiden's eyes and said, “I will do everything in my power to fulfill this task, Your Majesty. Princess Yeongi will be safe under my watch.”
The two men shared a hearty laugh, their bond of friendship evident in their easy camaraderie. As they continued their conversation, the topic shifted to Marudeva's growing family. “How far along is Pyla with your second child?” King Aiden inquired, his voice tinged with genuine interest.
Marudeva's face lit up with pride and joy. “She is about five months, Your Majesty,” he replied, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. King Aiden smiled warmly, his eyes shining with happiness for his nephew.
King Aiden's eyes twinkled proudly as he pointed towards Princess Yeongi. Her hair, the color of smoke, cascaded down her back in gentle waves, framing her delicate features. Her skin, as dark as the night sky, held a subtle gray undertone, reminiscent of the swirling wisps of smoke that danced in the air, introducing her to Marudeva. As she stepped into the throne room, stepping closer to King Aiden and Marudeva.
“Here she is, my nephew,” King Aiden declared, a hint of playfulness in his voice. “Marudeva, he will be the one accompanying you to the Earth Kingdom, so you can see for yourself the Sleeping infant is well cared for, my dear.” Marudeva’s eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing to comprehend the significance of the king's words.
Marudeva nodded at King Aiden and led Prince Yeongi out of the Fire Kingdom's throne room. Outside, a magnificent gold and silver carriage awaited them at the palace steps, ready to transport them to the Earth Kingdom.
***
By the hidden palm tree forest, a mystic realm known as the Water Kingdom emerged, its breathtaking landscape revealing vast lakes and wetlands, their tranquil waters mirroring the vibrant hues of the surrounding flora. But it was the sight straight ahead, in the heart of the vast ocean, that truly captivated all who laid eyes upon it. Rising majestically from the azure waters stood the magnificent Water Kingdom palace, a true testament to the beauty and ingenuity of its inhabitants.
Constructed from coral stone, the palace seemed to blend seamlessly with its aquatic surroundings. Adorned with shimmering sea glass, capturing the sunlight, and reflecting it in a mesmerizing dance of colors, the palace appeared like a jewel in the depths of the ocean. A long bridge, delicately woven from strands of seaweed and adorned with intricate sea glass beads, stretched out towards the palace, inviting all who dared to venture into its enchanting embrace.
Inside the Water Kingdom palace, a sense of power and authority permeated the air. King Arroyo, with his skin bearing the intricate pattern of a haddock fish, his skin shimmers like scales with a soft iridescence, commanded attention wherever he went. His hair, a light shade of blue, accentuated his regal presence. Angrily striding down the opulent halls, maids and other palace staff quickly avoided his path, for they knew better than to cross his temper.
Followed by his loyal soldiers, their armor fashioned from seashells, each displaying different fish skin patterns, ranging from those found in the depths of the ocean to the tranquility of freshwater, King Arroyo made his way to his King's office. As he entered, his eyes fell upon a mysterious figure waiting for him.
Without hesitation, King Arroyo dismissed his soldiers with a commanding look. “I must speak with this man alone,” he declared, his voice carrying an air of authority. “Go and attend to my breakfast.”
The soldiers, accustomed to their king's demands, promptly walked away, leaving King Arroyo and the enigmatic man in the room. Closing the door behind him, King Arroyo took a step closer, his gaze fixed upon the stranger.
The man, his features obscured by shadows, spoke with a tone of cold confidence. “I can take care of your little problem in the Earth Kingdom,” he began, his voice laced with a hint of menace. “But make no mistake, if any soldiers, including yours, get in my way, I will eliminate them without hesitation.”
King Arroyo, unflinching in his resolve, met the man's gaze with unwavering determination. “Very well,” he replied, his voice steady. “I will pay you half now, and the rest when the job is complete.”
A sly smile played across the man's lips as he extended his hand to receive the payment. King Arroyo withdrew a bag filled with gleaming pearls. Placing the bag into the man's outstretched hand, the king sternly warned, “If you fail me, like the others before you, know that I will not hesitate to feed you to my orcas.”
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
The man's smile widened, a flicker of excitement gleaming in his eyes. “Rest assured, Your Majesty,” he replied, his voice filled with a chilling confidence. “I will not disappoint.”
With that, the mysterious man turned and swiftly left the King's office, disappearing into the shadows that seemed to eagerly welcome him. King Arroyo, left alone with his thoughts, pondered the consequences of his decision.
King Arroyo sat at his grand desk, adorned with intricate carvings and glistening jewels, as one of his trusted advisors entered the room.
“Did you find any more useful information on Princess Moriko's true love?” King Arroyo inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of hope and desperation.
The advisor hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Well, Your Majesty, I regret to inform you that none of the Kingdoms of Elements' birth announcements match the line up with the sighted in the Green Forest.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed King Arroyo's face, but he quickly regained his composure. “You were the only one to witness this sighting, my loyal advisor. It must hold some significance. Please, continue your investigation.”
The advisor nodded, his eyes glimmering with determination. “But, Your Majesty, I have something else to show you. It may not directly relate to Princess Moriko's true love, but it could be of great importance.”
King Arroyo's demand was clear and unwavering. His eyes bore into the servant, his voice laced with a mix of urgency and malice. “Unless you have a way to bring an end to Princess Moriko, I have no interest in hearing it. Go now and retrieve the information I require.”
King Arroyo, still sitting at his opulent desk, watched as his Adviser reluctantly left the room. The weight of his crown seemed to press heavily on his brow as he sank deeper into his thoughts. The desire to wield absolute control over the Kingdoms of Elements consumed him, like a fire burning deep within his soul.
***
In Rowan's magnificent mansion, Prince Maccoy awoke in the cozy confines of the small guest room he was assigned. As he sat up on the edge of the bed, his mind still reeling from the encounter between his older brother, Prince Tyson, and the enchanting Hanina, Rowan's beautiful assistant. The memory of her ethereal beauty, highlighted by her unique purple skin glowing in the soft candlelight, lingered in his thoughts.
Prince Maccoy couldn't understand how his brother could be so rude and snobbish towards someone as kind and captivating as Hanina. She had a grace about her that was almost otherworldly, and her presence brought a sense of warmth and comfort to the opulent halls of Rowan's mansion.
As he got dressed and prepared for the day ahead, Prince Maccoy's mind was consumed by thoughts of Hanina. The way she had smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with intelligence and a hint of mischief, had left an indelible mark on his heart. He knew he had to find a way to spend more time with her.
Prince Maccoy stepped out of his guest bedroom, his eyes scanning the expansive hallway adorned with exquisite artwork and elegant tapestries. As he made his way down the hall, his gaze fell upon a surprising sight - Lucy, one of Rowan's maids, engaged in a conversation with a tall, devilishly handsome man. The man possessed jet-black horns on his head and a light red complexion, instantly revealing his demonic lineage. Prince Maccoy's heart skipped a beat as he realized it was none other than Rufus, Rowan's younger brother and a renowned demon hunter.
Caught off guard, Prince Maccoy watched in disbelief as Lucy leaned in towards Rufus, her lips yearning for his touch. But before they could share their embrace, Prince Maccoy's presence disrupted their intimate moment. Rufus, with an air of arrogance, swiftly blocked Prince Maccoy's path, a sneer forming on his lips.
“The rumors are true for once,” Rufus taunted, his voice dripping with derision. “You are undeniably gorgeous. You must be incredibly lucky with the ladies in your kingdom. Oh, but wait, I forgot. You are bound by your father’s rules. How does one cope with such a suffocating restriction?”
Prince Maccoy stood there, stunned into silence. The weight of societal expectations pressed upon him, his desires held captive by his father’s rules. He longed to challenge the confines of his role, to be free to love and explore his own path. But now, in the face of Rufus' scorn, he found himself speechless, unable to defend his own yearning heart.
Lucy, however, was not willing to let Rufus mock Prince Maccoy. With a gentle push, she stepped between the two men, her voice filled with defiance. “Don't mock him, Rufus. Prince Maccoy, your brother Prince Tyson is waiting for you downstairs in the dining room.”
Prince Maccoy, grateful for Lucy's intervention, managed a soft “Thank you” before following Hanina, Rowan’s assistant who had just arrived on the scene. As they turned away from Rufus and Lucy, Prince Maccoy couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He was escaping the judgmental gaze of Rufus, finding solace in the company of Hanina.
They walked in companionable silence, Prince Maccoy stealing glances at Hanina as she effortlessly moved about, maintaining the mansion's immaculate appearance. An idea sparked within him, a curiosity to know more about this intriguing woman who had come to his aid.
After breakfast with his older brother, Prince Tyson, Prince Maccoy feigned sleepiness, excusing himself to find Hanina. As he ventured through the halls in search of her, he couldn't help but be drawn to the air of creativity that surrounded her. His inquiries into her hobbies and interests led him to the discovery that she had a deep passion for art, particularly painting and drawing.
Intrigued by her artistic soul, Prince Maccoy found himself captivated by her every word. They discussed colors, techniques, and the profound emotion that art can inspire. As they explored the mansion together, Prince Maccoy felt a growing connection, a sense of shared understanding that transcended the barriers of their respective social statuses.
In that moment, Prince Maccoy realized that Hanina offered him a glimpse of a world beyond duty and obligation. With her, he saw the possibility of breaking free from the constraints that had held him captive for far too long. And together, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery, as she tells him about her the brushstrokes of passions painted a vibrant tapestry of devotion and liberation.
***
The carriage halted in front of the Green Forest, marking the entrance to the Earth Kingdom. Marudeva elegantly opened the door, offering his hand to Princess Yeongi as they stepped out. Their gaze fell upon the soldiers guarding the entrance, soldiers from the Kingdoms of Elements: Fire, Water, and Wind. As Marudeva and Princess Yeongi stepped forward, a fire Kingdom soldier stepped in their path, his gaze filled with skepticism. He demanded to know their purpose, his voice tinged with authority. Princess Yeongi, undeterred, produced a piece of paper and held it up for the soldier to see.
“The Fire King Aiden has granted us permission to visit Princess Moriko, the baby under your watch,” she declared, her voice steady and resolute.
The Soldiers led Princess Yeongi and Marudeva through the dense, towering green forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of leaves. The air was heavy with anticipation as they approached a small, secluded cabin nestled amidst the trees. The soldiers guided them inside, and as they entered, their eyes fell upon a sight that stirred their hearts.
There, in the center of the room, lay a small baby with skin the color of pale jade. The child slept soundly, her tiny chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. Princess Yeongi's eyes softened as she approached, her hand reaching out to gently touch the baby's head. “Why have you guarded her like a prisoner?” she asked, her voice filled with compassion.
A soldier spoke up, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and determination. “Many seek to harm this child because of the actions of her sister. They fear that she may follow in her footsteps, bringing chaos and destruction upon the world. We have even had to fend off soldiers who were sent to protect her, only to discover that they were secretly assassins, sent by their own ruler to eliminate the baby.”
Marudeva, who had been observing the scene with a thoughtful expression, stepped closer to the sleeping child. His voice carried a sense of understanding and wisdom. “Their fear is not unfounded. But we, the Dwellers, have not been tainted by the Earth Kingdom's past. If you find yourselves in need of additional protection, I offer the assistance of my warriors. We will stand by your side, shielding this child from harm.”
The soldiers exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting gratitude and relief. They bowed respectfully to Marudeva. “Thank you, noble warrior. Your offer is greatly appreciated. We may indeed require your aid in the future.”
As the soldiers, Princess Yeongi, and Marudeva stood in the small cabin, their eyes fixated on the peaceful slumber of the green baby, a sense of both awe and trepidation filled the air. Princess Yeongi, her regal demeanor contrasting with the humble surroundings, broke the silence.
“How come you're not keeping her in the Earth Kingdom Castle? That would offer better protection than this makeshift cabin,” she questioned, her voice tinged with concern.
One of the fire kingdom’s soldiers, a weathered veteran with a scar across his cheek, spoke up. “The Monarchs of the kingdoms of elements banished the child from the Earth Kingdom Castle. They feared her power, her connection to the mountains. So, we built this cabin to keep her safe from harm.”
Marudeva, a wise and mysterious figure known for his knowledge of ancient legends, stepped forward. “This forest is very powerful, when connected to awaken Earth Kingdom’s monarch.”
The soldier, his voice laced with skepticism, replied, “That baby has remained asleep for years. I don't foresee her awakening any time soon.”
Marudeva stood silently, observing the serene scene unfolding before him. Princes Yeongi gazed down at the slumbering infant. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of joy, relief, and a deep sense of responsibility. The soldiers stationed around the room maintained a respectful distance, understanding the weight of this momentous occasion.
“The baby is well,” Marudeva whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the hushed room.
As Princes Yeongi tenderly caressed the baby's soft cheek, a sense of purpose washed over her. It was time to return to the Fire Kingdom. With a determined yet gentle gaze, she turned away from the crib and began walking towards Marudeva, the only person that was entrusted to guide her on this journey. They exit the cabin and return back to the carriage that brought them, heading back to the Fire Kingdom, Prince Yeongi’s mind thinking about the safety of the Earth Kingdom’s sleeping baby.