As King Aiden gazes out of his window, the rays of the morning sun paint the sky with hues of gold and orange, casting a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that shrouds his soul. A vivid flashback transports King Aiden back to the horror of the previous night, to the moment he discovered Prince Maccoy's lifeless body, the crimson stain of his wound whispering of unspeakable pain. The image is seared into his mind, haunting his every thought and breath. The grief that washed over him in that moment was a tempest, threatening to consume him whole.

Clutching a small note in his trembling hand, King Aiden contemplates its contents. It is a handwritten letter, penned by Prince Maccoy himself. He knows that within those delicate words lies the key to understanding his son's torment, his ultimate plea for solace and understanding. But the mere thought of opening that letter, of confronting the raw emotions contained within, overwhelms King Aiden's shattered spirit.

Instead, he finds respite in the world beyond his window. As the morning birds take flight, their graceful wings carrying them towards the vast expanse of the kingdom, King Aiden finds comfort in their freedom. They become a symbol of hope, a reminder that life continues to move forward, even in the face of unimaginable grief.

With each flutter of their wings, King Aiden's thoughts turn towards the memories he shared with Prince Maccoy. He reminisces about their laughter echoing through the halls, their shared adventures, and the bond that once united them. It is in these moments of reflection that King Aiden finds strength to face the truth, to confront the pain that torments him.

King Aiden sat alone in his dimly lit bedroom, gently held the handwritten letter from his beloved son, Prince Maccoy. The weight of grief hung heavy in the air as he read the words, his heart breaking with each passing sentence.

“Dear Father or should I write King Aiden of the Fire Kingdom,” the letter began, its tone filled with both sorrow and resignation. King Aiden couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the formality in his son's words.

“I am sorry, I failed you as an heir to carry on the Fire Kingdom’s bloodline,” Prince Maccoy confessed, his words weighted with regret. Aiden's mind raced, trying to find answers, questioning what had led his son to such a dark place.

“Me taking my own life had nothing to do with you, father,” the letter continued, as if seeking to absolve the king of any blame. Aiden's eyes welled up with tears, his heart aching with the knowledge that his son had carried this pain alone.

“I had to free myself from the Demon in my mind, who wanted to destroy the Fire Kingdom,” Prince Maccoy explained, unveiling the torment that had consumed him. Aiden's mind reeled, unable to comprehend the depths of his son's internal struggle.

“I do not think there is another way, but I have to stop him,” the letter read, revealing Prince Maccoy's unwavering determination. Aiden's heart sank as he realized the extent of his son's sacrifice, his own anguish mirroring that of his lost prince.

“I am sorry, father,” the words on the page whispered, and Aiden's tears fell like rain, mingling with the ink, as if to offer solace to the pain etched on the paper.

“I want my body in the catacomb beside mother,” Prince Maccoy's final wish resonated in Aiden's soul, invoking memories of his beloved queen. Aiden could imagine the reunion, a family once again united in the realm of the departed.

“Please don’t allow my brother Tyson to blame himself,” the letter pleaded, and Aiden's heart shattered anew. The weight of the tragedy pressed heavily on the king's shoulders, the burden of grief and loss threatening to consume him.

“I will love you always, Prince Maccoy,” the final words echoed in Aiden's mind, a bittersweet reminder of the love shared between father and son. Aiden clung to the letter, his grip tight, as if trying to hold on to the essence of his dear prince.

As the tears continued to fall, Aiden's voice trembled, breaking the silence in his empty chamber. “I am sorry, I failed you my sweet boy,” he whispered into the void, a lament that only the walls of his bedroom could hear.

In that moment, King Aiden vowed to honor his son's memory, to carry the weight of his sacrifice, and to protect the Fire Kingdom with all his might. Though the pain would never truly fade, he would find solace in ensuring that his son's sacrifice was not in vain.

***

As Prince Tyson stood by the window, his gaze fixed upon his brother Prince Maccoy's lifeless body being attended to by the doctors and nurses, a heavy silence enveloped the morgue. The weight of loss and despair hung in the air, suffocating Prince Tyson's every breath. But amidst the somber scene, a familiar voice cut through the silence, like a ray of sunshine piercing through the darkest of clouds.

“My love,” Princess Yeongi's voice echoed in the stillness, reaching Prince Tyson's ears. In an instant, his heart felt a glimmer of warmth amidst the cold grip of grief. Turning around, he found solace in the loving embrace of his wife, their connection providing a much-needed respite from the pain that engulfed him.

“Come,” Princess Yeongi said softly, her voice a gentle caress. “Let us go upstairs and find relief in each other's company. Perhaps a cup of tea will bring us a moment of peace.”

Ascending the grand staircase of the Fire Kingdom palace, they found themselves in a smaller dining room, reserved for the royal family's privacy. A maid, sensing their need for comfort, appeared with a tray of tea and snacks, laying them delicately on the table before quietly retreating.

As they settled into their seats, Princess Yeongi poured a cup of tea for Prince Tyson, her hands trembling slightly. The warmth of the ceramic cup seeped into his palms, grounding him in the present moment. With each sip, the bitter taste of grief mingled with the gentle sweetness of the tea, offering a small moment of respite from the overwhelming sadness.

Princess Yeongi, with a gentle touch, consoles her husband Prince Tyson, his eyes weary from the pain of losing his beloved brother, Prince Maccoy. As Prince Tyson sipped his tea, seeking peace in its warmth, Princess Yeongi rubbed his back, offering comfort in the only way she knew how.

Just as the couple began to find a glimmer of hope in each other's presence, the dining room swung open, breaking their reverie. It was Victor, the general of the Fire Kingdom army, a man of unwavering loyalty and strength. With a pat on the back, Victor attempted to lighten the somber atmosphere, his words brimming with a touch of concern.

“You seem more lucid than your father King Aiden, right now,” Victor remarked, his voice laced with genuine worry, though perhaps lacking in delicacy.

Princess Yeongi, ever compassionate, swiftly came to her husband's defense. “Show some compassion,” she gently chided, “his brother just died.”

Victor's demeanor hardened, his tone taking on a steely resolve. “I know, Princess Yeongi, but we must not show weakness at a time like this. The other Kingdoms of Elements will seize upon any opportunity to exploit our vulnerability.”

Prince Tyson, his eyes seeking answers, looked at Victor with a mix of confusion and curiosity. “What are you talking about?” he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration.

“Listen to me, boy,” Victor asserted, his words carrying the weight of experience. “You may be twenty-six years old, but there are things you have yet to understand. Your father, King Aiden, is not in the right state of mind to make decisions. It falls upon you and Princess Yeongi to make the arrangements for Prince Maccoy's funeral.”

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The room fell into a heavy silence once more as Prince Tyson absorbed Victor's words, his mind racing to comprehend the magnitude of the responsibility thrust upon him. Victor continued, his voice unwavering.

“If anyone asks, Prince Maccoy's death will be deemed an accident. I will speak with the doctors to ensure that his medical records reflect this. Until further notice, you and Princess Yeongi will have to move back into the Fire Kingdom palace, where you can stay in your mother's old chambers.”

Prince Tyson's brows furrowed, his concern evident. “My father will not like this,” he protested, the weight of his duty as a son conflicting with the path Victor was outlining.

“It is only temporary,” Victor reassured, producing a signed paper to validate his words. “Your father has already agreed to this plan. He understands that his current state necessitates a temporary transfer of power.”

Prince Tyson stood up, his hand finding Princess Yeongi's, their connection a wellspring of strength. Together, they faced the daunting task of calming the Fire Kingdom and preparing for Prince Maccoy's funeral. In this moment of grief and transition, they would rely on each other's unwavering love and determination to honor their fallen prince and restore stability to their kingdom.

***

Hanina walked through the halls of the mansion, her steps echoing against the marble floors. When she noticed Lucy mistreating the house staff, Hanina couldn't help but intervene.

“Lucy,” she said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of authority, “we treat the staff with respect and kindness. They work hard to make this mansion a beautiful home for us. I will not tolerate any mistreatment.”

Lucy with a nod, she quickly adjusted her attitude and promised to do better. Hanina continued her walk, satisfied that she had made a difference in the treatment of the staff. Yet, as Hanina walked further down the hall, a heavy sadness settled upon her. It was a feeling she couldn't quite place, as if a veil of melancholy had draped over her heart. She tried to shake it off, focusing on the tasks at hand, but her mind couldn't help but wander to her secret lover, Prince Maccoy, who always messaged her throughout the day.

Today, however, Prince Maccoy had failed to message her, a deviation from their usual routine. The worry began to gnaw at Hanina's thoughts. She knew he was grappling with an issue, but even in his struggles, his concern was always for Hanina's well-being and the child she carried, their love imprinted in her growing belly.

As Hanina continued down the hall, her footsteps slowed, her mind consumed by thoughts of Prince Maccoy. What could be the reason for his silence? Was he facing danger or simply caught up in the chaos of his responsibilities? The worry tightened its grip on her heart, and she couldn't help but fear the worst.

She longed for the comfort of his presence, for the reassurance of his voice, for the touch of his hand on her cheek. But their love was a delicate secret, a hidden flame that could easily be extinguished. They had made a pact to protect their love, to shield it from the judgment and disapproval of the Kingdoms of Elements and the Underworld. And yet, in that moment of solitude, Hanina couldn't help but yearn for him.

With a heavy sigh, she pushed the thoughts aside, knowing that dwelling on her worries would bring her no peace. She had her own duties to attend to, her own responsibilities to fulfill. She would trust in their love, in the bond they shared, and have faith that Prince Maccoy would reach out to her in due time.

As she walked away, the sadness lingered, but Hanina held onto the hope that their love would conquer all obstacles, that their child would be born into a world where their love could be openly shared. And until that day came, she would continue to navigate her days in Rowan's mansion, treading the fine line between duty and desire, with the memory of Prince Maccoy forever etched in her heart.

As the day came to an end for Hanina, her heart was heavy with worry. The absence of messages from her beloved Prince Maccoy had left her restless and unable to find solace. It was unlike him to not reach out to her throughout the day, and this deviation from their usual pattern of communication had stirred a sense of unease within her.

Seeking some form of connection, Hanina retrieved a black, coal-like cloth from her pocket. With a stick lit on fire, she carefully etched her thoughts onto the cloth, pouring her emotions into the words that reflected her longing and concern. “My Dear Prince Maccoy, I hope you are well today. Yours, Hanina.”

As Hanina sat at her desk, clutching the cloth tightly, her eyes fixed on it with anticipation. Hours went by, but there was no response. The silence felt deafening, magnifying her anxiety. She began to wonder what could have happened, what could be keeping him from reaching out to her. Doubts and fears crept into her mind, casting shadows over the love she held so dear.

Her weariness grew, and Hanina decided to retire to her bed. As she laid down, her thoughts were consumed by Prince Maccoy. She recalled their moments together, the tenderness in his touch, and the way his words would dance across her heart. It was a love that had always been reciprocated, a connection that had never faltered.

But now, in this moment of silence, Hanina found herself questioning everything. The absence of a reply weighed heavily upon her, casting doubt upon their once-unbreakable bond. She longed for the reassurance that only his words could bring, the comfort that came with knowing he was safe and thinking of her. The night dragged on, each passing minute an eternity. Hanina's mind became a battlefield, torn between hope and despair. She had never experienced such a prolonged silence from Prince Maccoy before, and the uncertainty gnawed at her heart.

***

Marudeva left his family behind in the Dweller Land, awaiting the birth of their second child. Marudeva prayed that everything would be alright in his absence, while silently vowing to return to them as soon as he could, as he arrived in the Fire Kingdom Palace’s throne room he walks over to Prince Tyson and Princess Yeongi.

Prince Tyson's response came as a yell, laced with both frustration and pain. “Please, all house staff and soldiers, clear the room now!” His command echoed through the chamber, sending a shiver down Marudeva's spine.

As the staff and soldiers dutifully cleared the throne room, Prince Tyson and Princess Yeongi approached Marudeva, their eyes filled with a mix of sadness and hopelessness. They embraced him tightly, as if finding solace in his presence.

Marudeva couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. “What happened?” he asked, his voice soft yet filled with genuine concern.

“You must never tell anyone the full story,” Prince Tyson began, his voice cracking with emotion. “We are claiming it was an accident. You must remember that, cousin.”

Marudeva nodded, his eyes locked with Prince Tyson's. “You have my word. I will never reveal the truth.”

Finally, Prince Tyson managed to utter the devastating truth. “It was my brother,” he said, his voice trembling. “Prince Maccoy took his own life yesterday.”

Marudeva's heart sank at the revelation. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, as he had messaged Prince Maccoy just days ago, unaware of the turmoil within his cousin's heart.

Through his tears, Prince Tyson managed to compose himself enough to speak again. “I am sorry,” he said, his voice filled with sorrow. “But why did you come?”

Marudeva took a moment to collect his thoughts, wiping away his tears. “Your father, King Aiden, summoned me,” he explained, his voice shaky but determined.

A flicker of concern crossed Prince Tyson's face. “Father is not doing well,” he said, his voice heavy with worry. “Prince Maccoy wrote you a letter. I believe my father wants to give it to you. Maybe you can bring him some comfort.”

Marudeva nodded, his mind filled with a mix of emotions. He knew he needed a moment to gather himself, to process the weight of the news he had just received. Sitting on the steps leading to the throne, beside Prince Tyson and Princess Yeongi, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Memories of Prince Maccoy flooded his mind, the laughter they had shared, the adventures upon which they had embarked. But now, those memories were tinged with a profound sadness, a void that could never be filled. He quietly exited the Fire Kingdom throne room and made his way to King Aiden's bedroom.

Two soldiers of the Fire Kingdom stood guard at the door, their expressions somber. One of the soldiers opened the door and Marudeva entered the room. Inside, King Aiden sat in a chair, his eyes fixed on a bird soaring through the window.

Marudeva approached the grieving king and softly spoke, “King Aiden, I am deeply sorry for your loss.”

In response, King Aiden stood up and embraced Marudeva, seeking comfort in the familiarity of their bond. “Thank you,” the king replied, his voice filled with sorrow. “I can't help but reminisce about the mischievous pranks you and Maccoy used to play as children, driving the palace staff to madness.”

The king walked over to a dresser near his bed, where he noticed a letter addressed to Marudeva. Picking it up, he handed it to him, explaining, “I haven't read it. I believe it was meant for your eyes only.”

Curiosity mingled with sorrow as Marudeva unfolded the letter and began to read the heartfelt words penned by his departed friend. The contents of the letter revealed Maccoy's deep gratitude for their cherished bond, acknowledging the pain his passing may have caused but expressing that it was the only way to escape the torment in his mind and protect the Kingdom from destruction. Touched by the sincerity of Maccoy's words, Marudeva carefully folded the letter and placed it in his coat pocket.

For hours, Marudeva remained by King Aiden's side, engaging in heartfelt conversations, sharing stories of their memories with Maccoy, and attempting to bring some semblance of comfort to the grieving father. They spoke of Maccoy's laughter, his mischievous spirit, and the love that had once united them all.