Marudeva's face was determined, his eyes fixed on the horizon as he rode northward. The wind whipped through his hair, carrying with it the scent of salt and adventure. He had traveled for hours, his heart filled with anticipation and a sense of purpose. Finally, he had arrived at the palm tree forest, the front entrance to the majestic Water Kingdom.
As Marudeva dismounted his horse, his eyes were drawn to the sight of the Water Kingdom soldiers. Their skin bore intricate fish-like patterns, a testament to their connection with the sea and fresh water. Their armor, made from shimmering seashells, glinted in the sunlight, reflecting the beauty and power of the kingdom they served.
Approaching Marudeva, one of the soldiers spoke, his voice filled with authority. “What brings Marudeva to the Water Kingdom?” he asked, his gaze fixed upon the paper that Marudeva held in his hand.
With a steady hand, Marudeva presented the paper to the soldier, his voice filled with confidence. “I have an appointment with King Arroyo,” he replied, his words carrying a sense of purpose.
The soldier examined the paper, his eyes scanning the words written on it. After a moment, he looked up at Marudeva, his expression softening. “Very well,” he said, his voice tinged with respect. “Follow me. I will lead you to the king.”
The Water Kingdom soldiers moved swiftly through the dense palm tree forest, their armor glinting in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the thick canopy above. Marudeva walked in their midst, his eyes wide with wonder at the beauty that surrounded him. As they approached the palace, Marudeva couldn't help but notice the Water Kingdom soldiers training on the beach. They moved with grace and precision, their weapons crafted from sea glass and seashells glinting in the sunlight. Marudeva marveled at their skill, realizing that these soldiers were not just protectors of the kingdom, but also masters of the ocean itself.
Finally, the soldiers led Marudeva into the grand entrance of the Water Kingdom palace. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior, with walls adorned with intricate mosaics of sea creatures and ceilings that mimicked the ebb and flow of the tides. The soldiers guided Marudeva through winding corridors until they reached the side entrance of the throne room.
And there, sitting upon a magnificent throne made of coral and adorned with pearls, was King Arroyo. “Welcome, Marudeva,” King Arroyo greeted him, his voice carrying a soothing melody that echoed the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
Marudeva bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” he replied, his voice filled with awe.
King Arroyo smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with a deep wisdom. “I haven’t been graced by your presence since the birth of my triplets a year ago,” he said, his voice filled with a hint of mystery. “Tell me, what brings you to the Water Kingdom today?”
“The reason I came to see you,” Marudeva began, his voice steady yet filled with concern, “I want my Dweller Warriors to assist with protecting Princess Moriko.”
The king's shoulders slumped, a weariness settling upon him. “I can’t allow it, it is the Kingdoms of Elements problem, we are more than capable of taking care of it. Come you must see my triblets.”
Marudeva followed King Arroyo down the long hall, the windows open, revealing a breathtaking view of the vast ocean. Marudeva stood in awe as King Arroyo swung open the massive double doors made from sea glass, revealing a nursery bathed in soft, ethereal light. The room was adorned with the intricate patterns of the Water Queen's skin, resembling the graceful markings of a marble angelfish. The air was filled with a sense of serenity and magic, as if the very essence of the water element had seeped into the room.
Inside, two maids bustled about, assisting the Water Queen in attending to the three precious babies in their cribs. Marudeva's eyes were drawn to the carved names on the cribs: Prince Marius, Princess Evian, and Prince Devereaux. Each child bore a striking resemblance to their parents. Prince Marius inherited the delicate features of his mother, while Princess Evian possessed the strong features of her father. Prince Devereaux, on the other hand, was the spitting image of King Arroyo.
King Arroyo, cradling Princess Evian in his arms, turned to Marudeva, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and caution. “Why have you taken an interest in this Earth Kingdom baby?” he asked, his voice laced with a hint of suspicion.
Marudeva took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “Well, for one Princess Moriko is just a baby, and if her assassins are successful, it could cause unbalance to all our lands.”
King Arroyo's brows furrowed, his grip on Princess Evian tightening. “You sound like King Aiden,” he remarked, his voice tinged with bitterness. “A man who should hate the Earth Kingdom more than anyone. The Earth Kingdom child, if awakened, will be a curse on the Kingdoms of Elements.”
Marudeva’s visit with King Arroyo was an eye-opening experience. As they conversed, Marudeva noticed a deep-seated hatred and fear in the king's words whenever Princess Moriko was mentioned. It became clear to Marudeva that King Arroyo harbored a great apprehension regarding the wrath of the Earth Kingdom's Green Forest.
Intrigued by this revelation, Marudeva delved deeper into the king's concerns. Princess Moriko held a power and influence that King Arroyo couldn't comprehend or control. The Green Forest with its mystical energy, was a force to be reckoned with. The princess, being closely connected to the Earth Kingdom's natural elements, wielded a power that frightened King Arroyo to his core.
During his visit, Marudeva also had the opportunity to spend time with King Arroyo's one-year-old triplets. Their innocent laughter and playful antics served as a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that hung in the air. As he watched the children explore their surroundings, Marudeva could not help but ponder the future that awaited them.
***
Prince Tyson and Prince Maccoy rode through the treacherous underworld on their magnificent horses made from fire and coal. The flames flickered and danced, casting an eerie glow on their surroundings as they ventured deeper into the realms of darkness. They turned their black and red hair into fiery flames, illuminating the path ahead.
In the midst of this ethereal glow, Prince Tyson broke the silence. “It would be best if father or anyone else didn't find out about your little affair in the Red Hell,” he warned, his voice carrying a hint of concern.
Prince Maccoy scoffed, his voice dripping with nonchalance. “Whatever, brother. It was just a momentary indulgence. No need to make a fuss.”
Prince Tyson's eyes narrowed, his fiery gaze piercing through the darkness. “You underestimate the consequences, Maccoy. Father has high expectations of us, and any misstep could jeopardize our standing in the Kingdoms of Elements.”
Prince Maccoy's expression hardened, his voice tinged with defiance. “I am well aware of our obligations, Tyson. But this one time, I did something for me.”
As Prince Maccoy followed behind his brother, Prince Tyson, the air grew heavy with an otherworldly chill. They traversed the treacherous underworld, a place that lay between the four Hells, far beneath the Kingdoms of Elements. The very essence of darkness clung to their every step, and the whispers of lost souls echoed through the desolate corridors.
Prince Tyson's voice cut through the eerie silence, cautioning his brother. “Keep straight, Maccoy. This area can be active with golden demons. They are cunning and deceptive. Stay vigilant.”
Stolen novel; please report.
Prince Maccoy nodded, they continued their journey, a flicker of golden light caught Prince Maccoy's attention. He turned his head and saw a figure, a woman, walking away from him. Her silhouette was familiar, resembling his beloved Hanina from the Red Hell.
Driven by a mix of hope and desperation, Prince Maccoy impulsively urged his horse forward, following the woman into a dark and winding path. His heart raced, the anticipation of reuniting with Hanina consuming his thoughts. He called out her name, his voice carrying through the stillness of the underworld.
“Hanina!”
But the woman continued to walk, unaffected by his presence. As Prince Maccoy drew closer, the woman appeared to recede further away, like a revenge teasing him in the dark unbeknownst to Prince Maccoy, his pursuit had led him astray from his brother. Prince Tyson's voice faded into the distance, swallowed by the depths of the underworld. Prince Maccoy was now alone, consumed by his desperate quest to reach the woman who resembled Hanina.
The path grew darker and more treacherous with each step, the air thick with an ominous energy. Prince Maccoy, his heart pounding in his chest, continued to follow the mysterious woman from behind. He called out his lover's name, Hanina, desperately hoping it was her. “Hanina, please, I am sorry for leaving you there. Come with me, and together we can escape to the Fire Kingdom.”
Prince Maccoy guided his horse through the treacherous terrain, his eyes fixed on the woman as she walked over to a figure cloaked in golden robes. Determined to reach Hanina, he quickly dismounted and rushed towards her. But before he could reach her, she vanished into thin air, leaving Prince Maccoy bewildered and distraught.
The hooded figure chuckled, a deep, sinister sound that sent shivers down Prince Maccoy's spine. “Hello, aren't you far away from the Fire Kingdom, Prince Maccoy,” the figure taunted.
Confusion and anger mingled within Prince Maccoy's voice as he demanded answers. “Who are you?” he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination.
The hooded figure slowly pulled back their hood, revealing a face that was both attractive and mysterious. “I am someone who can help you reunite with your lover,” they replied, their voice dripping with an enigmatic charm.
Hope flickered in Prince Maccoy's eyes as he desperately sought a way to be with Hanina once more. “How? And why would you help me?” he asked, his voice laced with both desperation and caution.
The hooded figure smiled, their eyes glinting with an otherworldly knowledge. “Because” he began, his voice filled with a mix of delight and fascination, “I am a fan of forbidden love. All you have to do is take this piece of gold with you when you return to the Fire Kingdom.”
Prince Maccoy's gaze fell upon the golden piece the hooded figure held out to him. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, promising a chance to be reunited with Hanina. With a mixture of hope and trepidation, he reached out and took the gold.
“Remember,” the hooded figure whispered, their voice carrying a hint of warning, “the path to forbidden love is often fraught with challenges. But if your love is true, it will prevail.”
Prince Maccoy's heart pounded in his chest as he reached out to touch the gleaming piece of gold held in the hooded figure's hand. His curiosity had gotten the better of him, as his fingers made contact with the gold, a searing pain shot through Prince Maccoy's body. He let out a scream, the sound echoing through the desolate chamber. The hooded figure, shrouded in darkness, let out a chilling laugh that sent shivers down the prince's spine.
“Stupid boy,” the figure sneered, the voice dripping with malice. “Did you really think you could possess such power without consequence?”
Prince Maccoy's vision blurred, the pain intensifying with each passing moment. He struggled to stay upright, but his legs gave way beneath him, and he fell hard onto the cold stone floor. The hooded figure approached, its steps slow and deliberate, as if savoring the prince's suffering.
Prince Tyson rode his horse with a sense of purpose, the wind whipping through his hair as he followed the marked path back home. He had assumed that his brother, Prince Maccoy, was right beside him, engaged in their usual banter and laughter. But as he glanced around, he realized that Maccoy was nowhere to be seen.
“Brother! Maccoy!” Tyson called out, his voice echoing through the darkness. There was no response, only the eerie silence of the Underworld. A knot of worry tightened in Tyson's chest as he turned his horse around, retracing his steps in search of his missing sibling.
Hours passed, and just as Tyson's hope was beginning to wane, he caught sight of a figure lying on the ground. He dismounted his horse and rushed over, his heart pounding in his chest. It was Maccoy, unconscious and battered.
“Brother, are you okay?” Tyson’s voice was filled with concern as he gently shook Maccoy awake.
Slowly, Maccoy's eyes fluttered open. “There was a man in a golden cloak,” he whispered, his voice weak. “He attacked me.”
Tyson's brow furrowed in worry. “Did you touch anything he offered you?”
Maccoy hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. “No, I know better than to do that.”
Relief washed over Tyson as he helped Maccoy back onto his horse. Maccoy's hand instinctively reached for the reins, and that's when Tyson noticed it - a faint golden mark on his palm.
“What is that?” Tyson asked, his voice filled with concern.
Maccoy glanced down at his hand, his expression troubled. “I don't know,” he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Tyson's mind raced with thoughts of curses and dark magic. But he knew they could not linger here. “Can you ride?” he asked, his voice steady.
Maccoy nodded, his determination shining through his weary eyes. “Yes, let's go home.”
Prince Maccoy and Prince Tyson rode their horses through the treacherous depths of the underworld, their steeds galloping with determination and their eyes fixed on the path ahead. The air was heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by the distant echoes of their horses' hooves on the rocky terrain. After what seemed like an eternity, they emerged from the underworld through a hidden passageway, their horses stepping onto solid ground once more. As they looked around, they found themselves in the Fire Kingdom, a land of intense heat and towering mountains. The ground beneath them trembled slightly, a reminder of the powerful volcano that loomed nearby.
Prince Tyson's face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy as he gazed into the distance. There, amidst the fiery landscape, stood the magnificent Fire Kingdom palace, its spires reaching towards the sky like flames dancing in the wind. The sight of their home brought a sense of comfort and familiarity, washing away the weariness that had settled in their bones.
“Finally, we are home,” Prince Tyson exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of triumph and longing. His words echoed through the vast expanse, carried by the wind as if announcing their return to the very land itself.
As they continued their descent, the Fire Kingdom palace loomed larger in their sight. Its towering walls, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering with the reflection of the setting sun, exuded an aura of power and majesty. Prince Maccoy's heart, however, was heavy with the memory of Hanina's tear-streaked face as his brother, Prince Tyson, had pulled him away from Rowan's house. He knew that his father, the King, would not tolerate his love for a commoner and would force him into a marriage of political convenience.
Prince Tyson and Prince Maccoy were riding through the lush green fields, their horses galloping with grace and power. The wind whipped through their hair as they laughed and enjoyed the exhilarating freedom of the open road.
“Brother, let's race home!” Prince Tyson called out, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Prince Maccoy chuckled, his voice filled with amusement. “I really do not feel like racing, Tyson. You know I'm not as competitive as you.”
But before he could finish his sentence, Prince Tyson had already spurred his horse forward, a burst of energy propelling him ahead. Prince Maccoy's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly jerked on the reins of his horse, urging it to catch up with his brother.
“Nice one!” Prince Tyson shouted, a wide grin on his face as he glanced back at his brother, who was now hot on his heels.
The two princes raced through the countryside, their horses thundering across the fields and leaving a trail of dust in their wake. The thrill of the chase filled their hearts, their laughter echoing through the air. They were not just princes, but two young men reveling in the joy of the moment.
With a final burst of energy, Prince Tyson and Prince Maccoy raced into the courtyard, their horses skidding to a halt. They dismounted, their chests heaving with exertion, and exchanged triumphant glances.
“Brother, that was incredible!” Prince Tyson exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.
Prince Maccoy grinned, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “Indeed, it was, Tyson.”
As they caught their breath, the two princes walked towards the palace, their arms draped over each other's shoulders. The race may have been a friendly competition, but it had brought them closer together, reminding them of the bond they shared as brothers. As their hands moved over their loyal steeds, a surge of power coursed through them, transforming the majestic creatures into a pile of shimmering coal.
Just as the princes were about to take in the breathtaking scene before them, a soldier, adorned in armor that gleamed like molten gold, approached with brisk strides. With a respectful bow, he addressed the princes.
“Prince Maccoy and Prince Tyson,” the soldier began, his voice resonating with authority. “Your father, King Aiden, awaits your presence in the grand throne room.”
As they entered the grand throne room, the sight that greeted them was as awe-inspiring as it was foreboding. Seated upon the imposing throne, King Aiden, a figure of regal authority, awaited his sons. His fiery gaze met theirs, his expression a mix of pride and concern. The room fell silent as the princes approached, their footsteps echoing through the cavernous space.