Prince Maccoy and Prince Tyson stood before their father, King Aiden, in the grand throne room of the Fire Kingdom. The air crackled with tension as the brothers awaited the reason for their summons.
“Father, why have you called us back so soon? I was about to go see my wife,” Prince Tyson implored, his voice tinged with impatience.
King Aiden, his regal gaze fixed upon his sons, replied, “Princess Yeongi can wait a few moments longer, my son. You were only gone for a week. Maccoy, I hope you will be as enamored with your future bride like your brother.”
Prince Maccoy, his face etched with skepticism, retorted, “I highly doubt that, Father.”
The king's eyes narrowed, disappointment evident in his voice. “I thought you would be pleased with my selection for your bride. Princesses from the Kingdom of Smoke are a rarity.”
Prince Maccoy sighed, his frustration palpable. “Tyson, made it perfectly clear to me, Father that my life is not my own, but belongs to the Fire Kingdom. I shall retire to my chambers.”
King Aiden, concerned for his son's well-being, reached out a hand. “Are you alright, Maccoy? Perhaps tomorrow, you and I can visit Princess Uahi. She may be the one to ignite the spark in your heart.”
Prince Maccoy, resigned to his fate, replied with a forced smile, “Sure, whatever you wish, Father.”
Prince Tyson, ever the loyal brother, stepped forward, his voice filled with authority. “Do not speak to your King in such a tone, Maccoy.”
In a moment of frustration, Prince Maccoy pushed Prince Tyson away, his voice filled with defiance. “He is also my father, Tyson.”
Prince Tyson, his eyes filled with concern, reached out to his brother. “He is your King first, Maccoy. Treat him with the respect he deserves. Are you feeling well, my brother?”
King Aiden, his voice calm but firm, interjected, “Both of you, calm yourselves. We are family, and it is important that we find unity in these trying times.”
Prince Maccoy stood before his brother, Prince Tyson, and their father, King Aiden. Tension hung heavy in the air, as bitter words were exchanged between the two brothers.
“I don’t know why I am the one who must suffer, because my brother couldn't produce an heir,” Prince Maccoy spat, his voice laced with resentment.
Prince Tyson's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Ah, yes, brother. Let's keep talking about my mistakes. It seems that everything is always my fault. But I distinctly remember suggesting that we execute Princess Calla as soon as she killed her true love, Prince Calder. You and Marudeva claimed she could be saved. Once a person makes a deal with a demon, they can never be saved.”
Prince Maccoy's gaze fell to the gold mark in his hand, left by the hooded figure. His voice wavered as he spoke, “You should've left me in the red hell with...”
“Brother, you are not well,” Prince Tyson interrupted, concern etching his features. “Go rest. We can discuss this later.”
“I am the heir,” Prince Maccoy retorted, his voice filled with defiance. “Which means I don't take orders from you anymore.”
King Aiden, observing the exchange, stepped closer to Prince Maccoy. His voice was filled with a mix of worry and curiosity as he asked, “Did something happen while you were on your trip?”
Prince Maccoy shook his head, his eyes filled with a haunting sadness. “No, Father. I just want to be left alone.”
Sensing the weight of his son's emotions, King Aiden sighed. “Go rest, my son. We will talk in the morning.”
“Fine,” Prince Maccoy muttered, his voice heavy with resignation. “Goodbye, Father.”
With that, Prince Maccoy turned and left the throne room, his steps heavy and burdened. He made his way to his room, the weight of the kingdom's expectations weighing heavily on his shoulders. As he closed the door behind him, the silence of his chamber enveloped him, offering a brief respite from the turmoil within his heart.
Prince Maccoy laid on his bed, his mind consumed by thoughts of his beloved Hanina. Memories of their stolen moments together in her bedroom flooded his thoughts, igniting a fire within his heart. Unable to bear the distance between them any longer, he decided to reach out to her.
With a determined stride, he rose from his bed and made his way to his desk. There, he retrieved a black cloth, woven from the finest coal-like material. As he held it in his hands, he felt a surge of power coursing through him. With a flick of his wrist, his black and red hair transformed into flickering flames, casting an ethereal glow around him.
Prince Maccoy carefully placed a stick into his fiery hair, watching as it caught ablaze. The flames danced and swirled, creating an enchanting spectacle. Taking the lit stick, he began to write his message upon the cloth with elegant strokes.
“Dear Hanina, my love, I miss you dearly. I have just returned home, yet my heart still beats solely for you,” he wrote, his words disappearing into the fabric as if absorbed by the very essence of their love.
Prince Maccoy sat back, his heart pounding in anticipation. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as he waited for a response. Just as he was about to give up hope, a fiery message began to materialize on the cloth before his eyes.
“Dear Prince Maccoy, how are you, my love?” Hanina’s words appeared, causing a surge of warmth to fill his chest.
A bittersweet smile tugged at Prince Maccoy's lips as he penned his reply. “Not well, my heart and body yearn to be with you once more. I promise you, my love, I will find a way for us to be together.”
Hanina's response materialized on the cloth, her words filled with longing. “I would leave everything behind to be with you, but I would get lost, Prince Maccoy. I do not know the way.”
Determination burned in Prince Maccoy's eyes as he wrote his final message. “Fear not, my love, for I will find a way to come and get you. Until then, let us take comfort in our ability to communicate, to keep our love alive across the distance that separates us.”
Prince Maccoy sat in his dimly lit chamber, his heart heavy with longing. The flickering flames from the hearth cast dancing shadows on the walls, reflecting his restless spirit. As he traced his fingers over the rough surface of the cloth, he felt a connection to Hanina, a bond that transcended distance and time. Hanina, had shared stories of her day working for her boss, Rowan. Her words painted vivid images in Maccoy's mind, as if he were there with her, witnessing the intricacies of her work.
In turn, Maccoy shared tales of his journey back to his home, the Fire Kingdom. He described the vast landscapes he had traversed, the towering mountains and treacherous valleys that tested his resolve. The challenges he faced were not only physical but also emotional, as he yearned to return to the warmth and familiarity of his kingdom.
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Their messages were filled with longing and hope, a lifeline that kept their spirits alive in the face of separation. The coal cloth became a conduit for their dreams and desires, a medium through which they could express their deepest thoughts and fears. In the depths of Prince Maccoy's mind, a vow was forged, an unbreakable promise that he would move mountains to be with his beloved Hanina once more. Memories of her perfect features, the way her gentle touch guided his unsteady brushstrokes, flooded his thoughts, consuming him entirely. Every second spent with her was a precious gem, a treasure he held dear to his heart.
As Prince Maccoy lay in his bed, a wave of intense emotion washed over him. Thoughts of Hanina, her captivating beauty, her sparkling eyes, and her infectious smile had left an indelible mark on his soul. The memory of their brief encounter played like a vivid film in his mind. The way her delicate hand had brushed against his, sending electric currents down his spine. The way her laughter had filled the air, making his heart dance to its joyful rhythm.
But fate had a cruel sense of humor, personified in the form of Prince Tyson, Maccoy's older brother. Like a merciless puppeteer, Tyson wielded his influence, tearing Maccoy away from the warmth and love he had found in Hanina's arms. It was a wrenching pain that clawed at his soul, the memory of Hanina's tear-streaked face etched into his mind, a haunting reminder of the heart-wrenching separation forced upon them.
Yet, even in the face of such sorrow, Prince Maccoy's resolve remained unwavering. He knew deep down that their love was worth fighting for, worth defying even the most formidable of obstacles. And so, a fire ignited within him, fueled by the intensity of his longing. He would not rest until he found a way to reunite with his beloved Hanina, to mend the shattered pieces of their hearts and paint a new canvas of happiness together.
***
In the red hell, where the air is hot and misty, and the mountains burn with eternal fire, nestled deep within the largest cave near the front, lies Rowan's sprawling mansion. As the first rays of dawn pierce through the crimson haze, Rowan emerges from his slumber and begins his morning routine, wandering through the labyrinthine corridors of his home until he reaches the grand dining room.
There, he finds a maid diligently setting the table, her hands moving with grace and precision. Curiosity tugs at Rowan's mind, and he inquires, “Where is Hanina?”
The maid bows respectfully, her eyes downcast. “She is still asleep, my lord. Shall I wake her?”
Rowan shakes his head gently. “No, let her rest. I hope she is well.”
Just as the words leave his lips, the dining room door swings open, Rowan sat at the head of the grand dining table, his patience wearing thin as his younger brother, Rufus, bombarded him with questions. The air was heavy with tension as Rufus asked, “How come the golden hell can’t use their own demon hunter to find this missing demon?”
Rowan sighed, his fingers tracing the intricate carvings on the armrest of his chair. “Brother, I hate to admit it, but you are the best at tracking down demons. This golden demon escaped before its mind was fully under control and they didn't have a chance to assign it a location. If it manages to make its way out of the underworld through a host, it could cause immeasurable harm. We don't need the Kingdoms of Elements to have a reason to attack the hells again. Remember what happened when you were away on that demon catching trip? One of our own uncontrolled demons escaped, and the Earth Kingdom was obliterated.”
Rufus, now with a plate filled with food in hand, nodded solemnly. “Fine, I'll check again after breakfast. We cannot afford to let that demon roam free.” Hanina enters with a clipboard in hand, entering the dining room. Her presence brought a sense of calm to the room, her gentle demeanor a stark contrast to the intensity that surrounded Rowan and Rufus. “Good morning, sir,” she greeted Rowan.
Rowan smiled warmly at her. “I thought you were still resting, Hanina.”
She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “No, I took the liberty of cleaning up the guest rooms. Our Fire Kingdom guests left last night, and I wanted to ensure everything was in order.”
Rowan's eyes sparkled with gratitude. “Thank you, Hanina. Your dedication is truly adEvianble. Would you like to join us for breakfast?”
Rufus, seizing the opportunity, chimed in. “Yes, Hanina, please join us. It would be a delight to have your company.”
But as Rufus reached out to touch her hand, she instinctively pulled away, her expression firm. “No, I am far too busy.”
Rowan couldn't help but chuckle, finding amusement in his brother's rejection. “Perhaps, Rufus, you'll have better luck with the demon today.”
Hanina lightly bowed to Rowan, as she spoke. “Once you're done with breakfast, you have a few more guests waiting to meet with you,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of respect and anticipation.
Rowan nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “That sounds good. I will see you later in my office,” he replied, his voice warm and inviting.
As Hanina exited the dining room and made her way back to work in Rowan's grand mansion, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and responsibility. She was in charge of the staff, overseeing their duties and ensuring that everything ran smoothly in the household. It was a demanding role, but one that she had grown accustomed to over the years.
As she walked through the halls, Hanina noticed two maids huddled together, their voices hushed. A mop bucket sat in the middle of the floor, seemingly forgotten. Hanina furrowed her brow and approached them, her steps purposeful.
“What is going on here?” she asked, her tone firm but not unkind.
One of the maids glanced up, a hint of guilt in her eyes. “I thought you were sleeping in,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.
The other maid quickly pushed the mop bucket away and scurried off, leaving Hanina alone with the first maid. Hanina stepped closer, her gaze unwavering.
“I have been up since 4 am,” she said, her voice tinged with weariness. “Since both of you were late, I had to clean the guests' rooms myself. Now, get back to work.”
The maid nodded, her eyes downcast. “Yes, ma'am,” she mumbled, before hurrying away to resume her duties.
Hanina sighed, the weight of her responsibilities settling heavily on her shoulders. She had a full day ahead of her, taking care of the mansion and assisting Rowan with his appointments. Her mind, however, occasionally wandered to Prince Maccoy and the way he had kissed her, making her feel special and desired, if only for a fleeting moment. But she quickly snapped back to reality, reminding herself that her duty was to the mansion and to Rowan, the man who had given her this opportunity.
Throughout the day, Hanina worked tirelessly, ensuring that every task was completed efficiently and to the highest standard. She handled the demands of the staff and the needs of the guests with grace and professionalism. And even though thoughts of Prince Maccoy occasionally crept into her mind, she pushed them aside, knowing that her focus needed to be on her work.
As the day drew to a close, Hanina found herself standing outside Rowan's office. She took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and knocked on the door. The sound of Rowan's voice, commanding yet gentle, called out from within, “Come in.”
Hanina turned the doorknob and stepped into Rowan's office. The room was spacious, filled with shelves lined with ancient tomes and artifacts. In the center of the room stood a large pool, its surface a deep black, with a tinge of red swirling within. Hanina's eyes widened as she watched a head demon approach the pool, holding a piece of paper in his hands.
With a flick of his wrist, the head demon opened a portal above the pool, revealing a location unknown. Hanina watched in awe as another demon, his red skin shimmering in the dim light, stepped into the pool and disappeared. The water returned to its blackness, as if nothing had happened.
Rowan, engrossed in his work at the desk, looked up as Hanina approached. His piercing blue eyes met hers, and a faint smile played upon his lips. “Do you need anything else?” Hanina asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Rowan sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Not today, Hanina. It has been a long day, and I believe it is time for us to rest. I will see you in the morning.”
Hanina nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. She had been eager to prove herself, to assist Rowan in his duties as the overseer of the Red Hell. But the sight of the pool and the tasks that lay beyond had left her unsettled. She exited the office, her mind filled with questions and her heart heavy with the weight of the unknown.
Hanina walked slowly to her bedroom, her mind consumed by the lingering presence of Prince Maccoy. As she lay on her bed, she couldn't help but feel his absence, the yearning for his touch awakening within her once more. Throughout the day, she tried to distract herself with messaging and other activities, but nothing could fill the void left by his warm body beside her.
Her thoughts wandered to the promises he had made, the words that had passed between them in the midst of their passionate nights. Would he truly come for her one day? Hanina held onto those memories, cherishing them like precious gems in the darkness. The way his lips had brushed against hers, the way his hands had explored every inch of her body, igniting flames of desire within her.
But as the night grew deeper, doubt crept into her mind. Was it all just a dream? A fleeting encounter destined to fade away like smoke. Hanina longed for Prince Maccoy to prove her wrong, to fulfill his promises and sweep her off her feet once more. Until then, she would hold onto those memories, the reminders of a love that set her soul ablaze.