Placing the cloak under his back, the soft kiss bid the lover goodbye. Shred the final gaze, forever locking his dazzling sight deep into his heart, only broken stands in those dreary eyes. Dry tears turn to wrath. Regret becomes agony. Ignore the bleeding wounds, ignore the screaming wind, the swords piercing at the rival. Growling, he becomes the ice arrow, yearning to cut through the devil’s core. Revenge is the only fragment in his shattered heart. The mocking glance of the king awaits ahead, soon to be blocked by a familiar figure. “Get away, Theodore!” A stern command echo. “Don’t you understand? You will be killed.” The doctor’s hands gripped his shoulder hard in the hope he would realize what cruel fate he had chosen. Fixing on Theodore, Reid meets the solemn lines, meets the faint trace of tears.
An ally or an enemy? The wicked whisper, provocative against the friction of thin air, settled against the ears of weary soldiers under the torn flag of the golden lion, with uncertainty lurking within its honeyed voice. In the end, they all kneeled and surrendered to their newfound pleasure. Comrades… No longer comrades. Such violence from the ally they witness has sparked the seed of suspicions. The blood has spilled, breaking the chains of trust. In their tiresome eyes, unable to navigate in this chaotic world, unable to seek trustworthiness, perhaps only rage and doubt filled. As if the bees had lost their queen, wandering aimlessly and pointing weapons against. In an attempt to call for their unison, Reid, roared from afar, “You fools. This is another trick from Hyram!” But to those whose words reached their manipulated minds. None. In fact, continuing to slide into the swirl… Of confusion. Reid’s infuriatingly buried in the snow. The Axl he knows is not a monster or a traitor. Yet no one could hear, no one could understand.
Before drops of disappointment effuse the glass, snow greets the dark wings. In the raven’s return, the truth shall come. Landing on the general’s arm, it brings forth the message. Though have commanded Orville to stand by, its sudden returns send no light of relief to Alderic. For the night raven only appears at the perilous time. Taking the paper tight in its feet, the words quickly sent a furious look to the general. Within a simple movement, Orville continues his duty. This time, a red string was sent into the snow. “Axl never betrayed us. He has died as a human, as a hero.” The stoic voice of the general echoes across the battlefield. Lifting up the letter, he growls, “The sage has spoken. This is all his fraud.” The truth struck like a lightning storm, awakening the sleepwalkers. Crushing the letter in his hand, Alderic throws a threatening glance at Arioch. Not just the general, but each of the fury gazes is gluing on Hyram’s king. Contrary to them, waves of laughter mocked “What a shame. We just reach the interesting part.” He clapped in amusement. Those attitudes quickly fueled fire among the Averi’s warriors.
Can’t wait for the commander’s order, some pick up their weapons and target the arrogant man. Just to innocently fall into the sweet trap. Waves after waves of knights swiftly swirl around the remnants of Averi. Soon, as if a vortex pulled everything into its core, so be layer after layer of enemies would already be pointing the razor-sharp blades, ready to end the flickering breath of life. All in all, shoulders side by side in this storm, together drown in the storm of war.
“Be careful” A low tone appears behind Theodore’s back. With one hand gripping the silver sword, the other blocking him, Alderic pours all concentration on the rivals. “Stay by my side.” Theodore replies with a firm nod. Clenching his teeth, Reid wished to crush them all. With endless blades pointing at them, mercy soon left the tips of those swords. “I won, brother.” Arioch smiles arrogantly. Looking down at each of them in disdain, the hand motion lifts down to end their stories. Yet, who would dare touch the warcry of the heroes? “Kill the king of Averi!”
A smirk appeared on Alderic's.
The horn resounds in the corners of the battlefield, raising the song of the archangels. Chasing away the dreary snowfall, the regiment sends forth the light. In the golden flags, in the name of the golden lion, they conquer. Devouring the dragon’s vortex in the heroic melodies, the knights strangled Arioch’s conspire. The game has turned. Such powerful force pushes the king into utter confusion. Drifting from the regiment to Alderic’s man now should be defeated in his palm, only aback appears on the pale face. Aiding or a mysterious rival? Whatever the truth is, Hyram couldn’t take the upper hand again. “Another play of yours, Alderic?” Ironically fill his tone. A king shall never bow. Looking for any trace of escape, the sinful gaze widens in astonishment. Sharp arrows, brutally staring at each of his movements, imprisoned the king in this forsaken land. Stepping from the dark, she throws a smirk. A simple motion from her, this life shall lie in those arrows. Peril rests on her beauty, waiting to end the prey. For she is Camille, rising from the filthiness to now stand among the knights. Together praise the song of bravery, of freedom.
The black rose’s thorns are ready.
From the embrace of the golden flags, in the triumph of revelation. In the escort of the honorary knights, all things bowed at her arrival. Snow caresses her beauty, kissing her golden hair. On the golden lion, she comes with divine light. The crown glows on her head, the imperial topaz shines on her hand. Stepping from his nightmare, appears before he is the maiden. Here to conquer what was hers. Here to reclaim the crimson dragon. The lion growls at the sight of Arioch, as if it could sense a trace of the traitor. An old friend. Stroking its soft fur, she steps down the battlefield. In her graceful steps, knights bow for her arrival. The golden gaze fixes majestically on the rival. “No… No. This can’t be the truth.” Arioch falls to the ground in disbelief. “Your Highness.” Alderic bows at her along with the soldiers, pushing Arioch deep into the depths of stupefaction.
“Evelyn?”
“Long time no see, brother.” Stand before him is no longer the scared little girl, but a warrior. Standing before him is no longer the decorated doll, but a bringer of light. Now standing before him is his little sister, a Queen. Arioch let out a self-mocking laugh. How laughable that for all those years, the true foe was right within his reach. For all his efforts at destroying the whole dynasty just to be crumbled in the hands of his little sister. Oh, how mad this reality is. The brother he saw that day, who believed to be the master of the throne, is now the knight of the golden lion. Even these hands, forever stained in innocents' blood, summon wrongful destruction. Waves of maniacal laughter cracked through the broken throat. Everything he has done, everything he has sacrificed. All are nothing. The king soon lost himself in the song praising her name. Now the Queen shall bring judgment.
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“In the name of the innocent, of justice, the evidence of your sin arrives.” Two knights appear next to her. “In the name of truth, this will be your trial.” In their hands appears a wooden box with a golden knob. Handling over, in a solemn tone, she speaks, “They said, sometimes an answer lies within reach, yet only those who are delicate can see.” Evelyn presses the underside of the box, then a small compartment pops out to reveal a key. Inserting into the hidden keyhole. Click. Inside, lined with velvet, sits a neatly rolled letter. Now at the front is a seemingly common letter, and only when its content is present, did Arioch’s eyes fly open.
“The moment this letter is opened, I have witnessed death. For all the things I have done, shall be paid. My legacy, my wealth, and my name shall be inherited by the most elite child of the Sylvester. Ace in military arts, blessed with keen eyes, never once has he failed my expectations. I, Demian Lionel Sylvester, King of Hyram, shall pass the throne to my eldest son, Alderic Livius Sylvester. May the stars be with him.”
As fate has tightened its strings around Arioch’s neck, air can not reach his pairs of lungs. For all this time, the royal throne, the designated hallmark of Hyram, is been his, Alderic's, to take. The emerald eyes eventually collapsed to gaze upon the snowfield. At last, no matter what Arioch takes to claim the throne, he is nothing but dust in the stern eyes of King Demian. And this power? Will never be him to deserved or even considered. The vibrating mind drifts to the image of a man who despises his children except him, Arioch, but ever, to this very moment, did he realize all of the King’s acts are to protect those who bear greater missions? “No!” Screaming winds devour his growls.
The right knight brings out a knife. “The serpent mark only belongs to you.” Arioch throws a glance at Alderic. The excuse hanging on his lips shutting down in fright. Gathering the faded memories, he realized his vital mistake. Carrying father’s last moments, the knife has been quietly kept under Alderic’s protection. For he drowns in the hunger for power to not know the rivals have owned his weakness. “With the king’s will and this blade, you are the king's slayer, the origin of chaos.” Bitterness strangled her dry throat. “Arioch Lewin Sylvester, you are guilty.” The image of her brother patting her head forever vanished in the snow.
The eternal fight finally comes to an end.
“Why do you always interfere with my plan?” For the first time, the devil sheds tears. Flowing from his lips, a trace of dark blood. In staggered steps, pain shattered deep to his core, the king laughs defeatedly. With a sudden move, breaking from the guards, a sharp dagger shines in his hand. Heading toward Theodore, the seed of everything. If Alderic never meets him, if Evelyn never be released… This crown is still his. The dagger, in a fraction of a second, stabbed deep into the flesh. A thick sound emerged. Thud. Blood flakes fell on the icy blade, to land a gentle kiss on the tainted hands. Raising his head, he meets the emerald gaze. “Alderic?” A crimson rose fell from the blade, blooming on the cold ground in dazzling color. Trembling hands reached out with all their might, caressing Arioch’s hair, “Even if we are nemesis, you will always be my dearest brother…” Only to surrender to the harsh snow.
“Alderic!”
As if everything that had happened all within a blink of an eye, as if the time has become lethargic. Eyes fly open, flabbergasted and daunted. Before the sinner could react. With Reid and Cecil are the first to act, pouring the flame of revenge from their raging retinas, in a quick motion to pull the iron daggers. Together, they ripped through the beating heart. The daggers of those bearing lovers’ deaths collided. Collapses, he meets the cold ground, no longer any words could spill. Deadly cold slipping in, life slowly leaves his sight. Alone and empty, are his moribund moments. The warm tears meet the snow. In the end, he was just a child yearning for love.
Reid shares a quiet glance with the girl. The flame curl caresses her cheeks, falling upon a tear. Reaching out a hand at Reid, finally could Cecil smile, “He would be proud of you.” For the poison, she planted inside has proved its worth. Yet, their dearest, is still deep in danger. There are no seconds to lose. Together, rejoined by Theodore’s side.
…
For the first time, I could feel such coldness invading my senses. Strange, how tired it felt. Staggeringly seeking your touch, how effortlessly you find me. Fighting the chase away the blurry mist, finally…I can meet those navy pearls. Finally, return to the clear sky I swore to protect. Lying in your embrace, your warmth quietly comforts my heart. Soldering my life to the battlefields, surely a forlorn death awaits. Never could I imagine, fate could be kind enough to send me away this way.
Waterdrops softly kiss my cheeks. Are you crying? Yet the hand reaching to wipe away the tears, swiftly locks in your trembling hand, “You will be alright. I promise.” Your keen judgment, your sweet promises I never doubt. “Please, please smile. Crying never suits you.” Surprised at first, yet you still listen to my selfish demand. A warm smile like March’s sun. I don't believe in destiny, let alone in God. But that one smile, that one look... Can imprison my heart for a lifetime.
Drunk in your smile. I long for your love like a wanderer in the desert.
I can hear the faint sound of the clock, about to reach its end. I can hear death calling for my name. Your sight slowly harmonizes with the white snow. “Theodore?” No… I don’t want to leave just yet. I don’t want to leave you. “Alderic!” Leaning on your shoulder, the determined hug spares precious time. “Stay with me…” A snowflake falls from your eyes, with your tears, lingering at your lips. Oh, how badly I want to kiss you. Summoning all the strength left, my hand caresses your cheeks. Tears greet the words buried deep in my heart.
“Theo… Theo…” Your name rings like a bell.
The very person who gives my life meaning and purpose. I would give up the stars if you asked, I would give you the moon if you so chose, and I would walk through hell and back to deliver it to you... You are my sun, moon, and stars.
No matter how long, No matter where you are… I will be back in your arms. This is my solemn promise.”
Mi sapphirus.