Chapter 8 - VIII. Coming of Age

"Hereby my words, my lord, once you come of age, you'll be entering the lion's den, without proper preparations, you'll be devoured in instants."

When a child comes of age in the Exos Empire, its motive for celebration. A rite of passage that even commoners go through, the introduction to your community as to announce ''I'm an adult now'', however how this rite of passage happens differs depending on your social status. Commoners usually have a festival every month for those that came of age within their cities, announcing their names on stage, and having their parents give them a gift of adulthood, it's a simple but joyful moment to those that now not only are allowed to leave their homes, but also build their own future without restrictions.

As for low-rank nobles, they have small balls between them, but the tradition isn't much different, having the parents give gifts and everyone congratulating them. For the low-rank nobles the only way of having an extravagant coming of age would be being betrothed to someone of higher rank. As Evangelia Petit did. Being daughter of a Viscount, they even have a small plot of land in the countryside, but they're not even close to being wealthy, therefore she is daughter of a low-rank noble with not even monetary significance. But she had her coming of age at the Palace, receiving gifts from not only her father but also the Emperor and Empress, how did this come to be?

She is the betrothed of no one else but Crown Prince Alkaios, the future Emperor.

''A mere Viscount daughter managed to betrothe a Prince, why couldn't you do the same?'' A loud yell is heard across Margrave Abel's Capital residence, making all the servants shiver, the origin of the yell is no one other than Margravine Abel, the wife of the Margrave and mother of two. She is currently in pure disarray after hearing news of her daughter's fifth broken betrothal. ''I don't understand! Where did I go wrong with you?'' Her question cuts the air like a knife, the one hearing can't help but sweat as silence falls afterwards. ''Scarlet… Please we're worried about you''. 

Worried? A laugh installs in the room, the woman laughing is no one other than Scarlet Abel, daughter to a Margrave and an useless woman that can't even keep a man. At least that's how everyone views her, after all, the one wrong is her with five broken engagements, not all the men she was engaged to, that did the breaking. How could you dare say you're worried? You don't even care how I'm hurting right now. The woman thinks, staring blankly at her mother, who sighs at the girl who keeps being silent.

''Tonight is Prince Nikias' coming of age ball, he's younger than you, but what choice do we have?'' The Margravine opens her fan, feeling her blood rushing to her head, a migraine from dealing with her childs' antics, not only her daughter but also her troublemaker son. She can't help but wonder if she was the one that ruined them, even if it's too late now. The woman does indeed worry about her childs, but first before being a mother, she is a wife to the ruler of the east border, and with that comes responsibilities. To fix her unruly son and to marry her daughter to someone that can prioritize her. ''Scarlet, seduce him, this is your last chance, or I'll send you to the Temple''. Becoming a Priestess is something honorable, however is reserved to commoners with nowhere to go or women that couldn't get a good job or be married off. 

Scarlet wasn't religious, but her family was deeply devoted to the Moon goddess. Not that she doesn't believe in gods, it's clear they exist. She just doesn't have faith in them. After not receiving an answer yet again, the Margravine leaves the room. A deep sigh leaves Scarlet lips as the door closes behind her mother, leaving her alone in her bedroom.

''Five times, huh?'' She whispers to herself, getting up from the couch in her own bedroom, and going to her dressing table, staring at her own reflection. 

If our dear protagonist Nikias were looking at her he would recall an excerpt from the 'Odd Eyes' novel. 

The world isn't big enough for two ambitious women to exist in the same social hierarchy, at least that's what Evangelia thinks, looking at Scarlet Abel's face when her engagement to the Crown Prince becomes official. The 20 years-old woman is beautiful, of course, having warm brown skin, smooth like the most beautiful of sea stones, eyes big and bright shining in a gorgeous dark gray tone, her fiery red hair down in perfectly made curls and to boot her white and red dress complimented perfectly her muscled body. It's a fact that if Evangelia didn't exist, Scarlet would dominate high society and would be the perfect Empress to Alkaios. But Evangelia exists, and she was the biggest obstacle to Scarlet's flower path. And that's why at that moment, in Evangelia's and Alkaios' engagement, she is driven into a corner, staring at the couple with eyes befitting those of a villain.

And that's what Scarlet was in Evangelia's story: a villain. Not a villain in politics like Nikias, but a villain in love.

But what not even Evangelia in the novel knew was what Nikias' changes caused in Scarlet's life, a butterfly effect that no one could predict. The woman stares deeply into her own gray eyes, she always hated that she wasn't a fair-skinned black haired woman with dark black eyes like Evangelia. She always thought that if she was kinder, smarter, prettier, she could've been Crown Princess, she truly believed that she was short in every aspect compared to Evangelia, and that's where her hatred for the woman began. However, as she stares into her own eyes, she forgoes everything. Crown Princess? A kind noble woman? Book-smart? She can't help but laugh at herself.

He was right. I'm lying to myself. The he in question was Scarlet's last betrothed, Conrad Burton, brother to the current Duke Burton, he was ugly, low in every stance, a servant in the Palace and a failed magician. But he still had the status of the brother of a Duke, he still had the money, so her parents settled in their engagement. When Conrad was fired from the Palace, the betrothal remained, but a day later, he broke it off, claiming he would move to the north to become a teacher in their hometown, at his brother's request. How dare he? That's what she thought when the man broke the news, after all he was short in every aspect, but he was breaking up with her. She wasn't even enough for a man that was at the lowest of the low. So, is she worthless? 

Needless to say that Scarlet didn't sit there listening to his bullshit reasoning, she argued, she tried to keep that low man as her fiance, not because she loved him or needed him, but because she knew. She knew that a woman with five broken engagements, even if she's the high society's rose, even if she is noble in every aspect, even if she wasn't the one backing off, that she would become broken goods, like a doll that became dirty after too many people played with it. 

It's all useless now, even if her mother says that she should seduce the young Prince, if she does so then what? She just waits to become even more broken? No. All Scarlet needs to do is change, change herself and stop trying to become Evangelia Petit and try to become Scarlet Abel. And what moment better to do that than in front of every single powerful noble in the Empire?

❥

Nightfall came before anyone was ready for it. The Lily Ballroom, located at the west wing of the large Palace was bustling with the arriving guests, as arriving after royalty is considered an insult, most were already there. Not only nobles of the Exos Empire but also from adjacent Kingdoms are there, even if Prince Nikias isn't exactly well regarded, he's still the Prince of the most formidable Empire on this Earth. 

The firsts to arrive were low-rank nobles that were wealthy enough to get an invite, then slowly the higher rank robles arrived, the Princes and Princesses of other Kingdoms, as well as the Dukes and Margraves with their heirs, everyone there is influential and powerful. And in their midst someone finally appears.

''Announcing Lady Evangelia Petit and Lord Rainier Bauldry'' a servant of the Palace announces as the door of the ballroom opens, heads turning to see the future Crown Princess and the heir of the south Dukedom. They're both stunning, as their ranks require. 

Lord Rainier is wearing his house colors, with simple yet elegant clothing, his pants and vest of dark blue color and simple pattern, while his boots and shirt were pale blue, complimented by simple silver accessories. His simpler appearance isn't well seen by most nobles, but as a Knight he can't be seen as extravagant even if his position of heir requires so, nonetheless his clothes make his bright short cut red hair shine even more, styled back, making some noblewoman to give him a second side glance, wondering if the man was already on the look for his future Duchess, while his cold and fierce red eyes make others shiver, knowing the man's reputation as the Crown Prince's commander knight and best friend.

However close to Rainier was Lady Evangelia, contrary to her wishes, as future Crown Princess she can't be seen using simple clothes. Her fair skin shines as her skin treatment includes lotion with glitter, her black silky long hair is up in a bohemian bun adjourned with flowers made of gold, her black eyes are well drawn with soft makeup to contrast the heavy handed costumes of nobility and bring her an air of elegance. Evangelia's dress is not only made by the most applauded designer in the Empire, but also made with fabric made by mermaids, giving it a shiny appearance that makes it look as if she's walking underwater. The colors of the Empire in every aspect of the one shoulder dress, the golden-like skirt is followed by the white under frills and top, decorated with the same golden flowers as her hair, and her gloves covering her elbows are made of lace. There's no question that she is the most beautiful woman there.

Whispers fill the room, everyone's talking about the Crown Princess-to-be and the Lord accompanying her, as if the Crown Prince isn't with her so it's fair to speculate that he'll be escorting the star of the ball. However, why would he if he hates the young Prince? At least that's what everyone thinks. ''I'm going to talk with my father'' Rainier announces after they descend the stair of the entrance, scanning the ballroom looking for his adoptive father. Evangelia nods in silence, her eyes cold as usual, but that's enough to make the man blush, his childish crush still blooming deep within his heart.

The woman however, pretends to not notice it. Her eyes scanning every face present there, she's restless, not that it'll show in her face, after dying three times she mastered the poker face like no one. She failed to kill the biggest threat to her plan, and now she's at his coming of age ball, her heart hurts for her love, as he will spend another life suffering because of his useless brother, of course she could attempt to kill Nikias again, but that would be way too risky. What she can do is sabotage his next steps. In all 3 timelines Nikias always acted exactly the same, no matter how Evangelia tried changing his actions, but this time she's ready to take more risks and get rid of the young Prince once and for all, be it by death, exile or even by marrying him off like merchandise. She even considered kidnapping him and turning the man into a slave, just like he tried to do with her, but considering Alkaios personality he wouldn't let it go if his brother just went missing.

That's why she's approaching Alicia Mons, Princess of the Saxum Kingdom, located south of the Empire, the Kingdom is always destroyed together with Nikias after they get married, the reason is unknown to Evangelia, but regardless, she won't allow the Prince to ruin that bright and gorgeous Princess future with his rotten heart.

''I greet the youngest Princess'', Evangelia says, approaching the girl, she seems to just have come of age, her innocent green eyes and down brown hair with no adjournments almost make her look like a low-rank noble rather than a Princess. She's cute and innocent, no wonder she fell prey to Nikias' antics in the past, at least that's how Evangelia sees her. Alicia bows back, recognizing the woman as the future Empress of the Empire, even being a Princess, she's lower in rank than Evangelia.

''Nice to meet you Lady Petit'', Alicia is elegant, her posture is befitting of her position, even if her eyes scream innocence and cluelessness. 

''Are you enjoying your stay at the Capital?'' The woman asks, grabbing a glass of wine from one of the servants, she's slightly taller than the Princess, giving off an air of superiority befitting of the Crown Princess-to-be. 

''Yes, I can feel the prosperity of the Empire on the streets'', a light smile and other exchanged pleasantries later, Evangelia finally starts taking the conversation to where she wishes.

''Do you have a fiance, Princess?''

The girl ponders for a bit before speaking. ''I was once, but he was disowned'', her words take Evangelia by surprise. ''Not that I'm worried or anything'', the Princess continues. ''It's not like we loved each other, but I do wish to get married to someone I love one day''.

Worry fills her heart, but Evangelia again maintains her stoic expression. ''I wish you luck, Princess, lucky for you this ball has a lot of prospects, I can introduce some to you'', her words are desperate, but her tone is calm. 

''Really?'' The excited Princess is transparent with her emotions. Her face blushes before speaking. ''That gentlemen that arrived with the Lady, does he have a fiance?'' Evangelia feels the urge to laugh, of course most young women would be interested in Lord Bauldry, not only he's a respectable Knight but he's also a future Duke. It's just that sometimes she forgets that he is a young man capable of being the recipient of someone's desire and love. 

She smiles softly, an elegant smile fit for her position. ''Of course, I will introduce you to Lord Bauldry with pleasure'', so then the woman turns, escorting the young lady towards her childhood friend. 

While she's at it, another announcement is made.

''Announcing Lady Scarlet Abel and Lord Frode Abel''. And so it finally enters the changed Lady. Her previous long curly hair is now cut short, reaching now only her chin, styled to the right side with a small braid in the left side, her face devoid of makeup, something not seen before with the ladies of high society, but with her soft skin she only glows even more. Her choice of clothes are only even more scandalous, matching her brother's with low black boots, white pants, vest and shirt, following the colors of their march, the only difference between them is that Lord Abel is using a short black blazer and Lady Abel is using a long black oversized coat over her shoulders. They're both using silver jewelry accompanied by a red mana stone broth in the place of their tie. Frode is also using white gloves, while Scarlet is without them. The siblings almost look like twins even being 6 years apart in age. 

Frode Abel is the eldest child and heir of Margrave Abel and a Knight of the Silver Crows, in appearance he's just like Scarlet, warm brown skin, muscular build, his slightly curly red hair is parted in the middle with a slightly overgrown back that covers his neck and his grey eyes are just like his sister's. What they have differently is their personalities, while Scarlet attempts to be an elegant lady, Frode is a wildcard, a man born to navigate battlefields, earning for glory and bloodshed. 

The whispers that before were directed to the Crown Princess-to-be are now bashing the young lady of the Abel family.

''I heard that girls go crazy after a break up'', Frode snorted, his face filled with amusement, ''I just didn't realize my crazy sister would go insane''. He's mocking the lady's appearance, Scarlet's eyes twitch with anger but she doesn't answer, all the eyes on her say just like her brother did, She went insaneI, that's what they're saying. Not that she cares anymore. ''Stay out of my way tonight, freak'', Frode whispers in his sister's ear before walking away to flirt with girls. I just wish he falls off his high horse one day. Life at the border isn't easy, as the first line of defense to the Empire they're raised as warriors, therefore Frode was raised to be cold-blooded, while Scarlet was raised to be the perfect lady.

She isn't going to follow the plans anymore, though. There are ways to escape marriage even as a young noble lady: a job. Be it a maid or a merchant. But Scarlet plans to go a little further, she will become a knight. There are few female knights but only in small orders in the countryside. It doesn't matter, she will become a royal knight just like her brother, because she never lost to him in a sword fight, so if he can be one, she also can.

Scarlet smiles, thinking about her mother's reaction when she breaks the news, or when she arrives at the ball and sees her daughter's disgraceful appearance. Shit, this feels nice. 

The noise in the ballroom becomes even louder with every appearance, and finally it comes the time. The doors close firmly, no one can enter or leave while the Imperial family is being presented. Knights protect every entrance while a voice takes over the ballroom, driving everyone silent.

''Announcing the sun of the Empire, Emperor Magnus Valerius Chrysl, the moon of the Empire, Empress Else Elizabeth Chrysl, the first star of the Empire, Crown Prince Alkaios Theodore Chrysl and the second star of the Empire and debutant, Prince Nikias Gregor Chrysl.'' Following the announcement, all of those present in the ballroom grow silent, bowing to the royals. The family enters the ballroom through another door, the Emperor and Empress wearing their official uniform with their red capes and golden-colored clothes. Prince Alkaios is wearing a suit matching Evangelia's dress, and finally the star of the ball enters.

What? Evangelia freezes in place, his clothes changed, something changed. Warning bells ring inside the woman's head as she becomes pale, in all 3 times she attended the ball, not once Nikias wore that, he was always wearing a tacky red, gold and white suit with low quality materials, but this time he was wearing something different, and Evangelia can't help but feel restless, if something changes and my plan goes awry… What will I do if I die again? What will I do if I see him die again? I don't think I can take it. She's not the type to give up, no, but when a drastic change like this happens, one can't help but wonder if everything is lost once again.

Nikias' head on the other side is burning with pain. His hands sweating inside the black glove as his arms were locked with his brother's, his clothes were good, yes, they were, but they were drastically different from his family's. He's wearing dress black shoes, black well-fitted high-waist pants, his white shirt was perfectly fitted to accompany a golden long coat with sleeves resembling a kimono, the coat is tight under with a belt made of pure gold molded in leaves with pearls, his hair is only well brushed, keeping the laid-back atmosphere he was going for, the tips of his silver hair brushing his eyelashes. He's the only one there in that type of suit, but it fit him nonetheless, no, not only it fit him, but it made most people there open their mouths in awe. Some would even go to say that they saw the halo of an angel behind Nikias that night.

But what's the point of beauty if he's still highlighting that he's apart from his family, that they didn't even bother telling him the basics of the attire for his own coming of age? There's a limit to neglect, there's a limit to how you can just let your child be. It's not as bad as the clothes Nikias wore in the book, but even so, he must've felt humiliated, hell, I would. And that just adds more to the pile of undeniable facts that Nikias wasn't just a villain for villain's sake, the boy was truly poorly managed by the adults since birth. Without proper guidance, who would be a proper Prince? Especially considering all that a Prince must do and be responsible for.

Noblesse oblige, privilege entails responsibility. 

''How are you feeling?'' Alkaios whispers to his brother as they sit on the chairs at the end of the stairs, his eyes are kind, completely turned to Nikias. But the young Prince still feels restless, the pressure is nothing he ever felt before.

For the first time in this week it finally befalls him, he is a Prince, someone of such high status, someone that if wished could ruin someone, Vahe realises that he isn't homeless anymore, he isn't a dirty boy striving to survive during winter, he isn't a dog in the eyes of others anymore or that he doesn't need to starve anymore. It's warm, there's food and even if everyone hates him, they're still beneath him. He is Nikias Gregor Chrysl, second Prince of the Exos Empire. If he was alone this realization would've made him cry.

''I'm ok'', he replies softly, his eyes scanning the ballroom, searching for not only his subjects but also the other characters from the book. His lack of attention makes his brother turn his elsewhere. The first character he spots is Scarlet Abel, it is hard not to notice his favorite character, especially when she's drastically different from her description. In the book, Scarlet is a petty villain, differently from Nikias, her jealousy wasn't solely their love or power, she was desperate, her parents were sending her into isolation and her last choice was getting Evangelia's help as Crown Princess.

But Evangelia's answer was simple: for the crimes you committed, you should be punished. What crimes do you ask? Ruining a dress, attempting to poison and torturing a maid to get the Crown Princess' schedule. Compared to Nikias, her 'crimes' were child play from someone seeking attention. But what made Scarlet such an interesting character was her answer to everyone abandoning her and refusing to help her, a switch inside her head flipped and she decided to kill everyone even if she herself must die for that to happen.

''If I must pay for my crimes, I will, but I won't be punished alone!'' Lady Abel was out of control, her fiery red hair was floating inside the mana vortex surrounding the patio, her before gray eyes were shining blood red, blood tears flooding through her cheeks, her lips purple with the amount of inner force she was drawing by creating the mana vortex. Her blood red mana was flowing around, cutting everyone who dares draw close. Evangelia had no choice, she must use her own mana to nullify the woman's, however if she did so, everyone inside the vortex would die except her. 

''Lady Abel! Fall onto your senses! Your family will die at this rate!'' Evangelia attempts to put reason into the woman's head, the Abel family already lost consciousness before the vortex was made, and if she's lucky that will be enough to stop the woman. But it isn't.

A cruel and dry laugh is heard. ''Family? A father that cares more about his duty than his daughter, a mother that would rather send me away than have me not marry a noble and a brother that thrives from my misery. Why should I care if they die?'' Those words make Evangelia's blood run cold, to a person that finds themselves alone in the world, the line between right or wrong becomes blurry as they don't see any more reason to fit inside societal norms. 

''Will killing them really bring you solace?'' Her words are carefully spoken, her eyes scanning the garden for options to take the Lady down, she seems to at least make the woman stop on her tracks, but not for long.

''Yes'' a creepy smile surges on Scarlet Abel's face before the mana vortex becomes more intense.

That scene ended with Evangelia having no choice but to fight back, and everyone in the garden died as a consequence. It was declared that Scarlet was responsible for the massacre, when in fact it was the impact of Evangelia's mana against hers that did the damage. To the readers this was a scene that showed that sometimes the protagonist must choose to let people die in order to get to her goal, and also highlighted Evangelia's ability to be cool headed in dire situations. 

If the protagonist chooses to sacrifice some for the greater good, then it's the right thing to do, but if someone else chooses to do so, they're villains. Quite the double standard. Nikias snaps from his thoughts when Scarlet's eyes meet his, her gray eyes are already cold, like a blizzard slowly forming under the surface, she smiles, a smile that doesn't reach her eyes, only out of courtesy, Nikias doesn't smile back. The difference in her appearance, is it a change in the story? He asks himself. There was something that made Scarlet his favorite, not her ineptitude to keep a man by her side, or the fact that she was abandoned by her whole family, or even that she was brave enough to act against the protagonist directly onto her face, but her hidden talents. A brilliant warrior with talent befitting an army, too bad she was born a woman, there was a line like that, said by her own brother before she lashed out for the first time. 

'Odd Eyes' wasn't a story that made women to be useless or only maids and brides, however the lack of description of women in positions of not only power but different workforces made the reality harsh for them, not helped by those lines throwed out there for the sake of the protagonist, to make her different, more powerful, more special for the sake of the plot. Therefore the amount of female knights is laughable, and beside maids you can rarely see women in other positions in the workforce. Not that they're turned away, they're just considered weaker and less capable compared to Evangelia, therefore not worthy of highlight. 

And the fact that Scarlet could've been a knight, she could've been a brilliant woman, but her life was destroyed by the fact that this story can only have one female protagonist, and therefore no other woman can stand out. 'Cause if they do, why would the Crown Prince love the daughter of a Viscount? If he can choose a capable daughter of a Duke?

If their love is that fragile, then why would Alkaios always end up sacrificing himself in order to save Evangelia? In every single timeline? No matter what changes, he always dies before her, giving his life up for her. And that's why Nikias finds ridiculous the author's choice of toning down the amount of highlight women have in the story for the sake of the protagonist. Well, just because I enjoy the novel doesn't mean I agree with every choice in it. 

''I would like to start by thanking everyone for their presence'' The Emperor gets up from his chair, his deep voice resonating through the whole ballroom, his golden eyes are cold and his tone is firm. Nikias eyes go from Scarlet to his father, hearing his speech. ''Today is a special day, my second son is finally coming of age'' he points towards Nikias with his hand, making the young Prince nod in silence to the people in the ballroom, all of their eyes on him. The attention makes him incredibly uncomfortable, but he attempts to not show it. ''Per tradition we will commence the coming of age ceremony!'' 

Music fills the room, a low and rhythmic tune, a song reserved for only the royals coming of age ceremony, a song rooted in tradition and the history of the Empire. The doors open with servants carrying three boxes towards the thrones.

''When a young man or woman reaches 18 their body goes through the blessing of the Moon goddess, transitioning their lives from a child to that of an adult'', the Emperor continues, the music just a bit lower than his voice. ''And to celebrate this transition and blessing, it's the duty of the parents to give their child a gift that will help them in their now adult's life. As to guide their souls into their individual paths''. One of the servants kneels, offering the first box to the Emperor, who opens it, taking its contents. Magnus turns to his second son, who's staring at him calmly, his eyes not expressing anything, almost as if he's not expecting anything. No hope, no expectation.

Nikias' watches as his father gives him his gift, a golden wrist watch, inside the numbers are accompanied by the Imperial family's symbol, the red phoenix, and behind the bird is the drawing of the sun, small stones carved as the numbers shine with the light in the ballroom. Mana stones, Nikias thinks as he takes the watch, turning it to see an engraving written in the ancient language, and just like the mana box, he's able to read it.

May the sun god bless this child.

His eyes linger at the engraving for a few seconds in silence, before his eyes go to his father. The Emperor resembles Vahe's father in appearance, his golden eyes are shaped similarly and his nose is just as sharp, but the biggest difference is that his expression is soft, not filled with hatred. Emperor Magnus doesn't see his son as a leech or as a stone in his shoe, he sees his son with love, and even with the neglect, he never wished his son to die. If my mom never died, would my dad have looked at me like the Emperor looks at Nikias? A question he will never know the answer for forms inside his mind. Vahe can't help but be jealous of Nikias, even if he's now the one walking on his feet.

Nikias chokes his tears down, showing such weakness in front of so many people isn't his thing, and the jealousy he feels tormenting his heart is enough to make any person dizzy. I'm not your son, don't look at me like that. He feels like saying, but instead he just says the right thing. ''Thank you for the gift father, may the sun and moon bless my path with your guidance'', he can feel his brother's eyes on him, the words of the ceremony weren't taught to him, after all not only he doesn't have his memories but no one bothered to tell him what the ceremony entails for royalty.

But Vahe was never one to come to a fight unprepared. He read the books he could and asked the right questions to Raphael, learning how to behave during the ceremony properly so that he wouldn't be taken as a fool. Not thanks to any of you though, how could you not tell me even the basics?

The ceremony continues with the Emperor sitting back down and the Empress being the one to open the next box. ''May the light of the moon bless the path laid upon you'' she says, a small light emanating from her hands before she turns to Nikias. ''My son, your future won't be only made of flower petals, but also of thorns and rotten leaves, but don't let the harsh environment prevent you from finding your happiness'', her gift is a golden necklace made with thin threads of gold and a pendant in the form of the sun in the size of a blueberry, on the back of the pendant there's also another engraving.

May your heart be filled with love. 

Different wishes from two people who shouldn't be blessing him, after all, their son is already dead and receiving such gifts is an imposter, but regardless of his doubts, Nikias now is the second Prince and son of those people. ''Thank you for your blessings mother, may the sun and moon guide me into the right path''.

And at last, Alkaios rises, the box he opens is the biggest out of the three, and the gift he takes out makes Nikias' heart pond, when did he prepare this? The old Nikias never… A beautiful bow, clearly hand carved with the most noble of woods, with a high quality string and details made of gold. ''Brother, my wishes for you are not for you to have a righteous path or to be blessed by gods, but to stay alive, so take upon this bow and carve your own future, be it with wood, steel or blood.''

When Nikias' hands touch the bow he can't help but slightly tremble, not only its gorgeous but it's the first gift he ever received that was actually something he wanted. As Vahe he never received gifts as they were poor, so this only makes the gesture even more sweet, not that he will utter those words. ''Thank you brother, for your gift and wishes to my future, may the sun and moon hold my hand as I carve my path''. The bow also has an engraving written in gold: May victory fill your path.

Victory. Nikias name means victory and the engraving only wishes that he lives upon his name, having a future that reflects those. With the last gift they go to the second part of the ceremony, Alkaios turns to his brother, extending his hand. ''As your brother and escort, may I have the first dance?'' He asks. Nikias doesn't know how to dance, but those in the ballroom don't know that and as not only a Prince but the host of the ball, he must be the first to dance.

Thankfully, Alkaios will probably guide me. He thinks as he reaches towards his brother's hand. ''It will be my pleasure'', he answers, following the Crown Prince towards the middle of the ballroom, the music now playing slightly louder. The dance goes by smoothly, even if Nikias stepped a few times on Alkaios feet, the Prince didn't show and other's didn't seem to notice anything, thankfully.

''Brother, you should greet some of the nobles, now that you came of age you should establish some connections'', Alkaios whispers to him as the song ends, he's not wrong, Nikias faction consists of corrupt nobles that wish for a puppet Emperor, meaning that they don't truly support him. However the ball isn't exactly the best place right not to pick those weeds out, especially if he is considering marrying to another Kingdom, forsaking the possibility of becoming the Emperor of the Exos Empire. That title belongs to Alkaios anyway. 

He nods along, just to ease his brother's mind. Alkaios walks away, probably going to take Evangelia to dance, not that Nikias wants to meet his biggest enemy yet, so he simply walks to the opposite direction, grabbing a drink from the table on the farthest corner. Even the cups are fancy in the Palace, with gold decorating the grip and intricate designs in the crystal. Nikias lingers the cup close to his nose for a moment, smelling the sweet scent of the wine before drinking it. It's soft, tastes almost like strawberries. He thinks as his eyes sweep the ballroom, even if the Lily Ballroom is the smallest in the Palace, it doesn't mean it's less extravagant.

Its name comes from the ceiling where a beautiful drawing of lilies around a moon is, the drawing is slightly worn, as it was made when the Palace was built, the room is also decorated with pillars made of pure white marble and the floor is made with a mix of marble and mana stones, making it glow with a white light when people walk on it, giving it a whimsical appearance, almost as if its filled with moonlight. Another name people give to this ballroom is the Moonlight Dance, as it's similar in atmosphere as dancing under the moonlight. They mostly use the ballroom to host balls for couples because of the romantic atmosphere. 

''Your highness'' Lowe and Raphael approach the Prince, they're using simple black suits, helping them blend into the crowd, even if Raphael isn't using his pin, Nikias is able to recognize him, his hair down and rough appearance is a contrast to Lowe's who has his hair back and walks as if he is a noble himself. The more I observe them, the more differences I find, the man thinks, nodding towards his servants. His instructions were for them to be around the ball, and report anything unusual to him, as well as protect him in case of any attempts on his life. ''You shouldn't drink anything without having us verify first'', Lowe says with a sigh, Nikias shrugs as he hands over his cup to be verified, receiving it back after the servant found it to be clean. ''Be more careful, you were poisoned once already''.

''I'm aware'' he answers simply, for some reason after he entered the ballroom he felt his mood sour, the looks of disapproval and disdain, the ignorance of those that didn't even bow as he was going through them. He can feel his blood boil, but he isn't sure if those are his feelings or the old Nikias'. ''Raphael could you deliver a message to Lady Abel?'' After gulping the whole cup of wine he turns to his servants, that shiver, the man's eyes were reflecting the feelings he was holding back, pure anger, not towards them, but towards the situation he still finds himself in. ''Tell her to meet me at the Palace's training hall tomorrow midday''.

Raphael ponders before answering ''I will but what if she refuses?'' His question is fair, after all who would obey an order from the forsaken useless Prince?

''If she says anything just tell her that she has nothing to lose as this is her last chance anyway'' Nikias waves his hand dismissing the servants and grabbing another cup of wine, his throat sore, begging him to drink just one more cup. After both of his servants leave he grabs his third cup, but is stopped from drinking by a man. His golden eyes turn to the figure. Tall, blonde, long hair and blue sparkling eyes, the man seems the same age as the Crown Prince and is wearing a white magician's robe. Nikias doesn't need much to realize who the man is. 

''You shouldn't drink too much, your highness'', the man's tone is sarcastic, his eyes show absolutely no genuine concern. 

''What do I give the honor, Margrave Larchier?'' Nikias shoves the hand away, putting his cup down and returning the cold stare he received. The man laughs amused at the reaction. Nicholas Larchier isn't supposed to be there at this point in the story, but considering the rumors surrounding him and the changes in the storyline, Nikias isn't all that surprised by his presence. 

If he didn't send that letter to the King of Morke, he might have tried to get to this man's good side, however his eyes make the Prince think otherwise, eyes that look down at him. The eyes of a snake.

''My feelings are hurt, your highness, aren't you happy by my presence? Aren't we friends?'' His words leak lies, he probably already knows about Nikias memory loss and its playing with him. Disgusting. 

''Friends? I'm sorry but I don't think so'', he says with a scoff, the Margrave isn't taken aback and only smiles further. They weren't lying when they said that most magicians are inept at social situations, he thinks with a sigh, turning to leave and sit back with his parents, the man doesn't follow him but his eyes never leave Nikias until he reaches the thrones.

The party is bustling with gossip, not only the presence of many honorable nobles but also their antics are something that'll dominate the journals the next day, reporters will feast with speculation. Lady Scarlet Abel went crazy, the Crown Prince escorting the Useless Prince, and now another news will be bustling from the mouths of not only the nobles but also the commoners.

''Will you marry me?'' Words that if possible Scarlet would film and project in the Abel March. To understand what made the woman so shocked and amused, first we will need to understand what kind of man her brother, Frode Abel, is. 

A collection of rumors run through their march: Lord Frode was born from a demonic ritual; Lord Frode killed a monster bare handed at age five; Lord Frode killed ten of his aides because they served him cold tea; Lord Frode feasted in the meat of monsters in the battlefield; Lord Frode bathes in blood every night.

Those are the kind of rumors going around, and to most people's dismay, almost all of them are true. Except the one where he bathes in blood and the demonic ritual, after all, their mother would never and where even would the man get that much blood? However now thinking about it, if he wanted, he could bathe in blood every night and most wouldn't doubt it.

And that's only possible due to Frode Abel's personality. Not only is he someone incapable of empathy but he's also someone that is driven from other's misery. To exemplify, his first laugh was when he watched a live execution in the plaza of the march, his first word was die, and the first time he ever kneeled was to the Crown Prince because the man dilacerated his legs during a duel.

So to see that man kneeling in the middle of a ballroom, of their own free will, is something that even if she filmed, no one that isn't seeing it with their own eyes would believe it. Scarlet muffles her laugh, her eyes going from her kneeling brother to the subject of the man's question. She never saw that man before, his suit is too simple for a noble and his poise is that of a wizard, his eyes are too clear to be those of a trickster and his hands are filled with scars to be a scholar. His expression is one of shock and fear, however he doesn't seem to be fearing her brother but someone else. 

Around them only the music fills the gap in the silence. The man seems to be too shocked to answer Frode's question, Scarlet tries to catch a glimpse of amusement or trickery in her brother's face, but the man seems sincere which is even more surprising than the situation itself.

Things come to a halt when another man appears behind the wizard, the man is identical to the other, only having a smaller frame and different hair styles.

''What's going on brother?'' The man that appeared whispers in the ear of the other, but everyone there manages to hear it due to the silence.

''I think I'm going to be executed or something'' The wizard replies, glancing at the kneeling man before him. Raphael was only there to deliver his master's words to Lady Abel, not to be proposed at, what's worse is that the man proposing is a noble and to those not aware, in the Exos Empire, a noble marrying a commoner is a crime, not because of status but because most commoners aren't educated and being a lord or lady comes with overbearing consequences. Due to power and knowledge imbalance and to avoid the exploitation of commoners the third Emperor of the Empired, forbid it, and those that proceed against would be executed on spot.

But every commoner knows: they only execute the commoners in this situation, so marrying a noble is a one way ticket to death.

Frode Abel, though, doesn't care, in his mind right now is something commonly known as power fever. Every powerful person in the world has a flaw in their psyche, as they transcend the power humans should possess, unless you're a saint, your brain compensates by shutting down other regions like their common sense or emotions. Most powerful swordsmen and magicians tend to have it, some become obsessed with magic, the sword or even war. And sure most would assume that Frode's power fever is war or bloodshed, but those are hobbies. He never suffered the true effect of being obsessed with something.

Until now. Erratic heartbeat, cold sweat, and his stomach never felt this type of nausea. Love, or at the very least immediate attraction. The moment his eyes landed in Raphael he knew that he had to have him. 

Caramel toned hair that floats like spider's silk threads, almond shaped walnut eyes that shine like a moonlit lake and coral tinted lips so enticing like water to a dehydrated man. That's how Frode is describing Raphael who is looking at him as if he's seeing an insane man. ''My apologies for shocking you'' the lord gets up, his sister staring at him as if she's ready to toss him in a mental institution. He approaches the commoner, grabbing his hand and lowering himself to kiss it, his eyes fixed on the object of his new-found obsession. ''If I may request again, I would like your hand in marriage''.

Raphael feels his hand burning, not in the passion the man kissing it is feeling, but in the poison sweeping from those lips, intoxicating the air around him, he's dangerous, and not in the same way as the master of the tower or the Prince, but in a way that makes the young man hesitate. I feel like if I say no I'll die right now. 

So he isn't the one that answers, but the other man he fears.

''I'm afraid that won't be possible, Lord Frode Abel'', the amusing gossip doesn't stop, eyes like those of hyenas, paying attention to their every move, every word. Prince Nikias got down from his chair for a commoner? Why? Is he also infatuated with the man? But those questions are far from grasping the truth of the situations that are happening tonight. And the one more worried about the changes in the sea is Evangelia, who's watching from afar, the inside of her mouth bleeding from worry as she munches pieces trying to conceal her newfound worries.

The man turns to the Prince, his eyes cold like those of a corpse. ''May I ask why your highness? As far as I'm concerned if I abdicate my heir rights I can marry a commoner, can't I?'' Scarlet finally succumbs to her amusement, laughing out loud. Her brother who was mocking her moments ago is now just as insane as her. 

Nikias watches them with a blank expression, inside he is trembling with anger, but he avoids showing it. ''He's not a normal commoner'' he says, getting between the two men. ''Raphael is my personal servant and a magician, meaning he has a duty just like you do as an heir and knight''.

''Again, why should I care? We can elope and live in the woods, wouldn't that solve it?'' Scarlet can't contain her laughter.

''Oh my brother, you're jumping the gun, the boy didn't even reply to it yet''.

Frode's eyes fixate on Raphael who's whispering something to his twin brother. Nikias, though, draws his attention again. ''My servants can't get married before I'', it's ridiculous, of course that rule doesn't exist, but they don't know that. ''They signed a life bond contract'', they didn't, but again, no one knows that, and the ones that do, won't say anything. A life bond contract is similar to a magical contract where you put your life on the line, but it's harder to break and even make, as the person signing needs to fully give up their lives and be willing to die to sign it. The only way to break the life bond contract is if the person that signs it dies, basically even if Nikias' died, the contract would still be in effect if Raphael is still alive.

The contract is forbidden in most parts of the Empire, but royalty can still make them. So it isn't that impossible. Frode backs away, his eyes showing that he's calculating his choices, the inexistent contract makes things harder, as he doesn't want a broken toy. ''Fine, so all I need to do is wait until you get married?''

''That is if Raphael wishes to marry you, as that is the only way I would allow it'' Nikias says, glancing at his employees, by the looks of it the servant would never accept the lord anyway.

Silence cuts the air as the man is thinking. Normal people wouldn't defy the royals inside the Palace, but not only Nikias' isn't a normal Prince but Frode isn't all up there, as he doesn't have a sense of danger, and he probably would kill more than half of those nobles before falling himself. He's no match to the protagonists, but he would take down a few beforehand, so avoiding conflict is the best choice.

''I'll back down if I'm allowed to court him during the period in which you're not married'' he says with a smirk, Nikias' turn to his servant, saying with his eyes that the choice is his.

Raphael is touched, the last few days he had noticed that his master had a change of heart, but now he felt himself changing as well, not a meek emotional boy scared of the dark anymore, not hiding behind his stronger twin, he feels like he matters. At least he's starting to feel that way. 

''Okay'', his answer comes from fear, but he finds it to be the best choice for now, until he is strong enough to defy the noble man, until he is strong enough to face him alone with his head held high.

And like that, the third gossip of the night ends. 

❥

The ball is reaching its end. Nikias can feel it, the anxiety creeping inside his heart. He's not coming. Why? Was the threat lacking, or maybe Lyor doesn't care if his origins are leaked, maybe Nikias reached the end of the changes, the word yelling at him to fall in line, to fulfill his duty as a petty villain. 

No, if that was the case, the things that happened today wouldn't happen. Yes, he finds solace in the changes he already made, even if Lyor doesn't come, he will find another solution, he won't cower, he still has his limbs and he isn't starving or freezing, with his beating heart he will run towards his goal of survival, whatever it takes. 

With a glance towards his parents he can see their restlessness, they're ready to end the ball, but the one who needs to do so is Nikias, as the host, so he still has time. Nothing is lost yet. And with that though, just the thing he was waiting for happens, from afar as the bells of the turning of the day ring a voice resonates within the ballroom.

''Announcing the arrival of the King of Morke, Lyor Natrix Noir and his advisor Lord Cypress'', if someone put his head on Nikias' chest right now they could feel it, his heart beating fast like a earthquake inside his body, and if someone paid just a bit of attention they would've noticed for the first time that night, emotion flowing beyond his expressionless face, relief. With the arrival of a guest no one knew it was coming, reactions vary. 

To those that love gossip, their eyes glow with eagerness to know something beforehand. To Emperor Magnus, that situation could mean war, his grip onto his chair tightening. To Empress Else, the flow of mana inside the ballroom starts to shift, making her anxious about what's to come. To Crown Prince Alkaios, this is a situation where he must leave his beloved and position guards to safekeep those inside the Palace, ready for the worst to come. To Crown Princess-to-be Evangelia, this is beyond irreparable, a person she never met before, a chess piece that shouldn't exist, a wildcard that could befall hers or her enemy's hand.

However all of them are excited nonetheless, as the King is someone no one ever knows how it looks like, so their attention is focused on the opening door. 

Vahe even with all his despair living on the streets, has a type. Of course he never met someone that was his type, but he has one. When he was 15 he met a older man on the streets that was kind enough to give him food, and they had a conversation where he talked about his type, and he remembers saying something along those lines:

''My type? Hm, I don't think it exists, but if I could choose to engineer someone to fit my preferences he would be taller than me, stronger than me, fierce on the outside but with kind eyes, as the eyes are the window to the soul. If he's good looking that would be the cherry on top, but… The selling point is: he must evoke irreverence, you know, like those people that have an aura similar to those of a god.''

Delusional, absolutely delusional. Someone with the aura of a god would be someone too good for him, and that's a fact. So Vahe would never even try to approach someone like that, so why, why does that man have such a thing? He was described as good looking in the book, sure, but he was said to not be even remotely as good looking as Alkaios, so Nikias wasn't expecting much… He wasn't.

But to the man to be just his type? Ha. A smirk followed by a laugh leaves his mouth, with the silence in the ballroom everyone can't help but tense up. This is simply too much for me to handle, insane. I'm insane, why did I poke a tiger with a needle?

Lyor Natrix Noir is 195cm tall, his hair is of a obsidian black tone, short cutted styled in waves reaching only at the half of his forehead, his skin tone is of an unreal tone, muddled and milky pale but not almost transparent like those of vampires, his thick well-trimmed eyebrows are followed by his monolid heterochromatic eyes. One of the darkest shades of black, not being able to even identify where his iris ends and his pupil begins, while the other is white almost transparent almost as if it's made of pure light only slightly clearer than his sclera. His nose is slightly round and snub and his heart-shaped lips are of a pale pink tint, and to match it all, his body puts to shame the best of warriors, his natural-builded muscles are tight under his black buttoned shirt and well-fitted black pants. His aura of greatness is boosted by his white-fox fur coat resting on his shoulders and sacred silver jewelry like the single earring in his left ear, shaped like a sword, something that only he and now Nikias' know as the sacred sword made by the goddess of darkness and the god of light.

If someone asked Nikias 'what does a god look like?' he would simply point to Lyor and it would be a perfectly reasonable answer. 

Wait don't you think he's drooling too much towards a man he just met? After all, even if he toned down a bit, Nikias doesn't fall behind in looks.

It's different.

How so?

While Nikias has the looks of the most beautiful of humans, Lyor is, undoubtedly, the pinnacle of god-looking. 

I guess that's reasonable. Going back to the situation at hand, behind Lyor is a figure that Nikias doesn't recognize, be it by name or appearance. Golden bronze skin that shines under the light like sand under the sun, relatively shorter than the King beside him, Cypress has emerald colored long hair styled in a ponytail, his seafoam eyes hidden behind round shaped glasses, his build not one of a warrior but one of a scholar, almost too thin to be properly standing, matching his deep dark circles under his eye, the signs of overwork. He seems to have been dragged along in an unwanted trip, which isn't too far from the truth of the situation.

When the two men reach the bottom of the stairs leading to the thrones, none of them bow, even if they're in another Empire, across an ocean, they're not there to submit.

''What brings you here? King of Morke?'' The Emperor is the first to speak, the ballroom filled with a silence that could kill. Lyor's eyes inspect all the royals, Alkaios back at his seat with the arrival of a King, he stops when his eyes meet Nikias', and the young Prince can catch a glimpse of anger in the man's heterochromatic eyes.

''You see, I received quite the intriguing offer'', his eyes don't leave Nikias'. Anyone there could see that he was referring to the second Prince, if the air wasn't too tense, whispers would have filled the background at that moment. 

Breathe, Nikias thinks, forcing himself to take a deep breath, there's no point in being fearful now, or even hesitating. His choices since he became Nikias are culminating right now, this is the first moment of his future, now is the moment he must move towards his goal. He raises his hand, catching the attention of his parents and brother, their eyes full of not only worry but also disappointment. ''If I may father, I was the one that invited King Lyor'', he gets up from his chair, descending the stairs to be face to face to his new lifeline, he needs to look up as he is 15 cm shorter than the King, but he attempts to do so without breaking eye contact. ''He is here to congratulate me and nothing more, isn't that right?'' His tone is calm, but behind his expression of dullness the King of Morke can see the uneasiness. 

Lyor doesn't smile or part ways with Nikias' gaze as he responds. ''That's right''. His voice makes the second Prince tremble, everything about this man yells power, something he never felt or saw, almost as if he is truly in the presence of a god.

To ease everyone's anxiety Nikias smiles his best dazzling smile, his eyes even curving together with his mouth, melting those that see, if Lyor is a god, Nikias is an angel. ''I will have a moment with the King on the balcony, don't worry much father, it is bad for your health'', he says, the Emperor simply nodding along.

There's something the Emperor felt when he saw the King, if the Kingdom of Morke waged war against the Empire… They would lose. Badly. For the first time in his life, Magnus encountered someone stronger than him, so he had no choice but to allow his son to do as he pleases, if that means appeasing the god-like man.

However what Nikias is about to do isn't ease Lyor, but to poke him up with a few more needles to see how far he can provoke the tiger before it gobbles the fox up.

Even with the door of the balcony closed, the two were still visible from the ballroom, but that's part of Nikias plan, as long as they can't hear what happens inside, their gossip and assumptions will fuel his future. He can't help but tremble as his hands touch the rail of the balcony, the cold wind messing his silver hair, the man can't turn to see the one accompanying him, it is better to speak without seeing his reactions after all.

But contrary to Nikias' assumptions, Lyor's expression is soft, if he intended to wage war, he wouldn't have come with his sword as an earring but he would be with it on his hip and then point it directly to the second Prince's throat. However the extent of his feelings in this situation can't be read in his expression at all.

''As I stated in my letter…'' Nikias starts, his voice trembling slightly, his deep voice low, only for the King's ear to catch. ''I would like to marry you in exchange to keeping your secrets'', of course that isn't the full extent of his proposition, but he doesn't know how to put everything to words now that the man in question is right next to him, Nikias' eyes rest on the moon shining brightly on the sky. 

''And why should I? Why don't I kill you right now and be done with it?'' Lyor's tone isn't threatening, but he isn't lying he is simply stating what he could do.

A sigh leaves Nikias' lips, Lyor's gaze drifts to the man's face. ''Will you at least hear all of what I have to say before deciding?'' He asks melancholically, the best way to convince someone as powerful as this King, is to lay down all of your cards as pray to the heavens that they're enough.

''Sure'', the King's voice is almost as melodical as the wind surrounding them, his eyes still fixed on Nikias face, but his expression still doesn't show his true emotions.

''I assume you already heard the rumors about me,'' Lyor nods in silence, Nikias' continues. ''Some of them are true, others aren't, but what you must know is that I am a Prince in name only. My parents love me but that's the full extent of their support, I was poisoned in my own chamber and the knights that are supposed to protect me mock my existence.'' 

His golden eyes shift to the man next to him, their gazes meeting under the moonlight, in the few seconds of silence Nikias feels something stirring, not sure exactly to what, maybe it's fear of losing this chance, or fear of dying, whatever it is he shoves back inside his heart and breaks their eye contact to stare back at the night sky.

''Nobles think I'm a puppet and the people think I'm a joke, it all boils down to the fact that I'm abandoned inside my own home, with no one to turn to, and that's where you come in. I not only want to build my new life somewhere else, but I also want to survive, a Prince has no place in another country, unless he is disowned, exiled or… if he marries someone there.''

Lyor interrupts the Prince. ''I understand that, but why me? You have plenty of other choices, and to be honest I don't think I'm the best of them.''

''What do you know about Ancient gods?'' The question drives the King silent, of course he knows something, but why is the Prince asking him that? ''In the near future one of them will return'', dangerous words, but Lyor can't find a hint of deception within them. ''And the only one that will be strong enough to kill a god… Is you'', Nikias' gaze meets Lyor's again. ''I know what will happen in the future, of course it's subject to change, but doesn't that make it still as valuable? Therefore I don't just want to marry you for the sake of my escape or redemption, but also for my safety. You see, I would like to die of old age, not being murdered by a god in six years time.''

''Let's say that what you speak is the truth, what's in it for me?'' As a King, Lyor still needs to weigh his choices, as he's not choosing his breakfast but the future Queen of his Kingdom.

''In the future I saw, you become Emperor after the war in the Vapidm Continent, but you don't win all of the battles, I can help you win them and not only that but I know that your goal isn't to unify the Kingdoms because you're a Tyrant like everyone is whispering behind you, but because of the slavery rampant in the continent'' Nikias leans onto the balcony rail, laying his head on his arms, his eyes watching the expression on Lyor's face as he speaks. ''I'm not after a one-sided partnership, and I also don't intend to mock your religion and say we'll divorce once the threat is gone. I will improve myself to be a worthy Empress for your future Empire as I expect you to achieve the pinnacle of human prowess and defeat a god for the sake of your people and myself, and after the worst goes by, we must thrive together. I won't run from the responsibility that comes from marrying you; neither I expect to fake it disrespecting what it means to be a ruler in your Kingdom''.

''So basically you want to truly bear the burden of marrying me for the sake of not dying at the hands of a god you think will emerge in the future?'' Lyor is skeptical, of course he is, anyone would be in this situation. What Nikias is asking is unbelievable, and not even that but he is asking for something that isn't tangible enough to be even tempting to the young King.

''Yeah, I guess is basically it'' Nikias laughs, anxiety clear in his eyes, he could try to fake it like usual, but putting up a front isn't the best course of action in front of Lyor, no, laying his heart bare is the best choice. ''I know it isn't the best of choices for you, after all, you'll still have your Empire even if incomplete, and of course you might still tap onto the power to kill gods''. Despair he was holding manifests in tears that stream down his cheeks, an unknown place, dangers lurking everywhere, and his only option is to navigate it as if he's at war. Only a week has passed and only despair fills Nikias' lungs, tightening his heart in its clutches. ''Your majesty, I would like to formally ask you to marry me, even if I'm not tempting enough, even if I'm not what you hope your Empress to be, take a leap of faith towards me and I will in return show you what pure victory feels like''.

Just like the sun can't ever know what it's like to be the moon and vice versa, neither Lyor or Nikias can tell exactly what the other is thinking or even feeling, be it because they don't trust each other enough for that or because they don't feel emotions exactly like the other does. To Lyor, Nikias seems naive and reckless and to Nikias, Lyor seems cold and distant. A leap of faith is something not everyone has the privilege to be able to take, especially when they care about the future of a nation within themselves. 

Don't. A voice within Lyor says, he knows that voice, the voice of god, the voice he has heard since he was a child in the slums, a voice that accompanied him through the trials of becoming King, a voice that made him a saint and put divinity in his blood. The god of light broke an agreement and communicated with his child since he was abandoned, he couldn't bear to see his kid starve, and he thought that at least keeping him company would ease the burden the child had to bear with the divinity in his blood.

But he was wrong. After a few years the child shut down, becoming cold-hearted and distant from the world, almost as if everything became dull around him, and the voice that was once his guide, became a burden.

No one can tell exactly what Lyor thinks, not even his parents, after all they can't exactly read his mind only observe his actions, so when he became King they thought he was safe, that it was enough. But he waged a seemingly unreasonable war and became a Tyrant, at least in the eyes of those observing him from the outside. The truth is, Lyor isn't dull or cold-hearted, maybe you could use those words to describe Vahe and Nikias, even Tyrant would be better used on him than on the King of Morke. But what would those that left him to live on the streets and then dragged him to a dirty Temple in a poor country know? 

So when they tell him to not wage war, he does and when they go out of their way to tell him to not accept something, he does so.

''Ok'' his words are short but they're enough for Nikias' body to melt with relief, his legs giving out, he kneels onto the floor, his eyes closed and his heart pounding like crazy, the tears are replaced with a soft laugh.

''You won't regret it'' he says after recovering himself. Getting up again and smiling at Lyor. ''Let's talk about the plan then''.

''Plan?''

Nikias nods. ''I'm a Prince after all, I can't just follow you to the Morke Kingdom and run away from my responsibilities as one, my father would think you're kidnapping me''.

Lyor ponders, ''Its customary in our religion that the engagement period lasts for a year, and the bride must go through purifications'' he recalls his education, not that he cares all that much about religion, but as his subjects are completely devoted, he might need to follow costumes to not cause morale to fall during the war. 

''Two years'' Nikias says, his finger tapping on the rail, as he thinks. ''Let's be engaged for two years, a year from now my brother will get married, I can't marry before him'' he says. ''During the two years I'll take bridal lessons during a month every three months in the Kingdom, as to appease the religious'', the gears inside Nikias' brain move swiftly as he does what he does best, formulate a plan. ''Let's establish a mana letter canal between us so we can exchange important information, the engagement ceremony will need to take place here but we can have the marriage in your Kingdom since I'll be marrying into your family.'' Lyor smiles softly as he takes Nikias words with surprise, who knew he would've thought this far onto things? ''This will be an alliance so I'll need to have my father involved…'' Nikias groans, ''He'll oppose it for sure''.

''Why?'' Lyor asks, in his perspective, not only is he a great partner but also powerful enough to be coveted by any Kingdom or Empire.

''I want to marry you because you're powerful, but that's exactly what also makes you dangerous'' That's true, how could the Emperor protect his son on the other side of the Blue Sea? If Lyor abuses or hurts Nikias, he would never know, from the perspective of a father that loves his son, it's true he would oppose it, even if he neglects him. Nikias falls silent, thinking of a solution, racking his brain not only thinking of the plot of 'Odd Eyes' but also of the countless books he had read in the homeless shelter. ''I know'' he says at last. ''I just need to make sure to not wield'', he laughs with his insane idea, befitting a Useless Prince, it'll halt his objective of fixing his image completely, but it'll be successful in convincing his family. 

''How so?'' Lyor asks, slightly amused by the situation, truly curious about the Prince's antics.

''I just need to make them believe that we're marrying because of love'', its true that the Emperor and Empress are weak to declarations of love, as they found it in each other after being engaged, and as Alkaios is also marrying due to it, how can they deny the younger Prince to do so as well? Nikias laughs again, it's the most he ever laughed even in his life as Vahe, he is enjoying the situation somehow, maybe because he decided to lay his heart bare in front of Lyor. ''But I'll need your cooperation, can you allow me?''

''Allow you to do what?'' 

''To act as if I'm madly in love? To do whatever I please?''

''And what will that entail?''

Nikias stops, he isn't exactly sure, he did read a lot of romance books, and he isn't a virgin or even a puritan, but he never really felt it. Love. But he is sure he can mimic it, yeah, it's not so different to pretending to be ok in face of adversity and despair. ''Can I call you by your name? Touch you? Be extremely disrespectful in the face of a royal but fair in the face of a lover?''

Lyor stares blankly at the Prince, just like him, Lyor doesn't know what love is, nor how to fake it, so if all he needs to do is be ok with whatever Nikias does, then sure, as long as the gods watching him absolutely hate it. ''If that's what you want, sure, but I don't know how to pretend to love''.

The second Prince smiles again, Lyor stares at the small wrinkles around the man's mouth and the small lines forming around his golden eyes, wondering how to smile like him, with earnest yet not meaning it at all.

''Don't worry, just allow me to do as I please, but the key is on not allowing others to do the same''.

''Why?''

''Because you're allowing me to because you love me, if you allow someone else to touch you or call you by your name it won't be as meaningful, that's the key to making everyone see me as an idiot in love and you as a fool in love. We must deceive everyone for this to work, and I mean even your closest aides''. Lyor nods, he isn't to do much, and he wasn't planning to tell anyone anyway. Cypress might be his closest friend, but even he has secrets he doesn't tell. ''Let's do this then, Lyor''.

When a saint has an overflow of emotions, they can let some of their power slip unnoticed, that happened when Empress Else, saint of the goddess of the Moon, kissed Magnus for the first time, also happened when Nikias tasted real food for the first time, and now when Nikias called Lyor by his name, stirring something inside the King he doesn't understand.

The result? Well, some cracks in the floors of the ballroom, not that they will notice it until the ball ends. 

When the door to the balcony opens, everyone stops again, the two men were there for 45 minutes, making everyone gossip and the royals grow restless, but no one dared to go home in the meantime. What happened afterwards became the cover to every single journal in the Empire, from north to south.

Lyor leaves first, followed by Nikias who's wearing a pitiful expression, the show is about to start. ''Please'', the youngest Prince speaks loud enough for everyone to listen. ''Stay a while longer'', anyone watching would believe that his words came from his heart, the King staring at the Prince, trying to understand the signals, but he remains silent, allowing the recently 18 year-old to do his thing. 

The Prince grabs Lyor's hand, falling onto his knees, tears flooding from his face. Fake tears.

''Lyor, I'll do anything, just stay for a week, no, a day'' he sobs, trying to sell even more, the pathetic expression, the desperation of a longing lover. ''I can't live another day without you, at least take me with you''.

''What's the meaning of this?'' The Emperor interrupts them, just like Nikias predicted.

''Father, please allow me to follow Lyor'' he turns to his father, still holding onto Lyor's warm hand. ''I can't be apart from him any longer''.

''Wait, any longer? Since when have you know him?'' Alkaios is the one to speak, the thing is about doting brothers, especially the obsessive ones, they suffer more than parents from empty nest syndrome. 

Nikias lets a sob leave his mouth as he closes his eyes, trying to appear as someone suffering from heartbreak. ''Way too long'' he's vague enough. ''I can't bear, my heart aches when we're afar, I can't ever forget his touch or his lips'', vulgar words to shock are the most effective to drive his point home that they were already intimate, for a man that isn't all that bad since they're not required to be pure, but doesn't mean they're not bound by consequences nonetheless. ''Father, mother, brother, I love him, we'll get married, please allow''.

Lyor fights the urge to laugh, sure the man laid bare a lot of emotions during their private meeting, and maybe because of that he can see right through the fake tears. ''Enough'' he says, pulling Nikias' up. ''You'll hurt yourself like this'', his words are sincere as in his eyes Nikias seems too skinny for a Prince.

Anyone is skinny compared to you, Cypress expresses with his eye, seeing through his King's expression, a skill he got after a few years of friendship. He isn't exactly sure of what is happening, but he sure hopes that doesn't mean more work for him.

''But Lyor, I want to be with you every moment I breathe and see you everytime I blink''. Isn't that a bit too much? He thinks but only nods towards the Prince, allowing him to say anything he wants per agreed. ''Please allow, father!''

''That's enough Nikias!'' For the first time in his life, Magnus raises his voice towards his son, and in that moment Nikias flinches in instinct, his whole body trembles, reminiscent of his real father, if Lyor's hand wasn't supporting him he would've fallen. For a moment Lyor almost draws his sword, feeling the way Nikias' felt threatened, after all their agreement was for him to be his shield, wasn't it? But he stops himself as the Prince seems to snap back onto reality. ''I will ask you to leave Your Majesty'', the Emperor continued, his eyes glowing with a hint of blue, his mana in the air. 

Nikias holds onto Lyor, turning to the man. ''At least let me say goodbye'', he begs, his eyes communicating with the King, be ready. But his signal is lost in translation, as Lyor doesn't know what he should be ready for. 

Magnus seems to be at his limit, but the Empress steps up. ''Nikki, say goodbye here, we will discuss this later, I'm sure the King also has his matters to attend to, you can't hold him here''. Her words are calm, but don't hold any less power than the Emperor's. 

''I should leave'' Lyor says, his words are deep and low, his eyes never left Nikias' per his request, he doesn't need to pretend to love him, if his eyes never leave him, all people will see is love even if it isn't there. And for the last act of the show, to seal things off Nikias jumps on Lyor's embrace, his feet being suspended in the air as the man holds him up.

''I'll send you another letter tomorrow'' Nikias whispers as he buries his face on Lyor's neck, ''Can I kiss you?'' he asks in another whisper, the King is taken aback, he already allowed the Prince to do as he pleases, but he hesitates not sure if he should allow that as well. But in the end he nods, what is a kiss when they agree to marry? Isn't that part of their marital duties after all?

Not that either of them truly understand what marital duties are beyond political gain.

Kisses aren't that big of a deal to Vahe, he sometimes kissed others for fun or to make them shut up, sometimes he did against his will as well, to him a kiss is something bothersome but fun. Some people told him that kisses feel good, but all they made him feel was amusement as the men around him begged him for more. He himself though? Never truly felt like he wanted more.

Shock value is the only thing he is hoping to achieve from this stunt in front of so many people, make them believe that he went crazy in love.

He raises his head from Lyor's neck, his arm still resting on the man's shoulders, his body still being supported by his arms, he locks eyes with him, his eyes are beautiful, Nikias thinks as he leans in, closing his eyes and his lips touching Lyor's.

At first the warmth of their lips wasn't much different from what he remembers, his heart beating fast from being watched, what was I thinking? He thinks, attempting to move back to break the kiss, but before he can Lyor parts his lips with his tongue, Nikias' freezes in place, allowing the King's tongue to enter his mouth. Is that how it's supposed to go? What is this feeling? The taste of wine from his mouth intoxicates his brain, or maybe it's from Lyor's mouth? He can't tell, not really, he can't even think, his heart pounding even more, an unfamiliar feeling creeping to the surface again, and the only thing he can hear is static and the only thing he can feel is the warmth of Lyor's mouth.

They're separated by a strong shove, Nikias falls onto the ground, his eyes opening with the shock, he sees the whole ballroom filled with pink smoke, and his brother between him and the King, his hand on Lyor's collar. ''What you think you're doing right now?'' But the words don't affect the man who's staring at the other Prince on the ground, his eyes blank and unnoticed to most people, the previously intact floor of the ballroom is now completely shattered beyond saving. ''I advise you to leave before a war breaks out as a result of this… circus you created'', his tone is far from his usual kind one, Evangelia runs to her fiance, pulling him back before he shatters his public persona.

''Alkaios, stop'', her words don't go through the man.

''I said leave!'' He yells, the pink smoke growing thicker, making some of the guests there cough. Nikias gets up, his lips tingling but he ignores it as if it's a fruit of his imagination. He laughs, a fake laugh, but a laugh nonetheless.

''Brother, even if you don't like the person I love, doesn't mean you can treat him like this'' he says, patting his clothes to remove the dirt from the floor, his eyes similar to those of a madman. ''I hate your fiance, would you like me to treat her like that as well?'' And for the first time his eyes lock with Evangelia's, he is threatening her and she can feel it, the danger of the gears of the future changing and at the center of it all is Nikias.

Alkaios flinches with his brother's words, but the pink smoke doesn't dissipate.

''I'll leave for now'', Lyor says with a sigh. ''I didn't come here to start a war'', his gaze goes to Nikias, lingering on his bruised hand before locking eyes with his future Queen, the thought makes him smile. If his family is that mad, he wonders how mad are the gods that watch him. Then his eyes go to the Emperor. ''But I hope you know that if I wanted war, this Empire would drown in darkness before you could even blink'', that wasn't an empty statement, anyone there could feel deep down that it was the truth.

''Lyor, I'll miss you'' Nikias says, not dropping the act, Lyor laughs with amusement.

''Sure little fox, I'll miss you as well''.

And with that, the coming of age of the second Prince Nikias Gregor Chrysl, comes to an end and the fourth gossip of the night takes shape.

❥

Chapter curiosities:

New names introduced this chapter!

Scarlet, my best girl's name means exactly what you think, it means 'bright red' just like her mana! Her mana's color is blood red, more information will be disclosed in later chapters. 

Frode is a name derived from Old Norse and it means 'wise' and 'learned' and yes, his name is quite the joke, one of the few characters with names that reflect the opposite of themselves. 

Lyor, is a Hebrew name meaning 'my light', as he is the light of my life, joking aside, his name is a pure reflection of his parents lmao. Natrix has a few meanings but the one I use is its origin in Latin that it means 'swimmer' or 'to swim' and Noir means black in French. His name is basically 'A light that swims in the dark' in the meanings of my own head ^^

Cypress is a name of Greek origin that means exactly that: 'cypress tree' and a cypress tree means symbolism wise 'longevity' 'protection' and 'mourning'.

Alice name means basically 'noble' ehe, not much creativity there but oh well it suits a Princess.

This chapter introduces my babies spirit animals, Nikias is a Fox (he could also be a snake, I'm open to that), they symbolize cunning, intelligence, adaptability, and resilience, exactly how I see Nikias as.

And Lyor is a Tiger, symbolizing power, courage, and protection, exactly how he is supposed to be seen as well.

The Emperor's mana is revealed: Blue Mana, reflecting authority and wisdom.

If you have any other curiosities let me know and I'll put in the next chapters! Any doubts about the worldbuilding will also be included!