"The explosion of taste once you bite a peach, the sweetness, the juiciness and mild tartness, oh god, there's nothing like the taste of a perfectly ripe peach to lighten one's burdens and bring upon a new day."
The night before Nikias departure to the Morke Kingdom is quite eventful for those residing in the Palace of the Exos Empire, not only those busy with the preparations for the Crown Prince's engagement, or the few that'll accompany Prince Nikias on his visit, but also those who are neither.
Moonlight bathes the room where Empress Else is, she's sitting close to the window, her nightgown gracefully lying on her body as she takes in the moonlight into her skin, delighting in the feeling it brings over her, as it is when she feels closer to her goddess. Although Else has been a saint since her childhood, she has not disclosed that information to many people, as it could bring her many misfortunes rather than fortunes, and one of the few that know is Emperor Magnus, who found out when they met.
The woman closes her eyes, reminiscing the moment when Magnus and her met, the fear that overtook her when the symbol appeared in her forehead at the Temple of the Moon, and the gallant man who hid her in his coat, faking an illness just to aid her. They were teens at the time and Magnus was even engaged to another, but when he needed her help later on, she offered marriage as an answer to his ailments. Of course the full story is even more than just that, the amount of pain they went through as Magnus rose to the throne isn't to be taken lightly. And even if their firstborn wasn't a fruit of love, their second was, and both are deeply loved by the rulers. With time they learned to love and rely on each other, with their own share of burdens to carry.
Yet now, they're a couple envied even by their own children, seen as the staple of loving couple, however where they succeeded as individuals and as a couple, they failed as parents. And after both of their children are already of age, this is the moment they find out just how deeply they fucked up.
Slowly behind the woman, Emperor Magnus approaches, his shirt half-unbuttoned, and his face sunken from working late, he lowers himself to hug the woman, sighing deeply. ''I don't know what to do anymore, Else'', he says in a low tone, almost whispering, his eyes closed, taking in the sweet smell of his wife, calming his nerves. ''Alkaios engagement is just a week away and his marriage a year, and soon after Nikias is going away as well…'' his words are deep in pain, if he was just a little more emotional he would been crying all the time, but he can't bring himself to do so again, not when all of these consequences are direct correspondents of his actions as a father.
There was no rulebook, no guideline on how to be a good Emperor and a good father, he never learned such skills from his own parents, and now he failed his children just as much. He became Emperor at such a young age, and with that came Alkaios, his firstborn when Magnus was just a few years into such a role, he trained his whole life, yet he wasn't prepared to what would entail. And now he needs to pass on such a role to his son.
''If I can, I'll live long into this role, so that Alkaios can become better than me, learn more, be more mature when he takes the crown'', he continues once his wife remains silent. ''I'm not sure when it all went wrong''.
''...How much do you know about their fiancees?'' Finally the woman speaks, her voice just as pained as her husband's. She has known Evangelia since she was a child, and of course all the time she spent with the woman was nothing short of delightful, however there is a difference between being a good person and a good spouse, even if Alkaios is deeply infatuated with her since they were children. That's why it took them long to approve of their engagement and even then, they delayed as much as they could officializing things. Giving them time to live as a couple, to know if it was what they truly wanted, even so, now there was their second born trying to speedrun his marriage, not even giving the chance for his parents to interfere.
Not that they could do much now that Nikias is officially an adult.
In front of others they tried to support the decision, however they're just as skeptical as Alkaios when it comes down to Nikias leaving the Exos Empire. Especially now that Else thinks Nikias is also a saint, complicating his situation once he moves to another nation.
''On Evangelia you already know everything there is, her last move was shutting down that dark auction and she seems to be working with Rainier Bauldry on an operation to track down the mana stones black market'', Magnus comments, turning around to be in front of his wife, kneeling in front of the woman and laying his head on her knees.
''She is a good woman'', the Empress comments, petting her husband's head.
''It appears so'', he says with a sigh. ''On Nikias fiance I couldn't find much, only what he told us and a few broken pieces of information, any spy we try to plant there goes missing''.
''Do you think the King kills them?''
''If not him, someone around him'', Magnus says, raising his head and staring at his wife in the eyes. ''Else, if he goes there and he's wrong and that man doesn't treat him well…'' His voice breaks. ''I'm not sure I could keep the title of kind Emperor''.
Else smiles softly to her husband. ''Neither am I''.
They fall silent before the Empress lowers herself, placing a kiss on the Emperor's forehead.
''I'll miss them'', the man mumbles and the woman nods. ''I don't want to lose our children'', his voice breaks again and a few tears leave the man's eyes.
''We already did'', the Empress answers with a pained tone. ''All we can do is try getting them to come back when they need us in the future.''
❥
The Empress and Emperor aren't the only ones having a difficult conversation in such a beautiful and cold full moon night, a few miles away from the Palace is a small restaurant, at such late time it wouldn't normally be open, however it had an exception for a high-ranking noble that requested them to open for their date.
You see, Raphael did everything in his power to deny every single advance from Frode Abel, including all of the man's requests for meetings and dates, but after many excuses were exhausted, he ended up here, sitting across the man in a restaurant emptied just for them eating commoner's food as that was his attempt to excuse himself last time. Saying that he didn't enjoy noble's food, which was a lie, he thought Frode would back off, yet he was wrong and the man even got an entire restaurant to serve only them just so they could have a date after midnight because Raphael also said he left work late.
All lies, of course, he could very well have got the time to meet the man, he just didn't want to.
''Are you enjoying the food?'' The future margrave asks, his clothes are tidy and it's clear to anyone he's trying to impress the now knight. While Raphael is only using his uniform, not caring enough to dress up for this meeting. The food in question is a stale stew that tastes like rubber, that is for sure what Raphael used to eat at the Tower when he was a child, yet now that he lives at the Palace, he eats food that is more refined and tastes more… like proper and dignified food.
It seems I also became out of touch with the reality of many, he reflects on his own privilege, remembering how he used to envy those who ate food that wasn't about to expire or meat that wasn't meant to be eaten, like rats and other insects.
The thought of his life in the Tower sours his mood.
''This isn't exactly what I meant by commoner's food'', he says with a sigh, too tired to try to please the crazy man.
Frode panics, his face turning red from embarrassment, ''I'm sorry, one of the other knights recommended this place…'' he trails off. ''We can go somewhere else, my state isn't far. I can ask my chef to cook for you''. His suggestion is both irritating and absolutely idiotic, as his state is where his parents and sister are, and the last thing Raphael would want is to see them, especially considering he and Scarlet don't have the best of relationships at the knight's order.
''I wouldn't enjoy that'', Raphael says in the end, putting his spoon down and closing his eyes, trying to think about what to say, he can't keep deflecting the man in a way to lead him on until he leaves for the Morke Kingdom, even if he would wish to. At first he thought he could keep this on, but he can't, the more he thinks about the future he wants, the more he understands that lying to himself isn't part of it. ''Listen, Lord Frode, I do not like you back, I don't like men''.
His words make the man freeze again, despair clear in his gaze, all Raphael can feel when he looks at Frode is anger and disgust, anger for having to deal with him just because of his one-sided feelings and disgust for the man for constantly appearing in front of him, pushing himself towards someone that clearly has little to no interest in him.
''I can become a woman for you'', his voice is pained and desperate, yet Raphael laughs, not because of the man itself, but because leaving him alone was never an option for him. Changing his gender is better than just leaving Raphael alone and moving on.
''You don't even know me'', he rebuttals. ''Doing something life changing like becoming a woman just because I don't like men is ridiculous, just find someone else to like''. Of course his words make sense and Frode's way of seeing everything lightly is annoying, but in Frode Abel's perspective, Raphael is the very air he breathes. He is everything and without him, life becomes nothing. That's how much power fever affects someone, just like to Alkaios life without Evangelia or Nikias is enough to drive him insane, the thought of not being with Raphael, is enough to bring pure despair to the usually psychotic Frode Abel.
''Don't say that dear, I will do anything to stay by your side'', his words are sincere, his eyes clear without second intentions, Raphael feels sick to his stomach, he wants to scream, leave that place and even punch the man in front of him, yet he stays still, he knows in the end he'll come back due to the man's threats. When will I escape this hell? He asks himself, he should've accepted Prince Nikias offer to help him back then, yet he tried to be considerate and deal with this by himself, but can he even? Can he deal with a person that is set in being his lover even if his feelings aren't the same?
The thought of just accepting the noble's offer did cross Raphael's mind a few times when dealing with the man became unbearable, however accepting him would only bring further pain into his days, the mere thought of touching Frode romantically makes the man want to throw up.
''Why me?'' He finally asks, tired of everything, he would rather stay up all night observing Duke Sawdon's house than being here with that man.
''Do I need to have a reason? I simply fell in love with you, your eyes, your hair, your voice, even the way you train with your weapon is adorable.'' He speaks as if he knows me, all he's describing are external things. ''Raphael'', his name in his voice is the most disgusting sound the knight ever heard. ''I love you''.
Raphael holds off the urge of throwing up after hearing those words, his head hurting just from thinking on how to leave this situation. ''I can't do this anymore'', he whispers, in pain. ''How can you love me when you know nothing about me? You don't even know where I am from or even my favorite food''.
''I can learn'', Frode pleads, ''I'm willing to do anything to be with you''. His words that were supposed to sound sweet, actually sound terrifying to Raphael, wondering what 'everything' entails. If things got worse the man could threaten the Prince's life like he did before, or even try to threaten Lowe. Raphael needs to be careful, yet he feels so tired he can't help but let the words flow out of his mouth.
''Then you could kill the Master of the Northern Magician's Tower for me'', he says in spite, angry at himself for letting those words out so easily, he just wants to say anything to make the man stop.
''Duke Sawdon's son?'' Frode says it back, confused. ''Why? Did he do something to you?'' His next words are filled with anger. ''I'll gladly kill him if you want''.
But Raphael tuned out in his first words. ''What do you mean Duke Sawdon's son?'' Unaware of such a fact, the man's head spins, his world slowly crumbling down. If the man that did all of that to him is already gone, then who does he take vengeance at? Did he die without ever paying for his crimes? Such a fact was already known by his brother, who didn't tell Raphael exactly for this reason, the emotional twin, the one that suffered the most, finding out that the one who did that to him is gone might break him entirely.
''Are you ok?'' Frode asks once Raphael loses balance, almost falling off his chair, the man reaches for him, touching his arm softly, but he immediately slaps his hand off.
''Don't touch me'', he whispers, still trying to make sense of the whole situation. Since when? Did Lowe know? The questions flood his brain, anger taking over his senses. ''I need to go'', he says in a low tone, attempting to get up, but his body gives out and he falls on the ground, tears threatening to flow out of his eyes.
Frode rushes over, his disgusting touch only triggering Raphael even more, yet he can't get himself to yell or even move. The man picks him up as if it is nothing, his body heat makes Raphael even more sick, but he doesn't fight back. ''It's okay, you're okay'', the words from the man are supposed to sound soothing, yet they don't help him at all.
If he's gone, who do I blame for everything that happened to me? Raphael thinks, before letting out his tears.
❥
The weather is lovely, is Nikias first thought once he reaches the teleportation circle, the wind not as cold as the day prior and the sun is greeting them as if it knows his mood is good. For the first time in a while, Nikias woke up in a good mood, excited even, he isn't worried about how to act or even on his next steps, his mind is filled with the fact that he'll meet Lyor again, perhaps he is a little worried about if their meeting will be fine considering they talked more over letters than in person.
Fleuri arrives at the circle after Nikias, accompanied by Lowe and the two knights that'll accompany him. ''Good morning, your highness'', Lowe says, bowing, Nikias smiles at the servant, causing all four men there to frown. Sure, Nikias is sometimes expressive, not all the time, but glimpses of his inner feelings can be seen every now and then, but now a smile so sincere as that one. As if he's going out to see someone he deeply likes. His smile even makes Jiwon question himself, if the man he saw in those three months is the same one standing in front of him right now.
''Good morning'', the Prince responds, the smile not leaving his face. It's starting to freak me out, Fleuri thinks, turning to face the teleportation circle, not the Prince. ''Are you here to see me off?'' He asks Lowe, who nods in response, as it is part of his duty as a future butler, as it was pressed on by Hannah during their conversation the day prior. ''While I'm out, could you transfer the documents in my room to the office?'' Nikias asks, pondering, ''I don't want the maids messing with my desk''.
''As you wish, your highness'', Lowe bows again.
''I'm excited, it'll be my first time in another nation, what is it like?'' Dacre asks Jiwon, almost jumping out of excitement, Nikias laughs at the young knight while Fleuri silently stares away, trying to not get involved in the conversation, as he is exhausted from staying up all night. I only slept three hours tonight, he thinks with a sigh.
''It's quiet, and it's either bright all day or dark all day, due to his majesty's mana…'' Jiwon says with a yawn, ''Just remember everyone there is extremely religious and you'll be ok'', he says with a shrug.
''Are you religious?'' Dacre asks.
''Sort of? I do belong to the Temple of Darkness, as I earned the Draeger surname once I moved there, but I do not follow the religion closely'', he answers simply.
''Are everyone who'll be using the circle here?'' The Palace Magician who just arrived asks, his eyes are filled with annoyance, probably for having to wake up early to send the Second Prince off to see his lover. Sometimes Nikias forgets he's hated by most of the people in the Empire, after surrounding himself with people that at the very least are just indifferent to him.
''Yes'', Fleuri finally speaks, handing to the magician the form he spent a good portion of his night filling up. The magician takes a few moments reading the form, before nodding.
''Everything is well-filled'', his tone is surprised, ''You can step on the circle now''.
With those words all four men step inside the teleportation circle, Nikias observes that contrary to what he expected it's just a circle written in an elevated stone with a few mana stones carved to help power it, in one of his classes he questioned about teleportation circles.
Duke Gagne simply explained to him that those circles were made during the foundation of the Empire, and that are a connection point between a lot of nations across the three continents, used to transport goods and help diplomacy, and that in the carving made by the first Empress it has a no-hostility spell, where those with ill intents cannot cross to the Empire, allowing for the years of peace the Capital has been enjoying even with a clear weak point.
Just how strong were Aelius and Nyx? Nikias questions as he watches the Palace's magician whispering a few words and pouring his mana into the stones carved in the circle, lighting it up. At first all Nikias can feel are tickles on his feet, after a while his whole body feels warm, the same feeling he has when he's using mana, and when the warmth seizes he's in a different place, there was no blinding light or moment of transition, at one moment he was at the Exos Empire and now he's at the Morke Kingdom.
The Kingdom is quite like Nikias imagined by the books he read, but also completely different. Compared to the Exos Empire, the Kingdom is still underdeveloped, the streets are made of sand and dirt, the buildings are still made of limestone and the clothes people use are similar to what those of the Empire used decades ago. The air surrounding the Morke Kingdom is certainly heavier as it is closer to the Monster's forest than the Capital is, the sky is completely dark and devoid of either the sun or the moon, yet people are moving around like most would in the beginning of a day.
The time difference between the Empire and the Kingdom is of three hours only, so while for them it was early morning, to the people of the Morke Kingdom it was almost midday already. Nikias arrival doesn't catch the attention of those walking around the teleportation circle, it helps so that the Prince can stay a few moments still, observing how different the people of the two nations are. They still use horses here, he notes, but people's hygiene is decent. I wonder how they implemented basic sanitation here without the use of magic engineering.
His thoughts are interrupted by Dacre, ''Woah, it's so different from the Empire, and so dark as well'', he comments.
Jiwon nods, ''It's the Dark Period, for six months it'll be completely dark, then we have the Light Solstice and the Light Period begins''.
''There's no sun or moon as well'', Fleuri is the one commenting this time, as he pulled his long blonde hair up in a ponytail, his ears being clear as day. He was hesitant to do so at first, but after he and the Prince had a conversation he decided to trust the man and do so. No one around them is shocked or acts with hostility, even those glancing at them as they pass by, the two that came with them, on the other hand, are quite surprised.
''You're half-elf?'' Dacre practically yells his question, Fleuri sighs in response, already annoyed.
''Yeah'', he answers lazily, stepping down from the magic circle.
''Since when?''
''Since birth'', the halfling answers, trying not to sound as annoyed as he feels.
''That's so cool'', Dacre comments, quickly moving the subject over. ''Why isn't the King here?''
''He has better things to do, probably'', Jiwon answers with a smirk, watching Nikias' expression, but contrary to his expectations, his expression doesn't sour or even change. The Prince is too busy observing the many differences between the two nations to care about the knight's remarks.
''I'm offended you'd think so, Jiwon'', the voice catches the men's attention, that is except for Nikias, who is too deep inside his own brain to even understand anything anyone is speaking. I should start by talking with my father about mana stone exchanges, and then I need to get Irene and Miyuki to do a few artifacts to help develop this place further. To implement carriages I should see if any of the Kingdoms he conquered have any mana stone mines… The novel and books do mention that the Exos Empire has an almost monopoly over mana stones, but maybe that has something to do with the founding Emperor and perhaps I can do something about it. A cold hand touches Nikias' arm, making the man jump and turn back to see the source of the sudden touch.
The darkness matches Lyor just as the ballroom lights did, his dark black hair is dripping wet, his heterochromatic eyes are darker than what Nikias remembers, his height is just as imposing as their first meeting, as if boasting even more his well-defined muscles the King is wearing a white shirt that is almost transparent due to the man's sweat, and his muddled white skin seems soft to the touch although he is cold to the touch. The lack of light in the Kingdom almost brings forth even more of Lyor's god-like beauty.
Nikias' golden eyes shine the moment he and Lyor's eyes meet, a soft smile on his lips and his silver hair messy because of the windy air of the Exos Empire, even so, he is exactly as Lyor remembers, the pristine and well-cared for skin of the man shines through his own light, his golden eyes remind the man of honey, and the small mole under his lip makes him want to take the man's lips onto his own.
The thought that maybe they wouldn't feel the tingle inside they feel when they exchange letters is completely gone when their eyes meet. ''I had to run over, since I had a meeting'', Lyor says with a soft smile, behind him are his aide and other people Nikias doesn't recognize. The people who before were ignoring the arriving strangers, are now passing and bowing, some even greet the King, by their tones it's almost as if Lyor is some sort of messiah, instead of just another ruler.
He did say people treat him like a saviour of some sort because he's a saint, Nikias thinks, trying to open his mouth to speak, still mesmerized by Lyor's beauty. How isn't he a god? He asks himself, anyone that made a marble statue out of the King would be praised for capturing the beauty of gods. Maybe I should find a sculptor myself, he thinks, unaware of the meaning behind his own thoughts, the fairy moving inside his jacket makes him snap back into reality, cleaning his throat before speaking.
''Nice to see you again, Lyor'', his voice breaks before saying the man's name, still unfamiliar leaving his lips, yet his heart pounds strongly inside his chest.
I want to kiss him again, both of the men think at the same time.
It's all mostly for show, as it was back at the ball, yet slowly Nikias started warming up to Lyor through their letters, and so he can't even say he just wants to kiss the man to show off their ''loving'' relationship, not only was the kiss from that night still lingering in his thoughts, but the man was so exactly his type. From his height, to his lips, sweet eyes and body of a god, Lyor is everything he ever fantasized, so having him there in front of him seems incredibly unreal.
On the other hand, to Lyor, Nikias may not be exactly his type, because he never thought about what his type is, but he is indeed by far, the most gorgeous human being he ever met, and probably if he ever met a god, he would still see Nikias as the fairest of them all. So not only was he physically attracted to the Prince, but the letters they exchanged further increased his affection towards him, the King finding the Prince absolutely adorable in any and all of their exchanges.
How he claimed to not know how to be affectionate, yet give him a king's strip to send the best of wishes for his conquest, send him a picture of himself just because he asked and even worrying enough about him to send an urgent letter to aid him in a sudden conquest. In Lyor's eyes, Nikias is just as affectionate as him, if not even more.
Even though the way they show their affection is certainly different.
''Are you in one piece?'' Is the first thing Nikias says after their short silence, his voice even deeper from the knot on his throat. ''I missed you'', although he is calculating what he should say to appear like a person deeply in love, his words are sincere.
Lyor laughs softly before ruffling Nikias hair, ''I missed you definitely more'', the King's words are sincere and he wants to make Nikias know that he isn't saying that just to fake his feelings, but he is respectful enough to not bring up that subject in front of both of their subordinates. He turns to his knights and aide, his arm resting on Nikias' shoulder.
If it were anyone else maybe the Prince would've been uncomfortable, yet Lyor's cold touch brings shivers down his spine and his body feels warmer in contrast.
''Everyone'', the King says, his voice is different from when he was speaking to the Prince directly, is more firm and authoritarian. ''I would like to formally introduce you to my fiance and lover, Prince Nikias Gregor Chrysl'', his full name said by Lyor makes the Prince blush slightly, something only Fleuri noticed, for being used to the Prince. ''My authority is also his, so treat him with the utmost respect'', his words make the knights and other passerbys bow in response. Further showcasing how much everyone in that Kingdom respects the King. Then he turns to Nikias, ''Nikias, these are my closest subordinates,'' he points to the group behind him. ''You have already met Cypress, my aide'', the green-haired man nods his way, his eyes are on the man next to Nikias with a puzzled expression though, as if Fleuri isn't something he should be seeing. But such a thing isn't addressed by those around them, and the half-elf in question is used to gazes like those. ''And the others are part of my elite order of knights, the Spectres'', he brings Nikias closer to the group, ''My closest friend, Anwar is on the Osas Kingdom dealing with the aftermath, and Hayun, Jiwon's eldest sister, is on the Wada Kingdom'', he directs those informations to the knight as well, Jiwon nods, staying still next to Dacre, as if he's scared the pink-haired man will say something he shouldn't. ''But here are Seoah and Noor, they're excellent knights''.
The woman is similar in appearance to Jiwon, clear she's also his sister, a message written in mana appears in front of her, Nice to finally meet you, your highness, the King spoke highly of you, her words are kind, Nikias observes a scar in her throat, figuring it out that she probably doesn't speak. Contrary to her kind demeanor, the man next to her is more crude, his eyepath and strong appearance yell pirate, he extends his hand for Nikias to take, speaking in a mild voice. ''Nice to meet ya, Prince''.
Lyor doesn't say anything at his knight's behavior, already used to them. He turns to the other two yet to be introduced. ''This is Keres, she's my butler and also a Priestess for the Temple of Darkness'', the woman bows, her deep purple eyes and slitted pupil show her dragon blood clearly. So they have dragon halflings here, he thinks, which is obvious since the goddess of Darkness is their creator, yet such information wasn't in any of the books he read on the Morke Kingdom.
''It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness, I hope we get along well'', her words are kind, but her eyes show a hint of hostility, she seems wary of the Prince, yet doesn't wish to cross the King in his decision.
''And this is Leora De Luce, she's overseeing the Castle's staff currently'', his words are cautious, not because of the Prince, but because of the woman in question. Leora is a great ally, and she's also enthusiastic in aiding the King in his management of the Castle, yet his acceptance of her aid seems to have misleaded the girl into believing he was infatuated with her and giving her the tasks reserved for his future Queen. Yet she was quite far into her own fantasies. Due to Lyor's kind nature he was never able to argue with the woman about her misbeliefs, and since he never had the thought of marrying in the future he didn't bother. After he got engaged things changed, he doesn't wish to undermine Nikias position by boasting about her boasting about being childhood sweethearts with the King, which is a lie, of course. Therefore he had a conversation with her, shutting down any opening he could've had opened in the years they spent together.
But just as Keres warned him, Leora can be quite hardheaded in this subject in specific. Her own delusions were way too deep to even understand the King was being sincere when he said Nikias was his future spouse and he isn't going to love anyone else.
''A pleasure to meet you, Prince, happy to meet our sanctified King's recent infatuation''. Her voice is high-pitched and her dark eyes are carried with disdain, however she definitely never had a chance in even attempting to fight the Prince for the King's love.
Keres is the first to look at Leora with annoyance, sure, she's also not happy with the King's choice to marry, but she's never going to act in such a way, especially not in front of the fiance in question. The second to act is Dacre, who clearly wants to start a fight with the woman, but is held back by Jiwon, who was already feeling the boy's alteration. At last, Nikias laughs, Lyor's touch on his neck tickles as he moves, uncomfortable by his own subordinate's words.
''Your subordinates sure are a spectrum of personalities'', he comments, Lyor looks at him, waiting to see what the man will say before acting. ''It's truly a pleasure to meet all of Lyor's friends and subordinates, he has told me a lot about you all'', his words are sincere, but his eyes still shine with a hint of danger for those thinking that the Prince is just a sheltered privileged kid. ''After we marry, you'll be my subordinates as well, so I do hope we all get along and know our places well enough.'' His words are clear to all, he's not some temporary lover of the King, they'll marry and he'll be the lord of the Kingdom just as Lyor, he'll be their boss just like the King is, with as much authority as him, so crossing him is equal as crossing the King himself.
Lyor smiles, placing a kiss on Nikias head, warmth spreading through his body with the gesture of affection. ''I make Nikias words, mine'', he says, ''I won't tolerate any disrespect at him'', he looks at Leora, anger clear in his heterochromatic eyes, the woman flinches. ''He's the one I love, and I don't think the Kingdom could ever have a better future Queen and I don't think I could ever find a better future husband''.
❥
After the long introduction, Nikias was guided across the Morke Kingdom's main city, Lau, the first city to be blessed by the goddess of darkness and birth of the Kingdom. Lyor guided him, showing the shops and even giving him tips about those who live there, quoting some by name. Through their tour, Nikias could tell that Lyor is not only revered for being a saint, he's also a kind and generous King, stopping to talk with everyone that he came across, and even introducing Nikias as his fiance along the way.
The Prince met a variety of expressions as the King introduced him to his people, some were kind, bowing and being polite, others acted surprised and didn't react well, none disrespected the King's decision, though. Just how much do they trust him? He asked himself through it all.
Finally, after the tour, Nikias was introduced to the Temples in Lau. The Temple of Darkness and the Temple of Light were located next to each other, one had lights through it all, with drawings painting its walls, while the other was painted in black and had sculptures of dragons and the goddess in its center.
At the Temple of Darkness, Nikias felt nauseated, as if he wasn't supposed to be there, almost as if the place itself was rejecting him. In contrast, Lyor seemed to be at ease, in his forehead the ten points star, symbol of the goddess of darkness, was shining on his forehead. "This is where I was partially raised since I was a kid", Lyor said with a conflicted tone when they visited the Temple. There he also introduced Nikias to one of the Priests that raised him, Cessair Draeger, a 60 year-old man that didn't look a day past 30, his slit pupils revealing that such a thing was achieved by his dragon blood. The older man didn't hide his distaste for Nikias, in fact, to make it more obvious only if the man made a sign to hang on his neck saying he disapproves of Lyor's marriage.
He refused to shake hands with Nikias, pretended the Prince didn't exist and even referred to him as King Lyor's affair. At first Nikias was thinking about how to make the Priests side with him, after all they're the men that raised his future husband, he must be respectful and mindful of their positions in Lyor's life. Yet, as short tempered as someone that pointed a sword at a knight that annoyed him is, Nikias managed to make the Priest hate him even more.
"Your majesty, sure you jest to make an affair go through such sacred rites as the bridal rites", the words of the priest were dripping with sarcasm. Lyor, who was starting to realize most people don't see Nikias with the same rose colored glasses as he does, clenches his fist, wondering if he should punch the man that raised him in the face or not. But Nikias beat him to it.
"I heard Priests are the reflection of the god they serve", the Prince stated, crossing his arms and gazing around the Temple with a dissatisfied expression. "By the state of this place I can already tell what kind of god you serve, and by your personality I can be glad that Lyor didn't live his whole life at the Temple, or he would have become like you". He snorts, taking a step closer to the Priest. "How can someone turn out amazing like he did with such rotten influences?" His words made the Priest turn red from head to toe.
His life at the Morke Kingdom probably won't be smooth as well.
Maybe at the Temple of Light things would be different, or at least that's what the couple thought. However things were worse, while at the Temple of Darkness they still extended the courtesy of allowing Nikias to enter, at the Temple of Light, his presence wasn't even allowed. Priest Saurav De Luce stared at him from afar while he spoke with Lyor, his pale yellow eyes and rugged appearance made him look older than just 55, contrary to the other Priest.
Apparently the Priest's reason for not allowing Nikias in was to not taint the Temple. The Prince could see the King's expression slowly changing while he talked with the Priest of the Temple of Light, even if he couldn't hear anything, he could tell by Lyor's eyes alone, that whatever the Priest was saying, it didn't make any sense.
"...I'll marry him regardless!" Lyor raises his voice for the first time since Nikias met him, his usual calm demeanor slowly crumbling, his shining eyes bringing shivers to everyone present there, including the Prince. "If you want him to follow our customs you must be more accommodating," he continued to yell, his lips pressed in a fine line and his eyes slightly twitching. Lyor sighs before speaking again, this time his tone slightly more controlled, "Nikias will become my husband and Queen, it's up to you to accept him for the Bridal rites, whatever you choose, it won't influence my own choice".
For a moment Nikias felt bad, those were the people that raised the orphaned Lyor, they gave him a home, even if it wasn't the best. He really wanted to have a good relationship with them, he didn't wish to marry the man by force. However when he isn't even given a chance to try, how can he show them he'll be a good partner to Lyor?
Even if there is no real love in their relationship, Nikias enjoys talking with Lyor, he is undoubtedly attracted to the man as well, isn't that the basis for any real relationship? Trust and affection? Even if he is definitely bad at both, he is trying, doesn't that count for something?
After exchanging a few more heated words with Priest Saurav, Lyor came back to Nikias, who was alone waiting for him. Before visiting the Temples he dismissed his knights and aide to do their own duties, as being with Lyor was the safest he could be. If he can be trusted, he instinctively thinks, immediately shaking his head, trying not to think about betrayal when it comes to the King.
"I'm sorry Nikias," Lyor said with a sigh, "I wished your first visit to my Kingdom were kinder", his words are charged with regret, when was the last time someone sincerely wished for something good for me? He wonders, simply staring at the King, his dark hair was dry due to the long exposure to the wind, and the veins on his neck bulge every time he takes a deep breath, Nikias stares at the spot, watching Lyor's irregular breathing as he calms down. "I'll make sure next time you come it'll be a brighter experience". His words are sincere.
Nikias nods, his eyes still fixated on Lyor's neck. "Lyor", he says slowly, savoring every syllable of the man's name. "Can we speak in private?" He swallows dryly when Lyor's eyes focus on him, it's the first time in his life he's this attracted to someone, even so, he doesn't want to let his body dictate the flow of his actions.
My objective is to survive until I'm old, I'll think about living later. Nikias thinks, diverting his gaze elsewhere, unable to look Lyor in the eyes without feeling as if his whole body is burning.
As Vahe, he had experience.
He kissed a few boys and even played one thing and another while fooling around, it never ended well, though. He was always too emotionally distant and his words were harsh, never able to say his true feelings, never able to open enough to actually feel something towards those boys.
It was all just fun, just discovering himself at the expense of others feelings.
If someone asked him, do you regret never giving a chance to those relationships, Vahe's answer would always be no. There's no point in regretting, being unable to love and be loved is nothing to be ashamed of, he was always fine alone and he would continue to be so.
His opinion of himself changed during the last three months though, not drastically, just enough.
He wants to be open with Lyor, not because he loves him, but because Lyor is going to sign the ultimate contract with him. A marriage with no prospect of divorce, a deal where both leave satisfied.
Opening himself to Lyor can't make him run away because they'll be bound by the gods.
There are people that don't like saying they belong to someone or that someone belongs to them. However Nikias doesn't mind, he doesn't mind that he'll belong to Lyor, because that way he'll be protected by the strongest person on this Earth, and he also doesn't mind Lyor belonging to him, that way, his protection will always be the man's priority.
It might not be love, but slowly Nikias is learning the fundamentals of trust.
So now he's accompanying Lyor through the Castle corridors towards the only drawing room in the small construction. Compared to the long white hallways of the Palace of the Exos Empire, the Morke Kingdom's Castle is small, too small, the walls, floor and even window frames are all grey and made of old materials, the place makes Nikias recall old Castles of the Earth he lived in as Vahe, he never saw one in person because most got destroyed after many wars took place, but he's seen the pictures in old history books. So he can still compare both.
"Are you planning an expansion in the future?" He asks after a few minutes of walking in silence, Lyor's hand holding tightly to his, his touch is cold but it doesn't bother Nikias.
"Yes…" Lyor says, frowning and then sighing. "I'm not good at this, though." He gazes at Nikias. "Good thing I don't need to think about this alone anymore", he says with a smile.
Nikias laughs softly, "It seems your majesty put all your points into swordmastery".
Lyor smiles in return, shrugging. "Isn't that why we're together?" His question is light and devoid of second intent, however Nikias expression sours, he frowns slightly before taking a deep breath.
"I had other options, you know", he says softly, trying not to say the wrong thing. Lyor stops in front of the drawing room's door, turning to Nikias with an unexpressive gaze.
"What do you mean?"
"When I was contemplating what I needed to… survive", carefully Nikias explains to Lyor that he was looking for a marriage partner and considered other options, even naming a few, watching the unexpressive face of the King suddenly become disappointed. "None of that matters, though… I just wanted you to know that I didn't choose you just because of your skill with the sword."
"I know," Lyor says, turning to open the door. "It's also because I'm a saint, isn't it?" His tone is low and he sounds sad. I shouldn't have said that, Nikias thinks, trying to figure out how to explain to Lyor what is going through his mind. I never had to convey feelings before… I don't know how to say it. Nikias thinks, conflicted.
"When I saw the people… that I was considering" he starts speaking again once they're inside the room. "I felt something… wrong, at the back of my mind. But with you it feels right… that was what I was trying to say", Nikias sighs. "I choose you because you're strong, at the end of the day my safety is my priority, but don't think that is the only reason, and I don't think being a saint is the only reason why you're strong, Lyor", he says in one breath, trying to properly say it all.
Lyor stares at Nikias face for a moment, wondering if the Prince knows just how his expression changes once it's just the two of them. Before he was tense, his face was always devoid of emotion with the exception of a few smiles and light laughs or sour expressions to show his anger, almost as if it all was calculated, every soft smile, every frown, thought beforehand. Yet once he's alone with Lyor, just like that night at the balcony and in his letters, the mask he carefully crafted through his years in the streets, comes crumbling down.
And he becomes what he always was, a scared kid that barely became an adult and needs to think about the possibility of dying if he makes one single wrong choice.
As if a single wrong step he takes it'll take him down, plunging him straight to hell all over again.
"I know all that, Nikias, I can see in your eyes", Lyor says, staring deep into Nikias golden irises. "You're sincere with me, that's why I'm sincere with you.", he bends forward, to bring himself closer to the Prince. "We made a promise Nikias, I told you, I will trust you until our souls cease to exist".
Nikias blinks slowly, surprised by the man's words and his serious tone. "That sounds… extreme", he whispers, confused, will Lyor say the same when he finds out he's been lying? That he's not Nikias, that this body isn't his and that this life he's living was set for someone else? Will he promise something like this in their souls when his soul is different from what he's currently seeing?
Of course, after that day he disguised himself to go to the black market, he hasn't thought about his body being that different from his original one anymore. All he needed to do to feel like himself again was to change his eye and hair color.
Yet, he can't help but wonder if Lyor would say the same if the original Nikias was the one standing in front of him.
Such thought makes Nikias stomach churn.
"I don't think so", Lyor says with a smile, his smile is gorgeous, the Prince thinks, mesmerized how even Lyor's smile seems straight out of a marble sculpture.
Lyor's gaze goes from Nikias eyes to his lips, the King can notice the restlessness in the Prince's mind, he can see that the man is worried about something, yet he can't help him if he doesn't know what he's worried about. At first he was slightly hurt by the thought that Nikias could have chosen someone else to be by his side, in the end, of course, he was chosen. So that's all that matters. He can't help but smile again, looking at Nikias worried eyes that just a few moments ago were expressionless, the way his lower lip slightly twitches while he tries to desperately think about what to say, Lyor's mind can't help but go back to their kiss that night at the ball, he knew what it was going to happen, yet he still felt as if he was caught by surprise.
"Lyor, are you open to a mana pact?" Nikias suddenly says, by his careful tone he seems to have thought about that for a while. Lyor stands back, walking to the sofa to sit down. While Nikias is wondering if the man is angry, Lyor is simply thinking.
Mana pacts aren't rare, a lot of people do them, especially between a knight and their master or between lovers. Yet when you're talking about a mana pact with a Saint, that's a whole other subject. When the mana of a Saint enters someone during a mana pact, to brand that person's soul, the pact they made also is shared by their god. So if Nikias pledges to something like be loyal to Lyor, he'll also need to be loyal to the god of Light and the goddess of Darkness, since Lyor is their saint.
I don't want that, he thinks, not noticing how the man standing next to the door is growing increasingly anxious. But if he's worried, it could help ease his mind.
"Forget it… we can leave this conversation for after the engagement party" Nikias says, sitting across Lyor, who just stares at him for a while before speaking.
"I was just thinking," Lyor says at last. "There's a lot to consider for a mana pact with a Saint, Nikias", he sighs, leaning his head back onto the sofa. "I just don't want to share you with them, my mana isn't purely mine because of them".
Nikias stops for a moment, his finger tapping fast on the sofa's soft cushion. He never read anything about mana pact being shared with gods when their saint is involved. Such information never popped up in the novel or the books he read at the Palace. I can't assume I know everything, huh? He thinks to himself. "I understand", he says, slightly frustrated. "Don't worry, I just thought it would help ease my restlessness", he's honest, not that is necessary since Lyor noticed his true reasons. "I have a hard time trusting others".
"May I inquire why?" Lyor asks, trying to slowly get to know the deep roots inside Nikias heart, but he is shut down before even starting.
"I'm sorry, not yet", and maybe never, he completes inside his mind, he isn't ready to tell Lyor everything about him, especially the traumas he guarded even himself away from.
Lyor nods, seeing the glimpse of fear deep in Nikias eyes. Although they're not far in age, four years is still enough for him to understand somethings that the young Prince doesn't, to be the maturer one in the relationship comes with certain burdens. And being comprehensive when your partner has unresolved trauma is one of them.
However he can't completely control his mind from wondering what could a Prince, sheltered his whole life, have suffered. Are his parents hiding something behind their kind masks? Lyor can't help but ask himself, he's not entirely wrong, but neither is he correct in his assumption.
"Let's change the subject", Lyor says with a soft smile, "About your brother's engagement, I'll be able to attend, so you can send the plans for your outfit to Cypress later".
Nikias nods. "Thank you, I know it's hard to find time as you're busy", his statement makes Lyor laugh.
"Stop speaking as if I'm doing you a favor, it's my duty as your fiance, it's the bare minimum", his words make Nikias blush slightly, the soft tone of pink taking over his cheeks and ears. "About our engagement, I was thinking about making it on the next Dark Solstice, in eight months".
"It's too early, Alkaios is getting married in eleven months, therefore our engagement should be in exactly twelve months, if possible", Nikias shakes his head, if he makes his engagement party before Alkaios gets married, it might seem as if he's trying to outshine his brother, waiting for even his honeymoon to be over is the best idea, although it is still close it's not before.
Especially considering what will happen at their engagement party next week.
"I understand, but the marriage needs to be in one of the solstices", Lyor says.
"Why so?"
"Because those two days are the only that both light and darkness coexist here in the Morke Kingdom, and I would like us to be able to experience the last light and first darkness of the year". His words are sweet, but there's another meaning behind his words, he wants to show his biggest act of defiance to both of his gods. He wants to get married when they're both watching.
"Once we start the wedding preparations I'll keep that in mind." Nikias nods, "If it's important to you then of course we'll make it happen".
"Do you have anything you wish for at your wedding?" Lyor asks Nikias, making him contemplate for a few moments.
"I never thought about it, but perhaps I would enjoy it if there was a feast… For everyone, with different types of food". Nikias blushes again, his words sounding stupid to him.
"That's surprising", Lyor comments sincerely.
"Why so?"
"Because you seem to be kinder than that you want to seem", his words make Nikias snort.
"I'm not kind".
"I beg to differ".
Nikias stares at Lyor, seeing the resolve in the man's eyes. "I just thought that I didn't want anyone to starve at my wedding".
"Why?"
Lyor's questions aren't annoying, but still make Nikias uncomfortable, because they're forcing the man to reflect upon his own words and actions. "Because starving hurts?" He answers, unsure what his real reason is.
"Did you ever starve?" Lyor's question is followed by a frown, he doesn't want to scare Nikias off by questioning deeper, as he knows that the man will close off immediately if he does, yet it doesn't make sense. How can a Prince starve? Especially coming from a prosperous Empire.
Nikias answers immediately, without thinking properly, instantly regretting his words. "Of course I did, I'm not like those privileged rich kids!" His words sound even more aggressive the more he thinks about it. The answer he has at the tip of his tongue, every time someone questioned him as Vahe, just because of his pretty face, if he even knew what struggling is, as if he could snap his fingers and have a sponsor in exchange of just a few sexual favors. His pride is always his biggest flaw and his biggest quality at the same time.
Lyor wants to ask, of course he does, but Nikias eyes are clear, he's not ready. To lighten the atmosphere after his attempt at digging deeper into his future husband, Lyor smiles, trying to ask a lighter question. "Do you want kids?"
Nikias experiences a few emotions with the question, disbelief, surprise, confusion and amusement. With a smirk on his lips he leans onto his hand, staring at Lyor with sparkling eyes, his heart pounding. "Shouldn't your question be how many?" He's joking, of course, yet Lyor doesn't seem to see it like that.
"How many?"
The Prince laughs, surprised at his own capacity of moving on so quickly, the atmosphere slowly lightening up. "Let's save the kids for…" he thinks for a second before continuing, "Six years".
"I want five", Lyor says, Nikias laughs again, tears leaving his eyes due to joy.
"That's too many, I don't even like children that much, two is enough", he is honest, he is taking this lightly, unsure if he'll truly want kids in the future, staring at his future husband as he is lost in thought. If they are half of him, I would be glad, yet they'll be half of me…
"Noted, so in six years, two children", Lyor says with a smile.
"Should we sign on it?" Nikias asks, amused.
"No", Lyor whispers, getting up from his seat and coming close to Nikias, sitting next to him. ''We can seal it with a kiss'', he says, his heterochromatic eyes fixated on Nikias, the air between them becoming short, their breath unstable. Their kisses are supposed to be in public, to make others see them as a couple, not for themselves. However none of them seem to be able to forget about their first one, their minds occasionally going back to that moment. ''Can we?'' Lyor asks, his voice tickles Nikias ear as he whispers into it, the Prince doesn't know how to answer, of course he wants the kiss, not only was the King a good kisser, he was also attractive and exactly Nikias type. But he can't bring himself to say so, as if it will break some sort of unsaid rule about himself if he does so.
Instead all the Prince does is turn his head slightly so that both of their lips linger closely for a moment, their breaths brushing against each other, their eyes lingering in each other's, their hearts pounding inside their chests, rhythmically. Slowly Nikias closes his eyes, his silver eyelashes fluttering ever so slightly, making Lyor smile at the Prince's subtle way of saying yes.
So the King brushes their lips together, the soft touch of their lips making them shiver, the faint smell of sweat and peaches linger through Nikias' nose as he breathes in when their kiss intensifies, Lyor's tongue tasting sweet and tart, just like the peaches they ate together with the knights when he arrived, keeping the promise he made through letters, the mere thought of how the King has kept every promise he made until now makes Nikias shiver, he feels his stomach tingling as a soft tone of pink takes over his cheeks, ears and neck. He doesn't know for how long they stay there, kissing, the soft touch of Lyor's fingers on his waist, how the tip of his tongue curls ever so slightly when they kiss and how both of their hearts beat just slightly out of rhythm to each other's.
This is one of the moments he wished he could frame in time, so that whenever he feels like the world is crumbling around him he can go back to this, a moment where his brain is completely empty and he's just enjoying the taste of peaches on Lyor's tongue.
❥
Lowe enters Nikias room when the orange rays of the sunset start to appear in the horizon, he was supposed to go there earlier that day, at first he was dragged by Hannah to do a few training over dress codes and etiquette, especially with the engagement of the Crown Prince so close. However later on he found himself trapped inside the same spider's web he was before, he thought he had put Rainier away, that with his last words breaking things off three weeks ago, he had put an end to their illegal meetings, yet although the redhead knight had respected his wishes to pretend to forget about everything they did together, Lowe still found himself using his alone time to think about him.
Of course nothing romantic or affectionate, it was all more lustful, as if he opened part of the Pandora box of his feelings and only lust got out.
Captain Rainier Bauldry was always a man Lowe saw as righteous, uptight and overly expressive over his secret love to the Crown Princess, yet he noticed today just how little he ever saw of the man's emotions. To see a big man like him, crouched at a corner of the Palace, crying his eyes out over a broken heart, is certainly something he never thought would make him want to kiss the man.
And when in the heart of the moment the man spouted such nonsense as loving him instead, he thought okay. Maybe all the conversations he had with his brother over his stupid idealization of true love and the sacred marriage made his mind go crazy out of thoughts and feelings that aren't his. Or maybe being in constant awareness of how his past affected his emotions is slowly making him more aware of his own desires.
Either way, he has no one to blame for accepting the proposition of the Silver Crows Captain, and now instead of worrying if he'll be killed for having emotions like he did as a child, he must worry about the reaction of his master when he finds out he's not only dating a noble as a commoner, but the noble himself is the Crown Prince's best friend and is in love with the Crown Princess.
It sounds like the beginning of a joke, Lowe thinks as he organizes the papers on Nikias desk, there isn't much to do as Nikias tends to be quite neat with his documents and rarely ever mixes them, yet Lowe checks either way.
But that's the thing about those who are constantly on edge, the first time they let loose, they're bound to make crass mistakes.
The last time Nikias worked on those documents was when he received the letter from Lyor, the sweet words from the King distracting his usual overalert personality, making him do a single mistake.
He left the notes he made over 'Odd Eyes' at the desk instead of inside of his locked drawer.
At first he never considered writing key points of the novel down, too much of a risk and he memorized all the four books either way, however as the weeks started to pass he noticed his memory was starting to become less clear, it was clear that not reading the novel every week as his only hobby was making him forget certain aspects of the story. And forgetting certain things could lead to his death, and he couldn't have that, so he started writing down.
He thought about writing in his original language, however as he stops practicing he might even forget that as well, not knowing how far his brain might get messed up the longer he becomes Nikias, he decided to just keep it safe instead of writing it in a different language.
So now when Lowe finds one of the pages he so exhaustively wrote, his mistake costs him a lot.
Rainier Bauldry, 21 at the start of book 1, turns 23 in book 2 before dying at the end. Killed the fairy in the 2nd timeline, never got married, loves Evangelia, saves Alkaios two times, the second one dies in his place, his death is the only thing Evangelia never changed, hates Nikias and killed him in the 2nd timeline, never becomes Duke because his father disowns him after the raid in the mana stone black market, he is used by Evangelia because of a mistake she made, basically a doormat. Doesn't pose an immediate threat, seems to have some sort of relationship with Lowe, which deviates from the original novel, how far have my presence changed things?
The scribbles are short and are a jumble of thoughts Nikias put together, it was just a rough draft he was going to pass to his notebook later. But the contents are enough to genuinely shock Lowe, at first the servant was suspecting that Nikias knew the future, that time at the training grounds only solidified his suspicions, probably due to his golden mana, as he is expected to be special. However what truly shocks the servant are the information written there.
Reading that Rainier will die in two years makes his heart hurt a little, he's not exactly sure why, probably because he has just accepted the man as a lover instead of just an output for his desires. Or maybe because the man said he'll love him, and he wants to know what's that like as he was ever only loved by his brother, platonically.
Knowing he'll suffer those things, that he'll be disowned, that he'll die.
Doing something might mean betray Nikias, which he can't due to the mana pact, nor would he want to do so. And doing nothing will result in all that is written there, to happen.
It's like being trapped in a maze with no exit in sight.
I don't want him to die, at the end this is what crosses Lowe's mind, although they talked about their relationship lasting only two years, it can't end because he died.
As someone whose blood is poison, Lowe never cared much about death, yet when Prince Nikias died, he felt regret, he felt that life will be gone for him someday as well, and that all he ever did was run away from those that only ever did harm to him and his brother.
He enjoys serving Nikias, he loves working alongside his brother, and knowing the Tower Master that ruined them is dead also brings joy to his days, at first he thought that this is enough, he'll follow Nikias to the Morke Kingdom, live with his brother and have calm life without the need of running away anymore.
But Raphael wants a family, he wants to fall in love, get married, have kids.
He doesn't want to live with Lowe for the rest of his days.
So what will be left for Lowe to do?
Be alone?
Although he's extremely out of touch with his own emotions, he is human.
Being alone, hurts.
Let's be each other's solace, Rainier's words ring inside his head as he feels conflicted holding that paper, a pained sigh leaving his lips.
For the first time in years, his rationale is fighting with his emotions.
Emotions he doesn't even know he has.
I should talk with Raphael, he decides in the end, he never intended in hiding he started dating Lord Rainier either way, nor he wishes to keep his discoveries a secret. And as the mark on his wrist doesn't hurt, it seems the mana pact agrees with him and that his actions until now aren't a betrayal to the Prince.
Yet.