《Terra: Dawn of War》


 I - The Rebellion Ends

    The sky was amassed with dark clouds. Sounds of roaring thunder filled the air and lightning was dancing on the horizon. Such heavy rain was accompanied by heavy wind and thick fog and mist.


    The rain was falling heavily upon a small city. The city was protected by thirty feet long and strong granite walls surrounding the city with fifteen feet tall gates at the north side of the city. The gates were made with fortified timber and its width could fit ten men standing side by side.


    The city was lit with torches along its walls, with other lights coming from inside the white stone houses of the city. The streets of the city were dirty and unkempt. In the middle of the city was a small tower-like castle made of black granite with a round golden roof at the top of it. The Castle rested atop a mound.


    Along the streets of the city were soldiers armed with silver metal armor along with round silver helms decorated with long yellow and red feathers, standing ready holding eight feet long pikes with steel tips. They also were equipped with long curved single edged swords with long hilts so it could also be wielded with two hands for fighting close-quarter combat. Along the walls were men armed with bows and armor like the men on the streets, but their faces were covered with golden masks. There two thousand men on the streets, and another three hundred on the walls at the side of the gates of the city. The soldiers were standing still like statues.


    However, it was visible that they were weary and tired. Most of the soldiers'' armor were battered. Their eyes had very heavy bags, evidence of countless sleepless nights. It was also visible from their thin, almost skeletal appearance that they have spent weeks without food or water. From the expression on their faces, it could be said that they didn''t even know if they could stand any longer especially when their bodies were being beaten constantly by the heavy rain.


    The Streets of the city were filled with skeletal-like corpses of children, dogs, men, and women who had died of starvation which had been put to the sides.


    The wooden gates of the castle in the middle of the city were then opened from the inside by two soldiers. Out from the gates came a middle-aged man in silver armor with red and yellow sashes crossing over each other on top of the silver armor. The armor also had a red and yellow cape on the back of it.


    The man had a rough exterior. Like the soldiers and people in the city, the man was extremely thin and his skin was filled with scars blisters of disease. He came out of the castle while reading a horse that looked so thin, people could wonder how it even got the strength to carry the man.


    As the man rode his horse to the main city gates, the soldiers who were lining up in the middle of the streets parted two ways to make way for the man. When the man finally reached the main gates, his horse finally gave into the starvation and dropped dead on the site. As the horse dropped sideways, the man on it fell down with the horse. The initial fall hurt the man badly, however, he forced himself to stand. He knew this would be the end of his life, but he would rather die fighting then surrender to the forces that were besieging the city.


    From the walls of the city on the side of the gates, a wide open field could be seen. On the field was a giant army. About ten thousand soldiers could be seen. The armor of the soldiers outside of the city were the same as those inside the city. The army outside of the city had men carrying banners unlike those inside.


    The banners were red and yellow in color. In the middle of the banner was a picture of a shield and a winged tower with a cross on top of it. Most of the army''s infantry were armed with round metal medium sized shields with the same symbol of a winged tower that the banners had and the swords the soldiers inside of the city had. The round shield was strapped on their left arm while both of their hands were used to hold their one sword. Eighteen-thousand of the army were infantry while the rest were cavalry.


    The horsemen were armed with silver armor, red and yellow capes, and round silver helmets with yellow and red feathers and golden masks. The horsemen had metal shields strapped on their left arm and they were equipped with long swords.


    All the soldiers were battered by the rain, but unlike the men inside the city, they looked much stronger, healthier, and disciplined.


    At the helm of this army were two men on horseback. They wore silver armor and round silver helms with golden masks that were opened. They also wore long red and yellow capes behind them. The two men looked young. Their skin was fair like what the people inside of the city looked like. They also looked similar to each other. One of the men had light brown hair that extended to his neck. His face was young like that of a boy in his late teens. His face was clean-shaven; his eyes brown in color. His lips were also a bit curved. Judging from his armor, the man was also quite slim, yet also has a light muscular build and he was quite tall as well.


    The other man looked a bit younger than him though still having similarities. However the younger man''s hair was short, not as long as the other one. His body was fairly slim, but also had signs of a light muscular build. Unlike the other man, his eyes were a bit more round.


    The older man was holding a two-foot long bronze telescope, looking at the city. He had a smirk on his wet face at what he saw.


    "We finally cornered these damned rebels." The older of the two said as he lowered the telescope, shortened it and put it in his belt next to his sheathed sword "I expect us to take this city without a fuss. Those soldiers in there can''t stand up to a child with a wooden sword let alone a disciplined army of twenty thousand heavily armed soldiers. We''ll be back in Rumasil in no time."


    "Well, I hope you''re right, Valamar." The younger man said "It''s already been four months since we marched from Rumasil to this wet shithole. We''ve already lost two hundred men on the way here, including our artillery pieces... Damn...( Valamar looked at him with a confused look ) Oh, don''t mind my attitude, brother. This rain is really getting to me."


    The younger man then looked towards the older man, Valamar, and said, "I just want to end this petty rebellion quickly. We''ve already been besieging this city for three months. I can''t wait any longer to come back to my wife after four months in this campaign."


    "I can already picture you running into her arms, Vald. You lucky bastard." Valamar said to his younger brother Vald


    "Our marriage turned out really well."


    "Ignoring the fact that it was arranged between two teens to secure the bond between two great nations, but who cares anyway?" Valamar said with a slight giggle and a laid back expression.


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    Vald just glared at his older brother whose laughing face was covered with water from the rain with a serious face.


    "Well then..." Valamar started to break the cold atmosphere, then he pulled down his helmet''s golden mask and tightened it on his face then pulled out his sword from its sheath and raised it towards the city "No time to waste if we want to get back home quickly. Sound the horn. We march!"


    Vald then took out a horn from his belt then blew on it. As soon as he blew his horn, a loud noise came from it that could be heard from even inside the city. As the soldiers heard the horn blow, in unison, the twenty thousand men began to march closer to the city. Some of the soldiers were blowing horns and beating drums as well as chanting as they marched.


    The soldiers chanted, "Zul Vala dohot paranganna! Zul parangan ibana! Zul paranganna Ruma ma! Mate! Mate! Mate ma musu Rajanami! Mate ma musu harajaonmu! Zul Vala!"


    Valamar understood the chant. The soldiers were saying, ''Hail Vala and his soldiers! Hail Vala and his soldiers! Hail the army of Ruma! Death! Death! Death to the enemies of our king! Death to the enemies of our kingdom! Hail Vala!''


    As the soldiers that were carrying siege ladders and the soldiers carrying a battering ram were ready to scale the walls and batter down the gates, a large white flag was raised from the city that could be seen by Valamar and Vald. The men on the walls were carrying a dead body. They then tied a rope around its neck and proceeded to throw it out of the city, leaving it hanging on the walls. The body was of the man who was in control of the city. The man''s throat was slit open, dripping out blood which was mixed with water from the rain."


    "And thus ends the Rebellion of Aerthil." Vald said while motioning a cross from his forehead to his chest "May he rest in peace."


    "What are we waiting for then?" Valamar said to his men as he pulled his mask back up "We take the city!"


    The army then marched inside the city of Aerthil, a city that had rebelled half a year ago under Yan Lasarus Silor, Duke of Aerthil. The rebellion was caused by disputes between Lasarus and his better, King Valasaire XIX Valamen of Rumasil, Valamar and Vald''s father. Lasarus had openly rebelled against Valasaire a year ago due to blaming King Valasaire for the death of his only son, Rikar Silor, two years ago.


    Rikaran was a great soldier in the Rumasilian army, having entered the army when he was seventeen, and quickly rose through the ranks to become a general within eight years, having won many battles for the Rumasilian Crown in the war against the Kingdom of Provaria over control of Destairos, a continent located on the southernmost part of Terra which was fiercely fought over by the Valamen of Rumasil and Provaria for over three centuries.


    During the war, King Valasaire had kept Rikar in Destairos for four years. This angered Lasarus who demanded his son be allowed to return to Aerthil, his homeland. King Valasaire declined the request to return Rikar because of the lack of able generals in the south. Finally, when Rikar was on trail to take an important Provarian port in Destairos through thick forest trails, he was killed in a Provarian ambush. That day, Rumasil mourned the death of a great hero.


    Upon hearing the death of his only son, Lasarus grew a hatred towards King Valasaire inside of him. Finally, this hatred sparked into open rebellion a year ago. The duchy of Aerthil raised it''s banners against the Kingdom of Rumasil. King Valasaire had sent his two sons, Prince Valamar and Prince Vald to retake Aerthil.


    Now Aerthil had turned against Lasarus and killed him. Valamar and Vald entered Aerthil along with the rest of their army. As they entered Aerthil, the sky began to clear of clouds. The heavy wet rain stopped, and the clouds faded to show an even darker night sky. Valamar and Vald then rode to the middle of the city where there was an open space. Valamar then called for the people of the city and the soldiers to gather in the middle of the city.


    Vald had a look of sympathy at the people of the city who looked more like walking corpses than actual people. As the people and soldiers all gathered in the middle of the city, Valamar opened his helm which was then thrown to Vald who caught it and held it for him. Valamar then began to talk to the people.


    With a loud voice, Valamar said,


    "My brothers! My people! Long have you suffered inside these walls! Witnessing the deaths of your loved ones! For that, I apologize. But it was necessary to root out the rebel. Because of that, I, Valamar Theodoros si Valamen, humbly offer you people compensation for turning against the rebel and returning to your nation."


    As soon as Valamar said that, soldiers came in carrying crates and wagons filled with food and water. As the people saw that, they immediately ran towards the food and ate. Weeks of starvation had caused them to go mad for food. After that, Valamar climbed back on his horse and rode to the city castle along with Vald.


    As they reached the castle, they were greeted by soldiers kneeling. They gave the motion to return the city soldiers to their tasks. Valamar told the soldiers to get some food as they looked starved. They then climbed off their horses and entered the small castle.


    Valamar immediately took off his armor and gave it to some servants to be cleaned. Valamar wore modest clothes which could be considered unfitting for a prince. Although, Valamar''s tendency of wearing modest clothing was a trait in the noble Valamen family as when Vald took of his armour, he was wearing the same type of clothing as Valamar, although when it comes to formal events, Valamar and Vald would wear more noble clothing.


    "God, my back is killing me." Valamar said as he stretched his body forward "I envy you, Vald. You have a wife that can give you a good relaxing massage after long lengths of war."


    "Actually, It''s mostly the other way around." He replied


    "Nevertheless, I still think that would feel good. Angelina''s skin is so soft. I noticed it when I shook her hand. And her figure is quite nice too."


    "Valamar, I would like to remind you that Angelina is my wife. Get your own."


    "I would if I didn''t have to go on campaigns every single damn time. All able generals are busy fighting in Tanodao enjoying their loot of Provarian women. It isn''t fair that we Valamen are obligated to marry the woman we make love to by the constitution itself. And if we don''t abide by the rules, we get exiled."


    "I''m lucky Angelina turned out to be very beautiful."


    "As if the title ''The most beautiful woman in Auros'' wasn''t a dead giveaway... besides we knew her since we were three! She is our pariban..."


    "Yes, yes. Anyways, we should send a message back to Rumasil of the crushing of the rebellion. After that, we could return home after everything''s calm."


    "You do it. I''m exhausted so I''ll be finding a nice bedroom for myself."


    "You go do that."


    Vald then gave Valamar a cold smile and then left him. Valamar then asked a servant if there was a room available for him in the small castle. The servant then answered Valamar that the royal bed chambers of the duke were empty.


    After that, Valamar entered the Duke''s chambers which was guarded by two soldiers in front of the chamber doors, both of whom looked very tired and weak. He then told them both to rest and get some food. Valamar himself was understandably very tired.


    In the chambers, Valamar took off his boots and laid down on the large soft and comfortable bed. As he laid there, Valamar''s eyes began to feel very heavy, eventually, he fell asleep.


    In his sleep, Valamar dreamt of lying on a large and open field. He saw the skies were showing the beautiful light of the moon and the stars. It was such a magnificent sight to behold. Valamar was surprised to find a beautiful young girl sitting next to him.


    "Alea..." he said softly as he saw the young girl


    The girl then turned to Valamar with a smile.


    The Girl then laid down next to Valamar and embraced him. Valamar began to cry as they embraced. Slowly, the girl faded away and Valamar found himself embracing thin air.


    "Alea!" Valamar shouted with a loud voice "Don''t leave me!"

 II - Royal Arrival pt. 1

    "Valamar!" Vald said as he shook his sleeping brother "Valamar, wake up!"


    Valamar slowly opened his eyes as he felt his brother shaking him. Valamar was surprised that his eyes felt very heavy. He could feel that his eyes were wet as well.


    "Vald..." Valamar said as he slowly began to sit up from his bed "I just had a..."


    "Dream?" Vald finished Valamar''s sentence


    "A nightmare more like it... How did you know?"


    "For starters, I heard you scream her name again. It''s been almost a year. You were fine throughout these last few months in the campaign. Why would you dream about her again?"


    "I don''t know... Maybe it was our chat about wives yesterday. You bastard."


    "You started it."


    "Now I miss her more than ever. Curse the disease that took my Alea!"


    "Valamar, I don''t need you in this sorry state. Get a hold of yourself, brother. Today is the day we return to Rumasil and the last thing I want to hear is you sobbing all the way. Now go clean up and get ready."


    Vald then left the Duke''s chambers and left Valamar to get ready. Valamar sat still for a moment. He had just dreamt of Alea, his fianc¨¦ who had died a year earlier because of disease. He remembered that ever since he was four years old, he always wanted to impress her.


    Alea was the daughter of Crown Imperial Prince Manuel Memnos of the Aurosian Empire - Valamar''s uncle - and older sister of Vald''s wife, Angelina. Valamar''s father sought to maintain the dynastic bond between Auros and Rumasil by arranging a dynastic marriage between Valamar, heir of the Rumasilian throne, and Alea, eldest and most beautiful Princess of the Aurosian Empire as was the tradition between Rumasil and Auros. When Alea died, Valamar fell into deep mourning for half a year. Because King Valasaire knew his son would not marry another and he also knew he had to fulfill his promise to his sworn brother, and so he arranged for Vald to marry Princess Angelina.


    After his time of depression, the Lasarian rebellion had begun and Valamar was sent by his father to quell the rebellion in Tanolor (Aerthil). Now, Valamar and Vald had successfully quelled the rebellion with minimal losses and had secured the loyalty of the people.


    As Valamar finished equipping his armor in the armory, he exited the city castle with smiles and giggles coming from the young servant girls in the castle. He then mounted his horse and quickly met up with Vald who was already riding outside of the city gates with most of the soldiers they came with.


    "I thought you were going to wait for me, Vald." Valamar said as he rode his horse close to Vald


    "We were waiting for you, brother." Vald answered with a slight smile on his face "Didn''t you notice we were marching slower?"


    "I could''ve sworn you were actually going faster... Anyways, we are heading to the harbor, right?"


    "Indeed. It would only take us a few weeks to return to Rumasil."


    "Thank God. I''d rather be stuck on a boat for a few weeks than marching tirelessly for months on land. And on foreign land to boot!"


    "We should be grateful the Florentinians allowed us military access through their territory to help crush this rebellion."


    "I would be more grateful if they were to offer us military support."


    "We shouldn''t push our luck, abang (Older Brother). Alright, let''s go."


    ***


    The skies on the horizon were bright and beautiful over Rumasil. The huge five thousand year-old city stood with grandeur over the weary soldiers outside. Valamar and Vald had a relieved expression on their faces as they reached their home. They were tired of spending weeks at sea and another week marching from the port to the city of Hutasere and finally arriving at Rumasil.


    Valamar looked proudly at Rumasil, one of the largest cities in all of Terra as well as one of the oldest ones continuously inhabited. The white granite walls of Rumasil were large, about a hundred feet tall, towering over all armies who have dared besiege the grand city.


    The main gates of the city were made of powerful gold plated steel with carvings of how the gate was made adorning it. On top of the gates was a large round dome-like golden roof which also adorned many other buildings in the city. The walls themselves were carved with many depictions of battles and the ascension of kings to the throne. On top of the gates'' roof was a golden statue of a tiger looking fiercely outside of the city, designed to strike fear into any army who dared besiege the city.


    As the gates opened, Valamar and his army went through the large dome-like room as tall as the walls which had another pair of gates at the other end which were just as large. The ceiling was painted with the symbol of the winged tower, the emblem of Rumasil.


    As the gate guards inside the room opened the large gates, Valamar and Vald were greeted by loud cheers from inside the great city. The large main streets of Rumasil were filled with people cheering. Women and children danced on the streets as the people in the houses next to the streets were cheering and waving flags on their balconies as well as throwing flower petals at the streets.


    As Valamar and Vald marched through the streets, taking flowers given by the people, they heard them singing,


    "Torop dope nasiat i, di hasampuran rea! I pe hamu pardosa i, sai olo ma porsea!" ( Come all ye weary souls to Him, a splendid feast awaits ye. Come all ye sinners all to Him, believe in Him and his mercy! )


    ¡°Ai Debata, manjou hamu tu hasonangan situtu. Hamu, hamu, dijou Debatamu!¡± ( The Lord your God, He calls to thee, to everlasting glory. Oh you, yes you, are called by God so heed Him )


    Valamar felt a sense of ease as he rode through the streets of his beloved home city. He rode happily with his brother until they finally reached another city wall inside, though this one was smaller in size, but was more beautiful as it was surrounded by a moat with clear water and the walls itself were adorned by statues. The golden gates were opened from the inside by some soldiers. Valamar turned around to face his large army. With a loud voice he said,


    "You have served well, Halak Almar! Sons of Rumasil! Now you have earned your reward! Rest! Return to your wives and children! Go! And make sure that each and every one of you be ready, for if you are to be called to arms again, I expect you all to fight with the fire and will you showed in our mighty victory over the rebels!"


    As Valamar finished speaking, the men marched away with discipline with only Valamar and Vald''s bodyguard unit left. They then followed Valamar and Vald inside the inner walls.


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    Inside the inner walls was a beautiful Palace. It was very large and elegant. In front of the Palace was a large serene garden with a beautiful marble fountain in the middle of it. Valamar then gave his and Vald''s bodyguard unit permission to return to the palace guard barracks. He and Vald then leaped off their horses and allowed some servants to take the steeds to the stables to be groomed and fed.


    "God, have I missed this place." Valamar said as he entered the palace along with Vald


    "I just want to see my wife right now." Vald said as he walked beside Valamar


    The entrance hall of the palace was splendid as the walls were adorned by paintings of the former Kings of Rumasil. The ceiling was adorned by marvelous chandeliers designed to light the room. At the end of the hall was an entrance to a large room with high ceilings and doors that would lead to other places in the palace. The large room also had a large staircase leading to a massive door at the upper end of it.


    When they entered the large room, they could hear footsteps running towards them. Vald saw that a young girl wearing a regal dress with long auburn hair, fair skin, and innocent round eyes as well as quite a buxom but still fairly slim figure was running towards him.


    As the girl reached a distance close enough to Vald, she leapt and embraced him with visible tears coming out of her eyes.


    "Vald! I missed you so much! You''ve been gone for so long!" the girl started as she hugged him tightly


    "I''ve missed you too, my love. Has it been that long?" Vald said as he returned the girl''s affection by hugging her and kissing her forehead


    "Five months have passed since the last time I held you close like this, Vald. Five months!"


    "I know, Angelina. I''ve missed you too. So much. Sleeping felt very lonely without you by my side. I couldn''t imagine how my mother felt when my father had to leave to lead a campaign in Tanodao. He left for three years."


    "I would die if you left me for three years, Vald."


    "I know you would. Anyways, how is our little Valea?"


    "Oh! You''ll see!"


    "Ahem..." Valamar coughed trying to break the attention that was centered on Vald and Angelina "Does our father, the great and noble King of the Almarian Kingdom of Rumasil, Valasaire XIX, know his sons have returned?"


    "Why wouldn''t I know when my two sons have returned from a long and grueling campaign?" a man said as he suddenly came out of the main doors to the throne room.


    This man looked very similar to Valamar albeit looking a bit older. He also had a very laid back look on his face as well as a handsome one although he had shorter hair than Valamar and his voice was heavier yet still had a soft and kind tone to it. He wore regal clothes with a red and yellow cape.


    "I almost forgot you know everything that goes on in this kingdom. Hello to you too, father." Valamar said to the man


    Valamar''s father, King Valasaire, was the thirty six year-old Ruler of the Kingdom of Rumasil. He inherited the throne when his father, King Valasar V, died thanks to a wound he got from a great battle against the Provarians thirteen years ago. Since then, Valasaire had grown a strong hatred towards the Provarian Kingdom.


    "When have you gotten so cynical?" Valasaire asked with a smile and raised eyebrow


    "Forgive me, father." Valamar said as he walked up the stairs to hug his father "Lack of sleep and sudden regret has really gotten to me."


    Vald then walked up to Valasaire along with his wife and gave him a hug as well.


    "Look at you two." Valasaire said while he gazed at his two sons proudly "The future of the Valamen and of Rumasil. I''m so proud of you two. Congratulations on serving your country in crushing the rebellion. Although, I feel this rebellion was my fault to begin with. If only..."


    "We all make mistakes, father." Valamar said "There''s no need to ponder on them. What''s in the past, shall remain in the past. You taught us that, father."


    "Then I have taught you two well." Valasaire said with a smile "Anyways, I have a surprise for you, Valamar."


    "Surprise?"


    "Olo. Come now, boys. Your mother and younger sister are waiting for you two."


    Valasaire quickly led Valamar and Vald inside the throne room. The room was large. Its floor was made of white marble, with banners decorating the walls. At the end of the room was a large ornate throne with a golden sculpture of a tiger on top of it, with two other thrones by its sides. The ornate throne was meant for the king. The throne on the right was meant for the queen, while the throne on the left was meant for the Crown Prince.


    However, Valamar saw a girl sitting on the throne of the Crown Prince. She had light brown hair that was to the length of her back, round eyes, and a fair complexion on her skin. She was wearing regal clothing, which was worn by almost every other person in the throne room.


    "How does my throne feel, Valerie?" Valamar said to the girl "Feels comfortable to the ass, doesn''t it?"


    "Do you always have to be so rude, abang?" The girl said with an annoyed tone


    "Is that really the way to speak to your older brother? I just came back from a war. I deserve at least a little respect, don''t I?"


    "Now, now, Valamar. Stop pestering your sister." A woman said


    The woman had long wavy auburn hair, light skin, and had a caring look on her face as she saw Valamar and Vald walking in the throne room. She walked towards Valamar and hugged him tightly.


    "I''ve missed you so much. You too, Vald. I''m so proud of my sons. A day hasn''t gone by that I haven''t worried for your safety." She said


    "We''ve missed you too, mother." Vald said to the woman, Queen Alessa.


    "Come here my little boy!" she said as she hugged Vald


    "Da-da! Da-da!" a little toddler said as she suddenly came running in the room. Running as fast as her little legs that weren''t yet used to running could take her. She ran straight to Vald with a joyful smile on her little round and cute face.


    "Valea!" Vald shouted with joyful glee in return and quickly swept the little girl off her feet and hugged her tightly "Dada missed you so much, little tigress! I hope you were good to your mother when I was gone."


    The little Valea only nodded her head with a smile.


    "That''s my daughter!" Vald added as he patted Valea''s head with a smile "I hope you still remember your uncle, Valea."


    "Of course she does." Valamar said as he walked closer to his brother and niece "Because, I am the best uncle in the world."


    Valea laughed and smiled as she gave Valamar a hug as well, leaping off her father''s arm.


    "You know, Valamar..." Angelina started as she took Valea back from Valamar''s hold "Claiming to be the best uncle in the world would surely be an affront to the Crown Imperial Prince of Auros, my older brother."


    "Matthaeos?" Valamar said with an eyebrow raised "Yeah, I''m leagues ahead of him when it comes to being an uncle, isn''t that right little one? (Valamar snuggles on Valea to which she laughs gleefully). And a bit over-protective if I do say so myself."


    "Well you''re right about the last part. I still remember him chasing you when you tried to steal a kiss from Alea... oh dear... Fo-forgive me, Valamar! Forget I said anything!"


    "Don''t worry, Angie, I know you meant nothing by it. Besides, little Valea here was named after her beautiful aunt, right? You definitely will grow to be a very beautiful girl!"


    Valamar then handed the girl back to her father.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kak (Older sister) Vera?¡± Vald asked ¡°I would expect her to be here with you guys¡­¡±


    ¡°You know your sister is busy with her training in the Boruniruma. Her promotion to captain will keep her at her post for at least a few more days.¡± Valasaire answered


    ¡°Alright so why is this little bugger not training as well, eh??¡± Valamar said as he grabbed Valerie and started nugging her head ¡°Skimping out on practice as always, eh??¡±


    ¡°Arggh!! Abang stop it!!¡± Valerie struggled a bit but giggled anyways ¡°Kak Vera gave me a week of leave as a bonus for her promotion! I¡¯ll be back in a few days, can¡¯t you just let me enjoy my break?¡±


    ¡°Alright baby sis, if you say so, hehehe¡­¡± Valamar laughed as he let his sister go "Also, I haven''t seen ompung ( grandparent ) around. Is she alright?"


    "Your grandmother is fine, Valamar." Alessa answered "You should go visit her after this. She is probably still in the gardens with your older sister, reading."


    "Of course I''ll say hello to her. Why exactly can I not do that now?"


    "Oh you have to be here for the guests!"


    "Guests?" Valamar asked, confused. "What guests?"


    "Special guests for you, my boy!" Valasaire answered cheekily, "Consider it my gift to you for your success!"

 III - Royal Arrival pt. 2

    All of a sudden, the doors to the throne room were opened by the guards.


    One of the guards blew a horn and proclaimed,


    "Hail! Their Excellences, The Grand Sovereign of the Florentinian Union of the Adventierri City-States, Antonio Lorenzo Amadeo di Castelli, and his wife, Daughter of His Lordship of the Elves of Kaena, the Grand Lady Avenne Astrea Caenia sa Primagenia, along with his highness, the Sovereign Son, Lord Enrico Domenico di Castelli and her highness, Sovereign Daughter, Lady Cassandra Lucia di Castelli!"


    The royal entourage made their way towards the throne of King Valasaire.


    As they were approaching, Valamar couldn''t help but notice the Lady Cassandra. The Grand Princess was a woman of great beauty which rivaled that of even the late Aurosian Princess Alea.


    Cassandra had long crimson red hair reaching to her waist. Her skin was fair, fit for her title of Princess. She had beautiful round almond eyes, innocent, yet had a sense of seriousness to them. The purple dress she was wearing complemented the shape of her buxom body.


    Valasaire could see his son eyeing the beautiful princess, albeit rather subtly. He then approached Valamar with an amused smile on his face as he put his arm around him.


    "Very beautiful, don''t you agree my son?" Valasaire said with a smile "Cassandra Lucia de Castelli, second child of the Florentinian Royal Family."


    "I know who she is, father. Isn''t it my job to know the royals of all the states of Terra? Anyways... Objectively speaking, she is quite easy on the eyes." Valamar said


    "Good that you think that way, my son."


    "Why is that?"


    "Because, Valamar, she will be the one who shall bear my grandchild."


    "What?!"


    "You heard me. I have arranged for you to marry the daughter of one of the most influential leaders in the entirety of Terra. And as your king and as your father, you are compelled to obey me."


    "Yes, father." Valamar said with a little sarcasm "You know how much I love doing things forced upon me."


    "Don''t be like that, son... before you think of me as cruel, I do not want to see my firstborn child, my heir, sink beneath the ocean of his own sorrows. We are Valamen. We have ruled Rumasil uninterrupted since its foundation four thousand five hundred years ago and even before that, we carry the blood of all the Almarian Kingdoms. That should be an achievement. Most other royal families can barely make it a couple of  centuries before being overthrown. Now, enough with my ranting. Let us greet our guests."


    "Ah, my good friend, Antonio! It''s been awhile since I''ve seen you." Valasaire said as he proceeded to embrace the Grand Sovereign "Not since Gianna''s funeral..."


    "Si. I believe tomorrow is the anniversary of her death. Part of the reason why I came here. I miss my sister very much." Antonio said, all of a sudden he let out a sickly cough which he quickly covered with a handkerchief


    "Are you alright?" Valasaire asked with worry


    "It''s fine." Antonio answered whilst holding out his free hand to reassure Valasaire "My health is only going to continue to deteriorate, that much is for sure."


    "Well, no shit. You look paler and thinner than the last time I saw you. Has the war with Lothiriel screwed you up that badly?"


    "I was never healthy to begin with, Valasaire."


    "And don''t I know it. Don''t push yourself too hard, sweetie." Lady Avenne said as she walked up beside her husband "It''s good to see you again, child-... I mean, Your Majesty. Forgive my blunder."


    Valamar saw the Grand Sovereign''s wife. A tall and regal looking woman with features he knew were a tell-tale sign that she was an elf. Her pale features as well as her pointed ears.


    "Ah, don''t worry about it, your ladyship." Valasaire said as he took a bow along with Queen Alessa who was beside him "How can I fault a five hundred year-old immortal who was betrothed to my great-grandfather for looking at me as a child."


    "Oh I''m no immortal, give or take a few thousand years. If anything, I believe Her Majesty Queen Alessa here is a good candidate for immortality with her Razyan blood."


    "Oh, your Ladyship flatters me. You know I''m only half-Razyan. I''m not sure if that would mean I inherited my mother''s immortality." Alessa replied


    "But you did inherit her eternal youth. You haven''t changed a bit since Gianna''s funeral, and that was more than a decade ago."


    Antonio let out another worrying cough, but then managed to calm himself. Valasaire motioned for one of the servants to get him a glass of water. After drinking the water, he began to talk again,


    "Thanks for the drink, I really needed that. Anyways, allow me to reintroduce my children to you." Antonio said as first his son, Prince Enrico came up. The man was unlike his father, looking strong and muscular, being perfectly healthy. He gave a gracious bow, whilst also eyeing Princess Valerie whom he gave a wink to which she only gave a disgusted scowl.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you all." Enrico said in his most courteous tone.


    Then it was the Princess Cassandra''s turn to formally introduce herself. She did so with such an amount of elegance and grace, she couldn''t help but catch Valamar''s interest.


    "Well then!" Valasaire said "I get that all this talking is fun and all, but I do believe the dining room has finished being prepared! Come, let us eat! I''m sure my we''re all famished. Talking is much better done over the dining table, wouldn''t you agree?"


    The royals then went to the Palace''s grand dining room just a few rooms away from the throne room where the servants had just finished serving the food on the table. As they sat themselves on their seats, Valamar couldn''t help but notice that he was sitting directly in front of the Princess Cassandra. He noticed the plates were already set. They were the finest sets the palace had to offer, being imported from the far off lands of the Yin Sui. He then looked to the food that was served, all were traditional Rumasilian delicacies - native to the Almarian peoples. And pig was the most favourite of the Rumasilians when it came to cuisine.


    The servants then proceeded to place finger bowls on the table which were made of exquisite glass.


    "You people always have the most interesting foods." Avenne said "I hope the animals that were slaughtered to make these dishes didn''t suffer too much."


    "This isn''t the first time you''ve eaten here, right? I thought we explained to you before how we Halak make our food." Valasaire said "We kill them then bleed them dry and use their blood as the base of the mixture of its seasoning. It''s called sangsang.This is ayam gota. Basically the same thing but with chicken. You eat all of this with the rice."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Valamar could see Lady Cassandra''s unease, but he was surprised to see the expression of excitement in her brother''s eyes.


    "Don''t you wood elves also hunt for food?" Valasaire asked


    "We do. We just do it with a bit more moderation." Avenne answered


    "So you''re not going to eat it then, nonna?" Antonio asked "Wonderful! That means more for me!"


    "Who said anything about not eating it? I just said to do it in moderation..."


    "Well, can we talk after we eat then?" Valasaire said "I''m starving, and I suggest we eat this while it''s still hot. But, before that... as per Rumasilian custom, let us first say grace..."


    As he said that, the Florentinian entourage made the sign of the cross as was their custom whilst the Rumasilians only bowed their heads. The Florentinians adhered to the Latin Branch of the Terran church whilst the Rumasilians adhered to the Martinite Branch. There were three branches in total, but all were still under the guidance of the Terran church.


    Valasaire conducted the prayers as per Almarian tradition in the Halak tongue,


    "Ale Tuhan, Debatanami Jahowa na di Banuaginjang. Pujipujian hupasahat hami tu Hamu, Debata. Mauliate ma di ho, Tuhan, alani denggan ni basaM boi hami marpungu dison. Pasupasu ma debata sipanganon na rade di jolonami Tuhan ala boi mansadi hagogoanami sadari on. Tangiangon hupasahat hami tu Ho di bagasan goar ni AnakMu Jesus Kristus, Tuhan dohot sipaluanami na mangajari hami martangiang Ale Amanami..."


    As Valasaire said that, the Rumasilians in the room, including the servants and even the guards began to recite a prayer, Ale Amanami na di banuaginjang. Sai pinarbadiama goarMu, sai ro ma harajaonMu, sai sautma lomo ni rohaM di banuatonga on songon na di banuaginjang. Lehon ma tu hami sadari on hangoluan siapari. Sesa ma dosanami songon panesanami na di dongan na mardosa tu hami. Unang hami togihon tu pangunjunan, palua ma hami sian pangago. Ai ho do nampuna harajaon dohot Hagogoon, ro di hasangapon, saleleng ni lelengna, AMEN! ( The Lord¡¯s Prayer )


    "Let''s eat!" Valasaire said


    When they started eating, Valamar noticed the Princess Cassandra to yet again be taken aback by their customs. The Rumasilian nobles had proceeded to eat straight from their plates with their bare hands without the aid of any cutlery whatsoever. This was a custom that made many people feel quite uneasy as many foreign nobles would find it ''savage'' with the only other peoples who were unfazed by this tradition being the Aurosians.


    To his surprise, the Lady Cassandra followed suit and began eating with her hands. This made Valamar laugh.


    "Is there something wrong with what I''m doing, your majesty?" Cassandra asked hesitantly


    "Nothing, nothing at all my lady... I appreciate you trying to eat like us, but it is fine. You may eat however you like." Valamar said. To his further surprise, Cassandra continued on to eat with her hands, quickly adapting how the Rumasilians were eating with all five fingers.


    Valasaire was further amused when he saw most of the Florentinian entourage after a while of eating the sangsang began to fan their mouths with their hands as their eyes became teary and most of them began frantically drinking the water. The taste of the Rumasilian food was a bit too spicy to handle by the Florentinians.


    "Hahahahahaha... *coughs*" Antonio laughed as he saw his children and the courtiers he brought with him gulping down on as much water as they can "If I didn''t spend a good amount of time here when I was younger, I would''ve done the same. I remember when I first tried Rumasilian food. The trick is to grab more rice than meat. It helps neutralise the spices."


    "Wait... I don''t feel complete here. Where''s my brother-in-law?" Antonio asked Valasaire whilst sucking the seasoning from his hand "Where''s Valaron?"


    "I''m right here." A man said as he walked out of the shadowy corners of the room. Valamar looked at the man who was his uncle. A clean-shaven face, dark eyes, and an all in all gloomy atmosphere around him. "Someone has to look over the situation while you people are enjoying yourselves here. Security should be everything."


    "Valaron, I know you''re the spymaster of Rumasil, but that doesn''t mean you can''t spend time with family. I still consider you my brother, after all."


    "As do I, Antonio. But won''t you forgive a man for a little paranoia? It''s been over a decade, but Gianna''s death by the hands of the damned Provarians is still fresh in my mind... until they''ve been dealt with I can not afford to rest easy..."


    "My loss is just as big as yours, Valaron. She was my sister before she was your wife. And I am sure, she wouldn''t want you to keep on sulking about what happened."


    Valaron drew a deep breath and sighed "I know that. I''m fine. It''s just I''m... *sigh*... hahahaha..." Valaron started chuckling slightly "Look at me. I''m supposed to be the cold calculating spymaster of Rumasil, yet here I am sulking about something that happened a decade ago. Please, everyone, forgive me for ruining the food. Please! Enjoy yourselves... I''ve already eaten my share. I''ll just be sitting here. But please, everyone, don''t let me bother you."


    "It still is amazing though... thirteen years you''ve been living as a widower without any interest in remarriage."


    "Gianna has and always will be my one true love. I gave my heart to her and she took it to the grave. I can''t imagine being with anyone besides her. Besides, one hardly needs an heir to succeed him as spymaster."


    "My, my, I forgot how much of a romantic you were..." Valasaire said to his younger brother


    "One of the things that Gianna loved about me. And besides that, she always loved a good magic trick." As he said that, Valaron proceeded to seemingly pull a flower out of thin air and gave it to the Lady Cassandra "Your aunt always loved that trick."


    "I''m sure she did, uncle." Cassandra said with a smile after receiving the flower


    "But enough about him." Valasaire said "Why don''t we finally get to business, eh, Antonio?"


    "I suppose you''re right." Antonio answered. Immediately his gaze was fixed upon Valamar who had just finished eating. Valamar felt very nervous as he saw the Grand Sovereign examining him with discerning eyes "So you are Crown Prince Valamar?"


    "Yes, your excellency." Valamar answered


    "I do believe your father has informed you of what our visit entails, your majesty."


    "Ah yes... about that." Valamar immediately saw the Lady Cassandra who began to eye him as well, making him a little more uneasy "I believe I am to be a potential suitor to the Lady Cassandra."


    "Hahahaha... No need to be tense there, Prince Valamar. Though you''re slightly off the mark there."


    "What do you mean?"


    "You are to be my daughter''s only suitor. I have corresponded with your father in a series of letters, and we have decided to once again strengthen the bonds between Rumasil and the Adventierri City-states after your aunt''s death."


    "I am... honoured by this, really... being betrothed to a Princess as beautiful as the Lady Cassandra would be the dream of any man..."


    "So I take it you are in agreement then?" Antonio''s look on Valamar became more stern as he said that


    "I do not believe I have a choice in the matter..."


    "Of course you have a choice, my boy." Valasaire said with a chuckle "You could refuse... But I would highly suggest against that."


    In all honesty, Valamar wasn''t really troubled by this situation. It was not as if his father pushed him into a really bad situation. And besides, he knew he would eventually be obligated to marry, as was imperative to him, made so by his status as Crown Prince. But for some reason, he still felt a bit wrong. His mind turned back towards his former betrothed.


    All of a sudden, to his surprise, he saw Cassandra smiling at him and she said the most interesting thing he had ever heard a princess said to him,


    "Whatever you choose, your duty to your nation comes first, my lord." she said in a most elegant tone "Although, don''t let that in turn cloud the judgment of your conscience. Many great men in history have fallen because their mind of ''what was right for the country'' have in turn ruined their lives and cost them dearly. So I hope in your choice, my lord, you do so in the clearest of judgment."


    Hearing that, Valamar was completely stunned. He then turned to his father who was chuckling and clapping "Wonderfully put, your grace. Honestly, Valamar, she''s a keeper."


    "Well, Valamar... *cough*" Antonio said as he returned to his calm and amiable demeanor "We''ll let you ease in the current situation. We''ll be staying here for a week. I hope you''ll fully accept the situation by then."


    Valamar only nodded and smiled. He was in for quite the experience.

 IV - I Promise

    Valamar had excused himself from the dinner table as he made his way to the Palace deck which was on the other side of the palace, and so took a good amount of time for him to get to. It oversaw the City square and was high up, usually used by Royals to address the larger public of people with important announcements or on special occasions.


    Valamar had always enjoyed the view here, soaking in the beautiful cityscape. A beautiful orange light shone on the palace as the sun was setting to the west. He usually used the deck to relax himself, contemplating his life, or just to stargaze. Though, he also had other hobbies to do here. He walked toward the edge of the deck to the barristers.


    From his belt, he pulled out a pair of binoculars which were bronze and had engravings on it. It was a gift from his uncle Valaron and was one of the best of its kind, with a magnification power stronger than the usual. He usually used these to stargaze, though he used it for other activities as well. After skimming through the collection of buildings and the busy streets, he found what he was looking for. The collection of buildings which were the open air baths. Around this time, usually the girls from the brothels nearby would be bathing there.


    As expected, a group of beautiful young looking girls came inside the bathhouse. They were laughing and giggling and chattering among themselves, though obviously, Valamar couldn''t hear a thing from this distance. And Valamar singled out quite a beauty from the group, with large bosoms.


    "God bless whoever made this." Valamar muttered to himself "Oh, debatangku!(My God!) Is it even possible to have them that big?"


    "What are you doing, my lord?"


    "AAAAHHHH!!!!"


    Valamar let out quite the shriek as he was greatly startled by the sudden appearance of the Florentinian Princess behind him. Cassandra only looked at him with a confused expression.


    "Oh, Tuhan!(God)" Valamar was clearly still exasperated by the shock as he held his chest firmly with his hand "Oh, Lady Cassandra... it''s you..."


    "Did I startle you, my lord? Are you alright..." Cassandra showed great concern but Valamar only held his hand out as he regained his composure


    "Ah, a little, milady." Valamar said as he calmed down "But, I''m fine. You shouldn''t sneak up on people like that."


    "Ah, then I apologize, my lord." Cassandra slightly bowed her head "But what were you doing here my lord? You seemed very much invested in it."


    "Who me? I was just..." Valamar quickly rushed through excuses in his mind "...looking at the beautiful architecture of the city. It never gets old"


    "Oh, I see." Cassandra seemed to have accepted Valamar''s excuse readily as she walked to Valamar''s side "The city really is beautiful. As expected from one of the oldest cities in Terra."


    "Hutaniruma is its native name." Valamar said "It means Ruma''s city."


    "How different are the names of the cities from what everyone else calls them..."


    "Most of the cities were renamed by the Elves during their conquests, and the cities after that were named accordingly."


    "Si. The Raemusians were... well, are such cultural elitists. But still though, the city''s beauty is unmatched."


    Valamar smirked at the girl, "That''s an honour coming from the Princess of Florentia, the City of a thousand canals."


    "Ah, the beauty there is overstated. Squalor is a major problem in the outskirts. Rumasil is different. It''s beauty is grand compared to Florentia''s elegance."


    "I find it odd how you praise this city higher than your own."


    "Well." Cassandra gave Valamar a soft smile "Depending on your choice, this city could very well become mine as well."


    Valamar laughed softly. This girl was definitely different from the usual type of nobility he had seen. Valamar then saw as Cassandra was looking at the binoculars in his hand. As he noticed this, he offered for her to try it, to which she did gladly.


    "The power of these binoculars is far stronger than any I''ve previously used." Cassandra said excitedly as she looked around the view "But even with these, I can barely if at all see the edge of the city... Oh, I see the main gates... well the tiger statue on top of it at least."


    Cassandra then continued to look around with the binoculars. Valamar couldn''t help but feel his heart warm at her excitement.


    "The Cathedral is also so very grand! Though, the architecture... it doesn''t look like the rest of the architecture in the city."


    "Ah, yes. Katedral ni Harajaon. It isn''t actually the first church in the city. The Cathedral was built during the reign of the first King of Rumasil."


    "St. Vala the Great?"


    "Yes. Although he wasn''t the first King of the city itself. The City was built during the 5th millennium before the great war, Vala was born one and a half millennia after that."


    "Ah, yes. That was something that had always confused me. For thousands of years, your people refer to this land as Almar and the name of the kingdom thus corresponds."


    "We still do...?" Valamar said with a raised eyebrow "The title is still the Almarian Kingdom of Rumasil. So..."


    "Yes, but why did King Vala just decide to found the Kingdom of Rumasil even though he had effectively unified the lands of Almar?"


    "Why do we call the Adventierri Union of City States by just Florentia, even though that''s only one city in the Union?"


    "Because we are the most powerful and prominent of the old city-states. We..."


    Valamar was smiling as he saw Cassandra finding the answer to her own question as she laughed sheepishly. "Well, for the record, in our native tongue, this is the ''Harajaon ni Tanoruma'' or the ''Kingdom of Ruma''s Land''."


    "Hmmm, I guess that makes more sense..." Cassandra fell silent for a while as she kept looking around with the binoculars until Valamar could see that her head had frozen and had focused on a particular area. Her jaw dropped as her face became red. She immediately stopped sightseeing and looked at Valamar with embarrassed eyes. Valamar was understandably confused.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "Is there something wrong?" He asked with worry


    "The open air baths are a clear sight from here. I didn''t realise Rumasil''s people were so uninhibited."


    "Uh, what do you mean by that?" Valamar took the binoculars from Cassandra''s hands and quickly looked to the bathing houses. He was clearly surprised at what he saw. "Oh dear me..."


    It appeared that the group of girls from the brothels had engaged in... ''group horseplay'' within the baths. This was a rare sight. Valamar had never witnessed something like this, may be in the confines of the most erotic of books. Without him noticing, he just kept on staring.


    "My lord, I believe that''s enough!" Cassandra who was still regaining her composure - though still clearly embarrassed and stuttering - quickly snatched the binoculars from Valamar "S-s-such a s-sight... is... unbecoming of one of your status!"


    "Oh! Forgive me, I wasn''t thinking straight!" Valamar said as he scratched his head and smiled sheepishly


    "Was my lord peeking on such things when you came here before me?" Cassandra asked with prying eyes. She was very inquisitive


    "What? No... I wasn''t necessarily looking at this scene..." Valamar said. He was telling a technical truth. He didn''t expect for such a scene to occur. Although he just bowed his head and apologized anyway. "Well, if I have made you uncomfortable, I deeply apologise. But, I would like to remind you that I technically didn''t do anything wrong."


    Cassandra only nodded and asked for the binoculars back as she continued to soak in the atmosphere of the other parts of the city. Valamar could see that she was clearly unsettled by those things, but he just laughed. This girl really was as adorable as she seemed. Without him realising it, he kept on staring at the princess. After a while, Cassandra had felt this and looked at him as well. It became a little awkward and the two just laughed.


    "Is there something wrong with my face, my lord?" Cassandra asked as she finally regained her composure and her usual regal attitude


    "On the contrary, milady. There is absolutely no fault in your appearance. Not your face, your hair, nor your physique. Like a sculpture so perfectly made."


    Cassandra blushed again, but managed to retain her composure "My lord flatters me."


    "I didn''t realise stating facts had become a form of flattery." Valamar said with a joking tone "If that were true, many nasty wars could''ve been avoided."


    "Well, thank you anyways, my lord." Cassandra said with a slight bow


    "...you know, how do you feel about a good story about my family?"


    "Oh, I would love a good story."


    "Alright. I believe you are familiar with the name of King Valadar the Just."


    "Ah, yes. If I''m not mistaken, my grandfather had planned for my mother to marry him instead of my father over six decades ago."


    "I sometimes forget that your mother''s an elf. Yes. My great-great-grandfather, Valadar the Just. This deck is the site where he had his mother hanged."


    "Oh yes, I''ve somewhat heard of this tale, though I can''t quite remember the specifics. Why exactly did he execute her, again?"


    "Because of the infidelities she had committed towards King Valadar''s father, Saint-King Valamar XVII."


    "You people have too many Saint-Kings."


    "We''re just that touched by God." Valamar replied jokingly "Anyways, I assume you know of the Valamen House¡¯s laws of fidelity?"


    "But of course. I can''t call myself a prospective bride to the Valamen dynasty if I didn''t at least know that. Let me see, if I''m not mistaken, the first rule is that If any son of the house of Valamen be found guilty of adultery in any form, be it a mistress, concubine, or even just a whore, regardless the reason, must be stripped of all his titles, inheritance, lands, and wealth and in turn, all that be given to his wife. The second one, if a woman does the same - not counting cases of rape - be sentenced to death. Though I don''t get the second rule. If a daughter of the House of Vala were married off to another family, wouldn''t they count as being in the house of their husband."


    "Yes, it does. This law doesn''t apply to the daughters of Vala. Instead, it refers to the wives of the sons of Vala who have been ''adopted into'' the family." Valamar explained "But very impressive, Lady Cassandra. Now, during the reign of King Vala I''s son, King Vala II, the rules were added to govern the love lives of the unmarried members of the house. As you can see, this is one of the reasons for my country''s picky attitude in searching for prospective brides."


    "Oh, tell me about it." Cassandra said as if blowing off some steam "I was inspected for the span of a week by the Rumasilian representatives. They bombarded me with non-stop questions for hours and the next day, they tested my physical aptitude, my knowledge of arts and history, and they even had to check my-... I don''t even want to say it..." Cassandra''s face was flushed red


    "I am truly sorry for the trouble I may have caused you." Valamar said with a bow "Well, the Rumasilian court doesn''t always do that. I mean, an inspection is mostly optional and depends on the girl''s father. It mostly is a way to flaunt to the world how the heir apparent of Rumasil has such a perfect bride."


    "It was optional?" Cassandra said with a blank face "...Father..." Cassandra looked a little displeased.


    "Well, to get back to my story, yeah. Queen Helena absolutely hated her husband, King Valamar XVII. She saw it as an affront to be married to someone who was an enemy. At first she tried to cope with the court of Rumasil and it''s lack of fun, but she just couldn''t handle it. She clearly didn''t go through the inspection you did.


    This, however, was in great contrast to the King who greatly loved his wife and bore so much affection to her."


    "That doesn''t make sense. Why would you want to betray a husband who loved you so much."


    Valamar made an ''I don''t know'' gesture to her. "Nobody''s really sure. The leading theory is that she was just a rotten bitch to the core, though, I''m more of a mind with the theory that despite his great love, King Valamar XVII was known to be quite the workaholic, even by monarch standards, and so had little time to actually please his wife."


    "So who did she commit her escapades with?" Cassandra asked "I''m pretty sure that the Rules of Fidelity are widely known throughout the lands of Rumasil, so I hardly believe any nobleman would touch her."


    "Well she was rumored to have about twenty lovers, though the confirmed numbers were about a dozen. Mostly younger noblemen and courtiers who just didn''t know any better. She even had one confirmed female lover in the form of one of her handmaidens, one that had come with her from Provaria, a childhood friend."


    "How did she get away with all that frolicking? Surely news would''ve been sent to the King."


    "Oh, they were. But the King, being the daft bastard he was, refused to believe the reports. Suffice to say, the Queen had usual places in the palace where she would go on her ''activities''. As luck would have it, the queen was a bit of an exhibitionist and would sometimes chance it to do those deeds in places that had a great chance for her to be spotted like the gardens. This in turn caused a young, hormonal, teenage Prince Valadar to bear witness to such a deed. In fact, he witnessed it numerous times. Finally, after some convincing, he finally got his father to come with him in secret to follow the Queen to one of her outings. And the shock it caused gave him a heart-attack! He was bed-ridden for weeks before he finally died. It goes without saying, Prince Valadar did not take too kindly to this and had summarily ordered the execution of his mother as the first decree of his reign..."


    "Dio mio, that was... quite the tale." Cassandra said as she then looked to Valamar with those adorable eyes which caused Valamar to feel like he was going to melt "My lord, I promise you. If I become your wife, I will never betray you! That I assure you. So please, my lord, I only ask that you give me the chance to be your bride!"


    "Lady Cassandra..." Valamar in turn blushed a bit "I mean no offense, but why are you so keen on this marriage? You barely even know me..."


    "Do you believe in love at first sight?"


    "Ahahahahaha....hahahaha.... Like in the fairytales?" Valamar laughed at the mere thought of it. This must be some sort of joke. No way would something like that happen. He barely even knew the girl, even if she did feel awfully familiar.


    But then he saw Cassandra''s face turn a little gloomy as she tried to fake a laugh but failed.


    "...wait, you''re serious?" Valamar said all of a sudden feeling immensely like a jerk


    "Prince Valamar, you really don''t remember me, do you?" Cassandra said with a smile though it was clear from her watery eyes that she was on the verge of tears. Valamar really did not know what he did wrong.


    "Well, forgive me for the discomfort, my lord... please excuse me." Cassandra had turned to leave in tears. Valamar was confused, but he wasn''t going to let it end there. He immediately grabbed Cassandra by her arm and pulled her closer to him.


    "Wait! Don''t leave." He said looking at her, tears on her face "Let''s talk some more..."

 V - The Reason

    Cassandra was in tears and about to leave the deck when Valamar grabbed her arm. He brought her closer to him and looked at her meaningfully.


    "Cassandra, please. I don''t understand." He said softly "What happened? Did I do something wrong?"


    Cassandra quickly wiped her tears as tried to regain composure, but despite that, she still had a sad expression.


    "It''s nothing, my lord." She said, forcing a smile "Please don''t worry yourself. Let''s pretend this never happened."


    "Do you really believe I could do that?" Valamar said inquisitively "If you are really going to be a bride of the House of Vala, you have to start being honest."


    "Oh, my lord is so cruel..." Cassandra looked like she was about to cry again


    "No no no no no, Please don''t cry! Please don''t cry!" Valamar was very worried at the fragile state of Cassandra''s emotions "Ai i do, Huboto (Alright, I understand)! There is no need for you to explain... I don''t want to trouble you any further. Forgive my Impudence."


    "... I will tell you..." Cassandra said softly. As she looked at Valamar with tearing eyes which wiped "...But my lord. You must promise not to laugh!"


    "Why would I laugh?"


    "Just promise me! Please...!"


    "... alright. I promise."


    As Cassandra was going to start her story, she took a deep breath.


    "It was the first time I''ve met with you, about ten years ago in this very palace. We were only seven years old."


    "Umm, I don''t seem to recall. What event were you talking about?"


    "It was the 8th anniversary of the alliance between Rumasil and Florentia."


    "Ah, yes, I remember. It was also the anniversary of aunt Gianna''s death. But, I don''t remember seeing anyone remotely like you."


    "No one?" Cassandra asked almost distraught


    "...Well there was this one girl with short red hair. But she was really fat... well, plump to say the least. Not really ugly, but maybe ''cute'' in her own way. But it was still sad to see someone so mercilessly made fun of like that..."


    "That girl was me, my lord..."


    "You''re joking, right?" Valamar said slightly in disbelief "You must be joking..."


    "I''m not!!" Cassandra pouted as she lightly punched Valamar''s chest to which he laughed "Those were horrible times, and what happened at that event was the worst! Those bratty daughters of noblemen were so mean! I didn''t understand at the time, but they called me ''huerje... or mokmok!'' Though I don''t understand Rumasilian, I knew that must''ve been an insult! Their smug faces showed it!"


    Valamar couldn''t help but let out a loud laugh.


    "See! Why are you laughing! So they were insults!" Cassandra became even more flustered in embarrassment


    "They basically called you a fat pig....hahahahah...." Valamar explained as he started to regain his composure but then promptly began to laugh all over again. However, he immediately stopped laughing as he saw the girl in front of him starting to cry again.


    How can this delicate girl possibly be a fearsome general of the Florentinian Army? Valamar thought to himself


    "My... My lord *sob* promised not... *sob*... not to laugh at me..." Cassandra began to sob "You liar! You know at that time, when the children were playing together, after the girls were done sneering down at me, the rowdy boys started pushing me around like... like I was some sort of a ball! They were so mean... but then there was this one boy who stood up for me. And I found out he was you, the Crown Imperial Prince of Rumasil... but now you''re laughing at me... *sob* so you were lying that time...?"


    "No, no, no, no, please don''t cry! Calm down, I wasn''t intending to insult you, Cassandra." Valamar began frantically trying to calm her down "I will not laugh anymore, okay!"


    "...I''m fine..."


    "And I wasn''t lying that time! The way those boys were acting were not reflective of their status as children of Rumasil. And again, I apologise for that."


    "I know they were just children... but it really hurt my feelings. But you really helped me out when you stood up for me. And what you said to me after that was really motivating! I may have fallen in love with that boy then and there..."


    "How do you even know the concept of romance at seven years old?"


    "I always loved reading stories about knights saving their princesses. And I really believed you were my little knight back then. Which is why when I went home back then, I asked my father if I could be betrothed to you!"


    "Seriously? This is still a seven year old we''re talking about, right? And what did he say?"


    "He said, ''you really think the Prince would marry a piggy like you?''..."


    "That was... very harsh."


    "My father had always called me his ''little pig''. I got used to it from him... but I had realised he was right. In all the stories and fairy tales I''ve read, the Princesses were always these slim and charming women. So that motivated me to become prettier. I started changing the way I ate, and took up many hobbies my father had shown me."


    "... dancing and cooking?"


    "...more like hunting, fencing, and running..."


    "Ah, that makes a lot of sense. But for you to turn out like this... simply amazing."


    Valamar began eyeing the beauty in front of him. Now realizing what she had come from, he was really amazed.


    "So now you know, my lord..." Cassandra said as her head turned down again "The reason I very much would like to become your wife. The reason I love this idea of you... But I was very disheartened when I found out you were going down the traditional route of marrying an Aurosian Princess. I didn''t feel like eating or doing anything for days... and God forgive me, when I found out she had died..."


    "Please don''t finish that sentence..." Valamar''s tone immediately grew stern at the prospect of what Cassandra was going to say. He would not tolerate anyone celebrating the death of his beloved, even a prospective bride. "If you said you were happy when you heard the news she had died, you might as well give up on becoming my bride."


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Valamar''s eyes turned cold and Cassandra was struck with worry.


    "No, my lord! Of course not! I knew of Princess Alea and I could tell she was a very kind person... I wasn''t happy that someone died. But God knows a hope grew when I heard the news. It meant that maybe you were my destined one."


    Valamar couldn''t help but feel conflicted. He had mixed feelings of rage and happiness at this girl in front of him. Rage to see one speaking such of the death of Alea, yet happiness that there was another so passionate and sincere about him. But his mind was cloudy. He couldn''t think straight right now.


    After a while of awkward silence, Valamar took a deep breath to calm himself down. He then looked at Cassandra and their eyes met with his giving an ever serious look. The light from the sun was beginning to disappear as the sun itself had almost fully set and the night sky began to emerge.


    "It is getting late, your ladyship." Valamar said with a polite yet indifferent tone "Forgive me, but fatigue is starting to catch up with me. I hope the servants have shown you to your temporary quarters. I''m afraid I''ll have to excuse myself right now."


    With that, Valamar bowed and left Cassandra standing on the deck, still holding his binoculars. Only a look of regret and sadness were on her face now as she might have destroyed her only chance of getting the man she wanted. But she only bowed her head and sat down as if in prayer.


    ***


    Cassandra only continued to sit there, crying to herself. She really didn''t know what to do about the situation. She had thought she jeopardized the entire prospect of marriage with her comments. She was looking out to the horizon where the moon was starting to show. It was a beautiful night sky, but she couldn''t enjoy it in the current state she''s in.


    "You shouldn''t be crying on a beautiful night like this, princess." A voice of a woman was heard as Cassandra was startled as she looked back to the source of the voice.


    There she saw quite the regal looking woman. She looked a bit more mature, probably late thirties or early forties, but still very much beautiful with long dark brown hair.


    "Also, crying would ruin that beautiful face of yours, young lady." the woman continued as she got closer. Cassandra immediately wiped her tears away.


    "Please excuse me for being like this. I am fine." Cassandra said as she tried to smile


    "You don''t need to explain. I saw the whole thing happen." The woman then bowed to Cassandra "Please excuse that grandson of mine. His mood will immediately change if he hears anything remotely bad about Alea. I do hope you can bear with him."


    As Cassandra heard the woman called Valamar her grandson, Cassandra immediately realised who this person was and bowed. This woman was the Queen-Dowager of Rumasil, Andronika of Auros, sister of Emperor Alexios XIV.


    "Please forgive me for not recognising you sooner, your majesty." Cassandra said


    "Oh please, no need for such formalities, deary. Just call me ompung." Andronika said


    "Ompung..?"


    "Ah, I forget you are not yet too well versed in the Rumasilian tongue. It means grandparent. It''s alright to call this old lady that. May I have a seat with you?"


    "Of course, your majesty-... uh, I mean, ompung." Cassandra immediately gave space next to her for the woman to sit "Though it still doesn''t feel right to me for you to consider yourself old. I even thought you looked fourty!"


    Andronika laughed as she sat down and heard Cassandra''s comment.


    "Well, of course you wouldn''t consider my life of over fifty years to be old. Especially compared to your mother who''s lived five hundred. Though, nothing really compares to my sister-in-law the Empress."


    "She''s a Razyan. I''m not even sure if they can die of old age. Anyways, you wanted to talk about something with me, ompung?"


    "Ah yes. About Valamar. Please don''t think any ill of him. Give him some time, I''m sure he''ll come around."


    "I would never think ill of my lord! It was my fault to begin with! My careless comments made him that way. I fear he won''t even consider me anymore."


    "Ohhh, you''re such a precious child." Andronika said as she caressed Cassandra''s cheek "And almost the complete opposite of Alea."


    "What do you mean...?"


    "You are sweet, adorable, soft-spoken, and all around a gentle person. Our Alea was very kind, but she was very feisty, headstrong, brash, and - when compared - not as mild-mannered as you to say the least."


    "I''m sure she had many good qualities."


    "She did indeed, my dear. But that wasn''t my point. You are not Alea. You are you. Cassandra of Florentia, a great general and brave woman."


    "I''m not that great..."


    "Prove to Valamar you are. Show him that you could be headstrong as well. But remind him, you are Cassandra, his future wife. You are not a replacement for Alea. You are your own woman and make him love you for that. Make him give his all to you as I see you will give your all to him."


    Cassandra felt reassured from Andronika''s motivating words. However, doubt was still in her mind.


    "But, I doubt I''ll ever be able to replace Lady Alea''s place in his heart."


    "Of course you won''t. Didn''t I say you were not her replacement? The memories Valamar has with her will always be special to him. But you need to carve out your own place in his heart and make yourself just as irreplaceable as hers."


    As Andronika said that, she noticed the shine in Cassandra''s eyes began to return and she smiled.


    "Child, you still have much to learn. But I know you''ll be a fine wife and an even greater Queen. And don''t you worry about Valamar. If he doesn''t accept a wonderful person like you into his life... let''s just say we have ways to make him."


    Cassandra laughed at Andronika''s cheerful demeanor.


    "Thank you for your words, ompung." She said as she bowed deeply


    "It was my pleasure..."


    "...Do you want me to accompany you back to your chambers, ompung?"


    "Oh no, my dear. I''ll just stay here. I like the atmosphere around this place. You can leave if you like, no need to worry about me."


    "No, it''s fine. I''ll accompany you here. I have nothing better to do anyways." Cassandra smiled "But yes, the atmosphere here is very good... It feels so tranquil and peaceful."


    "I remember many years ago when my husband was still alive we would just sit here together looking to the skies. To the shining moon and the twinkling stars. Mostly we just sat and soaked in the view, but sometimes he would play on the guitar and we would just start singing together. Sometimes, even our children would join us... They were so cute singing together while their father accompanied them with the guitar. We used to love to sing hymns. I mean, I still do."


    "It sounds wonderful."


    "It was, my dear. My husband was very big on family, but he was also a very strict disciplinarian. But he never ever was harsh with me. He never raised his voice with me and always put up with me even when I was being difficult. He would never let a day pass without saying ''I love you''. That big romantic oaf."


    Andronika chuckled to herself. But tears were beginning to flow from her eyes. "Excuse me, princess. I just keep on getting teary-eyed when I reminisce about him."


    "From what I can understand, the late-king was very lovely."


    "That he was. The first time I met him was during the war with the Latinites in 1550. He was still a young prince eager to prove himself in battle. My father had called out to the Rumasilians to aid us when the Latinites marched on our western borders. Suffice to say, when I first saw him, I was very much indifferent. I thought he was just another pompous prince and a distant relative."


    "Distant relative?"


    "Our grandparents were cousins. You do know Rumasil almost always takes a queen from the House of Memnos, don''t you?"


    "Ah yes. But wouldn''t it be that you were cousins as well?"


    "My father only had brothers. In a situation where there were no suitable princesses, Rumasil would then look elsewhere. It so happened that my mother-in-law was from Slavsnik. Which is why King Valasar''s middle name was Kasper, named after his maternal grandfather, the King of Slavsnik. It is customary for the mother to give the middle names to their children in the House of Vala and sometimes, their middle names is what they liked to go by when they were children. I would never call Valasar by his first name in private. He preferred that I call him Kasper... Now where was I?"


    "You were telling me of how you two first met..."


    "Oh yes! Hahahaha... forgive me. Age doesn''t really do much good to ones memory. Well, long story short, I just had some introductions with him which were nothing more than formality... At that time, I was still an apprentice physician. I was still studying under the doctors of the palace... But I... I..."


    All of a sudden in the middle of talking, Andronika''s expression grew weary as she began to start coughing. She quickly pulled out her handkerchief to close her mouth, but the coughing became worse. Cassandra grew worried as she stood up. She didn''t have any clue what was going on.

 VI - Royal Engagement

    As Cassandra was frantically panicking at the sight of Andronika who was coughing almost non-stop, she noticed her trying to take something from her waist pocket. Cassandra quickly helped her and she found what appeared to be a small vial. She quickly opened it and administered it to Andronika''s mouth and watched as she drank it.


    Slowly but surely, Andronika began to calm down as her coughing turned light. Her eyes were teary from all the coughs but nonetheless she was fine. In fact, she began to chuckle a bit to herself.


    "Are you alright? What happened?" Cassandra said putting her hand to Andronika''s back


    "It is nothing, my dear, hahahah... It''s part of growing old. Sickness comes with you." Andronika shrugged her worry off "And it''s probably also a side effect of working as a physician for many years... I may have contracted a chronic disease or two. Or maybe it is something passed down in my family, who knows? Hahahaha..."


    "Sickness is nothing to laugh about, ompung!"


    "It is very sweet how you seem so concerned with me, child. But on the contrary, a physician must try their best to make their patients feel as much at ease as possible. As they say, laughter is the best medicine, only slightly below prayer. Although, I understand your worry."


    As she said that, Andronika took out another pouch of vials and gave them to Cassandra.


    "Here, take it. They''re medicines I made for your father. I hope this will help. A youngin like him would be wasted if he were to just die, hahahah. Make sure you give it to him."


    "Oh, how thoughtful!"


    "Oh it isn''t a problem. Your family''s physician is a friend of mine. He often writes to me of your father''s condition and what medicines he is taking. I took the liberty of brewing up a new remedy that might ease him more based on the reports I was given."


    "Signor di Tuscona is always looking out for my father. I thank you again for finding the time to do this."


    "Oh it is no problem at all. I love making new medicines and treating patients. It is one of the joys of my life. And also, I loved Gianna very much, like my own daughter. ... And you, I hope I can call my granddaughter."


    "I hope so too, ompung."


    "Well that''s good..." Andronika looked out again to the starry skies "Well, I believe that''s enough for a day. If it''s alright with you, this old woman must return to the infirmary."


    "I pray you get well soon, ompung."


    "Thank you, child."


    As she said that, Andronika left the deck. Cassandra chose to stay there for a bit more, looking at both the night sky as well as the lights from the city. She hummed to herself for a while, and before she knew it, she fell asleep on one of the chairs there. It had been an emotionally tiring day for her.


    ***


    The catacombs of the palace of Rumasil was a dark place, only lit up by lanterns and candles. It was the place where deceased members of the Rumasilian royal family - save the monarchs and their consorts - were laid to rest.


    Antonio was there along with his wife and his son, as well as Valaron. It was the anniversary of the death of Lady Gianna and they had gone to pay their respects. They had just got off an elevator to the level where Gianna''s coffin lay. The elevator was shaky along the way, which was a given since they were a relatively recent invention, based on a system of gears and pulleys, designed from the mind of Dwarven engineers from Mal Zaraka.


    "I can never get used to these elevators." Antonio said as they got off


    "They''re completely fine." Valaron said as they continued on to walk to Gianna''s sarcophagus "Well it sure beats going up and down the stairs."


    Along the halls were a series of many coffins with inscriptions written on them as well as stone plaques on the walls adjacent to each coffin which gave a good description of who was in the coffin and a sort of biography similar to a tombstone but more detailed. The walls were also adorned with carvings.


    "This place sure is large." Enrico noted as he saw the immense size of the catacombs which is only one of many levels


    "Well it is a given. This palace was originally built as a tomb for Her Imperial Majesty Empress Maia. It''s been six thousand years after that, of course there''d be a pile of bodies that need burying." Valaron explained to the young man


    After a little bit more walking, they had reached a coffin with a painting of a beautiful woman on it. It was the likeness of Gianna. Antonio''s only sister and Valaron''s late wife.


    "It''s been fourteen years already, huh." Antonio said as he stood there in front of her.


    His wife Avenne couldn''t hold it in her tears any longer as she sat beside the coffin and cried. Enrico only stood beside his mother with his head bowed. Valaron stood quiet along with Antonio.


    "Hide it if you may, but I can still see it." Antonio said to Valaron "You''re still broken from her death."


    Valaron only gave a slight smirk as he answered, "Could my mood be any more obvious?"


    "Of course it can''t. Your aura has been the same for the last fourteen years, Valaron."


    "I know saying you wouldn''t understand would be totally wrong of me, because she was your sister, but I loved her dearly."


    "We all know that. And it''s amazing you haven''t remarried in over a decade."


    "I''m offended that you''ve even suggested that." Valaron joked a bit to get his mood up a little to no avail "I swore to myself that this heart will only ever belong to her. If I''d married another woman, it wouldn''t be fair to her."


    "Si, I understand. I would also break down if anything were to happen to my wife." He said as he crouched down next to his wife to embrace her from the back


    "Oh, you brat." Avenne said as she wiped her tears "You know full well I''m gonna be the one being left behind and suffering."


    "Perhaps that is penance for seducing your grandson."


    "Adopted grandson."


    "You two are disgusting." Valaron scoffed at them "Anyways, why is Cassandra not here?"


    "It''s no problem. This isn''t something they have to do. My son here asked if he could come, and so I said yes. And it''s five in the morning." Antonio answered "She has other issues to attend to. Besides, she''ll have plenty of time to spend in this Palace once she''s married to Valamar."


    "Hmmm, if you say so... alright, I believe we''ve disturbed the dead for a bit too long now." Valaron then immediately put the flowers he had brought with him inside a vase on top of the coffin "Shall I lead the prayers?"


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Be my guest."


    Valaron then started praying as was Rumasilian tradition. Not for the spirit who''s already left, but for the friends and family left behind to which the others bowed their heads in respect.


    ***


    Cassandra had awoken suddenly to the orange skies of the morning. She couldn''t believe she had fallen asleep on the palace deck. She was confused why the guards just let her do that. What made even less sense was why she felt warm.


    She immediately noticed she was wrapped inside a blanket. The shock increased when she looked to her side and noticed Valamar merely inches away from her in the same bench, also sleeping. She was flustered at the sight. Why did he come back? Why did he do all of this? But amidst all the confusion, she smiled.


    Then, Valamar''s eyes had opened. Cassandra was caught off guard as she fixed her posture. Valamar stretched his arms and back with a big yawn. He then looked at her and smiled at her worried expression.


    "Morning, princess." Valamar said with a big smile


    "M-m-morning, my lord..." Cassandra said a little timidly


    Valamar got up from his chair and stood facing Cassandra. He then bowed his body to Cassandra with his hands clasped together.


    "Please forgive my behaviour yesterday, Cassandra. It was unbecoming of me and it hurt you greatly." Valamar said sincerely apologising


    "Please, my lord! There''s no need for you to go that far! It was honestly my fault. I shouldn''t have said what I said yesterday-..." Cassandra immediately got up and began to act frantically


    "No, Cassandra. It is my fault and I need to acknowledge that. What I said yesterday was wrong. I shouldn''t be stuck in the past. I must look to the future for both me and my country. If you would consider me again, please allow me to be your husband."


    Valamar then took out what looked like a necklace from his pocket and presented it to Cassandra "This is a special locket that belonged to my grandmother. Please accept this as a token of my apology as well as a sign of me giving my affections to you. Though I may be lacking, and there might be no love yet between us, I will always do my best."


    As Valamar said that he noticed Cassandra''s eyes became a little teary again. He groaned in his mind to think that he might''ve done something wrong. But to his surprise, the unexpected happened. Cassandra immediately jumped at him and tackled him to the ground with her hug.


    "I accept! I accept! I accept!" She said enthusiastically as she looked at Valamar''s face with great delight "I''m so happy you chose to say this, you won''t regret it!"


    "I''m actually a little afraid that you''ll regret it, Cassandra."


    "Well it''s my choice whether or not I''ll regret it. But I promise I will be the best wife for you!"


    "Dear God, what have I done to deserve you. I actually feel that I won''t be able to meet your expectations."


    "Don''t think about that! Just keep praying and hope for the best and I''m sure everything will turn out fine!"


    "Cassandra..."


    "Yes?"


    "Can we get up now? I mean, I''m totally fine if you want to stay like this a bit longer, but..."


    "Oh! I''m so sorry about that!" Cassandra immediately got up and helped Valamar up as well but Immediately held him tightly "I''ll always love you, my lord..."


    Valamar''s heart felt incredibly heavy. Here he was standing with a gorgeous girl in front of him declaring her affections for him. He honestly felt undeserving of such a girl.


    "My lord, you look uneasy..." Cassandra said with worry


    "No, it''s just... I''m feeling a bit insecure."


    "Insecure? The Crown Prince of one of the great powers on Terra feeling insecure? About what?"


    "About you. You are too perfect... You honestly deserve better than me. You deserve a man who could give you the world."


    Cassandra felt a mix of surprise and joy at what she saw in front of her. She just wanted to calm him down so badly. Then all of a sudden.


    She had leaned in for a kiss which took Valamar by complete surprise.


    "Did that feel wrong, my lord?" She said slightly blushing right after the kiss


    "No..." Valamar said "Not at all..."


    The warmness of a kiss. Something he hasn''t felt for a very long time. He became more emboldened as he saw that beautiful face in front of him. As he was about to lean in for another kiss, he heard the sound of clapping coming from behind him.


    "Good show, my boy." The Grand Sovereign Antonio had been watching them "Why did you stop? Please, carry on." Valamar felt the man''s voice as being both calm but also threatening.


    "Papa! We were just..." Cassandra said worriedly to which Antonio just motioned his hand for her to stop as he smiled


    "So I take it you are in agreement with the engagement, then?"


    "Yes, Your Excellency." Valamar said seriously


    "Very well, then. The Wedding will be held next week." Antonio said nonchalantly


    "Next week? Surely that''s too quick. We haven''t even sent the invitations out yet." Valamar said confused


    "Who said we haven''t?" Antonio smirked "We''ve sent the invitations out since a month ago."


    "So I didn''t really have a choice to begin with?"


    "Are you having second thoughts, boy?" Antonio said with a smile, though his eyes were threatening


    "No, of course not! I am a man of my words, and so when I say that I will marry your daughter, I mean it."


    "Si, si..." Antonio said as he patted Valamar''s back "No need to be defensive. But as your future father-in-law, I have to say... My daughter is the jewel of the Adventierri. It would be a shame to have such a girl brokenhearted. And it would be an even bigger shame should anything happen to you."


    Valamar gulped a little as he heard that and only nodded.


    "Good. We have an understanding. Now, if you two would excuse me, your father and I have matters to attend to. Please, enjoy your day. Ciao, figlia."


    "Ciao, papa!" Cassandra said as she clung onto Valamar''s arm


    As Antonio had left, Valamar and Cassandra went back to the edge of the deck to see the bustling city in the morning. The Sunrise was equally beautiful to the sunset. And the two just sat there and kept on enjoying it while having small talk.


    "You know I felt really bad saying the things I said to you yesterday, princess." Valamar said "I really wanted to immediately apologise but I was a little... embarrassed and flustered at how much of an Idiot I was acting like."


    "Don''t worry about that..." Cassandra said "What matters is I have my love here next to me."


    "Hmmm... You know last night my grandmother came bursting into my chambers chastising me for what an Idiot I was acting like."


    "Ompung did?" Cassandra asked in surprise


    "She sure did. She was all, ''Ai dia do ho, oto?! Songon jolma naritik ma ho! Unang jou ahu ompungmi molo torus ho songoni! Holan bodat na boi mandokhon songoni tu boru na burju. Saonari, martangiang ma ho tu deabata, topoti ma dosam! Molo torus ma imana tangis sahat tu ansogot... Hudoltuk ho, bodat!''"


    "Woah... she sounded very angry... although I didn''t understand a word of that."


    "She was very defensive of you. No need to worry. My grandma has a good eye on people. If she says you''re wonderful, then of course you are."


    "I love the praises, my lord. Please keep them coming."


    "You cheeky girl..."


    ***


    "Excuse me! Ompung!"


    Cassandra knocked on the door to the infirmary where she knew Andronika was.


    "A moment, child!" Her voice came from inside though it sounded like it was a little weak.


    After a few moments, the door opened and Cassandra could see Andronika smiling though she looked a little messy. In fact she could see a bit of a mess on the tables which were being cleaned by some of the physicians there.


    "Ompung, you don''t look okay..."


    "Hahahah, I''m fine, sweetie. Now what is it you were going to see me for?" Andronika answered calmly


    "I just really wanted to thank you, ompung."


    "There''s no need to do all that. All is well when you put your trust in the Lord. And when I give my grandson the push he needs... Well, you better be ready for the procedures."


    "Procedures?"


    "Yes. First, you''ll have to be given a new marga."


    "What''s a marga?"


    "A family name."


    "What? Why? I am a proud noblewoman of the House de Castelli. What''s wrong with my family name?"


    "I think you should stay here with me for a bit. I fear there''s a lot about the Rumasilian culture I''ll have to teach you..."


    "I''m greatly excited!"


    "Oh you''re just too adorable!"

 VII - Tomb of the Empress

    The day was starting to darken as the sun was setting. Cassandra was at the infirmary as what she had been doing for the past few days, learning Rumasilian culture, tradition, and language from Andronika.


    "Let''s go over that again." Andronika said with a patient sigh at Cassandra who had been having trouble with a few terms for family in the Halak language.


    "Alright!" Cassandra said as she took in a deep breath, filled with determination.


    "What do you call the older brother of your father?"


    "...Bapatua!"


    "Correct! Or you could also say Amangtua... What about the younger brother?"


    "Bapauda!...Okay. Let me try this on my own, ompung. The sister of my father I call namboru..."


    "Be they younger or older."


    "The husband of my paternal aunt I call amangboru... the wife of my bapatua is my inangtua or mamatua while the wife of my bapauda is my inanguda..."


    "Splendid! You''re getting the hang of it..."


    "Yes!!" Cassandra said excitedly


    "Though you still have to work on your pronunciations a little more, child. Though, I''m sure it won''t be too hard."


    "Si! The flow of the language isn''t too different from the Latin languages, although the vocabulary is very alien sounding."


    "The Halak people were originally from the Santaran archipelago but came here thousands of years ago and settled the land. Though they remained fiercely culturally independent, they do get affected here and there by the surrounding peoples."


    "It''s odd of you to say that, but aren''t the Santaran peoples more inclined to be olive skinned and dark-haired? I''ve walked the streets and I see the people just as light as the Latinosi."


    "Even among the lighter-skinned peoples, we Latinosi aren''t exactly the palest. We don''t compare to either the Germanics or the Slavs... but to address your point, yes, after thousands of years of living in this region, the Halak people have become just like their neighbours after generations of interbreeding with the local populace. They remain culturally distinct from the people in the area, but yet everywhere else, they blend in. It''s quite an interesting phenomenon to anthropologists, you see ... But now that I think about it, you could still find the darker skinned Halaks near the coastal areas..."


    "But, does that mean there''s still the original Halak Culture in Santara?"


    "Why yes, actually. They retain many similarities to the Halak culture but have grown a little apart ever since the Great War... I believe there''s a major trade center with the original culture still intact... It was called... uh..."


    "... Hutasian. Currently under the rule of Adipati Suryawarman Wulanwangsa." Valamar said as he stood in front of the entrance to the infirmary "Hutasian was a sovereign city under the authority of Rumasil until grandfather gave it to the Santarans."


    "My lord!" Cassandra said with glee as she saw her fiance enter the room


    "As we lost Hutasian, we lost our influence in that part of the world as well as a good deal of our trade income in the process..."


    As Valamar said that he could see his grandmother looking at him a little sternly.


    "At least that''s how father usually puts it... My own opinions on it are irrelevant, ompung..."


    "Your father has always been spiteful of that fact without truly understanding the causes of that decision." Andronika''s tone became a little annoyed "Your father was only twelve when your grandfather signed the treaty with the Santarans. Those pompous lords in Hutasian were always more of a nuisance than an aid to our country with a good amount of the trade we get from there going straight back to those greedy pockets!... I''m sorry Cassandra. The topic gets me a little heated... anyways, I''ve kept you here long enough today. It looks as if my grandson here is longing for your company. Go now, child."


    "Thank you again for the lesson, ompung!" Cassandra said as she got up and bowed to which Andronika drew her close to kiss her on the cheeks and forehead as was her habit towards the people of younger generations.


    "Alright, ompung. We''ll be going now." Valamar said as he took Cassandra with him out of the infirmary


    "So where are we going today, my lord?"


    "Like I promised, today we''re going somewhere special... trust me, it''s going to be wonderful."


    As he said that, the two went through numerous halls and stairs in the palace passing by guardsmen and other nobles. The Palace of Rumasil was especially huge and ancient, and navigating through it could take a lifetime to master. On the walls, floors, and ceilings were countless carvings of things, events, and stories that took place in times long since past.


    After a good amount of time walking, the two finally reached a hallway with a large closed doorway guarded by two living tigers. The tigers were rather large and fearsome and Cassandra grew a little tense and wary. However, Valamar smiled at her and motioned towards the tigers who began closing in on them.


    "My lord, I trust you, but I don''t think I like where this is going..." Cassandra said with a little worry as she put her hand on the hilt of a blade hidden in her dress


    "Calm down Cassandra, look."


    As Valamar said that, the oddest thing happened. The tigers lay down next to Valamar and started licking his hands. Valamar proceeded to jump down on them and began rubbing and hugging their fur furiously while laughing. To Cassandra''s bewilderment, the tigers looked like they enjoyed the playful fun greatly. The scene looked like someone playing with their pets.


    "These boys here are the friendliest of their litter. This one''s called Balga, while the other one''s called Raja."


    "How nice..." Cassandra said, still visibly tense


    "There''s no need to fear these ones. They''ve already been fed. They won''t attack you and eat you... probably."


    "Probably?!" Cassandra exclaimed worriedly


    "I''m kidding. C''mon, pet them! They''re incredibly fluffy..."


    At first Cassandra hesitated as she feared her hand being bit off, but she steeled her nerves and proceeded to slowly try and put her hands on one of the tigers'' heads. At first it flinched at the scent of a stranger, but after some reassurance from Valamar they calmed down.


    "You''re right, they are surprisingly adorable!"


    "What did I tell you? These tigers are one of the ones the Rumasilian Royal family breeds in this very palace. They are distinct from the ones we use for war or the ones in the wild. Those tigers you might think twice about before petting."


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "What are they doing here?"


    "They''re in charge of guarding this area."


    "Where are their handlers?"


    "These ones don''t need handlers." Valamar said while petting them both "But if you''re talking about guards, they''re on the other side of that doorway. The guards on this side are probably having a shift change..."


    Valamar then bent down to the tigers so his voice could be heard clearly by them, "Mulak ma hamu tu posmi." and the two tigers immediately went back to their posts on opposite ends of the doorway.


    "So, my lord..." Cassandra said as she looked to the doorway in front of her "What is this place? The style of the doors look positively ancient and the carvings on them are far different from the ones elsewhere... Are these writings ancient Aurosian?"


    "Why yes... are you able to read them?"


    "...mmmm, sorry no luck. My knowledge of modern Aurosian and Latin is only so good, but their older forms are a hard one for me... although... wait a moment. Is this place...?"


    "The tomb of Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Maia, Wife of the First Terran Emperor, Dreikos."


    "Ah, I remember now. Rumasil was first built as a tomb to the Empress, no?"


    "Correct! This part of the palace is the oldest place in all of the city of Rumasil. Before the city itself was founded, this was the only building in the area. Ordered to be built by Emperor Dreikos himself, in the very heartland of his wife''s home."


    "That sounds so romantic."


    "That sounds tragic." Valamar replied quickly "The Empress died young and the Emperor was greatly grief-stricken. I would also be very hard-pressed to rule should anything happen to my wife."


    "My lord is so cute when he''s acting protective." Cassandra said as she hugged Valamar


    "Alright. Let''s come in, yes?"


    "You sure it won''t be dusty and decrepit?"


    "Trust me, you''ll love it."


    As he said that, Valamar opened the doorway to the insides of the tomb. Just as the doors were opened, a group of ten guards were already in formation. When they noticed Valamar, they immediately bowed their heads with their hands at their sword hilts.


    "Santabi." Valamar said as he came in and slightly bowed his head in return


    Cassandra saw the guards and was astonished when she noticed they were all women. And beautiful ones at that. When she saw Valamar smiling at them, she couldn''t help but pinch him slightly. To which he turned to her with a confused look and she only pouted.


    "Your majesty wishes to pay your respects?" One of the guards asked. She looked to be the leader with her specialised armor.


    "Yes. I''m about to show my betrothed here around, if you''ll excuse me. And please drop the ''your majesty'' thing. It''s a bit annoying coming from you, your royal majesty."


    As Valamar said that, the girl dismissed the other guards to their posts. Finally when they were at a distance, her form loosened as the tense faded away.


    "Can¡¯t you let me have a bit of fun pretending to be a respected guard? I prefer to call you Theo anyways."


    "Goddamnit, kakak (older sister). No one I know calls me that! Not even mama!"


    "Well I call you that." the girl said with a smile to which Valamar frowned "Always the sour sport, I see..."


    The girl then turned her attention to Cassandra and bowed.


    "You must be that Florentinian princess everyone''s talking about. My, you are as beautiful as they say. I love the red hair you got going on here by the way."


    "Why, thank you." Cassandra said with a smile as she curtsied "And you are...?"


    "This girl is my older sis-...cousin. Well, one of them anyways." Valamar explained but he had changed his tone midway to which Vera raised her eyebrow as she started to frown a little when Valamar said ¡®cousin¡¯ "Vera Dinauli si Valamen..."


    "Cousin?" Cassandra asked with a little wonder


    "Well technically, our fathers were cousins. Which makes us second cousins. But in Rumasilian culture that makes us as good as siblings." Valamar continued with a slight smirk as he stepped back to wink and clasped his hands while mouthing to Vera ¡®Please go along with it, I¡¯ll treat you to dinner.¡¯


    "Ah, pleased to meet you. No wonder you two seemed close."


    "Oh, that? Well, my mother died while giving birth to me and my father died when I was five." Vera said nonchalantly as she decided to go along with her brother¡¯s whims


    "Oh no! I''m terribly sorry to hear that."


    "Don''t be! Please, hahaha. It''s not like you''re the one who killed them."


    Cassandra only looked at the girl with amazement and confusion


    "I''m sorry, I have a morbid sense of humor. Pay it no heed. Anyways, I''ve been raised by mother and father ever since." Vera finally said to put an early end to whatever prank Valamar was planning


    "But you said they died?" Cassandra asked


    "She means the King and Queen. You know I love you, ito."


    "I love my ito too!" Vera said as she immediately messed up Valamar''s hair "But call me your cousin one more time and I will hurt you. Badly. But amyways, Cassandra, you''re wasted on someone like him."


    It finally dawned on Cassandra as to who the girl was as she immediately bowed again when she finally realised. ¡°I am so sorry I didn¡¯t recognise you right away, Your Royal Highness, Eldest Princess of Rumasil.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, you don¡¯t need to be all that formal, hahaha¡­ She''s a keeper, Theo. Better treat her right."


    "I will. Anyways, I''m expecting a tour guide here." Valamar said


    "Of course. *clears throat* Welcome to the Garden of the Empress!"


    As the name suggests, rather than a tomb the place looks more akin to a garden. A very pretty one at that. Cassandra noticed the beautiful green grass, the colorful flowers, the beautiful trees, fireflies, as well as a small creek running through the place which encircled a sort of mini-isle in the middle of the large room with the single largest tree in the middle of it, overarching what looked like clear glass.


    There were stone pathways and benches as well as a bridge leading to the isle. The roof of the room was also open-air. The moon could be seen shining inside the room from the top.


    Cassandra''s jaw nearly dropped to the floor when she noticed the glowing aura in the room. She saw that some of the flowers were glowing, making the beautiful room look even more pretty.


    "This place... this place is beautiful." Cassandra said "It''s like something out of fairytales..."


    "You think this is amazing? Take a look over here." Vera said as she walked towards the small isle through a small elegant looking bridge as she motioned for the two to follow her,


    On the isle, the clear glass was completely visible and what looked like a tombstone could be seen in front of it. It was written in the common tongue of Terra and Cassandra could read it clearly. The plaque read, ''Here lies the Beloved Empress."


    "Come and take a look at the glass." Vera said to Cassandra to which she obliged. What she saw there made her shocked even more.


    "H-how can this be?" She gasped as she looked at vera who was just smiling


    Through the glass coffin, Cassandra could see the body of the most beautiful woman she had ever seen as if she were just sleeping. The woman''s beauty was just simply divine. Beautiful dark brown hair, flawless skin, and a beautiful but ancient looking dress.


    "Is this... Is this really...?" Cassandra was in complete disbelief at what she had seen


    "Yup." Vera nodded "What you''re looking at here is the six thousand-year old corpse of a dead woman."


    "This is the body of Empress Maia?" Cassandra asked again just to make sure to which Vera nodded again "But how could this be? She should be- with all my utmost respects -a rotting pile of skeletons. Not like this. She looks like she''s just taking a nap."


    "Beats me." Vera said nonchalantly as she raised her shoulders "It''s been baffling physicians and academics for literally thousands of years. Funny story, actually, the Emperor Dreikos himself found out this phenomenon when on one of his yearly pilgrimages to the tomb, he smelt something very nice coming from the stone coffin. He thought someone had played a dirty prank and ordered for the tomb to be checked, but imagine his shock when he saw the body of his wife just as he first laid his eyes on him. He was understandably baffled. He thought it was some sort of trickery, but there was no mistake that it was his wife. And so he ordered for the entire tomb to be renovated and made into the beautiful garden you see here today. Amazing, isn''t it?"


    "Truly..." Cassandra said as she ate up the view "Aren''t you worried someone might look to acquiesce the body illegally?"


    "Have you noticed the guards? In fact, have you noticed me?"


    "Only ten guards to protect such a priceless treasure?"


    "Only?" Vera said with a slightly annoyed tone "We are ''The Daughters of Ruma'' the most deadly order of female warriors on the face of Terra. Trust me, we can defend a fortress with only a hundred women. I think we got this covered."


    "Oh so you are the famous warrior women of Rumasil... I see...." Cassandra said with a little smirk "Impressive..."


    "Judging from your tone, I think you''re less than impressed." Vera smirked back


    "I don''t like where this is going." Valamar said as he came towards the two girls "It''s getting really late. I think we best head back."


    "I agree. A delicate lady like this needs her beauty sleep." Vera said a little teasingly


    "Is that a challenge?" Cassandra said with a stern tone.


    ¡°Oh, is it?¡± Vera continued to smirk

 VIII - The Challenge

    "Are you challenging me?" Cassandra''s cute and friendly demeanor changed into what was a stern and cold smile


    "And what if I was, princess?" Vera smirked back with a condescending tone


    Valamar was visibly worried at the tension between the two. "Cassandra, kakak, I hope you''re not thinking what I think you''re thinking."


    "Of course not, my lord." Cassandra said as her friendly smile returned "I was just getting friendly with my soon-to-be big sister-in-law."


    "Likewise, Valamar." Vera answered whilst at the same time provoking Cassandra with a smirk "I wouldn''t want to beat on my eda (sister-in-law) now do I? What would mom and dad think of me if they found out I beat a defenseless girl half to death?"


    All of a sudden, Valamar could feel the tension in the room rising up again as he only glared at Vera who gave a taunting smile, sticking her tongue out at him. But when he turned towards Cassandra, he could see her turn ice cold with an expressionless face as she walked towards Vera.


    "Cassandra, calm down... She meant it as a joke..." Valamar said as he came towards Cassandra trying to calm her down


    "Hold still, my lord." Cassandra said she put her hands in her dress "I''m merely going to show to my eda what this ''defenseless girl'' can do."


    "Oho... Those are fighting words there..." Vera grinned as she unsheathed her sword "I like it..."


    "Honestly you two shouldn''t be doing this!" Valamar said as his worry just continued to increase but it was as if it fell on deaf ears as the two women in front of him had a murderous aura around them "You two, if you don''t stop, I''ll-..."


    As if it were in a flash, Cassandra lounged herself at Vera with two daggers she had hid in her dress. Vera was caught by surprise, but managed to deflect the attack. She laughed at Cassandra who had pulled back.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" She taunted "You''re going to have at me with those butter knives? Pfft, I thought you were going to take me seriously."


    All of a sudden, Cassandra was in front of her again, launching a relentless onslaught of strikes and swipes with her daggers. She was surprisingly agile and nimble, moving about like liquid water. Vera was put on the edge of her defense.


    This time it was Cassandra''s turn to laugh.


    "Ahahahaha!!" Cassandra sneered "Is this really all the capabilities of a daughter of Ruma? If so, you''re order must accept anyone into its ranks."


    "Oh, it''s on, sister." Vera said. All of a sudden, her playful demeanor was gone as her face became stone cold and her movements more precise. She was far different from before and each strike grew stronger and stronger. Cassandra was forced to only dodge and evade. Cassandra immediately noticed her disadvantage with her dress and ripped it''s lower half apart, revealing her legs.


    "That''s much better." Cassandra said as her movements got more agile


    As the two women were fiercely battling each other, slowly showing different colours to their personality than before, Valamar couldn''t help but notice the other guardswomen only standing there watching them, not wanting to intervene in the battle. Valamar only grit his teeth and prepared to intervene before all of a sudden,


    "Vera Dinauli Valamen!! You irresponsible and rebellious young lady!" A voice shouted


    "Cassandra Lucia de Castelli, I raised you better than this!" Another voice exclaimed


    All of a sudden the fight stopped as the two girls looked towards the direction of the new voices in the room.


    It was none other than their mothers, Lady Avenne and Queen Alessa.


    "Mama!" Cassandra said


    "Mom!" Vera said simultaneously


    Valamar saw that behind the two women was his grandmother shaking her head in disappointment at the two girls. Valamar''s view then returned to the scene at hand. The two girls were being scolded.


    "Picking another fight again are we?" Alessa said with a stern and commanding voice towards Vera


    "It''s not what it looks like, mom, honestly-OW!!!" Vera''s words were cut short as her ears were being pulled by Alessa


    "What do I always say to you about excuses, young lady? You''re coming with me."


    As she said that, she pulled the embarrassed Vera away by her arms, seemingly dragging her. Valamar could see the guards doing their best to hold back their laughter. Not like he was doing any better himself at the sight of his elder sister being dragged away like a child. However, his joy was cut short when Alessa turned to him with an equally stern face


    "Don''t think you''re getting off Scot-free either, Valamar. You''re coming with me."


    "What the hell did I do?!" Valamar started to protest but when his mother glared at him he immediately shut up and listened, although with a scowl on his face to which Vera only stuck her tongue out. Andronika looked at her grandchildren with disappointment, The night would be a real long one for them.


    ***


    "So I heard your niece picked a fight with my daughter." Antonio said to Valasaire who was sat facing him with Valaron being seated next to him.


    "My daughter." Valasaire said correcting Antonio "And I believe it was your daughter who struck first."


    "Ahahaha, I guess you''re right. But in her defense, she was being provoked." Antonio answered back "Si, si. Your eldest daughter is quite the headstrong one."


    "Both my daughters are. It runs in the family."


    The three men were sitting at the table of the palace war room. The table had a huge map of Terra on it with all the important cities, forts, sites, and geography on it. There were also model soldiers and ships representing each nation''s power. Valaron was playing with a model Provarian soldier.


    "Now that I think about it your daughter reminds me a lot of her actual father." Antonio said


    "I am her father." Valasaire answered again, this time more sternly.


    "Yes, yes. I know of your Rumasilian traditions and I know you¡¯ve officially adopted her and raised her as your own. I meant her biological father, your late cousin, Valarian. A brave one, he was. He sure showed the Lothirians his bravery on the battlefield years ago... when he pissed in front of their army in broad daylight. God was he drunk." Antonio reminisced as he chuckled to himself "I had to admit, I wasn''t sure of his abilities when your father sent him as a dignitary to Florentia. But by God was the man legendary. It was a shame how he went out. A stray bullet from a Provarian arquebus that caught his chest."


    "As if that was enough to take on Bang Rian." Valaron spoke up "I''ll tell you what really happened. I was right there next to him. We were fighting on the frontlines on the docks. We were fending off wave after wave of those Provarian asses when he noticed some children hiding from the fighting not too far off. They were the people who didn''t make it in time to escape. The madman rushed to aid them, shrugging off three bullets aimed at him. It was a sight to behold."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "What happened to the children?"


    "They made it safely away and I took care of the shooters. I saw the bastard was already bleeding badly and I told him to pull back but he just said ''piss off¡¯ and proceeded to take another dozen men down."


    "By the time I got there, the man was already sitting down with a large bloody hole in his chest." Valasaire chimed in the story "Our brother''s last words to me was ''take care of our daughter''. And so from then on Vera is my daughter. My eldest child and my blood. And besides, you should know a thing or too about adoption considering you married your father''s ''mother''."


    "Alright, alright. I never said I didn''t understand." Antonio said "Anyways, back to the matter at hand. The wedding will be held in three days. Are the preparations ready?"


    "Of course they are. They''ve been ready for a while. Only a few minor tweaks here and there. A good deal of our guests have already arrived."


    "Si, I could tell. Can we have another run down of all important people coming? Besides the ones from Rumasil and Florentia, I mean."


    "Let''s see here..." Valaron said as he took out a parchment with a list of names on it and started reading it "Uncle Alexios and cousin Manuel are coming along with a good portion of the Imperial family."


    "Oh, the emperor himself is coming?" Antonio said with interest


    "Yeah. He did say he wanted a break from the current war against the Razyan." Valaron answered


    "Mmmm. I''m amazed that Razyan has held out for this long."


    "It may be because my mother-in-law continues to try and search for a peaceful way to end the conflict. Because shockingly their marriage wasn''t enough to stop the war from happening." Valasaire said "Then again, it isn''t really so surprising. I''m shocked that the Razyan even consented in the first place for their princess to marry ''a lowly human'' like us. Those pompous, arrogant, bastards."


    "They are an immortal race of angelic beings with a history stretching back to the beginning of time itself. Our first records came from them."


    "They are a glorified collection of walking feathered old farts."


    "Your wife is half-Razyan."


    "So? I''m only stating the facts. The Royal family in Razatnar doesn''t even recognise her as such. She''s probably classified as ''half-blood trash'' by them."


    "But when I think about it, it must be real weird like to have a wife born during the Great War."


    "Need I remind you your wife''s an elf?" Valasaire asked sarcastically "There were plans for her to marry my great-grandfather.


    "Alright, alright. Lay off, man. And my wife has human blood somewhere up there, you know. She is a descendant of the Great Apostle Martin himself."


    "Soon, the King of Rumasil will have that pedigree as well. So tell your wife I said thank you." Valasaire joked


    "Anyways, who''s next on the list?" Antonio asked for Valaron to continue


    "His Majesty King John of Aerland."


    "With our sister?" Valasaire asked


    "Yes, it seems Valasya will come along too." Valaron answered with a soft smile


    "It''s been more than a decade..." Valasaire said


    "I look forward to it as well." Antonio chimed in "Next?"


    "The King of Germania along with his retinue." Valaron continued


    "Really, now? I wonder what the German King would want with us to come over here personally..." Valasaire said


    "I''m gonna guess you didn''t read his letter that I gave you?"


    "I was... busy. I had other more pressing matters to attend to and the letter simply got misplaced."


    "Sure..."


    "Anyways, I assume you''ve read it already considering it came through you."


    "It was a letter stamped by the very seal of the German King to be read by your eyes only. I''m offended you would assume as such of me."


    Valasaire and Antonio only stared at him with a doubtful look.


    "The German King would like for your youngest daughter''s hand in marriage to his son." Valaron answered


    "Really now?" Valasaire said with amusement "Good luck trying to convince her. I can''t use the same tactics for this wedding for her. Totally out of the question. Let the Crown Prince offer it himself."


    "It''s going to end with another duel isn''t it?"


    "How many suitors has it been?" Antonio asked


    "For Valerie?" Valasaire asked again


    "For both your daughters."


    "Let''s see, counting the ones last week, I''d say twenty for Vera and thirteen for Valerie. Well, at least those were the ones they deemed worthy enough to challenge to a duel." Valasaire only let out a sigh "Those girls are difficult."


    "Not like mine, eh?" Antonio said with a grin


    "That''s funny, considering she''s only ever had eyes for my son. Let''s see what would happen if you all of a sudden canceled their wedding and decided to offer her off to, I don''t know, the Vasilians!"


    "That''s totally not a fair argument. There are a lot of factors contributing to-..."


    "Point is you don''t want to force her to do something she doesn''t want to, right?"


    "The thing she wants to do is the most beneficial one to the country and so-..."


    "Piss off." Antonio said while Valasaire laughed "Anyways, Valaron, who''s next?"


    "Barring any difficulties, this next one should be the last monarch to grace our Kingdom." Valaron said as his eyes were glued to the list and he started to chuckle


    "What''s the matter?" Valasaire asked in confusion "Why are you laughing... who''s the last one? I thought those three were only three monarchs who''re going to come."


    "Antonio you sly bastard." Valaron said


    "What?! What did he do?!" Valasaire was starting to worry


    "You''re not gonna like this one, Valasaire."


    "What are you talking about? Who could he possibly invite to-..." all of a sudden, as Valasaire was skimming through his brain for a name and a guess to who it could possibly be, it donned on him as he gasped "Antonio, you wouldn''t... don''t tell me..."


    "His Majesty King Jan III of Slavsnik and his family." After saying that, Valaron broke into laughter along with Antonio who was trying to hold it back


    "No no no no no. No. NO!" Valasaire was frustrated "What are you trying to do? Just what were you thinking?!"


    "What did I do wrong?" Antonio asked with confusion "You told me I can bring my family. My mother is from Slavsnik and Jan is my cousin. They''re family."


    "What part of ''no members of the House Wladwiqi'' do you not understand."


    "I''m sorry, I believe you said something in Rumasilian sounding like, ''blah blah blah Wladwiqi bleh''. Forgive me, my knowledge of Halak is very limited. I thought you mean''t ''please invite my relatives the Wladwiqis, I miss them so much''."


    "That family hates my ass!"


    "And for good reason." Valaron chimed in with a smile "Poor girl having her fiance break their betrothal... on the night before the wedding. Honestly, I felt bad for Agnes."


    "I heard she almost killed herself that night." Antonio said "Tried to drop herself off the palace deck."


    "And she would''ve if Valarian wasn''t there to grab her. But can you blame her? Seeing her fiancee in bed with another girl... honestly, only a savage could do such a thing."


    "Nobody asked her to come into my room at night." Valasaire scoffed


    "And who the hell asked you to sleep with another girl at night?" Antonio retorted


    "That... I... I couldn''t marry her! I just can''t with somebody I didn''t love. You know I have only ever loved one woman, and that is my wife, Alessa."


    "Good way to show it is to wait till the last minute." Valaron said while his eyes were on the list he was holding "Very gentlemanly of you."


    "I was torn apart between my love for Alessa and my obedience to my father. I''m so sorry true love won out."


    "And you''re saying Agnes didn''t love you?" Antonio asked "I''m sorry, because to my knowledge, you were the only man on her mind."


    "I never said that. It wasn''t her, it was me. I did not love her"


    "Didn''t have the balls to say it to her face, now did you?" Antonio said "In what world is leading her on a good plan of showing her you don''t love her?"


    "It''s just, I-..."


    "Oh dear me..." Valaron said while whistling


    "What is it now?!" Valasaire was starting to be annoyed


    "It seems her majesty Princess Agnes would be coming to the wedding as well." Valaron said while shaking his head at his older brother


    "Oh dear me, indeed." Antonio said with a fake gasp ¡°Whatever shall we do¡­?¡±


    "That''s it. Screw you both! I''m outta here." Valasaire said in frustration as he slammed the table and got up to leave the room.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Valaron asked


    "Back to my room to make sweet love to my wife. You two can go piss off."


    As he said that, Valasaire left the room, leaving behind the two men who laughed and eventually decided to leave as well.

 IX - Start of the Dynastic Wedding

    The door to Valamar''s chambers was being knocked loudly which caused Valamar to wake up. Valamar saw the windows and noticed the sun was barely up in the distance. Valamar was still half asleep as the doors kept on being knocked harder and harder.


    "Valamar, come out now! You have to get ready!" the voice said


    "The sun is barely up! Give me five minutes, Jesus!"


    "You wake up this instant, young man!" The doors opened loudly as Alessa came into the room and immediately dragged Valamar by the ear out of his bed "You will be ready for your own wedding, and I won''t accept your tardiness. Now get going! Chop chop!"


    "Yes, mother! I''m up, I''m up!" Valamar said frantically from the pain as his mother finally let go of his ear and she turned to look at him with a stern face which immediately turned into a soft expression as she caressed his face


    "My son, this is going to be the most important day of your life!" Alessa said with a soft smile "You''re a grown up now. So please my son, act like one."


    "Only in Halak weddings do we have to wake up before the sun does..." Valamar said as he rubbed his eyes "I bet Cassandra is still sleeping."


    "Did you call me, my lord?" all of a sudden Cassandra entered the room, looking as fresh as ever


    "Cassandra! You''re already up?"


    "Yes my lord! In fact I found it very hard to sleep last night..." Cassandra said as she sat down on the bed next to Valamar "I''m just so excited!! Today''s our big day!!"


    "Oh my dear, if only my son here shared your enthusiasm..." Alessa said


    "Wait, you mean... my lord was not looking forward to today? I-I..." As Valamar saw Cassandra''s enthusiasm beginning to turn to worry, he immediately embraced her.


    "Of course not! I''m very excited today!" Valamar said as he hugged her while his eyes were shot to his mother


    "Good then. Now show it while you get ready!" Alessa said "Come now, Cassandra dear. We have to get you perfumed, made up, and dressed most elegantly!"


    "Coming, your majesty!" Cassandra said as she got up but not before kissing Valamar on his cheek "I''ll see you again at the cathedral, my lord!"


    After they had left, Valamar also immediately went to get himself cleaned at the palace baths. It took Valamar about an hour to completely wash himself and get dressed. Some servants had helped him get ready wearing his regalia. The regalia was standard for the nobility in Rumasil, with its style of dress heavily influenced by the Latinosi style of clothing but with it''s own indigenous touches to it. Valamar wore an ulos (sort of wide patterned sash) over his left shoulder as well as a smaller ulos as a style of Rumasilian hat.


    Valamar quickly exited the palace along with an entourage. He quickly entered a carriage that would take him to the Cathedral. After a while of riding on the carriage, he finally arrived. It was still early in the morning as Valamar took a look at his watch as it showed it was only around six. Even so, he saw some guests already arriving and talking with each other in front of the Cathedral. From afar, he could see his brother conversing with a middle-age looking man.


    "And here is our proud groom now." Vald said as Valamar arrived


    "You look well, nephew." The middle-aged man spoke with a firm tone and a smile, though his eyes looked fierce and calculating.


    "Of course, uncle. I''ll be damned if I look horrible during my own wedding." Valamar answered


    "Always the smart mouth."


    "I learned from the best."


    "You mean your father?"


    "Hahahahaha... I''m not yet to his level, uncle Manuel." Valamar said


    "So are we just going to stand in ceremony or are you going to give your uncle a hug?"


    "Of course I am!" Valamar said as he embraced the man


    "Oh lord, if only my daughter were still alive... this could''ve been her big day with you..."


    "Don''t cry, uncle. Hahahaha... it doesn''t suit Crown Imperial Prince Manuel the Cunning to cry. Alea wouldn''t want you to."


    "I''m not crying." Manuel said as he immediately regained his composure "Now, I suggest we stop talking about the dead. It would be most unfair to your bride if we keep bringing up the past."


    "I wasn''t the one who started."


    "Yeah, yeah. Now stop being a smartass and hurry up and go inside. Your father and father-in-law are waiting for you. And just a word of warning, Antonio may look silly, but I assure you, I''m far more understanding when it comes to treating my son-in-law. Isn''t that right, Vald?"


    "Yes, uncle." Vald answered


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Valamar asked to clarify


    "Just be sure to treat her well... Now hurry up!" Manuel said


    "You''re not coming inside?"


    "I will soon. I would just like to have a chat with my son-in-law here."


    Valamar smiled and nodded as he turned to Vald with an understanding look. Vald was visually nervous in the presence of his uncle/father-in-law.


    "Good luck, brother." Vald said


    "Trust me, you''ll need it more than me." Valamar said. After that, he immediately entered the grand Cathedral.


    The Cathedral was surely a large and imposing structure from the outside. It was the single largest church in all of Rumasil City proper. The building was just as decorated as the other historic sites in the city, with statues of saints, angels, and scenes from the scriptures adorning the walls and gates of the building. The stained glass made the light from the sun able to shine brightly even inside the cathedral. They just had the windows cleaned last week. The last time it was cleaned was when Vald and Angelina were married two years before.


    "There''s the dashing groom right there!" Valasaire said "Valamar, please greet your grandparents here! They came a long way just to see this wedding which, need I remind you, they weren''t even here for your brother''s wedding."


    "I was there..." A beautiful woman who looked to be in her twenties said. The woman had a sort of divine beauty to her, with a pair of large white wings on her backless dress which went down to her waist with long beautiful silver hair. "What do you mean his grandparents weren''t there?"


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    "I meant uncle Alexios here. Of course you were there, aunty."


    "Need I remind you that I was bedridden then?" an older looking man who was sitting next to the winged lady said.


    "Details, uncle."


    "It''s been a while, grandfather." Valamar said as he hugged the man


    "You should come to Auros more often, grandson. Explore more to your heritage than just the one from Rumasil. You know, your brother and his wife spent their honeymoon in our estate in Memne. You should go there too!" the man said


    "It is a wonderful offer you make, grandfather. Spending time in Auros is a wonderful idea, but God-willing, I plan on spending time with my wife in her home country of Florentia."


    "Ah, I see. Yes, as pretty as Auros is, you¡¯d be hard-pressed to match the city of a thousand canals."


    "Now you keep on talking to your grandfather but forget your grandmother? I''m very very offended by that, Theodoros." the winged lady said


    "Of course, grandmother. I would not forget Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Rena, the most beautiful woman of the last century." Valamar said as he hugged her too


    "Last century?" She said with a raised eyebrow and a slight pout


    "My mother was born in this century, grandmother." Valamar said


    "You cheeky little child." She said as she stretched his cheeks in glee. Everyone there just laughed as Valamar only did his best to endure the pain.


    "I''m not a child anymore."


    "Nonsense, Theo!" she said while slightly flicking his forehead "You can say that to me in four hundred years. Before that, you''re still my darling grandson."


    "Of course, grandmother." Valamar only smiled. He had always been treated this way by his grandmother. A woman whose age had reached past one and a half millennia but whose face looked no older than his elder sister.


    Valamar had proceeded to greet the rest of his mother''s family, the Imperial House of Memnos, the ruling dynasty of the Empire of Auros, Rumasil''s closest and staunchest ally.


    "You should consider yourself lucky, Valamar. This is quite the turnout." Valasaire said "This is almost the complete Imperial family, all gathered here to see your wedding."


    "And for that, I am truly grateful." Valamar said as he bowed towards the Emperor "But forgive me if I ask, I saw uncle Manuel, aunt Diana is here, but where in the world is my favourite cousin?"


    "Matthaeos will arrive a little sooner." Diana said "He''s currently being pestered by Anastasia."


    "Oh, aunt Anastasia is here as well?" Valamar said with intrigue


    "Yes she is. Since she missed Vald''s wedding last year, she made it of utmost importance to make an appearance here." the Empress Rena explained


    "Alright, the guests are starting to come in." Valasaire said as he looked to the cathedral entrance ¡°I believe it''s time for you to take your seat."


    Valasaire motioned to a pair of chairs in front of the altar of the cathedral where the bride and groom are meant to sit for the duration of the ceremony. The marriage will be conducted according to Rumasilian custom and tradition. It would be as much a spectacle to the guests as it would be to the bride''s family.


    Valamar sat there on his chair as he noticed the chair next to his was still empty. He was very anxious to see his soon to be wife as he looked to his watch. The guests were starting to arrive, steadily filling up the pews of the cathedral.


    The layout of the cathedral was large. It had many columns of pews with dozens of rows as well as a second level with more seats. Valamar sat on the chair on the right. The seats on the right were therefore filled with people from his family while the opposite side would be Cassandra''s kin. Valamar saw his future father-in-law sitting alongside his family, conversing with someone seated behind him, an important looking fellow with eerie pale skin. Valamar could also see Elven dignitaries seated there. They must be representatives of the Lordship of Kaena, Lady Avenne''s home country.


    The chairs were almost filled up and the Cathedral was being filled with chatter. Valamar saw the clergymen were also getting ready and prepared for the marriage blessing ceremony. All of a sudden, he saw people coming out of a door on the wing of the cathedral.


    And it was there he saw his bride emerge. She looked absolutely stunning in a beautifully coloured dress. Her beauty was so splendid there, he could feel his heart skip a beat. Her beautiful red hair tied into an elegant bun, her eyes looked like they were shining, her lips coloured red like her hair. Valamar could hear and feel the people in the cathedral also thought the same way as she entered the room, but he couldn''t look to confirm his thoughts as his eyes won''t move away from their view of hers, even after she had already sat down next to him.


    "My lord, are you alright?" Cassandra - who was now seated - said to him while slightly blushing "Your staring is making me quite nervous..."


    "Honestly, you look stunning..." Valamar said in all seriousness


    "Oh, my lord flatters me too much." Cassandra said as she blushed


    "Sorry, let me rephrase that. You''re gorgeous."


    Cassandra blushed even more profusely.


    As everyone was already in their places, the ceremony was about to start. Valamar looked at his clock which showed the time to be of eight sharp. The ceremony then began.


    A clergyman wearing the colours of the Rumasilian Martinite branch of the Terran Church came to the altar and raised his hands at the people. He first spoke in the Rumasilian language but then he changed to the Terran language.


    "We are gathered here today to witness the union of these two in the eyes of both the church and God, represented by myself, Marsinondang Sihutatua, by the grace of God, Archbishop and Grand Ephorus of Tanoruma and Cardinal of Rumasil, as well as representative of the main church of Terra, His holiness the Archbishop of Florentia and my fellow cardinal, Lorenzo di Fiarossa. Now, before we start the ceremony, let us begin with prayer and before that song."


    As he said that, the organist of the cathedral began to play the music which filled the entire building. The people began to sing as per the tradition of the Rumasilian church. Every seat had in front of them small booklets which had the words ''Buku Ende'' on it. By nature it is a book of hymns in the Rumasilian language and so the only ones who could read it were the Rumasilians present.


    "Can you sing this?" Valamar whispered to his bride


    "I believe I can." Cassandra answered "I can read the letters and I know the melody of the song from the Florentinian version."


    After the song, the room fell quiet as the Archbishop conducted the opening prayers which had already been prepared previously, thanking the people who came and all the such as well as asking for the holy spirit to be present at the ceremony. In all honesty, Valamar counted it to be a full quarter hour just for the prayer.


    When the prayers concluded with an amen, Archbishop Marsinondang spoke up again and began to speak,


    "In accordance with Rumasilian tradition, I ask the groom, do you still have any lingering loyalties or affectionate love in the romantic sense with any woman anywhere?"


    "I do not." Valamar answered


    "And the bride, do you have any lingering loyalties to any man besides the groom in the romantic sense?"


    "Absolutely not."


    The Archbishop nodded and smiled at the answers and then took out what looked like a large charter.


    "Here be the charter of the agreement of the marriage. I ask the father of the groom please come on up and sign along with one witness on the groom''s side followed by the signature of the father of the bride along with the witness of the bride''s family."


    Valasaire then walked towards the front and signed along with Valaron who also signed as a witness. Antonio walked up and signed followed by the pale looking man who sat behind him as a witness. Valasaire was visibly tense as he saw the pale man walking closer to sign. After he had signed, he only gave the King of Rumasil a cold and harsh stare while Valaron was holding back a grin albeit failing.


    "I''ve been guessing on who that pale man is, but I wanted to make sure..." Valamar whispered to Cassandra "But is that..."


    "Yes, my lord. That is my father''s cousin, His Majesty, the King of Slavsnik." Cassandra replied


    "Ah, I thought as much. There''s only one person in the world I know of who can make my father look queasy like that."


    "What exactly happened between them? I only got the gist of it from my father that it had something to do with your father''s marriage."


    "That story could only be done justice over two bottles of wine and about a night of shouting. Anyways, it looks like they''re done."


    As he said that, The Archbishop looked at the couple and began to speak again.


    "With the signing of the charter by the two families, what is left is the signature of the bride and groom. But before that, I will ask you your vows. May you please stand up?"


    As he said that, Valamar and Cassandra arose from their seats. They were feeling a little nervous being in the spotlight now. They then stood up and faced the Archbishop who was holding up a cross.


    "Let us begin the vows." The archbishop said

 X - The Vows

    The room fell silent as the bride and groom stood up. The Archbishop looked at them as he held up the cross on-high.


    "Then allow me to administer your vows with a series of questions." He said


    Usually a priest would have an agenda book with everything ready to be read out, but being a senior clergyman, the Archbishop had memorised it by heart. He began asking the groom a set of questions.


    "Do you, Valamar Theodoros si Valamen, Crown Prince of the Harajaon ni Tanoruma, son of Valasaire XIX Vasilios si Valamen, hereby solemnly swear in front of the witnesses in this house of God, the Church, and in front of the LORD Himself, to take this lady as your lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health, joy and in pain, and to love her as Christ so loved the Church and love her as you love yourself and become one with her till death do you part?"


    "Yes, I do." Valamar answered with slight nervousness though with a calm appearance


    "And do you, Cassandra Lucia de Castelli, Sovereign princess of the Florentinian Union, daughter of Antonio Lorenzo de Castelli, hereby solemnly swear to accept this man as your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in pain, and to love him and devote yourself to him as Christ devoted Himself to His Church, till death do you part?"


    "Yes, I do! Forever and ever!" she answered with a little more excitement though with a slight blush


    "You may exchange your wedding rings as a sign of your oath."


    Valamar and Cassandra took turns putting their wedding rings which had been previously put on the table in front of their seat. As they put their rings on, Valamar and Cassandra could see some of their family tearing up, mainly the women. After they put on the rings, they showed their hands to the people who answered with loud applause and cheer.


    "That''s my boy!" Valamar could hear his father shout but immediately be flicked on his ear by his grandmother who sat behind him


    Cassandra saw her family also happy with her mother wiping tears of joy at the event. Cassandra too felt like she wanted to cry, but she held back her tears. The couple then turned back towards the front where the Archbishop was smiling.


    "You may proceed to sign the charter." he said and the two proceeded to do so. Cassandra noticed Valamar''s signature was in fact the name Theodoros and she smiled a bit.


    "Then by the power vested in me by the Church and the State, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."


    When he said that, Valamar and Cassandra began to tense up again. They were mixed with excitement and embarrassment. Valamar was mentally preparing himself to do it but to his surprise, Cassandra had taken the initiative and kissed him while putting arms around his neck. The people cheered even louder as they saw that. The kiss felt soft, tender, and gentle. Afterwards, Valamar could see Cassandra was visibly flushed red.


    The Archbishop then put the cross he was holding down and proceeded to sign the wedding charter as well. He then proceeded to stretch out his hands to bless the newlywed couple and began to bless them as a closure to the church ceremony. He began his words in the Terran language but then proceeded to change into using the Halak one.


    The wedding ceremony at the church has officially been concluded. They were now legally man and wife in the eyes of the church. The Ceremony ended with singing another hymn.


    "Now we really are married..." Cassandra said as she looked at Valamar with a huge smile "I am now officially my lord''s wife!" she said as whilst proceeding to hug Valamar again.


    "And I will love you forever and ever..." Valamar said with a smile as he looked at his new precious treasure "But can you drop the ''my lord'' thing... it''s getting a little odd... it would make people seem like I''m a dominating kind of person... You could call me by my name."


    "But I''ve gotten used to calling you ''my lord''... Valamar... my Valamar... my one and only husband..." Cassandra started to go on in a sort of trance while she was smiling


    "Cassandra!" Valamar said to call her out of it


    "Oh forgive me, my lord! I was a bit out of it... hehehe... I mean, Valamar..."


    "You know what, it''s fine. You can call me whatever you want. My lord is fine. I can say I''ve also gotten used to it."


    "Alright! Though maybe I''ll call your name once in a while, my lord... So that''s it, huh? We''re now officially married."


    "In the eyes of the church..." Valamar said with a sort of ''kind of...'' tone


    "What do you mean... Oh yes... ompung told me of this... there''s still another ceremony after this, isn''t there?" Cassandra asked


    "Unfortunately so. Halak weddings last from dawn till dusk. We''re merely halfway through. We must go through a mangadati."


    "The ceremony where we have to go through traditional processions according to Rumasilian tradition?"


    "Yes... I''m so sorry if this is a bit inconvenient to you. And I know you must be tired being up for this long. I wish there was-..."


    "It''s okay my lord!" Cassandra said happily "Whatever it is we have to go through, as long as I''m with you, I''m far more than happy."


    Valamar smiled as he caressed his new wife''s cheek. He then noticed his uncle Valaron stepping up in front of the altar looking like he was going to make an announcement.


    "Forgive me, ladies and gentlemen, but after this, we will head straight for the palace gardens to have the traditional ceremonies. You may congratulate the newlywed couple there after the ceremonies are completed and after that, we have prepared the most delicious of Rumasilian cuisine for your enjoyment. Thank you for the attention.¡± As he said that, Valamar saw him motion to the door.


    Valamar and Cassandra exited the Cathedral and got on a special white carriage with the flags of Rumasil and Florentia on it. It was to take them straight to the palace gardens.


    ***


    As they arrived at the palace gardens, Valamar saw that most of the guests had already arrived. The place was decorated beautifully. Lanterns being hung everywhere, the scent of the flowers, the many ponds and fountains and bright colourful flowers really added to the atmosphere. Many of the servants were finishing the preparations of the tables and chairs where the guests were to be seated.


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    A stage had been sat at the forefront of the gardens with a large chair meant for them both to sit on as well as another one in front of the stage also for them. Next to the center chair on the stage were more chairs meant for the family of the bride and groom. Valasaire and Alessa sat to the right side along with Vera, Vald and Angelina, and Valerie and also Valaron at the far right. On the other side was Antonio and Avenne along with Enrico, along with some of Cassandra''s uncles.


    The two then took the seat as the ceremony was about to begin. Cassandra noticed that music was playing in the air as she saw a group of people playing instruments she had never seen before in her life.


    "That is what you call the Gondang..." Valamar said as he noticed his wife looking at the people playing the instruments "Traditional Halak music. Some hardliners call it demonic, I call them idiots with no sense of tradition."


    "Demonic?" Cassandra asked confused


    "It''s a really long story. Literally a lot of the aspects of Rumasilian tradition have been debated by theology for millenia... Anyways, the ceremonies are about to start."


    As he said that, the music stopped and Cassandra could see an elderly looking man walk up in front of the stage and started addressing everyone there and welcoming all the guests, but most importantly the Rumasilian nobles and the Memnosi Imperial family.


    "Who''s that man?" Cassandra whispered


    "Valahan si Valamen." Valamar answered "Formerly the Lord Commander of Rumasil''s military."


    "He''s a Valamen?"


    "Yes. In fact he''s the oldest member of the Valamen family still currently living at eighty eight years of age."


    "Eighty eight?"


    "Yes."


    "He''s remarkably healthy for someone who''s almost ninety. Why haven''t I seen him around before?"


    "Oh, he doesn''t live in the palace. He''s been living in some monastery in the countryside away from the city, though he sometimes goes to ceremonies like this as the elder representing the si Valamen family. By the way, he''s the younger brother of King Valadar the just. He has served Rumasil''s army from 1518. He became Lord Commander of the military in 1540 and retired from the position after twenty years in service. But even then, he participated during the Provarian invasion of Rumasil at almost seventy five. The man''s a living legend."


    "Amazing..."


    After that, the old man invited the other elders to start speaking. They all began speaking in the Halak language which went right over Cassandra''s, and in fact her entire family''s head. Valamar could see the Florentinian family only nodding and smiling.


    The people who were talking were even more elderly looking people. There were about seven more of them including Valamar''s maternal grandfather, the Emperor of Auros.


    "Besides the Emperor, who are the other people?" Cassandra asked again in a whisper to her husband


    "Those are the elders of the other Great Houses of Rumasil. The Siyesa, Sihoras, Sianakranu, Sitoba, Simanaek, and the Silamen." Valamar answered


    "Ah, so the seven great houses are expected to be in attendance?"


    "Yes. Just bear with the talking, Cassandra. I know how boring this can get."


    "It''s alright, Valamar. Experiencing a new culture is most exciting! I love how fierce the Halak language sounds. But I don''t get why your grandfather the Emperor is there. I''m even more surprised that he speaks Rumasilian like a native."


    "You remember in that one ceremony before where we gave you the surname Memnos?"


    "Yes I do. Your grandmother said it''s because they have to give me a recognised marga. What confuses me is why the Memnos are even considered a Rumasilian family. They''re Latinosi from Auros!"


    "Remember, the Memnosi have been marrying off their daughter''s to Rumasil for at least four thousand years not to mention the fact that we¡¯ve also sent many daughters there for just as long. Our relations are close. As is the case, the House of Memnos has been recognised as an official marga of Rumasil. For the Castelli to be recognised, you''ll need at least ten generations of Castelli queens. Anyways, it''s because of that that the Memnosi Imperial family members learn both how to speak in the Halak language and the Aurosian tongue. The Rumasilian family in turn also knows the Aurosian language, though we much prefer the Halak tongue."


    "You know how to speak Aurosian?"


    "Of course I do."


    "Why haven''t I heard you speak it?"


    "¦¥?¦Í¦Á¦É ¦Ä?¦Ò¦Ê¦Ï¦Ë¦Ç ¦Ã¦Ë?¦Ò¦Ò¦Á"


    "Showoff!" Cassandra nudged at her husband''s side slightly while giggling.


    Finally, after quite a bit of time, the elders had finished with the opening statements and they motioned for the music to start playing again. Caassandra could see at the edge of the place people were lining up. The women had a sort of sack which they held on top of their heads while some held it close to their chests.


    As the music was playing, the people started marching towards the stage in a sort of dance according to the beat of the music. They were the Rumasilian Noble Houses along with the Aurosian Imperial family. When they got to the front, they had poured the sacks over and filled a larger sack with rice. Cassandra looked on with curiosity


    "This tradition stretches way back when the Halak were only simple farmers living in huts of villages." Valamar explained


    After that, the elders motioned for Valamar and Cassandra to come down and sit on the chair in front of it. As they sat there, they could see the people again ready to march, but this time, an elder at the front of each group was holding an ulos. As each group marched, music played as they danced forward while holding their hands in a clasp. Each family had a few representatives who spoke, it had to be male as per Rumasilian tradition. Valamar and Cassandra smiled at all the people who had something to say. It was a form of representing a family and giving their blessings. After each family had concluded its blessings and advice, the music would start playing again as one member would signal it and the elders holding the ulos would wrap it around the couple as a symbol of God''s blessings upon the two. After that, they would congratulate the couple and form the line and go to the stage to congratulate the families as well.


    As the music kept on playing, the guests who were not part of the group were free to dance to the music with other guests holding a bag of coins and giving it to the other guests. It was a wonderful form of festivities. Sometimes, it was Valaron who joined the dancing people with a bag of coins, giving money to them. He was especially kind to little children. Valamar could see his sisters having fun dancing as well.


    Finally it came to the last group to give their blessings. It was the Memnosi. Cassandra always found it amusing when she saw the Aurosian Imperial family take part in a foreign culture such as this one. As they got to the front, Alexios motioned for the music to stop and he came forward to officially confer his blessings. He was holding an ulos, but unlike the others, it was purple, the colour of Imperial royalty.


    "Mauliate godang tu Debata di Jahowa asa boi ma hami marpungu dison!" The emperor said in perfect Rumasilian "However, for you foreign guests here, allow me to speak in the Terran tongue. I would just like to say, and I represent everyone standing here, at the sight of my second eldest grandchild, enjoying his wedding. It really is a sight to behold. And it really does remind me that I''m old. Without much small talk, I would just say, may God bless this union and may fortune and grace be with you two!"


    After that, The Emperor stepped forward and placed the ulos around his grandson and his new wife and proceeded to hug them followed by the other family members. The Empress in turn came over them and wrapped her wings around them and said a small prayer in her native tongue before kissing both their foreheads. It was a Razyan custom.


    After all of that, to conclude the meeting, Valamar had to address the guests who came. And so he stood and gave his thanks to the people who came to his wedding. It actually didn''t take as long as expected. Finally, King Valasaire stood up to conclude it.


    "Again, as my son had said, we thank you all for coming!" He said earnestly "Now, you won''t be leaving before you eat, and my, do you all look famished. Please, enjoy the most delicious food Rumasil has to offer! And over all enjoy the party! There''s more singing, dancing, and fun to be had!"


    Everyone there cheered and immediately a line formed at the buffet tables.


    Valamar and Cassandra remained seated as they enjoyed each other''s warmth and Cassandra laying her head on his shoulder.


    "Now, we are officially husband and wife." Valamar said


    "I love you, my lord." Cassandra replied


    "As do I."

 XI - Royal Discussions

    After the conclusion of the traditional ceremonies, the guests were free to enjoy the after-party, many were still lining up at the buffet tables while many were also just enjoying the atmosphere of the place. Some of the younger ladies were dancing as the music switched to the ones more common to the Terran nobility.


    There was an old white grand piano in a gazebo in the middle of the gardens where there was someone playing on it. Many people also just sat on carpets that were laid on the grass while they enjoyed their food and drink.


    One table in particular was very interesting to see. Valasaire sat there with some other guests. These guests in particular were no average people, as evidenced by the amount of guards around it. There sat the Kings and leaders of six of the Christian powers in Terra.


    "I never expected there to be this many royals in attendance of the wedding." One of the guests at the table said. A strong looking middle-aged man with blond hair and a thick beard


    "And I never expected that King Geirhart III of Germania to be here either." Valasaire said to the man "Yet here you are."


    "Really? I thought I had sent a letter in advance of my arrival."


    "Did you, now?" Valasaire said "Must''ve misplaced it."


    "You misplaced a letter stamped with a royal seal?" the pale-skinned King of Slavsnik said with a scoff "That''s very careless. Even by your standards."


    "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    "He didn''t misplace it. He did read it, he was just feigning ignorance." Valaron replied back "Though he is very careless. Luckily for him, I am much more organised."


    "So you did read my letter." Geirhart said


    "I am sorry, but it doesn''t look like I can readily accept your proposal." Valasaire finally said


    "What did this proposal entail, exactly?" Another guest said. A regal looking man with short brown hair, round eyes, and a noticeable scar on his left cheek.


    "He wants his son to marry my youngest daughter." Valasaire answered


    "The Princess Valerie?"


    "Yes." Geirhart answered


    "That''s not fair. I was going to ask you the same thing! I was looking forward to again create a union between Rumasil and Aerland."


    "You already have my sister, John." Valasaire said "What more do you want?"


    "Forgive me, your majesty." Geirhart said to the Aerlish king "But I have first sent a formal message to his majesty. So I believe I get the privilege to be considered first."


    "But, according to Rumasilian customs, she is required to marry my son." John replied


    "Boy, you lost the right to talk about Rumasilian tradition when you married Valasya." Emperor Alexios said "Honestly, if we''re talking about adhering to absolute orthodox Rumasilian tradition, your children wouldn''t even exist."


    "Well put, uncle." Valasaire said


    "That''s a bit harsh, uncle Alex." John said in turn "Well, uncle Valasar had allowed it. So it shouldn''t be too against the traditions."


    "Your uncle Kasper was far closer to Slavsnik''s traditions than he would admit." Alexios retorted


    "And what exactly is wrong with that?" Jan said with a slightly annoyed tone


    "Nothing. It just means that John shouldn''t use such a half-assed excuse."


    "Thank you, your majesty." Geirhart said as he saw his position being defended


    "Oh it''s nothing, your majesty. I just wanted to repay the bullying my elder sister did to me to her son John over here."


    "You know, the scriptures say the sins of the father." John said while whining a bit "I''ve never read anything resembling the sins of the mother."


    "I''m surprised you''ve read the scriptures at all." Manuel said with a condescending tone "Well at least from what I hear of you from my wife."


    "Alright, see here Manuel. Now I''m pretty offended. You know Diana always liked to tease me. But I would like to inform you, I am very devoted to my faith. With a wife like mine, you don''t really have a choice."


    "I did warn you." Valasaire said "Anyways, tulang (maternal uncle). I would have you know, my father taught me many things of the culture of Rumasil. The only reason he even allowed Valasya to marry John was because John passed an impossible test... with a bit of help from yours truly of course."


    "And I can''t thank you enough for that, Valasaire!"


    "This family is dysfunctional." Jan said with a slightly joking yet still condescending tone


    "Aren''t you related to them?" Antonio turned and asked his cousin


    "You do realise your father and Valasaire''s were cousins, right?" Alexios said


    "Of course." Jan answered "I respect the late-King Valasar very much. As you said, he was close to his Slavic roots. In fact if I do recall, Valasaire, he specifically wanted you to marry my sister."


    "Jan, how many times do I have to say? It just wasn''t meant to be, again I apologize." Valasaire said


    "And it took you one day before the wedding to realise that? You were about to be married to a proper lady, but instead you went ahead and chose some..."


    "Chose some what?" Manuel said with audible annoyance in his tone in preparation for him to hear his sister insulted. Alexios only glared at the Slav.


    "Are you implying my daughter is not a proper lady?" Alexios asked with an annoyed tone "There are no princesses on the face of Terra more properly raised and educated than a daughter of the Imperial House of Memnos."


    "I would expect a daughter of the Imperial family to know when to refuse a man who''s already been betrothed." Jan said "But clearly, Aurosian education is highly overrated."


    "And I suppose your backwater excuse of a state is a shining example of enlightenment?" Manuel retorted "I''ve seen peasants smarter than the likes of your aristocracy. Your ambassador to Auros being a prime example of that."


    "I know full well he''s an idiot. I only saw it fit for him to be sent to a country whom I assumed had about the same mental capacity as his."


    "You mock the country of the founders of philosophy?"


    "Suppose I am, what do you think you''re going to do about it?" Jan said as he stood up and stared straight into Manuel''s eyes. Manuel in return for the favour stood up as well. The two people were getting heated and looked as if conflict were to happen. The other monarchs could only watch. Finally, Valasaire stepped in.


    "Alright, that''s enough from the both of you!" Valasaire said trying to calm the situation down "Must I remind you that this is a wedding celebration. You people aren''t even at war for Christ''s sake!"


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    "Manuel, calm down and sit." Alexios said to his son


    Antonio requested for Jan to do the same to which he did.


    "That''s good. Everything''s much better when the situation is calm and we are all having level-headed discussions. Jan, you can insult me and get angry with me all you want, just not in here. Trust me, I''ll accept my long due punishment. But please. If you two want to start a war, do it elsewhere. Not in my palace." Valasaire said


    "I have no intentions of making war with Auros." Jan said "I just want justice for my sister. And I''ll hold you on your words, Valasaire."


    "Anywhere but the face and the groins." Valasaire said to which the others just laughed and the atmosphere began to calm down a little.


    "Well, I apologise for my unseemly behaviour." Manuel said as he calmed down and looked towards Jan "It is unbecoming to lose my temper at such low-key insults. I don''t care what you do to him, just leave my sister and my country out of it."


    "I apologise as well..." Jan said though with a little reluctance "It seems my anger was misdirected"


    "Well, luckily that didn''t devolve into an international incident." Antonio said "By the way, where is Agnes? Didn''t you say she was here?"


    "What? You brought your sister back here?" Manuel said "Even I''m not that cruel."


    "Of course I didn''t ask her to come." Jan said again annoyed "The last time she was here, she tried to kill herself. No, she came here of her own insistence. She said she didn''t have a chance to apologise back then and make amends, and so she would like to use this opportunity to do so."


    "Her apologise? Apologise for what?" Valasaire said


    "I asked her the same thing, but she only said ''for the trouble she has caused''..."


    "Honestly, that girl has the soul of a saint." Antonio said


    "Wait, isn''t that her over there?" Valaron said as he pointed to her direction to which everyone turned their heads to look


    "Aye, and it looks like she''s dancing with someone..." John said with a bit of a smile "And looks like she''s enjoying herself quite a bit."


    "Wait, what? Who?!" Jan said with surprise as he saw that indeed she was having a dance with someone


    "Wait isn''t that..." Valasaire said


    "Andreas?!" Manuel said to which everybody was surprised


    "Isn''t that your younger brother?" Jan asked to make sure


    "Yes..."


    "Interesting... Is he married yet?"


    "No. We''ve tried to get him to marry but he never had anyone interest him... wait... where are you going with this?"


    Jan only looked at Manuel and Alexios with a slight smirk. Manuel finally caught the Slav''s meaning.


    "Your sister hasn''t wed yet?" Alexios asked


    "No. As far as I know, she was contemplating joining a convent... They seem to be getting along well enough..." Jan said


    "We''ll see where it will go from here."


    "Well... Anyways, I''ve been meaning to ask this since before that little incident." Antonio said to the Aurosian Emperor "How goes the conflict with the Razyan?"


    "It goes well enough." Alexios said to which he looked to his son to explain further


    "...Yes. As we speak, our men have already surrounded their capital. The bird-folk don''t have enough manpower to continue this foolish war. My uncle played his cards wrong. If it weren''t for my mother''s wishes, I''d have his wings cut and him thrown into a cell."


    "That sounds like the Manuel we all know and love." John said


    "Why would the Razyan even start a war they can''t hope to win?" Antonio asked


    "Because they''re pompous, arrogant, and low on intelligence?" Manuel said


    "Manuel! Your mother is a Razyan." Alexios reminded his son


    "Well, except for her..."


    "It''s because my brother-in-law, for all his millenia living on this earth, is still so very foolish. He had believed that he had the support of the Latinites in this conflict. Imagine the shock on his face when he attacked first and the Latinites refused to attack.... hahahaha..."


    "That Emperor Valerius is a sly one." Manuel said


    "I''ve heard the tension between the Latinites and the Vasilians have escalated in recent times." Geirhart said


    "Yes. They have started pouring soldiers at their borders as well. The new Vasilian Tsarina has no love for her father''s murderers."


    "Tsarina Yekaterina, was it?" Alexios said "She''s only twenty yet looks to be a promising leader. She''s already married herself off to the Tsar of Loskawy."


    "A new power in the west, eh?" Antonio said


    "That''s the Latins¡¯ problem, not Auros''s." Manuel said "The more people gunning down for them, the better."


    "Speaking of strong Queens, I''ve heard the Karlreichers have a new queen as well." Antonio said, looking at Geirhart


    "Ah yes. Her Majesty Antonia Maria von Karlreich. Only sixteen years old. In fact she had offered to marry herself to my son Albert."


    "Did you accept?" Valasaire asked intrigued


    "No. I politely declined. I had Albert do it to her in person."


    "See, Valasaire. When you decline a girl, you do it before getting engaged." Jan snarked


    "Why on earth did you decline?" Valaron asked


    "As I''ve said. Germania''s intentions are clear. We intend to have my son marry your daughter, King Valasaire."


    "Honestly, that''s the single most idiotic thing I''ve heard all day." Manuel said "You would turn down a queen for one of his daughters?"


    "Hey, what''s that supposed to mean?" Valasaire said offended


    "Your daughters aren''t really the most docile of creatures."


    "But they are the prettiest."


    "That came from the Memnosian blood in them. Looking at your face, there''s no way they inherited from you."


    "How dare you insult my beautiful visage? You take that back!"


    The other royals merely laughed.


    "You really don''t know how to raise your daughters. Can''t even get them to get married." Antonio said


    "Unlike you, I don''t use my daughters as pawns for political gain." Valasaire said


    "Yet you willingly do so to your sons?"


    "They''ll have to learn that life''s not fair. Their men. They''re not entitled for everything to go their way."


    "I wish your father had that same mentality." Jan said to which Valasaire only rolled his eyes


    "Anyways... are you really sure you want your son to marry my Valerie?" Valasaire said


    "I''m very sure." Geirhart answered affirmatively


    "Haven''t you heard what happened to all of his daughters''s previous suitors?" Antonio asked him


    "They all had their asses handed to them." Valasaire answered it for Geirhart


    "None of them were my son." Geirhart said calmly with a smirk


    "Those are fighting words, your majesty." Valasaire said "The price for my daughter''s hand is simple, and I''m not even the one who set it. If it were up to me, I''d accept your proposal in a heartbeat. Have your son beat her in a duel."


    "I know the terms very well, your majesty. Need I say that''s what got my son so excited. We want to see how good your daughter is. The Karlreichers are staunch allies and their queen is most promising, however her constitution is weak and we fear she is not in good health much like the Grand Sovereign, with all due respect."


    "Yes, I can see that being a problem." Antonio said, knowing full well the condition of his health


    "The Germanians would do well with a strong queen at the side of a strong king. And I assure you, I''ve had my son study your customs well and matched his manners accordingly. I assure you, your daughter will be treated well, as she deserves."


    "Already confident of victory now are we?" Valasaire said "How presumptuous of you."


    "Let''s call it hoping for the best. My son is here, and we can commence the duel right away if you so wish."


    "Ahem..." John finally said to get attention "Are we forgetting something here? What am I gonna do now? I expected to get something for my son. Guess it was all for nothing."


    "I thought you were here just to see me." Valasaire said


    "On the contrary. I wasn''t expecting this many royals to be in attendance here, but if it makes you happy, I''m willing to make a deal with you." Geirhart said to John


    "What are you talking about?" John asked with intrigue


    "I do have a daughter. You''ve heard of the name Hildegarde von Coburg?"


    "... Wait a moment... Ah yes! Now I remember! Your daughter is the Hildegarde, the most beautiful princess in Ayros?


    ( Antonio : *coughs*bullshit*coughs*)"


    "Why yes..."


    "I accept this proposal wholeheartedly!" John said as he immediately shook Geirhart''s hand


    "But I do hope you would mind my daughter being a few years older than your son."


    "Pssssh. That''s not a problem... I mean look at Antonio, his wife is five centuries old! And don''t get me started on uncle Alex here! He basically married a living relic."


    As he said that the two men only stared at him unamused.


    "Alright, I''ll shut up now."


    "Alright..." Valasaire said as he cleared his throat "Now that we have that out of the way. Can I see this son of yours?"


    "But of course. Captain, summon my son here." Geirhart said to one of his guards

 XII - Preparations for the Duel

    "You summoned me, father?" A strong-looking handsome young man, much like Geirhart, said.


    The young man was holding a guitar as he had just been playing it near one of the fountains whilst being crowded by young noblewomen who were just fawning over him.


    "Yes." Geirhart said "But first, don''t be disrespectful. Introduce yourself to their majesties here."


    "Of course." The young man said with charming confidence "I am Albert Josephus Heinrich von Coburg, Crown Prince of Germania. It is my honour to personally meet your majesties. It is not everyday one gets to see this many royals gathered in one place on amicable terms."


    "Some on less than amicable terms." Jan said


    "Don''t mind him, he''s always like that." Valasaire said as he examined the young man "Hmmm... strong, well mannered, and very handsome. I must say, this is quite the decent suitor we have here. Leagues over the others."


    "Thank you, your majesty." Albert said as he bowed


    "The question remains, though... can you hold your own in a fight?"


    "I can protect myself decently enough to not be a bother, your majesty."


    "That''s very modest of you, young prince. Your father has been singing your praises all day over here about how strong you are."


    "He loves to exaggerate, your majesty. Sometimes it really is unnecessary." Albert said as he looked to his father a bit


    "Your son seems to have much humility, Geirhart, I''m impressed. You do know what it takes to get my daughter''s hand in marriage, don''t you?"


    "I believe a trial of combat is in order."


    "And how do you think you would fare?"


    "God willing, I may be able to hold my own against her."


    "Let''s hope He wills it then... But tell me, how old are you, Albert?"


    "I had only recently celebrated my twenty-first birthday, your majesty."


    "Ah... Then tell me, why do you seek the hand of my youngest daughter yet not my eldest? The Princess Vera is closer in age to you..."


    "If I''m not mistaken, Princess Vera is a commander in a Rumasilian military order. I do not believe it right for me to take her away from her station and her loyalties to the order."


    "A well thought out answer. Are you sure it''s not because she''s adopted and not my ''blood'' and therefore unworthy of you?"


    "Definitely not, my lord. I have no such thoughts. The fact that you recognise her as one of your children is reason enough to acknowledge her as royalty. But even without that, it is to my understanding that she is still high nobility. The other reason is I prefer smaller-... I much prefer Princess Valerie''s physique, your majesty. At least from the paintings I was provided."


    "Well, considering you''ve already turned down a queen for this, I do hope you''re ready, boy. Because if you lose, well... I hope you don''t."


    "Thank you, your majesty." Albert said


    "Well... I guess this is the time I call my daughter, isn''t it?" Valasaire said as he looked at Valaron "Brother, can you call her?"


    "Why do I have to do it?" Valaron said


    "You know how much she loves her uncle Valaron."


    "She finds me just as annoying as you, brother. You just don''t want to get shouted on by her..."


    "Trust me you are much more subtle than me."


    "If I wasn''t, I would be a very rubbish spymaster. Alright, gentlemen. If I don''t return, it means the she-wolf has gotten me and Rumasil will need a new spymaster."


    The others laughed as Valaron had left the seat to go and fetch his niece.


    "Well, don''t be so stiff, boy!" Valasaire said to Albert


    "Oh, I am completely fine, your majesty..." Albert said


    "I see you''re holding a guitar there. Do you play it or are you just posturing?"


    "Oh, I''m decent enough, Majesty. I usually play when I''m in the mood. The beauty of your gardens inspired me very much and I just decided to play it. Soon, people just started to gather around and I enjoyed their reactions."


    "Interesting. Those people were mostly the young ladies. You are quite the charmer."


    "Music is something everyone can enjoy."


    "All my children are musically gifted and I see no reason for their talents to be wasted." Geirhart said "Why don''t you try to play a song for the people here."


    "Yes, that actually sounds like a splendid idea!"


    "Well, if your majesties insist..." Albert said as he prepared his guitar playing and asked for a chair to sit on which Valasaire provided


    Albert then started to play his guitar for the royals there. It was a beautiful melody and was skillfully played by him. The royals clapped as he started to play the song. The melody was slow but the prince''s skill made it sound far more complicated than it is.


    Valasaire was concentrating on the melody very deeply. He felt like he knew the song very well as it sounded so familiar to him. Soon enough, he began to sing to himself,


    "Tu joloM o Debatangku... sai use do rohangkon~ (At Thy feet, I come to thee, as my soul still wells in grief)." Valasaire sang as he felt an aching in his chest "~ sai pasiat tangiangku... dohot iluilungkon... (Hear my endless prayers to you, Lord. Hear my cries, I beckon thee."


    As Albert finished his playing, he saw King Valasaire looked as if he had finished crying.


    "Your majesty... are you...?" He said


    "That song..." Valasaire muttered


    "It''s a personal favourite of my grandmother, Your Majesty. It''s called ''Auf dem lamm ruht meine seele'', a very old tune in Germania."


    "Ah yes... it did originate in Germania. Forgive me, it''s just, that song was a personal favourite of my father''s... well, the Rumasilian version of it, at least. I get emotional when I hear it, though I don''t usually cry... you are gifted! If you weren''t the heir of a nation, I would immediately hire you as a court musician!"


    "I am very flattered, your majesty!" Albert said as he bowed once again to which the other royals smiled


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    As Albert was about to play another song, he noticed Lord Valaron had returned with a beautiful petite young lady with long dark brown hair. She looked far better than he had expected from the portrait he was given.


    "Did you call for me, father?" Valerie said as she arrived at the scene


    "Now don''t be rude, greet these fine gentlemen first, young lady." Valasaire said to his youngest child


    "Oh but of course, father." She said with a smile though with a hint of annoyance in her tone as she curtsied "Grandfather, uncle Manuel, uncle John, Sovereign Antonio, King Jan, King Geirhart and..."


    Valerie was greeting all the royals there when finally her eyes met with the German Prince''s. She blushed slightly as she saw the young man was looking at her with a slightly dazzled expression.


    "This here is Prince Albert of Germania. King Geirhart''s eldest son." Valasaire explained to his blushing daughter "Most charming isn''t he..."


    "Charming... yes..." Valerie mumbled as she saw the strong prince, still lost in her trance as Albert also just kept on string


    "Boy, quit your staring. You''re making the princess uncomfortable." Geirhart said as he smacked the back of his son''s head "Introduce yourself properly."


    "O-Oh!! Of course! Where are my manners." Albert said as he looked like he just snapped out of a trance "Forgive me, milady."


    "Oh no, it''s fine..." Valerie said as she regained her composure.


    Valasaire smiled at what he saw. It was clear from what he had witnessed that she had shown an attraction towards the young prince.


    "So what is it you want, father?" Valerie asked again to her father "It seemed like it was an important matter."


    "It is actually... It is a matter of a suitor. It seems like a new offer has appeared before me."


    Valerie only rolled her eyes at her father''s suggestion. She thought it was something important, yet again it was one of these silly requests. She had already forgotten how many suitors she had turned down. All were the sons of snobbish minor noblemen and lordlings looking for her hand in marriage to raise their prestige instead of any real attraction to her. Most had already been rejected by her elder sister beforehand.


    "Who is it this time, father?" Valerie said with a little annoyance, believing it to be another minor lord "You should tell him not to bother. It''s probably another one of Kak Vera''s rejects..."


    "No it is not. And you shouldn''t just assume, Valerie." Her father said "In fact he straight up asked for you by name, bypassing your elder sister."


    "Then who is it, father?"


    "It''s him." Valasaire said as he pointed towards the young German prince


    "H-h-him...?!" Valerie said with a little surprise and in disbelieve


    "Yes. King Geirhart here personally came here to plan a betrothal for you and his son Albert. You should feel honored. They turned down a queen for you."


    "Really now..." She said as she blushed a bit "I don''t know what to say..."


    "Don''t worry, your majesty." Albert said as he spoke up to the princess "I know full well the requirements for being your suitor. I am prepared for a duel."


    "Ah, you don''t really have to..." Valerie said as she tried to rethink her situation. This man in front of her might not be too bad.


    "What''s this? You don''t consider the Prince worthy enough for your hand?" Valasaire teased his daughter who was beginning to worry for her future''s sake


    "Please, give me the chance. I have prepared myself for this, Your Highness!" Albert said "I will do as honor dictates and fight a round with you."


    "Are you sure about this?" Valerie said, masking her worry with a smile "Dozens have tried and dozens have failed. I will not go easy on you even if you are a prince."


    "I am well aware of that, milady. In fact, I would be most disappointed if you didn''t take this seriously enough. Whatever happens, I will accept the outcome even if it means going back to Germania empty handed."


    Seeing Albert''s resolve, Valerie couldn''t help but blush slightly. Never has she seen sincerity like that. Although, doubt also came across her mind as she thought of an outcome where he would lose. She was considering to hold back slightly.


    "Well, then that''s a settled matter." Valasaire said "Your match will begin in about... what time is it now?"


    "It''s a little over seven..." Antonio answered as he checked his watch


    "Ah, then your match will begin after we prepare the room for it. So about eight thirty. That would also give you enough time to prepare, I hope?"


    "I believe that''s enough." Albert said "What would our equipment be? I have prepared my arms and armor..."


    "That won''t be necessary. This will be a test of our physical skill and so we would be wearing simple equipment and protection." Valerie said "However, we will be using real swords. I hope that doesn''t bother you too much? Don''t worry, I''ll try to draw as little blood as I can."


    "Dear me, princess..." Geirhart said "Those are fighting words right there! Perfect for a future German queen."


    "That is if I can defeat her." Albert said "I expect a good match whatever be the case."


    "As do I. Now father, if you would excuse me." Valerie said as she bowed and motioned to leave


    "I would also like to prepare myself." Albert said as he too left the table as Valasaire had permitted them both


    "This will be interesting..." Alexios said


    "The party was starting to bore and disinterest me." Jan added


    "What the hell did you teach your daughters?" John asked "They seem just as battle mongering as you."


    "Tell that to your wife." Valasaire said with a chuckle "At least my daughter isn''t sadistic. Honestly, John, when you said you wanted to marry my sister, I thought you had lost parts of your brain. A woman as brutish as that, Lord God help me!"


    "Hey! You take that back! That''s my wife you''re talking about!"


    "She was our sister before she was your wife." Valaron added "Have you ever seen a girl gleefully behead the bodies of screaming and crying people? I have, and Valasya was fifteen when she did it. All twenty of them."


    "They were criminals and rapists."


    "It still gave me nightmares when I was here." Antonio added in as well


    "Well, on the bright side, at least it''s true what they say about everyone having some special person out there meant for them." Valaron said dryly


    "Even psychopaths who enjoy tormenting the lives of others." Valasaire replied


    "That''s awfully mean of you." Manuel said


    "Hey, we love our sister and we will smack anyone who says otherwise, but she''s insane..."


    "Alright that''s enough." John said "You two never cease to annoy me."


    "And that''s why you love us."


    "Bleh..." John made a puking gesture at the sight of Valasaire and Valaron grinning at him "It is very regretful that such a beautiful creature as my wife is related to you."


    "Even if she weren''t your wife, you''d still be related." Manuel said


    "Anyways, gentlemen." Valasaire said as he clasped his hands together "I can not hope to think of a better opportunity to bring this topic up to your majesties here."


    "And what might that be?" Jan asked


    "Since our nations have amicable relations, I can not think of a better reason for a grand alliance between us."


    "I have no problems with this plan." Alexios said "But if I may ask, nephew, what in the world could''ve possibly happened for you to bring this up?"


    "Uncertainty." Valasaire said plainly as his tone turned serious


    "What do you mean?" John asked "Our nations seem to be doing just fine right now. Aerland is engaging in prosperous trade with most of the world. We had just recently defeated the Famonese and morale had never been so high."


    "Signing a treaty does not mean defeating." Valaron said nonchalantly


    "I had gains from that... stop ruining my joy."


    "Actually... that''s one of the reasons I came here as well." Geirhart said "to establish good relations with not just Rumasil, but its allies as well. The situation in Northern Ayros is worrying. The Parisians and Wesjermanians have started making worrying moves against Germania ever since our treaty ended while my Orcish allies worry over the dominion of the Kyushans."


    "The Miyazu Clan I''ve heard is more powerful than ever." Antonio added "I hear even the people of the Yin are weary of them and have become all but openly subservient to the will of the Kyushans."


    "That does sound worrying." Manuel said "Our Raemusian allies have also been talking about the rise in power of Kyusho as well as the Parisians and Wesjermanians. A bloc has started to form in the east it may appear."


    "My father-in-law also tells me of the threat to his north." Antonio said


    "That''s nothing compared to the threat of the moslems in the south." Jan joined in "Day by day the new Caliph is garnering more and more strength to his army and his ambitions. Vara is in a perilous situation while the Crusader states bicker amogst themselves... Help is always needed on that front."


    "...fine. Maybe the Goramarians and the Taberonians have proven to be more of a problem in recent years..." John finally said "And the Elves of Andariil are beginning to posture as well."


    "The moment I''m done with the Razyan, I''ll be quick to deal with them. Pointy eared pagan bastards." Manuel said "I agree with your plan, Valasaire... but perhaps discussions should not be held at the current moment."


    "Of course not. The party''s not over... And the Provarians need to be dealt with as well." Valasaire said as he poured in wine to his goblet "But at least for now, we have an understanding. To Glory!"


    Valasaire raised his goblet for a toast.


    "To glory!" The other''s answered with varying degrees of enthusiasm

 XIII - The Duel for Her Hand

    Valamar and Cassandra were chatting with each other whilst they sat next to the main fountain in the middle of the gardens surrounded by music, lights, and cheer, as well as the shining of the moon. Some people were having lots of fun dancing around and joking off.


    They were there accompanied by Valamar''s aunt Anastasia - who like her mother had large beautiful wings sprouting from her back - and his cousin - who was Manuel''s eldest son - Matthaeos.


    "I still can''t believe my little nephew is already married! And to a very beautiful girl at that!" Anastasia said


    "You may be my aunt, and you may be an immortal half-Razyan, but you are still only two years older than me. Even Matthaeos here is older than you."


    "Only by a year." Matthaeos said


    "Well, that gets me a bit wondering, if you don''t mind me asking..." Cassandra said "Lord Matthaeos, your father is Lady Anastasia''s older brother, meaning that makes him half-Razyan too..."


    "Yes..." Matthaeos said


    "And also the fact that your father will inherit the Imperial throne of Auros, how long does he intend to rule? I''d take it he be immortal too..."


    "Ahahaha, about that, there''s no need to worry. You could see that unlike his siblings, my father looks a tad bit older. Since the case of a human marrying a Razyan is very few and far in between, it is hard to pinpoint just exactly how the children will turn out."


    "Exactly!" Anastasia said "Out of us four siblings, I am the only one who inherited my mother''s wings. However, Alessa and Andreas inherited her eternal youth, whilst Manuel looks to be aging like a normal human being."


    "But even then, you can''t call it aging like a normal human being." Valamar said "His face hasn''t changed a bit from when I was five until now. My mother may have stopped aging when I was four, but it still doesn''t change the fact that the Razyan blood in uncle Manuel can still be clearly seen."


    "Well, again, there''s still lots of things we don''t know about and have yet to find out." Matthaeos said again "But the current war with the Razyan isn''t helping that a tiny bit."


    "I do hope the war will end soon." Anastasia said "I also have a desire to visit the place of my ancestors."


    "We can go there together." Matthaeos said "I''m coming with father to the siege of Zunor. We expect their surrender soon."


    "I don''t really think mother will allow something like that of me."


    "It won''t be a problem! Just ask grandfather. Of course he will allow you."


    "Well, I don''t know about you two, but I think me and Cassandra would like to have a little dance..." Valamar said as he heard the tune of a good song being played as he held out his hand to his wife "Would you give me the honor, dear wife of mine?"


    "It would be my pleasure, husband." Cassandra said with slight blush and giggle as she took his hand and the two began to dance around to the music


    "Those two make me so jealous." Anastasia said with a smile "They look like a couple from the old fairy tale books we used to read..."


    "May I have the honour of asking you to dance with me, dear aunt?" Matthaeos said with a smile as he did the same gesture as Valamar


    "Well of course, nephew. It would be my pleasure..."


    The two got up hand in hand and immediately began to laugh as they started to dance as well.


    Just as they were dancing happily, Valamar could see people preparing what looked like an empty space while chairs were being set up around it. Cassandra could notice Valamar''s confusion.


    "Are you alright, my lord?" Cassandra said as she saw Valamar looking towards a place


    As she noticed, she also took a look and saw the same sight as Valamar.


    "What are they doing?" Cassandra said as the two had stopped dancing "Did we have another event scheduled after this?"


    "I don''t think so..." Valamar answered "Why don''t we go and take a look?"


    "Yes, I think so too... but don''t you think we should tell Anastasia and Matthaeos?"


    "...Ah, those two look like they''re having so much fun." Valamar said with a slight grin "Best two leave them be..."


    "If my lord says so..." Cassandra said with a slight giggle as well


    And so the two quickly walked over to the place and there they saw King Valasaire was already seated in a special chair along with Emperor Alexios, Grand Sovereign Antonio, King John, King Jan, and King Geirhart.


    Valamar spotted his uncle Valaron standing and commandeering the operations there and so he sought to get an explanation from him.


    "Bapauda! ( father''s younger brother )" Valamar said as he called out to his uncle


    "Ah, there you two are." Valaron said "We were just waiting for you. Your chairs for spectating this event have already been prepared. Please sit!"


    "Hold on, bapauda. What event? I didn''t know we had any more planned."


    "Oh, it''s something that has just been scheduled-in about an hour ago. We will have a short duel between two people."


    "A duel? What an odd choice for a spectacle..."


    "It''s a special one. Between the Crown Prince of Germania and your ito (sister)."


    "Don''t tell me..."


    "Well, what happens, happens. In fact it was Prince Albert who requested for this duel to be held in accordance with previous instances with Valerie''s suitors."


    "God help that poor boy."


    Valamar and Cassandra were then led to a chair where they both could sit together to watch the duel.


    "So, from what I heard, I gather this is a duel between your little sister and the German Prince?" Cassandra asked


    "It appears so." Valamar said


    "I''m a little excited if I''m to be honest with you, my lord."


    "And why is that?"


    Stolen story; please report.


    "I just want to see how my new younger sister-in-law fares in a fight... and who knows, maybe after this I get to spar with your other sister as well..."


    "I see you haven''t let that one go..."


    "I''m not one to easily forget, my lord."


    "I''ve noticed..." Valamar then quickly cleared his throat to avoid going down that subject "But, I really think Valerie''s going to have a troubled mind during this."


    "And why so?"


    "You see, until now, the suitors Valerie had rejected with this sort of duel were... how to say low of quality and so were easily defeated. They were only minor noblemen and mostly rejects of kak Vera... no serious suitor has ever offered for her hand in marriage. Well until now..."


    "Let''s just hope for the best."


    "Honestly, I''m rooting for them. Maybe with this, it will get kak Vera to consider marrying as well..."


    "That seems very unlikely."


    "Trust me, it is. But there''s no wrong in hoping. Although she would have to marry a Rumasilian if she wants to keep her status as a Daughter of Ruma. We can''t have a member of an order loyal only to the Crown of Rumasil be royalty from another state now, can we?"


    "You do have a point..."


    "By the way, I always wondered why you first introduced Vera as your cousin to me..."


    "Oh that, ahahaha... I noticed you looking at her because she was pretty and she was clinging to me and you looked a little uneasy and so... I decided to say that to get a reaction thinking she might be a contender for my affections... I do hope you''ll forgive me, dear."


    "My lord is such a meanie..." Cassandra said while embarrassed and blushing "You knew how I felt!!"


    "I was just teasing you..." Valamar said


    As they were giggling with laughter, they heard the sound of a horn blow from the middle of the set arena. There, the soldier who blew the horn announced the start of the match to the audience.


    Valamar saw on one end his youngest sister wearing light protective leather armor that only covered her vital parts over a simple white shirt and dark pants. She had tied her hair into a ponytail and had drawn her sword. On the other side stood the German prince in similar armor and also with a sword on hand,


    They both walked to the middle of the ring to give each other a handshake before the duel began and afterwards they walked back to their starting positions. The soldier with the horn acted as a referee between the two and looked towards the spectators as he again blew his horn, signaling for the match to be started.


    Just as he blew the horn, Valerie and Albert immediately lounged at each other and started trading blows with their swords. The swords they used were real but had blunted edges, however it could still cause considerable damage and draw out blood.


    The both of them had equally quick reflexes and managed to both evade each other''s attacks but also not letting up on either of their attacks on each other. The swordplay they showed looked beautiful and graceful like a coordinated dance and the clashes of the swords being the beat.


    "You''re pretty good, boy." Valerie said as she stepped back a little while catching her breath from the melee with Albert


    "I don''t know how to feel about you calling me boy, princess." Albert said as he immediately lounged for another attack at Valerie to which she barely dodged.


    Seeing her lose a little of her balance, Albert pressed on with his attacks which despite him getting more tired, his attacks only quickened. The two were already visibly soaked from their bout with each other as they continue being relentless towards one another.


    The spectators were excited by the intense duel with some even betting on who would win the match. Vald was sitting next to his wife and his sister as he watched with his daughter seated on his lap, laughing and being excited from the match.


    "Look at that, Valdy. Little Valea is very excited! She''s even giggling and clapping from the match." Vera said to her younger brother


    "I don''t exactly know how to feel about that..." Vald said with a little worry "Here I was hoping I was going to have a nice prim and proper lady for a daughter."


    "She''s gonna be a badass warrior just like her bou! ( Father''s female sibling, short for ¡®namboru¡¯ )"


    "She can be both a proper lady and a warrior." Angelina said "I see no reason why you have to choose."


    "Here I am hoping you''re right, dear." Vald said


    The battle was getting more intense by the minute. Just a second there, Valerie managed to land a solid strike to the Prince''s waist which caused him to groan a little, though his armor managed to save him a little. It was clear to the audience, however, that the Prince''s movements became slightly impeded as they became a little more sloppy.


    Valerie seemed to show a little concern but quickly shrugged it off as she regained her stance to attack Albert. She intensified her attack even more as Albert was weakening.


    King Geirhart was visibly shaken as he only dropped his head as he began to accept his son''s defeat.


    "Your daughter is a superb fighter, Your Majesty. I believe I have overestimated my son''s ability. I accept this defeat." Geirhart said solemnly


    "Your son did superbly." Valasaire answered "This is the first time I''ve seen a suitor keeping my daughter on her toes like that. I would have no problems if we can arrange something after this."


    "...I am very elated and appreciative of your offers, Your Majesty, but our honour dictates we back down after this. We are nothing if we don''t keep to our words."


    "You poor sods are depressingly pessimistic." John said to the two monarchs "You should keep your concessions after the battle is done. Take a gander at that."


    When John pointed to the court, they saw Albert fighting with what looked like a renewed figure as it was Valerie who was being pushed back. They noticed that he had taken off his protective armor which showed a red stain on his right hip through his shirt. It would seem the blow his opponent had landed on him drew blood.


    "You don''t look too well." Valerie said showing a little concern "You should forfeit this match... There''s no need to strain yourself further."


    Hearing her concern, Prince Albert only smiled and took his stance as he prepared to strike.


    "I wouldn''t be much of a man if this is all it takes to hinder me between my heart''s desire."


    Hearing that, Valerie blushed a little but kept her expression cold and stern.


    "Don''t say I didn''t warn you..." Valerie said as she immediately lounged at the weary looking Prince


    His stance was weak looking from his fatigue. She smiled confidently as she closed to place a final strike on Albert.


    To everyone''s surprise, just before she had placed a final strike on Albert which he was prepared to counter, she stood in her place and dropped her sword to the ground and shouted with a loud voice,


    "I CONCEDE!!"


    Immediately after, she pushed her body towards Albert as she tackled him to the ground. Both their bodies already spent from fatigue, they drew heavy breaths as they laid on the floor of the court. Both smiling, with Albert looking a little confused. The crowd was also silent in confusion though Valasaire only smiled at what transpired. He then looked to the soldier who acted as referee to conclude the fight.


    "The Match is over!" The soldier proclaimed "With Princess Valerie''s forfeit, I conclude this duel to be over with victory in favour of His Majesty, Albert von Coburg, Crown Prince of Germania!"


    When the victor was announced, the crowd stood up and cheered at the peculiar development.


    "Well, Geirhart. It looks like we''ll be discussing the plans for a wedding..." Valasaire said with a smile to the Germanian King


    "It appears to be the case..." Geirhart said still in a little disbelief


    "That did not end the way I expected it to at all." John said "But I still won the bet. Cough up the coin, Manuel."


    "Don''t act all smug just from dumb luck." Manuel scoffed as he tossed a small bag of money to his cousin


    "If it''s luck we''re talking about then Albert over there is the luckiest of all!" John said as he began to count the money he had received


    "Actually, I don''t think it''s as random as you all might believe." Alexios spoke up "You all may not notice, but the boy was holding back on his swings. He refrained from making deadly strikes and only attacked where her armor was."


    "Wasn''t that the rules?" Antonio asked


    "It may be so, but my granddaughter sure didn''t care about that. She kept on aiming for his vital spots. I believe she realised if it was a real fight, she would most likely be in a tough situation."


    "Well, whatever the case may be, the fight is concluded." Valasaire said "But honestly, I think those two have fainted. HEY SOMEONE GET THEM TO THE INFIRMARY!"


    As the King shouted the orders, some soldiers came in with litters to carry the two to the infirmary.


    "Well, now that that''s over..." Valasaire said as he stood up from his chair and pulled out two decks of cards from his pockets "Might I interest you in a game of Joker?"


    "Give me beer and I''m game." John said


    "John, when will you learn? In Rumasil, there will always be beer. Alright! I already have tables prepared. You all still have a few days before you leave anyway."


    "Nephew, when will you learn that you shouldn''t play a game where you always lose. We''re putting money in it." Alexios said with a smirk


    "You better not regret that, uncle."


    As he said that, the royals made their way to an empty table and began playing with Manuel as the dealer and score keeper. The night was still young and they wanted to have more fun.

 XIV - The Lakside Manor

    The duel was concluded with a surprise forfeit by Princess Valerie. Everyone watching was equally confused and dumbfounded, but they clapped and cheered anyway.


    "That was an interesting match..." Cassandra said with a slight smile "Maybe your younger sister took your words to heart and decided the Crown Prince was the best choice for her..."


    "Maybe..." Valamar said as he let out a big yawn and began stretching his body


    "It seems you''re fatigued, my lord... Do you need to rest?"


    "I''m fine, Cassandra... honestly, I''m surprised you aren''t tired as well. Today must''ve taken a toll on your energy as well..."


    "...Hmmm... Now that you''ve mentioned it...*yawns* I do feel a little tired..." Cassandra then leaned her head to Valamar''s shoulder "Maybe I''ll take a little break here... Honestly, being out on a campaign against the Lothirians felt less taxing than this..."


    "Tell me about it..."


    The two were as if they were in their own world away from the rest as the other guests were minding their own businesses, some using this opportunity to further their own agendas and establishing new relations with other guests. Some guests were talking, some were playing, and some were doing their own matchmaking as well. All in all it was an eventful night.


    Valamar then caressed his wife''s cheeks and just started looking at her to which she started to blush.


    "My lord, again with your staring..." Cassandra said as she blushed in embarrassment


    "What''s wrong with that? Can''t a man admire his own wife?" Valamar asked with a chuckle "Honestly, I''d either be blind or daft to not admire a beauty like you. All others pale in comparison..."


    "Mmmm... I''m both elated and embarrassed by that, my lord..."


    "I''m just going to keep staring at you all night..."


    "Well, if my lord is fine with that, then I have no problem..."


    "...Crap..." Valamar said with a sudden tone


    "What''s the matter?" Cassandra asked worriedly


    "I almost forgot there is one last tradition we have to do..."


    "...Another one? I don''t remember another tradition related to Ancient Rumasilian customs of marriage from my lessons with ompung..."


    "That''s because this tradition was only recently started by King Valadar the Just when he was still a Prince being married to an Aurosian Princess..."


    Valamar then got up from his seat and took his wife with him as he led them to run quietly away from the party.


    "Where are we going, my lord?" Cassandra said with excitement and anticipation "Where are you taking me..."


    "First off, we have to quietly escape from here. It''s best to let no one notice us too much. I''d hate the attention and guards assigned to us." Valamar said as he lead his wife quietly through an emptier path out of the gardens


    The two managed to make their way safely out unnoticed. They made their way on foot to the stables nearby where Valamar spotted his horse already saddled and ready to go. He had given a small coin purse to a stable boy there for discretion and as a tip for grooming his horse.


    "Are you sure it''s fine to do this, my lord?" Cassandra asked worriedly as Valamar helped her up his horse and he got up as well "I''m not sure if this is okay..."


    "It''s alright. Huda here is a strong steed. There''s nothing to worry about. He can carry us both no problem." Valamar answered


    "Not that, silly..." Caassandra retorted with a slight giggle "I mean us leaving unannounced like this!"


    "As I''ve said, my dear... it''s tradition. Have a little more faith in your husband, Cassandra. Besides, don''t you feel the least bit excited?"


    "Well... okay, maybe I am a little in anticipation..."


    Valamar stared at his wife with a grin, coaxing for a more honest response from her.


    "Okay... a lot... Now please don''t torture me with this..." Cassandra said


    "Alright, we''re gonna go a little faster, so hold on tight..." Valamar pulled on the reins of his horse as Cassandra clung onto him tightly from behind. Valamar could even feel a little bit of a more soft sensation there. He said a silent prayer as they left off with high speed as if they were being chased.


    They raced through the city streets while laughing and giggling on the horse. Some guards were caught off guard as they saw a speeding horse and immediately jumped to the sides of the street. Some guards even tried pursuing them but they managed to evade being stopped.


    It was not until they had reached the large city gates did they see many guards on their regular patrol. Valamar slowed his horse down and took something from his pocket as he saw some guards coming towards him. It looked like some sort of golden badge. However, when Valamar showed the badge to the guards, they immediately bowed and backed away and let Valamar and Cassandra pass.


    As they left the city and rode outside, Cassandra looked with awe at the beautiful full moon on the horizon which shone upon the roads. There were children playing with each other even into the night. There were also houses and farmland outside of the city for the farmers. Rumasil sits on very fertile lands.


    Cassandra could also see a large spectacular lake from afar. It was larger than any lake she''s seen in her home country.


    "I''ve always thought the landscape in Rumasil was very pretty from the memories I''ve had when I last came here..." Cassandra said


    "Florentia wasn''t too bad either... Maybe it''s because new places and experiences are much more exciting than the things we''re used to. Because frankly, I really think this place looks as boring as any other." Valamar said


    "Oh God help me! It appears my husband has gone blind to not notice such beauty around him." Cassandra said jokingly


    "Nonsense! I am noticing the Divine beauty holding me tight quite clearly..."


    "Honestly my lord, I don''t know why I''m still blushing anymore..."


    "You just love me too much..."


    "And that''s a good thing..."


    "Well anyways, if you think the roadside is pretty, you''re just going to love the place I''m taking you two. In fact, we''re almost there!"


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    As he said that, Valamar took a turn from the main road and took a smaller path heading towards the lake. The lake was situated at a lower level than the city and so the pathway headed slight downwards. After ten more minutes of riding, Cassandra could see what looked like a pretty little cottage-house from afar by the side of the lake.


    "That house looks very pretty, my lord!" Cassandra said as she pointed to it


    "Ah, wonderful that you think that, because that is our destination!"


    Cassandra was surprised when Valamar said that as they had already arrived at the gates of the house which was surrounded by six feet tall iron fences. In front of the gates were a few soldiers talking with each other. As they saw Valamar and Cassandra arriving, one of the soldiers stepped forward.


    "What business do you have here, sir?" The soldier asked inquisitively "May I see any identifications?"


    "Piss off, Abang (older brother)." Valamar said as he helped Cassandra down from his horse "You know yourself how tiring weddings are, and would it kill you to be there at the party?"


    "I was at the church... and at the party as well making sure the security was all well and good. I got here earlier because uncle Valaron had told me to prepare the house for you two." the soldier replied with a chuckle "And my oh my, your wife looks even better up close!"


    "Hey. Eyes off my wife." Valamar then gave the reins of his horse to one of the soldiers there as the head soldier ordered the gates to be opened


    "May I have the pleasure of being introduced, Valamar?" Cassandra asked


    "No need to waste your time on this asshole. Come let''s go inside."


    "Hey, rude... Forgive my late introductions." The soldier said "I am Valantine Haporseaon si Valamen."


    "Oh! Another member of the Valamen family. I''m pleased to meet you!"


    "He''s the youngest grandson of the Great General Valahan si Valamen and the captain of the Royal guard and takes pleasure in annoying me. He¡¯s technically my granduncle, but we don¡¯t need to worry about that. Oh, and he''s also my second greatest tormentor during my childhood."


    "Who''s the first?" Cassandra asked


    "(Kak) Vera." The two of them answered at once


    "Well, that was in the past. Anyways, I shouldn''t keep you two waiting out here in the cold night. Please go on inside." Valantine said


    Valamar immediately went inside of the house along with his wife as the gates were once again closed. Inside the house was relatively plain with only a few paintings hung on the wall and simple carpets although it was relatively large.


    "This will be the place we''ll be staying in for the night, so please make yourself feel comfortable." Valamar said as he then walked towards a door to open it "This will be our room... Nothing too fancy, but I hope it won''t bother you."


    "Anything''s better than sleeping on hard ground during a campaign." Cassandra said "But in all honesty, this place is very lovely."


    "You haven''t seen anything yet..." Valamar said as he took off his heavy regalia and placed in on the table next to the bed and he was down to a plain white shirt and his simple long pants


    "Ah, then I''ll be undressing as well..." Cassandra said but then she noticed Valamar was still just standing there and she proceeded to give him an embarrassed look "Mmmm... I mean it''s fine if my lord is here..."


    "Oh no, I almost forgot! Sorry about that... I''ll uh,,, I''ll be waiting outside at the deck of the house. Please, take your time!"


    Valamar immediately left his wife to her own privacy though he wondered how she would fare undressing herself though he figured she would manage it. As he reached the back porch of the house, he could clearly see the beautiful lake, it''s waves going back and forth against the coasts as well as the beautiful full moon and it''s reflection upon the surface of the water.


    He sat there quietly thinking to himself of all that had happened to him that day. He was now married to a beautiful Princess of a foreign country, and according to Rumasilian custom, he was now formally a man. It didn''t take long for Cassandra to dress herself more simply as she took a seat beside Valamar, joining him in enjoying the view.


    "I saw some good leaves in the kitchen on the way here, good for some tea. Would you like me to make you a cup, my lord?" Cassandra asked her husband


    "You know how to make tea?" Valamar asked slightly in disbelief


    "Of course I do? Why wouldn''t I know?"


    "It''s fine, Cassandra. I remember now how much my mother loves making my father tea as well, though right now I don''t really think I want a cup. Thank you for the offer though..."


    "Anyways, I really am curious right now, my lord." Cassandra said as she looked to her husband with a curious expression "What exactly is the story behind this house and this ''tradition'' of taking a spouse to this house."


    "Interesting story, actually. It all started from King Valadar the Just from when he was just married to his wife..."


    "It seems all the stories you''ve told me so far involve King Valadar in one way or another..."


    "Which only serves testament to how much of an impact he made. You should recall how bad the relations were between him and his mother."


    "Of course. He hanged her, right?"


    "Yes, now this was before he became king. He and his wife chose to marry in a small chapel not too far away from here. The only ones in attendance were his father-in-law, the Emperor Alexios XIII, some of his brother-in-laws, his younger brother, and a few other close friends. He barred his mother from his wedding and in fact kept it a secret from her."


    "I''m amazed how that''s possible. How did the Emperor of Auros get there without alarming anyone?"


    "He was in Rumasil on the pretext of an Imperial visit. Queen Helena never even knew her son was betrothed to the Imperial Princess! She always wanted for him to take a wife from the Gissario, but understandably, he wasn''t too fond of the idea. And so after the wedding, instead of spending the first nights at the palace as per previous tradition, he spent it in this lakeside manor..."


    "It sounds romantic... well not with the part about the whole ''feud with his mother'' thing... But what about the lake house itself?"


    "It was originally a villa owned by a rich merchant. Valadar had spent his personal allowance to buy the Villa. And since then, all royal couples went here after their marriage, from his son, King Valadrian VI and his wife Queen Celestyna Wladwiqi, to his son, my grandfather and ompung, and then to my father and mother, and now to us..."


    "It is a very pretty house... I wouldn''t mind living here with just the two of us..."


    "For two years after his marriage, King Valadar the Just did just that. In fact, my great-grandfather Valadrian was born in this very house, in the very room that acts as our chambers."


    "Imagine that... Us living as a happy family in this house, living simple lives..." Cassandra''s mind started to picture a harmonious painting of her future


    "Well, that would mean I''d have to get real honest work if we''re going to live a simple life..." Valamar chuckled to which Cassandra followed with


    "I don''t think a farmer''s wage or any labourers'' wage for that matter could hope to afford the costs of living here."


    "A merchant could. It was a merchant''s house before..."


    Cassandra laughed even louder than before to which Valamar only looked at her with a confused smile. "Did I say something odd?" he questioned his wife


    "I honestly can''t help but feel a little amused, my lord..." Cassandra said after regaining herself "My husband, a merchant... hahahaha..."


    "Weren''t you Florentinians descended from merchants? I can hardly imagine a country whose people have bigger purses than yours."


    "The Avenezians are the merchants, the Lusinians the seafarers, the Latinians are the warriors, the Crotinians are the mercenaries, the Atenians are the scholars, the People of Niasia are the godly men, whilst we in Florentia are are naught but simple bankers..."


    "The seven Great Cities of the Adventierri... I didn''t know they each had their expertise..."


    "Each of the seven cities are represented by the seven coins on the Flag of the Adventierri Union, arranged like a six-petaled flower."


    "Well, maybe I at least have farmlands to my name. That''s where the Valamen family get their personal fortunes from... And a brewery..."


    "Was that where the drinks in our party came from?" Cassandra asked


    "Yes. Was it good?"


    "It was delicious! Almost as good as the wine from Crotinia."


    As the two spent more time there chatting with each other and all in all enjoying the scenery, Valamar noticed he was getting more tired. He yawned quite a bit before he began to doze off. He was suddenly awoken not a few moments later by Cassandra.


    "My lord, it isn''t good to rest out here in the cold... You''d get ill." She said with a worried tone


    "It wouldn''t be the first time I fell asleep on a chair next to you, dear."


    Cassandra immediately blushed as she remembered that day she woke up next to him on the palace deck.


    ''Well at least now we have a proper bed for just the two of us to sleep in together..." As the words left Cassandra''s mouth all of a sudden her face began to flush greatly. Valamar immediately looked at his wife with worry as he held her face and it was hot.


    "Are you alright, dear?" He said worriedly "What''s wrong?!"

 XV - The First Night (18+ only!)

    "Cassandra, are you okay?" Valamar said with worry as Cassandra was blushing and slightly warm "Do you feel at all ill?"


    Valamar got up and held his wife''s hands "Maybe you need some rest for today, is all... Being up since dawn has definitely taken a toll on you, dear."


    "I... I''m fine my lord..." Cassandra said while slightly stuttering "Completely fine. There''s nothing wrong with me, I''m fine, healthy, young..."


    "Well you don''t sound normal..." Valamar became even more worried


    "I am just a little bit... alright, maybe more than a little bit nervous... we''re husband and wife now... and as a wife I have my share of duties to fulfill..."


    "We all have our duties to fulfill. Me as a husband, a son, a prince, a general..." Valamar said still not getting at where his wife was going with these talks "I think we should really get to bed and..."


    All of a sudden it dawned on Valamar of what his wife was talking about. Immediately his face became flush as well as he looked at his wife with an embarrassed blush.


    "Ah... I see..." He also began to feel awkward "So that''s what you meant by marital duties. You really don''t have to think about all that, Cassandra. It was a tiring and eventful day and I won''t fault you for wanting to get some rest as do I... Come now, let''s rest our weary heads and..."


    "My lord, would you mind going to the room yourself first..." Cassandra said suddenly with a collected voice "I believe I need a little time to myself... to cool off and prepare..."


    "Honestly, Cassandra, you needn''t worry too much about..."


    As he saw his wife giving him a silent yet meaningful look, he immediately quieted and nodded his head as he left for the room. He immediately threw himself on the bed, feeling nervous, awkward, and confused at the same time, though he also felt a little bit of excitement within him. It hit him as if a hammer to a nail that this was to be his first night as a married man with his wife and they have yet to consummate their union.


    Valamar sat himself on the bed in a fetal position as he rested his head on top of his knees. He didn''t know what to make of his current position. ''Valamar, you are her husband yet you are a gentleman...'' he thought to himself ''You shouldn''t force her into doing anything not of her will... though we are rightfully wed... and that body... those breasts...'' As unsavory thoughts started clouding his mind he slapped his cheeks slightly to get a hold of reality. He was seventeen and a man according to Rumasilian traditions yet here he was mulling over something as if he were a boy still fresh from childhood.


    While Valamar was busy contemplating to himself, he failed to notice that his wife had already entered the room. Cassandra made herself noticed as she coughed to grab her husband''s attention.


    "My lord..." Cassandra said quietly as an ever-luminescent blush was on her face "...I''m ready and prepared for whatever you wish to do to me..."


    Valamar gulped as he saw his wife in such a meek expression. He felt like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey yet he struggled for the life of him to hold back on his urges.


    "It really is fine, Cassandra. You needn''t try so hard. I love you and you know that. Such things can wait until you''re finally comfortable and ready. I am nothing if not for my self control. So I urge you to be at ease, dear."


    "My lord, I am thankful, happy, and gladdened to have your kind considerations. It makes me even more elated and relieved to know I married such an honorable man..."


    "That''s good..." Valamar said as he began to calm himself down "Now we can get the rest we need..."


    "However...!" Cassandra continued as she began to blush even more and as she started to undress herself in front of her husband


    "Cassandra! What do you think you''re doing...?!" Valamar began to act even more frantically as he saw the scene unfolding in front of his very eyes


    "I am of a set mind, my lord..." Cassandra said as she had finally finished undressing and stood there as bare as a baby on the day of its birth "I implore you, my beloved, to do your duties as my husband and make me a woman."


    Valamar began to sweat as his mouth fell into an agape. The sight of his wife''s body in front of him made his heart race. All this time he could only imagine this scene in his wildest imaginations, but to actually experience it¡­ It wasn''t the first time for him to see a naked body or a bare breast, but he''d be hard-pressed to find a body as brilliant as the one he saw in front of him.


    "Cassandra..." Valamar began to talk slowly as he stared at her


    "Though It is very embarrassing, especially with you staring at me like that, I also feel a little delighted that my lord would look at me so..." Cassandra said


    "Cassandra, a man has only so much self-control..." Valamar said as he recited prayers in his mind though to no avail as Cassandra motioned closer towards him. She then surprised Valamar by throwing herself at him into his arms.


    Valamar could feel the warmth of her body then and there as she looked at him with an expression that showed a renewed courage.


    "We must consummate the marriage... My lord father told me that he will be expecting his first grandchild as soon as possible..." Cassandra said as she slowly started to disrobe her husband "Allow me this once to be bold, my lord..." She then leaned her head in as she pressed her lips to Valamar''s and started to attack his mouth aggressively with her own tongue. Valamar was caught by utter surprise yet he felt himself unable to resist as he unconsciously found his arms wrapped around his wife''s body.


    After a few moments, Cassandra had pulled her head back as she saw Valamar with a sheepish grin.


    "How was that?" She asked him


    "It was... where in the world did you learn how to kiss like that...?!" Valamar asked as if snapped out of a trance


    "I have many reference books..."


    "Books...? I need to get myself one of those books..."


    Cassandra wasted no time in letting Valamar catch his breath after the last kiss as soon she had again begun her assault upon his lips, laying her weight against him as she made him lay on the bed from a sitting position. Valamar felt overwhelmed by his wife''s newfound ferocity. He realised her ladylike body and stature hid a ferocious strength within her as she continued to pin him down.


    Valamar finally managed to find an opening as he got his lower part to sit up and hit against Cassandra''s abdomen which startled her and made her loosen her grip. Valamar immediately jolted up and turned the tides on her as it was now him who was pinning her down. He noticed her expression became a little meek again as she closed her eyes and braced herself as if she were expecting him to do something.


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    Cassandra''s chest was throbbing uncontrollably as she was both fearful and excited at what her lord husband might do to her. She braced herself for him to do something to her, be it to fondle her breasts or other parts or maybe force himself on her immediately. But this was what she expected, it was her duty after all as his wife. She herself was surprised by the earlier courage she had managed to muster. She had thought of the bed as the battlefield and her husband as her opponent, but now the tides of battle had turned as it was he who had her pinned down now. It was as if she fell into an unexpected ambush.


    To her surprise, after closing her eyes and bracing herself, she felt the hands that had pinned her down loosening up, though she could feel her husband''s body still close to her. Then, she felt his hand caressing her head to her cheek gently like what a father would do to his child. When she opened her eyes she saw him smiling at her with the gentlest expression as he leaned his face in to bestow a kiss on her forehead.


    "Cassandra, you really don''t have to try so hard..." Valamar said in a calming tone "We can take things slowly and easily as it goes... I don''t want you to feel uncomfortable with me... your expression just now scared me and it snapped me back to my senses..."


    Hearing her husband''s calming voice, seeing his warm demeanor and feeling his gentle hands on her cheek, tears started streaming from her eyes to her cheeks as she immediately embraced her husband whose upper body was bare after she had taken the clothes off of him.


    "My lord, I''m sorry!!" she started to sob "I was so scared I didn''t know what to do... I love you so much and there is nothing I wouldn''t do to please you! I have no regrets, but I was so scared..."


    As she hugged him, she could feel the warmth coming from his body as well as their bare chests were pressed on each other''s. She could feel his heart beating fast as well if not faster than hers. She then began to smile as she felt his hand caressing the back of her head gently in an effort to calm her down.


    "Being this close to each other... I can feel our hearts are beating together... My lord''s heart was beating just as fast as mine was..." Cassandra said as she calmed down though her eyes were still wet. She faced her husband who blew a sigh of relief as he got off from her and threw himself to her side as he put his arm around her.


    "You''re not the only one who was scared." Valamar admitted "Mind you, I''m not as experienced as most lords. Most definitely not as much as your brother."


    Cassandra let out a laugh at her husband''s remarks. "Why would you mention my brother at a time like this..." She laughed


    "I see that came out weird... It''s just... I''m pretty green as far as most men go. I''m confident most of the common-folk might know a lot more than me about these things... The Law of Fidelity is really a big hamper on any chance of practice..."


    His wife only giggled more as he continued to talk. Cassandra then again laid herself on top of him though this time, it was just to put her head against her husband''s chest.


    "Just being like this is enough to make me happy..." Valamar said as he felt his wife intertwining their hands together


    "I love the sound of your heartbeat... it makes me feel so close to you..." Cassandra said softly


    "Woman, you are literally on top of me in the nude right now, how much closer can you get?" Valamar joked to which she only blushed but smiled "Well, now that things have calmed down, what say you we get some rest? I think that was enough excitement for one night..."


    "No, my lord..." Valamar could feel his wife asserting her strength upon him again, this time stronger than ever "Once I''ve set my mind on something, it''s difficult for me to change it."


    "Cassandra, are you sure?" Valamar asked with slight worry


    His wife''s response was only to kiss him once again, however gently this time.


    "I have found my resolve, my lord..." She said finally able to smile sincerely though with a luminescent blush on her expression. She then motioned herself to pull down his trousers though he felt his hand stopping hers.


    "We''re going past the point of no return, dear..." Valamar said again gently "Are you sure...?"


    Valamar can''t deny he was fully aroused by then as his ''weapon'' was fully prepared and awake now.


    "My lord, we''ve passed that point when we said our vows in the church..." Cassandra said calmly "And you''re not fooling anyone... I thank you for your concern, my lord... But my strength has returned, and the War Flower of Florentia has re-entered the battlefield."


    The meek Cassandra was gone as her bold side as a Florentinian general had returned. This time Valamar had returned to being her losing opponent on the battlefield.


    "Ah!" Valamar let out a slight groan as he felt his weapon had been gripped by his opponent. He could see his wife''s expression was startled for a second, but it was quickly replaced by a grin.


    "I know the Rumasilians are famous for their pike tactics but my lord''s pike is a truly impressive thing..." The shy and awkward Cassandra was gone and was now replaced by her assertive and confident persona of a warrior princess though Valamar could see she was also still  very flushed.


    Without further ado, Cassandra had completely disrobed her husband, her right hand still gripping on his ''pike'' firmly. Valamar''s expression she found cute and priceless as his eyes widened to contain his feelings inside of him.


    "My lord, I have heard the Rumasilian Pike and spear are of a stronger sort than any other in all of Terra. What say you if we put that strength and durability to the test?" As Cassandra said that, her right hand began pulling up and down, at first slowly and gently but began to get faster and faster. She pulled, tugged, and played with the ''pike'' from it''s base to it''s shaft to it''s very tip. Not too long after testing the durability, she felt something had been ''shot''. "Not only a pike, but I feel the shot of an arquebus as well... my lord is very dangerous..."


    Valamar''s expression was amusing to Cassandra, though she kept her collected expression. She then moved her head closer to her lord''s ''weapon''. Valamar only kept on playing along with her.


    "I see my lord has now equipped his firelocks. And my how strong they are..." Cassandra began to say "However, it appears they need to be tended to and cleaned... Maybe I owe my captured opponent at least that sentiment..." After saying that, Cassandra had put the ''arquebus'' into her mouth as she started to clean it. Her head moving diligently up and down as her tongued and lips doing their parts as well.


    She cleaned from the shaft to the long and heated barrel. After a while of the ''cleaning'', Valamar let out another groan as he let out another surprise shot from his ''arquebus'' as it was in the middle of ''cleaning''. It definitely took Cassandra by surprise, but she waved it off completely as she finished.


    "My, my, milord..." She said as she brought her face closer to Valamar after what looked like her swallowing something, her eyes a little red and teary and looked like she was holding herself from barfing "You should be careful in your maintenance of your firearms. It looks as if the cannon artillery has arrived... Well, let''s see you face my ''mounted troops''.


    When Cassandra said that, she had their abdomens close together, though before she had ''saddled on her mount'', she whispered to Valamar''s ear in all seriousness and sincerity "Please be gentle with me, my lord."


    Valamar nodded silently as he held her rear in place.


    "This will hurt slightly, so bear with me, dear..." He said to which she nodded and braced herself.


    Valamar thrusted in his ''spear'' into her and slowly and gently started to motion back and forth. He could see his wife gritting from the pain, but she encouraged a smile at him. Valamar kept on with his thrusts, while Cassandra was beginning to accustom herself to the feeling as she started to let out moans.


    Now the two were joined, their marriage had been consummated. They could truly call themselves man and wife. They looked at each other with blushes on their faces as they continued on. How they both wish they could just spend their days in moments of marital bliss like this.


    Though they know tender moments like these will eventually come to an end. A storm will come soon, they know.

 XVI - After the Night

    Valamar had awoken in his bed. His wife was still sleeping facing his way. Her beautiful face was so peaceful and calming. He had moved his hand to caress her sleeping face, her cheeks feeling so soft to his touch. Valamar then noticed that the room was still a little dark, so he moved to turn on the candle on top of the bedside table next to his side of the bed. He looked at his watch which he had put there and saw it was only a few minutes past five, still moments away from the sunrise.


    He gave his wife''s cheek another caress as he kissed it. He was feeling the need to go to the privy, so he got out of bed with the intention to not disturb the sleeping Cassandra. He was still unclothed from last night when he got up. Last night... he thought again of that, how wonderful it felt. He smiled as he got excited thinking of it again. He quickly shook his head off those kinds of thoughts as he wrestled his way gently out of Cassandra''s sleeping embrace. Even when sleeping her strength was still extraordinary.


    Only when Valamar was sitting at the edge of the bed preparing to stand up and dress himself did he realize that he felt an extraordinary pain in his nether regions and his crotch. He groaned a little and recalled he might have been a little too excited last night and only now did he feel the repercussions. He hoped Cassandra would feel better than him when waking up.


    And so he had dressed himself, however difficult it was, and made his way to the privy, limping his way there. It was honestly an embarrassing sight for him, though luckily no one was there to mock him. He could only imagine what his father and brother would say seeing him in this state, though they didn''t have a wife like Cassandra.


    After concluding his business, he had arrived back at the door to his room, however from inside he could hear his wife shouting something incoherently. He immediately rushed inside to see what was transpiring. He saw his wife restless on the bed, tugging and turning left and right, though she was still clearly asleep. Her expression was uneasy and she was muttering something.


    "No! No, my lord! Don''t leave me!" She was murmuring to herself, talking in her sleep "Don''t leave me like this! Our child! Don''t let our child grow up fatherless! You promised...!"


    ''I''m not dead yet. I''m still here.'' Valamar thought to himself as he saw his wife was having a nightmare.


    Valamar did not like the scene he was witnessing as he rushed to his wife''s side and immediately embraced her, holding her head to his chest to calm her down. Soon after, Cassandra awakened, breathing heavily on the verge of tears as she looked at Valamar with a sad and worried expression.


    "My lord...!" She said as she realised she was awake and her breathing calmed "...My lord is here... healthy and alive."


    "Of course I''m here..." Valamar said in a gentle voice "And God willing will be here with you for another seventy years." he joked a little which prompted a glad expression from Cassandra as she returned his embrace tightly.


    "Another millennia at the very least." Cassandra replied


    "I can try a century, but I don''t think I would last a thousand years." Valamar chuckled "Razyan blood isn''t as predictable as elven blood."


    "Don''t ever leave me! Not even as a joke...!" Cassandra said again with a sad pout


    "What was this nightmare of yours about?" Valamar asked while caressing the side of his wife''s face "Besides the part about me apparently dying."


    "You were leaving me, going off on a campaign while leaving me alone... then I saw a vision of you dying, shot through the chest by an arquebus... We already had a child... please, my lord, I don''t want to talk about it... by the way, you''re dressed already?"


    "I needed to go to the privy, and I also wanted to catch a breath of fresh air outside. I want to check up on the guards that have been stationed outside."


    "My lord has already tried to leave me alone...?" Cassandra said with watering eyes


    "What? No, I was just-..." Valamar was confused and searching for an excuse when all of a sudden he saw his wife laugh and giggled instead


    "My lord, I was only jesting." Cassandra said as she hugged her husband tightly "I''m not going to be that annoying... though, would it be bad if I were to be a little possessive?"


    "Of course not. It shows that you love me, at least..."


    "Speaking of which..." Cassandra got up as she searched inside the wardrobe in the room for some clothes to wear "I think I also need to do my business."


    Valamar looked on at his wife intently, seeing her flawlessly put on her clothes - a simple yellow dress made for everyday activities - and moving about without any difficulty. Cassandra soon noticed her husband staring at her and she blushed a bit.


    "Is there something wrong, my lord?" she asked gently with a smile "Are you meaning to make my heart flutter with how lovely I look in this dress? If so then thank you."


    "Oh, that goes without saying, dear." Valamar answered but he was still looking intently at her while resting his head on the palm of his hand "But if you mind me asking dear, do you feel alright? Any trouble or difficulty walking or moving about?"


    "Not really, no. In fact I feel pleasantly wonderful..." Cassandra had already donned her clothes and was sitting back "Why do you ask, my lord?"


    "It''s nothing, dear. Please go on. The sun should be up by now and trust me, the sunrise is a wonderful view."


    "Then I''ll meet you at the front porch... Oh, and, do you want me to make you tea, my lord?"


    "If it doesn''t inconvenience you, Cassandra."


    "If it did, I wouldn''t have offered, my lord."


    When Cassandra had left, Valamar immediately limped to the front porch. He didn''t really want to explain anything to his wife. When he reached the porch, he had sat himself down on a long chair and there he waited for his wife. It was astounding how she was carrying on as if nothing had happened while he sat there with a sore crotch.


    He absorbed the cool atmosphere of the area. Rumasil stood on highlands and so the air was especially cool in the mornings and at night as the windows were wet from the haze. The waters of the lake were going back and forth in waves, as if in a rhythm. From afar Valamar could see fishing boats from the villages by the coast of the lake already sailing out to catch fish which were then to be eaten or sold to the markets in the city. It was a simple life for the fishermen.


    "Here''s your tea, my lord." Cassandra had entered the porch while holding a tray with a glass of tea on it. She put the tray on the table in front of the chair as she took her seat next to her husband.


    "Thank you, dear." Valamar took a sip out of the still hot tea as he enjoyed the flavour and the aroma "This is... marvelously made, my dear!"


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    "Thank you for the compliment, my lord."


    "No, I''m serious, this is better than most tea I''ve had."


    "You should thank the ones who prepared the tea leaves then, my lord. They are an especially grown commodity only found in Hindan. I have no idea how you would come across this."


    "Probably a wedding gift from the Aerlish."


    Cassandra had leaned her head on Valamar''s shoulder as she liked to do when they were sitting together.


    "This view is utterly serene, my lord..." Cassandra said "The fishermen are throwing their nets, children are playing by the coasts, and that sunrise! The beautiful orange it paints on the surface of the lake..."


    "Take a ferry and just go straight while going downstream through one of the rivers and you''ll eventually reach Tanotimur. A few miles after that and you''ll be back home in Florentia."


    "This is my home now, my lord. With you." Cassandra had given Valamar a little peck on his cheek


    "You know, back in the beginnings of the Halak peoples - when we first arrived in these lands from faraway Santara eight thousand years ago - life was very much like this. We were just mainly farmers and fishermen. life was hard but simple."


    "I''m pretty sure all peoples were like that back then."


    "That may be true, but we lacked a central government at the time. It was pretty much each little village for themselves and maybe several more decent-sized towns and communes, though nothing grand. Though the Halak were always known as fierce warriors. But ferocity, as you may realise, is not worth much without discipline and organisation. The Halak learned that the hard way when the Latinites came barging in and summarily defeated us. But we are a very rebellious lot, I''ll give you that. It was because of this tendency that we were kicked out of the area and exiled by the Latinites to Destairos - which we call Tanodao... I hope I''m not boring you, my dear."


    "Please go on, my lord. You know how much I love hearing and learning about all these histories! If not from you, I would be excited to read about it for myself."


    "If only my sisters shared your passion for the arts, literature, and history, but nope. It''s always been only the boys who are. Lately, the Valamen family has been filled with willful little princesses. It honestly gives the more conservative lords and noblemen heart attacks..." Valamar was chuckling to himself "Anyways, after living in exile for more or less a century, The Halak managed to return with a fleet so large and massive, I could hardly believe how they managed to pull off their invasion."


    "How did they get past the Latinites'' zone of control and head straight back here?" Cassandra asked "And even before that, how did these very diverse and fractured people even get such a massive amount of boats, arms, and armors, when previously they had only been simple farmers and fishermen."


    "There are lots of points in your question that even the most learned of Rumasilian scholars bicker amongst themselves in the halls of colleges. But if you''re asking for my humble opinion, I would say it was a combined effort of militarization as well as a new combined aspiration, the will of the people, so to speak. Before the exile, the Halak were a splintered and fractured peoples, but after the exile, they had a renewed sense of purpose. The purpose of returning to the land which they had so wrongfully been evicted out of... And the one to lead them was none other than the one of greatest leaders the Halak had ever seen. The great Rajahalak, my direct ancestor, first king of the Halak, Almar, whom to this day, we name our lands and our people after him..."


    Cassandra only clapped her hands with excitement at Valamar''s passionate notions.


    "...Though most scholars would consider what you just heard as an overblown simplification of the real events to further our national pride as a people. But if I continue talking about old Almar, we''d be here all day... Is anything in your mind?"


    "Not much really..." Cassandra said "Well, the part where you say you are a direct descendant of Almar, is that really true?"


    "It is true and it is an undisputed fact amongst Rumasilian scholars. We have reliable records from the Latinites themselves chronicling the ''Rex Almarius'' or Almarian Kings since the reign of Almar''s grandson and heir, Sora. We Halak are also very meticulous when it comes to recording genealogies, most especially the male line. If we''re talking about generations, we are the three-hundred-and-forty-ninth generation from Almar..."


    "Straight descendants?"


    "Yes. Though we''ve changed names around four times. First we were the Hagogoan Dynasty ( you could still call us that now, even ), then Almar''s grandson changed it to the Sialmar or Almarmen, then Sora''s son changed it to the Sisora or Soramen, then Ruma''s son changed it to the Siruma, then finally King Vala I had declared himself the head of the Valamen clan. Which we are until now. All our names are derived from his, as you can imagine..."


    "Unbelievable... that puts a lot of pressure on me to give you an heir, my lord..."


    "Don''t worry about that, my dear..." Valamar comforted his wife "You will have a child and that baby will be my heir..."


    "You sound so sure that it''s a boy."


    "The firstborn of firstborns are always male... well except for like a few times... but let''s not talk about those..."


    "Well, I''ll have to make extra prayers then..."


    "Again, there''s no need to worry about that. We''re still young. Even if we reach the age of fourty until we have our first child - though we pray not - we will have a child."


    "Well, if I turn out to be barren, then my lord may annul our marriage then..."


    "Cassandra, what are these words coming from your mouth?" Valamar had held his wife''s chin so he could look her gently in the eyes "Don''t say such things... and it appears you''ve forgotten. Marriage in the Valamen family is ''till death do us part'' either yours or mine. And even if the rules didn''t exist, may God strike me down if I ever even think of leaving you and annulling our vows. So take back those words and I''ll hear no more of it."


    "Then, what we should talk about now is the name of our future son. Since it''s your family''s tradition that the father chooses the boy''s first name, what would it be?"


    "Hmmm... that is a surprisingly hard decision. Give me a moment to think about it... What about... Valadar?"


    "After your great-great-grandfather?"


    "Yes. I would like for him to be fair and just in his rule like his namesake... is that a problem?"


    "Not at all, my lord, well, if he doesn''t hang me after you die, at least." Cassandra had joked to which Valamar shook his head and laughed as well "... then for his middle name, I will go with Rafael after my own grandfather..."


    "Rafael... I like the name... ''Valadar Rafael si Valamen... upon his ascension, he''ll be Valadar VII. Look at us, already planning the name of a yet unborn child."


    "Nothing wrong with that..."


    Just as Valamar was sipping on his tea, he heard footsteps coming in from inside his house. He saw it was Valantine and his brother Vald.


    "Just as I was enjoying my stay at this place, you two had to come barging in." Valamar said


    "Brother, this is serious and important. I wouldn''t trouble myself to come here personally if it wasn''t. And for the record, you''ve ruined far more moments between me and my wife than..." Vald said


    "Alright, fine, what is it?"


    "Both of your presences are required immediately back at the palace. Father needs you both."


    "This must be important, my lord." Cassandra said to her husband then turned to Vald "We''ll be there at once..."


    "Alright, alright... But brother, did you bring a carriage with you?"


    "Yes I did."


    "Oh, praise be to the Lord for that." Valamar expressed in relief "Then you two can go ahead."


    "Why?" Valantine asked "It would be rude to-..."


    "We understand." Vald said as he nodded with a smile as he saw his brother massaging his nether regions "Come now, bang Valantine. They new couple need time to prepare."


    As the two left, Cassandra only looked at Valamar with confusion. Finally he sighed and explained.


    "You might''ve been a little too excited last night, dear..." Valamar said "I''ve been having difficulties since the morning."


    Cassandra was mixed with worry as well as amusement at the sight of her husband, but she helped him walk nonetheless. The two were headed to the palace to answer their summons.

 XVII - Message from Provaria

    Valamar and Cassandra had stepped out of the carriage as they had arrived in front of the main gates of the palace. They were greeted straight away by the spymaster Valaron. Valamar was helped by his wife as he walked while still slightly limping. Valaron looked on with a raised eyebrow and a smile at the sight of his nephew like this.


    "About time you two arrived." Valaron said "What''s wrong with you, nephew? You look like you''ve just been kicked in the crotch by a bear... either that or last night''s activities were a bit too wild."


    "Leave me be, bapauda. And what do you mean ''about time''? It''s only been a little more than an hour since the sunrise." Valamar complained a bit to which his wife only smiled


    "Anyways, your father is waiting for you in the war council room."


    When Valamar heard of the war council room being mentioned, he immediately knew something important was going on. They then went inside the palace and headed straight for the war council room. The room was one of the larger ones in the palace as Valamar recalled.


    When they arrived there, Valamar could see his father already seated at the main chair along with his grandfather the Emperor of Auros, and with them, the Crown-Prince Imperial of Auros, his father-in-law the Grand Sovereign of Florentia, the King of Aerland, the King of Slavsnik, as well as the Germanic King and some other important nobles and officials.


    Valamar was shown to his seat as his father had permitted him to with a nod. Valamar sat next to his brother and his cousin Matthaeos. Cassandra had stood beside him, not taking a seat after she noticed she was the only woman there.


    "You summoned me, father?" Valamar asked "It seems with all of our esteemed guests here, it is about something of importance?"


    "Yes it is, actually." Valasaire answered "Before you had entered, I and my fellow monarchs here have signed and ratified a pact of alliance. An alliance consisting of currently the six countries represented here. Rumasil, Auros, Germania, Florentia, Aerland, and Slavsnik. May our nations usher together into glory."


    "An alliance?" Valamar "And of such a large scale? One would think we are facing a new great war."


    "We most probably are, nephew." Manuel said "The world situation has become worrying lately. And though we are in an alliance, the amount of troops and aid we can provide each other is still limited..."


    "We will publicly announce the formation of this new alliance soon at the address towards the citizens in this city and soon at each of our capitals." Antonio said "And with that, the news will soon travel and spread like wildfire until it reaches the ears of the other nations..."


    "No doubt they would feel threatened." Valamar finished his father-in-laws thoughts "I can not help but think we are only worsening the world''s tension with this."


    "Son, it is far better to be prepared than sorry." Valasaire said in reply to his son''s worry "The world is a powder keg, and the people in it now are like men smoking in an arsenal... A new great war will be upon us whether we like it or not. While the great war left the world in shambles, that was nearly sixteen hundred years ago. Most nations have recovered and we fear another war brewing, one larger than ever."


    "And, no. We won''t be going out and declaring war on the world." The King of Slavsnik said "We wouldn''t need to anyways."


    "The treaty between Germania and the Parisians is nearing its end." King Geirhart added "That spider King Louis is raring the might of Parii and his vassals for another war. Worst still, he has the backing of the Wesjermanians as well as the Miyazu of Kyusho."


    "A new power is rising in Pulcharia." King Jan said as well "The moslems are beginning to band together again under the might of what they call a ''New Caliphate''... Damned be the lot of them."


    "Isn''t the Kingdom of Warnheim or Promascus curbing the wrath of the desert-folk?" Vald asked to the Slavic King


    "Pfft... Don''t make me laugh. The Crusader States are in a pathetic situation. With the death of the Promasian Emperor four years back, the Crusaders are still busy bickering among themselves over the matter of the six-year-old boy-Emperor''s regency."


    "Isn''t the Empress-Dowager the regent?" Antonio asked to his cousin


    "Accepting a young twenty-one year old foreign girl to lead a pack of wolves? You must be joking." Jan said in a snide remark "No, the Crusaders are still putting the matter in discussions. One would think having been in Pulcharia for over one and a half millennia under the unceasing hostilities would make the Crusaders at least a little more united. They have even failed to answer the calls for aid from Vara."


    "But what of Warnheim? The Germanic Crusaders are not under the influence of the Emperor at Promascus." this time it was the Imperial Prince Matthaeos who had asked a question


    "The German Crusaders also have a claim at Promascus. King Karl''s daughter is married to the late-Emperor''s brother who has also put forth his claim on the young Emperor''s regency."


    "That is what happens when you put lowly knights and nobles in charge of a nation. And the gall of them to even consider themselves an ''empire'' is laughable." Manuel made his feelings clear on the crusaders


    "That was a long time ago. You can not consider them lowly knights and nobles now. They''ve been in power for nearly a millenia now." Antonio said


    "And if we''re speaking of noble origins, isn''t the Imperial House of Memnos founded on peasant''s blood?" Jan said seeking to annoy the Aurosian Prince "What gall for a peasant-born military man who wasn''t even made a nobleman to immediately declare himself Emperor when he was ousted from grace?"


    "Hold your tongue, Slav. That was over four thousand years ago. And for the record, Andronikos was a legendary war hero. We are of hero''s blood." Manuel retorted


    "Makes no difference to his origins."


    "Alright, that''s enough of the banter. It''s not even been an hour since we''ve signed the accord and already this is happening." Valasaire said


    "Oh, it is merely friendly banter." Jan managed a cold smile on his pale face "I just find the greatest of pleasure in annoying Prince Manuel."


    "Lord preserve me." Manuel said as he rolled his eyes


    "Well, if we are speaking of worrying situations, Aerland is not short on its fair share of problems." King John said "Though we have managed an uneasy ceasefire with the Famonese, it looks as if the Amiroi are seeking allies from the bloody pagans. Hindan, the Goramarians, as well as those damned wood elves."


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    "My wife is a wood elf." Antonio said


    "Let me rephrase that. Those damned pagan wood elves."


    "Don''t get me started on them." Manuel said in annoyance "The Lordship of Andariil-Dunhaire has been a thorn in Auros''s sight for millennia. After we are done with the Razyan, I''ll be dealing with them thoroughly even if it means burning their forest-cities down to ashes."


    "The Latinites are also a looming threat... Their military is strong and their peoples united. Honestly, the united part is what got me in disbelief." Emperor Alexios said "I think an alliance with the Vasilians would be most beneficial to us..."


    "Aye..." Valasaire said as he nodded in agreement "Besides the nations here, we are looking at expanding our possible allies, mostly those our nations have allied with individually. We have a list... Could you remind us again, brother?"


    Valasaire looked to Valaron who opened up a parchment and began listing potential allies,


    "The Tsardom of Vasilia and Loskawy, The Kingdom of Tomasz, The Elven Lordship of Kaena, The Kingdom of the Karlreichers, The Orcish Confederacy, the Merpeople, the Raemusian Republic and some other minor states..."


    "It looks like we would have more enemies than friends..." Valamar said "I understand all this preparation and planning for the future is well and good, but what of the current situation with the war on Provaria?"


    As Valamar said that, Valasaire couldn''t help but smile.


    "That''s the reason I''ve summoned you here." Valasaire said "Last night, after you two had left the party, a messenger came and you wouldn''t believe who sent it."


    "Who?" Valamar asked


    "The Provarians... He had come in the name of the Kingdom of the Provarian Isles to call for a truce between our two countries with a treaty."


    "What did you say?"


    "Well of course I told him to piss off... but you wouldn''t believe what happened after that."


    "What?"


    "Another messenger came to us. And when this messenger came, I saw a dreadful look on the previous one''s face. And you wouldn''t believe where this one came from."


    "Where?"


    "Provaria! They sent two messengers and both with differing messages to boot!"


    "Why?"


    "I''ll get to that, boy. So basically, this second messenger showed up and he claimed to come on the behalf of King Esteban V of Provaria and the Provarian Branch of the House of Valamen... He offered the vassalage of Provaria... and soon enough the two messengers were making a scene, bickering with each other."


    "I''m quite confused, father. I don''t quite follow."


    "When did you become so slow, son?" Valasaire said with slight annoyance "The Kingdom of Provaria is clearly divided."


    "A civil war?"


    "Yes! Now you''re getting it. Our spies in Provaria have also confirmed this. It appears that the situation in the royal capital of Valencei had become troubling a few months back as the House of Gissario - may they be damned - had staged a coup against His Majesty King Esteban V and now the Valamen branch of Provaria are recouping in the city of Siesia on a different island... Well, I think the actual messenger himself is more suited to telling you of this tale."


    Valasaire then looked towards a guard and motioned him to call in the Loyalist messenger of Provaria. Only a few moments after that, a young looking man with a sleek look wearing a posh dress came into the room and bowed at the people in the room before introducing himself again.


    "Buenos dias, mi senores." The man said "I am honored to be granted the right to speak with you all today. Allow me to introduce yourself to those who may not have seen me yesterday. I am Miguel de la Valamen and I come here with an offer on behalf of my brother, el rey Esteban V de Provaria."


    Valamar noticed the man and gave him a nod. He was a member of the Provarian branch of the Si Vala dynasty and the brother to the Provarian king himself. He had shown a crest signifying himself and proving his identity as a member of the Provarian royal family. Valamar could see the dark purple cloak Miguel was wearing had an emblem of a roaring tiger with a crown on it on a red and yellow background. It was the symbol of the Valamen royal house.


    "Please, Prince Miguel. Tell us again the offer your brother had brought forth to us." Valasaire said


    "As you wish, your majesty." Miguel then opened a parchment which had the seal of King Esteban on it and began to read "To His Most Esteemed Majesty, my distant blood, Valasaire XIX, King of Rumasil and of the Almarians, I, Esteban V, By the Grace of God, King of the Provarian Isles of Valencei, Siesia, Altemare, and of Dophania, Lord of Terramar, offer to the main house of Vala in Rumasil the submission and vassalage of the Provarian Kingdom to Rumasil in exchange for aid against rebels and pretenders who aim to usurp my throne, one I have inherited as my birthright. I plead to the honourable men of Rumasil to give aid and we shall submit, and together may we be led to a more prosperous and bright future, etc."


    As Miguel closed the parchment, he looked to the people again, but this time with a serious expression. "Your Majesties. I ask again with the utmost of humility for aid. It is a dark day in Provaria when a mother would turn against her own son and usurp his throne. As we speak, the Gissario have installed my mother as Queen-Regnant of Provaria, Esmeralda I... A pretender. All under the schemes of her father, my grandfather, Juan Pedro Armando de Gissario... As the Gissario reign, the people suffer... And this is a fact I have yet to tell you. Only a handful of the Provarian Valamen are left..."


    "What do you mean, Prince Miguel?" Valasaire said as the others in the room also leaned in to hear of what the Provarian messenger had to say


    "When the coup had been staged a month ago, we were all caught by surprise. All of a sudden soldiers started storming the palace with their weapons drawn towards the royal family, many loyalists were brutally slain. Only a handful of us made it out alive. In one night it had seemed the whole of Valencei had been turned upside down as it was split in half between the Gissario usurpers and the Valamen royalists... As my brother and his family were secured to flee the city to the pro-Valamen Siesia, my uncles and cousins gave their lives to protect the children and the old... By the time we managed to leave the city, hundreds had been slain in the battle, including my dear uncles and many of my cousins... The Gissario had intended for the annihilation of the Valamen royal family..."


    Without himself noticing, Miguel''s voice was about to crack as his eyes reddened slightly, recounting his experience during the revolt. Valasaire only raised his hand slightly as he nodded his head. Miguel had ceased his speech and bowed instead.


    "An intent to eradicate one Valamen line is an intent to eradicate the entire dynasty!" Valasaire said in earnest "Our ancestors taught us that we must aid family in need... and from what I''ve heard, we Valamen have family in need. The blood of our kin is screaming to God for Justice. And by God, they shall have it. My answer to you, Prince Miguel, will be the same as yesterday. I shall grant aid personally to King Esteban."


    "I am ever so grateful, your majesty." Miguel said as he nearly dropped to his knees before he regained himself "We shall never forget this."


    Valasaire then turned his attention back to the people in the room.


    "And that is where we come in, son." Valasaire said "In truth, we had been planning an invasion to the Provarian Isles for quite some time now yet we lacked a good opportunity. Yet with this, we have gained the perfect opening, opportunity, and just cause for a full on military campaign. Tomorrow we shall make our way to Hutalaut along with the soldiers we have here. The main bulk of our army has already been stationed there."


    "The Aurosian Empire also has merit in this campaign." Manuel spoke up "After we subjugate the Razyan, we will grant aid to the campaign. Of course we have interests here... reasonable ones which we will discuss at a later date."


    "Aerland shall also give its naval aid in return for half the Provarian colonies in Destairos... a reasonable price for a dying country." John said


    "Florentia may not be able to operate directly, but my daughter here is leader of her own corps." Antonio said as well as he looked to Cassandra "I would expect her to do well to aid in her husband''s campaign."


    "I will, Lord father." Cassandra said


    "The rest of the planning and the strategies will take place in Hutalaut so best be prepared... well you all would call it Sunstaril... That would close our talks for the day. For the rest of you, please enjoy your day before you depart to your respective countries. This is our first stepping stone in the stage to prepare for what is to come."

 XVIII - Duel at the Garden

    After the meeting earlier was closed, Valamar, Cassandra, and most of the younger generation there left the room. The monarchs and generals were still in it talking and discussing various things. Matthaeos had walked up to Valamar and told him that the Aurosian entourage would be leaving in the evening along with the rest of the royal families.


    Antonio had got up from his seat and walked towards his daughter and his son-in-law while holding his handkerchief up to his mouth as he was coughing lightly. It would appear the medicine he''s been taking from the Queen-Dowager was working well.


    When Valamar saw that his father-in-law was motioning for them to come near him, he got Cassandra¡¯s attention to approach him.


    "You have a need for us, papa?" Cassandra asked her father


    "It''s nothing much, mio figlia. I only came here to congratulate you two again..." Then he embraced his only daughter tightly within his arms "My precious little daughter... You were so small the first time I held you in my arms..."


    "Papa, you''re embarrassing me..." Cassandra said as she laughed a little, returning her father''s embrace "And I''m not little anymore... I''m a grown woman now."


    "Yes... My daughter is grown, and soon she will have her own family and her own children. A great general, and soon to be a great queen, I''m sure of it... But despite all that, you will always be my little flower..."


    "I know that..."


    Antonio soon released his embrace as his expression became more serious as he turned to his son-in-law.


    "We will be leaving for Florentia soon. It''s been weeks since we''ve left and I fear the nobles will become restless. I have the utmost confidence in my brother''s regency, but even then I must return. Cassandra, your mother is waiting for you in the gardens, you should go to her. I have a few words to say to your husband..."


    As Antonio said that, Valamar couldn''t help but feel slightly uneasy. Cassandra merely bowed and left the two men to their discussions, but not before giving her husband a kiss on the cheek which he did not expect and a happy giggle. Valamar then prepared himself for whatever the Grand Sovereign had to say to him.


    ***


    Cassandra had arrived in the gardens accompanied by some guards. There she could see her mother and mother-in-law sitting by a fountain chatting with each other. When Avenne took sight of her daughter, she cheerfully waved at her and beckoned her to come near. Cassandra bowed at her mother-in-law and embraced her mother as she arrived near them.


    "You were waiting for me, mother?" Cassandra asked "Father said you were to be leaving in the evening."


    "Yes, sadly... Your items have been moved to this palace into your new chambers with the Crown Prince... I can''t believe my little baby is all grown up now!" Avenne said with tears flowing from her eyes as she embraced her daughter even more tightly "I cried at your wedding, and now I''m crying again!"


    "Mother, you''re embarrassing me in front of her majesty!" Cassandra said sheepishly with a giggle


    "I don''t care. This might be the last time I get to hold my daughter like this..."


    "Don''t say such things, mother! I''ll come visit..."


    Alessa smiled as she saw her new daughter-in-law embracing the elven queen. It reminded her of the time when she was about to get married.


    "My mother was far more smothering than that." Alessa said with a smile "We''ll take care of her here, Lady Avenne, don''t you worry."


    "Of course I''m not worried..." Avenne said as she slowly let go of her embrace and sat back down next to Queen Alessa "I have the utmost trust you will care for my daughter as your own."


    "Of course. Don''t worry sweetie, you won''t have to worry about anything in this palace."


    "I look forward to further training in the arts of the Rumasilian Court, your grace." Cassandra said


    "And you won''t have to worry about any mistresses and whatnot."


    "I am well aware of the Laws of the House of Vala and I''m sure I hold my lord''s undivided affections... next to his family of course."


    "If my son will ever come close to being a good husband he''ll have to love you even more than that..."


    "By the way, I haven''t seen Enrico anywhere..." Cassandra said as she looked to her mother


    "He is with the other Princes over there." Avenne pointed to the courtyard in the middle of the gardens - the place where Princess Valerie held her duel with the Germanian Crown Prince. There Cassandra saw her brother having a spar with someone.


    "What is he doing?" Cassandra asked


    "He''s doing what men do. Fighting to impress the ladies..." Alessa said


    "Ladies...?"


    As she said that, Alessa only smiled. As Cassandra inspected the scene closer, she saw the Princess Vera and another girl sitting on a bench next to the courtyard watching the fight while laughing. They were also wearing training armour.


    "It''s been a while since I have sparred and I can afford a little practice today. Your majesties, may I take my leave?" Cassandra asked as she felt excited by what was going on. It has been a long time since she has had a proper duel with someone and her blood was beginning to rush "Can you point me towards the armoury, Queen Alessa?"


    Alessa chuckled as she saw the raw excitement in her daughter-in-law¡¯s eyes as she pointed towards the armoury where Cassandra could get her training gear. While Alessa was amused, a disappointed and sullen look could be seen on Avenne''s face.


    "Your father''s influence on you is starting to show again, my flower." Avenne said with a slight sigh "Why can''t you be a little more ladylike?"


    "Come now, your grace." Alessa said "She''s already behaving like my daughters. Don''t worry, nothing wrong should happen. Sparring in the courtyard is at least better than fighting in a sacred tomb." As Alessa joked of the events, Cassandra couldn''t help but blush and bow her head in slight embarrassment as Avenne only shook her head.


    Cassandra was still waiting for her mother''s approval to which she finally received with a sigh. Cassandra hopped triumphantly and gave her mother a quick hug as she immediately made her way to get her training gear.


    "Honestly, the more she is like that, the more she reminds me of Gianna..." Alessa said


    "Which is exactly why everyday I keep on worrying for that child... I fear for what can happen to her and I keep her in my prayers everyday." Avenne answered "I would be heartbroken if anything were to happen to her... and for that matter, your son..."


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    "It''s fine, your grace." Alessa said with a smile "There''s no need for you to worry about all that. In your lifetime, you''ve done far too much grieving. What say you, we have some fun for ourselves? My mother is dying to have a chat with you."


    "The Empress herself? We only exchanged a few words with each other yesterday and I''d be happy to catch up."


    "How is it that you two met again?"


    "I was only little more than a child when your mother came to Dorinhar almost five-hundred years ago. She was so beautiful, I asked my mother if it was an angel I had seen with those magnificent wings! She even stayed for quite some time, only returning to Zunor on news of her father''s death..."


    "That struck her hard. Well, we can reminisce with her together. She''s in the music room right now..."


    Avenne and Alessa then got up to leave. Avenne gave one last glance to the courtyard as she saw her daughter already there talking with her sister-in-law. She hoped nothing unfortunate would happen this time.


    Cassandra had donned the training gear as she arrived at the courtyard. She was met with a surprise look from her brother who was huffing and puffing from his sparring session, all sweaty and red faced while lying on the floor. It appears his sparring partner was none other than Lord Valantine who while also tired, appeared strong as he was still standing.


    "Your brother''s not half bad, Cassandra." Vera said as she noticed Cassandra had entered "A bit sluggish, sure, but a little more training then he might qualify for the palace guard." Vera was joking


    "I take it you lost, brother." Cassandra said


    "It was a tie!" Enrico insisted as he raised his hand to the air


    "It was a most interesting duel." Valantine said "I almost had to use half my strength to beat him."


    "If this was a proper Florentinian duel, you''d be the one sulking on the floor, Lord Valantine. You Rumasilians have no finesse in your fighting."


    "There''s no finesse in a real battle, your grace." Valantine answered


    "Oh please. If this was a real battle I wouldn''t even bother dueling you. I''d just shoot you with an arquebus." Enrico said as he sat up. He incited a laugh on Valantine''s face with his comment "By the way... That get up. I suppose you''re here to spar, sister¡­?"


    "I have unfinished business with Princess Vera." Cassandra said as she looked at Vera who gave her a smirk


    "Ah yes, about that..." Vera said as she rubbed the back of her head "I would love to spar with and summarily beat you, but unfortunately I may have strained my leg in a previous spar with this lovely girl besides me and so... It appears I won''t be able to spar with you today."


    "Your stance must''ve been totally off for that to happen, Lady Vera." Cassandra said a little mockingly to which Vera only shot a glare while the girl besides her only covered up a laugh.


    The girl was a pretty one. Tall, slim, black long hair tied into a braid as well as brown eyes, but with features that made her look different from the typical Rumasilian. She had light skin but her facial features bore a resemblance to the Moslem peoples of Pulcharia.


    "This girl here is actually a very skilled warrior, even compared to me." Vera started to say "She is my lieutenant and most trusted friend in the Daughters of Ruma (Boruniruma)."


    "It is a pleasure to meet you, lady...?" Cassandra said as she inquired for a name


    "It is Amara, your majesty..." The girl bowed "Amara Maria Siparende."


    "So you are Rumasilian. Although, you look..."


    "My mother was a native of al-Alam. I was born in one of the Rumasilian colonies there. She died giving birth to me."


    "Oh, I didn''t mean to."


    "It''s fine, your majesty."


    "Anyways, Cassandra. If you''re looking to spar, this girl''s gonna give you a run for your money." Vera said


    "If you''re fine with that, my lady." Amara said


    "Of course! I''m always eager to face good fighters. Step forward, Amara!" Cassandra said excitedly as she readied her stance in the courtyard


    Amara had gotten up from the bench and drew her sword as she too prepared her stance in fighting.


    "Alright girls, I''ll be the referee here." Valantine said as he took Amara''s seat next to Vera "Let''s have good and fair fight... Begin!!"


    Immediately the two girls faced each other as their swords clashed. The rules of the spar were simple. Don''t aim for the head or any vital parts and try to hit as many strikes on your opponent as you can while being hit as scarcely as possible.


    The fight started out with Cassandra in the lead with her careful yet relentless strikes. They exchanged many blows as Cassandra was starting to sweat. Vera who was observing the fight noticed how Cassandra was not holding anything back, going all out against her opponent who was playing on defense.


    It looked as if it was going to be a quick and easy victory for Cassandra, but to her surprise, in the middle of the battle, Amara quickly matched her strikes to Cassandra''s pace. Soon enough, the tables were turned and this time it was Cassandra who was put on the defensive. Cassandra realised at the beginning of the duel her opponent had been studying her moves and now was fighting her appropriately.


    The duel continued on longer as expected as the two were equally matched with Amara having the slight edge over her opponent.


    Valamar had just finished talking with his father-in-law as he made his way to the gardens. His father-in-law had basically threatened him if he did not treat his wife well. When Valamar noticed the commotion going on in the courtyard, he quickly made his way there.


    There, he saw his wife was sparring with his sister''s most trusted guard.


    "What exactly are they doing?" Valamar said as he took a seat next to his older sister, putting her between him and Valantine. He was observing the match closely.


    "What do you think they''re doing? They''re having a match." Vera answered her brother


    "My money''s on Amara." Valantine said


    "That''s not the only thing of yours that''s on her." Valamar said nonchalantly to which he incited a glare from his cousin "I put five coins on my wife."


    The duel was starting to get even more heated. Cassandra hadn''t even noticed that her husband was there watching her as she was so invested in the duel.


    "By the way, you''ve heard of the campaign we''re taking to Provaria?" Valamar asked the people he was sitting with


    "Of course. I''m coming with you all." Vera said


    "Of course you are. Nothing we nor anyone else can say about that."


    "What did King Valasaire say about that?"


    "As if he can refuse his eldest daughter. It was bad enough that I was left behind for the campaign to Aerthil. I''m definitely joining this one. Besides, I hear that wife of yours is also coming."


    "She''ll be commanding her own personal guard." Valamar said


    "And I''ll be commanding the Daughters of Ruma..."


    Finally, after a while more, the duel was concluded. Cassandra was laying on the ground on her back as she breathed heavily for air, panting from exhaustion. Amara was kneeling, holding her weight on her sword as she looked like she was about to collapse. It was a close victory for the Daughter of Ruma.


    Valamar only handed over his coins to Valantine begrudgingly as his cousin had a smile on his face.


    "Well, it looks like you aren''t that good after all, huh Cassandra." Vera said condescendingly before Valamar slightly elbowed her waist, getting an ''ow'' from her


    "Don''t let her words get to you." Amara said while she was still slightly panting and held out her hand to help Cassandra get up "You are a great warrior. I almost lost myself. You are much better than Vera was this morning."


    "Hey, I heard that!" Vera exclaimed


    "Thank you, Lady Amara. I was starting to worry for the state of the Daughters of Ruma when I fought with Vera. But now, I''m in awe again."


    "Again, I''m right here." Vera said


    "That was a marvelous fight, dear." Valamar said as he clapped


    "My lord! Since when were you sitting there?! I didn''t even notice." Cassandra said as she walked towards her husband


    "Oh I just came. Had a little friendly wager. And though I am now five coins poorer, I can say I''m very impressed by your prowess."


    "My lord flatters me..."


    Valantine looked at Amara as they exchanged glances and they slightly blushed, though no one noticed.


    Valamar then grabbed one of the swords from the ground and looked to Valantine.


    "Abang. What say you give me back my money." Valamar said in a challenging tone with a smirk


    "Well, Anggi (Younger brother)." Valantine said as he got up and drew his weapon, already recovered from his fight with Enrico "You want it back, I say come try and take it."


    It was then their turn to enter the courtyard. The two men looked at each other as they were in their fighting stance. Vera acted as referee.


    "You ready, boys?" Vera said "Fight!!"


    As she announced that, the match had begun.

 XIX - Marching Off!

    Valamar was in the stables getting his travel mount Hoda ready for the march to Hutalaut. It was early in the morning when he had earlier along with his wife accompanied his parents to see off most of the royal guests. His wife''s parents had set off to return to Florentia the day before. The Aurosian Imperial Family, the Slavic Royal House, as well as the Germanic Royals had also set off in the morning.


    It came as a surprise to him when he saw his sister Valerie also leaving with her newly betrothed to see the Kingdom of Germania and Germania City. It came to no surprise to Valamar that his father was a little reluctant on sending his youngest daughter and child away from the palace, however, the Princess Valerie was nothing if not headstrong and she eventually got her way. Vera was also very protective of her sister, mincing no words of threat to Prince Albert if anything were to happen to Valerie.


    Valamar looked to his surroundings as he saw Vald and Valantine were also getting their mounts ready. Cassandra along with the other ladies who were participating in the campaign had already rode out to the main gates. Cassandra herself had to welcome the arrival of her cavalry-company, ''the Violet Wolves'' as they are called, named after their armor with helmets that resemble the fearsome heads of wolves as well as the violet cloaks they wear which were the colours of the Florentinian Union, a testament to the immense wealth of said country to be able to afford such an expensive colour.


    "Well, I never expected to be facing a campaign this soon..." A young man beside Valamar said as he got up on his horse. The man looked young, with a regular if a little muscular build. He was clean shaven and pleasant to look at though a little peculiar in that he wore a black eye-patch over his left eye.


    "Well, it seems glory awaits us, cousin." Valamar answered the man.


    The young man was Christopher John Hasiholan York-Caster, the eldest son of King John VII and the heir to the Aerlish throne.


    "Aye, glory... You know I came here expecting to be betrothed to your sister. But it looks as if my father has other plans."


    "I heard your father and King Geirhard had agreed to betroth you to the Princess Hildegarde von Coburg, said to be the most beautiful woman in all of Ayros..." Valamar said as he too got up his horse and began riding along with the rest out of the stables and to the main gates "...well, next to my dear wife that is. If you ask me, that''s leagues better than my sister."


    Christopher only chuckled at the musings of his cousin as they rode out together with Valantine and Vald in tow.


    "I suppose I should be grateful." Christopher said ¡°I personally prefer the wiles of an older-...¡±


    Valamar had raised an eyebrow as Christopher began his line of reasoning with a smirk.


    ¡°I uh¡­ Nevermind, your Highness.¡± Christopher chuckled as he shook his head to shrug it off.


    The four rode out to the main gates along with a company of soldiers and cavalrymen carrying many colorful banners symbolising Aerland and Rumasil. A tiger with golden fur and black stripes holding a sword with a gold crown on top of a red and yellow background signified the Valamen Royal Dynasty while an eagle on a red background with a white x-shaped cross signified Aerland. The foot soldiers also flew the national colours of Aerland and Rumasil as they rode.


    ¡°Sai tiop ma tanganku sai togu au! (Lord hold my hands as always, and be my strength!) Paima tos hosangku, ramoti au! (Until I breathe my last, Lord, please be my shield!)¡± The Rumasilian soldiers sang a hymn as they marched with strength and resolve ¡°Dang olo au mardalan, sasada au! (I will not walk alone without Thee, Lord!) Sai Ho ma ale Tuhan, manogu au! (My everlasting strength, Lord, my God thou art!)¡±


    Many children were running along in awe at the sight of the soldiers'' grandeur. The people also flocked to see them off, mostly women and children, as they sang along the hymn with the soldiers to strengthen the soldiers'' resolve. Many women were also crying as they waved what might be a last goodbye to their sons, brothers, and husbands who were going off to war. Valamar never liked writing the letters telling wives that they''ve lost their husbands or mothers that they''ve lost their sons. Such was the grim reality of war.


    Valamar himself felt lucky he was able to go with his wife, though that in itself would pose quite a few problems in regards to safety. He found himself thinking of his own mother and how she must feel. She might lose both her sons, daughter, and her husband in this campaign. Valamar only shook his head off of such thoughts.


    Valantine kept on looking at Christopher with a puzzled expression which made him uneasy.


    "Is there something on my face, Lord Valantine?" John asked finally addressing the stares he''s been getting "You seem to be bothered by something."


    "Why are you wearing that over your eye?" Valantine asked about Christopher''s eye-patch "Is your eye wounded or something?"


    "It was slightly damaged in a battle with some pirates a few months back, but fortunately, it''s made a recovery."


    "Then why do you keep wearing it?"


    "Because it looks awesome and intimidating?" Christopher said which made the others laugh


    "Well, I can see your point." Vald said after recomposing himself "I honestly thought you were a thug hired by the Aerlish king when I first saw you."


    "Hahahah... I''ve never heard that one before. But I was only joking with you. In reality, I''ve worn this thing for quite a while."


    Christopher then opened the eyepatch and showed his cousins there his eye. They were surprised and bewildered as they saw the colour of his eye being different from his other blue one. The iris appeared to be of a very acute amber colour and felt as if it had a shine to it. When he closed his eyepatch again, the others looked as if they had been snapped out of a trance.


    "Your eye colour... It looks like grandmother''s..." Valamar said as he noticed Christopher''s eyes were identical to his maternal grandmother''s, the Empress Rena.


    "Aye. I have a Razyan eye." Christopher said "The peculiar thing is, I''m not related by blood to her Imperial Majesty as you two are. As far as I''m concerned, I have no Razyan or even non-human ancestry to speak of... at least that I know of."


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    "Did you take this up with Empress Rena herself?" Vald asked


    "Oh yes, my mother brought me to see the Empress when we were at the wedding. Suffice to say, she was as surprised as you were when she saw the eye. The only thing that she could remember that could possibly contribute to this was a cousin of hers that eloped with a human a thousand years back. Apparently, that cousin of hers might''ve been the basis of the ''Angel Prince'' fairy tale all Aerlish-folk have heard where a winged prince from a far off land came to Aerland and fell in love with a princess. Supposedly that is where the York-Caster house descended from, but I''ve always been skeptical of the story, thinking it was only a propaganda tale for my house to claim legitimacy. I was surprised when I found out there was truth in the tale."


    "Sometimes I forget our grandmother is quite literally an ancient relic." Valamar said "But anyways, does that eye have any special abilities as I know that Razyans do have such attributes?"


    "As you would expect of a Razyan eye. I can see farther and better than most. I can see clearly in the dark. And this eye also has a peculiar power as well."


    "What is it?"


    "I can read your minds."


    "Really?!" Valantine asked a little excited


    "Sadly no, I was just joking with you, mate." Christopher said again "I can only see bits and pieces of someone''s past. Your grandmother said that some Razyan have special abilities like that and I most likely inherited said ability."


    "You say that like it''s the most normal thing ever to you." Valamar said


    "Well, I was born with this. And trust me, it gave me plenty of weird dreams and nightmares. When I was little, I would be stressed out by this, hence the eye-patch. Fortunately I have been able to control it a bit. Want me to try?"


    "Try it on me." Valantine said with a little excitement


    "Alright. You asked for it." As Christopher said that, he opened his eyepatch and shifted it to close his other eye and focused onto Valantine as his eye started to glow marvelously.


    "This looks interesting..." Valamar said as their horses continued to ride on


    "...I can only see certain bits and pieces, so bear with me here." Christopher said "...hmm..."


    "What do you see?" Valantine asked


    "I see... a... girl?... She doesn''t look like your average person... She looks like a moslem girl. Pretty one, I''ll give you that... She is looking at you with a sweet expression... you''re caressing her hair and she''s laughing, though something''s odd... it looks like you''re somewhere... on a bed! And she''s... oh dear me." Christopher began to blush and smile sheepishly


    "Alright, alright! That''s enough!" Valantine said as he acted suspiciously while waving his arms around, quickly making Christopher stop seeing into his memories and quickly putting back his eyepatch on his Razyan eye.


    Valantine then looked to his cousins who only stared back at him with a mixture of a shocked, surprised, and teasing expression.


    "Did he just see what I think he saw?" Valamar said in an excited voice


    "Oh, you did not just do that Bang Antin..." Vald said as he shook his head at Valantine


    "Shut up! It''s not what you think it is! It''s..." Valantine started to panic as his voice heightened slightly


    "Wait ''till his majesty finds out about this. We''re gonna be having a second marriage on our hands soon, boys." Valamar said as he immediately quickened his pace towards the main gates


    "Now, you wait there, Valamar!" Valantine said frantically, chasing after Valamar


    Vald and Christopher only laughed as they quickened their pace along with the soldiers there.


    ***


    At the main gates, a great number of soldiers were already lined up preparing for the march. Valamar had arrived first as he reached the gates before the others. When he entered the gatehouse, he could see his father conversing with his uncles.


    He also spotted Vera inspecting the lines of a regiment of female soldiers with Amara next to her. From afar he could also spot his wife in armor speaking with a group of soldiers with wolf helmets and purple cloaks. That must be her Violet Wolves.


    Valasaire immediately spotted his son and waved at him to come over. Valamar galloped to his father''s side in compliance.


    "Ah, I see you''ve made it. We will be marching off to Hutalaut shortly..." King Valasaire said


    "Where is my son and the others?" King John said as he noticed Valamar had entered alone


    All of a sudden, a worried Valantine galloped into the gatehouse along with Christopher and Vald in tow. Valantine had ridden as if escaping the chase of demons.


    "Your majesty!!" Valantine shouted "Whatever Valamar told you is a lie and not true! I repeat, it did not happen! And only making things up!"


    "What the hell are you talking about, Uda (Younger uncle)?" King Valasaire said with a confused expression "Did you wake up on the wrong side of bed today? Valamar hasn''t told me a thing."


    Valasaire immediately looked to Valamar with a raised eyebrow.


    "What the hell happened?" Valasaire asked his son


    Valantine only lowered his head, trying to accept the fact that he might be forced to come clean of his relationship with Amara but when he was about to come clean, all of a sudden Valamar said,


    "I accidentally saw him barf in a well. It looks like he''s been hitting the tuak a little too hard last night, father."


    "Goddamn it, boys. What are you, eight?" Valasaire said with a slightly annoyed tone "Uda Valantine, inspect your regiment quickly, we''re about to head out. Same goes for you, Valamar. Your wife has done her counting. Florentia provides us with two thousand of their VIolet Wolves. We have an estimate of about five thousand of our own men here ready to march, and more have already made their way to Hutalaut from the other cities. We''ll be leaving after some final preparations!"


    As Valasaire said that, he turned his attention back to the senior generals there as Valamar and the rest made their ways to inspect their troops.


    After about half an hour, most of the soldiers had already lined up in front of the city, ready to make their march. Valasaire had stood on the front of the army as he gave the signal to a soldier beside him who nodded and immediately blew a horn which signaled for the army to begin their march.


    As they were marching, Valasaire started singing hymns which were followed by the soldiers while marching in line. Singing has always been a tradition for Rumasilians, and the military was no exception. Song is useful to lift up spirits and the soldiers sang heartily following their King.


    "O Debata sangap do Ho! (How great Thou art, How great Thou art!)" they sang


    ¡°O Debata, tung longang do rohangku, molo hubereng na tinompaMi! ( Oh Lord My God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hand has made.)¡± Valasaire started off with his solo baritone voice which somehow reverberated amongst the crowd of soldiers ¡°Saluhut bintang hilap dohot ronggur manghatindakkon hansangaponMi! (I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder! Thy power throughout the universe displayed!)¡±


    And soon after, the entire Rumasilian army responded in a loud reverberating chorus as each section of the army had spontaneously divided itself into singing bass, tenor, and alto to form a massive choir.


    ¡°Marende au Tuhan mamuji Ho! O Debata, sangap do Ho! (Then sings my soul, my saviour, God to Thee! How Great Thou art, how great Thou art!)¡± The soldiers sang.


    Cassandra greatly enjoyed the spectacle and her sense of hearing appreciated the beautiful voices of the Rumasilian army as well. The hymns did well to strengthen the soldiers as they marched.

 XX - Hutalaut

    It''s been about a week since the army from Rumasil had begun their march and they had reached the Great City of Hutalaut, the main harbour-city of Rumasil on the coasts of the Provarian oceans. It was a city even older than the capital of Rumasil itself, founded as a mere fishing village during the time before the Halak exile over eight thousand years ago.


    It''s walls stood high and proud, glistening from the shine of the sun. The architecture and design of the city was typical of the Rumasilian style, though it clearly had a more Latinosi influence, being a center of trade with many different cultures.


    However, what made the sight all the more grand were the tens of thousands of Rumasilian soldiers lined up in many ranks and files in front of the city gates. They stood there disciplined as their banners were flying in the winds. Red and yellow were the colours of Rumasil, and there the banners of the golden tiger were dancing in the wind.


    The army made a path for King Valasaire and his troops to enter the gates of the city. As the King and his officers made their way to the gates to enter the city, music was played. Some soldiers from the army were playing traditional Rumasilian instruments, blowing trumpets and flutes and banging on drums called ''gondang''.


    "This is quite the welcome we''re receiving." Cassandra said to her husband who was riding his horse beside her ¡°One would think this is another celebration of our wedding, hahaha¡­¡±


    Valamar giggled as he caressed his wife¡¯s cheek beside him "Olo. It''s been years since the Rumasilian royal family has graced the city of Sunstaril with its presence. Not since the reparations from the Provarian invasion more than a decade ago."


    The city of Hutalaut - or Sunstaril as it was called during the time of the Elven Empire - was invaded by the Provarians during the invasion of Sunstaril in 1575 AGW. It was unprecedented that a great power like Rumasil would be invaded by what most would call a minor nation like Provaria. It was the first time in over a millennia that the Almarian homeland was invaded and no one was prepared for it as a fleet of two hundred ships came clashing upon the shores of the city.


    As the King passed through the gates and entered the city followed by his army, they were met with cheer, welcome, and song by the people of the city.


    "You Rumasilians sure do like to sing." Cassandra said "I''ve heard sayings that ''when in Rumasil, song fills the air'' but I never knew it was literally true."


    "It''s our culture." Valamar said as he chuckled a bit "We love to sing because it helps us pass the day. Back when we were only farmers and sailors, song is what gets us through our day... well besides drinking and gambling."


    "I guess that is true."


    "Besides, we sing because we can. There is no Halak under the sun that can not sing."


    "I''m sure that''s hyperbole."


    "I assure you, Lady Cassandra, it is not." Valaron said as he overheard the conversation going on between his nephew and Cassandra "The worse you can get is average like my abang ( older brother ) but you can not call yourself Rumasilian if you are tone-deaf. The first thing a Rumasilian mother does when her child is born is to sing a hymn to it. The first voice a child hears is his mother''s singing voice. It gives a calming feel..."


    "Well, I''m glad I can sing..." Cassandra said "Now that you mention it, I was also tested for my singing voice before I was chosen as my lord''s wife."


    "Just to make sure. If you didn''t know how, you would''ve been tutored."


    "But come to think of it, my lord Valamar does have a very good voice..."


    Valamar smiled at his wife''s praise as he turned to her and started singing to her, but this time, he was singing in the Adventierri language. Cassandra was surprised as she heard the song Valamar was singing. It was a popular love song in Florentia about a man who can not stop admiring the beauty of his lover.


    "La Mia Bella Signorina..." Cassandra said as she clapped in excitement "And your pronunciation was spot on, my lord! Where and when did you learn that song?"


    "When we were marching through Florentia to crush the rebellion in Aerthil." Valamar said "Our Florentinian guide would sing that every once in a while and I liked the tone and rhythm of it so I asked him to teach me. He said, ''when you find that beautiful woman you love, make sure to sing this to her.'' And so that''s what I''m doing."


    "My lord flatters me so much."


    Valaron had to cough to break the two''s attention to each other. "I would remind you too that we are on a campaign."


    "That''s no obstacle to our love." Valamar said in slightly teasing tone to his uncle


    "We are about to reach the grand harbor soon. Best be ready." Valaron said before he rode off closer to his brother to which Valamar and Cassandra looked at each other and laughed.


    After another half-hour of riding, they had reached the city''s port. Valasaire rode at the front and next to him was a middle-aged looking man with graying hair, a slightly chubby physique and somewhat darker skin compared to the rest of the Rumasilians much like most of the people in the city of Hutalaut whose skin were more tanned than what was typical of other Rumasilians.


    "The city looks as strong as ever, Amang (sir) Yesanius." King Valasaire said to the man "One could hardly believe this was the site of the greatest tragedy that has ever struck Rumasil... Though the rubble is gone and the fires have died, the gruesome memories are still with me."


    "We have done our best to rebuild. Some areas near the port are still slightly damaged, but most of the buildings are as good as new. Some even are new." Lord Yesanius said


    "Well, I''m sure it also has something to do with your ability as governor of this city. The Siyesayans are a blessing to us all."


    "As are the rest of the Great Houses. I can not thank your father enough for entrusting me with the governorship of this city after my brother died during the invasion."


    Valasaire nodded and smiled. As they reached the harbor, they could see a large statue of a fully armoured knight standing on a tall and large circular column about fifteen metres tall. The knight was depicted holding a sword and pointing it towards the sea.


    On the columns were the inscriptions of many names as well as many small cross markings. The column itself was also very wide with many carvings of soldiers on its borders.


    Valasaire got off his horse as he neared the column and put his hands on it while bowing his head followed by Valaron, Yesanius, as well as the rest of the senior Rumasilian officers while the soldiers bowed their heads.


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    "What are they doing, my lord?" Cassandra asked her husband


    "Such is to honour the fallen heroes who gave their lives to protect our precious nation." Valamar answered as he got off his horse and gave his hand to help Cassandra off of hers "Come, we must also give our respects to the fallen heroes."


    When they all reached the column, Valasaire began with song,


    "~Dung sonang rohangku dibahen Jesus i... (When peace like a river attendeth my way)" Valasaire started


    "Porsuk pe hutaon dison! (When sorrows like sea billows roll)" everyone else followed along in song, in a solemn tune "Na pos do rohangku di Tuhanta i, dipasonang tongtong rohangkon! (Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul!)"


    "~Sonang do ( It is well )..." Valasaire said alone in a long tune


    "Sonang do!" Everyone else sang back in response as they then all sang together "Dipasonang tongtong rohangkon! (It is well, it is well with my soul!)"


    Tears started to drop from Valasaire''s eyes as well as on most of the senior soldiers and officers as their minds drifted back to the memories of the defense of the city. It was so unexpected as the bulk of the Rumasilian army were mostly in the colonies in Tanodao, Almar proper was not as prepared with its forces being spread out.


    The Provarians had spent most of their wealth from their colonies in paying the fees of many mercenary fleets to aid in their invasion. With most of the able generals and military men being an ocean away, it was left to the many noblemen of the great Almarian houses to defend the homeland.


    After the song, the king called for a moment of silence. Valamar looked up to the column and started reading the names he could see on it. Most were familiar to him. Valarian si Valamen, Valdemar si Valamen, Valian si Valamen, Valan si Valamen, Valarius si Valamen, Valanius si Valamen, and many more. The names of his father''s dear uncles and cousins as well as a whole host of other names of Valamen.


    Valamar looked at Valantine who was bowing his head and crying as well. Amara stood beside him and held his hand, albeit rather subtly. One of the names there was Valantine''s own father, ''the Valiant Valian'' as he was called. On that day, the Valamen family lost many sons. Even King Valasar V - Valamar''s late-grandfather - was mortally wounded in the battle, only to succumb to his wounds a year later. It was said, on the coronation of King Valasaire XIX, the grieving king swore the complete and utter annihilation of the Provarian Kingdom. Those were the words of a hurt man who lost half his family.


    And now it was the time for the Rumasilians to repay the badly owed debt to the Provarians and the House of Gissario.


    When the moment of silence ended, Valasaire looked towards his troops as he wiped the tears from his reddened eyes and regained his composure. His expression became strong, stern, and fierce. The soldiers lifted up their heads and stood with the utmost of discipline. The king cleared his throat and prepared himself to give a speech to his soldiers. He said in a loud voice,


    "My people! My noble people! My brothers in arms, my blood, and my kin! Blessed be the Lord Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit for we who stand here in this day and in this blessed city exactly fourteen years after the tragedy of the Provarian invasion and in memory of those fallen heroes who gave their lives in protection of the homeland!


    We remember the day that shall forever live in our memories as the day God came and took our loved ones, yet in turn delivered to us a victory that sent the might of the Black Sails, the Red Krakens, and the Provarian Armada running with their tails between their legs!


    We remember the day where thousands of our comrades have fallen, including your blood and mine! All the destruction in the name of the accursed House of Gissario and their wretched ilk!


    They thought they could shatter our pride that day! They thought they could destroy our resolve! They thought they could increase their prestige by bringing the most powerful nation on the face of Terra to its knees! Well we proved them sorely mistaken, didn''t we?! When they drew their swords and guns against us, they made an affront to Heaven itself as doubtless they plot against us in the darkness of their court and colluding with Si Bolis (the Devil) himself!


    But with our victory, it is assured that Heaven''s Divine will smiles upon us?! Molo Debata do donganta, ise do alonta?! ( If God is on our side, who can match us?! ).


    And God has shown his providence to His faithful yet again. Weeks before, we had received a message from the Valamen of Provaria. It appears even amongst snakes and devils, God''s children are struggling through to survive! The Rightful King of Provaria himself whose blood is of Vala''s blood has called to the main house for aid!


    It is truly the Gissario who plots to destroy us! Half the Valamen line of Provaria have been eradicated! Our blood eradicated! The gall of those bastards! Well I tell you now, WE DO NOT ABANDON OUR BLOOD! When innocent lives are lost, we must come in and save them!"


    "Emma tutu! (Agreed!)" The soldiers responded with grunts and shield bangs of approval


    Valasaire continued, "Today we shall prepare ourselves to answer the call for aid as we shall come and repay to the Provarians their long awaited bill! The blood of our people yells from the ground to God, calling for justice, and by God, THEY SHALL HAVE THEIR JUSTICE!!"


    The Soldiers roared again in approval to Valasaire''s words.


    "We do the bidding of the Lord, men! We shall send the hypocrites, the blasphemers, and the fools of Provaria back to the abode of their master Si Bolis, as that is where their false prayers will take them! We shall act as God''s hand and sword of justice to those poor souls! And at the last, strengthen your resolves, men, for we face either glory on this earth or glory in the hereafter! Mangolu ma halak hita! ( long live our people! )."


    "Mangolu ma halak hita!!" the soldiers responded in great cheer. After the cheer died down, Valasaire led them all in the lord''s prayer. After the prayers ceased, Valasaire gave the signal to his soldiers to prepare and board the ships that were already on the harbour.


    A great fleet was already there, moored by the port. It was a grand fleet, made up of the bulk of the Rumasilian military fleet in the Provarian ocean and was further bolstered by the ships of the Kindom of Aerland, known as the greatest naval power in all of Terra.


    A total of almost two hundred ships were there, with many equipped with the newest pieces of mobile artillery such as the mortar. Most of the ships were of the lightly armed transport kind. But there were still an impressive number of Galleons, Galleasses, as well as Man''O''Wars that acted as the main flagships, courtesy of the Aerlish Kingdom.


    Such was the preparations made before the invasion of Provaria. A great armada ready for invasion with soldiers also numbering in the tens of thousands for the assault.


    They were headed for the Provarian isles, though their first destination was for the city of Siesia to meet with King Esteban V and to resupply there. In an invasion of this scale, supplies, munitions, and rations are what would cause the most worry.


    Valamar gulped in nervousness as he entered the Rumasilian flagship.


    "Is something the matter, my lord?" Cassandra asked as she noticed her husband''s worry "You don''t seem too well. Are you perhaps worried about getting seasick?"


    "No, I''m fine, dear..." Valamar said "Just a little worry. This will be the first time for me to engage in a naval invasion. I''m quite nervous."


    "We''ll be fine, my lord." Cassandra said to reassure her worried husband "The actual invasion is still weeks to come. You shouldn''t be too worried about it. Besides, there are many senior generals and admirals here. We''ll be fine. I''m more excited to feel the cool ocean breeze flowing through my hair."


    "That would be a lovely sight, my dear... You always know how to calm me down."


    "As any good wife would."


    "This ship hasn¡¯t even begun to move yet you two somehow already made me nauseous and sea sick." Vera said in an annoyed town "Get a cabin. This is a military campaign, not a leisure cruise."


    "Nothing wrong with making the best of things, kakak." Valamar said with a slight laugh.


    And so they all prepared for what was going to come upon them. After half a day of preparations, they were finally ready to sail off to the Provarian Isles. They were sailing off to war.

 XXI - A Surprise

    It had been almost two weeks since the Rumasilian army left the harbour of Hutalaut and the armada was almost at its destination. The Valamen royal family were on the main flagship of the fleet, a large newly-made Man''o''war named the ''Singalaut''.


    The armada had spotted small isles with minor posts and watch towers on them and some small buildings. They flew a purple flag with a white tiger on it holding a sword and wearing a crown. Soldiers were seen on the isles as well as some small ships and boats.


    "We are nearing Siesia, your majesties." Prince Miguel said to King Valasaire and Prince Valaron who were beside him "Only a few more hours until we arrive at the great port."


    Valasaire was fascinated at what he was looking at through his telescope. "I thought the colours of Provaria were a white dolphin on violet." King Valasaire said


    "My brother had seen to it that we differentiate ourselves from the Gissario loyalists." Miguel explained "King Esteban is trying to grow more fervour and gather support from the people to the cause of the Valamen. As we have it now, the country is split in half."


    "I''m not sure how your people will take this new call of loyalty to the Valamen family." Valasaire said "Why would the people throw themselves into the cause of a foreign king?"


    "Pardon me, your majesty, but the ''de la Valamen'' of Provaria should not be considered foreigners. We have been Kings of the country for almost a century. We are at least no less foreign than the Gissario themselves. Those fops were exiled noblemen from Florentia before they managed to worm their way as Provarian kings two centuries ago."


    "Well, before all else, we must be rid of the Gissario then." Valasaire said as he closed his telescope and walked towards the helm of the ship to feel the ocean breeze in his hair "Though, the weather here is very nice if I do say so myself. At least there are some pleasurable things in this campaign."


    "The beaches of Siesia are the best, I assure you."


    Valamar was sitting down on a chair while crossing his legs and relaxing himself in the ocean breeze. His wife sat next to him reading a book while humming to herself. Valamar found himself staring at her, though he was thinking of other things. Soon, Cassandra noticed his stares and blushed slightly but asked what was going on in his mind.


    "Nothing much really..." Valamar said "The fighting is yet to come as we have a meeting with His Majesty King Esteban first... Going to Provaria has gotten me thinking. From what we know, Provaria is a relatively new Kingdom being only founded a little less than two centuries ago, before that being a province of Auros and far before that being a colony of the Arastian Kingdom."


    "And...?" Cassandra asked as she closed her book


    "The Gissario doesn''t sound like an Arastian or an Aurosian House name..."


    "Oh... that''s what my lord was thinking of. Why, yes. The Gissario are actually originally from Florentia. Some of them still are, the main house at least, though not as great as they once were. They used to be an influential Florentinian House, but now they are little more than petty nobles with little more to their name than clinging to past glories."


    "What happened to them?"


    "It was during the reign of my ancestor, Angelo the Great. During the early wars with the Lothirians, the House of Gissario tried to play both sides and only were concerned with their own prosperity, thus costing Florentia a great loss at a vital battle. Suffice to say, the other houses were less than pleased and they were greatly stripped of their ranks. Some of them chose to stay in Florentia while the rest were either banished or self-exiled... It appears some of them even managed to slither their way into their own crown in Provaria..."


    "They are more snake than dolphin..." Valamar said to which Cassandra laughed


    "By the way, I have something else I''ve been meaning to ask you..." Valamar said


    "And what is that, my lord?"


    "We''ve now been married for nearly a month..." Valamar said


    "A month flew by just like that... Time flies when you''re in love. But what troubles you, my lord?"


    "I don''t mean to be rude..." Valamar said as he hushed his tone slightly "But... I have yet to see you... you know... during your time of the month... I mean I have a mother and two sisters, I know what it looks like, the cramps and the like... I mean I can only guess why we haven''t seen Vera at all today... not to mention the other daughters of Ruma..."


    Valamar then saw Cassandra''s eyes only widen as it looked like she was loading something in her mind.


    "Dear, are you alright? Forget if I said something that bothered you..."


    "No, it''s fine..." Cassandra said as she caressed her husband''s cheek "To be honest, my period was supposed to be last week so I shrugged it off, thinking I was just late... but now... When even you''ve noticed it, now I''m sure of it..."


    As Cassandra said that, Valamar was still processing the information going through his mind as what Cassandra could''ve been sure of. After a while, it then completely dawned on him.


    "...you''re pregnant..." Valamar said with shock, surprise, and joy all in one expression "Y-you''re carrying our child!" Valamar was starting to get all excited at the news while Cassandra smiled in happiness as well, immediately embracing her husband who was so enamored in joy.


    In fact, Valamar returned her embrace and spun her around a little as he lifted her up as she only laughed gleefully.


    "Slow down, my lord.... hahahaha..." Cassandra said "Don''t get too excited, you wouldn''t want anything to happen to the child before he''s even been born, right?"


    "Oh, you''re right!!" Valamar said as he immediately set her down in slight panic "I''m so sorry... we have to be careful."


    "I was only kidding, no need to get too worried, my lord..." Cassandra said "I was just so fond of your joyful expression!"


    "Of course I am overjoyed! God has blessed our marriage with a child!! The future heir of the Valamen throne! Pujipujian sian rohangku tu Debata Jahowa! ( Praise be to God )"


    As Valamar exclaimed with joy and was all in all feeling happy, King Valasaire and Valaron couldn''t help but notice Valamar''s ecstatic joy. "What''s gotten into him?" Valasaire asked Valaron rhetorically before he walked towards his son.


    "What exactly is going on here?" Valasaire asked his son who was still so happy when all of a sudden Valamar just came and hugged him heartily. Valasaire was confused but returned his son''s embrace and couldn''t help but feel happy as well even though he did not know what all this was about "Son, you''re acting as if we''ve won the war already... What''s going on?"


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    "Cassandra, please tell him!" Valamar said excitedly as he glanced at his wife.


    Cassandra was smiling as well as she told the King the news.


    "Your majesty, it appears the Lord has blessed my union with your son. He has blessed my womb with child... your future grandchild..."


    Valasaire didn''t realise that his jaw was ajar in surprise and disbelief as he looked at his son.


    "What did she say?" Valasaire asked again to his son to confirm what he had just heard


    "I''m going to be a father!" Valamar said excitedly "I''m going to have a child!"


    As Valasaire heard that, he instinctively hugged his son tightly. "My boy is gonna have an heir!! My boy! My boy''s gonna be a father!"


    As Valasaire exclaimed that, the soldiers and sailors on the ship couldn''t help but clap and cheer at the news and at the sight of the King''s joy. Valamar and Cassandra were slightly embarrassed at the attention that they had garnered, but they accepted the cheers and fair wishes into their hearts. As Valasaire let go of his embrace, he slightly bent forward to Cassandra''s belly.


    "I know you''re probably not able to hear me yet, but I''m going to spoil you rotten." Valasaire said


    "You don''t even spoil me." Valamar said


    "You''re my son, not my grandson."


    "It''s only been a month, your majesty..." Cassandra said to her father-in-law "But even so, I do hope you do not pull me from the front lines... When it is at this early stage, fighting shouldn''t be much of a problem."


    "My son, are you listening to your wife?" Valasaire said in slight disbelief "Casssandra, are you telling me you''re going to risk my grandchild''s life?"


    Valaron merely laughed at Cassandra''s behaviour.


    "You are too much like your aunt..." Valaron said "Gianna was just as stalwart as you even though she was pregnant as well..."


    Valamar was immediately worried as he looked to his wife who was still adamant in joining the warfare. He was worried for his wife and his future child''s safety in this. Though Cassandra only looked at him with a pitiful expression, goading him into allowing her to fight.


    Valamar was being torn apart as he looked to his father.


    Valasaire only groaned at his son''s indecision and his daughter-in-law''s insistence.


    "The Lord was kind to me as my wife is not a warrior..." Valasaire said, giving his opinions to Valamar and Cassandra "Though many queens in Rumasil''s history were warriors. As was the first Queen of Rumasil, Queen Ulia who fought wars against the enemies of Rumasil even when she was carrying a child in her belly... I guess we can allow this instance..."


    "They didn''t have arquebuses or cannons back in those days." Valaron said "One stray bullet could end both the Princess and her child."


    As Valaron said that, Cassandra only bowed her head. But this time Valamar spoke up,


    "My wife was the one who was briefed of the battle plans later on and she is commander of her cavalry. I see no harm in my wife joining the battle from the back lines to direct her troops and to oversee the battle..."


    As Valamar said that, Cassandra lifted her head as her husband spoke for her case. She then looked towards the King and Prince Valaron with resolve. "I agree with the suggestion my lord husband has put forth. I shall keep myself at a safe distance away from where the fighting will be the hardest..."


    "Well that''s good to hear." Valasaire said "Now, if you wouldn''t mind, I have other matters to attend to. You two should take this wonderful news to the rest."


    "We will." Valamar said as he looked to his wife


    Valamar and Cassandra immediately made their way to Vera''s cabin. When they approached the cabin door, they could hear a conversation taking place inside it. It didn''t sound like his sister was alone there.


    Cassandra looked at Valamar to ask him what was going on to which he only made a gesture with his index finger in front of his lips, signalling that they should be quiet, and immediately pressed his ear against the door.


    "My lord, eavesdropping is very impolite and rude!" Cassandra said to which Valamar only rolled his eyes


    Cassandra immediately pulled Valamar away from the door, tugging firmly at his arm.


    "Okay, okay! I get it." Valamar said as he chuckled and laughed slightly


    "This is no laughing matter, my lord! People''s privacy should be respected! This is a troublesome character that should be improved."


    Looking at his wife''s insistence and seriousness, Valamar backed off on eavesdropping. In the past month of his marriage, he has learned more and more of his wife''s noble character and understood when to not annoy her.


    "If I had a coin for every time Vera has eavesdropped on someone and stuck her nose where it doesn''t belong, I''d be a very rich man." Valamar said


    "You''re joking, my lord. Anyways, we didn''t come here for that." Cassandra said as she moved in front of her husband and knocked on the door.


    "Who is it?" Vera''s voice asked from inside


    "It''s me, Vera. Your sister-in-law!" Cassandra said


    "Cassandra?" Vera asked "What do you want?"


    "I have news I want to share to you! May I come in?" Cassandra asked for permission


    "Is it really important? I don''t think I can really humor you right now, Cassandra. Maybe at a later time? I''m a little ill right now... I have a real painful cramp..."


    "Kak, I''m gonna have a baby!" Valamar immediately butted into the conversation "Cassandra''s pregnant!"


    "She''s what?!" when Valamar said that, they could immediately hear Vera running towards the door and opening it vigorously as she showed a joyful grin on her face.


    "My little brother''s gonna have a kid?!" Vera said excitedly


    "What the hell happened to your period?" Valamar said teasingly to his sister


    "I recovered."


    "That''s one hell of a recovery." Valamar retorted "Anyways, I do not respect the condescending tone you had with my wife. Apologize at once. Just because she''s a better fighter than you doesn''t mean you have to be an asshole."


    "Okay, first off, I''m the better fighter. Secondly, I wasn''t being rude. I just wasn''t really in the mood to hear something that has a potential to be nothing of importance."


    "So you''re saying I''m not important?" Cassandra asked Vera


    "That''s not what I said at all. Anyways, Valamar, Cassandra, come right on in!"


    When the two came in, they noticed some other people were already inside. Amara and Valantine were sitting on a pair of chairs next to the bed.


    "I didn''t realise you were having company." Valamar said as he saw the two


    Amara immediately stood up and bowed at the two. "Your majesties! Forgive me if I may be an inconvenience here. I was merely accompanying Princess Vera." Amara said "Allow me to take my leave. Oh, and, congratulations for the both of you! It is good to see the line of the Valamen continue."


    Amara slightly held her own belly when she said that before heading for the exit.


    "Oh there''s no need for you to be like that, Lady Amara." Cassandra said as she held the girl in place "The more the merrier! And I would be honored if you were here too."


    "Besides, you''re basically family too." Valamar said with a slight smirk and a wink to Valantine who only coughed at Valamar''s quips


    "I consider all my sisters in the daughter of Ruma to be my family!" Vera said "Please stay, we''re... ooh... oww..." Vera who was standing held her abdomen as she looked like she was in pain "The cramps have returned."


    Vera quickly returned to lay on her bed.


    "This is why it is difficult to rely on women in warfare." Valamar said as he took a seat on the bed "I don''t even know how the Daughters of Ruma handle these inconveniences."


    "We have shifts, you know." Vera said as she slightly kicked her younger brother''s back "What about you, Cassandra? How do you usually handle these kinds of things?"


    "My time of the month doesn''t usually inconvenience me that much..." Cassandra answered "But now that I''m pregnant, I''ll have to be a little bit more careful..."


    "You know, speaking of pregnant women, Angelina was just as tough as you when she was pregnant with Valea." Vera said "She had just transferred into the Daughters of Ruma as an instructor. At fifteen! Can you imagine that!"


    "Vald''s wife?" Cassandra said


    All of a sudden in the midst of it all, Vald himself came into the cabin followed by the Aerlish Prince John.


    "Is somebody talking about my wife?" He said as he stuck his head in through the door "Anyways, brother! I heard the good news!"


    "It appears Valea''s gonna have a new sibling!" Valamar said


    "This calls for celebration!" Vald said


    "I''ve brought the best brandy in all of Aerland." John said with a grin as he showed everyone there the bottle


    "Wonderful!" Valamar exclaimed as they were going to have an impromptu family get-together

 XXII - An Agreement of Vassalage

    "There be our destination!" Miguel pointed from the main deck to a small figure of large white walls and a large harbour "There be the great city of Siesia, the pearl of the Provarian isles."


    The fleet had managed to arrive at the great port city of Siesia. The Rumasilian flagship was at the head of the fleet and was the first of the ships to make port. Many of the other ships had weighed anchor closer to the coasts.


    "Tell the men to check the supplies and restock." King Valasaire said to one of his captains. The captain nodded and proceeded to do as he was ordered.


    Valamar and Cassandra looked at the sight of the city with awe. It was a city near in grandeur to Hutalaut, although being smaller. Valamar could spot the high battlements facing the ocean and the large fixed guns upon them. Provarian-Valamen flags were on top of the many battlements, flying spectacularly in the winds.


    Valamar, Cassandra, and the rest had made their way to the docks of the city, disembarking from the ship. Valasaire, Valaron, and the senior generals had already stood there along with some guards.


    They saw that most of the dockyards from afar were still busy with activities of unloading and loading items from ships and things as expected of major shipping ports. However, when they saw the large Rumasilian fleet in front of their eyes, many of them stopped to gawk though soon after choosing to continue their activities, albeit a little slower.


    On the docks where the Rumasilians had landed already stood a large regiment of Provarian soldiers, standing in discipline, holding their weapons to their sides while some were holding the banners of the Valamen family alongside the Provarian-Valamen emblem. Some of the soldiers were heavily armored in plate, with helmets that looked grand, sporting feathers and plums. They looked to be some sort of elite guard. In front of them, stood a regal looking man in fancy clothes as what a typical Latinosi noble would wear.


    However, something about this man intrigued Valamar. He had curly brown hair as well as a slight beard around his mouth though he still looked a little young despite it.


    Miguel immediately walked to the man and bowed. Valamar understood that this could only mean the man was the young King of Provaria. He was King Esteban V of the Provarian Valamen.


    Soon enough, after having what looked like a short conversation with his brother, the Provarian King walked towards King Valasaire and in turn bowed deeply in honour.


    "To His Majesty, The Great King Valasaire XIX of Rumasil, I bid welcome to the great city of Siesia." King Esteban said, though surprisingly in a tone of reverence and humility instead of the commanding tone of the king he was. If Valamar didn''t know any better, it would look like one of the many nobles in Rumasil greeting his father


    "Yo soy Esteban V, La rey de las islas Provaria. Head of the Valamen of Provaria." Esteban formally introduced himself, though this time, his presence became more commanding "I bid you great welcome as Lord and King of this city, your majesty."


    "Such humility I see." Valasaire spoke up as he saw the way Esteban was greeting him "One wouldn''t think it was a high noble greeting me, let alone a king."


    Valasaire then returned the welcome as he bowed in return.


    "The pleasure is mine to be received like this, your majesty." Valasaire said to the young Provarian King


    "Please, let us all head to the palace. A banquet is ready for our guests, however humble it may be given the current circumstances."


    "Before that your majesty." Valasaire turned to one of his men as he gave nod. Moments later, from the ship walked a nobleman being handled by a group of soldiers.


    "Diego de Gissario..." King Esteban muttered as he saw the nobleman being dragged to him, forced to kneel on both knees in front of him "Where did you find this wretched cur?"


    "In my palace, under the pretense of being a messenger of the Kingdom of Provaria and House Gissario." Valasaire said "We had immediately captured him and his entourage after the arrival of your brother."


    "You people are savages!" Diego roared "For an official dignitary to be treated so... callously!! This breaks all laws of diplomacy."


    "Excuse me... did you say official dignitary?" King Esteban said, with a calm yet frightening expression "Care to explain yourself?"


    "I am a dignitary of the legitimate state of Provaria under the Gissario! You are a pretender to the throne! A foreigner! A traitor to his people!"


    "Your masters were the one who usurped my rightful throne... but no matter. Whatever I say would not get through that thick skull... and don''t talk to me of legitimacy, Senor. For all we know you might be one of my grandfather''s many bastards."


    "Such disrespect! I am your mother''s older brother by legitimate blood! The Gissario have been and always will be the real power behind the Provarian throne! You are just a puppet! A puppet who intends to change his master!"


    "...The barking of a traitorous dog is of no consequence to me." Esteban said, finally being fed up from the awful conversation. Esteban then looked to a clergyman who was standing beside him "Padre. If you would be so kind as to give Lord Diego his last rites before his execution."


    When Valasaire heard that, he merely raised his eyebrow. This young tiger was finally bearing his teeth in front of them.


    "He is your subject." King Valasaire said as he told his soldiers to release the man, handing him over to the Provarians "Do justice unto him as you see fit."


    The Gissario lord began visibly shaking himself as the priest began to recite his last rites while holding up a cross. Although clearly shaking, the nobleman only gave King Esteban a deathly stare after kissing the cross and reciting the Lord''s Prayer in the Provarian tongue. To his surprise, there was no executioner on the premises... could it be he was going to be spared?


    All of a sudden, it was King Esteban himself who unsheathed his sword which gleamed in the sun''s light. It looked to be recently polished and sharpened. King Esteban gave a single hard slash which cleaved halfway through Lord Diego''s neck, blood streaming out of it like a fountain, though Diego looked like he was still a little conscious. Esteban then gave a second strike with his sword, lopping off the man''s head as his body fell to the ground.


    "Rest in peace." Esteban said as he made the sign of the cross "Men, dispose of this garbage lying in front of me, thank you very much. And get someone to mop the floor while you''re at it. Pay him handsomely too."


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    Immediately two men carried the corpse away while the small pool of blood still adorn the docks.


    "I do apologise for such a bloody spectacle." King Esteban said as he brought back his friendly and composed demeanor towards King Valasaire "I hope none of that filth got on to your apparel. I seem to have sullied my boots. But, no matter."


    "It is of no concern of mine what happened to that man." King Valasaire said as he shrugged it off "Then, shall we proceed?"


    "It is to my knowledge that the King of Aerland is to be here as well." King Esteban said "Yet I do not see him."


    "King John will be on his way. He is currently overseeing a few things."


    "Very well then."


    The people there then made their way towards the palace of Siesia. Cassandra only looked at Valamar with an uneasy expression after witnessing such a scene of execution.


    "He just executed the man like that..." Cassandra said to her husband in a hushed tone


    "You are a warrior, so I know you''ve witnessed brutality before." Valamar said


    "That is during battle... I never liked seeing bloody executions." Cassandra said "When you become king, I don''t want to take part in any spectacles such as that."


    "Don''t worry, I won''t. I''ll just have kak Vera do it for me. God knows she loves the carnage." Valamar joked. All of a sudden he felt a slap to the back of his head. "Ouch!!"


    "You do realise I''m right behind you, right?" Vera said to her younger brother


    "I was only joking..." Valamar said


    The Palace of Siesia stood atop a tall cliff, overseeing the sea and the harbour. It''s architecture was marvelous, reminiscent of the Latinosi style. Some parts of the battlements even connected to the palace, making the city look very similar to a citadel.


    They entered the throne room of the palace, a somewhat modest room compared to what would be found in the great palaces of Rumasil or Auros though still well-furnished.


    King Esteban had taken a seat on his throne. Beside him was another throne, occupied by a beautiful looking young lady. She had an air of elegance around her, especially when sat next to Esteban.


    "Allow me to formally introduce you gentlemen to the Palace of Siesia." Esteban said "This beautiful girl besides me is my lovely wife, the Queen Emilliene de Amiroi."


    "It is a pleasure." The girl stood up and curtsied


    "The Queen''s appearance has much in common with her elder brothers." King John said as he entered the throne room along with his wife and retainers "I apologise deeply for being delayed, your majesties..."


    "It is of no problem, your majesty." King Esteban said "Although, your appearance here seems to have made my wife a little tense."


    "I am fine..." Emilliene said


    "I would like to personally offer my condolences to you for the deaths of your elder brothers." John said as he bowed "I fell the Prince Charles by my own hand while Prince Henri was struck by an arrow through his eye... They died valiantly while protecting their countrymen."


    "It was a time of war, your majesty." Emilliene said though with visible sadness in her eyes "Such things were bound to happen... I can only be thankful for the ceasefire between Aerland and Famone which I hope would lead to peace..."


    "We can only hope for such things..." John said with regret


    "Now that that''s settled, we can focus on the matter at hand..." Esteban said as he stood up and sat at the large table which had previously been prepared in the throne room for the meeting between him and Rumasil.


    "All is as I''ve stated in my letter, your majesty." Esteban said as his attention was focused to Valasaire "I agree to become a vassal of the Rumasilian Kingdom in return for the aid against the Gissario... I also agree upon the secession of the Provarian colonies in Selvia to Rumasil and Aerland with the matter of division being given to the respective countries to agree upon themselves."


    "This is all a wonderful deal, but you do realise Provaria will be considerably weakened by this?" Valasaire asked


    "Provaria''s strength was never that powerful to begin with. The last invasion we mounted against Rumasil more than a decade ago has bankrupted us and Provaria became chin-deep in unpaid debts. Not to mention the fleeing mercenaries had in turn pirated and raided Provarian coasts and trading ships... the invasion was more a disaster to Provaria then it could ever be to Rumasil."


    All of a sudden, Valasaire - who was until then calm - pounded his fist on the table which cracked it slightly. The loud bang reverberated across the room and even shocked most people. The King''s air became dark and even King John became slightly uneasy as he looked at his brother-in-law.


    Valamar and Vald also became very uneasy. It was a mood they rarely see on their father. It was a mood he only shows when he is very angry, above and beyond what was usual.


    "You say it has cost you more?" Valasaire spoke as his tone was cold and his eyes dark "It has cost Rumasil dearly! It cost the tiger its head! A great King died because of that forsaken invasion! You say the Gissario costed you half your family? The main branch has been cut down to only a little over a few dozen sons left! We lost three quarters of our numbers! Rumasil had not been invaded for over fifteen centuries! And an Insignificant speck like this rock dared to-!!"


    Valasaire''s tone was getting more intense as he was beginning to shout at the Provarian king who began to shake a little until Valaron put his hand on his brother''s shoulder to calm him down from his rage.


    "Abang, calm down." Valaron said "The boy didn''t mean any ill by what he said."


    "None at all, your majesty." Esteban said as he bowed his head. The young King of Provaria calmed down from his trembling. Esteban''s wife was also slightly scared looking at the fury of the Rumasilian King as she held her husband''s hand under the table. Esteban continued, "I deeply apologise if I may have offended you."


    "It... it''s my fault..." Valasaire said as he calmed down "I got a little heated... I ascended the throne during a mournful time. The pain from fourteen years ago is still fresh in my mind especially when it is Provaria we are dealing with... I forget that your majesty King Esteban is even younger than I was when I ascended the throne. Forgive my tone... Anyways, you were saying?"


    "Right. About the debts. The biggest contributor to our funds was none other than the Latinite Empire."


    "Damned Latinites. Sticking their beaks into places where they are not wanted." Valasaire said


    "Most of the money we made in the past decade was used by the Gissario to pay back our own internal debtors and that of the merchants, however the debt to the Latinites have yet to be repaid..."


    "Is that part of the reason you wish to vassalize your country?" John asked


    "Why yes. Becoming a vassal of Rumasil puts us under its protection as well. Seeing as how you are already at odds with the Latinites, I have no intention to pay back the debts to Emperor Valerius."


    "You''re a sly one." Valaron said


    "Well, now that we know the basic reasons, let''s get down to business." Valasaire said "What are your terms?"


    "First, I would like to be exempt from paying tribute for the duration of a decade to focus on rebuilding my shambling economy. Also during that time, I would like the right to refuse a call to arms from you as to focus on internal matters. In return, after that time, Provaria will be at your disposal, given that our rights and privileges be honoured and that I retain sovereignty over domestic affairs as well as economic ones. In any case, this deal would benefit us as it would open Provaria to a larger trading network of nations as well. So your majesty, do we have a deal?"


    Valasaire nodded his head in agreement to the terms that were presented to him by the Provarian King. "You drive a considerable bargain... but I accept." Valasaire said


    "I have already drafted the agreement in advance." Esteban said as he called for one of his retainers to bring in the parchment.


    King Valasaire had proof-read the terms on the parchment and then took his pen and signed it as did Esteban. King John took out his seal and stamped the parchment as well as a guarantee between the two kingdoms.


    "May we usher in a new age of glory." King Esteban said "Now, you all look famished. The food may be humble, but we have prepared a feast for you. Please, enjoy!"


    This will be the last feast before they embark to Valencei.

 XXIII - The Gissario (18+)

    An aged man was walking restlessly back and forth in an ornate throne room. There were many courtiers present, with the banners of the Gissario dolphin adorning the walls of the room. On the throne sat a beautiful mature-looking woman with long dark hair and seductive yet tired looking eyes. She was visibly uneasy as she looked at the man who was pacing back and forth.


    "Papa, are you alright...?" The woman on the throne asked the man with a nervous tone


    All of a sudden, the man stopped in his tracks and looked to the woman sternly with dark eyes, causing her to drop her head and slightly shake in fear.


    "Your brother Diego has not returned. It has been nearly a month since we''ve sent him to Rumasil. I fear for him..."


    "I''m sure my brother is fine, papa." the woman said as she tried to reassure the man "He''s probably out there enjoying the brothels first as what he always does."


    "The useless oaf." the man scoffed "If Rodrigo were alive, he would''ve done me proud... he would''ve made a better King than your husband and your son. combined..."


    "...my sons..." The woman said as she looked down, depressed "Esteban... Miguel..."


    "They have made their choice, miha." Armando said sternly "All the Valamen have made their choice. Your sons chose their father''s legacy over you."


    As the man said that, a chill ran down the woman''s spine as she held her chest and began breathing heavily, anxiety kicking in.


    "Do you understand now, Esmeralda?" the man said as he approached the woman on the throne "They choose a throne over their own mother. Such disgraces shame us all."


    "B-but... still... they are my sons!" Esmeralda began panting anxiously at the memory of her sons abandoning her "Whatever they did... They are still my boys whom I love...! Please, father! Have mercy!"


    All of a sudden, the man bent forward towards Esmeralda and caressed the top of her head gently to calm her down, though his expression remained serious.


    "Such is the love of a mother for her children, no matter how rebellious they are." the man said as Esmeralda began to calm down "When we capture them, you may do with your sons as you please."


    As he said that, he stood back up but his gaze was still fixated upon his daughter. "Miha. There is nothing in this world I wouldn''t do for you." He said with a calming tone but his expression remained cold, though his eyes showed the slightest bit of compassion towards his daughter "I made you a queen... you have your mother''s beauty as well as her kindness. Your late husband was a fool to ever betray you. I should''ve had him killed slower. Having his head cut off was too much of a mercy."


    "...Father. Do not speak ill of Juan like that..." Esmeralda said however nervously


    "How you still manage to have affection for him is beyond me."


    The man then turned towards the courtiers in the room as his stern gaze scanned them all and put shivers into their spine. Such was the dread of Lord Armando de Gissario.


    "Lords and Ladies loyal to the rightful throne of Provaria and Her Majesty, Queen Esmeralda." Armando then addressed the people in the room "I thank you for your continued loyalty in service to our grand kingdom. Such loyal service will surely be rewarded. And the first among you to earn such a reward is none other than Lord Jacobo de Siervodios. Please step forward."


    "Your grace..." A strong-looking man stepped forward in front of the throne as he knelt before Lord Armando


    "For your services in the crushing of the de la Valamen pretenders, I hereby grant you the right to join the ranks of the Gissario by way of marrying my daughter, her majesty."


    As she heard her father say that, Esmeralda couldn''t help but look with a dumbfounded expression at her father as she had not expected anything like this.


    "The Queen has been widowed for almost two years, yet she is still of marriageable age and could do well to sire more rightful heirs of a loyal retainer instead of the traitorous pretenders she has now."


    The Queen looked at her father with shock as she couldn''t believe what had just transpired. She looked at the nobleman Jacobo who had a disgusting and wretched smile on his face.


    "I am most thankful and gracious to you, your grace. I graciously accept her majesty''s hand in matrimony."


    "Do I not get a say in this?!" Esmeralda said with slight anger and confusion in her tone


    "Is that rebellion I hear in your voice, daughter?" Armando said as he looked to his daughter with a cold tone, and eyes that had lost all glimmer of compassion from them "You would do well to obey your father."


    As his tone turned harsh and cold, the Queen could not help but again shake in fear, this time very visibly, which terrified the rest of the courtiers. Esmeralda still tried to defy her father, "I-I... I will n-...!"


    Armando immediately walked toward Esmeralda in an intimidating way with an expression she knew all too well. Something she was treated to far too much in her childhood. As Armando reached her front, he raised his hand in front of her.


    The trembling Queen instinctively threw herself in front of her throne and knelt in front of Armando helplessly as her eyes became unsettled and she was visibly shaking while holding her head with both her hands. She muttered incoherently, "...don''t punish me, don''t punish me, don''t punish me, Esme will be a good girl, she won''t disappoint her papa..."


    Tears began flowing from her crazed eyes. The courtiers in the room were shocked as they saw the pitiful scene. Armando only eyed all of them fiercely.


    "Get out!" He growled viciously as most of the courtiers bowed and left the room. Jacobo still had a slight smile on his face until Armando eyed him as well "That includes you."


    Jacobo quickly swallowed his spit and bowed before leaving the room to Armando, the Queen, and a handful of guards. The tension in the room became heavier.


    "Look at you..." He said coldly "Shaking in fear like a helpless little girl... Pathetic. You have your mother''s looks but not her fortitude. If she were still alive, she would look at you with scorn and disdain. When I ordered for the pretender dynasty to be cut down to size and destroyed, you did nothing. When I made you queen in the stead of your son, you did nothing. When they escaped and abandoned you here, you did nothing... yet you have the gall to protest me now when it concerns you? Insolent and selfish brat! You''re weak!"


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    "I am not weak!" Esmeralda finally managed to collect herself slightly as she looked at her father with eyes with defiance "You are the monster-!!"


    Armando had taken off the rings on his right hand and slapped his daughter strongly til she fell on the floor. His eyes were devoid of compassion and his expression became dark. Esmeralda let out an agonizing scream before she was again reduced to shambles, crying and shaking in fear, with all traces of defiance smacked out of her.


    "Who gave you the permission to talk back to me when I am lecturing you?" Armando said as he squatted next to his daughter "I raised you to be better than this. I raised you to be an obedient girl. You call me a monster?"


    Armando''s cold expression was changed with one of a loving father as if it was a different person talking. His eyes became gentle as he held out his arm and helped his sobbing daughter who was on the floor back up onto her throne. He wiped the tears from her face and inspected the area of her face he struck and caressed it gently.


    "Get us some cold water." Armando said to one of the guards who quickly did as he was told.


    Armando knelt in front of the throne as he inspected his daughter who turned her gaze to the floor, still slightly shaking. When the guard came back with a bowl of ice water, Armando thanked him and dismissed him back to his post. He put the bowl on the floor as he took out a cloth from his coat and dipped it in the bowl.


    "Show me your cheek, miha." Armando said ever so gently as he held his daughter''s chin up. She was still reluctant, yet turned her cheek anyway. "Withstand the cold, miha. We don''t want to leave a bruise there."


    Armando gently wiped his daughter''s cheek. Esmeralda started to calm down as he also caressed her head ever so softly. He then embraced her, putting her head on his chest as he kissed her head.


    "I''m sorry I hit you..." Armando said "You know I would never seriously hurt you. I only wanted to discipline you. You are still Papa''s precious little princessa... I only want the best for you."


    "...I''m sorry..." Esmeralda said as she began to cry again


    "Hush now, Esme... Don''t cry again. Papa''s here for you..." Armando caressed the back of her head as he began rocking her "You remember when you were still a small child, I would always hold you like this to calm you down..."


    "...Papa, do I still have to marry that wretched man? He has married three times already and all his wives have met unsightly ends..."


    "His family is one of our biggest benefactors. Don''t worry... I promised him your hand in marriage, but not your body..."


    "You said I had to sire heirs with him..."


    "I said what I had to say miha... After the marriage, he will be dealt with appropriately. The House of Gissario is not to be trifled with. All the men here are our loyal soldiers. You have nothing to fear, daughter..."


    "Have mercy on my children, papa..."


    "I will not harm my own flesh and blood... though they will be punished, that I can assure you..."


    "I''m sorry I called you a monster..."


    "Everything I do, I do it for the good of our family... Everything... For your mother..."


    Armando began to have tears coming from his eyes... "Your mother would''ve known how to be gentler with you... I will not forgive the Valamen for what they have done to me. To your mother... My sweet, sweet Fernanda... I will have my revenge."


    The two only continued to embrace each other. No matter what he may show in public, Armando loved his daughter very much... His family was above all else.


    ***


    The Seaside Palace is the name of one of the most luxurious brothels in all of Valencei, aptly named a ''pleasure palace''. There is a den of all earthly wants and pleasures of the mortal flesh.


    "Did you see the way the old man reduced the Queen to shambles?" Jacobo said to another man who was in there with him as he held two scantily clad women by his sides.


    "My uncle can be very harsh, Lord Jacobo." the other man said "He did not become the Lord of the Gissario by being soft. Ever since the death of my aunt Fernanda Maribella by that crazed Valamen fanatic, he has never been the same."


    "Whatever may be, Lord Bernardo, I''m still marrying that beautiful widow of a cousin of yours... she''ll be mine." Jacobo said excitedly but then he had cupped the butts of the women who were next to him very strongly in his palms "Yet, I would be hard-pressed to find a better arse than the ones in here."


    Bernardo only smiled dryly as he held in his irritation at the pitiful wretch in front of him. He had always loved his cousin, yet it was an unrequited attraction. Bernardo could only smile, though, as he shook those thoughts away with him. He only put his mind into his uncle''s plan to wrestle full control of Provaria.


    As he was just glancing around at his surroundings, looking at all the noblemen enjoying themselves in this den of pleasure, he only scoffed. The only reason he came to this place was because of his brothers who were currently enjoying themselves with the girls there.


    Bernardo had excused himself to the Lord Jacobo but he was too busy fondling the breasts of the girls there to notice. Bernardo walked past his elder brother who was shamelessly enjoying the bosoms of a cat-eared beast-girl there.


    "Whatever happened to your wedding vows, brother?" Bernardo said coldly


    "Piss off, Bernardo. An exquisite beauty like this is hard to come by." his brother retorted as his focus was only to the giggling cat-girl whose bare rear and tail he was rubbing against his crotch "And if you think I''d rather be at home with that wretched woman uncle forced me to marry, you''d be daft. Now leave me be."


    "Just be sure to not sire any unwanted bastards."


    "Bastards like you?" His brother retorted back with a scoff and a condescending tone "Now leave me. Get yourself your own whore. This one''s mine."


    Bernardo continued on to find the bar in the brothel. At least he could enjoy the drinks there. The owner of the brothel was a man in an elegant dress running the counter.


    "You don''t fancy yourself one of our girls, senor?" The owner said


    "Afraid not. Just a drink." Bernardo answered


    "The usual?"


    "Si."


    "Coming right up... here you go."


    "Gracias."


    "Y''know, Senor Bernardo. You''ve been coming here since you were just seventeen yet not once have you enjoyed yourself with one of our girls. If it''s only drinks, there are plenty of taverns with better drinks than the ones here."


    "Nonsense. I''ve only gotten the taste for the drinks here."


    "One of your moral standing should not spend too much time here."


    "I''m not a saint. None of the girls here catches my... eyes..."


    As Bernardo said that, he noticed a very beautiful girl at the end of one of the walls. She had long wavy black hair, fair skin, beautiful lips though she also had a disheveled appearance. And she was pinned up to the wall, her hands trapped by shackles. She had a sour and flushed look on her face as she was dangling there in clothes that exposed her bare and ample breasts while a veil covered her more sensitive parts. Bruises and marks were dotted across her flawless skin. She felt awfully familiar to him.


    "Who''s that girl?" Bernardo asked as he was fixated on her "I don''t feel like I''ve ever seen her here before."


    "Ah. She was a noblewoman. Your enemy, I''m sure. Lady Leonia de la Valamen." the owner answered


    "A Valamen?!"


    "Si. A cousin of his former majesty King Esteban. Her father and brothers were apprehended and executed in front of her in their own homes during the coup..." the owner said in a more hushed tone "It was by the order of your elder brother there that she be sent here. He wanted to have his way with her but she was very violent... your Lord brother was the one who left those bruises on her. He raped her last night... Poor girl. She''s lost her spirit. I can''t do anything as the Gissario are my patrons and your lord brother ordered for her to be left there."


    Bernardo couldn''t help but feel sorry for the girl shackled to the wall with tears in her eyes and was visibly shaken. Something about her made him want to protect her. However, she noticed him staring at her and she only glared daggers at him in disdain. As expected. He was, after all, a Girssario.


    "How much for her?" Bernardo flatly asked


    "Did you not hear what I just told you? She has your brother''s eye. He won''t let anyone else touch her."


    "How much. If he has a problem with it, tell him he can take it up on me. How. Much?"


    The owner stared at Bernardo for a while before finally giving an exasperated sigh "Since you are a regular and this is your first time ordering a girl, I''ll give her to you. Get her out of here."


    "Really?"


    "Remember, if your brother finds out, it''s in your hands... Here are the keys to her shackles, but be careful. I think she bites."


    Bernardo nodded and so he gathered his bravery as he approached the girl.

 XXIV - The Dolphin and the Tiger

    The girl shot daggers at Bernardo with her sharp and hateful gaze. Her eyes had a harsh look to them, yet they looked pitiful too. She must''ve been crying her eyes out to make them look like that. She didn''t say anything because she was gagged with a piece of cloth. Bernardo felt his chest ache a bit looking at the pitiful girl in front of him.


    She looked like she was killing him in her eyes. As Bernardo came close, he motioned his hand to take off the gag from Leonia''s mouth. Though clearly tired, Leonia shook her head in defiance, not knowing what the man in front of her wanted. However, she was confused as to the gentle and slightly fearful expression on Bernardo''s face. She finally relented to him and her gag was removed.


    "What do you think you''re doing, hombre?!" Leonia shouted to the man


    "Not too loud, senorita." Bernardo said as he put his finger in front of his lips. He looked back and noticed his brother was still busy with the beast-girl to notice him "Allow me to introduce myself, senorita. Me llamo Bernardo Luis de Gissario... and I have just bought you as my bedmate."


    "What did you say, hijo de puta?!" The girl roared in anger "Monstruo! Get your hands off of me! Traitor! Dirty Usurper! I will-mmmff!!"


    Bernardo had put the gag back on the girl to silence her. It seems she had gotten even more angry. He shrugged a bit at her frustration as he collected himself to focus.


    "If you keep screaming, my brother over there might notice us." Bernardo said in a quieter tone "I''m going to get you out of here, so please senorita, calm down."


    Bernardo took out the muffle again, but this time, Leonia didn''t say anything. She spat on him which landed on his right eye.


    "What makes you think you can touch me?!" She said, though she was clearly shaken


    Bernardo was a little livid, but he surpressed his annoyance and merely wiped his eye with a napkin from his coat. He tolerated the girl''s insolence as she was clearly damaged. He eyed her, saw her exposed chest and looked downwards as he noticed bruise-marks on her thighs.


    "Where do you think you''re looking?!" She snapped again, shaking her shackles.


    "I promise you, senorita, I will not touch you unnecessarily... I was joking about the bedmate part." Bernardo said gently, "Just please tolerate my presence for a bit while I unlock your shackles."


    Leonia finally calmed down, but she was still tense. Her eyes were still glaring at him. Bernardo first unlocked the shackles on her feet then made his way to unlock the ones on her wrist. Immediately after he freed her, Leonia immediately attempted to strike at him. Fortunately, he was able to catch her hand, twist her around, pin her to the wall, and overpower her.


    "Please refrain from doing that. Harming me will do you no good. Just bear with me." Bernardo said as he kept the pressure on her "Do you understand, senorita? I''m trying to help you get out of here."


    Leonia finally submitted and nodded her head. Bernardo finally loosened his grip and turned her around to face him. She had lowered her head in her misery and misfortune. Bernardo noticed tears dropping to the floor from her eyes.


    Bernardo was upset at the sight before him. It was one thing for the prostitutes in the brothel to serve their patrons with a smile even if they bore no true affections or even if they hated their job. But the girl in front of him made no such act to conceal her sorrow. She was no prostitute. She was a victim of so great a malice. Bernardo had taken off his coat and put it on her.


    Leonia looked at him in confusion, her eyes still wet with tears. She didn''t know why this stranger, a Gissario in fact, was helping her. What motive would he have?


    Bernardo gently took Leonia by her arm as they made their way to the exit.


    "Calm down, we''ll be out of here soon." Bernardo said as he instinctively rubbed the girl''s head to which she looked at him with surprise and confusion. It appeared she didn''t trust him yet. It was to be expected as his family did murder hers.


    The two made their way to the exit without being too noticed by anyone else. If someone were to ask who the girl was, Bernardo only said ''she''s my whore'' which also earned a little annoyance from her. From where they were standing in front of the exit, Bernardo could see his horse tied to the stables. He then looked to Leonia.


    "So this is where you make a choice, senorita." Bernardo said as he let go of his hold on her "If you run and escape now, I''m not going to chase you down, but if you would choose to come with me, I might be able to protect you for the time being."


    Leonia only looked at him with confusion and a dumbfounded expression, as if she was trying to find an ulterior motive from him. She didn''t give him a direct answer yet she just stood there, looking like she was thinking very hard.


    "...You''re joking, right?" Leonia said


    "Nope. If you run away right now, I''d just let you." Bernardo answered


    "...You''re going to protect me...?" She asked with slight skepticism


    "I do not go back on my word, despite my family''s reputation. But I would suggest you don''t take too long to decide."


    "...Fine then... I''ll go... with you..." Leonia said although a little hesitantly


    "Are you sure?"


    "I have nothing on me right now. Not money, not my power as a noble. I''m little better than a sick defenseless dog. Even if I were to escape, then what? I''ve heard what remains of the Valamens have escaped to Siesia..."


    "Well then. I hope you''ll put your trust in me. My personal estate is out of the city close to the beaches. Let me help you up on my horse."


    "Don''t mistake this for me trusting you..." Leonia said as she still had a look of distrust on her "For all I know, you could just be fooling me to trust you and then proceed to do unto me unspeakable things."


    "You mistake me for my brother." Bernardo said as he helped the girl up on his horse before he mounted it himself. The two made their way out of the city and to the coasts but not before stopping by a clothes shop to purchase new apparel for Leonia. She had chosen a simple yet pretty black dress. A woman dressed in black which complemented her black hair and dark eyes.


    "You look great in that dress and, uh... I am sorry for your loss..." Bernardo complimented her awkwardly yet she only dropped her head and made her way back to their horse.


    Leonia''s body was surprisingly light in front of Bernardo, though she was oddly quiet for the duration of the ride. He wasn¡¯t surprised to find that her silence came from the fact that she had fallen asleep. She must''ve been very tired from what has happened to her and he couldn¡¯t at all blame her for that.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    They had finally reached the entrance to Bernardo''s estate. It was a humble abode, but it still managed to have a couple of servants in it. Bernardo helped her down from the horse after which he tied his horse to a post in a small stable next to the villa.


    When they entered the house, two servant girls were already waiting. Bernardo gave one an order to prepare the guest room while the other to make some tea for him and water for Leonia. He then led Leonia to sit on a sofa in the living room of the house.


    "So how are you holding up, senorita?" Bernardo asked the Lady Leonia


    "It could be much worse... thank you for your kindness..." Leonia said although a little under her breath


    "...What was that?" Bernardo pretended not to hear her and asked with a smile to lighten up the mood


    "...Why are you doing all this to help me?" She finally asked a question which looked like it had been on her mind for quite a while "Your family has ordered for mine to be eradicated? Why show me kindness now?"


    "...I honestly don''t know myself." Bernardo answered truthfully as he stood up and walked toward Leonia. He motioned his hand to her which caused her to flinch and instinctively put her hands up. To her surprise, Bernardo only petted the top of her head gently. She looked at him with a most confused look, yet continued to let him pet her.


    "Sorry about that!" Bernardo said as he pulled his hand back from her head


    "You seem awfully fond of fondling my head." Leonia said "Is this some new form of a fetish?"


    "Again, I apologise, senorita. It''s just..."


    "What?"


    "You remind me a lot of my younger sister... She, uh... passed away a few years back. If she were still alive, she might''ve been around your age..." Bernardo began to think back upon the memories of his younger sister


    "...I''m sorry to hear that." Leonia said with a soft tone "How did she die?"


    "...We were on a boat trip to one of our family''s isles... It was a small vessel, and so the protection wasn''t all that heavy either. I was there with my sister, Blanca, and my mother. We were bastard-born, so I''m a little bit of an outcast myself in the Gissario family... Long story short, there were pirates... We managed to fend off most of them, but they had taken Blanca captive..."


    Bernardo was starting to tear up a bit as he remembered that memory. He stopped a bit to wipe his tears and collect himself again.


    "...We managed to find the base of operations for the pirates. They were renegade mercenaries operating from a small cove. After we defeated them, I went into their base and there I saw my sister... Her naked body, dangling lifeless on one of their walls. It looked like she had been raped to death. Seeing you like that in the brothel... It brought back unwanted memories."


    The servant had returned with the tea and glass of water. Bernardo thanked her and gave the glass of water to Leonia. She immediately drank it and finished. Leonia then looked at Bernardo again, this time with saddened eyes.


    "That... was horrible. What happened to your sister... I can''t begin to speak of the horror."


    "You are too kind, senorita." Bernardo said as he stood up. He then knelt and bowed deeply to the lady in front of him "I deeply and humbly apologize to you, senorita Leonia¡­ I can not even begin to imagine what pain you must have gone through and the injustices you were forced to bear."


    Leonia became very confused at what was happening in front of her.


    "What... are you doing?" Leonia asked with slight worry


    "I know whatever I will do for you from now on will not even come close to atoning for the sins and atrocities my family has committed against you and your house... So please, I give you my apology..." Bernardo said with complete sincerity in his voice


    "...Your family wants mine wiped from the face of the earth. Your brother murdered my father and brothers in front of me as I was being held against my will and his men had their way with my mother and raped her to death! I was captured... raped as well... I had never even lay with a man before! The marks on my body are still fresh!" Leonia''s tone became mixed with rage and sorrow as tears started to well up in her eyes "And you''re asking me to accept your apology? The scriptures may teach us to forgive sins, but even I''m still only human... I wish death upon the members of your house, failing that, blight upon them!"


    Leonia''s tone was harsh. Her eyes were red again as tears streamed down to her face. Her look was miserable. She hid not a single smudge of hatred from her voice and expression.


    "...I''m so sorry..." Bernardo apologised again in a helpless voice "There is nothing I can do to turn back time... even If I were there during that time, there would be nothing I could''ve done to stop all that..."


    Bernardo only faced the floor with shame. He was only a bastard with little to no say in the affairs of the family. His uncle may have taken a shine to him and legitimized him on his father''s deathbed, but it still did not take away the contempt he had experienced from his family. The only one who was ever kind to him was her majesty the Queen. Since he was a little boy, she would look at him no differently than others.


    But he knew he had no chance to act upon his feelings. She was more than a decade his senior and under the thumb of his uncle. He himself wasn''t sure if it was actual attraction or because he was moved by the kindness she showed him when no one else did.


    But the girl in front of him was different. From the moment he saw her, every instinct in his body was telling him to protect her. Now he could do nothing but bow his head in shame. This girl surely did nothing to deserve all that has happened to her. Thinking about her only made him remember his beloved sister. Without him realising it, he himself started crying.


    "Why are you crying, Senior Bernardo?" Bernardo finally heard the girl in front of him speak. But he was surprised. Her tone wasn''t harsh this time. In fact, it felt gentle. Bernardo then felt a gentle hand on his head. As he looked up, he saw Leonia was in turn petting his head. His expression was confused.


    "What? You don''t actually think you''re the only one who gets to head pat, do you?" Leonia said with a smile. It was the first time Bernardo saw the girl smile since he met her. Though her eyes were still weary, Bernardo could sense that she was at least more at ease "There is nothing for you to apologise to me for, senor. Well, maybe for looking at my... sensitive areas..."


    "Gracias! Muchas Gracias, senorita!" Bernardo said thankful that she bore no ill will towards her


    "I may not completely trust you yet, but at least I think you''re not too much of a bad person..." Leonia said "...Now that I come to think of it..."


    "What is it?"


    "...It''s nothing to worry about, senor."


    Leonia had gotten up from her chair and managed to bow to Bernardo.


    "I don''t think I''ve properly thanked you yet, senor." She said


    "There is no need... It''s quite literally the least I could do for you."


    "And also, I''m sorry for acting the way I did back at the bar. I''m sorry for spitting on your face. It was uncalled for... I was merely venting out my stress. You looked pretty annoyed yourself."


    "It''s no problem. I do admit, I may have noticed your breasts at first before asking the owner your identity."


    All of a sudden, Leonia kicked his shins a little harsh with a look of disgust on her face. Bernardo only chuckled.


    "For that comment, my opinion of you has sunk considerably." Leonia said with her usual annoyed tone to him


    "I''m sorry, it was a joke! I didn''t mean anything by it..." Bernardo laughed trying to calm the mood


    "For that comment, now you owe me a lot more..."


    "Si, si. I understand. But in all seriousness, you are very pretty, senorita. And that''s an understatement."


    "Flattery won''t earn you much yet." Leonia said "Anyways, my room is this way, right? I feel very tired..."


    "Oh, of course! Rest up! You''ve been through a lot! Rest easy! You''re completely safe here."


    "No barging in on my room while I''m resting and definitely no peeping or any of that stuff. I got enough lecherous stares on me to last a lifetime."


    "Alright..."


    Leonia put on her usual cold demeanor in front of Bernardo, but she managed to slightly bow before turning around. Bernardo could''ve sworn that she was smiling a little before entering her room. He could only hope things would go better for them from now on.

 XXV - I Am your Knight

    Bernardo was taking a stroll on the beach outside his villa early in the morning when the sun hadn''t even risen yet. He felt the sea breeze going through his hair. He would always take solitary walks on the beach when he felt things troubling his mind. He then stopped in his tracks as he saw a pretty shell on the ground which he crouched down to pick up. He sat under the shade of a large tree to keep himself cool as he inspected the shell while smiling.


    "You''re up very early." He heard someone say in a sort of dry tone. When he looked up, it was of course the Lady Leonia whom only yesterday he had released from a brothel. She was wearing simple clothes and pants.


    "I have many things on my mind... I could say the same thing about you, my lady." Bernardo returned the question to Leonia


    She only gave him a soft smile with dry eyes as she sat on the spot next to him.


    "...Nightmares..." she said solemnly "I did just lose everyone important to me just about a week ago..."


    "Of course! I''m sorry for my lack of tact."


    Leonia only curled up in a fetal position, resting her head on her thighs. She then looked at Bernardo with pitiful eyes.


    "I was expecting you to comfort me by rubbing my head." she said dryly


    "Oh, sorry!" Bernardo immediately did as she asked "I didn''t expect you to actually welcome this gesture."


    "Just be quiet and keep doing it." Leonia retorted. Bernardo only smiled at the odd girl beside him. After a while, the atmosphere lightened a bit. Leonia then spoke up again.


    "To be honest, my elder brother would do this kind of thing too." Leonia said "He was many years ahead of me, but he made me feel safe... His name was Vasco... he was the first of my brothers the Gissario had killed... Well, long ago my brother Delgado had first died but it was due to a sickness he contracted in the colonies."


    "Wait was that brother of yours Senor Vasco de la Valamen? El Caballero Valiente?! He was your brother?!" Bernardo asked with excitement which incited a curious smile from Leonia


    "Si. You seem awfully excited." Leonia still tried to maintain her aloof tone though a smile was on her face "Do you know him?"


    "Of course! I don''t know if he would remember me, but he saved the lives of me and my troop when we were fighting the native rebels. We were moving supplies to a nearby village when we were ambushed. The natives had greatly outnumbered us and there was only a slim chance to get out of there alive. I took a dozen of my men to act as a diversion for the main troops but to my surprise, the main force under Lord Vasco did not retreat or escape. They stayed by their comrades and we fought hard... Miraculously, we actually managed to win!"


    "...Now that I think about it, Vasco always told me of a ''brave Gissario boy'' who thoughtlessly volunteered to sacrifice himself to protect his comrades. Besides your perverse tendencies, I guess there''s something commendable about you..." Leonia said half-teasingly to which Bernardo only laughed it off


    "Your mannerisms make me think of you as an overgrown cat." Bernardo''s hand was still on her head to which she gave him a snort


    "We Valamens are tigers... not some house cats you can put your hands on whenever you feel like it... the only reason you''re doing this is because I allow it."


    "If I''m not mistaken, I believe the Valamen in Rumasil actually do keep tigers as pets... but that''s beside the point..."


    After a while, they only kept quiet with each other until Bernardo finally broke the silence.


    "They''re really gone, huh... Your family..." Bernardo said with a sorrowful tone. Leonia looked at him with her usual scowl, but somewhat gentle eyes.


    "Thanks for reminding me that I''m now a homeless orphan."


    "I''m sorry about that... to be completely honest with you, I was very shocked when I heard the news of what had transpired in the capital. I only just returned a few days ago."


    "You had no idea of this coup?" Leonia asked somewhat in disbelief "At all?"


    "A bastard son is in no way looked upon highly. There is no reason for me to have any information on things such as that. It''s precisely because I am unimportant that they sent me to live in the colonies for months..."


    "You must be somewhat important. After all, you do have this villa..."


    "It was my mother''s before I inherited it. She was just a common girl. Of Rumasilian descent if you would believe it."


    "Rumasilian?"


    "I believe her last name was Sihoras."


    "Sihoras? I believe that''s the name of one of the great houses of Rumasil."


    "I know. Her father was a close subordinate of King Enrique... But it was during the puppeting of King Enrique when all of his Rumasilian retainers were deposed by my family... This house is the only thing I had to my name before my uncle took a shine to me for my military prowess... I was lucky enough to be granted a short interim governorship of one of the colonies..."


    Bernardo then just glanced aimlessly towards the sea and the waves.


    "Funny, isn''t it?" He said


    "What is?" Leonia asked in confusion


    "One day I''m fighting in the name of the Valamen King, the next I''m told the King is an illegitimate usurper and that I must swear loyalty to the new Queen..."


    "...So what are you gonna do now?"


    "As I promised to you. I''ll find a way to get you to Siesia... And hopefully I can come along."


    "...Que?! What do you mean?"


    "Exactly what I meant." Bernardo said as he looked to his left and right to make sure nobody was hearing him as he softened his voice "...I don''t like what the Gissario are doing and truth be told none of them really like me anyway... I don''t want to die..."


    Leonia then looked at him with a surprised expression.


    "Call me a coward if you must, but I see no future in the Gissario. My uncle believes the Latinites will come to aid us, but I am sure they have no intentions to do so... I will not die for a cause I know is unjust..."


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    Bernardo then looked at Leonia with a wry smile.


    "...I am honestly surprised by what you just said." Leonia said "What makes you think the King would believe you even if we do get to Siesia?"


    "His majesty must know you. You are his cousin after all... you will vouch for me, right?"


    When Bernardo said that, Leonia looked at him for a long while with her usual stern expression.


    "...So that''s what this is?" she said coldly "I''m just a ransom for you so you would be rewarded... I thought to myself that it was impossible a sincere man would still exist in this day and age.. You just want titles and riches, don''t you."


    "Don''t get me wrong, senorita." Bernardo said "I never said I wanted riches and the like. All I desire is an official pardon, a place to live, and a job. He could put me in a shack for all I care... even without rescuing you, I was already considering leaving this place."


    "...Why are you so adamant to leave?"


    "I have nothing left for me here. My immediate family are all dead, the Gissario hate my bastard guts, and frankly I assume when King Esteban comes back here, he''ll have the Gissario house eradicated, me included."


    "What makes you so sure the king is coming back here?"


    "Call it a gut feeling... and the fact that while sailing here a few days ago, I came across a small trading ship with news that they saw a giant fleet heading towards Siesia and the fact I saw the Aerlish armada heading towards the colonies... The Gissario are fucked."


    After hearing Bernardo say that, Leonia only looked at him with a dumbfounded expression before she unexpectedly laughed.


    "Pffft.... Hahahahah!" Leonia laughed and giggled "I can''t believe you''re actually serious..."


    Seeing her laugh, Bernardo couldn''t help but smile back a bit before he joined in the laughter. After the two started to calm down, he finally held out his hand for a handshake.


    "Do we have a deal, senorita?" He asked as he put on a sincere smile


    Leonia looked at him with a serious face this time. But then she gave out the cutest smile Bernardo''s seen yet. It''s a nice change from her usual scowl. But she rejected Bernardo''s hand to his confusion. But she still kept her smile.


    "Is there something wrong?" Bernardo asked


    "I don''t think a handshake as equals is going to cut it." Leonia answered with a cheeky smile and sharp gaze


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, senor. I want you to show fealty to me as a loyal retainer and kiss my hand and swear your allegiance to me! Such is only fair considering your trespasses against me, including laying your disgusting gaze upon my delicate flesh..."


    "Are we honestly still on about that?" Bernardo said as he scratched the back of his head to which she shot a glare at him "Alright, alright. Could you please stand up, then?"


    Leonia obliged as she stood up while dusting the sand off of her dress. Bernardo immediately took hold of both her hands as he looked at her meaningfully with a serious look. All of a sudden, Leonia felt her face blush slightly as she realised that Bernardo wasn''t all that bad looking, especially compared to his brother who had his way with her. Bernardo then opened his mouth as he started speaking.


    "I, Bernardo Luis de Gissario, swear an oath to forever be loyal to you and always protect you." Bernardo started seriously "...a lady whom I have just met yesterday who I am currently choosing over my own house..." He started to smile and slightly giggle


    Leonia who had been blushing as her heartbeat had increased only felt embarassed as she heard him continue and treat it as a joke. She cringed before trying to get her hands off Bernardo. To her surprise, though, his grip remained firm as she saw his face return to its original seriousness.


    "... even so, as a soldier sworn to His Majesty, el rey Esteban, I place myself in the side of justice, in the side of the rightful king... and by extension, I make it my new goal to give you the justice you so rightly deserve, even if I have no means and no riches to do it, I will keep on striving for it... Do you accept my fealty, senorita? Will you put your trust in this stranger?"


    "... I... will. From now on, you are my knight! You shall do all in your power to ensure my safety first above your own and swear it in the sight of God!" Leonia spoke with determination, even if she was slightly flushed.


    Bernardo nodded and bent his body forward to kiss her hands. Afterwards, he looked at her and smiled.


    "I am now your dashing knight, milady." Bernardo said


    Leonia was still slightly blushing, but managed to compose herself somewhat. She then reached her hands inside one of her pockets and took something out. It was a sort of crude bracelet laced together and looked like it was made by a child and also looked a little worn out.


    "This is one of my most precious belongings..." Leonia said "Laugh all you want, but it''s true. This is a special gift someone long ago gave to me. It was given back to me by the owner of the brothel after you freed me from my shackles... I give this to you for you to wear and as long as you wear it, it will be proof of your fealty to me..."


    Leonia noticed how intensely Bernardo was looking at the bracelet she was holding. She then glared at him intensely as she thought he was going to make fun of her. But to her surprise the look on Bernardo''s face showed no signs of mockery as he grabbed it out of her hands forcefully which surprised him.


    "Where did you get this?!" Bernardo asked a little forcefully to Leonia''s confusion.


    "I told you already, someone gave it!" Leonia answered in an annoyed tone


    "Who gave it to you?!"


    "None of your business!" Leonia said as she snatched the bracelet back from Bernardo''s hand


    Leonia kept on eyeing him intensely before he saw him calming down. "What''s gotten into you?"


    Without saying a word, Bernardo had placed his hand inside one of his pockets and took out a similar looking bracelet. Leonia was surprised and dumbfounded when she saw that. He then began to explain what it was.


    "This is one of my most precious possessions... It was a bracelet my sister made for herself..." Bernardo said as his eyes began to focus on Leonia "She made one for me two but she made me give it away... to a girl who had just lost an older brother. It was at a formal party nearly..."


    "...twelve years ago?" Leonia finished what Bernardo was about to say "At the yearly ball. Your sister''s name. What did you say it was again?"


    "Blanca."


    As Leonia heard that, she pieced together everything in her mind. She was now sure of it.


    "You two were the sibling pair I met that day. My, you look different." Leonia said as her expression grew softer "We used to play a lot back then. I was so happy when you two gave me this present to cheer me up. The first real friends I made."


    "No wonder you looked familiar." Bernardo said as he looked at her "You introduced yourself as Nia back then."


    "So that means, Blanca is dead... The girl I knew back then is no more." At the sudden realization, Leonia couldn''t help but drop her head as she realised the girl who had been her first friend had long perished


    "It''s alright." Bernardo said to console her "She is now at peace in a better place."


    "Where in the world did you two go?" Leonia then asked "Ever since that day, we played with each other almost always but then one day, you and your sister just vanished."


    "It was the day my father died. I was sent to join the army while my mother and sister were forced here to stay out of public eyes." Bernardo gave a bitter smile "My mother''s status as a mistress was never a respected one, nor were we the bastard children. My father still had a bit of compassion to recognise us, but after his death, we had all been effectively disowned by the family."


    "It was not your fault. You didn''t choose to be born a bastard." Leonia said


    "Such is life, senorita. But all that has happened has led us here to this path. And now, I am your knight."


    Bernardo then bowed and looked at Leonia meaningfully.


    "What is your first bidding, milady?"


    "First off, why don''t you escort me back to the villa. The sand is starting to get into my clothes. After that, why don''t you tell me more of yourself? After all, I need all the information I can get on my new retainer."


    "Very well, milady."


    The two then returned to the villa and continued to talk to each other, catching up on the happenings in their lives. Bernardo noticed that Leonia was beginning to relax around him and wasn''t as guarded anymore. He felt that she was finally showing her true self.


    But then, in the middle of the conversation, the two could hear the sounds of a commotion outside the door. Bernardo had a feeling that it wasn''t something good so he had asked Leonia to stay put in her room until he called out to her.


    When Bernardo was just about to head to the entrance of the villa to see what was going on, the door burst open to the sight of his enraged half-brother who immediately charged at him and held him up on the wall by the collar. His brother''s eyes were bloodshot indicating the rage.


    "WHERE IS SHE?!" he said while shouting angrily


    "What are you talking about?!" Bernardo inquired while struggling


    "Answer me, Bastard! Where is that Valamen bitch you took from me?!"

 XXVI - Escape

    Bernardo was still struggling as his brother strangled him by the collars. The bloodshot eyes of the man were filled with rage.


    "Have you gone deaf?! I asked you a question!" The raging man angered


    "I... don''t... know!!" Bernardo struggled to get the words out


    The man strangling him wasn''t satisfied with the answer and slammed him to the floor. "I know you''re lying!" He said as he pulled out a sword and put it against Bernardo''s neck.


    Bernardo saw several armed men coming through the doors. They were no doubt his brother''s men.


    "I''ll ask you again, bastard. Where. Is. The girl?!" his brother asked in a chilling tone, however, this time Bernardo remained silent.


    "Fine. If you''ll be like that, I''ll just search this entire house myself." His brother then let go of his hold but not before ordering a guard to watch Bernardo. When Bernardo saw his brother and the rest of his men going to sweep the house, he saw an opportunity.


    "Fine! She''s on the second floor! In the room to the farthest corner on the right side." Bernardo said so convincingly. He had lied flawlessly, feigning exasperation and defeat


    When his brother heard that, he chuckled with evil intent in his eyes. He immediately went upstairs with his men. It was clear from his expressions that there will be a ravaging today. The single guard watching him stayed behind, holding a halberd at the ready.


    When Bernardo heard the steps on the second floor and made sure they were far enough, he immediately swept the guard off his feet as he fell. Bernardo quickly took the guard''s sword and slit his throat, killing him instantly.


    Not bothering to give the fresh corpse a second glance, Bernardo immediately rushed to the door of Leonia''s room and called out to her. She quickly opened the door and was immediately grabbed by the arm by Bernardo who took her out of the house in a hurry.


    "What''s going on, Bernardo?!" Leonia asked frantically. Her shock increased when she saw a dead man on the floor with blood flowing out of its neck. She instinctively looked at Bernardo who gave her a look saying ''don''t worry''


    "We don''t have much time. My brother''s here looking for you and I think just about now, he''s realised I lied to him and will be coming down here any time soon with armed guards! Hurry!"


    Leonia steeled her nerves as she nodded her head in understanding. They both quickly made their way to the door, but not before Bernardo took a sack of money he stashed near the entrance as well as the halberd of the guard he had just killed.


    When they were just outside of the door to the house, his brother had just realised he was being tricked and immediately rushed down to stop him and Leonia from escaping. His mouth was foaming with undeniable anger.


    Bernardo immediately shut the door and locked it behind him, hopefully buying him some more time to escape. However, there were still about three mounted soldiers outside of the house who noticed Bernardo trying to escape and so they immediately rushed at him and Leonia.


    Without a second thought, Bernardo put Leonia behind him and charged at the charging soldiers. He was able to swiftly incapacitate the horses with his halberd and quickly kill the riders. Leonia couldn''t help but admire her new knight''s battle prowess.


    After dispatching the guards outside, Bernardo took the cloaks they were wearing for his and Leonia''s use. After donning the cloaks, Bernardo quickly grabbed Leonia''s hand and they made their way to the stables where his own horse was tied. He calmed his horse down, it being a travel horse and not a war mount, and helped Leonia get on it first while he followed soon after.


    Bernardo quickly trotted to the entrance when he noticed the main door of the villa was being battered open from the inside. When he noticed the horses of his brother and the men inside tied outside, he wasted little time incapacitating all of them by striking at their legs.


    "Isn''t that a little too brutal?" Leonia asked him


    "Can''t help it to buy us more time to escape!" Bernardo answered as they finally made their way from the villa to escape


    "...Well, milady. It looks like we''re both criminals now! Traitors to the crown of the Gissario!" Bernardo mused


    "Well, you''ve at least proven your seriousness towards your pledge." Leonia replied


    "As any true knight would, senorita." Bernardo said with a smile "...Our lives are going to be much different from now on."


    "My life changed completely quite a while ago... Anyways, thank you for looking out for me... But where are we going now?"


    "To the port. We''re going to use all this money to get out of this God-forsaken isle."


    "Isn''t the passing of ships in and out the island being closely monitored by the navy? I was going to ask you before, but what makes you think we would be able to leave?"


    "There is almost nothing a nice big bag of gold can''t fix, milady." Bernardo jangled the bag of coins in his hand "There''s enough money in this single pouch to keep tens of soldiers''s family fed for years."


    "Where did you get that amount of money?"


    "Remember when I told you of the time I dealt with those pirates? Let''s just say I made a lucrative deal on my end, though it still doesn''t make up for the loss of my dear sister."


    "I''m not sure anything ever will."


    The two quickly made their way to the ports. They had managed to escape safely and they were sure word of their treason and the like still hadn''t gotten out. Bernardo thought it was the perfect moment to escape. In the port, Bernardo made a quick visit to what looked like a small shop. There he dismounted along with Leonia.


    At the store''s counter, Leonia could see a gruff-looking man about thirty years of age, cleaning his stations. When the man saw Bernardo coming closer while holding his horse by the reins with Leonia close behind, he couldn''t help but smile.


    "Why isn''t this a surprise." The man said with a grin on his face as he stopped what he was doing "What can I help you with today, commander?"


    "You can stop with the titles, Julio." Bernardo said as he exchanged friendly greetings with the man. Leonia could see the two men must''ve been close. "You''re not in the army anymore, and starting from today, I don''t think I am either."


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Julio looked at him with a confused expression and looked as if he wanted to question what Bernardo had just said. Bernardo simply shook his head and gave him a smile, indicating for him not to worry.


    "You don''t have to worry, amigo." Bernardo said "I''m not here to inconvenience you. I''m just here to sell Nero here. He''s a good steed as I''m sure you know."


    "Of course, I know. Strongest war mount I''ve ever seen in my life¡­ but why are you selling him to me?"


    "I know he''ll be in good hands. How much are you willing to pay upfront? Don''t worry, I can even deal with a quarter of his appraised price."


    "...What''s going on...?" Julio finally showed worry again "This is all too rash. Does it have anything to do with the lady standing back there? Who is she?"


    "Julio, I need you to trust me..." Bernardo reassured his friend


    After pondering for a while, Julio merely nodded his head weakly. He realised this might be the last he''ll see of his friend and former superior officer. He then went a little deeper into the shop and took out a largish bag which looked filled with gold coins.


    "This is the full price for him." Julio said as he put the bag of coins on the counter for Bernardo to take "It''s the least I can do for you."


    "Isn''t this too much, Julio?! I can''t take all of it! With the war going on, your family would need this!" Bernardo hesitated to take the bag, however Julio only looked at him sternly


    "If I didn''t want to give it to you, I wouldn''t have. You know me. This might be the last we see each other... may God be with you, brother."


    "As with you." Bernardo hugged the man tightly. After doing so, he took the bag and grabbed Leonia before finally reaching the dockyards to find a ship to board. After searching for a while, they came across a ship which looked like it was going to depart.


    Bernardo found the man who was in charge of the ship and began to make dealings with him. The ship was apparently heading out on a trade voyage to the Free City of Centrum. After a few moments of negotiation, the captain had agreed to take Bernardo and Leonia on the ship to drop them off on a nearby island post from which they would be able to ferry their way to Siesia.


    Bernardo took out a smaller pouch of money and put it in the captain''s pocket while gesturing in a friendly manner. Leonia was amazed at how skillfully Bernardo conducted himself in negotiations, familiarising himself with some of the crew who were close to the captain.


    He had introduced himself as a traveling merchant who was on a business trip to the isles who arrived with the help of a friend from the Provarian navy but due to circumstances was forced to find his own way back to Siesia. He introduced Leonia as his wife in order to guard her against any of the crewmen who might have ideas of harassing her. Leonia merely smiled and played the part to Bernardo''s relief.


    The captain of the ship had informed him that they were of a small trading company whose business had been hit terribly following the coup. They were based in the city of Maredios on the coast of mainland Centros, one of Provaria''s territories on land.


    The crew were decent and well-mannered enough to Bernardo and Leonia, though Bernardo had to give some sailors who were gazing at Leonia a harsh stare. They were given their own personal cabin in the boat. It was a small room with only the bare necessities and a single bed in it. It was to be expected. After all, he did claim that they were a couple.


    "You can have the bed, milady." Bernardo said "I can do just fine with a chair or on the floor."


    Leonia merely nodded as she immediately lay on the bed. Bernardo noticed how tired she looked. What had transpired today must''ve taken a toll on her. So to speak, he wasn''t doing fine himself as he took a seat next to the bed feeling very tired.


    As if understanding what he was thinking, Leonia turned over her body to look at him. She looked at him for quite a while before he responded with a warm smile.


    "Is there something wrong, milady?" He asked her


    "I think it''s rude of me to act like I''m so tired. After all, you''ve done most of the work that got us here in the first place." Leonia said sincerely


    "It''s nothing much. I always wanted to escape this damned isle, but until now I didn''t have a proper reason or the means to do it. But thanks to you, now I do. Now you should get some rest, milady."


    Leonia looked at Bernardo in a certain way before she opened her mouth.


    "Would you mind if I ask you to lay down next to me?" She asked with a straight face though with a luminescent blush visible on her expression


    Bernardo was dumbstruck and immediately his face began to look flushed as well.


    "What do you mean, milady?!" Bernardo asked seriously


    "I meant it just as how it sounded... I''m not asking you to do much! Just lie down there!" Leonia said a little embarrassed as she motioned to a spot next to her on the bed "...As your liege, this is an order."


    "Alright, alright." Bernardo said as he shrugged and got on the bed "You are surprisingly bold, Lady Leonia."


    "I am merely looking out for the well-being of my subordinate. I don''t suppose there''s anything wrong with that... I''m ordering you to rest."


    "Si. Si." Bernardo said


    "But, you don''t get to put your hands on me or anything of the sort, got it?!" Leonia said


    "I wouldn''t dream of it."


    Bernardo then tried to close his eyes to get some sleep. He decided not to think too much about the girl lying down beside him. As he opened his eyes to give her a look, he noticed she was still awake and was looking at him. The two couldn''t help but feel awkward. Leonia immediately turned the other away around. She was inside the blanket while Bernardo was in a sitting position outside of it.


    Bernardo couldn''t help but feel a little endearment at his new awkward mistress. A lot has happened to her. A lot that no one should ever have been put through. But such is the fate of people in the game of nations and kings.


    Bernardo''s mind flew elsewhere after a few moments as he closed his eyes. He couldn''t help but feel that something odd was going on. Why were there little to no ships of the navy guarding the harbour? There shouldn''t be that small number of ships considering the naval protection the city was under. The security was far too low.


    However, he decided to not pay too much attention to the details as there might be a plethora of reasons for it. His thoughts came back to the girl who was now soundly asleep next to him. He couldn''t help but feel warm at the sight. He instinctively patted her head as she was asleep and surprisingly, she smiled when he did that. This girl is someone he had sworn to give his life to to protect.


    Such an odd turn of events. She was only someone he really knew for a few days but yet now was risking his life for. Perhaps after his sister''s death, he had gotten a new reason for struggling on. He didn''t ponder on it too much as the fatigue started showing itself within him. He readjusted his position on the bed and put a pillow on his back so he could sleep.


    Slowly but surely, with the ever so gentle swaying of the ship, he began to fall into slumber.


    But his sleep didn''t last for long.


    Bernardo was awoken by what sounded like cannon-fire from afar. He quickly got up from the bed as he grabbed his sword and fastened it to his belt and made his way to the door. Before he went out the door, he noticed Leonia being awoken as well. She looked as if she wanted to ask what was going on, but he only smiled and told her to stay still. She nodded meekly at his suggestion.


    When Bernardo got out of the cabin, he was surprised by the scene that was unfolding from afar. He could see up to forty large galleons flying the Rumasilian and Aerlish flags accompanied by many more smaller vessels. They were currently engaged in battle with the Gissario fleet.


    And the Gissario fleet was on the losing end. And they were losing badly. When he scanned his surroundings, Bernardo realised the ship he was on was anchored near a small isle. The ship was flying the flag of the Free City of Centrum. Bernardo immediately went to a higher part of the deck and managed to find the captain staring in awe at the battle that was happening.


    "What''s happening, Captain?" Bernardo asked to clarify "How long has the battle been going on for?"


    "It''s been only a few hours since it started. We managed to anchor ourselves here in time." The captain said as his voice showed a hint of terror as he saw all of the sinking Provarian ships and the ones that were raising the flag of surrender "This is a terrible battle for the Gissario."


    Bernardo let the view of the countless wrecked Gissario ships sink into his mind. It was clear the battle was very much decided. After thinking for a while, Bernardo turned to the captain.


    "After the battle, sail us to the flagship of that fleet." Bernardo said with a serious tone

 XXVII - Meeting at Sea

    Christopher was standing on the White Eagle, the deck of the largest flagship of the combined Aerlish-Rumasilian fleet, overseeing the battle that was happening. He had been given command of the allied fleet despite his young age, which caused a little friction with the senior officers of the Rumasilian navy, though they didn''t say much considering he was the crown prince of Aerland.


    Surprisingly, the naval officers of the Kingdom of Aerland had a look of respect for their prince, something that transcended their obligations and loyalty to their monarch. At the end of the day, Christopher managed to gain the minimum amount of cooperation from the Rumasilians by invoking the name of his mentor, Johanes Sianakranu, the late admiral of the Rumasilian navy.


    Christopher had a calm expression as he witnessed the dozens of sinking Provarian ships. He was slightly disappointed as well. The Provarians didn''t put up much of a fight, being taken by surprise by the allied fleet. He had formed a large firing line which decimated the Provarian home fleet which consisted mainly of armed merchant vessels.


    He led out a sigh as he closed his telescope and put it back into his pocket.


    "The Gissario fleet is disappointing." Christopher said before he turned to the officer beside him "I''m going to be taking a nap. I''m sure you''ll be able to handle the rest, admiral. There are only a couple of galleons left on their side and from what I can see, one of our shots managed to blow off the head of their commanding officer."


    "What do we do with the surrendered ships?" The admiral asked


    "Have some of our men board them and capture them. God-willing, Aerland will have its use of them." Christopher answered "If the Rumasilians managed to capture their own ships, let them. This is merely part of the spoils of war."


    "What of the crew?"


    "Kill the commanding officers and then take their heads and throw their bodies to the ocean, but not before searching them for any valuables." Christopher said coldly but then his expression softened "Put the regular crewmen and soldiers in the brig. It is not our jurisdiction to try them. After all of this is done, hand them over to King Esteban. He''ll decide their fates."


    The admiral merely nodded as Christopher made his way off the deck. Christopher let out a yawn as he rubbed his regular eye. Though he looked calm, in his mind he was reviewing the battle that was nearing its end. Though it had mostly been decided since the beginning, some Gissario ships managed to severely damage the Aerlish ones but not to the point of incapacitating them. He was devising ways to minimise the threats for his next battle with whomever it may be.


    It was a skill passed down to him by his late piano mentor who was coincidentally also Rumasil''s feared "Tiger Shark", one of Terra''s most feared admirals. He was also a piano protege from a young age. He was originally only meant to teach the crown prince piano lessons, but ended up mentoring him on the ways of naval warfare as well.


    Christopher had entered one of the rooms of the flagship which contained a grand piano in it. He pulled up a chair and opened the piano case and began playing it oh so skillfully. The guards in the room faintly smiled as well when they saw this. They always loved to hear the prince play. It calmed their hearts and soothed them.


    Christopher let his mind fly as he played the piano. It was during these times where he would come up with strategies and plans. The music had always helped him find inspiration. He began reminiscing to the days of when he was still being mentored by the Tiger Shark.


    When Christopher was still but a toddler, he already showed great affinity with music, as when he was only three, he had already figured out the basics of the piano scale all by his self and had an understanding of the base cords, though his little fingers had a bit of trouble reaching them.


    Seeing her child''s genius, Queen Valasya had ordered for an instructor to be found for her child. She soon found someone who met the criteria and had him tutor the child. However, she found out that after only two years of tutoring the young prince, Christopher had already eclipsed his first tutor. This pleased the queen greatly, and she decided to take her son under her own tutelage as she herself was a protege. But she was frightened that she couldn''t even remain teaching her son for even a year before he overtook her skills.


    Finally, for the sake of her son, she wrote out a request to her older brother the King of Rumasil to allow her old tutor - the retired Admiral of the Rumasilian navy, the Tiger Shark Johanes Sianakranu - to travel to Aerland and become her son''s piano mentor. To the surprise of everyone, the King of Rumasil agreed and so he let the Tiger Shark take his family along with him to Aerland.


    The Tiger Shark mentored Christopher in the piano, drilling him every day until the fingers of the young boy began to develop blisters. At first, the King of Aerland wasn''t too keen on seeing his boy get tortured like this, especially on a skill like piano playing which he thought was a detriment to his other educations, but the Queen persisted on letting her old mentor do so.


    Everyday the boy was sent to play piano on board of the Tiger Shark''s personal galleon which he brought from Rumasil. After the piano lessons, Johanes would take Christopher out sailing whilst showing him the ropes of sailing and the daily needs of the ship''s crew as well.


    Eventually, the piano lessons became secondary to Christopher''s mentoring in favour of the ins and outs of sea activity and Naval warfare. This culminated when on one day, after the piano drills, Johanes took the eleven year old prince on a week-long pirate hunt where they participated in the legendary destruction of a small pirate fleet with only the single galleon.


    However, when they returned, his parents weren''t too pleased at the actions of the old admiral in putting their child in danger chasing pirates. King John was of a mind to banish Johanes from the Aerlish court for this act, but to his surprise, the eleven year old child stood up for his mentor and talked with wisdom beyond his years to convince his parents that having the legendary admiral mentor him was to the advantage of the Aerlish kingdom as the future of Aerland rests upon their powerful navy.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    King John was flabbergasted by his son''s speech and he finally decided to keep Johanes to mentor Christopher. Soon enough, Christopher started showing great talent in the art of naval warfare as Johanes entrusted him on many assignments on sea, from guarding merchant fleets to hunting down some pesky pirates. Christopher was then given a gift by his father in the form of his own flagship, the ''White Eagle''.


    However, soon came a letter from Rumasil ordering that the Tiger Shark return from his mentoring after being away for almost a decade. After exchanging hard farewells with his student, the Tiger Shark left on his galleon for Rumasil.


    Sadly, tragedy soon struck. A large fleet of about two dozen ships ambushed the Tiger Shark on his way home far off the coasts of Maeser. The Great Admiral Johanes Sianakranu died alongside his family on the oceans as his galleon was captured by the pirates.


    News of the event spread quickly throughout Terra, most importantly, it reached Christopher''s ears who was at the time only thirteen years old. He was furious. It was soon found out that the fleet was comprised of privateers under the employ of rich merchant companies who profited from the many pirate raids on merchants.


    This illegal profiteering had been going on under the noses of the royal officials for too long, yet the presence of the Tiger Shark with the backing of the Aerlish Crown put a halt in many of those activities. Thus when they heard of the Tiger Shark being recalled to his home country, they made their move.


    At that time, Christopher was enveloped in fury. He boarded the White Eagle along with the most skilled crew he could find as well as a couple of other ships. He tracked down the pirate lair with a total of five ships, his galleon and four other smaller yet fully armed vessels.


    When they finally reached the lair, it was there where Christopher''s skills truly lie in his ruthless tactics. He had previously captured one of the rich merchants by threatening his family and got information that the privateers were holding a celebration. Christopher changed the flags of his ships into that of the merchant''s trade company and safely sailed to the lair.


    When the pirates were in a drunk stupor, celebrating the death of the Tiger Shark, Christopher had his ships open fire at the moored vessels. Soon, the famous battle at Blood Bay began. With only five ships, Christopher managed to sink a fleet of nearly two dozen. Soon, the pirates surrendered as the assault on the bay also threatened their families there. They surrendered on the condition that their families be pardoned.


    Christopher only looked at them and told his men to stand down. The pirates then surrendered as they were captured and forced to kneel. When they were all in an orderly line, Christopher had his men shoot them down. After the death of the pirates, he ordered his men to burn down the entire bay along with the inhabitants in it.


    Some of his men were shocked by the command, but they could do nothing but obey their prince''s orders. And so it was on that day, the Crown Prince oversaw the massacre soon to be known as ''the Burning of Blood Bay''. Almost a thousand non-combatant members of the pirate''s family died that day. Not a single man, woman, or child on the pirate''s side survived that day.


    Christopher steeled his heart by saying, ''they''re only vermins... pirate scum...'' But after the fact, after seeing all the wailing and the tormented screams of the womenfolk and children, Christopher fell to his knees and prayed.


    Now, as he was playing the piano, tears began falling down from his eyes. He was playing an old Rumasilian hymn, ''Ingkon Jesus do Donganku'' which was one of his mentor''s favourite hymns. The tears fell faster as he eventually stopped playing altogether and sobbed with his face on his arms.


    This was a common scene for the soldiers guarding the piano room. Everytime, the Prince played that song, he would always end up crying. Perhaps all that baggage was too much burden on a young sixteen year old boy.


    Soon, an officer of the ship came inside the room. Seeing this, Christopher quickly regained his composure.


    "I''m sorry to intrude, your highness." The officer said as he bowed towards Christopher


    "It doesn''t matter." Christopher waved nonchalantly as he was already recomposed "What is it you have need of me for?"


    "Your Highness, there was what looked like a medium-sized merchant vessel sailing towards our ship a few moments before. They flew a white flag and the crew wished to speak to you saying it''s an important matter. My lord Admiral has allowed them on board and put them under heavy watch. We await further instructions from Your Highness."


    Christopher sighed out a breath of air as he closed the piano case and stood up. He nodded at the officer and made his way to the main deck of the ship. When he arrived, he saw a man and a young woman standing there under the watch of his crewmen.


    "Greetings honorable lord." The man said as he bowed followed by the young woman behind him


    Christopher returned the courtesy though he was still guarded to the presence of the two on his ship. He said, "State your business and identities, if you may. I strongly doubt a normal merchant vessel would have any business with us."


    "Of course not, milord..." the man said courteously


    "That is your highness to you." The admiral barked "You are standing in the presence of His Higness, Christopher John York-Caster, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Aerland and Maeser."


    "Oh, forgive me for my lack of tact, your highness." The man fixed his tone and posture


    "It is of no matter." Christopher answered back "Now I ask again. What business do you have with our fleet?"


    "Your Highness, Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bernardo de Gissario son of Gonzalo de Gissario."


    The crew unsurprisingly tensed up as they heard the man introducing himself as a Gissario, as their enemy. Some of the crew drew their weapons and some even pointed their arquebuses ready to shoot.


    "What would a Gissario want with me?" Christopher''s tone grew a little harsh as he couldn''t believed they had allowed someone who could be an enemy board his ship on what could be a suicide mission


    "I haven''t finished introducing myself." Bernardo said in a calming tone "I come here not as a noble of the Gissario, but as a knight to milady behind me."


    This time, the woman behind Bernardo stepped forward and bowed deeply to the Aerlish Prince. Christopher was slightly unnerved at the girl''s graceful and beautiful looks, but he didn''t let it show on his face.


    "And who might you be?" Christopher asked


    "I am Leonia de la Valamen, daughter of Lord Eduardo de la Valamen." The girl said as she bowed


    Christopher was even more confused when he heard this. He was sure that Esteban said all the Valamen in the capital had been summarily executed. Yet here was one standing before him, accompanied by a Gissario no less. How could he possibly be sure of her identity?


    As if responding to his thoughts, the girl replied, "I may not have the proper papers and identification of nobility as they were destroyed along with my family and home, but I am certain if you take me to my lord-cousin, King Esteban, he would ascertain my identity!"


    "I, on the other hand, did bring my identification papers." Bernardo said as he handed over a document to one of the ship''s officers. After reading it, the officer nodded, acknowledging Bernardo''s identity.


    Bernardo and Leonia then recounted their story to Christopher, from the moment of their meeting at the brothel to their escape from the capital harbor. They had asked for the merchant vessel to be let go as they had nothing to do with the Gissario. Christopher agreed and the order was sent to his men to let the ship go safely.


    After all that was done, Bernardo and Leonia bowed again to show their gratitude.


    "Now, can you take us to see His Majesty King Esteban?" Bernardo asked to get to the point of their meeting.


    Christopher merely scratched his chin and made a wry smile.


    "Well, I would be glad to do that, but I don''t think it would be possible for the time being." Christopher said


    "Why not?" Leonia asked perplexed


    "That is because his majesty is along with the rest of the fleet on the other edge of the island. They had broken away from us to disembark the main Rumasilian army. This was about a week ago..."


    Bernardo''s eyes widened as he realised the implications this meant.


    "That means... currently..." Bernardo said


    Christopher nodded, "Currently the main army will have arrived near Valencei with near to forty thousand soldiers..."


    Bernardo finally understood what the Gissario had done in provoking the wrath of Rumasil...


    Utter Destruction.

 XXVIII - A Series of Troubling News

    Lord Armando had a dark look on his face as he was standing stoically in the throne room, placing one hand above the throne where his daughter sat while his other was on the hilt of the sword fastened to his belt. In front of him was a nephew of his who was known for his frivolity. He had dashed into the throne room where a regular court meeting was being held while looking haggardly.


    "Lord uncle! I bring you terrible news!" His nephew, Raymundo, said as he knelt in front of the throne


    "Such indignity is not befitting of a Gissario." Armando scolded "Have you been taught nothing? Spending too much time in a place of carnal pleasure might have eroded your mind, nephew."


    Raymundo only gritted his teeth as he heard his uncle openly mocking him.


    "Forgive me, uncle, but this is a most terrible news!" He said with an utmost urgent tone


    "Then get on with it! If you''re just wasting time, I''d think a few days under house arrest might set you straight." Armando said with a chilly voice


    "It is that bastard Bernardo! He has betrayed us!"


    Hearing this, Armando couldn''t help but slightly furrowing his brows. Queen Esmeralda couldn''t help but be shocked by this piece of news. She couldn''t believe that the loyal Bernardo would turn his back on the family.


    "This can''t be true..." Esmeralda said


    "But it is!" Raymundo exclaimed "He escaped with a Valamen bitch and they should be heading to Siesia by now! I told you not to trust a bastard!"


    When the people in the throne room heard this news, they began murmuring and whispering with each other. Some were nodding their heads that such was to be expected from a bastard-born. However, hearing this news, no one dared to mutter anything too loudly as they were weary of Lord Armando who only stood still in deep thought.


    "What was that about running away with a Valamen girl?" Armando finally said as he looked at Raymundo with piercing eyes


    "It... it is as you heard, Lord Uncle." Raymundo swallowed his spit in nervousness


    Armando slowly walked towards his kneeling nephew with an intimidating aura around him though his face showed little expression.


    "He escaped with a Valamen girl... and he... killed some of my guards..." Raymundo was visibly shaking as his voice quieted down until he became almost mute in fear of his uncle who was now looking down on him


    "Why was he with a Valamen girl...?" Armando asked calmly "If I''m not remembering things wrongly, and trust me I''m not, I ordered for all the Valamen men to be executed and the women and children placed under arrest and heavy guard. Why then, did your dear brother manage to find one and escape...?"


    "It''s... It''s not what you think-..."


    "Silence!" Armando slapped his nephew harshly to silence him "I was being rhetorical! Of course I know what you and your degenerate friends have been up to!"


    Raymundo didn''t retort and only fell silent.


    "This all is caused by your ineptness." Armando said as he looked at his nephew while he crouched to lower his gaze to him "I''ve heard of your raping and capturing of the Valamen women and selling off the children to the pagans and moslems... you disgust me!"


    Armando spat on the ground next to Raymundo.


    "You are a failure of a Gissario and a disgusting thorn in the sight of my plans for a new Provaria. I hope you may reflect on your sins in the house of God." Armando motioned for guards to take him away "Bring him to La Catedral de Santo Francessco. By the power vested in me as Regent of the Queen, I strip you of your titles and inheritance and place them under the name of your wife until your son comes of age."


    "No uncle! You''re mistaken! NO!!!" Raymundo shouted and struggled as he was dragged out of the throne room


    The room fell silent as Raymundo was dragged out. Armando now faced the people who were there. Most of them lowered their heads in fear.


    "It is a sad thing, the choices made by my dear nephew Bernardo. Though owing to his chivalry, it is to be expected. It is of no matter. Only one man can not possibly change the outcome of what is to happen. By the grace of God, we would have the support of the Latin Empire as soon as our envoys reach them."


    "We will usher Provaria into a new age!" Armando continued with ambition in his eyes "Our fleets will return soon and God willing, the Rumasilians will accept our offer of armistice. In the next months we will start to organise our campaign to end the farce of the Valamen kings! I will personally have my grandson be dragged to the court of Valencei and try him before God and Queen."


    Esmeralda''s expression darkened on the throne as she lowered her head at the thought of her son being put through such trials. She cursed at how useless she felt in front of her father and how much of a coward she was in not defending her son. She silently prayed for the safety of her sons.


    Noticing the change of expression on his daughter''s face, Armando added to his speech as a form of comfort.


    "...But we shall show the world that the Gissario are no barbarians. We are not as savage as to stain our hands with the blood of a monarch. I pray to the saints and the Spirit of the Lord that my grandson may see the good in what is to come and return to his senses and formally renounce his claims to the throne. He will be treated with dignity and honor..." Armando said


    The people in the throne room clapped to show their agreement with Lord Armando''s notions, their sincerity though varied.


    "Long live the Queen-...!" As Armando was speaking, the room was once again interrupted when a group of soldiers with battered armor and fatigued figures rushed into the room looking hurried "What is it now..."


    "Forgive us, Lord Regent!" The soldiers quickly kneeled while trying to catch their breaths "Our port is blockaded!! Our home fleet has been destroyed!"


    Hearing this, audible gasps were heard among the courtiers in the room with some of the nobles having their mouths agape.


    "What?! How?! Who would do such a thing?!" Armando was clearly shocked at the news along with the Queen. He quickly demanded an explanation.


    "It was the Aerlish fleet, Your Excellency!" The soldier said which further shocked everyone, with some of the noble ladies even becoming weak in their feet "They were led by none other than the Blood Prince Himself! I saw his flagship there with my own eyes! There''s no mistaking the White Eagle!"


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Armando''s expression faltered for a split second but he quickly regained his composure. He did not expect the home fleet to be so utterly eradicated. He cursed the failure in his heart. He quickly wracked his brain to make some plans. He looked to one of his guards and told him to summon the generals who were currently in Valencei.


    Just as the soldier he sent was making his way out of the room, another group of soldiers came in. Armando was dumbstruck at what more terrible news would await him today. He felt himself wavering a little.


    "Your Excellency!" One of the soldiers said with urgency "Our scouts report that King Esteban has returned and is at the head of a large army. They mostly fly Rumasilian flags and some Aerlish ones as well... They most probably landed weeks ago from the northern coasts."


    Armando cursed the situation in his heart. His grandson had conspired with the accursed Rumasilians. The coward! The rest of the people in the throne room began audibly discussing the news. Armando was greatly disturbed at the news but his face remained calm. He asked, "How many men are heading here? It''s obvious my grandson is looking to take back the capital."


    "Your Excellency... We counted forty thousand soldiers..." The soldier said nervously


    Armando''s face could no longer hide his shock as his eyes widened and his mouth was slightly agape. Some of the noble ladies fainted in the room as they could no longer hold their shock and fear. It took the Lord Regent almost a whole minute to regain his composure.


    "This is..." Armando began to speak as he walked back to his spot next to his daughter''s throne "Where did the scouts last spot this army?"


    "Near the Monasterio del Casadios!" The soldier answered


    "That''s only a day''s ride away from here!!" A nobleman exclaimed from the crowd


    "Why have we only known this today?!" Another courtier inquired


    "Our intelligence network has been compromised! We''re done for!!"


    The room soon started to panic as the nobles started to frantically run around and head to the door to exit the throne room. The situation was in total chaos as the guards were confused at what to do. Armando looked like he was contemplating something as he sat on one of the arms of the throne. Finally after a minute of thinking, Armando lifted his head and looked towards the guards to the door and nodded.


    The guards were big, strong-looking burly men with helms that masked their face. As the nobles were about to reach the door, they crossed their halberds together and subsequently blocked the exit to the throne room. Suffice to say, most of the nobles were surprised at this scene. All of a sudden, the remaining soldiers all drew their weapons and pointed them towards the nobles in the room.


    "Indignant cowards the lot of you." Armando said coldly as he remained at his position while crossing his arm


    "You are insane, old man!" A nobleman said as he pointed towards the old Armando "You''re going to kill us all! You still cling and pretend to power when clearly we are done for!"


    "I concur! You''ve lost your mind!" Another lady chimed in


    "Have I now?" Armando said coldly as he stood up and walked towards the two men slowly "Tell me, what difference would it make if all of you were to escape now?"


    His gaze was as menacing as ever as the room grew tense and most of the commotion died down, but some noblemen still had resentful looks on their faces. They were about to open their moves to retort before they were cut off by Armando.


    "You fools! Do you really think King Esteban will spare any of you? For all he cares, you are traitors who betrayed the Kingdom and will most definitely hang you all and strip your families of their titles... Now tell me again, what do you all intend to do?"


    "We intend to..." The nobleman started before his voice became mute at the sight of Armando''s glare as he lowered his gaze "...nothing, Your Excellency."


    "That''s what I thought." Armando said as he smiled coldly and patted the shoulder of the noble


    He then blew a sigh as he walked calmly towards the exit followed by his daughter. He then looked at one of the soldiers "Give the order to the city garrison to prepare to guard the city. And send someone to get me my armour. I intend to first meet with my grandson."


    As Armando was about to make his way to the exit, he suddenly stopped and looked at the noblemen who had defied him earlier. One of them was none other than Jacobo de Siervodios whom he had intended to marry off his daughter to. He pieced together the information and had concluded that the Siervodios family was finished as their main source of wealth was the trade and tariffs from the colonies which were now under obvious scrutiny.


    Armando then pointed towards the nobles who showed their disdain to him one by one. He then uttered an order with a voice so cold, it could freeze time. "Kill them and hang them at the front of their houses. Strip their families of their wealth and kill the men who resist. Send their children to the church orphanages. I care not what happens to their womenfolk. See that this order is carried out immediately."


    As he gave out his order, the soldiers moved to immediately carry it out. The nobles who were sentenced to death were crying out in terror before they were murdered. Armando did not give a single shred of concern as he exited the throne room along with Esmeralda quickly followed by the surviving nobles.


    The nobles finally realised that they had lost almost all their powers. The Gissario had total control of the remaining military of Valencei as well as the underground criminal organisations. They realised that their fates had all been decided either by the hand of the Lord Regent or by the arrival of the Rumasilian army. It was truly the most terrible time in their life.


    A dark age was facing the house of Gissario, but the Provarian Branch of the Valamen are going to retake what is rightfully theirs.


    ***


    "Ingkon Jesus do donganku molo ingkon mate ahu! ( Only Christ is my companion, when it comes for me to die! )" Thousands of soldiers sang as they marched towards the city of Valencei "Holan mudar ni Tuhanku, golomonku di na lao! ( Only on the blood of God do I put my faith and trust! )"


    It was Valamar who led the Rumasilian soldiers in song as he rode beside his pregnant wife. The Florentinian, Aerlish, and Provarian soldiers in the army only marched quietly alongside their Rumasilian allies. A good portion of the Rumasilians even managed to sing in accompaniment only found in the best of choires. Cassandra immersed herself in the Rumasilian ''choir'' which was different from the church choirs in Florentia. The voices were strong and deep, unlike the ethereal chorals of the Latin-Branch Church. However, she was most immersed in the voice of her dearly beloved. She decided to later on ask him to teach her some more Almarian hymns after the campaign.


    "Ndang mabiar ahu disi! ( God does not abandon me! )" They continue to sang "Tuhan Jesus donganki! ( For He keeps me company!), sai ihuthononku Jesus, oloanku nama i! ( I will follow Christ forever, for I greatly trust His name!)"


    King Esteban was riding at the forefront along his fellow kings, King Valasaire and King John. He too was greatly calmed by the song the Rumasilians sang which had a mellow tune. They were very close to the fields near Valencei as he recognised the villages they passed. Some villagers were fearful at the return of the King while some villagers were singing in merriment and joy. He couldn''t help but get mixed feelings from this scene.


    Esteban''s mind floated to the thoughts of his mother in times like this.


    "Do you miss her?" Miguel all of a sudden asked his brother


    "Who?" Esteban asked pretending not to know


    "Of course I''m talking about mama!" Miguel said annoyed


    "Whether I miss her or not, it still does not change the fact that she is an accomplice to our downfall. She is the figurehead on behalf of whom grandfather is ruling Provaria." Esteban said before he said coldly "She will be punished accordingly."


    Miguel couldn''t help but feel uneasy at his brother''s resolve and wanted to plead for their mother''s sake but ultimately he kept his feelings in his heart. He then continued to look forward.


    "We''re almost there." Miguel said


    "I know." Esteban replied straightforwardly before he stopped his horse in his tracks abruptly


    "Is there a problem?" King Valasaire said as he in turn stopped followed by King John


    Esteban did not reply immediately as he pulled out his telescope. Soon the others shifted their gaze to where Esteban was looking. They noticed a group of horsemen heading their way holding a flag of truce.


    "Grandfather..." Esteban muttered in low growl as he saw the man leading the horsemen

 XXIX - Breakdown of Negotiations

    King Esteban, King Valasaire, and King John rode out with a handful of soldiers to meet with the Lord Regent of Provaria and his entourage. The Rumasilian-Aerlish army was ordered to halt and prepare their positions. Not long after, the Gissario army arrived at their opposite end, numbering but a quarter of their soldiers, about ten thousand men.


    A negotiating table was set between the two armies where the two sides will conduct negotiations. King Esteban sat in the middle in between Valasaire and John whilst Prince Valamen stood guard along with Prince Vald and Lord Valantine. Cassandra was mounted at the back of her cavalry corps on the left flank of the army while the right flank was covered by the cavalry corps of the Daughters of Ruma.


    Lord Armando sat directly opposite of his grandson along with two other generals of the Provarian army. It was agreed upon beforehand that Esteban would lead the negotiations and do most of the talking while the other kings would keep their interference to a minimum. Esteban knew the only one he should be wary of was his grandfather. He could guess the city was already firmly under the Lord Regent''s hold and the two generals aren''t more than just glorified bodyguards.


    Though he was in the presence of the kings of two of the premiere powers in Terra, Armando did not show the slightest bit of fear or reverence for them. In fact Armando had a hint of disdain for not just his grandson but also the two kings accompanying him.


    "Before we begin, I would like to present you with a gift, grandfather." Esteban said as he motioned for two soldiers to bring a chest and put in on the table


    "You shouldn''t have." Armando answered in his usual cold voice but still trying to humor the young king. However, when he opened the chest, his expression couldn''t have been darker


    Inside was the embalmed and decapitated head of his youngest son who had a look of horror. The two generals beside him had a queer expression as they saw the smiling King Esteban. Armando would have guessed that the delegation he sent to Rumasil would have failed for them to be marching here with an army, but he could never have guessed that his envoy, his youngest son, would be so mercilessly killed.


    "My dear uncle says hi." Esteban said coldly "Don''t worry, abuelo, I made sure his body was put to use feeding the fishes in the sea.


    One of the generals next to Armando immediately closed the chest and put it aside. He had a slightly uneasy look on his face. After all, what kind of man would make such a rude joke on the death of a kinsman?


    "Make sure that chest gets to Tia Leonor. I''m sure she misses her husband dearly." Esteban said with a smile to one of the Gissario soldiers "Also send my regards to my little cousins. Those little angels must be dying to see their father again."


    The Rumasilians and Aerlish would be lying if they said they weren''t unsettled by this scene, Valasaire especially. But on the one hand, Valasaire could clearly see the pain in Esteban''s eyes.


    "You monster!" The other Gissario general said, but Armando only raised his hand to silence the general.


    Armando''s expression was gravely dark and he made no effort to hide the rage in his eyes, yet he managed to do so whilst having an eerily calm aura. One would think he would be the least bit unsettled at the sight of his son''s decapitated head.


    "You have no intention of negotiating at all, do you?" Armando cut straight to the point as he looked at his grandson with the most freezing gaze and chilling voice "The murder of kin is a grave sin."


    Even Valamar and Valantine, who were standing and not even being talked directly to, couldn''t help but feel a faint shiver course through their bodies as this old Lord talked. Truly, this man was terrifying. King Valasaire and King John, however, managed to remain calm.


    "And the murder of an entire family is not?" Esteban retorted back easily "Your hatred for the Valamen has rotted your heart, grandfather. I only gave to uncle Diego what he deserved! The penalty for regicide is death. That much is clear."


    Esteban noticed the slight surprise his grandfather showed for a split second. He went on saying, "Don''t think that I don''t know, abuelo. It was uncle Diego who put the poison in the wine goblet of King Juan. It was he who killed my father under YOUR orders! And should you have gotten your way, you would''ve gotten me killed as well. But thank the Lord for His providence that I be spared from that assassin you sent to my room."


    Armando did not deny anything and merely kept on glaring at Esteban with eyes full of hate. If this was in a private setting of only the two of them, no doubt Armando would have already struck him hard. Esteban would remember the harsh beatings and discipline his grandfather would administer to him when he was small. The very sight of the man in front of him was enough to terrify him.


    But now, he no longer held his grandfather in any sort of respect or esteem. In fact, he returned his grandfather''s cold gaze with a sneer that looked like he was looking at nothing better than horse-droppings. Esteban then fixed his posture as he leaned in and looked Armando in the eyes.


    "I do not fear you, old bastard." Esteban said, losing all the fake pretense of cordiality "So you show some respect to your king and fix your damned gaze clearly. I only give you one chance to kneel and beg for your life and I might be kind enough to remember our familial relations and only exile the Gissario to a desolate isle."


    Armando was quite surprised at the backbone his grandson grew to openly defy him but he quickly shrugged it off as he noticed the two other kings looking his way. He thought this was only Esteban posturing because of his backing. Without the support of Rumasil and Aerland, he''d just be the same insolent little brat he always was.


    "But what if I refuse?" Armando asked not in the least lessening the threat in his voice


    "Then I hope El Diablo will welcome you when I send you to hell." Esteban said as he leaned back indicating he did not wish to continue the discussions "Consider me kind enough to even negotiate with rebels. A legitimate monarch needs little reason to put usurpers to death."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Armando appeared to be in deep thought as he lowered his head. All of a sudden, he looked fiercely towards his grandson.


    "Insolent child!" Armando, who looked to be in his late fifties, slammed on the hardwood table in anger as he shouted. This action prompted a good portion of the table to crack harshly.


    Esteban jumped a little, while John and Valasaire were surprised as they saw the power the old man still had. Valamar, Valantine, and Vald immediately drew their swords to protect their monarch.


    "I would rather die than submit myself again to the Valamen!" Armando shouted as he drew his sword and immediately launched himself at Valasaire "Go and meet your father in the hands of God!"


    The speed of the old man and his actions surprised even the Gissario generals. Valasaire only managed to dodge slightly as he saw the old bastard aiming for his throat and so he managed to at least save his life. Armando instead struck deep into the left side of Valasaire''s chest. Everyone was surprised at Armando''s power as he managed to stab through Valasaire''s steel cuirass. This was certainly not the power of your average soldier.


    Armando, however, was in turn surprised at Valasaire''s agility as the Rumasilian king managed to dodge his lethal attack. This surprise was shown briefly on his face. Valasaire capitalised on his opponent''s split-second faltering and immediately grabbed the wrist of Armando''s hand which was still holding the sword that was currently stabbed in him.


    Esteban immediately was snapped out of stupor as he drew his sword and quickly struck at his grandfather''s neck with brute strength, killing him instantly. King John took out a pistol from his belt and made quick work of one of the Gissario generals as he shot him in the head, splattering the contents of his brain.


    "Secure the King!" Valamar shouted as he killed the last Gissario general who was on the negotiating table and was ready to take on the remaining Gissario guards along his brothers


    Some soldiers quickly assisted Valasaire who was bloodied by a mixture of the blood from his wound as well as the blood that sprayed from Lord Armando''s cut throat.


    "Father! Are you alright?" Valamar quickly rushed to Valasaire''s side as soon as the situation had been settled


    "Boy, I''ll tell you I''ve been through worse!" Valasaire said half-jokingly as he was holding in the pain as he pulled out the sword in him by himself "This is but a scrape."


    "You may act like that, but your face doesn''t lie, father." Vald said then he turned to the guards "Take His Majesty to the field medics and tell them to patch him up! Don''t let him bring himself into the battle!"


    Valasaire lightly struck the back of his younger son''s head as he looked at him with a sneer.


    "Since when was the second prince allowed to order people around in the presence of the king?" Valasaire remarked to his son "They just need to patch me up a bit and I''ll be good as new."


    "But father...!" This time it was Valamar who chimed in before Valasaire raised his hand


    "Getting me patched up will take time whilst if you see over there, the Gissarios are getting ready to move however chaotic they may look like." Valasaire pointed towards the Gissario army which were busy reorganizing themselves at the loss of the heads of their army "They are running like chickens without a head! Capitalise on their confusion and strike! Valamar I temporarily entrust the army to you."


    "Yes, father!" Valamar bowed slightly as he accepted temporary command


    "And John, you take care of my son here."


    "Obviously. Now hurry up and get moving. If you lose any more blood, you''d be in serious trouble." King John answered


    "Well then, you heard the man!" King Esteban said as he held the bloody severed head of his grandfather in his hand "Prince Valamar, we are under your care!"


    Valamar nodded and the people there immediately mounted their horses as they made their way back to their army position.


    ***


    Valamar had arrived at the head of the army along with Vald and Valantine whilst Esteban and John went to head their respective portions of command. Valamar signaled to a soldier holding a banner and another with a horn. As the banner was waved and the horn was sounded, loud thunderous noise could be heard from the back of the army. He had signaled for the artillery unit to fire their cannons which they had set up prior to the negotiations.


    Using his telescope, Valamar could see that the cannonballs had all landed in the enemy formation. They had brought dozens of artillery pieces in the form of cannons with them. Valamar was actually surprised that the cannons managed to hit their target but then remembered that the cannons they brought with them were of the newer model variety with new designs.


    The already disorganised formation of the Gissario army was made into even more chaos. Soon the Gissarios returned fire with their own cannons but their quality was not up to par and so many missed their marks with only a few hitting the Rumasilian formation, even then the casualties were minimal.


    Valamar looked to capitalise on this and quickly raised his sword. Soon another banner was waved and another horn was blown. Valantine who was leading the infantry on the middle line of the formation quickly nodded and ordered for his own men to move forward and engage the enemy.


    The center main line of the Rumasilian army were mainly pikemen supported by heavy infantry from their back while a good number of arquebusiers were marching at the forefront. The cavalry divisions on the flanks of the Rumasilian army were ordered to stay vigilant for the collapse of the enemy line.


    It was only after the second volley from the Rumasilian-Aerlish cannons hit the Gissario formation did they finally form a semblance of a formation. Most of the soldiers of the Gissario house were new conscripts with the main veteran force still stationed at their colonies. Only about a tenth of the army were seasoned soldiers compared to the Rumasilian-Aerlish forces who were mostly men in their prime and had been drilled meticulously.


    The two forces slowly closed in on each other. Over a hundred of the Gissario soldiers had already been either killed or incapacitated or injured by the volleys of the Rumasilian-Aerlish cannons while in turn they only managed to deal their enemies a couple dozen injuries and several unlucky deaths.


    The Gissario''s main line at their front were comprised of their veterans who managed to remain collected and hard-faced at the face of the overwhelming odds. This managed to instill at least some morale amogst the Gissario conscripts.


    The marching of the Rumasilian soldiers were helped by the playing of traditional Rumasilian gondang drums and flutes which were played by people on movable platforms that were in turn being pushed by several strongmen. This was one of the many quirks of the Rumasilian army.


    The sounds of the drums and flutes helped to raise the morale of the troops and helped them march in rhythm. The music was accompanied by the shouts and howls of the Rumasilians as many banged their weapons to their shields and even the Daughters of Ruma unleashed terrifying screams and screeches. It was a tradition tied to their tribal roots which they kept as it helped to instill fear into the hearts of their enemies.


    Soon, the two armies were to collide. Valamar looked to the commander of the arquebusiers and nodded at him. Soon, the marching stooped.


    "TEMBAK!! ( Fire!! )" The Rumasilian arquebusiers unleashed their first volley at the Gissario line


    Thunderous bangs were heard as thousands of gunmen shot their weapons. The battle had now truly commenced.

 XXX - Conclusion of the Battle

    "Lord damn it all!!" Shouted Count Alfonso de Gissario as he saw his eldest brother Armando being murdered by King Esteban as well as the other two generals who accompanied him "Sound the horns and prepare for battle!"


    Alfonso tried to act quickly in response to what happened at the negotiation table. He cursed in his heart at Armando whom he thought acted too rashly despite Alfonso himself not being privy to the offer the Rumasilian-backed Esteban had given to the Gissario which was no better than spitting on their faces directly.


    The sudden death of their de facto leader sent shockwaves among the ranks of the Gissario army especially the newly conscripted levies who were quickly sent into panic. Some of the other commanders even started acting on their own, throwing the confused army into even more chaos.


    "Everyone stay calm and get back into disciplined ranks!" Alfonso shouted out orders, but only the veterans under his direct command and some levies seemed to heed him. The other commanders seemed to have made him out like he didn''t even exist which infuriated him. Most of them were the lower counts and barons who were only brought together by fear of Armando. Now that the Lord regent was gone, the unity of the army was in doubt.


    While they were still in panic, the Rumasilians had managed to get their cannons to shoot at them and their lines remained disciplined despite the brief ripples caused by the injuring of their king. Such professionalism was to be envied.


    Alfonso spat out curses as he saw the cannonballs heading towards his position, but luckily none hit him. In fact, it was actually a little fortunate for him as some of the cannons managed to crush their way through the bodies of the unruly and undisciplined commanders and nobles.


    Alfonso calmed himself down and managed to get the men under his immediate command into a somewhat formed line. He made a signal towards the artillery corps of the army and they managed to return fire. The results of the return barrage, however, were underwhelming to say the least. They barely managed to hit several enemy soldiers on the enemy front line but that was very much it.


    What made it even more embarrassing was that a couple of the cannons even exploded due to their poor quality and managed to severely injure their own crew. This embarrassment was caused by the fact that many of the cannons in the capital being severely old, remnants from the first war with Rumasil nearly a century earlier whilst the newer models were mostly put and focused on the ships and the colonies not to mention that most were stored in the armory of Siesia which was now under the control of King Esteban.


    The artillery pieces were outclassed severely by the Rumasilian ones which were newly manufactured from the best of the Rumasilian cannon foundries and designed by skilled talents from the Aurosian Empire.


    Soon after, the Rumasilian army began their march towards them. Alfonso opened his telescope and saw that the enemy had arquebusiers in their front lines backed by the famed Rumasilian pikes. Alfonso raised his sword to get his men in line. Being outnumbered, it was no surprise that the amount of gunners in their disposal were also inferior, but thankfully, their firearms weren''t lacking in quality to their enemy¡¯s.


    The count managed to get his forces in line and prepared them to receive the Rumasilian onslaught. The Rumasilians were foreign devils in their eyes, with their incessant screaming and chanting as well as their audacity of bringing those damnable drums and flutes, playing away like they''re in some sort of festival from hell.


    The Gissario had managed to get their gunners on the front line, ready to return fire to the Rumasilians. Unfortunately, they were a little too late. When the Rumasilians were only a few paces away from the reach of their guns, they stopped and fired. The Gissario were caught by surprise by the slight superiority in range the Rumasilian guns had. This proved fatal as the Gissario ranks were riddled with a hail of bullets with countless soldiers dying.


    After the first rank fired, the second rank continued until all four ranks of the Rumasilian arquebusiers shot their weapons before they quickly retreated to the back of the pikemen line which continued moving forward at the disarrayed Gissario army at a faster pace. The smokescreen caused by the arquebusiers made it so the remaining Gissario gunners couldn''t get a good aim of where to shoot. In panic most of them just started to fire erratically in an undisciplined way towards the general position of the Rumasilian army.


    Count Alfonso gritted his teeth. Such was expected of the undisciplined levies who only had the bare-minimum of training with most of them being regular laborers and farmers. The infantry at the back weren''t much better anyways. Only a few thousand of the Gissario army were disciplined and well-equipped veteran soldiers. The rest of the levy infantry didn''t even have proper armor, wearing mix-matched sets of breastplates with many of the pike-levies that were lucky enough to afford protection only equipped with poorly made gambesons.


    The count shrugged his shoulders as he felt the battle was already lost and it was hopeless to continue on fighting. He made his way from the frontlines to the back in the hope of being saved from the onslaught of melee battle with the Rumasilian soldiers.


    And sure enough, the two armies clashed. The Rumasilian pike formation met with the Gissario''s and they quickly got into a melee. The Rumasilians had placed their gunner ranks right behind of the pikemen and they provided support fire. The Gissario had long abandoned their tactics as most of the commanders and captains at the front were killed. For every Rumasilian they killed, the Rumasilians killed five back. It didn''t help that the Rumasilian army at the frontlines were well-equipped with plate armour and they donned their trademark golden masks while roaring and murdering.


    It didn''t take more than a quarter hour for the Gissario frontline made of the untrained levies to break as they dropped their weapons and turned tail. This started a chain-reaction amongst their soldiers and soon, all the levies and militia were routing and leaving the battlefield leaving the few thousand veterans to fend off against the mighty Rumasilian army on their own without conducive support from the gunners or pikemen.


    At first, the veterans looked like they could hold on for quite a bit, but under the relentless attacks from the Rumasilian pikes and gunners, they began to falter and when Valantine finally advanced forward with the heavy infantry who were still fresh, the whole Gissario army completely broke. They had no more will to continue their fight and dropped their weapons to run, losing their senses. But despite that, there were some who lost their sanity and began killing indiscriminately. These soldiers were dangerous as they managed to fell a good number of unprepared Rumasilian soldiers, but they were quickly dealt with.


    Count Alfonso had completely given up on the situation and turned tail to run as his life depended on it. He did not care whether he had to trample his own levies on the way, but he was adamant on escaping back to Valencei where he could hope to hold off their advance or at least escape discretely.


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    However his hopes were dashed as he saw the Rumasilian cavalries heading his way. It seems they had made quick work of the Gissario horsemen. It didn''t take long for the entire army to be surrounded and the running soldiers to be cut down.


    Looking at the hopeless situation, the count tore a piece of the white linen-shirt he was wearing underneath his shirt and tied it to the edge of his sword sheath. He then waved it relentlessly above his head while shouting, "I surrender! I surrender! Long live the king! Long live King Esteban!"


    It was but a brief moment before the other soldiers noticed that their commander had surrendered before they stopped running and dropped their weapons to the ground and raised their hands in defeat as well. Just like that, after hours of fighting from the morning to the evening, the battle had ended. It was a complete victory for the Valamen side.


    The last of the Gissario soldiers had dropped their weapons and threw their hands up in the air. The Rumasilian allied army roared and shouted in glee at their victory as the music on their side played louder in a triumphant tune. The Gissario had been defeated.


    ***


    "And so, after tallying up the amount of casualties, we have reached the number of about a little more than a thousand dead and a few hundred more severely wounded with the rest either completely fine or merely suffering a few minor injuries on our side." Vald said as he read from a newly-made record on the results of the battlefield.


    It has been hours since the battle had ended and the Rumasilian army decided to make camp on the flat plains of the former battlefield to rest their soldiers and horses. They weren''t quite rushing anymore seeing as how their enemies had been so unceremoniously defeated.


    The important officers and officials of the allied Rumasilian-Aerlish army were gathered in the main tent of King Valasaire. The people were seated on a large carpet on the hard ground although they were supplied with soft pillows to sit. One would expect the tent of a king to be a little bit more luxurious but King Valasaire insists on practicality above all else with his tent, though large, consisting of only a low table for them to discuss things and a few simple sleeping bags.


    Vald and the rest were reporting the details of the outcome of the battle. Out of the ten thousand soldiers of the Gissario, none managed to escape being either captured and taken captive or otherwise killed. King Esteban had ordered for the release of the levies and conscripts but was adamant on the execution of the veteran Gissario soldiers. And so, after the men were rounded up, the thousand surviving veterans were stripped of their armor and put to death by the gunner squads.


    None of the nobles who supported the Gissario were spared either. The de facto leader of the remains of the Gissario army, Count Alfonso, was personally executed by the king along with the rest of the Gissarios that went with Lord Armando to the battlefield who were summarily hanged with little trial. Nearly four dozen nobles were killed that day.


    Some of the rebel noblemen were crying and kneeling begging for their lives but to no avail as their lives were forfeit in the eyes of King Esteban the moment they stepped into the battlefield against the allied army. King Valasaire and King John had given the rights to deal with the war captives fully to King Esteban.


    Valamar had inquired the young king if it was alright to just murder half the noblemen of Provaria like that to which Esteban only shrugged and said it was necessary for the stability of the new regime but he said that he would not transfer the punishment of death onto their wives and children so long as they surrender when the forces reach Valencei.


    After the meeting, Valamar went to his and his wife''s tent where she laid on a bedroll while caressing her stomach which had started to become a little visible thanks to her pregnancy. Cassandra was happily chatting with Vera and Amara who were also in the tent. She had asked to retire earlier from the meeting at the main tent due to fatigue to which King Valasaire had his daughter accompany her in the tent.


    "My lord, has the meeting finished?" Cassandra asked as she sat up and welcomed her husband with open arms


    Valamar responded in kind as he embraced her and kissed the top of her head.


    "It has, though there''ll be a ceremony later tonight." Valamar said as he sat himself beside his wife


    "Well, now that the dear husband is here, why don''t we take our leave?" Vera said as she clasped her hands and looked towards Amara who was wearing a cloak


    "It''s okay to stay." Cassandra said


    "It''s alright. Besides, you two need some time alone between husband and wife. Me and Amara here also have things to do in the Boruniruma ( Daughters of Ruma ) tent. And also... watching you two getting all lovey dovey just makes me a teenie-weenie little sick."


    "We''ll be taking our leave, Your majesties." Amara said as she bowed slightly


    When the two left, Cassandra immediately leaped on Valamar as she kissed him vigorously, putting herself on top of him, pinning him to the bedroll.


    "Careful now, dear! The little one might be disturbed in there!" Valamar said with caution


    "Don''t worry too much, my lord! Our child is not so weak as to be damaged from a little shake." Cassandra replied as she laid herself to her husband''s side and snuggled up to him, burying her head into his chest whilst Valamar caressed her head.


    "Today was a rough day." Valamar said


    "It''s a blessing you weren''t injured like His Majesty." Cassandra said "I was so worried seeing you on the frontlines like that."


    "Speaking of which, you''re quite the obstinate one, I see." Valamar said as he flicked her forehead


    "Ouch! My lord, what was that for?!" Cassandra said in slight surprise and annoyance as she looked at Valamar with a confused expression."


    "Don''t act like I didn''t see you riding about at the front of your company knee-deep in danger." Valamar looked at his wife seriously to which she only blushed and looked aside sheepishly "Who knows if a stray bullet would''ve hit you back there. You had my focus split. Even though you were chasing down fleeing opponents it still could''ve put you in serious harm."


    "I''m sorry about that, my lord." Cassandra said as she again buried her face in Valamar''s warm chest


    "You''re a bad girl, making me worry like that." Valamar said with a mischievous smile "And bad girls, in my experience, need proper disciplining."


    Valamar kissed his wife passionately which caught her by surprise, his hands reaching for her breasts and rear.


    "My lord! What about the baby?!" Cassandra still tried to retain half her decency against her husband''s sudden advances though she herself knew she was pining to be loved "Isn''t it risky?!"


    "Shouldn''t be much of a problem, dear. Not when it''s still this early... As far as I know." Valamar answered though he was still pondering a little, stopping in his tracks "As long as I take care not to put much pressure in that area, the baby will be fine... Why, my father, when my mother was pregnant with Valerie-..."


    As Valamar was starting to get off track, Cassandra immediately reset the mood as she returned his kiss and quickly undressed him with much gusto. Valamar made sure he didn''t press on her stomach as he in turn started to undress his wife.


    Unfortunately, their time would be cut short as a voice came from outside the tent.


    "You kids best wrap up whatever it is you''re doing in there." It was his father''s voice "Knocking her up when she''s already knocked up won''t increase the chance of having twins up in there. Trust me, I tried. Anyways, get ready. The ceremony''s going to start."


    Valamar and Cassandra looked at each other for a while before bursting out laughing and recomposing themselves. Cassandra gave her husband a peck on the lips before the two got up and fixed their clothes. They soon went out of the tent where Valasaire was waiting along with the others.

 XXXI - Secrets Out

    ¡°Lobi timbona dope sian bintang... (Higher than even the stars in the sky)" the voices of the soldiers rang out as they sang. Some of the boruniruma were even tearful as they stood at attention "...do manondangi panondang di ho (There shines upon you so brightly to your heart...)"


    The aura of the open field was solemn as the allied army gathered to mourn the loss of a thousand souls. It was a Rumasilian tradition to have a mourning ceremony after a battle to commemorate the fallen soldiers as well as to ease the hearts of the ones left behind. Many of the soldiers were even family to each other as was usually the case in Rumasil.


    Some of the female soldiers of the daughters of Ruma were crying for their lost loved ones. Many of the fallen soldiers were their lovers or brothers whilst some of them were even their parents.


    Even in this sadness, the soldiers kept their discipline and ranks but specifically on occasions like this were they allowed to fully express their grief. As usual, the ceremony started with a song. It was a traditional song brought by the old Germanic missionaries during the time of King Soranius.


    Vera was given the duty to lead the troops in song as she stood on a higher podium. In the middle of the field where the ceremony was being held were the thousand dead soldiers who had already been embalmed. After the ceremony, most of them would be cremated to be returned to Rumasil. Only a select few of the corpses would be sent back, mostly being the bodies of nobles or officers.


    "Sabam disi ma, roham jala sonang! ( There where your soul will forever be in bliss!)" They sang with tears appearing on even the most veteran of soldiers "Arsak ni roha dang dais be tu ho! Arsak ni roha dang dais be tu ho! ( Sorrows of life can''t get hold of you now!)"


    ¡°~Lobi timbona dope sian bintang! Nadang hahuaon ni musu be ho¡­ Sahat tu ho ma nuaeng hasonangan! ( Higher than even the stars in the sky! No earthly foe shall bring end to your peace¡­ Joy everlasting, forever be with thee!)¡± The tears from the soldiers were thickening as the song was more gently sang ¡°Marolopolop tongtong nama ho! Marolopolop tongtong nama ho! ( Songs of the cheers forever shall ring, Songs of the greatest cheers forever shall ring!)¡±


    After the song, King Valasaire stood up and faced the soldiers to begin his speech.


    "O anak dohot boru ni Ruma! ni Almar! ni Debata Jahowa! (Oh sons and daughters of Ruma! Of Alamar! And of God Jahowa!" King Valasaire shouted so that the tens of thousands could hear him "We have won a great victory here today, dear brothers! The ilk of the Gissario has effectively been crushed under our righteous heel!"


    The soldiers cheered and wailed loudly.


    "But we do not forget the sacrifice these brave souls have made to achieve that great victory! They are heroes who put down their lives for the good of the nation, true patriots who embody the soul of the tiger! Heroes who we all know are now dwelling above in the abode of the great Lord of lords! Today we pray for the families that they left behind, the mothers who lost their children, the wives who lost their husbands, the children who lost their parents! But rest assured, for the Lord does not leave any of his faithful in helplessness! The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want! Sangap di Jahowa! Sangap di Jesus Kristus! Sangap di Tondi Parbadia!"


    Valasaire looked to Vera with a nod and she immediately led the soldiers to sing again, the final verse of the song.


    "Lobi timbona dope sian bintang!" The voices that sang were now more powerful than ever "Surusuruanna manomu ho! ( Angels on high come to greet thee in bless )"


    "Endehononna ma ho ala monang! ( They sing of thee, all songs of greatest triumph!)"


    "Sian sitaonon na porsuk ho ro! Sian sitaonon na porsuk ho ro! (From earthly grief and strife do you ascend!)"


    ***


    After the ceremony, the soldiers who were family to the deceased were given their last chance to see the bodies of their loved ones before the corpses were cremated.


    Many of the Boruniruma (Daughters of Ruma) went to the middle of the field to say their last goodbyes. Vera and Amara accompanied one of their comrades who was sitting down on her knees as she wept on the corpse of a young man. Her expression moved Amara who also became a little teary.


    "Why did you have to leave me you big oaf!!" The girl wailed as she weakly hit the chest of the dead body "You promised at our wedding that we were going to retire... we were going to buy our own house in your hometown where we''ll raise our children! Liar!"


    There was an older looking man standing near the corpse with tears in his eyes as well. The man looked like a noble from the good dress he wore. King Valasaire was standing next to him with his hand on the old man''s shoulders.


    "We can send him back in a coffin, Lord Hesron. As a son of the Sianakranu clan, he is more than rightful to that honor." King Valasaire suggested to which the older man shook his head weekly with a bitter smile


    "He was but a common soldier, not of any notable rank or distinction. Cremate him according to the rules." Lord Hesron said as he then knelt and looked towards the weeping girl with a sympathetic expression "I hope you can forgive me for this, dear Sepania. But these are the rules of the army. Though I will allow you a few more moments."


    The crying girl quickly tried her best to wipe the tears and regain her composure though she had difficulty doing so and still sounded like she was sobbing a little.


    "It is of no matter, Lord General." Sepania said "As you said, my husband was not of rank and above all you are his father and head of the Sianakranu. I will do as you instruct!"


    General Hesron smiled bitterly and nodded to his daughter-in-law.


    "Well then, if you would allow me to excuse myself." Lord Hesron said as he bowed slightly towards Princess Vera and King Valasaire "I need to write a letter informing my wife... also to inform Lord Josua Silamen that his son-in-law has perished in battle."


    Sepania only held in the tears that were welling up again as Vera rubbed her back to comfort her. As Lord Hesron excused himself, King Valasaire also prepared himself to take his leave. However, all of the sudden the wind blew a little wildly and made Amara''s cloak fly a bit. King Valasaire was quite surprised when he saw Amara''s stomach look slightly big, and not one likely caused by fat.


    "Amara! May you please take off that cloak of yours." Valasaire asked in a slightly pressing tone


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    Amara was surprised as she heard the King ask her to take off her clothes. She had a look of worry as cold sweat started to appear on her temple.


    "Excuse me, your majesty?" Amara asked with worry


    "It is exactly as I said. I wish to confirm something, so would you please remove your cloak." Valasaire pressed on


    Vera saw that her friend was beginning to look extremely worried so she tried her best to defend her.


    "What nonsense are you talking about, father? It''s cold outside so leave her be." Vera said trying to divert her father''s intentions "Besides it isn''t polite to ask that of a lady. What would mama say?"


    Valasaire merely smiled bitterly as he flicked Vera''s forehead.


    "Don''t go saying things that''ll make people misunderstand. I am asking simply to confirm something. I''m not telling her to strip."


    Seeing the King''s determination, Amara couldn''t help but swallow her pride as she did as she was told and took off her cloak. As she had feared, the king immediately put his gaze upon her stomach. Vera could see the color on Amara''s skin turned pale. After inspecting it, the king told Amara to put her cloak back on.


    "Who was it?" Valasaire asked in a calm tone to try and lessen Amara''s fears


    Just at that moment, Valantine who saw the king from afar came over as he intended to report some extra details on the logistics of the march to Valencei.


    "Your majesty! I''m glad I found you! I''m happy to report that-..." As Valantine was about to make his report, he noticed Amara was looking at him with a distressed expression. As he turned towards King Valasaire, the king was instead oddly smiling at him while giving off a very eerie feeling "Is there something the matter?"


    The king looked at Valaron who was standing beside him and asked, "Call Valamar and Cassandra as well as Vald to my tent but don''t notify the elders who came with us." He then turned to Amara, Vera, and Valantine "You three are coming with me."


    Valantine had glanced towards the stomach of his lover and then it dawned on him. They were clearly in trouble.


    ***


    The atmosphere of the King''s tent was severely tense as all the members of the Rumasilian Valamen family who were on the campaign were there. The King sat on his special seat whilst Amara and Valantine were on their knees as the center of attention as well as being the topic of discussion.


    "Since when were you two in this relationship?" Valasaire had asked as he rubbed his temples


    "...It''s been about a year..." Valantine said as his head was dropped "Your majesty, I intend to take full responsibility!"


    "Without you saying it, it is already required of you by the constitution..." Valasaire made a dry joke "Whether anyone likes it or not, by law of the Valamen clan, you two are required to be wed. The child that she bears will be of the Valamen clan. What I''m more interested to know is what exactly are you going to tell Lord Hesron? What is the currently grieving general going to say when he finds out his daughter''s fiance has impregnated another woman?"


    Instantly in a quick change of temper, King Valasaire slammed the sides of his chair which caused it to crack a little. Amara flinched slightly at the sight. Immediately, King Valasaire regained his composure. He then turned to Amara and smiled honestly to calm her down.


    "None of this is your fault. The blame is entirely on this bloody oaf next to you. Don''t worry, you and your child will be taken care of as full members of the house."


    "Your majesty, thank you for your mercy!" Amara said while starting to sob in relief as she bowed till her head touched the ground


    "You on the other hand..." Valasaire returned his gaze towards Valantine "When this campaign is over, I want you to go over to Lord Hesron and tell him personally that you wish to dissolve your engagement to Lady Rahel. I don''t care if you have to beg or even lick his damned boots but I want you to do it."


    "I will do as commanded, your majesty!" Valantine immediately answered in stout resolve


    "I''m not done yet. After we return to Rumasil, I want you to personally go and see Lady Rahel and tell her yourself that you wish to break your engagement. I don''t care if she slaps you, maims you, or halfway murders you, I will not take it as an offense to the Valamen royal family. I will also be cutting off your payment for this campaign and instead give it to the Sianakranu clan as ammends to mend the broken oath. Oh, and also Lord Valahan will be duly notified."


    Valantine had a bitter expression on his face, but when he looked to Amara who had relief on her face, he nodded and bowed to the ground towards King Valasaire.


    "I understand." Valantine said resolutely


    "Good." Valasaire said "Now then. Guards, get the priest in here. These two need to be formally married as quickly as possible so that the child won''t be born a bastard."


    The army chaplain soon entered the tent after that and a small ceremony started with only the people there and a few others knowing about it. King Valasaire had also asked for King Esteban and Prince Miguel to come as they were also Valamen even though from a foreign branch. A rough draft was quickly written to officiate the marriage and the ones who signed it were King Valasaire, representing Valantine as his guardian and Valaron as the witness from the Valamen''s side.


    From Amara''s side, because of a lack of any surviving family members, Valasaire had called in Lady Tania Sitoba - one of the commanding officers of the Boruniruma under the grandmaster of the order - to sign the charter as the guardian of Amara and Vera as her witness.


    After saying their rites, and singing a few Almarian Martinite hymns, the private wedding was concluded with a kiss between the bride and groom. Although the ceremony was brief and suddenly put-together, Amara still managed to cry in joy as she was now officialy the wife of her beloved and a member of the Valamen family. Vera also cried and hugged her best friend as she felt happy for the two.


    "I''m sorry if this wasn''t the wedding you had in mind." Valantine apologised to his bride


    "It''s no matter... I''m just so happy that I can finally be with you officially!" Amara said as she shook her head and embraced her new husband


    Valantine chuckled and patted her head. "Don''t worry, dear. When we get home, I''ll make sure to give you the traditional ceremony that would be fit for us! We may be married in the eyes of the church..."


    "That''s a problem for another day." Amara said "It doesn''t matter as long as I get to be happy with you."


    "Ahem." Valasaire pretended to cough as he interrupted the two "I understand that you two are currently experiencing the bliss of newlyweds, but I would like to remind you that we are still on a military campaign. We all best get some rest as we march on to Valencei first thing in the morning. And you two would still be sleeping in your own tents. Just because you''re married doesn''t mean you get any special considerations."


    "We understand, Your Majesty." Valantine said as he and Amara bowed respectfully to their king


    Valasaire smirked as he lightly smacked the back of Valantine''s head.


    "What was that for?!" Valantine asked in confusion


    "This is still technically your wedding, no need to be overly formal. Besides, technically I''m your nephew so you call me by my name or at least abang here." Valasaire said


    "It''d be awkward because Valamar and Vald call me abang. So I''ll just stick to Your Majesty... But can I get special dispensation to spend time with my wife?"


    "Do you even have to ask? You''d do it in secret anyways even if I forced you all to sleep." Valasaire chuckled as he then hugged Valantine "Look at you... all grown up, married and expecting a child... your father would''ve been proud. I''ll be writing a letter to your grandfather, though."


    "Of course you would." Valantine said in an expression that looked like he was giving up trying to retort the king


    "But before you all go, why don''t we have a small feast to celebrate this event?" Valaron said as he quickly rummaged through Valasaire''s things "We do have some wine here that we were saving for after the campaign."


    "No! Not my special 1401 Lusinian wine...!" Valasaire said


    ("Oh, my uncle brought me that when I was little. It''s very delicious!" Cassandra whispered to Valamar "The wines of Lusinia are the best in all of Ayros regardless of what the Parisians would tell you." )


    "Abang, it''s a special occasion." Valaron said with puppy dog eyes


    "Fine..." Valasaire gave up as he secretly wanted to taste the wine as well


    "Mother always said being stingy is not good." Valaron said in victory to which Valasaire gave a bitter smile


    As everyone there was sitting down getting ready to taste the wine, someone barged into the king''s tent, bypassing the guards with sheer brute strength.


    "What is the meaning of this?!!" He shouted in outrage


    It was Lord Hesron and he looked none too pleased.


    "Ah shit..." Valasaire silently muttered

 XXXII - Into Valencei

    "I demand an explanation for this, Your Majesty!" Hesron shouted as he pushed aside the two guards who were trying to hold him back "Why is my daughter''s future husband marrying another woman?!"


    In panic, Valantine looked to Valasaire in hopes to clear up the situation but he didn''t know that Valasaire was already churning his head to think of a way to calm the Great Lord.


    "My Lord this is all... I-I-... I can explain!" Valantine was panicking and stuttering as he tried to explain the situation to the enraged Hesron


    "You shut up...! *BAM*" Hesron violently punched Valantine across his head as he quickly made his way to the ground in full force. Amazingly, that punch didn''t knock him out immediately. Amara shouted in panic as she immediately rushed to her husband''s aid.


    Valasaire''s expression grew stern at the scene though Valamar could see his father''s eyes were secretly bright. The king must be truly enjoying the scene in front of him right now.


    "Okay, that''s enough." Valasaire finally said as he raised his hand signalling the guards who were ready to apprehend Lord Hesron to stop what they were doing. King Valasaire got up from his seat as he walked up to Lord Hesron and bowed "On behalf of the House of Vala, I sincerely apologise for the disgrace this situation has caused you, Lord Hesron."


    King Esteban and Prince Miguel were shocked at the scene. For a fully sovereign king to bow his head to a lord. Seeing the confusion on the face of the Provarians, Valaron stepped in to explain,


    "It''s a Rumasilian thing. The other six noble houses are just as ancient as ours and what Valantine did was equivalent to stepping and spitting on the pride of one of the great houses. Out of all the prudeness of our people in the ways of the church, the Rumasilians easily succumb to the sin of pride... Anyways, you don''t need to worry. This doesn''t mean that the Royal Dynasty is in any way subservient to any of the other Great Houses. We are the eldest of the great houses and we are the family that rules the kingdom..."


    Just as Valaron said that, Valasaire had already returned to his seat, beckoning Lord Hesron to do the same. Lord Hesron nodded though still with an unpleasant expression on his face.


    "Your majesty, I demand a full explanation of the situation. I want to know what caused all of this and why you of all people went through with this outrage!" Hesron said sternly though after calming himself from the previous rage


    "Lord Valantine appears to have impregnated that woman there." Valasaire explained "Like it or not, the child she bears is that of the Valamen. The Valamen do not have bastards. All children whose father is a Valamen are Valamens themselves, as enshrined in our constitution. In this situation there is nothing I can do. You and your noble house will be compensated properly as is dictated by law. When we return to Rumasil, you may send your lawyers to the royal court to sort out the details and the legal charter."


    "I had an oath with Lord Valian! He said his son would marry my daughter!" Hesron said


    "And my father said I was going to marry a Slavic Princess, what''s your point?" Valasaire quickly retorted "The law stands above all else in this matter. They are married, witnessed by an official of the church as well as myself. There are no annulments after the deed has been done."


    Seeing Lord Hesron having a distraught expression on his face, Valasaire couldn''t help but give a bitter smile. There was nothing he could do on this matter any further. Lord Hesron gritted his teeth as he punched the ground. He then looked to the king with a calmer expression.


    "But what of my daughter? What about her love for that fool?!"


    "I wouldn''t exactly call an unhealthy obsession love..." Valasaire said


    Hesron accepted bitterly what the king had said. He knew full-well of his daughter''s character towards her fiancee was more out of an obsession of entering the Valamen family. He knew that she couldn''t hope to marry the king''s direct descendants but he had hoped to enter her into a prestigious branch anyways. Hesron now showed a complicated look.


    "Well, these personal matters should be taken care of at another time. Tomorrow we must march to Valencei and quickly put an end to this campaign. I hope you wouldn''t do anything subversive, lord?" Valasaire said with a tone that indicated he was done discussing the matters any further


    "...Of course not, your majesty." Hesron said as he caught on to the king''s mood and he immediately bowed till his head touched the ground "Please forgive me for the utter disrespect and disobedience I have shown to your sovereignty..."


    "It is of no matter. After all, it was from my side which caused you offence. Now I believe we should all retire for an early start." Valasaire said as he clasped his hands together


    Soon after, the people there bowed to the King as they left. Before Hesron left, he couldn''t help giving a spiteful gaze towards the newlywed couple and said with the coldest tone, "I wish you both eternal happiness in this life... till death do you part."


    Valantine and Amara couldn''t help but get a shiver from the cold tone the old General spoke in. When everyone left, Valaron was the last one there as he sat down next to his brother.


    "Well, that could''ve gone worse." He said as he took the wine bottle from his brother''s hands and poured it into his own goblet "Could''ve gone a lot worse... this wine is the best."


    "Alright, that''s enough drinking." Valasaire said as he quickly swiped the wine bottle from his brother and put it in a chest before locking it and hiding the key in his pants "Now, no one''s gonna get it. Unless you fancy poking around a grown man''s trousers" The King shook his hips in front of his brother''s face while laughing and teasing


    "Get that away from me, you perverted and stingy ass." Valaron said with a little smile as he pushed his brother back down


    "I''m not stingy! Well, at least not compared to Manuel."


    "The damned dwarves are more charitable than that miser." Valaron retorted "I''ll be damned if I have to ask for money from him."


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "You''re lucky he isn''t here to hear you or else you''d be on the receiving end of one of his bloody excuses."


    "How a man can quote scriptures to justify being stingy is beyond me." Valaron said "...anyways, who''ll be writing the letter to ''ompung master jendral?'' ( Great General grandpa / Valahan )"


    "He''ll have a long winded lecture ready that''s for sure. Old man can give father a run for his money." Valasaire groaned as he pondered the thought on having to pen a letter that might send the elder flying to a fit of rage "Screw it, I''m writing it. We''re not the ones who''re going to be beaten anyways. Valantine''s gonna have so many people gunning for him when we get back. The show''s gonna be great!"


    "You devilish bastard, abang."


    "Oh come on, it''s like you don''t even know your own big brother." Valasaire raised his goblet and clinked it to his brother''s "Sul Vala!"


    "Sul Vala!" Valaron answered


    The two brothers drank and continued to talk until they eventually fell asleep on the ground, snoring loudly in response to each other which even the guards outside the camp could hear. The campaign was going to end. All that was left was to march into Valencei.


    ***


    It was midday when the large Rumasilian army caught sight of Valencei. The noise and bustle of the city was nonexistent with the gates closed shut and the streets outside of the walls completely void of human presence. Valamar saw through his telescope to catch a glimpse of the state of the city.


    Though they haven''t even laid siege to the city, things were looking quite desperate already. Some of the guards on the battlements looked like they were still snot-nosed brats, which in all honesty they still were, while the rest looked like they were already long past their prime. It was clear as day to everyone in the invading army. The war has been all but won.


    "Looks like Lae (cousin) Christopher''s blockade did quite the number to the city." Vald said to his brother "It''s gonna be an easy win."


    "Not necessarily, your majesties." King Esteban said "The remaining noble families might still have their private guards near their estates so we best still be wary."


    "It shouldn''t be much of a problem." Valamar said as he put away his telescope into his belt "We should try sending an emissary. They''re going to surrender if they know what''s good for them. Is your brother prepared, your majesty?"


    "I was born prepared." Miguel said as he rode up his horse towards the group at the head of the army "Wish me luck, amigos."


    Miguel wasn''t wearing any battle armour, instead donning his formal attire, befitting a high-class envoy. He wore a side cape embedded with the royal Valamen crest of Provaria. Behind him followed a few horsemen holding the banners and flags of the Kingdoms of Rumasil and Aerland as well as Provaria.


    When they saw the company approaching, the battlements started to be filled with soldiers who were looking out at the vast army on the field in front of the city. The state of the city was tumultuous to say the least with the only semblance of leadership left in the hands of some minor noblemen. As the distance had reached the point where his words could be heard, Miguel stopped his horse and cleared his throat before he shouted at the top of his lungs.


    "This is the last chance given to you by His Majesty, O citizens of Valencei, the jewel of Provaria!" Miguel said firmly "Surrender now and the king will show you mercy! Resist and only hope that the Lord Above have mercy in His heart for you!"


    As Miguel said that, the soldiers on the battlements started to falter. They all knew the meaning behind the fact that the enemy force managed to get this far. The last bastion of the Gissario forces had been summarily defeated and all hope has been mostly lost.


    Valamar continued to observe the reactions of the soldiers on the wall through his telescope and quickly took note of the wavering morale on the walls. He quickly gave the signal to the army and soon after, the thousands of captured conscript soldiers were lined up in front of the army. Their hands and feet were bound and they were being guarded by armed knights, but it was clear their condition wasn''t all that bad. The Rumasilian army clearly didn''t torture this lot.


    Some of the soldiers on the wall began shouting as they spotted the row of prisoners. It was to be expected as the captive conscripts were mostly drawn from the surrounding villages and towns and so were most likely related to the soldiers guarding the city.


    When Miguel saw this, he smiled and took the opportunity to persuade the soldiers of the city once again.


    "As you can see, we are no savages!" He exclaimed "We bring no harm to those conscripts who were forced to fight us and who surrendered immediately! The last thing His Majesty wants is more bloodshed! Surrender now and be reunited with your families! Once again, pronounce your loyalty to the true king and all will be forgiven! Besides the criminals and the traitor nobles, we will not seek trial for any of you!"


    As he said that, many of the soldiers on the walls immediately tossed their weapons aside and soon enough, the gates to the city were opened to welcome the army. King Valasaire still positioned his artillery to target the battlements just in case the small likelihood that this was a trap happened.


    About half an hour after the gates were opened, something truly surprising happened. Hundreds of people, civilians be they man, woman, or child, and even some elderly began running towards the army. The soldiers started to get into position at this turn of events and were bracing for orders while the gunners were ready to open fire.


    But just before a battle was about to erupt, King Esteban raised his hand, signalling the soldiers to stand down.


    "Do not engage them!" Esteban shouted "They are no soldiers! Merely citizens!"


    At first the soldiers, especially the Rumasilian ones, were reluctant to comply and were still standing at attention preparing for a fight, but when they saw King Valasaire nodding, they stood down but were still on alert.


    It was a heartwarming scene where women and children ran towards their captive husbands and brothers embracing each other again, although it was clear some of the people were distraught when they saw that their family wasn''t there and began to cry.


    Vald quickly moved towards the scene to maintain a stable order and keep the people in line while Valantine positioned himself to lead the soldiers to march inside the city. The gates were large enough for six lines of soldiers to march side by side so he formed a formation of crossbows at the outer position followed by spearmen beside them and then to have heavy infantry stationed in the middle of the six column formation in case there were still soldiers in the city willing to resist.


    Vald showed his compassion towards the citizens and guided them towards the temporary prisoner of war camps so they could be with their families. It was mostly clear that most of the people who ran out weren''t inhabitants of the city proper, most likely being refugees from the nearby empty villages and farms. They looked malnourished and impoverished due to what most likely was a heavy tax burden.


    Though he knew he couldn''t do much, he still made it so that at least the children could get some food from the leftover rations from the military spoils.


    As Vald was busy with the logistics, the rest of the officers followed behind the main army along with their majesties into the city. The war was mostly won, but there still remain the problems of capturing the main palace inside the city as well as the noble estates that have yet to formally surrender.


    Valamar secretly took a deep breath as he rode behind the Provarian king. He sensed that this was still merely a prelude to even bigger drama and bloodshed to come. He wasn''t riding with Cassandra as she had agreed to stay back with the forces outside the city due to her pregnancy. He promised to allow her into the city once the situation calms down a little.


    And so they made their way into the city and headed straight for the palace. The goal of capitulating the Gissario was almost complete. Only a few more steps and the campaign would end in a resounding victory that would last throughout the ages.

 XXXIII - Victory Over the GIssario

    The streets of the Provarian capital were clear of any obstructions as the Rumasilian army managed to enter without much problems. Most of the city garrison dropped their weapons and surrendered at the sight of the fearsome invading army although some tried to put up a fight but were quickly dealt with. The citizens of the city were mostly pacified and offered little resistance. King Valasaire had ordered for no pillaging or looting to be done to the city as per the interests of King Esteban.


    Valamar noticed that some of the buildings inside of the city showed signs of damage, with shattered window pieces, broken doors, and what looked like signs of minor fires on some buildings. It looked like a riot happened in that part of the city not too long ago.


    What surprised Valamar even more was the sight of hanged corpses and severed heads at the front of otherwise beautiful manors, clearly home to the nobility.


    "The corpses are most probably those of the noblemen that displeased my grandfather." Esteban explained as he saw them "He had always been ten times as ruthless as me."


    "Well at least only the men were executed." Valantine said


    "Do you honestly believe my grandfather cares what happens to the womenfolk of those he considers enemies?" Esteban retorted coldly which caused Valantine to shiver at the thought "They''d be lucky if they found themselves at work in a brothel."


    "Well, at the very least he''ll spare the children." Miguel said to lighten up the mood


    "Yes, to be given to perverts and the likes to be playthings." Esteban scoffed "None of the orphanages in this city are out of the thumb of the Gissario. Well at least not until now."


    As they made their way through the inner streets of the city, Valantine, under King Valasaire''s orders, took a contingent of soldiers and split up with the main forces as he headed towards the seaside battlements in order to incapacitate the city''s shoreline defenses. If the Aerlish Armada were going to provide support, the docks had to be secured. He was accompanied by Lord General Hesron to which he only donned his masked helm to hide his reaction.


    The roads to the palace were mostly smooth sailing as only a few soldiers - mainly the Gissario veterans - offered any real resistance while the rest either immediately surrendered or fainted on the spot. After almost an hour, the Rumasilian force made it to the inner walls of the palace where the gates had been shut tightly. In front of the gates, they saw the last of the Gissario''s forces rallying up to oppose them.


    It was the standard pike and shot formation and so King Valasaire wasted little time to get his own men ready to engage the enemy. King Esteban recognised the man at the front of the formation who was none other than his distant cousin, a Lord Raymundo de Gissario, whom by all accounts considered to be quite a prick. Even so, Esteban gave formalities.


    "Surrender now and you shall be given a fair trial! Resist and you''ll be executed without due process!" Esteban said quickly and half-heartedly, clearly signifying that it was just a formality and he didn''t really expect them to surrender.


    As expected, Raymundo merely took out his pistol and shot at the young king with a listless look on his face as if he already accepted his death that day. Luckily, the pistol was a lousy weapon and instead managed to hit the thigh of a soldier standing a few feet away from him.


    "I''ll take that as a no." Esteban said before he eyed the King of Rumasil who had immediately ordered for the arquebusiers to open fire upon the Gissarios.


    "Tembak!!" Valasaire shouted and was answered by the thunderous roars of his soldier''s arquebuses


    The Gissario line was utterly decimated, a lucky shot even managed to hit Lord Raymundo''s forehead, immediately killing him, putting the last of the Gissario forces into a panic with only a few of the enemy gunners managing to return fire and kill a few of the Rumasilian soldiers in the frontlines. However, Valamar felt his heart almost jump out of his chest when a stray bullet managed its way to the tip of his officer''s helm, destroying the top of it and giving his head a heavy shock. Luckily, he managed to hold onto the reins of his horse and stay mounted.


    King Valasaire shouted in panic as he thought he was going to lose his heir in such a place but breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that besides a little trauma and dizziness, the Crown Prince would live. Valasaire personally led the heavy cavalry charge against the disorderly enemy line and made quick work of them, breaking them easily and cutting them down.


    After the last of the Gissario soldiers at the front had either been killed or surrendered, Valasaire quickly ordered for a couple of bombards to be taken to the front of the reinforced gates to the inner walls outside the palace. The gates were no match for the sheer kinetic force of the cannonballs from the old bombards. The only downside was people would have to steer clear of the weapons'' firing range, even its crew, to avoid any potential casualties caused by the balls that may bounce off the iron gates.


    After the gates fell open, the soldiers immediately started pouring in. There were no soldiers manning the battlements of the inner walls and this provided the Rumasilians peace of mind with them instead being the ones to man the walls.


    Valasaire wasted no time in ordering the bombards to blow down the reinforced wooden gates of the palace. By this time, Valamar had mostly recovered from the trauma and ringing in his head and came back to the front-lines.


    When the gates were brought down by the cannonballs, the heavy infantry immediately rushed in to engage any likely enemies that may be awaiting inside. As expected there were still some guards but their numbers were laughable and they were quickly eliminated.


    "My mother would most likely be holed up in the throne room along with the rest of the nobility who have yet to surrender!" Esteban said "Have the palace escape routes been sealed yet?"


    "I''ve already had my operatives keep watch over them." Valaron said as he nodded


    They then quickly made their way to the throne room. The arquebusiers made quick work of the guards standing outside. This time, however, the Rumasilians opted to break down the door with a makeshift ram instead of the bombards in the hopes to minimize the casualties.


    With each strike of the doors by the ram, the terrified cries of the noblewomen and children could be heard from the inside of the throne room. After about ten minutes of battering down the doors, they were finally forced open. Luckily, the Gissario didn''t have any gunmen prepared to ambush the invading army. The women and children, even some of the noblemen, screamed frantically and huddled near the throne room. On the throne set the solemn beauty who was Esmeralda, Queen of Provaria. She had a listless and vacant look in her eyes.


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    When Esteban entered the room, he was accompanied by the most elite of the Valamen royal guard as he walked besides King Valasaire and Prince Valamen. All of the sudden the room went silent when they realised the King they had deposed had returned with a powerful army at his back.


    A few of the noblemen fainted while the rest had begun groveling at the feet of the invaders.


    "Mercy, Your Majesty! Mercy!" A noblemen started crying and groveling at Esteban''s feet "I was forced by my circumstances to serve the vile Gissario!!"


    Esteban looked at the nobleman in disgust. Such craven people were even worse than traitors. Esteban was half a mind to just step on the coward''s face but he forced a smile and motioned for the guards to take the man away from him by force. He caught a glimpse of his mother who was so vacant she didn''t even look like she noticed he had entered the room. Seeing this, he felt complex feelings rising up within him.


    He ignored all the nobles there as they parted ways for King Esteban to reach the throne. Esteban slowly made his way towards the throne. Queen Esmeralda had finally noticed his presence there but only gave a weak smile with a sorrowful look.


    When Esteban had reached just a few feet away from the Queen, he pulled out his pistol and aimed towards her head. The people in the room were naturally shocked when they saw this spectacle. Even Valasaire and Valamar had widened their eyes. The Queen, on the other hand, merely continued to smile as she stood up and walked towards her son with open arms and a slightly resigned look.


    Esteban still held the pistol towards her yet she still carried on. When the Queen stood in front of her son, she caressed his face with a smile as tears started welling up in her eyes. Esteban had flinched when his mother touched him as emotions started welling up as well within him, expressions of anger, sadness, as well as regret showed on his face. The soldiers and nobles in the room noticed this and were worried for the fate of their queen. Esteban could snap at any moment and pull the trigger.


    After a few moments of struggling, Esteban lowered the pistol and put it back to its sheath. Everyone blew a sigh of relief as they saw Esteban merely put on a stoic face as he faced his mother.


    "I''m so sorry..." Esmeralda said as she couldn''t control her urge to embrace her son whom she hasn''t seen for so long "Maybe you can''t forgive me, but I''ve accepted that... If it could make you feel slightly better, the least I could do... is die..."


    Esteban merely stayed quiet and looked absently at his mother before he finally spoke.


    "Death is too easy a way out." Esteban said "The sins of the Gissario now fall upon you. Soldiers, escort the rebel queen to her chambers and make sure she does not come in or out without my hearsay. She is to stay there until the day of trial."


    "..." Esmeralda merely accepted her fate as a small group of Provarian soldiers came to put her under house arrest. She smiled weakly as she kissed her son on his forehead and bowed before leaving with the soldiers and some of her handmaidens.


    Valamar was glad that it could be taken care of without things getting too ugly.


    After the Queen exited the room, Esteban made his way to the throne before him and after inspecting it closely, he turned and sat on it as was his birthright. When he sat there, the traitor nobles as well as the remaining soldiers of Provaria dropped to their knees and shouted, "Long live the King! Long live the King!"


    The rightful King of Provaria was back in power. The Rumasilian and Aerlish soldiers clapped in respect for their new client-state. After a while, Esteban raised his hand and stood up from the throne.


    "As King of Provaria I exercise my right to establish a war trial concerning the fate, punishment, and rewards regarding the coup and the resulting war. The trials will be held at the Great Court of the Isle of Romario in three days'' time." Esteban said as he looked towards the traitor nobles "Until that time, I expect all supporters of the coup to be put safely under house arrest as they await the fair trials.. If there are no further questions, the noble courtiers may take their leave."


    The nobles started murmuring and had obvious discontent expressions but not many wanted to openly protest the King as they knew of his reputation. They quietly bowed and left the court accompanied by a platoon of soldiers.


    After most of the nobles and soldiers left the courtroom, only the high officials, ministers, generals, and Royals of the alliance were left. Esteban breathed a sigh of relief as he laid back on the throne from the tensity of the previous situation.


    "Now all that''s left is to figure out the transitions to the new order of government..." Esteban said as he looked up towards the air


    "With the secession of most of Provaria''s territories, I would think most of those nobles would be left landless or the vassals of others." King Valasaire said as he took a seat along with the rest of the Rumasilian generals


    "That''ll make my rule easier. The more useless limbs cut, the better. Now all that''s left for me to think about is who I''ll trust with the governance of this city when I move the capital..."


    As King Esteban was pondering such a thing, the doors of the throne room opened once again. Prince Christopher had entered but behind him was a man and a woman dressed in simple clothing who King Valasaire and King John had never seen as well as most of the officials.


    However, when King Esteban saw the young woman, he couldn''t help but have a look of surprise on his face as he - as well as Miguel - rushed towards her and hugged her in relief. Some of the people who didn''t know of the identity of the girl found it odd that the King and his brother would embrace such a woman who was also quite a beauty.


    "I can''t believe you''re still alive!!" Esteban said in full relief "When I heard news of the slaughter that ensued I was assured you were dead..."


    "Brother Esteban, Miguel... I''m so glad I could see you again..." The girl finally let out her tears as she was once again in the safety of family "I''m home... I''m safe..."


    "How did you make it alive? Are you alright?" Miguel asked


    "I am fine... for the most part. They weren''t as rough with me as they were with my mother..." the girl said with a bitter smile to Esteban and Miguel''s darkened expressions "But it''s alright... I had a helper along the way." She looked to the man behind her who gave a slight bow to the king.


    "Please tell us all that happened..."


    "May I be informed as to who this girl is first?" King Valasaire asked with a raised eyebrow "I''m also dying to know who this beautiful young lady is."


    "Allow me to introduce myself." The girl said as she bowed deeply "My name is Leonia de la Valamen, daughter of the Late Duke of Malurio. It is an honour, your majesty."


    "Ah, a fellow Valamen. Such beauty could only be of this house I am proud of. And of that man over there? What is he called?"


    "He is the one who''s helped me this far and kept me safe... My knight."


    King Esteban raised his eyebrow as he heard that. The man was wearing a hooded cloak and he couldn''t tell who he was but somehow the man seemed familiar.


    "I would like to thank you on behalf of the royal family for the service you have provided in caring for my dear cousin. May I ask you who you are?"


    "Allow me to formally greet your majesty." The man said as he pulled down the hood of his cloak and revealed his face "I am Bernardo, expelled of the Gissario... I seek penance in not immediately joining your cause, Your Majesty, as when the coup happened, I had been stationed in Destairos and was unsure of the news and when I have reached the Isle of Valencei it was already passed and I was informed of the Queen-mother being crowned the new monarch. I ask only for your pardon, my liege."


    Looking at the confused expressions of the people there, Leonia stepped in to explain what happened from start to end so as to get Bernardo''s pardon. After finishing her story, she breathed out and awaited anxiously for her cousin''s reaction. He seemed to be pondering before he opened his mouth to speak.

 XXXIV - Explanations and Rewards

    "So that''s how it is..." Esteban said after getting the whole picture of the events surrounding his cousin from her capture to her meeting with Lord Bernardo and finally to the circumstances that brought them here "I see. So I truly have many things to thank you for, Lord Bernardo..."


    "It''s not really a problem, your majesty." Bernardo said in humility with slight fear in his heart for his life as he was a Gissario "I merely ask that you look kindly upon my acts and spare my life and allow me to continue my work as Lady Leonia''s knight..."


    "If you put it like that you make me sound like some sort of bloodthirsty tyrant, senor." Esteban said with an uneasy expression


    "Executing half the nobles of Provaria didn''t really help your image." Valasaire chimed in with a slight chuckle


    "Anyways, your loyalty and bravery should be rewarded with more than just what you''re suggesting, senor." Esteban continued as he began to explain "I''ll tell you now that I intend to move the capital and the seat of power of Provaria from Valencei to the great city of Siesia. The Valamen support is already entrenched there and its location makes it a far more effective trade hub than this city... and the fact that it isn''t half destroyed also helps..."


    "As is your right as king, your majesty." Bernardo answered


    "Now, leaving this place like that may sound easy on paper but the power vacuum it''ll leave behind and the busy relocation of the many government offices as well as business would be a very large project and I need someone to look after this city and oversee it in the long run. Most of my supporters frankly are Valamen and are much more interested in investing their time into the new capital and I dare not trust the former nobles with governing the city. I must first apologize to you as instead of a reward, it''s more akin to loading off a burden upon your shoulders but I must request your help in governing this city. Your status as the last Gissario allowed to walk openly and freely should help ease over the transition. Will you accept me granting you the former titles of my grandfather as well as the mayoral palace of Valencei along with that?"


    Bernardo''s eyes widened as he heard the offer from the king. He''d consider himself lucky to even be spared and allowed to live out the rest of his days by being a knight but to be offered such a position was beyond his wildest imagination. Although it could be seen as a burdensome punishment, the amount of prestige that comes with it could not be ignored as well. Even though the seat of power would be moved, the city of Valencei itself after some years of development and rebuilding could prosper once more. As his head was being filled with ideas he couldn''t help but return to reality when he saw Leonia''s smile as he was reminded of his oath to be her knight. He lightly shook his head as he faced King Esteban.


    "It is a most humbling and honorable proposal, your majesty, and I would be honored as well to accept it but I must decline with my utmost respect."


    "And why is that? You don''t seem to be a person without ambition." Esteban replied with a raised eyebrow


    "That may be true and I may be quite enticed, but I am a man of my word and I stand by it so when I said I would serve milady and ensure her protection, I''ll stand by it. It wouldn''t be possible to serve her with a title higher than hers as inheriting the titles of Senor Armando would make me a duke and from my understanding her titles after inheritance would be only that of a countess. So I must decline, your majesty. A simple official pardon, a place to stay near milady, and a salary enough to not starve for both me and milady would suffice."


    Leonia had a confused expression on her as she heard what Bernardo had said. Though she had grown to trust him more, she still wasn''t expecting him to go through with all he said. But she would be lying if she said she wasn''t honestly flattered with slight blushing apparent on her face. However, she knew that this opportunity was a once in a lifetime and so moved next to Bernardo with a smile.


    "Bernardo, your fealty to me though short, I believe is fulfilled." She said "You promised to take me to my cousin and ensure my safety and clearly you''ve done it and accomplished your quest..."


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    "I''m afraid that''s not the case, senorita. When I said I''d ensure your safety, I meant it indefinitely." Bernardo easily shot back


    Esteban merely laughed after seeing the two go about their relationship with each other and then clasped his hands loudly. "Alright, this seems to be a non-issue then. If it''s only a matter of safety then this shouldn''t be a problem. As the king whom you''ve also sworn fealty to, you are obligated to do it when I order you to accept the titles and responsibilities I confer upon you. Is that a problem?"


    "But what about-..."


    "I wasn''t finished, senor." Esteban cut Bernardo''s interruption while raising his hand to stop him "It will be arranged for you two to be wedded then."


    "Que?!!" The two said in surprise as their jaws dropped


    "Why act so surprised? You can continue your obligation to protect her indefinitely as a husband whilst I secure your loyalty by having you marry my cousin. About your status as a bastard... I understand from my cousin''s retelling of your stories that your mother was a Sihoras, yes? Then might I ask dispensation from the Rumasilian King to acknowledge him as such?"


    "That prerogative is entirely on the hands of the head of the Sihoras main family." Valasaire answered "But it could be arranged with a few well explained letters so it shouldn''t be a problem."


    "Then that''s settled." Esteban said to the two who were still in a stupor over what had just transpired. Seeing the two not complaining and merely nodding after a while of the news sinking in, Esteban dismissed them while saying the plans for the wedding will be talked about at a later date and that they were now officially engaged.


    After that, Esteban and the rest stayed in the throne room to discuss some further issues.


    "Then that''s settled." Esteban said to the two who were still in a stupor over what had just transpired. Seeing the two not complaining and merely nodding after a while of the news sinking in, Esteban dismissed them while saying the plans for the wedding will be talked about at a later date and that they were now officially engaged.


    After that, Esteban and the rest stayed in the throne room to discuss some further issues of governance and plans of rebuilding along with the finalization of the transfer of the Provarian colonies in Destairos to Rumasil and Aerland well as the redrawing of several ducal titles in the Provarian Isles. Esteban seeked to centralize the power within his kingdom in Siesia and begin to slowly erode the defunct feudal system that Provaria and several other states still cling to. The talks went on for a few hours until night along with the drafting and signing of the new treaties.


    ***


    Leonia and Bernardo were walking awkwardly together after they left the king''s throne room. They still couldn''t quite wrap their heads around what the king had just ordered in that they were to be wed. Bernardo sought to take a walk back to the harbors to get his horse back from his friend whilst trying to get his mind clear of any odd thoughts. He had tried to excuse himself from Leonia, saying that he was going out for a bit on a little errand but to his surprise she asked to come along with him and he lacking any good excuses could do nothing but agree.


    Leonia soon came to regret her decision of walking with her knight as the entire hour-long walk until this moment had been in complete and awkward silence where the two would occasionally steal glances at each other and start to blush when their eyes met. Leonia especially found it hard to start up a conversation with her now fiancee.


    Finally unable to bear the awkwardness in the air, Bernardo stopped in his tracks and turned around to face Leonia. They were in the market part of the city where there were many inns and taverns abound. The chaos of the king''s sieging and retaking of Valencei as well as the blockade had took its toll on the businesses in the city, but now that the situation has started to calm down with the patrolling of Rumasilian and Aerlish soldiers to take care of the public unrest and quell any riots, life was slowly starting to return to normal within Valencei.


    "Is there something wrong? Why''re you stopping?" Leonia asked while slightly averting her eyes from Bernardo''s gaze


    "I''m feeling quite famished right now, senorita. Haven''t really eaten anything since this morning." Bernard said as he pointed to food stall in front of an inn with chairs and tables for them to eat "What do you think? It might be different from the great feasts of the nobility but compared to the food in the colonies, it shouldn''t be too bad."


    Leonia finally felt the tension slowly begin to relax around them as she rolled her eyes, "Oh please, I''m not that spoiled," Leonia said as she slightly punched Bernardo''s chest "Lead the way."


    The two found themselves a seat and to their surprise there were quite a few Rumasilian soldiers going in and outside the inn with some even eating out at the front. Near their table, an old-looking dog was sleeping away not the slightest bothered by the commotion.


    "Have you eaten here before?" Leonia asked in confusion "This place is... unique."


    "This place is special. I''m shocked you don''t know about it..." a voice from inside said "I''m surprised to see you here, Gissario."

 XXXV - True Feelings

    "Alvaro Siandoli..." Bernardo said as he looked at the man with a smirk on his face "Glad to see this place even livelier than usual."


    The man looked to be of a slightly gruff exterior, wearing modest clothing fit for laborious work with a piece of red cloth tied around his head above his brows.


    "Don''t try to change the subject, Bernardo." The man, Alvaro, said with a tired looking face and an expression that showed he had more questions to ask Bernardo "I met up with the boys last week and you know Julio had the most interesting thing to say. He said, ''the commander was in a hurry with a noble-looking girl and sold his horse to leave''... Do you realise how suspicious that sounded? What happened? Why are you still here and I see in fine shape with a... fine looking lady..." Alvaro made a slight bow to Leonia whom he felt a faint feeling of familiarity to which she returned with an awkward nod of her head.


    "This is going to be a long story..." Bernardo said


    "Oh trust me, I have time." Alvaro eyed him seriously before turning his head to the building and proceeded to shout some orders to the workers "Woi! Karejo na denggan ma hamu sude! Adong urusanku satongkin dohot donganki dison!"("Oi! Don''t slack off in there, I''ve got something to discuss first with my friend over here!")


    "Olo!!" The workers inside shouted


    "You know, Alvaro..." Bernardo started "While I would love to tell you a good story, me and milady here are starving so..."


    Alvaro still with his stern look turned his head again inside and shouted again,"Bodat on naeng mangan! Bahen ma jolo tolu piring panggang, sangsang, dohot indahan dua mangkok!"("This asshole wants to eat so bring three plates of roasted pork, sangsang, and two bowls of rice!")


    "Was that the Rumasilian language you were using?" Leonia asked


    "Si, senorita." Alvaro answered with a more cordial tone towards Leonia "My mother was a member of the Martorang family, descended from one of the many commanders during King Adrian''s invasion. They were subordinates to the Sihoras family before then."


    "It''s amazing how you still hold a great amount of skill in using the language even though it''s been about a century since King Adrian''s conquest. Even I only know a little bit thanks to my education."


    "Not necessarily. Most of the descendants of the common soldiers still keep in touch with their roots like my employees here. Besides, my father was a merchant from Rumasil and he always made sure I know everything there is to know about the traditions..." Alvaro said with a hint of a smile forming his face as he was talking about his heritage to which Leonia happily listened "...anyways, sorry about that. But who did you say you were again, milady?"


    "She is the cousin of King Esteban, se?orita Leonia de la Valamen, soon to be Duchess of Valencei." Bernardo answered in her stead


    Alvaro couldn''t hide the surprise on his face when he heard of her identity. As a man proud of his heritage, he had always respected the great Valamen clan. Inside the building there was even a portrait of the first Valamen king of Provaria. For a second Alvaro thought Bernardo was joking but as he examined the face of the girl, she bore striking similarities to an officer he served under during his time in the army. Without dwelling on it much longer, Alvaro asked, "Are you related to Lord Vasco ''el Caballero'' de la Valamen?"


    "He was my elder brother." Leonia answered to which Alvaro made an astonished gasp and immediately stood up and bow towards Leonia. Alvaro had moist eyes when he said, "I apologise for my earlier rudeness, milady. If you would be so kind as to forgive me."


    Leonia looked to Bernardo with an awkward glance asking for his help on what to do with the situation to which he only raised his shoulders in bewilderment.


    "It''s really not much of a problem, senor Alvaro..." Leonia said trying to calm the man down


    "All the food you''ll have here will be on the house." Alvaro said


    "There really isn''t a need for that..." Leonia became a little more uneasy "The King has already given me an allowance and...". As Leonia was about to decline she could see the disappointment starting to show on Alvaro''s face so she decided to give in "Well I guess there''s nothing wrong with saving a bit more money..."


    "Wonderful! You''re always the best, Alvaro!" Bernardo said excitedly


    "Who said anything about giving you freebies?" Alvaro returned to his disdainful look as he said so "You still owe me an explanation."


    When the food finally came was when Bernardo started telling the full story of what had happened to him the past week and the situation he''s in now though he omitted the part about him being named governor of Valencei to which he claimed the authority to be given to Leonia. Alvaro was undoubtedly amazed at the story he heard.


    "Bring two bottles of the good stuff boys!" Alvaro shouted to his employees "This story is starting to get good..."


    "My mouth''s aching from all of that, in fact I think It''s been half an hour of just me running my mouth off..." Bernardo said "I could use some drinks... by the way how are things going for you? By the looks of it you''re still doing pretty well..."


    "What is this establishment anyways? The food you serve I believe is also Rumasilian traditional cuisine. I wouldn''t think you''d open up shop of such a kind in the middle of Gissario power." Leonia asked as she was slightly fanning her mouth from the spiciness of the food before drinking a whole glass of warm water


    "It''s what you would call a ''lapo'', milady. It is as you say, a place where Rumasilian food is served." Alvaro explained "You''d be surprised at the amount of traffic this place would get back then. When I was little, the place would always be packed though there were a few times we almost had to close down during the anti-Rumasilian riots and the coup..." Alvaro looked at the dozens of soldiers from Rumasil who were eating, drinking, playing cards, and some were even singing while someone played the guitar. He couldn''t help but have a smile on his face. "We were lucky with this invasion. At least there''s a little more joy in this occupation period..."


    "Now that you mention it, my brother had once mentioned a similar establishment in Siesia." Leonia inquired


    "Ah, that would be my eldest sister''s place." Alvaro answered "After 1575, my sister went along with her husband and children to Siesia and opened up shop there too. She''s a real monster when it comes to business. I hear she''s rich enough to buy herself a couple of fishing ships and a crew as well. It did help that she married a de la Valamen."


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Really? who?" Leonia was beginning to get intrigued as she was starting to piece together the information in her brain


    "Don Juan Pedro de la Valamen..."


    "Uncle Juan?! Then that means, you''re Aunty Imelda''s brother?! Than that means I''ll have to call you uncle too!" Leonia said with a laugh "Why didn''t you say earlier you were related with the Valamen?"


    "Well you see..." Alvaro said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head "I may also be a bit embarrassed since I was the one who set fire to his house all those years ago... But luckily it managed to be saved and wasn''t completely destroyed."


    "Pfft...hahahahhaha...!" Bernardo couldn''t hold back his laughter as he heard it "You actually admitted to it!"


    "But why?" Leonia couldn''t mask the confusion in her face as she recalled the time her uncle told her a story of how a madman once tried to burn his house down


    "You see..." Alvaro was trying to come up with an explanation but couldn''t focus with Bernardo''s laughing.


    Before explaining himself, he slapped the back of Bernardo''s head to shut him up for a bit. He explained, "You see, though my family did have some wealth back then, we weren''t exactly on par with the likes of the great noble Rumasilian houses. We were at the end of the day just a family of merchants. In fact this was around the time before I joined the army so about sixteen years ago. Your uncle was a frequent visitor of this establishment while my elder sister was the main serving girl. Needless to say I could see the way he was eyeing my sister and Valamen or not, I didn''t like the way he was eyeing her. I didn''t want her to be just another plaything for a noblemen so I was never warm to your uncle. I know for a fact that the Valamen of Rumasil had all but abandoned the law that ruled over their marriage and how they should keep their purity to marriage and so I was always weary."


    "And then it came at one night." Alvaro continued "I was out taking out the trash one night when in the back alleys I saw it! Your uncle was having his way with my sister! Long story short, I demanded justice to be done and that he take my sister as his wife but he was still being very dodgy about it so I may have gotten a little hasty with my actions but in the end it all worked out so that''s that."


    "That was quite an amusing tale, uncle." Leonia said "Don''t you think so, Bernardo?"


    "Indeed it was, milady. And I would also love to continue this chat but I have a horse I need to buy back and Julio might close up soon, so..." Bernardo said motioning to Leonia of his intent to leave


    "Why so hasty there?" Alvaro asked "You can just give me the money and I can give you back your horse."


    "What do you mean?"


    "When Julio told me and a couple of the other boys of what happened, he left the horse in our care not wanting to actually sell it."


    "Well then that settles it..." Bernardo said but his thoughts began to wander around to the girl beside him and once more he was thinking about all the things he had to talk to her about "But... maybe me and the lady would need a little time to talk about some...important matters..."


    "Really, now?" Alvaro raised an eyebrow as he shrugged and took a pouch of money from Bernardo "Well, I need to get back to work. These soldiers are hungry."


    As soon as Alvaro left, Bernardo looked to Leonia and faintly smiled, "So is there something you''ve been meaning to say, senorita?" he asked as he put his hand against his chin "Judging from the looks you''ve been giving me, you also have a lot you want to talk about... Don''t worry, I also think we need to have talks like this..."


    Leonia bowed her head for a bit, trying to search for words to speak. Her head was filled with so many things she wanted to say but then when she actually tries to say them it just won''t come out well.


    "I don''t think my brain is working too well right now." Leonia said as she finally breathed a heavy sigh and slumped over the table "I have so many things I want to say I end up not being able to actually say them."


    "Why don''t we start with simple things, then?" Bernardo asked


    "Like what?"


    "Like... can you at least tell me how you''re feeling at the very least?"


    "Confusion?"


    "Hahahah, aren''t we all? I mean besides that... Alright let me start then." Bernardo said with a slight chuckle "Do you know for the longest time since I was younger I''ve greatly admired a certain woman?"


    Leonia raised her eyebrow intrigued by what kind of woman her fiancee might be interested in and to see how much she compared to her.


    "You look quite jealous..." Bernardo teased to which Leonia rolled her eyes


    "Please continue, I''m actually quite curious what kind of a woman you would fall for..."


    "That''s the thing. I wouldn''t exactly call it falling for. I mean don''t get me wrong she was and still is immensely beautiful in my eyes but this type of admiration is I feel maybe a little different to the feeling of longing. Maybe because I''ve realised since a long time ago it would be most useless to even dream about being with someone like that as I imagine we are worlds apart... She was always kind and gentle, like an angel put upon this earth by God to show me that there are still people who even in the midst of all the hatred I''ve experience still look to me like I''m human and not just ''the bastard boy''... she''s just amazing."


    Looking at Bernardo''s expression Leonia couldn''t help but feel slightly annoyed, but her curiosity still had to be satiated.


    "So who is it, then?" Leonia said a little impatiently "Come on, I''m your fiance, por Dios, you can at least tell me..."


    "...The queen mother Esmeralda..." Bernardo finally said after holding it in for a while


    Leonia showed a quick look of surprise before she started laughing in amusement. Bernardo got noticeably more embarassed as his face reddened. "Please don''t laugh it isn''t funny..."


    "I didn''t say I won''t laugh..." Leonia said "But I admit I was feeling a little jealous when you kept on describing how amazing this girl was."


    "Jealous...?" Bernardo couldn''t help but smile feeling a little flaterred that someone would be jealous over him "Really now...?"


    "Don''t misunderstand me... I meant..." Leonia quickly tried to cover her reddening face as she realised what to say but she quickly gave up trying to cover for herself "...I also have people I admired but not to that extent... my late brothers who were always there to lookout for me... And you..."


    "Me? I... don''t know what to say... We haven''t known each other for that long..."


    "I know but... even with all the feelings of mistrust I had for you when we first met, when I realised that you were genuinely looking out for me regardless of your other interests at the time... I felt safe and..." As her face was reddening again she couldn;t help but cover it up with her hands "You''re making me feel embarassed again..."


    Looking at how this talk was getting a bit embarrassing and the cute look on Leonia''s face as she was struggling to hide her embarrassment, Bernardo couldn''t help but chuckle and gently stroke her head with care "There, there..."


    "You and your bloody head stroking... making me all embarrassed..."


    "Oh... if it''s making you feel uncomfortable, then-..." As Bernardo was trying to remove his hand from her head, she stopped it by grabbing his wrist


    "I never said it was uncomfortable..." Leonia admitted "...It actually makes me feel safe..."


    "What was that?" Bernardo asked pretending not to hear


    "You heard what I said and I''m not repeating myself... don''t push your luck, senor."


    "Alright, alright... But just so you know. The moment I laid my eyes on you for the first time, I was just overcome with the feeling of wanting to protect you... As long as I''m alive, just as I promised, I won''t let any harm come to you and maybe... even in this arranged marriage, some feelings will begin to sprout."


    "...maybe they''ve already begun to sprout." Leonia said


    "Then maybe we should continue nurturing it." Bernardo answered with a smile to which she smiled "Anyways, I think that''s enough embarrassment for a day."


    "Agreed."


    "You want to eat again or...?"


    "Sure... is it on you?"


    "Of course..."


    Bernardo ordered another round of food and the two continued enjoying the atmosphere in the eatery as the music was getting livelier and some of the soldiers even started to dance. After a couple of drinks, even Bernardo joined in on the fun. It was a beautiful night of merrymaking.

 XXXVI - You Are My Daughter! pt. 1

    It was late after midnight when all the paperwork for the trade deals, treatises, and contracts concerning the subordination of the Provarian kingdom and it''s induction into the new coalition of nations. When all of that was done, Esteban merely slumped over the table and fell asleep, fatigue getting the best of him while the others shook their heads and laughed.


    "I guess we should get back to our chambers then..." John said as he got up from his seat and headed towards the door


    The other officials also followed suit with one of Esteban''s Valamen uncles who woke the King up and helped him out of the room along with some other soldiers. Soon the only ones left in the room were King Valasaire, Valaron, Valamar, and Vera who acted as a guard. They were talking about some miscellaneous things after the meeting.


    "So I guess we''ll be going home soon." Valamar said


    "Of course, after all of this is finalised." Valasaire said as he was reviewing his notes on the prior meeting "With the acquisition of the Provarian colonies I believe it will help out the growth of our economy. What of the plunder from the Gissario family manor?" Valasaire turned towards his younger brother


    "We would be getting half of the loot. An estimate of about three hundred thousand gold imperials." Valaron answered as he looked at the financial notes he had taken


    "That''s a lot." Valamar said "I''m surprised the Gissario managed to still have over half a million gold imperials in assets."


    "Don''t be. They didn''t contribute much of their personal wealth towards the previous invasion and I''m guessing they were saving some of these assets to pay the banks they owe should they not manage to find any other way." Valasaire said


    "Someone found an unopened chest filled with Latinite currency. A hundred thousand gold solidus." Valaron said


    "How much is a hundred thousand gold solidus again?" Vera mouthed her words towards Valamar but without a sound so as to not alert her father as she was standing behind him but King Valasaire noticed Valamar''s gaze at her and so he rolled up some used document files and smacked Vera on the head "Aiiiihh.!! Papa hansit do i! ( Papa, that hurt! )"


    Valamar merely held in a snicker as he saw that. "I would appreciate it more if you would give just as much focus to diplomacy and economics as you do your martial training." Valasaire bluntly said "A hundred thousand gold solidus is roughly the same as a hundred and ten thousand gold imperials. Which then roughly equates to how much of our currency?"


    "..." Vera''s mind was blank for a while but when she saw Valasaire raising the rolled up documents again she immediately blurted out "...a-a...a hundred and twenty thousand serenes!"


    "Good. At least you still know that much." Valasaire said "Anyways, you train with regular swords how hurt can some rolled up documents make you. Parlobilobi ma ho! ( stop exaggerating! )" Vera only smiled and stuck out her tongue at her father before she bent down and hugged him while smiling sheepishly


    "You know I''m your favourite." She said to which Valamar rolled his eyes


    "I don''t play favourites." Valasaire said as he smiled slightly while patting Vera''s head "Careful child, my shoulder still hurts a bit."


    "You sure could''ve fooled me." Valaron said with a slight chuckle to which Valasaire shot back a glare "Anyways, it''s all but confirmed that the Latin Empire has been financially backing these proxy wars against us trying to undermine our influence."


    "Those damned Latinites." Valasaire scoffed "Send the money as proof to uncle Alexios. This should provide enough of a casus belli for Auros should they wage another war against the Latinites and after we''re done solidifying our victory here, we can begin preparations to confirm our power within the Northern oceans."


    "..I guess more war is now inevitable." Valamar said


    "Ever since the end of the first great war, we all know for a fact that a second one will be coming. And it''s been over one and a half millennia since the first one. The world has recovered enough."


    Valamar was slightly uneasy at the thought of the countless amount of lives that would be lost and the innumerable damage that war would bring upon Terra. Although he did not voice these concerns, Valasaire was aware of his heir''s concern.


    "I get that you''re feeling troubled, son." Valasaire said softly "Peace is a beautiful thing... but the current situation now is not true peace. War is a necessary evil and trust me, son, it''s either us or our enemies who strike first and judging from this, it is easy to see who struck first, is it not?"


    "I understand, father. I''m not so naive as to think that idleness is the ideal step to take to attain peace." Valamar said before he closed his eyes for a while and looked to his father with a calm expression "Besides, I may have hard feelings thinking of the many lives to be lost in the coming times, but I think you are misunderstanding my main goals."


    "And what is that?"


    Valamar looked to the surroundings to make sure no unwanted ears were there to misunderstand him "The lives and prosperity of the Rumasilian peoples have always been my first and foremost priority."


    "As any good future Rumasilian King should have it."


    "The livelihoods of the Rumasilians come before all else. ''World peace'' is nice and all but at best wishful thinking to achieve that goal. The rest of the world can go down in flames but by God I''ll make it so should that happen, Rumasil alone stands strong amidst the chaos. I only hope none of the brave Rumasilians who give their lives in the wars to come do so in vain." Before he stood up and left, Valamar left one last remark "...But then again that''s if I become king which may not even come in the next half-century considering your health, hahaha. In the meantime, I''m just going to enjoy my time with my beautiful wife."


    "That was anticlimactic. You had me shivering there for a bit, little brother." Vera said


    "Little rascal. Go then, your wife must be missing you." Valasaire said with a slight smirk and a faint sense of pride around him as he saw his eldest son while slightly shaking his head as he saw his son left the throne room in a slightly carefree way.


    "Honestly, I thought I saw our father there just now, even if just for a split second." Valaron remarked that Valamar had looked similar to the late King Valasar


    "Olo. Maybe he can be the king that father always wanted and I never could be." Valasaire said


    "To achieve Rumasilian supremacy had always been father''s dream... But to achieve that dream and make it a reality is another matter entirely. I believe Valamar has the right mindset to bring Rumasil back to its past glory."


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "I hope so."


    "Well enough of this sad-talking, please!" Vera said as she hugged her father tightly and lay her head on his "Stop talking like you''re going away anytime soon! Like Valamar said, you still have until you''re a hundred!"


    "You never know, child." Valasaire said as he softly smiled while caressing Vera''s head "Don''t tell your siblings I told you this, for I will deny it and I stress again that I love you all just as much... but maybe I feel closer to you because you''re closer at home. Your younger siblings might have millenia to live but the both of us, we''re just regular people."


    "Awwww.... I knew it!" Vera said happily


    "Well, while you two have a sweet father-daughter moment, let me excuse myself as I have some reports to review. Goodnight, your majesties."


    "Goodnight, bapauda!" As she saw her uncle left Vera turned to her father who looked like he still had some things on his mind. Not wanting to bother him any further, Vera let go of her father and tried to excuse herself "Well, maybe I''ll excuse myself and give you some much needed space, papa."


    As Vera walked to leave the room, Valasaire unexpectedly held back her arm which surprised her. "Actually, Vera. I hope you don''t mind if you stay behind for a bit." Valasaire gestured to a chair for her to sit on "I have something important to talk to you about." Valasaire still had a calm tone but it was mixed with a bit of seriousness that made Vera a little uneasy


    "What is it, papa?" Vera asked, "What''s so important?"


    "How old are you now?" Valasaire asked to Vera''s confusion


    "Why are we getting on in age? You know my age I don''t need to tell you again. Papa, you know that''s a really rude question to ask a lady."


    "Just answer the question."


    "twenty...one¡­ish?"


    "You are the eldest among my children. And your mother and I care about you deeply. And I would like to think that we''ve been good parents."


    "Papa, can you get to the point, please? You''re honestly confusing me."


    "Songon i do, borukki (It¡¯s like this, my daughter). All of my sons are married... my youngest daughter is engaged... and-..."


    "Okay, papa, I think I get it now." The moment her father mentioned marriage, Vera slightly rolled her eyes as she realised she''s finally having ''the talk'' with her father. "You want me to get married, right? Is that what it is?"


    "Basically, yes. But again, I say to you, I don''t want to be forceful. I''m not here to force you to marry some bloody morbid and fat old bastard who''s been married five times, no. Of course not! But I can''t as a father just stand idly by without doing anything to leave you to your own devices without a clue. I just want you to tell me the truth, what do you want? Don''t keep such things from me or your mom. You''re free to confide within us..."


    Vera fell silent to her father''s questioning. She began pondering to herself, and she began recounting everything she''s been through and all things pertaining to this matter.


    "Is it that... you already have a certain man that you like and you''re just not telling me?" Valasaire asked


    "No, there''s no man I''m seeing..." Vera answered quickly while shaking her head


    "Oh dear God, no... Another... girl?" Valasaire gulped and began to feel nervous as he asked the question


    "What?! No!! Ewwww...!! What are you saying?" Vera replied even quicker and retorted in genuine shock "Tried that out, wasn''t for me."


    "Ohhh, Puji Tuhan, you had me worried there for a-... Wait, tried that out?"


    "It''s nothing! Pretend you''ve never heard that!"


    "I can''t even if I wanted to. Would you care to explain?!"


    "Look dad, it was at the barracks one night way back when we were still new recruits and maybe some of the girls might have sneaked in some alcohol one night and we may have possibly and irresponsibly under the influence and deep intoxication partook in some activity that I''d say would be less than proud to admit... But it never went anywhere, and we didn''t particularly enjoy it, I mean... it''s just some slight groping, maybe a little bit of rub-..."


    "Okay, I think I''ve heard enough from you. And I completely regret asking you that." Valasaire rubbed his eyes a little stressful "... alright, I''ve never heard you say that, you said nothing, and we weren''t discussing anything in particular about that. Anyways... So what is the problem?"


    Vera returned to a state of silence, but this time she looked at Valasaire a little more intently as it began to redden a bit.


    "Wait, why are you like that? What''s wrong?!" Valasaire noticing this sudden change immediately asked


    "What''s wrong is I''m not your real daughter and no matter how much you say I am, the blood that flows in me won''t be the same as the one that flows in my younger siblings!! The looks that the high noblemen give me when I sit next to you and mom and the rest! The thought that I''m not worth as much as my siblings! You don''t think I know why all those great nobles ask for Valerie''s hand first before they go to me?! And only the minor nobles actually go and look for me first? Look, I love Valerie, but what the hell?! God forgive me for my envy but am I not lying when I say that I cried the night after her surprise engagement! Where''s my prince charming?! Where''s my consideration?!!" Vera finally shouted in frustration


    "You don''t know what you''re saying. That''s a damned lie! You know full well that you had no shortage of suitors from the great houses! It''s your damned rule of dueling each and everyone of them that''s the problem! It''s Valerie who''d always been getting your scraps!" Valasaire said in a tone that was indicating for Vera to calm down but she was having none of it "But that''s besides the point. How many times do I have to tell you so that it could be understood by you that you are my daughter regardless of what others say! That was what I decreed personally when you were only so small and weren''t even able to talk properly yet!"


    "You may have decreed long ago that I am your daughter, but don''t think I don''t know the conversations behind my back! ¡®Ai bereng jo imana! Holan boru aing, boasa imana mangolu songon boruniraja na asli?! Sai tongtong ma hubege halak na mandok songon i!¡¯  It''s always the same conversations, ''oh look at that Vera, who does she think she is waltzing around as if she were a real princess! Why did the king take in a bastard daughter like that?"


    As soon as he heard her say ''bastard daughter'', Valasaire lost his calm facade and the look on his face was instead painted with that of shock. "Where did you hear that?!"


    "It doesn''t matter where, but what matters is I know! I wasn''t the daughter of Lady Theodosia Memnos, I have no Memnosian blood in me! I was a drunken mistake made one night at a damned brothel between the Great Lord Valarian and some half-wolf beastman girl! By all means my real father was in the clear wrong and he too was about to be punished if it weren''t for Lady Theodosia who begged for mercy on behalf of her husband! She didn''t die giving birth to me, she died giving birth to a stillborn son! I was left at the palace gates in the middle of the night where everyone was none-the-wiser! I was in a basket with a note left inside and only a genuine Valamen seal left inside as proof of my lineage... So there you have it! You thought I''d have never found out but I did! I''m just a bastard-born girl picked from the damned streets whose real mother didn''t even want her and whose original fate was to grow up in the slums and probably end up a whore."


    *Plop*. A sound could be heard as Valasaire slapped Vera right across her cheek with a power that was enough to leave a visible handprint and was quick enough so that she wasn''t able to dodge it. Suffice to say that the physical pain may be bearable but her surprise was unimaginable. Her father had never once before administered such discipline towards her. She was used to seeing her brothers being physically punished, but she was never on the receiving end until now.  Vera also realised the terrifying expression on her father''s face and she couldn''t handle it anymore as her red eyes had watered and the tears then flowed. The pain she felt in her heart was unbearable and she immediately dashed out of the room.


    ''W-wait!! Vera, don''t go! I''m so sorry!" Valasaire, who was filled with emotions, realised what he had just done on impulse so he called out to her daughter and tried to hold her but she was too quick this time and managed to exit the room


    Valasaire was completely at an end as to how to deal with the current problem he faced with his daughter. Guilt started to come up as he recalled the expression of pure shock on his daughter''s face as he struck her. In frustration he shouted and banged the table which showed a slight crack. He needed better control of his emotions, but more importantly, he needed to talk to his daughter and fix things.

 XXXVII - You Are My Daughter... pt. 2

    Vera had immediately rushed out of the war room and headed straight to her chambers while holding back her tears to save face in front of the guards and soldiers stationed along the hallways. When she arrived in front of her chambers, the guards were confused as to why she looked like that but she ignored them and entered while slamming the door to her chambers shut and locking it. She then proceeded to throw herself on the bed and cry her heart out.


    Vera was frustrated at how stupid and heated she was being and deep down realised she might have taken things a little too far, but every time she remembered the frustrated look on King Valasaire''s face when he struck her, she couldn''t contain her feelings. For as long as she was alive, she had never been struck by her father. All the disciplining was usually done by the queen-consort or the queen dowager and even then they never got too physical with only slight ear-pulling or the like.


    Right now, all she wanted was to be alone and cry herself to sleep. After about another half-hour of crying, her eyes and temples began to hurt a little as well as her nose being very runny and she had trouble breathing because of that. She always hated crying because of these things that would happen to her. When she began to calm a little and her sobbing began to quiet, she heard someone knocking on the door.


    "Don''t bother me!!" Vera cried out in annoyance as she thought it was just a maidservant or someone else.


    "Please open the door, Vera..." When she heard the king''s voice calling her, all the emotion started to come back. "It''s not good to nurture an argument for more than a day... And please, papa just wants to talk! I also want to say that I''m sorry for what I did. Please just let me in."


    When he heard nothing in response to his pleas, Valasaire sighed out as he knocked again.


    "Vera, you''re being very immature here." He said again as his face was against the door trying to hear a response "You''re over twenty now, dear, I think you''d be mature enough to talk things out in an adult manner."


    "I don''t wanna!!" finally a response "You''re just a big meanie!!"


    "Dear God, I think I spoiled you way too much." Valasaire said as he slightly smiled to himself while shaking his head hearing his daughter''s childish responses before he turned his body around and sat on the floor with his back leaning against her chamber doors.


    The guards outside felt awkward and uncomfortable seeing their king on the floor and being disrespected by the princess but Valasaire merely chuckled and asked one of them to get a bucket of ice along with a towel.


    "Are you still not going to open the doors?" Valasaire said "On the count of three, like it or not, I''m going to shoot the bloody locks on it and come in by force..."


    Of course Vera knew her father was just joking, but there was this feeling inside of her that she really felt bad and wanted to apologise. And so she took a deep breath, then let it out, then finally proceeded to open the door. What caught her by surprise was when she opened it abruptly, her father who was leaning against it had fallen on his back and now he was lying on the floor while staring at his daughter awkwardly with a cheeky grin.


    "About time!" Valasaire said as he got up "Oooh! I almost forgot..." He proceeded to pick up his pistol from the floor and put it back into its sheath as well as a bucket.


    Vera still put on an unamused expression as she blurted, "So what is it now?" In a slightly aggressive tone


    "Now, now. No using that sort of tone on me!" Valasaire said as he raised his hand.


    Vera instinctively raised her hands to protect herself as if she were ready for another hit, but to her surprise. she felt a cool sensation on the cheek where she was hit. She realised her father was compressing the place he had hit. Though it was slightly uncomfortable she started to calm down and sat down on the bed when Valasaire gestured for her to do so.


    "I''m sorry I hit you like that before... It was just... I-..." As Valasaire was fumbling about for an excuse, Vera had slightly grit her teeth and his paternal instincts shot up again "Oh no! Did I hurt you... I''m so sorry! I thought I was holding back it''s-..."


    "It''s okay... I''ve dealt with worse..." Vera said and finally some tears started to roll down her face again as she suddenly hugged Valasaire and buried her head in his chest and started to sob again "I''m so sorry! I''m so sorry papa! I didn''t mean what I said and I wasn''t thinking straight, please forgive me!"


    Valasaire merely nodded and held his daughter tightly. After a few minutes like that, the two sat down. Valasaire managed to wipe away her tears as she stopped crying.


    "Now you know that you are my beloved eldest daughter... And judging from how brave you acted, I may have been a little too lenient with you when you were growing up..." Valasaire said with a slight chuckle "What am I going to do with this headstrong little tigress... anyways, where did you find out... about your origins..?"


    "Some of the noble ladies were speaking in the night and I overheard. They probably found out from some maids or servants and the like..." Vera answered


    "Those bloody gossipers... Everyone who knew it was sworn to secrecy. But I guess the walls have ears. So, do you want to hear the full story?"


    "...I think I''d like to. I''m ready now..."


    "...Your uncle Valarian was a great warrior. One of the greatest we ever had, but he wasn''t much for the traditional rules. Though he tried his best to follow them. And he did truly love Lady Theodosia. But alas, just a few days after their marriage, some people from a certain brothel dared themselves to come at the gates of the royal palace and said one of their whores had birthed a child of the Valamen."


    "Needless to say, at the time, this caused quite the scandal within our family and an emergency meeting was called. You were born to a half-beast girl and the person who put you into her womb had stupidly left his family seal which was an authentic seal of the main branch. After an intense round of investigations, your uncle Valarian finally admitted to a drunken night of debauchery at a certain brothel and lo and behold, a beautiful baby girl was the product."


    "...How did his wife feel about that?" Vera asked


    "Surprisingly, she wasn''t really all that bothered. It happened before they were married and we had discovered that the woman who birthed you - Intan was her name - had died during the process of childbirth." Valasaire explained


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    "That''s so sad... Do you know anything else about the woman who gave birth to me?"


    "Not much really. She never really was a talker and had few friends in the brothel whom our soldiers could investigate. But the point is, Valarian and Theodosia were ready to adopt you as their own. You were baptised shortly after and do you know who came up with your name?"


    "Who did?"


    "Your mom did."


    "Mama Alessa? But how?"


    "Alessa always liked to stay at Rumasil and she was one of Theodosia''s closest friends and she made sure she always had a chance to play with you. She gave you your middle name ''Dinauli''  from an ancient Razyan ancestor and added ''Uli'' to it because she was convinced you''d turn out pretty."


    "But didn''t Lady Theodosia contract an unknown disease and died young?"


    "She did and you were barely a year old. Valarian was grief-stricken and the family had made a plan for you to be raised temporarily by one of the other branch families, but Alessa wouldn''t have any of that and insisted on being your caretaker. Giving you baths, feeding you, taking you everywhere with her. Your grandparents let her have her fun as they weren''t expecting anything odd to happen. In fact it was then you started calling her mama. After a bit of convincing and after we married, we officially made you our daughter. Your uncle hesitated for a bit but he knew you''d be better off with me raising you along with your mother."


    "You two have always been my parents..." Vera chuckled as she hugged Valasaire


    "And then the invasion at Hutalaut happened and the rest is history... But now you know, no matter what anyone says, the love we have for you is the real deal. And so what if we didn''t physically bring you into this world? Your mother and I were the ones who fed you, taught you, cared for you, loved you with all our beings..."


    "Yes, papa..." Vera said as she finally enjoyed the atmosphere of reminiscing with her father


    "My God, you were always such a headstrong girl. I remember when you were barely three years old and you said you wanted to try sleeping by yourself. And so we did let you but you didn''t give two shits about the guards and ran straight to our chambers in the middle of the night scared. You were scared to sleep in your room because you thought you saw a begu ganjang that was going to eat you up."


    "You were banging the doors so loudly yelling ''Ai mama! papa! Mabiar ma au! I''m scared...!" Valasaire continued


    "You don''t understand, papa! I really did see something!" Vera retorted


    "Yeah, I''m sure you did." Valasaire wasn''t too convinced "Luckily your mom was there to open the door and quickly calmed you down. You ended up hogging her all to yourself the entire night."


    "You sound less than pleased."


    "Well Valamar was sleeping in your ompung''s room, and because you wanted to sleep in your own room, your mother and I were busy making Vald and Valerie that night."


    "Ewwww! Papa!! Gross like eck-*puking*." Vera quickly said in disgust to whilst slightly punching Valasaire''s side to which he laughed out loud


    "Don''t worry, when you fell asleep, we got the job done in the dressing room. Hahahahhaha!!"


    "Oh Tuhan!!! Uggghhh!!" Vera couldn''t help but wince while holding her head in embarrassment.


    After that the two continued to laugh and reminisce. Finally when everything was calm, Vera decided to speak up about the earlier issue.


    "...So about this marriage." Vera finally started talking about this important issue "Who is it? Did Ferdinand Sianakranu come for my hand again?"


    "No, it''s no one who''s previously challenged you before... On one hand this might be a wish come true, but on the other hand, this might cause you to hate me more." Valasaire said to which Vera couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow.


    "You might have to retire early from the Boruniruma." Valasaire said being prepared for another fit from his daughter but to his surprise, she was actually quietly contemplating.


    "You took that a little better than I hoped you would." Valasaire said, breaking the silence


    Vera finally spoke up, "To be honest dad, I''ve realised sooner or later I''d have to leave the Boruniruma. I don''t have the aptitude to continue on to become grandmaster and I don''t want to be stuck as a captain for my entire life. I also don''t really have the patience to go through all their bloody ceremonies."


    "You''ve only just realised that now, pumpkin?" Valasaire half-jokingly said


    "Don''t get me wrong, I love my sisters there but after seeing Valerie leaving for her Prince charming with no regrets then maybe, it''d be nice to have that as well, y''know."


    "Awwww.... Just look at my sweet little daughter getting all sentimental." Valasaire pinched her cheeks as he laughed "My rockheaded little baby, thinking about her future..."


    "Alright already! Now just tell me who this suitor is, papa! Are you trying to kill me with curiosity?"


    "You''re not a cat are you?"


    "Well considering my birth mother, I might?" Vera joked to which Valasaire couldn''t contain his chuckle


    "Anyways. This is also in part to pay off a bit of me and your mother''s past mistake. His Majesty, Jan III, the King of Slavsnik has offered for the renewal of the bonds between Slavsnik and Rumasil by having his eldest son, Crown Prince Aleksey Wladwiqi, betrothed to you..."


    Hearing the news, Vera couldn''t help but be dumbfounded and surprised. An actual crown prince of a major kingdom actually wanted to marry her. Granted, it was the King of Slavsnik forcing this upon his son, but still.


    "You''re not joking, right? An actual prince wants my hand in marriage?" Vera asked to make sure


    "I wouldn''t be joking about things like this. And don''t worry his father assures me that it was the Prince himself who asked for it and that he has no lingering feelings for anyone."


    "Good. I really don''t want what you did to that Slavic princess to be done to me..."


    Valasaire was wide-eyed in shock before he sheepishly smiled. "Don''t worry. He agreed to the dueling requirements. You can give him a good thrashing before accepting the proposal just to show ''em who''s boss."


    "Ahahaha... You know I will..."


    "Just beware. If his father''s personality is anything to go by, best be careful. I don''t really want to start a war with the Slavs but if they do anything to hurt you, I swear I will piss on the burning ruins of Stanisgrat."


    "My father, always my hero."


    "You best remember that. Always. Anyways, get some sleep. God willing we''ll be returning either tomorrow or the day after. Frankly I''m a little frustrated and I need to see your mother to let off some of this steam." Valasaire smirked


    "Alright, I think that''s enough." Vera immediately distanced herself and pulled up the bed sheets as she got ready to sleep and her father also made his way to the door


    "I''ll be leaving this bucket here in case you need a cold wash to freshen up. Good night, sweetie." Valasaire said before giving a final kiss on Vera''s forehead


    "Goodnight, papa." Vera said with a content feeling in her heart


    As soon as Valasaire left the room he was met by his two sons standing there in front of the room with serious expressions on their faces.


    "Why aren''t you two in your chambers yet?" Valasaire asked nonchalantly "What? Do you two want to be tucked into bed too? If so then you can piss off. No way in hell am I going to do that."


    At first the king chuckled, but when he saw his sons still with serious expressions on their faces, he knew something was wrong. "What''s the matter?"


    "Bapauda had this message delivered to him just recently. He''s back in the war council room along with Kings Esteban and John. Some of the generals are already there." Valamar said as he handed a letter over to his father.


    When he read its contents, his expression immediately became serious as well and they immediately rushed off.

 XXXVIII - Dawn of War pt. 1

    Valasaire frowned greatly as he read the letter and his expression grew dark. The letter was penned personally by his wife and attached together with the letter by his wife were other reports from military officers which had an alarming tone to them. The date on the letter showed that it was penned on the 19th of Septimus 1589 AGW, so it was around two weeks since then. The reports attached to it were a bit more than a week before that, so the information here was already almost a month old.


    The letter looked like it was penned in a hurry as the queen''s handwriting wasn''t as neat as it usually is. The letter read,


    "Dear husband,


    I hope you are fine on your campaign and by the time this letter reaches you, I hope you''re already on your way home. I dread to tell you of this bad news, dear husband, but it is something of immense gravity and because of that, I can not afford to spend time on pleasantries.


    A Latinite fleet has been spotted sailing towards our Northern shores not too long ago and I have attached reports to their movements which threaten our sovereignty over the recently subdued Aerthil. What''s more worrying is that along with those ships were spotted ships flying the Wesjermanian and Parisian flags as well.


    I have already dispatched our northern fleet to stand at the ready, but this I fear is a blatant act of hostility towards us and I think war will soon be upon us. I worry for my homeland in these times, but more so for Rumasil. Dear husband, I really miss you and I don''t think I can handle these matters on my own. Please come home soon along with the rest of our family.


    Yours Always, Aly"


    While making haste towards the war room along with his two sons, Valasaire had read the reports which were attached and they gave estimates to a fleet of a few dozen ships. He knew from this that it was merely a probing amount compared to the combined number of ships in the Latinite fleet, but it was enough to stir up trouble in the Northern oceans as the Rumasilian fleet there, though fairly strong, wasn''t as well-equipped or as hardened as the southern one. He was praying that by the time they returned home, the situation wouldn''t be as dreadful as he thought.


    When they reached the war room, they saw Valaron, John, Esteban, as well as other generals and military officers already sitting with a map of Terra already laid out on the table as well as a handful of reports and letters.


    "So how''s the situation, really?" Valasaire said, motioning to his spymaster Valaron for quick information


    "I suddenly regret coming along on this campaign..." Valaron said in a melancholic tone before turning serious "I have also only just received full reports on our allies'' situations as well. Judging by the reports, the Northern fleet should be able to ward off any probing vessels, but if the Latinites are committed to taking Aerthil especially with the help of the Parisians and Wesjermanians, there isn''t much we can do. I trust in the skills of our Admiral Hans Siyesaya to make his own judgements when needed, but again the northern fleet wouldn''t be able to withstand a committed assault for long."


    "What of our allies? How is the Latin Empire maneuvering their forces while being suppressed by Auros and the Vasilians?"


    "One of the reports here says that the Arastian King has managed to be convinced by Emperor Valerius to put pressure on Vasilia''s southern borders. Emperor Valerius has sent one of his daughters to be married off to the Arastian Crown Prince, solidifying an alliance as well as a helpful dowry towards Arasteo. The Goramarians have also been reported to be aiding the Arastians and Latinites in surpressing the Vasilians."


    "Damn it! Always working with the damned pagans to ruin everything..." Valasaire cursed


    "I have also just gotten these reports straight from our networks in Auros, Germania, and Florentia."


    "What do they say?"


    "Florentia''s strength is recovering but they are yet able to provide any major support towards offensive actions, though due to geography and their recent treaty with Lothiria, they aren''t quite in the precarious situation and should be able to financially help by the next year. Germania, however, is in a state of alert as their treaties with Wesjermania and Parii are coming to an end by the end of this year. The Germanians are shielded to the north by the orcs but the Miyazu shogunate has been mobilizing troops towards the Black Mountains. Germania, Karlreich, as well as the Kaenian Elves have already dispatched limited aid troops to support the Orcish Confederation."


    "And what of the situation in Auros?"


    "The good news is the war with the Razyan is coming to an end as Zunor has capitulated and the Razyan King is negotiating peace with Auros. The not so very good news is the Aurosian colonies on Elvios are once again being threatened by Andariil-Dunhaire and the western border with the Latinites is once again becoming lively. After a truce has been brokered with Razatnar, Manuel will be deploying his troops to the Latin borders."


    "Aerland is the least affected here, I guess." King John said as he rubbed his temples "Christopher..."


    "Yes, father?" the prince asked


    "You follow the Rumasilians along with your personal fleet to help aid your uncle against the Latinites. Valasaire, I hope that could help you at least a little. I need to keep a sizable fleet in the Provarian Oceans as well. If things are as bad as this, I''m damn sure those Taberonians are going to join in the fun."


    "I will do as you say, father." Christopher answered


    "Also, I might not be able to make it to the wedding of Princess Valerie and Prince Albert, but my son here will be my representative if that were to be the case, though I will do everything in my power to attend." John continued to which Christopher merely raised an eyebrow "Well, I''ve made a promise to the German King that you''re going to marry his daughter. Might as well have you meet her and test the waters a little."


    "Then that settles that." Valasaire said as he knocked on the table "At once, we shall begin preparations to return to our homeland!"


    The next day, at midday, the Rumasilian and Aerlish navies along with their armies had quickly departed from Valencei while King Esteban and his royal court made preparations to move to the new capital of Siesia.


    After bidding their farewells, the large fleet set sail.


    ***


    It was already the beginning of Novemus when King Valasaire and his retinue had arrived at the city of Rumasil. It was quite quick, only taking a month as they had ridden the fastest vessel in the fleet while a good portion of the southern fleet immediately headed for the Northern Oceans through the Great Kaios Canal.


    Because of favorable wind conditions and the speed of the vessel, King Valasaire had arrived a week ahead of schedule and because the message he had sent to his wife on his arrival only got to the palace a week prior and so no one in the capital had expected the King to have arrived. This greatly surprised the palace workers and servants as well as all the officials.


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    The palace however was quieter than usual and when King Valasaire inquired one of the officials as to the situation and asked where his wife was, he was surprised to hear that the Queen was receiving official dignitaries from the Latin Empire, the Kingdom of Parii, as well as the Kingdom of Wesjermania. Hearing this, the King immediately bolted towards the great throne room leaving a good number of the retinue behind.


    When he reached the grand doors of the throne room, he could already hear people talking. The guards at the doors who were surprised at the sudden return of their monarch immediately moved to open the doors and get the herald to announce the king''s arrival, but all of a sudden, he stopped them and instead chose to quietly enter the throne room without having to notify anyone. Soon, Valaron followed behind Valasaire as he caught up with him. They had managed to get inside and while some officials and noblemen were surprised, Valasaire motioned for them to keep quiet.


    "Why exactly are we sneaking around like this, abang? (older brother)" Valaron asked with slight curiosity


    "I just want to see how these pricks are going to posture in front of my wife." Valasaire said as he saw his wife sitting so regally on her throne with his empty throne next to her with a calm expression on her face "My God, Is she beautiful. I''m so lucky I chose her as my queen."


    Valaron only smiled awkwardly as he saw his older brother fawning over the queen as if they had just been married a few days ago.


    Queen Alessa was currently facing three distinguished looking men in fancy clothing. The first of the men stepped forward. He was wearing the standard garments of the time, the usual apparel any self-respecting Terran noble would like the two other men besides him but distinguished by the fact that he was draped in an exquisite-looking scarlet robe with fancy trimmings at its edges. This was the evolved ''toga'', a cloak-like cloth, commonly worn amongst the upper-class of Latin society.


    "I give sincere greetings to Your Majesty, the most noble and lovely Queen-consort of Rumasil as Lady Regent of Rumasil." the middle-aged man with a large diagonal scar on his face said as he bowed and did his best to use the most respectful tone he could muster followed by the two men behind him who also bowed "I apologize for the rush I came here with which didn''t even allow the herald to introduce me. I am-..."


    "Caesar Marcus Felix Constantius" Alessa finished the man''s introduction for himself "What honor do we have here for the brother of Emperor Valerius himself to come all the way to Rumasil."


    "I''m surprised Your Majesty would know of me..." Lord Marcus said


    "Well of course." Alessa said with a smile but her eyes grew cold when she spoke, "My father would always tell me the story of his victory at the Antonine hills where he slashed your face and sent the Latin army running back to Novum Aeus with their tails between their legs..."


    When the queen said that, the expression on Lord Marcus''s face grew dark and the other two dignitaries unsightly. Valasaire and Valaron stifled some of their laughter at the queen''s remark. Leave it to an Aurosian to insult a Latinite at any chance they get. However, the Latin emissary merely kept his emotion in check and continued to speak.


    "I thank your majesty for reminding me of such a tragic time when war embroiled our two nations." Lord Marcus said "Which brings us to what we want to discuss now."


    "Which is?" Alessa asked


    "We ask that Rumasil immediately remove their presence from continental Ayros and secede their colonies there to the Kingdom of Wesjermania. Besides that we beseech Rumasil to cease their trade with the Raemusian Elves and in return we in Wesjermania, Parii, as well as the Glorious Latin Empire will gladly engage in open trade with Rumasil and benefits shall be given to merchants of the Almarian Kingdom. We also would like for Rumasil to resign from the pact between the nations of Auros, Germania, Florentia, and Aerland."


    Caesar Marcus continued to go on with further absurd demands on the Rumasilian kingdom and it showed on his face as he read the demands that he didn''t expect for them to be met. The Aura of the room became thicker and darker as the many proud Rumasilian nobles were starting to seethe with anger. Some were even jeering and shouting. The look on Marcus''s face showed that he was expecting as much. Only an inbred idiot would ever agree to such preposterous demands. Negotiations were never on the table to begin with.


    "These demands are preposterous! No sane man would accept any of them!" A voice shouted from the crowd of nobles


    "Latin Pigs! Dibuat Sibolis do ho sude!! ( The devil take you all!)"


    "They make a mockery of our dignity! Throw them out!!"


    Soon the room was no longer conducive as the  Rumasilian nobles were getting more rowdy with their jeers and insults. The Haraldic Wesjermanian dignitary was starting to get nervous at the atmosphere but his Parisian colleague only looked at the sight in disdain.


    "Mon Dieu!, As expected from a culture of savages!" the Parisian dignitary shouted back "You fools make a mockery of the gentry and the nobility! Uncivilised behaviour no better than from commoners!" The crowd hearing these insults looked like they were about to burst in anger, some even motioning towards their weapons.


    As the crowd was getting more out of hand, Alessa finally raised her hand to silence the hall and seeing this the throne room nearly instantly quieted down.


    With a stern and serious look on her face, the Queen asked "And what if we refuse your terms?"


    "Then we are left with no choice but to settle our disputes by means of force." Marcus said in an equally solemn and serious tone


    The throne room fell to whispers and murmurs at the turn of course the meeting was heading on. Most had assumed the signing of the Rumasil Pact would agitate Terra, but none were expecting a response this quick. Finally, looking at the situation beforehand, Valasaire walked out of the crowd and into the center of attention.


    "Rumasil does not delight in the sufferings of war." Valasaire said calmly to the surprise of almost everyone in the room including Queen Alessa as well as the foreign dignitaries there. "But do not mistake that for weakness!"


    The people gasped as they saw their King had returned from his campaign. Some of the foreign dignitaries did not realise who Valasaire was having never seen his portrait before.


    "Who are you-..." Marcus muttered trying to piece together who this person was


    "My dear wife, have these gentlemen here been bothering you?" Valasaire said audibly towards Queen Alessa as he walked towards his throne, passing by the foreign dignitaries as if they were little more than dust


    "Dear Husband! You''ve returned!" Alessa said in a surprised manner as she got up from her seat, wanting to rush at her husband but she resisted the urge. Valasaire had walked up to his throne and held her hand before giving his wife a light kiss on the forehead and the two sat back together on their thrones.


    "I''ve heard all that you people have to demand." King Valasaire said in such a serious tone "And all that you have said I consider an insult upon the honor and dignity of this most ancient palace and a spit upon the face of me and all my predecessors!"


    Valasaire then slouched forwards and pointed towards Marcus "Tell your emperor this when I send you back to that rat-infested city you call home."


    "Rumasil is a sovereign nation! Your emperor holds no authority over us here! Such presumption to threaten our kingdom with such an insult. If you think you can do anything about us militarily, you are very welcome to try. If you Latinites were even half a man, you would come here without posturing and declare war on us without any false pretenses! That goes the same for you two! Give the exact same message to the Wesjermanian King and the King of Parii! And you best remember this, gentlemen. Don''t ever try to flaunt your superiority in these ancient halls ever again. No Latinite army has ever managed to come close to storming these walls and not even the first empire managed to subdue the Almarian people by force!" As Valasaire said this, the throne room erupted into loud roars of cheering.


    "I hope your majesty doesn''t come to regret your decision!" Marcus said as he and the other dignitaries were getting ready to leave the throne room


    "I hope your emperor doesn''t come to regret his." Valasaire smirked "War is coming. I hope your people are ready to bear its consequences."


    Caesar Marcus merely slightly bowed with a scowl on his face before he turned and left. As the entourage were leaving, Valaron stood up and led the Rumasilian nobles in singing a mourning hymn to symbolise their mocking of the Latinite threat.


    After the Latinite entourage left, Valasaire continued to deal with matters of the court before dismissing it early and calling for an urgent council meeting at the Grand Council Chambers at the far wing of the palace. Terra will be facing its greatest calamity yet.

 Volume Finale - Dawn of War pt. 2

    The grand halls of the council room were majestic and was spherical in shape with the roof being a dome shape with many frescoes painted upon it depicting a scene of the King with many of his councilors attending a meeting. The room was structured in a way where the council members were all seated in a large circle with several layers of elevation going downwards. Across the main doors to the room was a large throne where the King sat and below it two other thrones, one for the heir apparent and one more for the queen-consort or regent.


    There were a total of a few hundred seats in the Grand Council halls. The great council of Rumasil was an institution created during the times of the Rumasilian Empire where the rule of its vast territories couldn''t be handled by the King-Emperor and his small council alone. The council was the main legislative body of the Kingdom of Rumasil, being able to create laws and advise the King in his governing. The King of Rumasil has absolute power over his kingdom but even the king had to show an amount of reverence to the Grand Council and its process.


    It had been almost two weeks since the Latin-Parisian-Wesjermanian delegation had left Rumasil to report back to their respective monarchs. In the time between, Valasaire had sent word to all members of the Grand Council as well as representatives from the various provinces of the kingdom for a special meeting to be convened.


    Valasaire also got word that the majority of the Rumasilian Navy had already taken position near the Port-City of Torulaut, one of Rumasil''s remaining colonies on the shores of Western Ayros. The appearance of the Large Rumasilian navy bolstered with the addition of several Aerlish and Provarian vessels startled the Latin coalition ships in the area forcing them to stay their hands in the meantime.


    The seats in the room were finally filled. Valasaire sat with his wife and eldest son at his sides. All representatives from the provinces, the great houses, the Church, the military, and the civil institutions among others. The Rumasilian state usually has a yearly gathering to discuss all the grave matters within the state at the start of each year. However, during dire circumstances, the King has the right to convene a special grand council usually during times of crisis or war.


    The council was started by a short hymn and liturgy before a prayer as is the Rumasilian custom. It was led by Cardinal Marsinondang. An old nobleman who sat on a seat in front and lower than the King acted as the speaker of the council who led the proceedings first with addressing the important members of the council. Finally came the time for the King to address the council.


    "Horas ma di hita saluhutna, angka jolma na ro marpungu dison dibagasan haramotian Debata Jahowa na tasomba marhitehite AnakNi Tuhan Sipaluanta Jesus Kristus." The King started with a common greeting


    "Horas!" Everyone answered


    "Firstly, I would like to apologise for having you all esteemed ladies and gentlemen of the council to be summoned to this extraordinary meeting in such short circumstances but I assure you we are facing dire circumstances."


    Valasaire walked off of his throne to the podium in the middle of the room to orate.


    "I come here to inform you all that the Empire of the Latinites have finally started to posture at us! Barging in on our sovereign lands like they own the bloody place! My lords and ladies, this will not stand. They think us weak and exhausted after our war with the Gissario, but as we all can see that is far from the truth! In fact we are doing better than ever! The riches of gold and silver now diverted to us from the former Provarian colonies of Tanodao have helped us a great deal to sustain developments in the provinces while the riches of the Gissario have aided in the pensions of the families of our fallen heroes.


    The Latin Legions seek to come and rob us and to try and get us out of our lands in Ayros! All just so Emperor Valerius can appease his newfound masters in Parii and Wesjermania. Ladies and gentlemen of the council, set aside the fact that we are allies with some of the most powerful nations on the face of Terra, our power alone I believe is adequate enough to deal with the ilk of the Empire of Novum Aeus. But considering the combined powers of three nations now threaten us, I believe it would come to stress our economy a fair bit. Are there any suggestions or opinions from the council?"


    As the king asked this, a young nobleman dressed in official military attire raised his hand.


    "Yes, the Lord-General Hasiholan Togahisar may make his statement." Lord Wilem Silamen, the leader of the proceedings said


    "Thank you, your majesty for the opportunity to speak.'''' The general said "I represent the most esteemed military of the 3rd division of the Ayrosian Legion. We in Ayros are militarily undermanned and while I understand our navy has arrived to aid defend our island holdings from the combined Wesjermanian and Latin navies. However I find need to remind the lords and ladies of this council that should the Wesjermanians and Parisians launch a combined strike at our mainland holdings especially after Lord Lasarus''s rebellion which greatly weakened the Legion''s strength, I''m afraid we can''t hold on."


    "Then may I ask what you are suggesting, general?" The King asked with intrigue


    "I only ask for reinforcements, Your Majesty."


    King Valasaire nodded as he then turned his attention to the seated leaders of the Great Houses.


    "In these dire times, may I beseech the Great Lords to aid the military by lending your personal regiments to this cause."


    The great lords stood up and bowed signifying their compliance to the order of the king. Each of the seven great houses of Rumasil had their own personal guard forces numbering around ten thousand soldiers compared to the hundreds of thousands of the standing army.


    "I am mainly asking for Lord Josua Silamen of Tanomudar to help aid General Hasiholan in his efforts in defending our holdings in Ayros." Valasaire said to which the Great Lord agreed immediately before bowing his head.


    "Also concerning the issue of this war and to gather support from our allies, I would also like to inform you all that I along with my family would be leaving at the end of the year after christmas as we would be traveling to Germania City for the second meeting of our alliance. More nations have shown their sympathy and interest in our alliance and will also be sending delegations to Germania to discuss further interactions. Prince Valaron, if you would be so kind as to inform the council of who would be coming in attendance besides the nations already in the pact."


    "Yes, Your majesty." Valaron said as he took out a parchment and began to read it "The nations coming to the second gathering are among others, The Elven Lordship of Kaena in Dorinhar, The Kingdom of Tomasz, The Elven Republic of Raemus, the Tsardoms of Loskawy and Vasilia, the Orcish Federation, as well as the other states that are in subordination or already in alliances with the members of the pact."


    Hearing the success of the pact, the council clapped their hands. After the applause died down, Valasaire continued his speech.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Although this is a great success and many of the great powers of Terra are on our side, many more have chosen to stand against us. As we have seen most clearly, the Latin Empire is already poised for attack along with the indignants of Wesjermania and Parii. But besides that, some other states have shown apprehensiveness to our pact and have taken it as a clear threat to their interests. The Empire of Kyusho under their military dictator have shown airs of sympathy towards the Latin cause and are looking to expand their boundaries downward towards the orcish cities and eventually Germania. Our further colonies in Pulcharia as well as Niros are under threat from the Moslems as well. The new caliphate is putting on airs of invincibility and we can only hope to rely on the efforts of the crusaders to hold them back for now."


    "Therefore, I would like to currently open our discussions on our plans for the near future. In doing so I have devised a rough guideline on what I hope our nation can achieve. Firstly is the most pressing matter of the Latinite and Parisio-Wesjermanian aggression. To strengthen our defenses, as was suggested earlier, the Silamen noble legion will be sent to reinforce the colonies in Ayros while Tanomudar will be defended by the garrison division. Now, to the domestic matters, I require a team to be quickly sent to the new colonies in Destairos that we got from the Provarians and have the yearly income be properly recorded. For the defense of the new colonies, King Esteban has agreed to transfer over the authority of the native legions of the colonies over to us so we only need to get the soldiers there used to the new administration along with a retraining of their officers at our military academies in Destairos."


    Valamar felt a great awe as he saw his father dealing with stately matters. A determination grew in his heart to further study the situation of his country and to further his studies of statecraft as he took notes all throughout the meeting. Alessa who saw her son so filled with passion smiled as she rubbed his head which caused minor embarrassment in Valamar.


    Valasaire continued to lay the plans he and his ministers had designed for the duration of the week before. There, the council modified, added to, and even vetoed some of the things there and finally after the sky grew dark and it was almost midnight, the meeting for the day concluded. After another few days, the council meeting was finally adjourned and new resolutions were put forth and ratified by the council. The criers and heralds of Rumasil went to all the corners of the Empire bearing the King''s most important message to be announced along with the other resolutions of the council. The following day, the public square which the palace deck of Rumasil overlooks was filled to the brim with people, the common citizenry as the crowd was also guarded by soldiers to keep the peace.


    There besides the guard stood the all important members of the great council along with the rest of Rumasil''s nobles and officials. On the palace deck stood strong and firm King Valasaire along with his family and most important retainers, dressed in their best clothes. An official announcement was about to be revealed from the king''s own mouth, an event which only happens on the most important of times.


    Valasaire walked to the edge of the deck in the full view of his people. As the crowd saw him, their king, in his majesty looking upon them, the noise amongst them instantly quieted down as they were eager to receive the news. Soon the trumpets and traditional drums sounded as a short ceremony was held before the announcement followed by the singing of a few hymns by everyone there.


    Princess Cassandra stood next to her husband as she heard the crowd follow in song, dividing their voices spontaneously into bass, tenor, and the rest. Giving the acapella singing a surreal vibe to it.


    "I''ll never get over how talented you people are at singing..." Cassandra said


    "When our child is born, I want you to sing this hymn for him." Valamar said as the song that was being sung was one of his favourites. Cassandra nodded as she smiled while ever so subtly laying her head on Valamar''s shoulders.


    After the song was done, Valasaire finally began to speak.


    "Marhitehite Goarni Tuhanta Debanta Jahowa, dohot AnakNi Tuhan Sipaluanta Jesus Kristus, dohot Tondi Parbadia na adong di bagasan rohanta sude dison, hupasahat ma tu hamu sude Horas!! ( By the Name of the Lord Our God, and His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy ghost that resides in us all, I give you welcome!)" The King said in his loudest voice which was specifically enhanced by the architecture of the place.


    "Horas!" The crowd shouted back


    "My people, my brothers and sisters, my family whom I love with the love of God. A few weeks ago, our nation''s dignity had been spat upon! Many of you may have already known what had happened but to those who don''t, some noble but misguided gentlemen had arrived in our great city and proceeded to relay unto us a message from their sovereign monarchs... The message which was a blatant threat to our sovereignty! Who do those bastards think they are?! I''ll ask you all now, my people, do we fear any mere mortal kingdom on Terra?"


    The crowd of thousands replied with jeers and disaprooval.


    "Of course not! We laugh at the attempt of the Latin Emperor to scare the likes of us honest folk into submission like we were some minor nation. I tell you all it should be them who fear us! During the great war a millenia back, it was the armies of Rumasil who marched on the gates of Novum Aeus and I believe doing it again would not be beyond the realms of possibility especially for the likes of us noble folk. The Kingdoms of Wesjermania and of Parii as well are of little consequence to us. It makes no difference the aid they provide towards the Latinites as they are nothing compared to our righteous might!"


    Valasaire continued ever so passionately, "They dared to threaten us by parading their navy around our shorelines, well I tell you all that they will rue the day they came to posture against us. My people, we do not need to wait for the Latinites to strike us first in acting upon their threat for today as is the decision by our great council, I, by the power vested in me by God and our Kingdom, declare a state of war upon the Latin Empire, nulling the treaty of Anteokheia, and upon the Kingdom of Wesjermania, and the Kingdom of Parii... So help us our great God."


    The crowd cheered upon the announcement of war as they clapped and roared. A glorious victory awaits in the eyes of the Rumasilian people. Valasaire raised his hand to settle the crowd.


    "And I can promise you this..." Valasaire continued "By God, we will sink the entirety of the Latinite fleet to the bottom of the Northern oceans by the new year! We will show the Latinites what it means to awaken the slumbering tiger! They will be in for a rude awakening! Sul Vala! Puji Jahowa!"


    "Sul Vala! Puji Jahowa!" The crowd shouted back before erupting into another round of applause and cheer. After that, they were led in singing another hymn before the crowd dispersed.


    ***


    At the Imperial palace of Novum Aeus, an elderly man was sitting upon his throne. He was Valerius III, Emperor of the Latinites. The air in the room was thick as news had just arrived to the Emperor that the Rumasilians had immediately declared war upon his Empire as well as the Kingdoms of Parii and Wesjermania. Not long after that, a messenger arrived bearing news that his fleet in the Northern Oceans had immediately been engaged by the Rumasilian navy.


    The Emperor had intended to provoke Rumasil into minor actions of denouncing or trade embargoes but he did not expect for the Rumasilians to just completely nullify the forty year truce after the last war even though there was still a couple of years left to go.


    Soon, an official diplomat from Rumasil had arrived at the palace throne room accompanied by a squadron of the most elite Rumasilian fighters from the army and the daughters of Ruma, all fair looking young men and women in the best armour Rumasil had to offer all to impress and command awe from the nobles of the Latin Empire. Two other dignitary squadrons had been sent to the Kingdom of Parii and Wesjermania, all bearing the same news. That war was upon them.


    ¡°And so, by the Grace of God Almighty invested in me, I, Valasaire XIX, King of Rumasil and of all the Halak, Great Lord of Tanodao, Great Suzerain of the Provarian Isles, King of Tanolaut, Tanomudar, Tanobarat, and Tanotimur, due to the grievances that has built up in recent years with your nation¡¯s blatant provocations and posturing, declare that a state of war exists between all my realms and that of the Empire of the Latinites.¡± As the messenger said that, he rolled back the parchment and gave a final bow to the Latin Emperor.


    The declaration of war lacked any superficial boasting and so the Latin nobles could not jeer much at the sudden situation. The Rumasilian delegation merely called upon the charter of the Great War that guaranteed the safety of messengers before they had asked to leave the presence of the Latin Emperor to which they were granted an escort outside of Latin Territory.


    After a while, the Emperor breathed a sigh before saying in a solemn tone, "War is upon us, my precious citizens. We must ready the legions for it."