Time flew by in what felt like only a week.
Four months had passed since Nahka fell to Cassiel, making Cassiel the sole leader of Rampiel.
Within the four months, Cassiel, The royals under him, Albus, and the Sanguine Blades, had all fully recovered.
Although much had changed, Cassiel's goal hadn't, the cleansing of Rampiel was just one step towards his main mission.
The common folk of Rampiel had almost completely finished rebuilding all of the cities, as Bagnion was still under immense repair.
Aurei Antiacus, who had previously fought Cassiel and his party in Anvilius, had returned with three others, all equal to Aurei in power.
They would soon become some of the strongest pillars to support Rampiel.
.....
.....
Knocks on the door would interrupt Cassiel as he was in the middle of his night meditation, yet still he'd stand up to answer.
Opening the door, Albus greets Cassiel, before walking in as Ophelia follows close behind, holding his hand.
Glancing down at their clasped hands, Cassiel slips a small smirk at Ophelia.
"It seems your guts recovered enough to finally tell him, Ophelia." Cassiel teases, laughing in joy.
Looking down in embarrassment, Ophelia's cheeks blush a bright red as Albus joins Cassiel in his laughter.
"Actually," Albus chimes in, cutting out his laughter, "I asked her to be mine."
Surprised, Cassiel congratulates Albus, before finally asking what it is they needed.
"Well, sir king sir, we thought it'd be good to get you out and ready." Albus announces, smiling.
"Ready? For what?" Cassiel questions, his curiosity peaking.
"It's a surprise, just dress nice and thank me later." Albus responds, before stepping out of the room with Ophelia.
"We'll be right outside waiting." Albus states, shutting the door behind himself.
'A surprise, huh?' Cassiel thinks to himself while looking through his large wardrobe.
'Now that I think about it, Hildric should be done with my armor by now, I'll make sure to stop by.'
.....
.....
Walking down the hall with Albus and Ophelia, their steps echo through the building, before they stop, meeting Kislev, Elysia, and Mihr, who all came along with Albus and Ophelia.
Proudly staring at his friends, Cassiel takes in the sight of their power, feeling comfort now that all of the royals are finally nearing his current strength.
.....
After greeting the others, they go to walk outside, and as Kislev opens the doors for them all, Cassiel is utterly bewildered by the sight of thousands of vampires waving various lights around as they waited in anticipation for his arrival.
As cheers echo throughout the night sky, Cassiel slowly steps down the stairs, walking through hundreds of his loyal subjects.
That was when it finally hit him. He was receiving his people's gratitude for their saving. It was a feeling unbeknownst to him as he had lived half his life in captivity, and the other half as a warrior under his father.
He was finally realizing what it meant to be a king; a leader for the people who cannot pick up a blade.
.....
.....
The night carried on with a party and a feast to pair.
Cassiel, surrounded by his friends and people, had never felt a greater joy in his life.
A joy so great, he had forgotten about all the issues troubling him at the moment.
'Where is Falvi? What happened to Barakiel? What's the next step after Bagnion is rebuilt? How will I beat Rael? When will I recover my previous power? What happened to Thain's body? Where is Nathan Nykos?'
Those were just a few of the thoughts that plagued Cassiel's mind every day, yet despite the great hold they had over his head, those thoughts were put to rest just for this night, all so he could enjoy this time, even if it was just a fleeting moment in his long life span.
.....
"Hey, Cassiel!" Elysia shouts, peering in from behind.
Turning his head to the side to glance at Elysia, Cassiel smiles at her as he continues to sit, before putting down a drink.
"Yes, Elysia? What is it?" Cassiel questions, curious what would have her shouting with a grin plastered on her face.
Leaning in, Elysia whispers something into Cassiel's ear, before snickering alongside him.
Quickly standing up in agreement, Cassiel leaves his drink behind as he walks behind Elysia.
"I suppose you're right, we haven't quite congratulated them on their heroic actions.
.....
Walking up to a small, yet glamorous barracks, Cassiel and Elysia wait in front of the door after knocking.
Answering the door, Esk meets Cassiel's gaze, before an excited look spreads across his face.
"Ah! My king, is there something you need from us? Yuon and Pam are out currently, but Thern is here!" Esk announces in a stoked tone.
Smiling, Cassiel nods his head.
"Put on something nice. Tell Thern to do the same, we'll be right here waiting."
Confused, Esk bows his head before shutting the door behind him, only to come back out five minutes later.
"My king." Thern greets, bowing his head to Cassiel.
"Come along with us, you two. It's going to be a long night to remember." Elysia grins, walking back towards the party.
.....
After making it back to the party, Cassiel wastes no time, ordering both Thern and Esk to follow him as he walks up top a platform with the two of them.
Taking in a deep breath, Cassiel's mana begins flowing around himself, before he finally releases the air inside of him.
"ATTENTION BE HERE, MY PEOPLE!" Cassiel's voice bellows through the party, stopping it in it's tracks as all the vampires go silent, turning to look at Cassiel, Thern, and Esk.
Cold sweat drips down Thern's face as he realizes what's about to happen.
"THESE LOYAL WARRIORS BY MY SIDE PLAYED A CRUCIAL PART IN OUR FINAL EXCURSION TO CLEANSE RAMPIEL OF IT'S FAKE KING! CONGRATULATE BOTH OF THESE HEROES IN THEIR GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF STOPPING THE FAKE KING'S REINFORCEMENTS FROM REACHING HIM!" Cassiel continues, smiling wickedly as he takes notice of Thern's introverted behavior.
.....
As cheers roared throughout Kotor, the party would continue only a minute later, only now housing two more of Rampiel's twelve Sanguine Blades.
The party continued throughout midnight, and into the early morning.
Most vampires had left, some going back to their respective houses, while others prepared for the long trip back to their own cities.
The remaining royals of Rampiel had done the same. Elysia and Kislev went back to Altanisar, Ophelia went to Jenk's old home, Mihr traveled to Ananchel after getting a recent abode there, and Albus had gone to his room within Cain's castle.
Cassiel, however, sat atop the roof of the castle, staring into the horizon in wait for the sun to rise.
.....
.....
The sun rose for a new day.
Cassiel went inside, in search of Albus, before finding him in his room, packing his bags.
"You plan on living with Ophelia, I assume?" Cassiel questions, startling Albus.
"Hey! You can knock, y'know." Albus scoffs, before smiling. "But yes, I do."
"I'm proud of you, Albus. You've come a long way." Cassiel grins, before turning.
"Albus, before you leave, would you like to come with me for another mission?"
Pausing for a moment, Albus contemplates before turning to face Cassiel.
"Always, my king."