"I am very sure I was clear with my words when I ordered that you never come back here except you are here with the light illuminator." King Radia's voice thundered within his throne room at the sight of his son, Prince Andreas.
"Where is he? Have you brought him with you? If your answer is no, then leave this place at once before I force you to." He looked at him with irritation written all over his face. He hated him so much now, especially after he threatened to kill him if he did not spare a common Trivenian. He meant nothing to him now if he wasn't with the light illuminator. Bringing him to him would make him consider accepting him back as his son.
"Forgive me, father, for I have failed you in so many ways that I cannot count." He fell on his knees before him immediately. "I have come to plead for your forgiveness, father. I have really been a disappointment to you, Your Grace."
Andreas knew there was no reason to remain far from home since he had decided to let Lilith go, notwithstanding the amount of love he had for her. He knew it was for the best that they be apart; besides, they were never meant to be. It was very unheard of that light and darkness be in one accord. So returning to his kind was the best thing to do at this point.
He was willing to give up even his hopes of Lilith being the light mutant and using her to revive his world. He had fallen for her and could not bring himself to hurt her in any way, even though it meant sacrificing his world's only chance at freedom.
All he wanted now was to regain his father's favor and remain by his side while they led their world through these dark times, even if they were to last forever.
"Are you really pleading for forgiveness now, Andreas?" he chuckled. "What happened to your hollering pride, son? How come you are so meek and humble now?" He smirked wickedly.
"I have realized my mistakes, father, and I now know that I have been no good. My pride is no more, and I am back to submit totally to you and your rule." He still remained on his knees, with his face on the ground.
"Very good, son. I must say you have indeed done well by realizing your mistakes, but I must punish you before accepting you back as my beloved son..." He stretched his mustache with his fingers.
"I shall accept whatever punishment you feel is right for my mistakes, father." His countenance remained unshaken.
"Good then. Lord Varnaak?" the king called with his voice full of authority, and the lord came immediately.
"Your Grace," he bowed.
"The prince is back to his people, to his responsibility and where he truly belongs." He said, looking intently at Andreas who still had his face on the floor.
"That is very excellent news, Your Grace." He bowed to him before turning to Prince Andreas. "Welcome back, my prince." He bowed to him as well.
"Yes, Lord Varnaak, he is very much welcomed," King Radia continued, "But he must serve the punishment of forsaking us at first. Heat up the flames and lock him in yhe den of shadows; let them feed on his strength and cause him unbearable pain," he said with dread in his voice, but Andreas wasn't scared at all.
He knew shadows of the flames were his weakness just as ice was his father's. He loved light and was always attracted to it but despised the shadows and its darkness. Even though they were already beings of darkness, he despised its dread, and he felt his soul torn apart each day till he revealed himself to Lilith. She was the light that illuminated his darkness and eased him from its pain. Ever since they had been together, the hurt he felt each day from the darkness within him came to a sudden halt, and her light ruled over the shadows that caused him pain each day. But now, they were no longer together, and the darkness living within him had already begun to eat him up, but that was nothing compared to the pain he was going to face when he would be locked in the den of shadows flames. Dark shadows that burned with heat of irresistible fire. So he was not only going to endure their darkness but also the heat from their flames which wasn't soothing like light but painful like fire.
"Of course, Your Grace," the lord bowed.
"He shall remain there till I say otherwise. Is that understood?"
"It will be as you have spoken, Your Most Eminent."
Although Lord Varnaak was not happy at all with this decision, he had no say at all and no right to oppose the king. He gave a signal and five guards walked into the throne room, heavily armed. They walked directly towards Prince Andreas and cornered him. Lord Varnaak took the lead as they walked away with the prince in the bonds of the guards surrounding him.
They took him to the den of the shadows of flame after the fire had been heated up and locked him up. He just kept calm and bore his punishment and all the pain it came with. He used it as an opportunity to forget about Lilith and whatever pain she must be passing through now...
***
Nerwin, Triven.
"You should never leave your room like that, Rain, to avoid opening your healing wounds, understood?"
Rain's face remained stoic and her eyes were empty. She only nodded at Nanny Adelaide's instructions and maintained her emotionless expression.
"Don't worry, Nurse Adelaide," Nexine intervened. "I will make sure she remains on bed rest for the rest of the day."
"Not just for the day, young man," she corrected. "But also for a whole three days at least. If she does anything strenuous anytime soon, it would make her healing elongate and might never happen if care is not taken."
"I will make sure she takes the bed rest properly, nurse," Nexine said with determination in his voice. "She will surely heal pretty soon." He walked towards Rain's bed and caressed her hair a bit before sitting down on the chair close to the bed, comfortably.
"Thank you so much, you are indeed a good friend, Nexine."
"Don't mention it, nurse. Rain deserves the best," he smiled sweetly, and she nodded.
"Stay fine, okay, Rain darling." Nanny Adelaide kissed her forehead, tucking her loose hair behind her ear. Rain gave her a faint smile but she gave her a very lively and beautiful one before finally leaving to Nexine's care so as to attend to other rangers who needed medical care.
She left her room and heaved a very deep sigh. She could understand the type of pain she was facing right now as she knew very well that she had a fight with Florate just now. But what she could not wrap her head around was what really happened between them and why Florate would wish to offend her even at this delicate moment. He knew very well she needed all the support and love she could get now. Why then would he want her to remain in this kind of pain? Well, that would be something she was sure to find out right now as she was heading right away to Lilith's room. She wanted to find out what really happened within them and know if there was any way she could help right now.
She made her way to the room and opened it widely to meet Florate in the most devastating state. His face was red and he shed tears shamelessly like a little baby. He sat on the bed while the tears just flowed freely as he continuously sniffed and blinked with Lilith beside him, patting his back.
His present state made her feel utmost pity for him and suddenly weak. She rushed towards him immediately and brought his head to her chest.
"Oh my boy. My sweet boy. What is wrong?"
"Nanny... Rain..." he sniffed.
"What happened?" she asked again.
"I have lost Rain..."