"It's been so long, King Darius. I never imagined we would meet again like this," the Queen of Zerathion said softly as she stepped into the throne room.
King Darius gave a faint smile. "And you, dear Queen. No matter how much time passes, it is still good to see you again."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two rulers took their seats and began discussing the matter that weighed heavily on both their hearts—Azrion and Crystal.
"I heard there might be a way," King Darius began thoughtfully, "on Mount Solemn. Although… it is a dangerous journey, one that both Crystal and Azrion must undertake together."
Queen Seraphine hesitated. "A might is not very reassuring, Darius. I don't know if I can risk that… Azrion is all I have."
"I understand," Darius replied calmly. "But if nothing is done, one of them could still die. At least this way, there is hope. It is better to try to break the curse than to sit and wait helplessly."
Queen Seraphine let out a heavy sigh. "You're right… though I don't believe they are ready for such a journey."
"We'll have to make them ready," Darius said firmly. "The Blood Eclipse will occur in two weeks. We don't have much time."
"So what do you suggest?"
"I hear Azrion is already quite skilled," Darius continued. "Perhaps both of them could train privately under Sir Herold. He is the finest warrior in both kingdoms."
Seraphine nodded slowly. "True… but what about the academy?"
"Don't worry about that," Darius assured her. "Herold has his ways. Besides, the heirs of both kingdoms are far more important right now."
Meanwhile, Crystal and Ronan were walking toward their chambers when they noticed their father speaking with a mysterious woman inside the throne room. Curious, they exchanged glances and quietly peeked through the doorway, with the guards silently allowing it.
Suddenly, King Darius spoke without even turning around.
"You know how much I hate spies."
Crystal and Ronan immediately stepped inside.
"Sorry, Father," Crystal said quickly.
"It was Crystal's idea," Ronan added casually.
Crystal shot him an angry look. "What?!"
"Enough," King Darius said sternly. "Since you're already here, I'd like to introduce you to someone. This is Queen Seraphine, ruler of Zerathion."
Both siblings bowed respectfully.
"It is an honor to be in your presence," Crystal said politely. "My name is Crystal."
"And I am Prince Ronan."
Queen Seraphine smiled warmly. "Rise, young heirs. The honor is mine as well. Crystal… is it? So you're the reason my son crossed the border."
Crystal lowered her head slightly. "I truly didn't mean to put him in danger."
"It's alright, my dear," Seraphine said gently. "What's done is done. Besides, you're in trouble too." She chuckled softly. "And that son of mine has always been stubborn… though I assure you, he's just as sweet."
Crystal felt her cheeks grow warm and quickly looked away.
King Darius cleared his throat. "Now, if you'll excuse us, the Queen and I have important matters to discuss."
"Yes, Father," Crystal and Ronan replied in unison before leaving the room and closing the door behind them.
As soon as they stepped into the corridor, Ronan smirked.
"Really smooth," he teased.
Crystal frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh come on," Ronan laughed. "Don't tell me what she said isn't true. You like him so much you'd break the rules? So you're a rebel now?"
"Ronan… it's not like that."
"Yeah, right. I wonder what else I don't know," he said playfully. "Though what's even stranger is that Father didn't punish you."
Crystal sighed. "Actually, I did get a huge scolding."
Ronan raised an eyebrow. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
"It's nothing you need to worry about," she replied quickly. "Come on, let's go."
Back in the throne room, the meeting was coming to an end.
"So we meet at sunrise," Queen Seraphine said.
"Of course," King Darius replied. "Have a good evening's rest."
"You as well. And give my regards to the Queen."
With that, she departed for Zerathion.
Azrion, meanwhile, had fallen asleep while sitting on the throne.
Leah quietly entered the room and walked toward him. Just as she approached, he suddenly woke up.
"Leah?" Azrion rubbed his eyes. "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?"
"Yes," she replied softly. "I was just checking on you. You looked exhausted… you were fast asleep."
Azrion chuckled tiredly. "Yeah…"
He hesitated before speaking again.
"Leah… honestly, I'm really sorry about that day. I didn't mean to lie to you."
Leah walked closer, then suddenly plucked a strand of his hair.
"Ouch!" Azrion winced. "What was that for?"
She smiled casually. "It hurts, doesn't it? Now we're even."
Azrion scoffed lightly. "Good to know."
Just then, Queen Seraphine entered the throne room.
"Mother, you're back," Azrion said. "How was your meeting with King Darius?"
"It went well," she replied. "And you? I hope ruling the kingdom for a day wasn't too stressful."
"Boring is more like it."
Seraphine laughed softly.
"I need to speak with you, Azrion. Leah, if you please."
"Of course," Leah said politely before leaving the room.
As she walked down the hallway toward her chamber, she looked at the strand of hair in her hand.
"I'm sorry, Azrion," she whispered quietly. "I forgive you… but right now, I need a true friend by my side. Besides, it's only a strand of hair."
Her eyes hardened slightly.
"I hope this will be enough… Rhaegor."
Back in the throne room, Azrion looked at his mother curiously.
"So… what did you want to talk about?"
Seraphine took a deep breath.
"You and the Princess of Aetherion must journey to Mount Solemn."
Azrion blinked in surprise. "Oh… but why both of us?"
"Because you are both cursed," she said solemnly. "And the journey is far too dangerous for either of you to take alone."
Azrion leaned back slightly. "So it's that dangerous, huh?"
"Yes," she replied. "But before you depart, both of you will train under Sir Herold."
"When do we meet?"
"At sunrise tomorrow. We will meet at the border."
Azrion nodded firmly.
"Of course, Mother. I promise I won't let you down."
Seraphine walked closer and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Silly boy," she said softly. "The best thing you can do for me… is survive."
Azrion smiled confidently.
"I will, Mother. I promise."