The Queen herself arrived to see her only child. She could not wait any longer inside and came out to hug Humaira warmly. Everyone around them lowered their heads in respect. The Queen smiled at Siyam, exchanged greetings, and led them inside the palace.
As soon as they entered, Siyam's eyes slowly turned red with anger. Standing there in his Knight's armor was Pranto.
He tried to hide his smile, but Siyam noticed it clearly. At that moment, Siyam felt a strong urge to walk forward and cut off his head.
But he stopped himself.
Rules… power… limits…
They held him back.
Siyam tried to walk past him, but Pranto stepped forward with a fake smile.
"So, our Kingdom's Hero finally arrived at the Royal Court," Pranto said.
Siyam understood every word was meant to hurt him.
But Siyam was not someone who would stay silent.
He replied calmly, with a sharp smile,
"What can I do? The father of the person I love - my father-in-law - personally invited me. I couldn't refuse, could I?"
Pranto's smiling face slowly disappeared and turned dark with jealousy. Siyam felt a small victory. Before they could continue, a servant came.
"The King wishes to speak with you, Sir Siyam."
Siyam did not waste time and went to meet the king.
King Simanto sat on a large throne. With a cup of tea in his hand and a royal posture, he looked like the most powerful person in the room - one of the most important figures in the kingdom.
"I apologize for calling the hero of the kingdom so suddenly."
Siyam bowed with respect.
"It is my duty to follow your orders, Your Majesty."
The King smiled and asked Siyam to sit.
He looked at Siyam and thought,
What did my daughter see in this man… that she was ready to leave her royal title for him?
But he did not think about it for long.
He began to explain the reason for calling Siyam.
"Siyam, listen carefully," King Simanto began.
"For the past few years, I have sent people across the kingdom to search for new mines. We found some, but the resources were very limited.
However, a few months ago, a new mine was discovered near a mountain called Kalbi, at the edge of Mimal City.
According to our experts, this mine could last at least 40 years.
But there is a problem.
We found a cave… sealed with powerful magic.
No one has been able to break that seal. In fact, trying to break it is harming our magic users.
So, I want your help. Break the seal. And whatever is inside the cave… you will receive a share of it.
Now tell me - what do you think?"
Siyam thought for a moment and then he replied,
"Your Majesty, first I need to examine the seal. I must understand what kind of magic was used.
Only then can I break it.
Also… such a strong seal means something important is hidden inside. And usually, places like that are guarded… by something dangerous. Maybe a powerful creature or a golem.
So I need to observe everything carefully before taking action."
The King nodded.
Siyam's words made sense.
But deep inside, he felt a little disappointed. He had not even considered the danger before.
Still, he did not show it.
Instead, he said,
"Stay tonight. Have dinner here. You will leave tomorrow morning."
Siyam agreed.
That night, Siyam stood on the balcony.
The city below was covered in darkness, lit only by the soft light of the moon.
Humaira came and stood beside him.
"When will you sleep?" she asked softly.
Siyam smiled softly and kissed her forehead.
"You go ahead, I'll come soon."
Humaira did not ask anything else. She knew Siyam was lost in thought. So this was not the right time to ask questions.
After she left, Siyam looked at the sky full of stars. His mind drifted to the past.
To the time when he first met Sameer. He remembered how they used to fight and compete over everything to see who would get higher scores, who would win.
Siyam let out a deep sigh, realizing how fast time had slipped away.
The memories of the past began to flow like a dream.
And some memories…
Refuse to stay buried.