Arlow tried not to become depressed that the Overlord had come between them again in the form of his uncle, the King of the Northern Continent.
"There is wild sadness on your face, darling,"- Ray met him with a hug at his parents' house.
"Eriolan planned to separate us..."
"Why?"
"He liked you too much, unfortunately, - Arlow noted caustically. - If I had known about this in advance, I would never have returned to Craolis."
"But we can escape! Hide from everyone on long journeys."
"I've already sailed too much, darling, while I was looking for you around the world! In fact, I would like to live with you in a warm nest and only occasionally go on trips. And you will be granted the whole estate after the coronation."
"But I don't need anything! I am happy with you and at the edge of the universe!"- Ray blurted out passionately, wrapping his arms around his waist.
Arlow's eyes lit up happily and he kissed his lips.
"Do you really love me? Do you remember our first meeting?"
"Very vague! It seems you looked different...."
"Oh yeah! I climbed into this body shortly after your incarnation and tried to adjust it to your taste. It probably didn't turn out too nice for you."
"Oh, you are very handsome and so is your new name."
"You and me were already a couple on one planet. There was a completely different, very advanced civilization, and you were very similar to yourself, but taller..."
"And you quickly seduced me there?"
"Ha! Yes! There I was too good-looking and you were already experienced in intimacy. Unfortunately, my mortal life ended too quickly due to the jealousy of someone… I didn't have time to enjoy my relationship with you, so I hurried up in this life and seduced you so early…"
"Dear... Will you and the Overlord compete forever for my soul?"
"I really hope not. I will figure out something, you will see!"
***
Eternally young and handsome, King Eriolan always had enchanting dreams because of his angelic heritage. There he soared in a semi-conscious state in beautiful gardens and clouds, where there was no soul, and after waking up he assured himself that he had been in a real paradise, as befits a celestial.
He asked his confessors, the servants of the Highest Temple in the mountains, why there was no one there, to which they answered with restraint:
"Milord, it is difficult for us to judge what we have not seen. Perhaps there are not many such creatures in the skies or they are busy with something important..."
"If it's so empty, what should you do there after death, who should you communicate with?"
"Don't worry about it yet, sir. You will live a long time, about a thousand years, as befits a descendant of an angel. During this time, you will find the answers ... A messenger will arrive, as the oracles say, and he will give you the inner peace..."
"How do I recognize him? What does he look like?"
"Surely, he is beautiful in appearance and immaculate..."
Dozens of years passed in anticipation, his servants grew old and died, and the golden-haired crowned remained young and fresh. No diseases and ailments affected his body and mind despite a rather idle lifestyle. Among all kinds of entertainment and easy royal duties, he expected at least some good news from heaven and searched all over the continent for clairvoyants who could see the future.
"Yes, my lord, - answered one of the psychics after plunging into a long trance. - I see a boy with dark hair, you are very happy about him..."
"Is one of my kid a messenger?"
"No! This is not your son! He will come to you from beyond the seas to remain with you."
"But how will I recognize him?"
"You will understand immediately when you see him… Big bright eyes... Angelic appearance."
"And when will this happen?"
"He was already born into a simple and pure family, far from here..."
"Youth... - the King thought deeply. - How am I supposed to take it? Granting him a separate palace and a title?"