The sun's rays pierced through the window slits and hit Fredrik's face. Fredrik squinted and groaned. It was another day of school. He opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling, pondering what his life would look like in a decade.
"Get up Rik, it's time for breakfast."
Rik looked to his right side and saw his brother fixing his bed. He then looked at his sister, who was doing the same. He wondered to himself what his siblings wanted for the future, whether they wanted to stay in Phyrosia or be like him and eventually explore other planets in the Zance and Kyzantyl Empires.
"What are you looking at, dork?" asked Elise in an annoyed voice and face.
Fredrik ignored her and just got up and fixed his bed.
"So, the Zance are coming here in three days' time?" asked Rik.
"Yes, which is why we must prepare. Like we always have, every single year," replied Ed, taking a scoop of what looked to be potatoes from the bowl and placing it onto his plate.
"I don't want to have to put these contacts and hair dye on again. Why do we have to look like the Gilarans whenever the Zance come over to collect their women?" said Rasmus frustratedly as he shoved a spoonful in his mouth.
"I'm just glad that I'm not getting picked and so is Mother," said Elise in an unbothered voice.
"Well, that's because your father has prepared us well. We try to make ourselves look as unenticing as possible," said Iliana, chopping up the meat into portions.
Iliana then placed a portion of meat into each of her family members' wooden-like plates, from Fredrik, Elise, Rasmus, Edovard and lastly to herself. She then got to her chair and sat down, her glistening golden hair reflecting off the sunlight from the windows, her perfect white skin, symmetrical body and face would be something men would kill for. Edovard knew that he had to keep his beautiful wife safe. He loved her and his children too much. How long could this peace realistically last? How long till his friends, his family, his wife or daughter would be taken away from him? He knew that it had to be done, in three days.
Edovard grabbed his cup and drank from it, he gulped down his drink in a single motion and then lightly slammed his cup on the table.
He then looked at his children, who were still eating.
"On the day of the Zance arrival, when the women are to be selected, I want all of you to head to the Hidden Keep," said Edovard with a straight face.
His children looked at him, shocked. For the past years of their lives, they had always been at the arrival of the Zance and always been there for the ceremony and feast afterwards. It was done to honor the family and ensure their future.
"But there's going to be a celebration, a feast. Surely we aren't going to miss that, are we?" Rasmus asked, confused.
"Yeah, I wanna look at the Zance, their armor and weapons!" said Fredrik in frustration. He had always wanted to learn how the Zance armor and weaponry functioned and perhaps by being there, he could possibly see it in action and see whether his theories were true.
Elise looked frustrated as well. She could not believe it. She wanted to get further connections at the feast to potentially be closer to Prince Edysaar.
"It's not fair. Why now?" asked Elise, frustratedly.
Edovard took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a brief second. He then looked at his children, all in the eyes. He then looked at his wife, who looked back at him. She nodded at him. He took a deep breath and then looked back at his children. He had to protect them, they meant the entire universe to him.
"We will be heading to the Capital Planet at the commencement of the ceremony. We believe it will be safer for all of us there."
Fredrik looked excited, his smile reaching from ear to ear and his eyes glimmering like a bright star. Elise looked shocked and Rasmus looked confused. He wondered why they were going to the Capital Planet at such impeccable timing.
"Why in three days' time? Why not after or before, Father?" asked Rasmus, looking at his father with confusion.
"Well, me and your mother have planned it a year prior. Everything will be provided: the ship, food, school and a place to stay. You will all experience new lives and have a new life with many possibilities," answered Ed.
"Wait, us? What about you and Mother?"
"Yeah, aren't you both coming with us?"
"Well, are you?"
Ed and Iliana looked at each other for a few seconds before looking at their children. They knew that at their age, they would not understand and that they needed to protect them from harm even if it meant lying to them.
Ed and Iliana's blue eyes grew brighter as they looked at their children.
"Children, there come times when things must not be questioned and that you must trust the people that you love," said Iliana, her voice wavering.
"Yes. All of you must, please. Just for this, trust us. We will be joining you in the Hidden Keep afterwards, all right? I promise you. We will all be together, no matter what," said Ed as he grabbed onto his children's hands, reassuring them.
The children grew calmer and more confident in their parents' words. All of them acknowledged, albeit with some doubt. Rasmus doubted his parents' full extent of their intentions, Fredrik was unsure of the journey to the Capital Planet and Elise was concerned with her future of not being able to be Queen. But they had to trust their parents, they knew what was best for them and trusting their parents was the best course of action.
"Yes, Father. Mother. We trust you," said Rasmus.
"Good, now finish up, all of you. You must not be late for school," said Ed in a calm voice.
The children continued to eat while Ed and Iliana cleared up the finished plates and bowls, preparing for their day ahead.
Raurneus
"Edysaan, have you contacted the Shipmaster yet?" asked Queen Phyllis, slicing the meat on her table with her fork.
"Yes, Mother. Shipmaster Yrion has informed me that the ship will be ready for the expedition in a month. He said that since there isn't a big crew, it would not be as expensive. But still rather expensive given it is the Thangrisaar," answered Edysaan before placing the fork of food into his mouth.
"I see. Will you be coming with us to the Capital Planet or going on to the expedition, son?" asked Queen Phyllis.
"Neither. I have important matters to settle here, Mother. But, I will be in contact," answered Edysaan.
"Very well then. I do wish you would change your mind and come with us to the Capital. It's been years since you've last been there. I remember it now, you were only a baby, all alone in cloth when we found you in the alleyways of the Capital City. We tried finding your parents but the Phyrosian Gods called to us to take you in. They said that you were going to be the Light of Irindal. From that day on, your father and I were happy. Seeing you grow into the fine young man you are. You and your brother," said Queen Phyllis, touching her son's face while looking straight into his green eyes.
Edysaan smiled awkwardly and looked at his mother. He then looked away and saw the gaze of Edysaar, who looked at him viciously. They both stared at each other, as if no one else was there. Not the Queen, their sisters, Edysaar's wives. Not their father. Just them.
"Yes, bastard brother. You are the light. You are going to be the fire that will burn our home, Irindal down, the fires will be so bright that you had the Gods fooled that you were the Light," said Edysaar, mockingly.
"Edysaar!" shouted the Queen.
"It's all right, Mother, brother meant it as a joke," said Edysaan, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Oh, that was not a joke, brother. You may be, but that was not. I can't imagine it not being a joke, seeing that your mother and father abandoned you as a child," said Edysaar.
"I can see my father, who is the greatest King this Kingdom has ever had, would benefit if you were to die," Edysaar added.
Edysaan's green eyes grew brighter. It was as if a fire had been lit up. He clenched his fists, his veins nearly popping out of his hands. He gritted his teeth so hard he chipped a part of his tooth. He got up from his table, shocking everyone—his mother, sisters and Edysaar's wives.
"Enough! Both of you, stop!" shouted Queen Phyllis, trying to diffuse the situation.
It was to no avail. Edysaar also got out of his seat and jumped onto the large long table, pointing at his bastard brother and taunting him to get up and fight him. Edysaan was infuriated by this and jumped and dove onto the table, aiming for and hitting his brother's legs, bringing him down. The whole dining room was in shock, and the women started screaming for them to stop, but it was for naught. The brothers exchanged punches. Their positions exchanged every few seconds—Edysaan at the top, Edysaar at the bottom, then vice versa. The guards saw the situation worsening, so they got out of their posts to try and separate the brothers.
"My lords please, enough," said one of the guards.
It all fell on deaf ears. All the brothers could hear was each other's faces getting caved in and their heavy breathing.
"Enough!"
A loud boisterous voice echoed throughout the dining hall.
King Karion was standing at the large double-doored entrance, his hands on his hips, looking angry at the commotion that was happening. On his left, was a man wearing black knight-like armor, with lines that ran through it, which looked like they could light up when they were turned on or activated. On his right was a greyish-white bearded old man with a maroon robe and a sigil with the symbol of a sun rising and moon crescent above it.
"What is the meaning of this? Have I not told you boys that you have to get along?" shouted King Karion, his voice echoing in the dining hall.
"By the Gods, how will I ever pass peacefully! My own sons fighting amongst themselves! The future of Phyrosia is doomed!" shouted King Karion.
King Karion clutched his heart, it started to get tighter. He then let out a cough, which grew louder and louder.
"Father!" shouted Pheonn, who got out of her chair and ran towards her father.
She looked at her father and grabbed his hand which he used to cover his mouth when he was coughing. There was blood, blackish, thick blood. She looked at her father's eyes with great worry and touched his face to feel for his temperature. He looked paler than normal and was starting to breathe heavier and heavier.
"Weslygh, get Grand Doctor Mykhel! Now!" said Pheonn as she guided her father towards a dining chair.
Everyone got out of their seats and went towards King Karion. Edysaar and Edysaan got out of each other's way, nearly stumbling over each other as they went towards their father.
"Father, are you all right?" asked Edysaar nervously.
"Dear, you must rest. You there, get some wet towels and a potion of dormir and frost and also a Harren shot," said Queen Phyllis, directing one of the servants.
King Karion's family surrounded him. Phelia instructed another servant using her hands that they get him a glass of water, which the servant quickly got and handed it to her.
"Father, here, please drink," said Phelia, slowly helping her father pour the water down his throat.
King Karion coughed and started to breathe easier. He then held onto his daughter's hand and looked at her, with his eye bags being clearly visible.
"Thank you, dear. Now, where are Edysaar and Edysaan?"
"I'm here, Father."
"Right here, Father."
"You both... have to stop fighting," said King Karion, coughing in between his words.
"Father."
"Father, this bastard has no good—"
"Enough. Please. Edysaar, let your pride go. Whatever it is you're feeling or thinking. Please. This is my wish. My dying wish. Get along with your brother. Come here," said King Karion, gesturing for Edysaar to come closer so he could see his face.
King Karion placed his hand on his face and looked into his brown fiery eyes that were filled with passion and honor. He smiled, it reminded him of when he was young. He knew that in time Edysaar would be fit to be King of Phyrosia and that he would lead the Kingdom into great prosperity.
"You are going to be King, my son. I don't know if it is going to be in a year or in ten, twenty years, but you will take the throne. Which is why you must make peace with your brother. Sometimes being King requires one to make peace with people you don't like, even if they are your enemies. In time, you will learn my child. So please, I want to see it before I pass," said King Karion, his coughs getting louder.
Edysaar teared up and hugged his father, he then sniffled and looked at him. He grabbed his hands and took a deep breath.
"Yes, I will, Father. But for now, you are still King and I will make sure that if the day comes when you pass, I will honor your wishes and make peace with Edysaan and become a great king."
Edysaan looked disgusted by that statement. But to his surprise, the King nodded and smiled, acknowledging his promise. He was in utter disbelief. He knew that Edysaar was lying straight to his father. He stepped forward towards them and tried to intervene.
"Fa—"
"Edysaan."
"Yes, Father."
"You will get along with your brother. You will support him in his claim for the throne. Is that understood?" said King Karion sternly.
Edysaan felt a glooming darkness around him, he looked at his father, his brother whose smirk was piercing right through him and his mother and sisters just standing there, not protesting at the absurdity of the situation. Why did Edysaar, a maniac with no thought in his head, an emotional, angry man get to be king? If only he were of brown skin, dark hair, Edysaan thought to himself. If only he had not been abandoned as a child, Edysaan thought to himself. If only—he were the son of the great King Karion, Edysaan thought to himself. Maybe then, he would be the king.
"Yes, Father. I will get along with Edysaar and help him in his claim to be King," said Edysaan.
"Good. Now, I would like to eat and drink. It may be the last few times I will be able to do so," said King Karion, coughing.
"Dear, you should refrain from drinking too much," said Queen Phyllis softly.
"The lady is right, my lord. Grand Doctor has advised to lessen the vices to reduce possible complications, my lord," said Orysz smugly.
Queen Phyllis looked at Orysz and then at her husband. Orysz looked straight at Queen Phyllis. It was an awkward situation. The King looked distraught and looked at them. It lasted as long as time could allow.
Silence until it was broken by Orysz.
"A joke. The word 'vice' did not quite sound right, 'vices' would have been better don't you think so, my King?"
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You are a funny one, Orysz!" King Karion burst out laughing, with rough coughs interrupting him.
"Ahh Hahaha..." Queen Phyllis joined in laughing awkwardly.
"You, there, bring a portion of food for the King. Make sure to cut it up well, the King is not well enough to chew his food properly. Hurry along now," said Queen Phyllis, instructing one of the servants.
The servant nodded and proceeded to gather some food on a plate. She then cut it up into smaller pieces, small enough that it need not be chewed up—could be swallowed straight away.
The servant then brought the plate to the king.
"Here, my Queen, my King," said the servant nervously.
"Thank you, dear," said King Karion in a soft voice.
"Everyone, please leave the room. I will have to tend to your father and discuss matters of governance," said Queen Phyllis.
Edysaar looked at his parents and then stormed out of the door. His sisters followed suit. Edysaan looked at his mother and sighed. He had a feeling that his claim to the throne would not be a matter of discussion. He walked towards the door, with a glum look on his face.
Everyone had left, Edysaar, Edysaan, their sisters, the servants, Orysz. All that remained were the guards who stayed by the door.
"I would like both of you to leave," said Queen Phyllis to the guards.
"My lady, it is our duty to protect our King. We will be—"
"It's all right," said King Karion, coughing.
"I would like both of you to leave me and the Queen."
The guards were hesitant, looking at each other. They eventually left after a few seconds.
"What is it that you wanted to discuss, my love?"
"My dear. Are you sure you should be declaring Edysaar as King so quickly and hastily?" asked Queen Phyllis with a concerned look.
"Yes, dear. He is our son. The rightful heir and future ruler of Phyrosia. Surely, you cannot mean for Edysaan to take the throne?" asked King Karion with a concerned look on his face.
"No, of course not. Edysaar is our biological son. A Phyrosian born and bred man, with features of a perfect Gilaran," answered Queen Phyllis.
"Then, what is the problem, my dear?"
"Word is going around of a minority group who want to ascend Edysaan to the throne. I've heard from Spymaster Edryan that they believe that Edysaar will bring them to ruin," said Queen Phyllis.
"Who are these people? I will have them brought here and hanged!" shouted King Karion, coughing afterwards.
"My dear, don't be too hasty, here drink some water," said Queen Phyllis bringing a cup of water from the dining table.
"Thank you, dear."
Queen Phyllis went back to the dining table and brought the food that the servant prepared and got a fork and hovered it towards the King.
"Eat, my dear, you need to gather strength."
The King took the piece of meat off the fork with his mouth and swallowed slowly. The food had gone to mush in a matter of just two bites. Then, the King swallowed.
"Word is that some of these members are in the palace. Which is why I had those guards sent off. We have yet to determine their members or their leader," said Queen Phyllis, feeding the King another piece of food.
The King chewed and swallowed.
"We must eliminate these people. Root them out from the stem. Find their leader," said King Karion in a weak voice.
"Yes, dear. I already have Edryan on it."
"Thank you... The last thing I want is for there to be a succession crisis, a war. The destruction of Phyrosia. That is something that I do not want," said King Karion in a weak voice.
"That is also what I want, dear. Which is why, we must not hastily announce Edysaar as your heir yet. I love our son with all my heart, I do. But he is not liked by many, and those who do want him on the throne only do so because he is our son and a Gilaran," said Queen Phyllis frustratedly.
"What would you have me do, dear?"
"I want you to be better. I want you to fight to live, love. Edysaar will be King one day, but he is not ready. You know that. You need to teach him, have the Wisemen and Orysz guide him now, alongside you," said Queen Phyllis.
"Very well then. You are right about these matters, my dear. This illness has taken a toll on my thinking. I don't know what I was thinking, just simply declaring it in this room," said King Karion, weakly coughing as he spoke.
"I need to lay down for a bit," said King Karion.
"Yes, my dear," said Queen Phyllis, taking her husband's head and placing it on her lap.
"Just close your eyes, my dear," said Queen Phyllis in a soft voice.
"Yes..."
King Karion closed his eyes and lay comfortably on his wife's lap. It felt so peaceful and relaxing. It had been a long time since he felt this way.
"Dear."
"Yes, love?"
"If Edysaan was our biological son, would you have chosen him to succeed you on the throne?"
Silence followed. Dead silence. All that could be heard was King Karion's heavy breathing and a groan from him.
He coughed and then tried to speak something. He took a deep breath, almost hesitating to answer.
"Yes. I would have chosen him."
The Queen looked at her husband with a look of relief and combed through his hair with her fingers.
The dining room doors burst open and out came Weslygh and Grand Doctor Mykhel.
"Your Grace! I have brought the Grand Doctor!" shouted Weslygh.
Queen Phyllis looked at Weslygh and signaled for him to be quiet.
"Your King is resting."