As we watched the sunset throw golden and purple hues across the sky, Resion spoke to us about the Royogg Empire.
He sat with us in the thick branches of the oak, his hair resembling a smolder in the shadows.
"Tholus is the emperor's scout disguised as a traveling monk," he warned. "He vanished after the solidragi was killed."
"Perhaps to report it to the emperor," Savion muttered.
"We have to protect Gisser," I urged. "That means taking down the empire once and for all."
Savion and Resion grew quiet. The empire had chained them like animals and kept them in cages to do their bidding. I wanted to fight for them and free their kind from the empire's clutches.
"It's not as easy as you think, Izzy," Savion began. "If we destroy the empire, it will leave a power vacuum for its domain. We could send the people into an unforeseen hell of pillaging and raids. Innocent people will suffer if we take that path."
I crossed my arms and huffed. "You're the smart one. You come up with something, then."
Resion's eyes lit up as he stood on his branch. "I have an idea! Why don't you rule the empire instead?"
"Did that gripebell take half of your brain?" Savion started. "The people will hate the killer of their emperor!"
Resion grinned as he made images of the inside of the palace appear like the magic mirror did. Tholus was sitting with the emperor behind closed doors, still hidden in his monk garb. The images shifted to the goblets of wine on their table. "We can make it seem like we saved the emperor," Resion plotted, "only to have him die by unknown circumstances. We can easily take him out the picture; he has no heirs. That's what Blathe's blood was for, and the throne can be ours for the taking."
"Are you sure he's your brother?" I asked Savion. I was starting to have my doubts with how conniving he was. "Who's going to be the new emperor?"
Savion and Resion glanced at each other before looking at me.
I stared at them with a stinky eye. "Oh, no you don't! I am not empress material!"
They chuckled as we gazed at the night sky. The twinkling stars seemed to hold stories, just like Blathe's eyes did. A scarlet mist flowed through the air around us before fading in the shadows.
Crimson eyes glowed from the depths of the forest. I figured it was an owl and didn't pay much attention to it. The footsteps alarmed me as I sat up to discern what this creature was. Savion and Resion noticed my alertness and readied their weapons.
The soft moonlight revealed a dark blue, humanoid creature. We stared at it, trying to figure out what it was until it spoke.
"I come back less like a beast and you just gawk at me?!" the familiar voice fussed. "The audacity!"
I cried as I ran to him. It was Blathe! His new form glistened silver in the moonlight. He smiled as I hugged him tightly, his warm embrace welcoming and relieving.
Savion and Resion were more cautious as they approached. The hooped earring shimmered, confirming Blathe's presence.
"Is it really you, Blathe?" Savion uttered, his eyes blinking with tears.
"Our marriage bonds my soul to yours," Blathe explained. "As long as one of us lives, the others cannot die. We are reborn into this world, led by our bonds to each other. My father's curse to make me a beast has been broken, and I am forever grateful to both of you."
Savion embraced him as well, and his tears of joy shimmered in the moonlight.
"Can I put some clothes on first?" Blathe blurted. "It's kind of chilly out here with no more fur and all."
I glanced up as the alchemist kit donned Blathe in a light blue wrap. It hugged his profound muscles, and the turban was a bit crooked. I fixed it for him and smiled. "I'm glad you're back."
"Me, too," Savion added as he patted his back.
Blathe glanced at the full moon and nodded. "The empire is preparing to invade Gisser. Shall we show them who rules here?"
Savion and Resion grinned with glee. "Gladly."
I tightened my fists and nodded. With Blathe by our side, I felt invincible. "They're not messing with my village!"
"I'd conquer the world for both of you," Blathe admitted as he squeezed our cheeks. "I'm going to enjoy every second of this adventure."
Savion and I glanced at each other and laughed as we tried to pry his strong hands. "Let's do this!"
Resion froze when Blathe blew him a kiss.
"Stop that! He's my brother, you know!" Savion barked.
"Oh," Blathe purred. "Is he taken?"
Resion turned and ran back to the oak. "I'm married to this tree!" he shouted. "Don't touch me! Ahhh!"
Blathe crossed his arms and scoffed. "He doesn't know what he's missing."
I stood on my toes to kiss his lips. "Thank you, Blathe. I love you so much more than they do."
Blathe chuckled before he took my hand, and we danced beneath the moon. His heartbeat was a calming rhythm until his stomach growled.
"I am famished," he confessed as he made a shadow portal to the castle. "Let's eat and be merry before our honeymoon."
Savion stiffened at the word.
Blathe roared with laughter as we sat at the dining table. Savion and Resion quivered as they drank wine from golden goblets.
"What does he plan to do to you?" Resion whispered when he turned to Savion.
"Hell if I know," Savion muttered back.
Blathe ate half of what the table offered, and he soon yawned as he stretched. "Come with me, my brides. Resion, would you like to join us?"
Resion shook his head and pushed Savion towards him. "I'll wait far away," he stammered.
Savion glared at him as he strolled with us to Blathe's room. Savion's legs trembled while Blathe turned to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know Heather's loss is fresh on your mind, Savion. I won't force you to be intimate. I would like for you to take some time and grieve."
Savion gulped and nodded. "Thank you, Blathe." The castle's orbs guided him to another bedroom to rest.
Blathe gazed at my eyes as he lifted my chin. "You've always seen the real me, haven't you?" he murmured.
"Your aura is very familiar," I admitted. "It's as if I've known you all of my life."
"Perhaps you have," he whispered. His gentle kiss made my spirit soar higher than the clouds.