Dysabella was almost knocked out by the incident that night, and she never saw the figure of a woman in a moss green robe who aided her. Even though Dysabella wanted to thank her, she had no intention of looking for her, but she was intrigued by the woman's identity. Dysabella never felt another Merapi searching for Dzkarda's two men as if the two Merapis had never existed. Every week, the Merapi will be assigned assignments in pairs. Guarding the barracks or the Doli palace, and in the village.
The curly-haired girl also never mentioned the heroic woman in the forest. "They changed their minds," Dysabella always said when Amely and Jonathan enquired about the two Merapi. Dysabella was worried that the woman with the moss green robe would be jeopardized since she had said something.
The bakery was really busy this morning. Dysabella tried to tally the shoppers' items at the cash register, Jonathan paced back and forth between the kitchen and the bar every time the bread ran out and was replaced, and Amely cooked bread in their steamy kitchen. While going about his daily routine, the customers at her shop suddenly gazed out the window. The people in the shop glanced out the window at everyone who had flocked to the west, guarded by Merapi guards.
"What happened?" Dysabella inquired of a few of the shoppers, who simply shrugged. I'm not sure.
"Dysabella." Jonathan emerged from the kitchen with banana bread on an aluminum plate. With a disturbed expression on his face, he set the dish down and proceeded toward his daughter. He hugged Dysabella at the counter right away, shielding his daughter from what was about to happen.
Everyone in the tavern was silent, staring out the window with restless snorts emerging from their mouths. The people outside, along with a few people in armor who were expressionless, proceeded to travel westward in droves. They were startled to see a large Merapi with red hair and a bushy beard approaching the shop and entering. Everyone took a step back at the same time.
"What exactly are you guys up to? Why are you just standing there making a fool of yourself?" The man was really angry. "Get out of here and head west of Doli to the meadows! The Dzkarda kingdom's crown princes and princesses have arrived to greet you all! If you stay here, your heads will be beheaded and your bodies will be burned!"
The door banged shut behind him, and the man exited, walking hand in hand with the Doli people towards the west. They all appeared relieved, but it didn't last long as their brains began to ponder what would happen next. For the first time, the sons and daughters of the crown of the fire kingdom came to view the country they had colonized after two years of colonization.
"Hey there, fellas!" Jonathan chastised everyone who remained silent in his tavern. "What are you doing here? Go away! Get out now or your bodies will be scorched in front of everyone's eyes!"
Everyone instantly exited the store. Some went straight to the Chaollski Shop and refused to buy bread, while others preferred to stick with bread and swiftly pay for it before leaving. Amely arrived from the inside with a puzzled expression when the tavern was deserted.
"Where have all the people gone? And why is it so packed outside?"
Jonathan and Dysabella shifted their gaze to Amally, who had just entered the room.
"We were all commanded to go to the western prairie by that filthy soldier. He said the Dzkarda kingdom's crown prince had come to visit the people of Doli." Jonathan removed his apron, which was black. "This is the very first time."
Amely was agitated after hearing this. He recalled what had occurred that evening. "Oh, my goodness... whatever it is, I hope it isn't something bad."
●●●●●
What used to be a magnificent meadow with green leaves—a place to eat horses and cows—has now been reduced to a parched and barren field littered with dry leaves. Above the ground, there is now a stage with a majestic golden-colored tent. There are seven thrones intended for the king's sons on the upper level. All of Doli gathered there, expecting the prince and princess of the Land of Fire to appear.
Meanwhile, soldiers patrolled every meter of the plains and every assembly of commoners. Merapi's eyes were razor keen, peeling away everyone who came to study them all, fearful of something bad happening. Hundreds of banners and flags, each with the fire clan's insignia, decorated the desolate area and flew gracefully. The sound of trumpets and drums fills the space, adding to the energetic atmosphere.
Mattias sat back on the plush sofa in the tent that was directly connected to the main stage, his eyes closed. He didn't sleep, but he wondered why he was here in the first place. He despised ineffective meetings like this. He is embarrassed. But why is his family so proud of themselves? Isn't there any shame in colonizing these countries—particularly Doli, which has nothing? There is no such thing as magic or treasure in here.
Mattias and his two brothers, Fiorenzo and his three brothers, and the courtiers present were all properly clothed in their clothing at this point. The king's sons were dressed in black robes that covered their necks and ankles. An embroidered gold inscription was skillfully etched into the rich fabric of his robes on his black robe.
Meanwhile, the king's court officials—ministers and advisers—wore robes of various hues. They donned red robes with a stunning pattern of black embroidered carvings. Only the royal family of the fire clan is permitted to wear black. Because black is a symbol of power for them.
"Mattias."
Hestia, Mattias' younger brother, spoke to him. He wouldn't even open his eyes.
"I'm aware you're not sleeping."
Mattias groaned and looked up to see his brother and sister standing in front of him. Hestia was immaculate in her black robe, which matched her body perfectly. Hestia's hair was done perfectly and displayed her lengthy neckline with a few gold pins. Tybalt wears a fox hat with lovely red fur on his head.
"What?"
"How do you usually appear so sluggish and uninspired?" Tybalt inquired. With a few glances at Fiorenzo and his brother, the 18-year-old inquired. "Take a look at Fiorenzo and his siblings. They always smile mockingly at us. Do you have any sympathy for us?"
"No."
Hestia groaned and touched her brother, who was about to nod off again. "Mattias, you never truly get it. You're self-centered. You've spent the entire day sitting in your room, oblivious to everything that has occurred. Did you know Allyson had us both cornered every day?"
Mattias remained motionless, his eyes shifting to the king and queen's last child. Allyson mockingly grinned, as if she recognized Mattias' stare.
Mattias tightened his black robe, releasing the flood of emotions that had erupted in his heart. As his brother and sister's words poured out of his mouth, his heart ached. They are correct. Mattias is merely a lazy prince who spends his time in his room reading a book and fantasizing about getting out of the fire palace that he covets until his younger brother is oppressed by the courtiers' harsh treatment. Mattias deserved to be named the Sleeping Prince, as Fiorenzo said.
"Sorry. For everything."
Mattias stood up and proceeded towards Fedyor, who was standing guard in the room's corner. The old man wore the palace officials' uniform this time, a huge scarlet robe that wrapped around his torso.
Mattias inquired, "Does it still take us a long time to go to the podium?"
"Not long, Your Majesty," Fedyor says.
Matthias shrugged. "Is it okay if I use the restroom first? I need to de-stress."
"Certainly, Prince," Fedyor observed what was occurring to his young master with his eyes. "Would you like me to deliver?"
"There's no need, Fedyor."