"If Aykie has to go to a war, he should have a consort."
"Why so?"
"It's our tradition, an implied law. The king is allowed to go to war only when he's married. Our forefathers believed that the kings would focus on winning the battle and returning home safely, for their family. Infact, the crown prince should be married to become the King. If the circumstances are not usual, he can be crowned as the king but should marry within the next 4 months."
"Why can't he just rule out the law?"
"Because he feels guilty. Our mother accused him as the reason our father died. If he hadn't crossed the line, our father and mother would have been alive now."
"Oh...that's....really sad"
" So he doesn't want to break any other rule and cause more trouble."
"Okay...so how many months do Ayk have to search for a wife?"
"A month and a half, precisely."
Niran blinked at Ella's words, shocked while Selene fixed the last midnight lily on her hair
"There! All done! What do you think?"
Niran looked at herself in the mirror, her hair flowing to her sides, the blue gown defining her curves perfectly, gleaming in the light.
She breathed out a sigh, holding her head high, "I'm ready."
"For what?" Ella smiled, siping her wine.
"To end your misery"
---------------
"Are you out of your mind?!!!!"
Ayk strided into Ella's room with Rhys, yelling at Niran.
"I think I should hear a "thank you" from you."
Niran turned to him, scoffing.
"Hah! Thanks? My foot!" He kicked a nearby side table, the wine on it splattering on floor.
"Do you know what kind of a situation you have put me in?"
"Probably the best." Niran crossed her arms, smirking, "I mean, look at me! Can you find a woman who's more suitable than me?"
"You?" Ayk scoffed, laughing, "What qualities do you think I expect from women for you to say that?"
"Simple, you want someone who would leave you once the war is over or move on if you died in the war. I'm not from this world and I will return to mine anyways. So it's safe for you." Niran smirked, "And yeah, I'm beautiful."
"It's the only choice for you now, Aykie" Ella sided up with Niran, placing her hand on Niran "You don't want our people to suffer more do you?"
Ayk looked both at Niran and Ella,contemplating their words. He looked at Rhys, who nodded.
"I also consider it as the best one, Aykie. Just.....Marry her."
Who knows you may also fall in love with her-
"Huh?" Niran perked up, while the other three looked at her, puzzled.
"What happened Niran? Is something wrong?"
Ella held Niran, worried.
"No. Nothing. It's just-" she scanned their faces but none of them seemed to have said such thing, "Nevermind."
Ayk sighed, looking at Niran, "Are you sure about this? Don't blame me for not asking your opinion later."
"I am doing this for your people. I have never been so sure in my entire life." Niran said, resolved.
Ayk's eyes widened and Niran saw his eyes soften for the first time. His blue irises exhibited tenderness and love for his people. Ayk noticed Niran's stare on him and quickly turned towards the exit and walked slowly. He came to a halt near the exit.
Niran, Ella and Rhys looked at him, intrigued.
Ayk slowly turned his head to a side, "I'll announce about the wedding at tomorrow's court."
With that he left the room, leaving just the three...
------------
Miles away from Darkailyht, at the end of Ivyzil forests...
Branches of dark ebony trees were dried up and creaking, swaying in the wind. Clumps of bushes were hiding the barely visible black trails snaking underneath. The lattice of leaves and tall pine trees patched up the whole sky, restricting any entry of light.
Amongst this, a hooded figure, with a light orb in hand, walked hurriedly, the leaves rustling beneath it's shoes and it's long robe trailing behind.
It stopped once it reached a stained black gate, with spokes through out it and guarded by two knights dressed up in blood red armours, definitely not the Fallons.
The hooded figure went near the knight, whispered something, gave a scroll and disappeared back into the forest.
The knight took the scroll with him into the gate and walked down the aisle that led to a colossal castle, streching high to the sky with shadows looming everywhere.
Black vines entangled every part of it and the lamps that burned inside played tricks with the dark curtains on windows. Petrifying sculptures decorated the pathway to the grand door and the whooshing wind made even the loud crickets go quiet.
The knight went inside the castle and strided straight into the throne room, which was vast and void, the throne ornated with obsidian and citrine glinting with the light from lamps.
Beside it, stood a man, his front facing the window behind the throne, the amber silk tunic and brown pants fitting his silhouette perfectly, his broad shoulders tensed up sensing the knight's presence.
"What is it?"
His hoarse voice resonated throughout the room as he held the throne's armrest, his muscles rippling.
"A message, My Lord."
The knight knelt down and offered the scroll to him.
He took it and unfurled it to read. The lamp burning beside the throne reflected on his lips, which twitched into a heinous smirk, "Looks like little Aytigin wants to kill me, Hahahaha!!!!!!"
He said to the knight, " Inform Bricriu to come meet me. At once."
The knight bowed and left him alone.
The man once again turned his face away and looked at the burning flames.
" 'Aytigin's wedding graced by Tartarus', ahhhh, that feels really nice to hear....."