Preparations began and training commenced here and there as their allies slowly came one after the other. Meetings were held again. Yonanes presides once more giving out the developments. Kyron's forces are spotted to be coming in now from different regions as well as Mudrogos Vel armies. Battle shall commence soon so Yonanes reviews their strategies.
Meanwhile, emotional tensions ran as they await the impending battle. In the grand hallways of the palace, glances filled with emotions linger as they hurriedly pass through the spacious corridors. Since the locals are celebrating Secret Day or the Feast of truth and prosperity, some of them joined in on the traditions of the Desdanin. Yonanes shares this information with his guests so they too may participate if they wished.
The folklore behind the story narrates the tale of a boy who was a compulsive liar. He would lie and cheat just to get anything he wants. This went on until he met a strange young lady.
He lied and fooled her too but the lady saw right through him. Unknown to him, she was the nymph of the harvest. She refused to bless the land because of this young boy's lies.
When the priests and priestesses learned of this, they handed the boy to her. He tries to apologize but the nymph makes a demand. She will only accept his apology if he speaks the truth, confess all his sins and change his ways.
Once he complied, the nymph blessed the fields and there was prosperity in the land again. She then accepts the boy's apology and warns him should he ever try to return to his cruel ways, she will not be as merciful.
It became a tradition to the Desdanin that on this feast of prosperity, people revealed a secret they have been hiding in hopes of more prosperity and forgiveness from past transgressions.
Elzilaura instructs Kanunia and Dazifae that she plans to visit Alednos in the afternoon but for the meantime, they are free to do as they please. Kanunia then leaves the room while Dazifae stays on. Elzilaura was surprised. She then sits beside the Crystal Princess.
"Since its secret day, there is something that you must know." Dazifae seemed scared.
Elzilaura became curious. "Yes. What is this about?"
Dazifae narrates their time in Ludin when she was in the garden admiring the winter plants with Ranued. The late healer tells her that there is more to life than just being a lady-in-waiting. She wants to be a medic aside from being her attendant and is asking permission to receive proper education.
Elizlaura was thrilled. "Of course, you have my support."
"Thank you, cousin." Dazifae says. "Perhaps, we can talk to Sabaria later or the healers here in Desdan. Maybe I can start my training."
"Surely." Elzilaura affirms and then notices something sad about Dazifae. "What is it Dazi?"
"I miss Ranued. I do like Sabaria but I just miss his kindness towards me considering how we started off. He turned out to be a good friend to us all." Dazifae was melancholy.
"Don't worry. He is at peace and for sure, you will come to like Sabaria too. We just met her. Maybe she is fun to be with too."
"You are probably right." Dazifae's tone brightens. "Well, I better get going. I will meet you later." She then takes leave after Elzilaura's approval.
Soradina asked her husband to accompany her for a short walk along the gardens for she had to tell him something. Zedon was tired but he missed the company of his wife so he immediately joined her.
Since taking over his father's duties, they had less time for each other. The distance had already strained their relationship. He noticed Soradina being frequently irritable especially towards him. Perhaps the pressure of his new job was getting the best of her. He now ponders on some words his father mentioned. Ocvon said she wasn't like them and the pressures of royal life would crush her.
Soradina was a commoner from another planet which made her an unsuitable royal bride for him. The family always selected nobles usually from Craiine and Soradina was neither noble nor from Craiine. She was a tribal girl from a primitive planet which is why the duke was against their marriage.
Ocvon was outraged and threatened to disinherit his son but Zedon almost gave up everything until Lematya interfered.
She reminded her husband that once upon a time she too was unfit to wed the heir of Craiine as she was a commoner. She was once a scientist whose projects were supported by the then Duke of Craiine who also disliked her. He thought she was unfit for his son. Yet, Ocvon had done ways to arrange for her to be accepted.
With this argument from his wife, Ocvon let his son marry the love of his life. As he married Soradina, Zedon turned from the ultimate bachelor to the most loyal husband.
They reached a small gazebo and Soradina started to talk.
"Do you remember? You proposed to me under a gazebo." She speaks.
"Of course." Zedon says. "Like it was yesterday."
"There is something that I need to say." She then becomes silent which makes Zedon scared. He was afraid she wanted to leave him.
"I've been feeling terrible lately so I just consulted a doctor and we're having a baby."
Zedon was speechless and just hugged his wife. "Thank you, my wife. Oh, I thought you will say you are no longer happy that your duties are overwhelming and that you want to leave me." He then hugs her tighter. Soradina looks at him.
"Oh no, I will never leave you." She kisses him. "We are husband and wife. We are forever." He lets his forehead touch hers and they share that moment a little longer before returning to the palace.
Zedon gathers his family and close friends and tells them of the news that he and Soradina are going to have a baby. Everyone was glad for them. Yonanes then offers them the best doctors and nurses to cater to Soradina's needs. Zora promises to help them in taking care of the baby while Elzilaura gives Soradina and her unborn child her warmest blessings. The rest congratulates the soon-to-be parents.
"As you all know, father gave me my freedom of choice regarding the proposals of marriage we have gotten from Fliskan and foreign noblemen. They are tempting but I've always been a kindred spirit. I can't see myself as a wife and mother or at least not yet. So, I have chosen not to respond to any of the proposals." She explains to them slowly as if she was treading on a land filled with mines.
"When the war is over, I wish to go to Minthria. I turned in my application without asking for recommendations from our government. I have been accepted nonetheless." Zora was somewhat cautious about divulging her long kept secret.
"Well, we couldn't be any prouder." Zedon claps. He then hugs his baby sister.
Zyric seemed to be worried. "Oh dear." He sighs. "It's going to be hard work you know. It's not a walk in the park." Zyric recalls those gruesome training that breaks you but somehow toughens you up.
"So, you don't approve?" Zora worries. She was afraid he might not agree on the matter.
"Of course, I approve. I just hope it will not be as taxing you know. But considering you got in on your own, you will do well." Zyric holds up his hands. "I'm sorry I'm just being an overprotective jerk of a big brother but I love you Zora. I'll support any decision you make." He moves closer and taps her back. The rest of the people in the room congratulate Zora.
"Thank you, everyone. For now, I need to finish completing the other requirements for admission. Excuse me." Zora bows.
"Sure. Let us know how we can help." Zedon claims. Just when the sister left, Zyric gently slaps his arm with his palm and then with his clenched fist.
"I think I need to leave as well." Zedon informs their circle of family and friends. "Will you join me brother?" He looks at Zyric.
"Of course." Zyric nods.
He then goes to his wife. She rises as he approached. "I'll see you later." He then kisses her forehead and touches her belly. "And you too."
When they were far from the room, Zedon then turns to his brother. "What is it brother?"
Zyric's gestures earlier was a secret code between the two of them. The hand and fist slap meant they need to speak in private.
In the spirit of secret day, Zyric talks to his brother as their younger sister left them. Zedon takes him to the gazebo and Zyric confesses the truth. "I am infatuated with Ella"
"That's not infatuation. You've loved her since we were little but you know she is engaged. You know the importance of that engagement as well." Zedon explains while Zyric replies with a nod.
"If you are not planning to do anything about your love for her, then leave her be. Don't make her feel something and then just abandon her." Zedon advises.
"What if she feels the same way?" Zyric asks.
"What will you do about it if she does feel the same way for you?" The elder brother retorts.
Zyric becomes silent but then speaks before Zedon could reply. "Well, it's not like we have a chance."
"Yes, there is but you must be brave to face the consequences." Zedon stresses well. "It is the same risk that father took in order to end up with mother. It's the same risk I took when I allowed myself to love my wife beyond reason."
"I'm not like you or father." Zyric's voice shakes a bit. "I love her but I have duty to our kingdom and that comes first."
"I know little brother. I have always known you to prioritize your duty." Zedon says. "Then say goodbye to her. Find a way to leave. You owe yourself that peace."
Soon they leave the gazebo. As they walk the garden pathway, they encountered Kanunia and Harrion. They greeted each other with nods but then went about their own businesses.
Just before that encounter, Kanunia bumps into Harrion.
"Is it possible to have a word with you, your highness?" The Fliskan officer asks.
"I have duties to fulfill." Kanunia replies.
"It won't take long." He explains.
Seeing that he won't take no for an answer, the princess agrees to come with him. He brings her to the gazebo overseeing the lagoon in the gardens.
"I know you've been avoiding me all this time since we started this mission." Harrion declares. "But I must tell you that how I felt for you before did not fade. I still feel the same way."
Kanunia looks away in the distance. She briefly recalls everything. Harrion had been her lover a few years after Raeon. He was of noble birth and had asked for Kanunia's hand in marriage. The Queen disapproved of him for she believes that Harrion's has a notorious family. She feels that Harrion is using Kanunia for advancement in his career, his status at court and security from his warring clans
Respecting the queen wishes, he no longer sought Kanunia and concentrated on his military career. Realizing that she was wrong, Azestina apologized to him and even offered him a position at her court which he refused.
Even though he declined the Queen's offer, his luck came when he soon got promoted. He left military service when he reclaimed his father's lands and gained the right to succeed his father as baron of Valkia.
"I am flattered but I must say I am a bit confused and distraught with the events that are happening right now." Kanunia replies.
"I am not asking for anything in return but I do want you to know I speak the truth." Harrion retorts. "In the spirit of this day of truth and prosperity, I just wanted you to know that you may not be my first love but you are my greatest and am hoping you will be my last." They stay a while for a little chitchat until they deemed it best to return to their respective duties.
Elzilaura then comes down to the hall. She was surprised to discover both Kanunia and Dazifae were late. They were to visit Alednos. Nevertheless, it was a designated day of rest so she goes easy on them. Not for long, Jarin walks in and sees her.