A few days had passed since the incident. Amber had decided to resign on the king's orders, and Grommash had assumed command of the squad. It was reported that under his command, the entire squad partied and drank when the news got out. Amber's pride was wounded, so she quietly suggested training after dark when no one would be watching.
During those days, Abel made the decision to go to the city. It was strange to release a walking bomb, but the deal with the king was something he wasn't going to waste. In a way, it was a good thing for him since he missed the country he once devoted himself to.
From a distance, the harbour appeared to be a vast, sprawling maze of wooden docks and soaring masts. The sound of faraway ropes and chains clinking as the ships rocked with the current was joined by the soft sound of waves lapping against the coast. Bright flags and sails whirled in the breeze, reflecting the glittering surface of the water. He missed hearing the sounds of ships as they sailed away from this location.
Meanwhile, Ruby was praying in the garden of Crystal Dragon.
*At the king hall room
"In our kingdom, a letter has arrived inviting us to join hands in this dark age with the king of Sanctum," said the king, seated on his throne in the royal hall. Abel, Ruby, Amber, Silvio, and Anibal were all present and listening to the king's words.
"This will be a good opportunity, but I cannot go to meet him. Silvio and Anibal have to come to me at the 'Nightshade Forest.' An elderwood monster has been awakened, and I am needed there," said the king as he burned the letter with his magical hand.
"My lord, Anibal and I can beat it," objected Silvio to the king's request for him to go there.
"It will be okay, Silvio. If we have that monster with us, nobody could beat him," said Anibal, pointing at Abel.
A vast, powerful aura filled the room, causing Silvio, Anibal, Amber, and all the soldiers present to fall to the ground, prostrating themselves before the king.
"So... look at me now. Do I look weak to you?" intimated the king, unleashing his aura to show all present that he was not weak.
The only ones who didn't fall were Abel and Ruby. Ruby was blessed with the Crystal Dragon mark and, in a way, safeguarded the princess, while Abel had seen worse, and the term "fear" had died in him years ago.
"I'm sorry, my lord," apologised Silvio, and the king removed his aura from the room.The sweat of embarrassment and fear was visible on all those who had fallen. The king was not just an old man; he was a strong and proud knight.
"Where was I? Oh yes, I want Princess Ruby to be my ambassador for this alliance," ordered the king. At that moment, Amber looked down with sadness, and Ruby was surprised.
"My lord, but my sister can be a better ambassador than me... please, she can be a better person for the alliance," requested Ruby, but the king sighed and did not hear her request.
"Amber is still young and needs to toughen up, so I will send her to my brother's squad. She will receive enough training to become a better knight," said the king.
Ruby was shocked and didn't want to agree, but then Amber interrupted.
"Thank you, my king," said Amber, bowing her head a little.
"Good, you will go tomorrow morning with the new recruits," ordered the king.
The hall was silent as the order was given.
"All of you are now free to go," ordered the king, and the guards opened the door to the hall for the people to leave.
The air that day was dense with stress, and the kingdom was feeling the effects of the demon king's territories becoming even more difficult to handle. The king had not slept a day, trying to find a way to save his kingdom from destruction, and the knights he had sent were dying from the monsters guarding the place.
Ruby, after the meeting had ended, went into the garden and took her sister with her.
"Amber, why did you accept it?" argued Ruby.
"I had to, sister. I can't stay here anymore. This place is torturing me," cried Amber as Ruby looked on.
"If it's about joining again as a captain, I can ask Father," said Ruby in a hopeful voice.
"No, you're the one who doesn't understand," screamed Amber.
Amber's tears started to fall even more.
"You have it so easy. Just say it to Father, and everything will get fixed. I can't let you do that. I am going to create my own path far away. Uncle Denzel is strict, but he has made a lot of powerful knights. I have to prove that I am capable," screamed Amber at Ruby.
Ever since Ruby was blessed by the Crystal Dragon and became a priestess at age fifteen, the focus was only on her. Whenever Amber tried to prove herself, it just didn't matter. No matter how much she trained, no matter how much her hands bled, no matter how many accomplishments she achieved, everyone's eyes were only on her sister. She just wanted someone to love her, someone to say good job, someone to look for her.
"But sister, I don't want you to go to the demon territories," worried Ruby.
"Don't worry, Priestess. It will be just a normal day. It's not like I am important," responded Amber.
Ruby's tears fell like rain while Amber left the place. Even the garden, which is usually called the Crystal Dragon and represents hope, became a sorrowful place when the priestess cried.
*At the balcony of the castle
It was a beautiful night with not a single cloud in sight, the vast expanse of the sky adorned with stars that twinkled like diamonds. The full moon cast a soft, ethereal glow on everything below it.
"Looks like the moon is beautiful today, Abel," said Amber, dressed in her hot pyjamas.
Amber stood on the balcony of the old castle, enjoying the cool night air against her skin as she gazed at the moonlit sky. Her long hair was tied loosely with a red ribbon, strands of it blowing in the breeze. Her striking amber eyes shone in the moonlight, illuminating everything around her.
"Don't you think it's dangerous to be here, Princess?" teased Abel.
"Did you forget that you are here? Everyone is afraid of you," smiled Amber.
"Hmmm… I guess you're right," said Abel, looking at the stars.
Amber stretched a little and put her hand on the marble of the balcony.
"Today, let me at least enjoy this night and the stars," smiled Amber, looking at the sky.
Just like the stars in the sky, Amber had an otherworldly beauty that was both mesmerising and enchanting. Her eyes sparkled like celestial gems, illuminating everything around her with a soft and comforting glow even on the darkest of nights.
"Is something wrong?" blushed Amber.
"No… I just wanted to ask, are you sure about this?" asked Abel.
"Would I lie if I didn't want to go? I'm scared…" Amber said, desperate.
Tears started to fall from her amber eyes.
"I don't want… to die…" she cried.
Abel had enhanced hearing, and he could hear Amber's heart beating faster, gasping for air, and trembling with fear.
"It's okay, Amber. You tried your best, and you did a good job," comforted Abel, rubbing Amber's arms to warm her cold body.
Amber's heart started to beat normally, and the tears flowed more freely.
"Can I stay like this for a moment?" asked Amber.
"Take your time," said Abel.
Amber cried and screamed, the first time she had acted her age instead of holding back her emotions to appear perfect. Abel didn't say anything, just held her in his arms.
This had happened to Amber many times before, but no one had ever been there for her. She had always suffered through it alone. Even the king had witnessed it, but he had just looked on, testing her to see if she was strong enough to handle it on her own.
It was a cruel and lonely existence for the young princess, always having to put on a brave face and hide her true feelings. But now, in Abel's arms, she felt safe and protected. For the first time in a long time, she was able to let go of all the pain and fear she had been carrying inside.
Abel held her close, rubbing her arms to warm her cold body. He didn't say anything, knowing that sometimes it was best to just be there for someone in silence. As Amber cried and screamed, it was as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. For the first time in her life, she allowed herself to be vulnerable, to show her true emotions, and to feel the comfort of another's embrace.
As the night wore on and the stars continued to twinkle in the sky, Abel remained by Amber's side, holding her and reassuring her that everything would be alright. It was a small moment, but for Amber, it meant everything.
*After a little time
She finally stopped her tears and Abel gave her his jacket since the night was cold.
"Thanks, I think I need to go now. I have to sleep for tomorrow," Amber said.
"That would be a good idea," Abel replied.
"Thank you one more time…" Amber smiled and came close to Abel.
Abel was a little surprised but kept his composure. Amber put her hand on his chest.
"I thought you would be a monster without a heart…but your heart beats just like that of a human. I enjoyed the days you stayed here in the castle. If you didn't…" Amber trailed off and looked at Abel.
"Good night," she waved and went to her room.
Abel stayed a little while longer looking at the night sky. He wondered why he helped her. Does he have feelings for her? No, he doesn't. It reminded him of someone from the past, someone who he truly cared for.
"Who is that person?" Abel whispered to himself while looking at the shiny night.
*The next day
Before the sunrise, the warriors who were headed towards demon territories were waiting outside the castle. Some were riding their personal horses, which their families had given them, while others were on carriages.
On that day, two people were waiting for Amber: Silvio and Ruby. Amber went to the king's bedroom, but he was asleep and didn't bother to wake up. Amber bowed a little.
"I'm going now, my king," said Amber with pride.
The king's snarling voice could be heard from his sleep, but Amber didn't bother anymore. She knew her destiny. The guards gave a little bow to the princess, and she left the castle. She gave a look at Abel's window but turned to the horse. Ruby used her power and blessed all the warriors who were there. Ruby gave a look at Amber, and she didn't care what happened yesterday. She hugged her and didn't want to leave it there.
"I love you, sister. Be safe. I want to see you more, my flower," cried Ruby while hugging Amber.
"I love you too, sister. I will be fine. Don't worry," said Amber while getting on the horse.
Ruby came close to her again and gave her something shiny. It was a crystal pendant.
"It's a pendant I wanted to give you on your birthday. I want you to hold it," said Ruby with tears that wouldn't stop.
Amber teared up a little and hugged her sister again.
They stayed for a moment and got interrupted by Silvio.
"My princess, I'm sorry that the king did not join us. He has days where he hasn't slept," said Silvio, trying to give a pretext to why the king did not join.
"It's okay, Silvio. At least you are here with me," smiled Amber.
Silvio teared up like an old man too.
"How can you be such a good kid? I wish my grandchildren were like this," said Silvio with tears and a little snot coming from his nose.
Silvio had kids and grandchildren, but due to a civil war, they all died. All these times, he blamed himself for what he had done and saw the grandchildren in the king's daughters.
"Goodbye for the moment, grandpa," smiled Amber as she got on the horse.
She put on her helmet and used her wind magic to amplify her voice.
"Let's go, knights," commanded Amber.
Everyone moved, and while she was looking at the window, a little shadow could be seen.
Amber saw it and giggled a little.
"Goodbye for the moment, Abel," thought Amber in her head.