The decision had been made. The court had ruled to confine Izekiel to the cold palace instead of a traditional prison. However, the cold palace was akin to a prison itself, as it was a remote and desolate residence intended for the imperial family. It stood as the farthest and most isolated palace within the imperial palace complex, where members of the family who committed transgressions faced banishment. Izekiel was destined to spend the rest of his life there, with only a single servant and guards stationed outside. He was prohibited from venturing beyond the palace's confines or receiving visitors, effectively cut off from the world.
"Kiel..." Aria muttered, her voice filled with concern.
"Don't worry about me; I'll be fine. I've been accustomed to a solitary existence since childhood," Izekiel reassured her.
"I'm sorry. I tried to persuade Mikhail, but..." Aria trailed off, her gaze dropping.
"Kaye," Izekiel said, gently lifting her face and locking eyes with her. "Thank you for everything. Even though you're not the real Aria, you've remained by my side. If only I could turn back time..."
"We would have been a happy family," Aria replied wistfully.
He mustered a faint smile. "Thanks for everything," he said, pulling her into a tight embrace.
As footsteps approached, they saw Mikhail and the guards drawing near.
"It's time," Mikhail declared, a sense of finality in his tone.
Izekiel nodded, and his servant grabbed his belongings as they began to walk in the direction of the cold palace. Aria couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss and sadness.
"Why don't you reconcile with him?" Aria implored Mikhail, her voice tinged with desperation.
Mikhail remained silent, turning his back to her and walking away.
"Mikhail," Aria called out, but her pleas fell on deaf ears as he continued to ignore her.
Days passed, and Mikhail was officially crowned as the new emperor of the Serolf Empire, celebrated with a grand ceremony.
"ALL HAIL TO THE NEW EMPEROR!"
"ALL HAIL TO THE SUN OF THE SEROLF EMPIRE!"
The subjects of the empire bowed and paid their respects, but Aria's heart remained heavy. She noticed that Mikhail had been distant and aloof since the execution of the traitors.
At the grand banquet, Claudius couldn't help but observe her mood. "You look upset again," he remarked.
She shook her head, feigning weariness. "I'm just tired."
Rasheen, eager to lift her spirits, asked, "Aria, shall we dance?"
She managed a smile and accepted his offer, and they gracefully glided onto the dance floor. Mikhail, from his throne, watched them with a clenched jaw and averted gaze.
"Can I have this dance?" Gawain extended his hand to her.
Aria's smile brightened, and they joined the dance. With her husbands by her side, she momentarily forgot the sorrow that had been weighing on her heart.
However, their joyful dance was abruptly interrupted when Maximilian made a grand entrance.
"PRINCE MAXIMILIAN DA FIRENZE HAS ARRIVED!"
The noble ladies present couldn't contain their admiration.
"He's so handsome!"
"I heard he aided the emperor in the last battle."
"Is he already married?"
Aria's eyes lit up as she spotted Maximilian.
"Greetings to the sun of the Serolf Empire," Maximilian greeted Mikhail with a formal bow.
He then turned his attention to Aria, who was waving at him. Maximilian approached her and, with a gallant gesture, kissed her hand.
"It's nice to see you again, Kaye," he remarked.
Indeed, when Maximilian had managed to escape, he had made a promise to Aria that he would address her by that particular name.
Aria smiled. "I'm glad you're safe."
Ragnar couldn't contain his admiration as he beheld Aria. "Whoa! So this is the beauty that you've been talking about?" he exclaimed, leaning in to kiss her hand. However, before he could complete the gesture, Maximilian swiftly intervened, firmly grabbing Ragnar's hand and shooting him a stern, warning glare.
"Tsk. What a pain," Ragnar muttered, withdrawing his hand.
"Forgive his rudeness. He is Ragnar, my right-hand man," Maximilian explained.
Aria smiled warmly and extended a courteous bow to Ragnar. "I've heard about you, and your assistance. Thank you; we owe you our lives."
"Haha, don't mention it," Ragnar replied, scratching his head.
Maximilian redirected his attention to Mikhail. "Now that everyone is here, Your Majesty, it's time for you to fulfill your promise—the second condition."
Aria found herself overwhelmed with confusion. Maximilian knelt before her, a solemn expression on his face, and presented a ring. "Empress Aria Yvonne Serolf Faulkerson, will you marry me?"
A collective gasp filled the room, and Aria found herself too stunned to speak. The enigmatic proposal had left her in utter disbelief.
What on earth is going on here?
.
.
....
Three days had passed, and Mikhail continued to ignore Aria, a situation that deeply wounded her heart. Yet, she faced another dilemma – Maximilian. She had been avoiding him, struggling to come to terms with his sudden proposal at the banquet. What made matters even more perplexing was the revelation from her husbands that Maximilian had helped them in exchange for her hand in marriage.
What diplomatic marriage? I hadn't signed up for this!
But she couldn't deny that Maximilian had played a crucial role in saving her. It was all so confusing. Argh! Why is this happening to me?
Unable to keep these feelings to herself, Aria sought out Xerxes to ask him about how they found Mikhail. She found him in his lab, engrossed in his work. There, Xerxes proceeded to tell her everything.
(Flashbacks)
Xerxes was meticulously examining the cave when a figure emerged, pointing a sword at him.
"Stay still!" the man ordered.
Xerxes turned to face him and was taken aback when he recognized the man as Maximilian da Firenze.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Xerxes remarked.
"That's what I was about to say to you too. What are you doing here?" Maximilian inquired.
Although he was aware of Xerxes' formidable power, Maximilian was prepared to defend himself if Xerxes attempted to attack him.
"Well, I'm searching for something. It's none of your business," Xerxes replied.
Sensing that Xerxes didn't pose a threat, Maximilian sheathed his swords.
"I thought you had already left the empire. What brings you here?" Xerxes asked, taking a seat on a large rock.
"I came here for a war," Maximilian disclosed.
Indeed, Maximilian had gathered his troops and formed alliances with barbarian forces. They had established a camp near the boundary of the Serolf Empire, preparing for an impending attack.
Xerxes couldn't help but chuckle. "Really? But a lot has transpired in our empire. We have a new emperor."
"I know," Maximilian acknowledged before making his way to the cave entrance. "You should come with me."
Xerxes furrowed his brows, intrigued by the proposal.
.
.
At the camp, Maximilian led Xerxes through the busy grounds. It was a surprise to Xerxes that Maximilian had managed to form an alliance with the barbarians, known for their lawlessness and merciless ways. They stopped as they reached a massive tent.
Maximilian turned to Xerxes and stated, "Get inside."
Xerxes crossed his arms and asked, "Are you ordering me now?"
Maximilian's response was cryptic. "Someone you know is inside."
Xerxes merely shrugged and entered the tent. Inside, he was taken aback to find Mikhail tied up.
"You're alive," Xerxes muttered. Had he been their prisoner for more than a year? And how he had ended up here?
Mikhail, slowly opening his eyes, looked at Xerxes with disbelief. "X-Xerxes?"
"It's really me, Your Highness," Xerxes reassured him.
Mikhail let out a bitter laugh. "Am I hallucinating again?"
"No, you're not. It's really me. How did you end up here?" Xerxes inquired.
"Tsk," Mikhail responded, looking away. "I don't know. When I woke up, I was already here, tied up and their prisoner."
In truth, when Mikhail had fallen from the cliff, it was Maximilian's troops who had discovered him. Initially, they had believed him to be lifeless, but upon closer examination by Orlando, they detected faint signs of life. Despite his many wounds and deep stab injuries, Mikhail had miraculously clung to life. The soldiers had taken him to their camp with the intention of using him as a hostage against the Serolf Empire, all while they prepared for an impending war. Their goal was to reclaim their country and secure their freedom.
"Izekiel is now the emperor," Xerxes informed Mikhail.
Mikhail laughed bitterly. "That bastard!"
Xerxes continued, "Duke Wolfsbane is smuggling drugs in the capital. It's not clear what his goal is, but one thing is certain – Kaye will be in danger again."
Concern filled Mikhail's eyes as he asked, "How is Kaye?"
"In order to stop Gilmesh and protect everyone, she sacrificed herself and became the empress," Xerxes revealed.
Mikhail gritted his teeth, unable to accept that she had married Izekiel.
"Your Highness, we have to save her and the empire," Xerxes stressed.
Mikhail responded with frustration, "Ha! Look at my situation. I am tied and a captive."
"I will try to persuade Maximilian. Maybe he can help us," Xerxes suggested.
Mikhail was skeptical. "Don't make me laugh; that fucker is preparing to attack our empire."
With a chilling smile, Xerxes added, "Don't worry. If he refuses to help us, I can burn this whole camp and escape." He had other plans in mind; convincing Maximilian to form an alliance was one of them. Having both Firenzan support and the barbarians on their side could be a significant advantage for the empire.
.
.
"Why should I help you?" Maximilian inquired, taking a sip of his wine.
Xerxes responded, "If you help us, I will persuade Prince Mikhail to give your country back to you."
Maximilian was skeptical. "As if he will listen to you. I know that asshole very well; he never listens to anyone."
Xerxes pressed on, "Come on, trust me. You will regain your country. And besides, aren't you worried about Aria?"
Maximilian's demeanor shifted when he heard her name.
"Aria is in great danger now, and we have a common enemy here. Let's join forces for the sake of peace," Xerxes urged.
Maximilian contemplated this proposal, his thoughts running deep.
"Very well, let me talk to your Prince," he finally agreed.
.
.
Mikhail's response was unwavering. "No!" he declared firmly. "I will never accept your condition!" He gritted his teeth.
Maximilian approached him and reiterated his conditions, in exchange for Mikhail's freedom and cooperation in their battle against Gilmesh.
"Marrying Aria? Do you think I will allow you to touch her! I will kill you before that happens!" Mikhail vehemently objected, seething with anger.
Maximilian reiterated his two conditions: their country and people's freedom from the Serolf Empire and marrying Aria. He emphasized the nature of the marriage as a diplomatic arrangement.
"It's a diplomatic marriage. You need my help, right?" Maximilian added.
Mikhail turned to Xerxes, seeking his support. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you really going to sell your wife to this asshole?"
Xerxes sighed. "I didn't expect that you would ask for marriage," he admitted. His expression turned serious. "Do you think I will allow it too?"
Maximilian, sporting a smirk, responded, "Well then, I can't help you with your problem," before leaving them.
Mikhail cursed under his breath. "That son of a bitch!"
Xerxes crossed his arms, deep in thought, as he contemplated alternative plans.
.
.
....
Days passed, and Xerxes received a message from his crow, who delivered the news directly into his arms. Xerxes possessed the ability to understand and communicate with animals, and his eyes widened upon hearing the message. He rushed to Maximilian with a sense of urgency.
"What?" Maximilian exclaimed, dropping his cup upon hearing the news.
"Gilmesh has finally gained control of the palace. We have to act quickly, or it will be too late," Xerxes urged.
Maximilian, clenching his fists, went straight to Mikhail and presented him with one last opportunity. "I'm giving you one more chance. Accept my condition, and I'll help you."
Mikhail, however, remained silent, unable to agree to the condition that involved Kaye.
"Your Highness, the palace has been under attack! Kaye has become a hostage. What if Gilmesh does something to her? Aren't you worried about her?" Xerxes implored.
Mikhail's gaze turned away, torn between his desire to protect Kaye and his resistance to the idea of her marrying Maximilian.
"Tsk. Fine, I'll save her myself!" Xerxes declared. "I thought you guys cared for her," he added, casting a disappointed glance at Maximilian before vanishing before them.
.
.
As Xerxes transformed into a massive hawk and took to the skies, he soon encountered familiar faces in the forest.
The men looked up as they heard his loud cry, and when he touched down on the ground and reverted to his human form, Gawain exclaimed, "X-Xerxes?"
"What are you guys doing here?" Xerxes asked.
Rasheen explained, "We ran away. Kaye wanted us to return to our homeland and leave her alone in the palace."
"The palace is now guarded with Gilmesh's knights. We hid here to devise a plan to save Kaye," Claudius added.
"Tsk. I never thought things would become this complicated after I left." Xerxes expressed his frustration.
Gawain inquired, "Where did you go? Why did it take you so long to return? Kaye was worried about you."
Xerxes provided an explanation, saying, "I left to search for the crown prince."
Claudius expressed his surprise, "What? But he's already dead."
Xerxes shook his head. "No, it's fake. His remains are fake, and I finally found him."
The revelation surprised the men, and Rasheen asked, "Then where is he?"
Xerxes contemplated the situation carefully. His priority was to save Aria, but heading to the palace without a solid plan could make things worse. He looked at the three men and made a decision. "Come with me."
.
.
Xerxes, Mikhail, Claudius, Gawain, and Rasheen found themselves facing off against Maximilian, his troops, and the barbarians led by Ragnar.
Ragnar, with his long curly hair and imposing physique, couldn't help but comment, "So these are the husbands of the woman you're trying to save?"
Xerxes couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Mikhail and pointed at him, saying, "Correction, only us. He's not included."
Mikhail clenched his fists, struggling to contain his irritation and prevent himself from potentially punching Xerxes.
Ragnar remarked, "Damn, you have too many rivals," he was filled with curiosity about what Aria looked like and whether she truly was as beautiful as he had heard.
Rasheen voiced their collective disapproval, saying, "We heard about your conditions. How dare you use our empire's problems to marry Aria?"
"Do you think we will accept your condition?" Claudius added.
Maximilian brushed off their objections, stating, "I don't remember needing your approval. All I need is your Prince's decision."
Mikhail affirmed his stance, declaring, "I already gave you my answer."
"Then leave, go and save her on your own. You have the Grand Master on your side, anyway." He turned his back to them, emphasizing his unwillingness to cooperate.
Rasheen, eager to proceed with their mission, declared, "Let's go, guys. Let's not waste our time here. Kaye is waiting for us." Their determination to rescue Aria was unwavering, despite the obstacles they faced.
As they began to leave, they found themselves surrounded by the barbarians and Maximilian's troops, who brandished their weapons.
Maximilian clarified his intent, saying, "Do you think you can leave that easily? I cannot let you take away our captive without my permission," referring to Mikhail.
"You can have Mikhail. Let us go!" Rasheen shouted.
Mikhail glared at Rasheen.
Xerxes, with a resigned sigh, said, "I knew this would happen." He looked at Maximilian, saying, "I'm trying my best to avoid bloodshed in this place. If you don't want to help us, just let us go. We don't have enough time to deal with you."
Maximilian, torn between his concerns for Aria and his own motives, clenched his fists. He believed that this marriage was mutually beneficial for both him and Xerxes' group, and he couldn't understand why they were so obstinate in their refusal.
"Argh. I'm getting pissed." Xerxes expressed his frustration.
Maximilian proposed an alternative, stating, "Listen, my troops have greater numbers. We can help you eliminate your enemies."
They glanced at the formidable barbarian forces gathered around them, recognizing their sheer numbers and their fearsome reputation. Maximilian had successfully united various barbarian tribes from different lands outside the empire under his command, with Ragnar, the strongest among them, serving as the leader and his right-hand man. The presence of the formidable barbarian forces posed a significant threat to the empire. If these warriors were to launch an attack at that moment, the empire would be at a severe disadvantage. They were known for their strength, their fierce nature in battle, and their complete lack of mercy. They were not concerned about the lives of innocent people and were willing to kill without hesitation. Their ruthlessness added to the peril the empire faced if they were to engage in conflict.
Claudius, well aware of the strategic advantage that the barbarians could offer, understood the potential benefits of having them as allies. "Why don't we discuss this matter for ourselves?" he suggested.
Rasheen, however, remained skeptical, saying, "What do you mean? There's nothing more to discuss about this."
"You've been complaining since earlier; can you just listen to what I will say first?" Claudius said, trying to address Rasheen's frustration.
Rasheen scowled but agreed, saying, "Fine!"
"So what's your plan?" Gawain asked.
Claudius began to explain, "These barbarians will be able to help us win our fight against Gilmesh. Just look at their numbers."
"Are you trying to say that we have to accept their condition?" Gawain questioned.
"No!" both Rasheen and Mikhail vehemently objected.
But Claudius emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, "Listen, this is for Kaye's sake. We are wasting too much time here discussing and arguing. We don't know how she is now and what Gilmesh is doing with her. We have to save her immediately."
"But we can't let him marry Kaye! I can't bear to see her with another man again," Rasheen expressed his concern.
Gawain, sharing the sentiment, added, "Me too," looking away from the thought.
"Who said she will marry him?" Claudius clarified.
The men were puzzled, and Claudius explained his plan, "The final decision will still come from Kaye. She will be the one to decide if she will marry him or not. For now, let's accept his condition and let him help us."
Xerxes couldn't help but appreciate Claudius's wisdom and smirked, saying, "You're really clever."
Facing Maximilian once more, Mikhail stepped forward and declared, "We will accept your condition."
"Really?" Maximilian looked at them with some doubts.
"I will return the Firenzan country to you, free your people, and let you marry... Aria." Mikhail agreed.
"Very well, that's a deal." He extended his hand, and they shook on the agreement.
They began to strategize on how to attack Gilmesh's troops. As they proceeded toward the empire, they regrouped with Ryu and contacted the Crimson Blades for support. Rasheen quickly assembled his own troops by seeking Targaryan's assistance. Xerxes met with Nikolai the night before their planned attack and briefed him on their strategy. With their combined forces, they successfully defeated Gilmesh and his troops. The collaborative effort had brought them victory in the end.
(End of Flashbacks)
Aria contemplated the situation and said, "So that's the reason why Maximilian is clinging to me."
"I'm sorry, but it's the only way to save you," Xerxes replied. He knew he could use his powers alone to eliminate their enemies, but he understood that having a united force would bring a quicker resolution. He also recognized the destructive potential of his powers and was determined to avoid harming innocent people and causing significant damage to the empire. He vividly remembered how his anger had nearly resulted in the destruction of an entire village in the past. He was currently making every effort to control his temper and harness his immense power. Moreover, he harbored concerns that Aria might become frightened of him.
"You can turn him down if you want. You're still the one who will decide if you will marry him or not." Xerxes said.
Aria, considering the political implications of the marriage, pointed out, "But it's your deal... As you mentioned before, it was a political marriage. He helped us to get back the peace in our empire. If I will not marry him, it will make a huge impact in our empire and his country. I can't let others badmouth our empire for not fulfilling the condition with Firenzan." She felt a sense of responsibility to her empire.
"So you will marry him?" Xerxes frowned.
"Don't worry, it's for diplomatic purposes. Besides, we can get benefits from their country," Aria reassured him and smiled.
Xerxes sighed.
Aria held his face and explained, "Just think of it like how I married Izekiel. For the sake of our empire." she leaned in and kissed him affectionately.
"Understood," Xerxes whispered in agreement between their tender kisses.