With just one hour left before Krurika's death sentence, the solemn tolling of the castle bells summoned all the immortal fairies to the courtroom. The chamber was once again prepared for the occasion, and a group of concerned townsfolk approached the throne with the lifeless body of a fallen comrade in their trembling hands.
Five distraught men came forward, their faces etched with a mix of grief and fear. They recounted the terrifying events that had unfolded in their quiet town, and their tales sent shivers down the spine of Fear Fairy, while Sob Fairy couldn't help but shed a few tears.
Meer, standing beside Soul Fairy, listened intently to the townsfolk's desperate pleas. Amid the crowd, Mihir bore the weight of guilt. He possessed partial knowledge of the situation, but he couldn't have foreseen the masked thief's descent into murder. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the lifeless body, overcome by remorse for not apprehending the thief sooner. If only he hadn't fallen for her cunning tricks, perhaps this innocent soul would still be alive, and Greytown wouldn't be living in terror.
Her biting words echoed in his mind, and anger surged within him He stood there with clenched fists, filled with anger towards himself for not preventing this tragedy, and his body seemed to burn even in the cold of Moonrun's season.
Meer stepped forward, "Why didn't you report the thief's presence in the castle earlier?" Meer inquired. One of the men, leaning on a staff with a white beard, broke the silence. His appearance contrasted starkly with the remnants of his dark eyebrows and the few strands of hair clinging to his head.
"My lord," he replied with hesitation, drawing everyone's attention, "we did inform Lord Mihir about her presence in the town several days ago."
All eyes turned to Mihir, he took deep breath before saying , "It's true, Meer. I was aware of the masked thief's activities in the town. I even bolstered security measures. But I thought she was ordinary theif not a murderer."he said the last words in a lower tone than usual.
Gloom Fairy seized this opportunity to mock Mihir mercilessly, "So, you attempted to capture her, did you?but still she slipped through your grasp?"
Meer rushed to defend his brother, unwilling to let Gloom Fairy's mockery stand. "Do not forget, Gloom Fairy, he did make an effort. He didn't stand idly by and let it happen."
But Gloom Fairy continued her taunts, "Yet he failed."
Queen Fairy's stern voice restored order with a single word, "Silence."
Rising from her seat, Queen Fairy sought to reassure the crowd, "Do not despair. From now on, our fairies will personally safeguard Greytown." The townsfolk nodded in agreement. "Flame, Music, Nature, and Fear Fairies, starting tomorrow, lead our finest elf armies to track down this menace." Silent nods of determination followed. As the locals exited the throne room, Gloom Fairy raised another pressing question, "Pardon me, good queen, but if a protector cannot save the townsfolk from this thief, what purpose does he serve?"
Mihir didn't remain silent. Stepping forward, he retorted, "What do you mean I couldn't? I gave it my all, but she possessed extraordinary powers. In the blink of an eye, she healed her scorched wings and escaped."
Mistral Fairy's tone was dripping with sarcasm as she remarked, "The protector of Moonrun couldn't apprehend a mere thief turned murderer? Oh, please."
Meer stepped in once again, defending his brother. "Mistral Fairy, do not imply that he allowed it to happen. He took action."
But it was Queen Fairy's stern voice that silenced the assembly, commanding, "Enough. Silence."
However, Gloom Fairy had one more question, "pardon me my queen but If a protector cannot save the townsfolk from her, what good is having one?"
Mihir stepped forward once more, explaining, "I did everything in my power, but her abilities were extraordinary. She healed her wings and vanished in an instant."
. Mistral Fairy taunted Mihir again, "Dhruveen your father faced formidable fairies, not one but many at once. He never lamented like a child, unlike you. You inherited the title of protector from your father, yet you seem ineffectual. your brother fell ill in a minor Dark Lands invasion, and now you couldn't catch a single girl thief " she raised her eyebrows.
Mihir's patience was wearing thin, and he interrupted Queen Fairy, "You're right, Mistral Fairy." His tone was tinged with irritation, a departure from his usual calm demeanor. Meer attempted to intervene, but Mihir silenced him with a raised hand. This was a side of him rarely seen, his anger palpable as he advanced toward Mistral, locking eyes with her. She, however, stepped back, evoking an unfamiliar fire within him.
"You're correct," he continued, his voice firm. "I did nothing when we saved you and all fairies from Krurika's attack, even when Meer almost sacrificed his life. Every day, we toil diligently across the eight towns to maintain peace. Yet, you are the only one who seems to care, continually comparing us to our father. Know this: we are not him, we are unique, and we shall never be him. Keep that in mind, or—"
He silenced Mistral once more, leaving her speechless. Queen Fairy stepped in between them, urging Mihir to cease. She cared for him like a mother, just as Soul Fairy did for his brother. Soul was the godmother of Dhruveen and Tara, while Queen Fairy together with her fulfilled the role of a mother for Meer and Mihir. They cared for them from their birth.
Mihir relented, and Queen Fairy turned her attention to Mistral and Gloom, "Both of you are dismissed. Retreat to your chambers and do not return until summoned."
She then addressed Mihir, who stood with Meer, providing much-needed support. "I have made a decision, my queen," he announced, drawing everyone's attention once more. "I have endured these constant comparisons and criticisms for too long. Now, I wish to create my own path."
He paused, biting his lower lip as he gathered his thoughts. "What I mean, my queen, is that I intend to renounce my royal status and relinquish the crown. I shall live as a commoner among the locals. I yearn to discover my true self, to endure hardships, and to share in the joys of everyday life."
Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the assembly. Meer couldn't contain his his shock and spoke up, "What are you saying, Mihir?"
Mihir laid a hand on Meer's shoulder, his gaze unwavering. "My dear brother, I am sorry , I know this decision may hurt you, but I am resolved. I will continue to serve as the protector of the crown and all the fairies, but I will do so as one of the locals. I want to explore my true self, experience life's struggles, and partake in its simple pleasures."
Meer, still in disbelief, began to rub his fingers together nervously, a habitual gesture when he was anxious. "You've gone mad," he finally muttered, his voice quivering.
Mihir acknowledged his brother's pain with a solemn nod. "I understand your feelings, Meer. But I hope, in time, you will come to understand."
Queen Fairy contemplated the situation before offering her decision. "I allow it, Mihir. I recognize that the ceaseless comparisons have taken a toll on you. Living among the locals may aid your personal growth. However, I request that you continue to visit us whenever you can. You are welcome back here whenever you choose." Her voice was lower than usual for the first time.
Soul Fairy and had attempted to interject but were silenced, , whose pleas were halted by Queen Fairy's firm words. "Soul, I understand the sacrifices you've made, the love you have given to them but we must not shackle their growth with our emotions. Our guidance should be a source of growth, not constraints."
A gentle smile graced Mihir's lips as he turned to his brother, his emotions laid bare. "Meer, please—" he began, but Meer, unable to hide his tears any longer, simply muttered, "Of course. Happy journey."
With a forced smile, Meer quickly exited the courtroom, leaving Mihir to contemplate his decision. Soul Fairy and the others departed as well, their expressions a mix of concern and understanding.
Mihir remained, standing tall, the weight of his choice settling upon his shoulders. Queen Fairy approached him, offering a reassuring touch on his arm. "Mihir, this is your path to tread. Remember, you are still our protector, no matter where you are. Your destiny awaits beyond these walls." With that said, she also exited the Chamber.
As he looked at the exit through which Meer had disappeared, Mihir knew that his journey is not going to be as easy as it seems.