Aster gasped as he opened his eyes widely.
He was momentarily confused as he saw himself in a familiar place… his bed.
'Was it all just a dream?'
He was hoping it was. The horror of the sudden attack, him fighting for countless nights after making sure his family was safe, then getting hit by Mersh's spell when he least expected.
It happened quickly, as he started to weaken, Mersh wiped out his army and left him alive… suffering to his death.
'She didn't even give the reason why she did it…'
It felt too real to be just a dream.
His unfocused eyes tightened close. His eyelids were still quivering despite him trying his best to gain control of himself.
He just couldn't believe it.
Why?
Why?
Why?!
"Your Highness?"
Unstably, he turned his face towards the voice. His unsteady eyes shook a little as the memories of the horrible death of the butler overlapped with the man standing by the side of his bed.
He couldn't forget how Mendez was cut into pieces by lightning and then burned just enough for him to die in pain. Mersh didn't even burn him to ashes, she controlled her magic so that even after getting cut and burned, he would suffer.
Hatred swelled in Aster's heart remembering what Mersh did.
No, it can't be a nightmare. He felt every single second intensely for it to be just some random nightmare.
His feelings of betrayal still linger in his heart. The bitter taste of it along with his own blood. Mersh's emotionless face… everything was so clear for him.
'It's not a dream.'
"What day is it, Mendez?"
The butler did a good job hiding his facial expression. Being with Aster for as long as they could remember, he was used to Aster's random antics. "Your Highness, it's the Month of the Beginning and the day of the Sun. It's also the holy day that the Peace Treaty is set to be celebrated by everyone."
'Peace Treaty…'
It was the day where the century-long war had finally come to an end. It was a joyous event for everyone. They were finally able to move on from the harsh war that took away countless lives and only few remember why the war even happened.
'In month's time, Mersh will betray us. She will hold hands with Zenith and stab us in the back. She will hold no remorse in doing so. I won't let do as she pleases! I'll make sure to behead you myself, Mersh! It's the least mercy that I can do with all the lives you've taken.'
Once again, his heart was filled with so much rage that when he released a breath, a strong surge of wind passed through the room.