"Have a child with me!"
In the bustling capital of Kar-Ah, amidst the relentless noise of daily life, this sudden declaration echoed like a sharp blade cutting through the air. But for Phoenix, the words landed like a heavy stone in his chest, unwelcome and unnerving.
On the sunlit streets of the First Tier, where cardinals and high priestesses resided in grand estates, Ari stood at the doorstep of the Windrake mansion, gripping Phoenix's shoulders with a fierce urgency. She shook him, her eyes ablaze with determination.
"Why are you bringing this up now?" Phoenix stammered, his voice strained as Ari's grasp tightened. Before he could steady himself, she pushed him inside, his back colliding with the cold stone wall. One of her hands pressed firmly against his shoulder while the other rested on the wall beside his face, an assertive move that pinned him in place. Phoenix shrank under her intense gaze, his posture folding inward as if he wished he could disappear into a corner and cry unseen.
"You love me, Phoenix. So why not?" Ari pressed on, her voice a mix of pleading and challenge.
Phoenix's face flushed. "Yes, I do. But not like this. Not under these circumstances. Why are you pushing this now, and so forcefully?"
Ari inhaled deeply, her breath shaky yet resolute. Phoenix, feeling a surge of conflicted emotions, hastily brushed away the single tear that threatened to betray him. The tension between them hung thick in the air as Ari's demeanor softened slightly. She gently cupped his chin, drawing closer until their lips nearly touched, an electric charge of unspoken words sparking between them.
"I wouldn't recommend doing that."
The sudden interruption froze them in place. Elara Windrake, Phoenix's mother, stood further inside the mansion, her elegant bishop attire lending her a presence both commanding and serene. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, assessed the scene before her with quiet judgment.
Phoenix turned, frustration bubbling to the surface. "One second later, Mother! Couldn't you have spoken up just one second later?"
Elara merely raised an eyebrow, her expression unchanging. "It's a way out," Ari blurted, attempting to salvage the situation, but Elara waved her hand, beckoning them both into the mansion.
Inside the grand living room, the opulence of the Windrake estate was on full display. A trio of plush sofas surrounded a polished oak table, and the walls were lined with towering bookshelves crammed with tomes, scrolls, and ancient texts. Elara sat with poised elegance, a butler at her side who promptly poured her a cup of steaming tea. Despite her delicate frame, Elara exuded a quiet authority that few dared to question.
Ari settled onto a sofa opposite Elara, while Phoenix lingered awkwardly by the doorway, still reeling from the earlier encounter. The butler presented Ari with her own teapot, the aromatic steam rising to meet her face. She took a cautious sip, grimacing as the bitter, almost medicinal flavor coated her tongue.
Elara's voice broke the silence. "It would be your way out, Ari, if this were merely the proposal stage. But you're nearing the marriage now."
Ari's brow furrowed. "Wouldn't this scare him off? Force him to cancel the ceremony?"
Elara set her cup down with a soft clink. "You would be stoned for adultery."
The weight of Elara's words settled over Ari like a heavy cloak. She leaned back, hands cradling her chin in deep thought. Elara's gaze never wavered, every gesture deliberate as she sipped her tea. "But there is a legal escape from your predicament," she said finally, her voice laced with a calculated calm.
Ari's eyes lifted, searching Elara's face for answers.
"During the time when the Theocracy was still subservient to the Empire, the High Priest enacted a law designed to prevent the rise of foreign influence. Among its many stipulations was a clause concerning the marriages of high-born individuals, particularly those crossing social boundaries."
Ari sighed, slumping back. "A challenge."
"Yes. A challenge," Elara confirmed, a flicker of knowing passing across her features. "Your mother proposed this path once and the cardinals disagreed."
Elara placed her teacup on the table, her fingers interlacing as she continued. "The Theocracy sees potential in you, Ari. With your charisma and social acumen, you could secure an alliance with Kreaton and, through him, gain control over the entire Coast."
Ari's eyes narrowed, her patience waning. "And what makes you think I can even negotiate with a brute like him?"
Elara leaned in, her voice soft yet unyielding. "The Coast's alliance would be invaluable in deterring another Tundra incursion."
Ari's exhaustion was palpable, her mind tangled in the web of political machinations. "Isn't Tundra embroiled in a power struggle? I heard the tribes are at each other's throats."
"For now," Elara acknowledged, her tone somber. "But cohesion is growing. Every warlord sees a path to dominance, and all it takes is a single spark—a more tempting conquest—to reunite them. And that spark could be you."
Ari's silence spoke volumes. She stared blankly ahead, knowing Elara's words held more than just a warning—they were a command. "Running away from the ceremony, bedding another man, any interference from your mother—it would all ignite that spark. Kreaton is a proud man. He won't let you go so easily."
"Would he really go so far as to unite the tribes and burn down the Theocracy just to get me?" Ari's voice wavered, the enormity of it all crashing down on her.
Elara's reply was chilling in its certainty. "Yes, he would."
Ari sat, head bowed, feeling the weight of destiny pressing down on her shoulders. Tears welled up, the sting of reality finally piercing her resolve. She wiped her eyes hastily, swallowing her fear and sorrow. Elara's gaze never wavered, her expression a mix of pity and determination.
"It's not about you, Ari," Elara continued, her voice softening, yet still stern. "We are people of power. We protect what's ours, even at the cost of our lives, our sanity. You must do what's necessary. Go to Kreaton, win him over, and secure peace for the Theocracy. This is your duty. Your destiny."
The words hung in the air, suffocating and inescapable. Ari stood, her movements stiff and deliberate, a mask of composure barely concealing the turmoil inside. She thanked Elara for the tea and the conversation, though the gratitude felt hollow. As she left the mansion, her mind was a storm of conflicting emotions.
Ari returned home, the familiar weight of the day's turmoil pressing heavily on her shoulders. She stepped inside, slipping off her sandals in the corridor. The house felt strangely still - quieter than it ever had been. The usual bustle, the faint echoes of conversations, and the distant hum of daily chores were absent. For a moment, she paused, taking in the silence, broken only by the occasional creak of the polished wooden floor beneath her feet.
As she ventured further, the door to Astra's room swung open. Astra emerged, not in her usual guard's armour that gleamed with every stride, but in loose-fitting, casual clothes that hung comfortably off her athletic frame. Her crimson hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, softening her otherwise sharp features.
"Why is it so quiet here?" Ari asked, her voice sounding oddly loud in the emptiness.
Astra shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "Farah left not long after you did. Mom's probably still upstairs working on her… stuff. Emma said she needed to run an errand, and I'm just chilling. It's my day off." She leaned casually against the doorframe, her relaxed posture a stark contrast to the tension that clung to Ari.
Ari brushed past her sister, trying to mask the turmoil beneath her composed exterior. As she opened the door to her room, Astra called out, her curiosity barely veiled. "You went to the neighbors? What's going on?"
"I wanted to meet with Phoenix," Ari said, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "Like we used to do back in the old days." She tried to retreat into the sanctuary of her room, but Astra's bare foot blocked the door. Astra slipped inside, her presence insistent yet unthreatening.
Ari collapsed onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling, the weight of the morning still pressing down on her. Astra dragged a chair close and sat on it backward, resting her chin on the backrest, her eyes fixed on her sister with concern.
"You're acting strange," Astra observed, her voice edged with worry. "You don't look well."
Ari's fingers raked through her hair, trying to hide her face. "Have I looked good recently?"
"No," Astra admitted, her tone softening. "That's why I'm worried. Spill it, Ari. What happened this time?"
Ari exhaled, her emotions spilling out in a mixture of a sigh, a growl, and the beginnings of a sob. "I wanted to have a child with Phoenix, okay? Can you just leave me alone for a moment?"
Astra shifted her head from one side to the other, processing the confession with an almost casual air. "You know that won't work, right?"
Ari sat up abruptly, her brows knitting in confusion. "What do you mean? I know how… well, I've never actually…"
Astra cut her off before the embarrassment could fully surface. "I mean it won't work as your way out of the marriage, Ari. Even if you did end up pregnant—with anyone—you'd be stoned for adultery. And it wouldn't just be you. Mom and I would be dragged into it too."
Ari's face twisted in shock. "Why would you and Mom be punished?"
"Don't be stupid, Ari. Do you think Mom and I would just stand by and watch you die?" Astra's voice was harsh, but her eyes betrayed the fear that lurked beneath.
Ari fell back onto the bed, silent tears slipping down her cheeks. "Elara told me the same thing," she confessed, wiping her eyes with trembling fingers. "She tried to convince me to go with Kreaton, said it was the best option."
Astra leaned back, her gaze softening with a rare tenderness. "And what are you going to do with that knowledge?"
Ari's voice wavered. "I don't know. Elara makes sense, but… I'm still not sure. Maybe she's right. Maybe this is my way out."
Astra stood, the chair scraping softly against the floor as she moved. "I won't tell you what to do, Ari. It's your life. Whatever choice you make, it's on you." She left the room, her words lingering like a faint echo in the quiet.
Ari remained lying on the bed, lost in her thoughts, grappling with the weight of her decisions. Moments later, she rose and followed her sister out, her steps hesitant. To her surprise, Astra was still there, standing silently in the hallway, her eyes locked on something down the corridor.
Ari joined her, following Astra's gaze to see Emma, the housemaid, standing nervously with a young girl by her side. The girl was small, barely reaching Emma's waist, her frame swallowed by the oversized maid's attire she wore. Emma's hand rested firmly on the girl's shoulder, a protective gesture that spoke volumes.
Fiora descended the staircase, her expression marked by a rare mix of curiosity and concern. Dressed casually, her usual commanding presence was muted but no less formidable. She stopped at the foot of the stairs, facing Emma and the child.
"What is the meaning of this?" Fiora asked, her tone even but probing.
Emma straightened, her grip on the girl tightening slightly. "Her name is Mavis. She's a distant relative of mine, under my mother's care for a while." Fiora crouched, meeting the girl's eyes, but Mavis's long fringe obscured most of her face. Gently, Fiora brushed the fringe aside with a fingertip.
"She was found at a clinic on the Second Tier," Emma continued, her voice trembling slightly. "The nurses contacted us. They said Mavis was brought in by some young man who claimed he found her in a place she should never have been."
Fiora's eyes carefully studied Mavis's face, now exposed. Her breath caught as she saw the countless scars marring the young girl's features—thin, jagged lines crisscrossing her cheeks and forehead, with one particularly deep scar running from her chin up to her left eye. The marks told a story of pain far beyond Mavis's years.
"My mother tried to keep her in bed, to help her heal," Emma said, her voice tightening. "But Mavis refused. She didn't want to be a burden. She wants to work."
Fiora stood slowly, her gaze still locked on the child. "You wish to work here?" she asked gently.
Mavis nodded, and Emma leaned down to whisper encouragement in her ear. "Speak."
The girl's voice was small, but her words were firm. "Please… I want to help."
Fiora knelt again, her eyes meeting Mavis's. "What's your dream, Mavis?"
Without hesitation, the girl answered, her voice soft but unwavering. "I want to marry the man who saved me."
Fiora's expression softened, a faint, almost sad smile touching her lips. "So, you want to learn how to cook him delicious meals, keep your home clean, and take care of him, is that right?"
Mavis nodded again, more confidently this time. Fiora stood, her decision made. "Very well. You can work here. Emma will show you everything you need to know."
Emma and Mavis bowed deeply, tears streaming down their cheeks in gratitude. As Fiora walked toward the kitchen, Emma turned to Astra and Ari, who had been watching the entire exchange.
"This is Lady Astra," Emma introduced, gesturing to Astra, who gave a small wave. "She's the eldest daughter of Lady Fiora."
Astra smiled warmly, though her eyes held a flicker of sadness as she greeted the girl. "And this is Miss Arianna, the second daughter," Emma continued. Ari bent down to meet Mavis's eyes, offering a kind smile that the girl shyly returned.
"There's also Mister Farah, the youngest and last child of Lady Fiora," Emma added.
Mavis looked up at Emma, her eyes wide with innocence. "When will I meet their dad?"
Emma's face turned a deep shade of red, her embarrassment mixing with a flash of anger. Astra knelt beside Mavis, gently patting her head. "You won't meet him," she said softly. "He's been gone a long time."
Realising her mistake, Mavis bowed deeply, stammering apologies that only deepened Emma's flustered state. Ari, feeling a pang of empathy, ruffled the girl's hair lightly. "You didn't know. It's okay."
Astra and Ari continued to comfort Mavis, their gentle touches soothing the girl's nerves. Emma stood by, her face still tinged with embarrassment but also with a growing fondness for the child who had stumbled into their lives.
Emma took Mavis with her downstairs to begin teaching her about the mansion, starting with her room and daily duties. As they passed through the hallways, Mavis marveled at the intricate designs on the walls—golden trim and murals of mythical creatures decorating the high ceilings, giving the place an otherworldly feel.
Meanwhile, Fiora walked out of the kitchen, brushing her long dark blue hair aside with her hand, her two fox-like tails swaying gently behind her. The tips of the silken, furred tails lightly brushed the polished wooden floor, leaving a faint trail in their wake as she approached her daughter. The twin tails, soft yet brimming with hidden power, moved in graceful arcs, a symbol of Fiora's ancient heritage.
"Ari, are you ready for the journey?" Fiora asked casually.
Ari blinked in confusion. "Am I going somewhere?"
Fiora paused, tilting her head as she thought. "Didn't I tell you? You're meeting with Kreaton at the Coast. The ship sails in two days from Haven."
"No, you forgot to tell me that," Ari replied, slightly irritated but understanding that her mother had much on her mind lately. Fiora, though powerful and poised, was sometimes scatterbrained when juggling the weight of her responsibilities as a mother and high priestess.
As Ari turned to start preparing for the voyage, Fiora's voice called her attention again. "You'll need to come with me to meet the cardinals. We've prepared instructions for you, and along with you on the ship will be a diplomat, Mr. Arashika. If you have any questions, feel free to ask him."
Ari sighed, mentally adding another task to her list. "Alright,"
Fiora then turned her focus toward Astra, who had been listening quietly with keen interest. "Astra, I leave the choice of guards who will sail with Ari up to you. I don't know them as well as you, so I'll leave that decision in your hands."
Astra gave a respectful nod. "Of course, Mother." She then turned her attention to Ari, a playful gleam in her eye. "I was thinking Frost and Samuel could accompany you. What do you think?"
"I like them, that's what I think," Ari responded with a smile, appreciating Astra's thoughtful decision.
"They're capable," Astra agreed, folding her arms thoughtfully. "Maybe not as skilled as Bang, but they're still solid choices."
"Bang needs to stay here," Fiora interjected, "I will speak with him soon."
With the conversation settled, Ari headed to her room to begin packing for the journey. She glanced at her wardrobe, deciding on practical travel clothes rather than her usual ornate attire. Astra, on the other hand, quickly changed into her field outfit and made her way to inform Frost and Samuel about their mission. Fiora, ever the image of elegance and duty, ascended the grand staircase to prepare for her role as High Priestess, her flowing robes sweeping behind her.
The mansion hummed with quiet anticipation, each of them preparing for what lay ahead—the political intrigue at the Coast, the pressures of diplomacy, and the looming presence of Kreaton, whose motives were still shrouded in mystery.
After her consultation with the cardinals, Ari stood waiting for her mother under the shadow of the cathedral, avoiding the sunlight as it cast warm beams over the stone steps. She held several document files under her arm, her face calm but her mind restless. One by one, the cardinals left the cathedral, their robes flowing as they descended toward their mansions. Some nodded or bid her farewell in passing, their expressions neutral but respectful. Ari remained still, her eyes drifting toward the great arched doors as she waited.
Finally, Fiora emerged, the last to leave. She was dressed in her long, flowing red gown, the rich fabric embroidered with golden threads that shimmered in the light. A dark red cloak draped over her shoulders, her presence commanding but serene. Walking alongside her was Elara, the two engaged in a quiet conversation. As Elara took her leave, Fiora noticed her daughter and approached.
"Elara told me you two had a talk," Fiora said, her tone warm but curious.
Ari sighed. "Yes, we talked about Kreaton and... my situation. I wouldn't call it a 'talk' exactly. It felt more like a... slam."
Fiora smiled faintly, though concern clouded her eyes. "Elara and the cardinals view these matters differently than we do. As for me, your wellbeing is my highest priority. But even I can't ignore some of their points."
Ari stopped walking, turning to face her mother fully. "You don't have to anymore."
Fiora paused, her expression shifting from curiosity to surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Elara pointed out something I hadn't seen before. She's right." Ari took a breath, her voice steady but resolute. "I've made my decision. I will marry Kreaton and do what I can to bring good to the Theocracy. I won't run anymore, nor will I hide. I want you to let me go. Let me do this."
Fiora closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, turning her back to Ari as a single tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly, composing herself.
"I will," Fiora said softly, still facing away from her daughter.
Seeing how much the decision affected her mother, Ari gently took Fiora's arm and leaned against her. Fiora, feeling the warmth of her daughter, tenderly patted her head and rubbed her fluffy ears. They stood there for a moment, the world seeming to pause around them, before they began walking again toward their home. As they made their way down the steps, they were suddenly interrupted by a small figure.
The child was shorter than Ari, looking a few years younger. He bowed deeply. "Lady Fiora, Miss Ari."
Fiora glanced toward the guards in the distance, who seemed oblivious to the presence of this stranger in a closed area. Her attention snapped back to the boy, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
"And you?" Fiora asked, her voice sharp but controlled.
"I bring a message from the Empress," the boy said, straightening his posture. His demeanour was formal, almost too mature for his youthful appearance.
Fiora's tension eased slightly, her expression shifting to one of mild relief. Ari remained cautious, watching the boy closely.
"Yes, I've been expecting you. What news do you bring?" Fiora asked.
The boy began reciting his message. "First of all, the Empress has managed to convince Hel Midori to join our cause. She will share the details with you in person."
Fiora's eyes lit up with genuine satisfaction at the news. "That is excellent. Go on."
"The Empress has accepted your invitation to attend the tournament you're hosting at your academy. However, she would prefer her stay to be at Cardinal Galeria's residence, as she has urgent matters to discuss with him."
"Of course. I'll arrange that with him immediately," Fiora responded, nodding her agreement.
The boy glanced briefly at the sky, shifting his weight as he tapped his foot in a rhythmic pattern. "And lastly…And lastly...Oh! My deepest apologies...we have not yet located him."
Fiora sighed deeply, her relief from earlier fading. "I see. Thank you for the update. Please send the Empress my respects and gratitude for her efforts."
The boy bowed again. "I will. If that is all, I shall take my leave."
Ari, still confused, asked, "That kid... he's really the Empress' messenger?"
Fiora glanced at her daughter, her tone calm but knowing. "He? Oh yes, but don't be confused by appearances. He's not really a child. He's a Shadow Walker, one of the five most elite spies and assassins in the world, serving directly under the Empress. They are invaluable, earning their status as the Empire's trump card."
Recognition flickered in Ari's eyes. She had read about them before, those elusive figures known for their unmatched skill and secrecy. Now, with the realization hitting her, an idea began to form in her mind. She hurried toward the boy, who was already walking away.
"Wait!" she called out.
The boy turned, his expression neutral as he faced her. "How can I help you?" he asked, his voice calm and collected.
"Are you really a Shadow Walker?" Ari asked, her curiosity almost palpable. The boy didn't respond, simply holding her gaze with an unflinching calm.
"I wanted to ask you something..." Ari began, but before she could finish, the boy interrupted smoothly. "I'm sorry, but I cannot answer any of your questions without the Empress' permission."
Ari frowned slightly, trying to push through. "I just want to—"
"You will meet the Empress during the tournament," the boy said, cutting her off again. "Ask her for permission, then I will gladly answer any questions you may have. Until that time, I cannot assist you further."
With that, he turned and continued walking, leaving Ari with no room to negotiate or press the issue. She stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of missed opportunity, before reluctantly returning to her mother's side.
Fiora, having watched the exchange, gave her daughter a small, knowing smile. Together, they resumed their walk toward Rosviel's mansion.