Ari stood in the grand foyer of the mansion, her slender hands clutching her chest as if to hold back the turmoil within. Her younger brother, Farah, approached with a measured pace, his voice calm but laced with concern. "So, you are going," he said, his dark eyes searching hers for an answer.
"Yeah, but only for a meeting with him," Ari replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The polished wooden floor beneath them gleamed in the soft light streaming through the tall windows, casting vibrant hues across the room.
Farah tilted his head, his brows knitting together. "You still have time to figure something out. Do you have a plan?"
Ari shook her head. "I don't need one. I've decided to go with him. It would be better for everyone."
Farah sighed, his breath heavy with doubt. "But is it better for you?"
Before Ari could respond, the sound of brisk footsteps echoed through the hallway. Mia, the maid, appeared at the entrance, her apron swaying as she approached. "Everything is set on the carriage, Miss Ari. Is there perhaps anything else you wish to take with you?"
Ari's expression brightened, if only for a moment. "There is a book in my room about elemental magic written by Tal'shen. Could you fetch it for me, Mia?"
The maid bowed and departed, leaving the siblings in the quiet, sunlit foyer. The air was thick with unspoken worries. "It's not… but it's okay." Ari's fingers absentmindedly traced the intricate designs on the wooden railing of the nearby staircase.
Farah took a step toward the stairs leading to his own room, his voice low. Ari barely caught his final words as he left, spoken almost as a whisper: "Don't lie to yourself."
The phrase struck Ari like a dagger to the heart. A single tear welled up in her eye, slipping down her cheek with a silent grace. She quickly brushed it away, composing herself just as Mia returned with the book in hand. Ari accepted it with a nod of thanks and followed the maid out to the carriage.
The carriage, a stately vehicle designed to mimic a wealthy merchant's, stood waiting in the cobblestone courtyard. Two sturdy sorrel horses snorted and pawed the ground, their polished harnesses gleaming in the sunlight. At the helm was a guard acting as coachman, and flanking the carriage were two mounted guards, their dark cloaks rippling in the gentle morning breeze. Samuel, one of her personal guards, stood near the open carriage door, his expression serious but welcoming.
Ari greeted them all with a slight nod as she approached, clutching the book against her chest. Samuel stepped closer and spoke in a low, reassuring tone. "Miss Ari, I will be your personal guard on this journey. There will be another, named Frost, who will join us in the lower tier."
"Such a formal speech, Samuel," Ari teased gently. "My mother isn't around, you know."
Samuel allowed a brief smile to play on his lips but said nothing more, as a finely dressed gentleman approached. He carried a briefcase, and his steps were purposeful, his gaze keen.
"I believe we haven't met, Miss Ari," he said with a courteous bow. "I'm Mateo Arashika, a diplomat assigned to accompany you to the Coast."
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Arashika," Ari replied with a polite dip of her head.
Arashika's eyes flicked to Samuel. "And you must be Samuel, the guard. But I don't see Mr. Frost around here."
Samuel nodded. "You're correct, sir. He is due to join us as we descend to the second tier."
"I see," said Arashika, stroking his well-groomed beard thoughtfully. "Then we're all prepared, yes? Are we awaiting anything else?"
"I was hoping to see the High Priestess before we departed," Ari admitted, glancing back toward the cathedra.
Arashika shook his head. "They're deep in debate. I attempted to reach her myself, but no one is to be disturbed."
Just then, one of the guards sprinted toward them, his breathing labored as he reached out to steady himself against Samuel's shoulder. His blond hair was tousled, and sweat glistened on his brow. "Apologies for being late," he panted. "I'm one of the guards escorting you to Haven."
Ari's eyes widened with recognition. "I wasn't expecting you, Ash."
"Fine, fine," Arashika cut in, waving his hand impatiently. "We can chat inside the carriage. Let's be on our way."
Ari was the first to climb into the carriage, followed by Arashika, Samuel, and then Ash. The plush interior was lined with dark green velvet, and the scent of polished wood filled the air. Samuel and Ash, as guards, were not typically allowed to ride inside, but exceptions were made for personal protection and specific tasks.
As the carriage began to move, the sound of hooves striking the cobblestones filled the air. Ari turned to Ash. "Do you have business in Haven, or are you travelling with us the whole way?"
"I'm being dispatched as reinforcement for Yani's group," he replied, adjusting the buckle of his leather belt.
"When you see Yani, tell him I said hello," Ari said with a fond smile. "He's a good friend of Astra."
Arashika looked curious. "Is he the one with the crock and the hamster?"
"It's Criceti, but yes, that's him," Ash said. "His team also includes three elven sisters, and I'm on my way to support them."
"Sounds peculiar," Samuel remarked with a wry smile.
The carriage came to a halt as someone outside knocked on the door. Frost climbed in, his broad frame nearly filling the doorway. As he squeezed in beside Ash and Samuel, the two guards were pushed to the sides, nearly bumping into the carriage walls. Ari stifled a laugh at the sight.
Before Frost could close the door, Ari glimpsed a young woman waving to him from the street, her identity a mystery.
As the carriage rattled along the uneven road, the guards' quiet, casual conversation filled the air, their low voices blending with the creaking of the wooden wheels. Arashika was occupied with reviewing a stack of documents, his eyes scanning each page with practiced precision. Ari sat beside him, holding her book on elemental magic, her fingers gently tracing the embossed title. She opened the book and read the title several times, turning the pages as if searching for something hidden within. Her heart pounded with each word, though she knew that the answers she sought—about the man she wanted to meet again—would not be found here.
Lost in thought, Ari almost didn't notice when Frost spoke up. "So, Miss Ari, we would like to... you know, like..."
Arashika glanced up from his papers, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No need for such formality, Frost."
Frost nodded and began again, his voice more relaxed. "Ari, do you know what we can expect when we get there?"
The question caught Ari off guard. She bit her lip, unsure how to answer. In truth, she didn't know what awaited her at the Citadel, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on her.
Arashika, noticing her hesitation, took the lead. "It's a straightforward meeting. In the morning, you will escort Miss Ari to the Citadel. You'll stay with her at all times. Kreaton or another competent official will guide you. During the meeting, keep silent unless spoken to,always stay beside her and make sure Miss Ari signs the necessary documents. If she is invited to a dinner afterward, accompany her but do not eat—just stand behind her and stay vigilant. Once everything is settled, escort her back to the ship. And make sure not to lose any documents or personal belongings she receives."
The carriage fell silent, the guards glancing at each other with raised eyebrows. Ari drew in a deep breath. Frost spoke again. "Thank you, Mr. Arashika, for that thorough briefing. But what exactly should we do when we meet with Kreaton?"
Arashika's eyes shifted to Ari, leaving the question for her to answer. She took a moment, her voice barely steady. "I… accepted him as my spouse. It was Elara who convinced me. I will marry him and become his wife, though I don't know what kind of man he truly is." Her gaze fell to the floor, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Please, watch my reactions and act accordingly. I trust you to keep me safe."
Both Samuel and Frost shared a solemn glance, then nodded in unison. "Leave it to us," they said.
The hours passed as the carriage continued its journey through forests and open plains, the landscape blurring into a mix of green and gold. They spoke only occasionally, the guards engaging in idle chatter, while Ari immersed herself in her book and Arashika continued to read over his documents. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow over the world, they reached Haven, the bustling port city nestled along the Theocracy's coastline. Beyond it lay the endless expanse of the Verdal Sea, and far across those waters, the distant Likaon Coast.
The carriage came to a halt on the cobblestone street near the docks, and Mr. Arashika was the first to disembark, his movements brisk and efficient. Two mounted guards quickly joined him, escorting him toward the waiting ship. Ari emerged next, followed by Samuel, Frost, and Ash. As soon as his boots touched the ground, Ash vanished into the gathering dusk without a word. Ari's eyes followed his path, but he was already gone, swallowed by the city's narrow alleyways.
With her personal guards beside her, Ari walked toward the quay, her gaze drawn westward toward the sea. The sunset was barely visible, obscured by the tall ships moored at the harbour and the crowded rooftops. She stepped closer to the edge, a gust of sea wind tousling her hair and the fur on her ears and tail. She stood just a step away from the water, holding the book behind her back, when a thought crossed her mind.
"Beautiful view, isn't it?" Samuel said, breaking the silence.
"Yes, it is," Ari replied softly, her eyes lingering on the fading light. "Where the sun sets, darkness arises."
She turned away from the water and faced her guards. "Let's board the ship."
As they approached the vessel, the crew stood ready to receive them. A captain with dark hair, a thick moustache, and a neatly trimmed beard welcomed them aboard with a broad grin. He wore a long, weathered coat, blue trousers, and tall boots. A pipe hung from his lips, smoke curling up into the evening air. "Welcome aboard the Stormchaser, Princess," he said, his voice gruff but warm.
Ari greeted him with a polite nod as she stepped onto the ship's deck. "That's a fancy name for a—" Samuel mocked him a little.
"Yeah, yeah," the captain interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "Go find your berths, and let's get out of this cursed port already." He turned to his crew and shouted, "Hoist the anchor! Make ready to sail! Unfurl the mainsail and set the course!"
Samuel chuckled at the captain's brusque tone. "You don't seem to like Haven much, do you?"
The captain grumbled, puffing on his pipe. "Lost too many bets here. How am I supposed to like this place?"
The Stormchaser groaned and shifted as it left the dock, the sails catching the night breeze. Ari and her guards stumbled slightly, adjusting to the movement of the ship.
"Whoa, hope I don't get seasick," Samuel said, steadying himself.
"You've never sailed before?" Frost asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nope," Samuel admitted with a grin. "I'm a pure land rat."
Ari sighed, the exhaustion from the day's journey settling into her bones. "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm heading to bed. See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight," Frost said with a nod. "Rest well."
Ari descended the narrow staircase into the ship's belly, her boots tapping against the wooden steps. She found her cabin, a small room with just enough space for a hammock swaying gently with the ship's motion. She eyed it with a mix of curiosity and delight—it was something she had always dreamed of experiencing, the simple joy of sleeping in a hammock on the open sea.
She kicked off her sandals and carefully climbed into the hammock, its fabric wrapping around her as she settled in. As the ship rocked her to sleep, Ari closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer.
It was late morning when Ari finally emerged from her cabin, blinking against the sunlight that spilled across the ship's deck. As she opened the door, a cool sea breeze swept in, carrying with it the familiar saltiness of the ocean. Frost was sitting just outside, a thin plume of smoke curling from the cigarette he held between his fingers. He greeted her with a nod, stubbing out the cigarette on the wooden railing as he rose to follow.
The brightness made Ari squint, her eyes adjusting slowly to the dazzling sun that hung low over the sparkling waters. Samuel, seeing them emerge, strode over with a casual wave.
"How was the sleep?" he asked, his tone light.
"Almost as good as I'd imagined," Ari replied, a hint of contentment in her voice.
"Well, the wooden beds down below weren't much of a pleasure," Samuel said with a grin, rubbing his lower back for effect.
Frost's eyes narrowed slightly. "Land rat… This isn't a vacation," he reminded, his tone carrying a subtle reprimand that pulled Samuel back into the moment.
Ari glanced around, scanning the deck. "Have either of you seen Mr. Arashika?"
"No sign of him," Samuel answered. "He's probably still in his cabin, going over documents or whatever diplomats do."
"I haven't seen his two guards either," Ari added, her curiosity piqued. "Do you know them?"
Frost shook his head. "I've seen them around the barracks a few times, but that's about it."
"Same here," Samuel said with a shrug. "I don't even know their names."
Ari let the conversation drift away as she inhaled deeply, savoring the crispness of the air. "It's a nice breeze today."
"Yeah," Samuel agreed, casting a glance at the open sea, "but it's boring as hell out here. There's nothing to do."
Ari chuckled. "Well, then you can talk, meditate, or trade stories. As for me, I'll read my book." She said it with a playful smirk, as if to remind them that she was more adept at finding ways to pass the time.
With a light bounce in her step, she returned to her cabin to retrieve her book on elemental magic. When she came back on deck, Frost and Samuel had settled into a game of dice near the bow, the small wooden cubes clattering on the ship's planks with every roll. Ari found a spot along the bulwark, leaning against the railing as she thumbed through the pages of her book, losing herself in its contents while the ship gently rocked beneath her.
Suddenly, a powerful wave slammed into the hull, causing the ship to lurch sharply to one side. Ari gasped as she lost her grip on the book, and before she could react, it slipped from her hands and tumbled overboard.
A piercing cry escaped her lips, the sound carrying across the open sea. Frost and Samuel sprang to their feet as if launched by a spring, rushing over to her side with alarm etched on their faces.
"My book!" she shouted, her voice tinged with panic as she watched it bob on the surface, drifting further away with each passing second. "Do something!"
Frost glanced at Samuel, who merely shook his head and sank back down onto the deck, his expression resigned. "There's nothing we can do."
Ari's desperation flared. She climbed up onto the bulwark, reaching toward the waves as if she could somehow will the book back to her. But Frost grabbed her by the waist and pulled her down before she could go any further, setting her back on the deck.
"It's too far out now, Ari," he said firmly, though not unkindly. "And no one's going to swim after it."
"But it's my…" Her voice broke off as she struggled to hold back tears. She could only watch helplessly as the book continued to drift, the current carrying it farther and farther away, until at last it sank beneath the dark blue waves, disappearing from view.
Ari stood there, her hands trembling at her sides. It was just a book, and yet it was more than that, now swallowed by the sea.
The rest of the morning passed slowly for Ari. She spent her time either staring up at the drifting clouds or listening absentmindedly to the guards' idle chatter. As the hours slipped by, the sting of her loss gradually dulled. By noon, she even found herself joining in their dice game, throwing the small wooden cubes with a half-hearted smile.
It was then that the sound of wooden soles tapping against the deck drew her attention. The captain descended the stairs from the helm, his steps slow and deliberate. He was an older man, with lines etched into his weathered face and a salt-and-pepper beard that hinted at his many years at sea.
"How was the night, Miss Ninetail?" he asked, his tone gruff but friendly.
Ari stiffened, taken aback by the title. Her tail flicked against the deck, betraying her irritation. "It was fine, but don't call me that," she replied, her voice cool.
The captain raised a brow. "Is it blasphemy?" he inquired, genuinely curious.
"Something like that," Ari admitted, her ears twitching.
The captain gave a slow nod, scratching his chin as he spoke. "You'll have to pardon me. I'm not exactly well-versed in your religion or customs."
Frost turned from the game, addressing the captain. "You're from Midor, aren't you?"
"Aye, born there," the captain answered, his voice taking on a wistful tone. "But the sea raised me. Now, I'm a resident of the world." He stretched his arms wide, as if to embrace the sky above.
Ari, intrigued by the sentiment, stepped closer. "I'll accept your apology, on one condition: you have to tell me more about your travels."
The captain chuckled softly. "Didn't realise I owed you one, but fine." He gestured toward the upper deck. "Come on, then. Let's talk up there, away from the rabble."
Ari followed him up to the higher deck, where they took a seat on a sturdy wooden bench. Around them, sailors busied themselves with their tasks, adjusting ropes, mending sails, and tending to the ship. The smell of salt and tar hung thick in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of the captain's pipe smoke.
"So," Ari began, "what's it like in Midori?"
The captain's response was far from what she expected. "Hel's got a firm ass," he muttered, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Ari's eyes widened in shock, a flush rising to her cheeks. "Excuse me?"
The captain let out a throaty laugh. "Ah, the kingdom's like any other. Plenty of boring bits. The sea is the same there as it is anywhere else."
She regained her composure and leaned forward slightly. "Have you ever met Queen Hel?"
The captain shrugged. "If by 'met' you mean saw her from about twenty metres away, then yes." He extended his right arm, pointing out into the distance. "She had her knight with her, and let me tell you, I'm not one for men, but that was a hell of a sight."
Ari's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I've always wanted to meet The Black Knight."
The captain took a puff from his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "He's twice your height," he said, pointing the pipe in her direction. "His armour gleams like a polished mirror, though it's not just black - it's as if it's painted with shadows themselves. When you see him, you don't forget him."
"And what about his sword? Have you seen it?" Ari's voice had a hint of eagerness. "I've heard it's something special."
"Haven't seen the sword, no. But he's got this fancy shield strapped to his forearm gauntlet. Sturdy-looking thing, if you ask me."
Ari's curiosity deepened. "Who do you think would win - him or the Beast?"
The captain grinned and leaned back. "Aredina's got more muscle than Hel, for sure. Her breasts…" He hesitated, catching Ari's expression, and quickly adjusted his tone. "Well, the Empress is more my type, if you're asking."
Ari's enthusiasm waned, her shoulders slumping slightly. "That's not what I meant."
He chuckled again, this time with a touch of self-deprecation. "You're asking the wrong person, lass. I'm a merchant, not a warrior. Deciding who's stronger isn't exactly my field."
Ari wasn't ready to let go of her questioning just yet. "So, have you seen anything else interesting in all your travels?"
The captain's expression darkened as he took a long draw from his pipe, his mood shifting like the tide. "I was raised by the sea. I've seen… most of the countries in the history of mankind," he said, his voice softening. "I've glimpsed rulers from east to west, kings and queens, emperors and empresses, all in person." His gaze drifted to the horizon as if trying to reach the places he spoke of. "And yet… you ask if I have anything interesting to say?"
The momentary fire in his voice dimmed, leaving only the sombre quiet of a man who had spent too long away from shore. He took another slow inhale from his pipe, letting the smoke drift away like forgotten memories. "No," he finished, his voice now barely above a whisper. "I don't."
Ari watched him, the silence between them deepening. It seemed that even the sea could not always satisfy the wanderer's heart.
"I've never been to the Tundra before," the captain continued, his tone unusually serious, weighed down by a sadness Ari hadn't heard from him before. "It's a horrible place for someone like me. I must admit—it scares me to the bone."
Ari tilted her head. "Is it really that scary? There are people like you and me living there... It's their home."
The captain shook his head, the lines on his face deepening. "That's exactly it. It's their place, not mine. For me, it's a hostile land. I wouldn't last a day. That's why I respect you, Miss Rosviel." His gaze grew softer, though the sadness lingered. "You're braver than I am."
Ari looked down at her feet, the glimmer in her eyes dimming as his words sank in. "I never said I wasn't afraid..." She drew in a breath, her voice growing quieter. "Maybe I just... haven't processed it yet. It all feels like a dream. Like... I'll wake up, and this will all be gone."
The captain sighed, taking one last pull from his pipe before tossing it overboard into the sea.
"In all my years, I've only respected three women: your mother, the Empress, and Queen Hel. Now, Ari... you are the fourth." He gave her a solemn nod, a gesture that felt heavier than any compliment she'd ever received. "It takes courage to become Kreaton's first legal wife—for the sake of your people, no less. I could never do that."
Ari's heart sank at his words. But something about the way he said first caught her attention. "First?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper.
The captain paused on the stairs, turning to meet her gaze one last time. "He's had plenty of spouses before you. None of them were ever heard from again."
With that, the captain descended the stairs, leaving Ari alone with her thoughts.
The air felt heavier around her, pressing on her chest. A sudden wave of dizziness hit her, and she stumbled, struggling to stay upright. Her stomach churned violently, and she clamped a hand over her mouth to hold back the nausea. Her mind raced - thousands of thoughts colliding in her head, faster than she could grasp them.
She gripped the railing, each step toward the lower deck slow and deliberate, as if the ship itself might slip out from under her. All the morning's warmth had drained away, leaving only cold fear in its place. The future, once distant and abstract, now loomed over her like an inevitable storm. The idea of never seeing her mother or sister again struck her with the force of a hammer. And Kreaton - what fate awaited her with him? Was it worse than death?
Ari reached her cabin door, unnoticed by the others. With shaky hands, she slipped inside, locked the door, and curled back into the hammock, burying herself under the blanket. She rocked slightly as the hammock swayed with the ship, her eyes fixed on a single point on the ceiling, unmoving.
Her mind was a tangled mess of fear and exhaustion - too frightened to sleep, too weary to think clearly. Time slipped strangely around her: minutes stretched into hours, and hours vanished in moments.
She didn't respond to the soft knocks on her door, ignoring them completely. When Frost finally barged in, followed by Samuel, her body tensed beneath the blanket, but she didn't acknowledge them.
"Ari, what's going on?" Frost asked, his voice filled with concern. "We're almost there, and you've barely left your cabin."
Ari remained silent, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. Only when she felt a light thunk on her head did she lower the blanket slightly and glance at Frost. He stood there holding her book - the one she thought lost to the sea. It was damp, the pages swollen from water, but otherwise intact.
She sat up abruptly, clutching the book to her chest as if it were a lifeline. "Where did you find it?" she whispered.
"It was left outside your door. Someone must've fished it out before it drifted too far," Frost replied with a small shrug.
Ari flipped through the pages, ensuring nothing was missing. A weight she didn't realise she was carrying lifted slightly, but it was still not enough to clear her mind. "I... I don't want to meet him anymore," she confessed, her voice trembling. "I don't want to go back home." She wrapped herself in the blanket again, as if hiding could somehow change her fate.
Frost let out a long sigh and glanced back at Samuel. "We'll talk to Mr. Arashika," he murmured. "Maybe there's a way-"
There was no room for negotiation, no easy way out. Her path was set. Not long after, she was forced to leave the comfort of her hammock and prepare for her meeting with Kreaton. With her documents tucked securely under her arm, she followed Frost and Samuel back to the deck, her steps heavy with reluctance.
The ship rocked gently beneath her feet as the sun began to rose higher in the sky. On the horizon, she could make out the silhouette of the port city of Valkrath, the capital of Likaon's Coast, drawing nearer with every passing moment. The city's spires and towers jutted skyward like jagged teeth, waiting to swallow her whole.
Ari gripped the railing tightly, her heart pounding with each breath of salty air. This was no dream - it was all too real. And soon, she would meet the man who will seal her fate.