Kael, Mieza, Zola, and Zym convened in a hidden alcove within the palace, their expressions grave. The festivities continued in the background, the distant sounds of laughter and music a stark contrast to the tension among the guardians.
"There's still no sign of the Naja," Zym said, his celestial eyes flickering with urgency. "Something feels off. Not one single Naja attacked or infiltrated the Palace."
Kael nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Patience Zym, time will tell us everything we need to know. If our suspicions are correct and Veridian is the mastermind behind everything, we'll need to gather all the proof we need. "
Kael's sharp eyes scanned the room, ensuring they were alone. "If we're right and Veridian is the mastermind behind everything, his first move as King would be to go to war with the Garudas."
Mieza, her demeanor steely, added, "And he'll most likely find a reason to do so."
Kael looked at each of them, a plan forming in his mind. "We need to be cautious. If we're wrong, then the Najas will try to assassinate Veridian. We must keep a watchful eye on him and protect him. Spread out. Report any unusual sightings."
As they dispersed to begin their individual tasks, the weight of their mission hung heavily over them. The stakes were high, and failure was not an option.
***************
Meanwhile, high above Oephidia in the surface realm and in the mountain Kingdom of Kragnir, King Eothis carried the unconscious Melinoe to his private chambers.
The palace of Kragnir was thrown into shock upon the news of Melinoe who was reported supposedly dead, being found alive but injured. King Eothis, though relieved that the Naga Queen was alive, was also deeply troubled by the confusion surrounding her death and the state she was found in.
King Eothis looked at the unconscious Melinoe, his heart heavy with concern. As he laid her gently on the bed, his trusted envoy, Ethel, entered the room. The shock and disbelief on his face mirrored his own.
Ethel's eyes widened as he approached the bed. "Your Majesty, is that... Queen Melinoe? How is this possible? We all thought she was dead!"
Eothis nodded, his expression grave. "I saw her falling from the sky, wounded and unconscious. It appears she was on her way here, but she's in a bad state."
Ethel's voice trembled with emotion. "This is unbelievable. The Naga Queen, alive and here in Kragnir. What could have happened to her?"
Eothis shook his head, confusion evident in his eyes. "I don't know, Ethel. But whatever it is, it's clear that she's been through something terrible. She's barely holding on."
Ethel leaned closer, examining Melinoe's wounds. "This arrow wound... it's deep, and she's lost a lot of blood. I think someone tried to kill her."
Eothis nodded, his determination hardening. " The guardians spoke of a brewing conflict between the Nagas and the Najas. It could be the Najas but we'll find out when she's in a better state. Summon the best healers in the kingdom immediately. Melinoe's survival is crucial, not just for her sake but for the fragile peace between our Kingdoms. No one must know she's alive and here until we're certain who's behind this."
Ethel bowed his head, his expression resolute. "At once, Your Majesty. I'll bring them here without delay."
As Ethel turned to leave, Eothis looked back at Melinoe, his heart aching for the pain she had endured. "Hold on, Melinoe," he murmured softly. "You're safe now, and we will do everything in our power to help you heal."
Ethel hurried out of the room, his crimson wings beating as he flew through the halls and went to summon the healers.
The palace was soon abuzz with activity as word spread within the Palace, of the Naga Queen's unexpected arrival and the urgent need for her recovery. Eothis remained by Melinoe's side, his mind racing with thoughts of what her survival meant for the future of her Kingdom.
The healers he had summoned worked diligently to treat her wounds, their hands glowing with healing energy.
"Will she recover?" Eothis asked, his voice filled with concern as he watched the healers work.
One of the healers, a wise old Garuda with silver feathers, nodded. "She will live, Your Majesty, but she needs rest. The arrow wound was deep, and she has lost a lot of blood."
Eothis sighed, relief washing over him. "Thank you. I will stay with her until she wakes."
As the healers left, Eothis settled into a chair beside Melinoe's bed, his eyes never leaving her pale face. He couldn't shake the image of her plummeting from the sky, her strength failing her at the last moment. He knew the animosity between their people was fragile, and her presence here would complicate things further. But he couldn't turn his back on her, not when she was in such dire need.
Hours passed, and as dawn approached, Melinoe stirred. Her emerald eyes fluttered open, and she winced in pain. Eothis was at her side in an instant.
"Easy, Melinoe," he said gently. "You're safe now."
She blinked, confusion and pain evident in her eyes. "King Eothis? How did I...?"
"You were injured," he explained softly. "I found you falling from the sky and brought you here. You're in Kragnir, in my palace."
Melinoe's eyes widened as memories flooded back. "Veridian... he betrayed me. He... he took the throne, imprisoned me and faked my death. I managed to escape, but..." She winced again, the pain evident.
Eothis placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Rest now. We'll have time to discuss everything when you're stronger."
Melinoe nodded weakly, her eyes closing once more as exhaustion took over.
*****************
In Oephidia , Kael, Mieza, Zola, and Zym were on edge. They noticed Veridian had retired to his chambers for a while. Suspicion gnawed at them, and they decided to confront him.
Just as they reached the corridor leading to Veridian's chambers, the king emerged, a calming smile on his face. "Ah, my loyal guardians," he greeted them warmly. "Is everything all right?"
Kael exchanged a glance with his companions. "We were just checking on you, Your Majesty. The celebration is quite overwhelming."
Veridian's smile remained, but his crimson eyes were dark with worry. "I appreciate your concern. It's been a long day. I'm retiring for the night."
As Veridian walked away, Kael's unease grew. They needed more than just suspicions; they needed proof.
Veridian, despite his outward calm, was deeply troubled. The image of Melinoe breaking free haunted him. He was certain she wouldn't survive the poison-tipped arrow, but the nagging doubt remained. He couldn't afford any loose ends.
Kael, Mieza , Zola and Zym continued their investigation. Zola had gathered information from the palace guards, confirming their suspicions about Veridian's secret meetings and suspicious activities. Mieza had detected faint traces of dark teleportation magic in Veridian's chambers, further implicating him in the conspiracy.
As they regrouped in their hidden alcove, Kael laid out their findings. "We have enough evidence to suspect Veridian, but we need more. We need to be careful."
Zym nodded in agreement. "We should use the upcoming council meeting. It's the perfect opportunity to gather more information and perhaps catch Veridian off guard."
Kael's eyes gleamed with determination. "Then it's settled. We'll prepare our case and confront Veridian at the council meeting. For Melinoe, for Oephidia, we will uncover the truth."
As they made their final preparations, the guardians knew the path ahead would be perilous. But they were united in their purpose, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. The fate of Vaul depended on their success, and they would not falter.