The battle between the God of War and the demon king, though brief in the immortal realm, ravaged the mortal realm for years. The consequences of their clash brought unrelenting chaos, as if the very fabric of reality itself was torn apart.
Flames rained from the sky, scorching homes, people, and animals. The once peaceful mortal realm was scarred by the repercussions of the divine conflict.
In the imperial palace in the mortal world, the queen, Queen Liliana, anguished screams echoed through her chambers as she struggled to bring a new wife to the world. The midwives surrounded her, urging her with the cries of "push!".
Her husband, the young emperor, kneeled beside her, holding her hands and offering words of encouragement.
As the midwife yelled,I can see the head, my queen, push!."
The king whispered words of strength to his queen. "You can do this; you are strong." The queen's face, soaked with sweat and tears, contorted in effort as she gazed up at her husband, her eyes pleading for strength.
*********
Meanwhile, in the residence of the commander, within the capital city.
His wife, Lady Aya, was experiencing early labor pains growing stronger by the minute.
The commander, anxious and concerned, interrogated the guard who had just entered the chamber. Are they not here yet!?""
The guard, still catching his breath, kneeled down and replied, "They are here, sir."
Lady Aya's labor was premature, and the risk of complications was high. She was only seven months pregnant, and the child's survival was uncertain.
The midwives rushed in, their faces filled with mixes of concern and professionalism.
One of them addressed Lady Maya. "My lady, we are going to prepare you now."
The head midwife then turned to the commander,My Lord, please leave the chamber or would you prefer to stay here?"
The commander's face lit up with a mix of hope and trepidation. "I'll stay with her.The physician said It will be a male. I have been waiting for one for years. I want to see him as he takes his first breath outside his mother's womb," he said.
The midwife nodded understandingly, acknowledging the commanders wish to witness this crucial moment.
The head midwife began to prepare Lady Aya for the birth. The commander watched anxiously, his eyes fixed on his wife.
"My Lord, please be strong for your wife,she said.
The midwives worked in tandem; their hands moved in practiced synchrony as they helped Lady Aya bring their child to the world. The head midwife, her hands skilled and sure, guided the baby's emergence as Lady Aya pushed, expertly easing the child into the world.
As the baby crowned, the head midwife gently turned the baby's head, helping it emerge slowly and safely. Finally, with one last push, the baby slid into the world, the midwives catching it in a soft, clean cloth.
"A boy, my lord! she exclaimed. "You have a son!"
The commander's face lit up with joy, and he leaned forward to gaze at this child in wonder. Lady Aya smiled as she reached out to touch their son's tiny hand.
"His name shall be Eryin, meaning peace. Eyrin Vexar, meaning peace and power, "the commander said.
*****
Back in the imperial palace, the young Emperor cradled his newborn son in his arms, beaming with pride. "Khane. Khane shall be his name, " he declared.
"How do you see it, my queen? Do you agree? "He asked as he turned to the queen.
The queen, still weak from childbirth, smiled faintly." It's a good name, My Emperor. Born in the midst of chaos, it feels like his birth will end the war in the heavens."
The emperor's eyes shone with hope. That's too much, my queen, he said, chuckling. "But I do believe his birth signifies a new era for our empire.
I should select a companion for him. The commander's first wife will deliver in two months. I think it's the best match. What do you think of the idea, my queen?."
The queen's smile grew stronger." I like it. Since your father died at a young age last year and you became king at seventeen, among all the officials, the commander has been of the greatest help.
Choosing his child as his companion is best; it will be crucial in shaping his destiny."the queen said.
"That is, if it's a male. If it's a female, bethothing them will be great and it will solidify our alliance and secure the future of our empire." The emperor said.
His voice rose with excitement,"I see it! I feel great power from him; he's going to be great. He will surpass my achievements and even those of his ancestors!"
The queen smiled, her face radiant with joy. "I share your wisdom, My emperor."
The emperor gazed inward with intensity. "I will not rest until I have prepared him for his destiny. I will gather the wisest scholars, the greatest warriors, and the most skilled advisors to guide him on his journey."
******** Days after the birth of the prince
The emperor sat upon his throne, his presence commanding attention. Before him, the commander kowtowed to him, his head bowed to respect in the meeting hall.
"You summoned me your majesty," the commander said, rising to meet the emperor's gaze.
"Congratulations are in order, commander,the emperor said, a wild smile across his face. "I heard your wife gave birth to a son; congratulations."
"I am grateful, your majesty, he said as he bowed again. "And may the imperial prince bring prosperity and glory to our empire."
The Emperor rose from his throne, his eyes shining with purpose. "I've discussed his future with the queen.
We had initially planned for your child and ours to get married, but unfortunately they were not male and female.
So we have decided that our sons will be companions—inseparable brothers in arms."
The commander's expression turned solemn, his voice filled with determination. "I am grateful for the trust you have put in me, your majesty. Do not worry; you will never regret this decision.
I vow to also train him well."