We arrived back at the kingdom in the afternoon, the sun hanging high in the sky. The atmosphere was electric, far more festive than I expected.
As we rode through the gates, the sounds of celebration greeted us—cheering warriors, singing women, and the rhythm of drums echoing through the streets.
Father, King Gario, stood at the palace steps, his eyes wide in shock as he watched the procession. He had not expected such a triumphant return, but here we were.
The warrior chant rose louder than ever, and as I rode past, the women sang songs of praise, their voices filling the air with joy.
"Damian!" Jasmine's voice rang out from the crowd. I looked down just in time to see her running toward me, her small frame darting through the cheering masses. I quickly jumped off my horse and scooped her up into my arms.
"Jasmine!" I spun her around, and she giggled, burying her face in my neck.
Eden was right behind her, a wide grin on his face. I gave him a deep embraced
"I knew you'd come back, brother Damian," Eden said, his voice choked with emotion. Tears welled in his eyes as he stepped back, brushing them away with the back of his hand.
One by one, my older brothers approached and hugged me. Welcoming me, I could feel their respect in those embraces. Put some respect on my name.
Agartha, however, was met with a different sort of reception. The crowd quieted as she dismounted, eyes widening at her strange appearance. She looked nothing like the women of the kingdom. Her hair was stark white and maintained a ghost-like appearance that made people both curious and wary.
"You are welcome here," my father said, stepping forward.
"My pleasure, Your Majesty," Agartha replied, dropping to one knee in a formal genuflection.
For a short moment, my father just stared at her, his face unreadable. There was a flicker of something in his eyes—recognition, perhaps? I glanced between them, unsure. I knew my mother, Queen Sussana, was Agartha's childhood friend.
"Father," I broke the silence, "the sorceress needs to rest. Tomorrow, we will discuss the next steps."
King Gario nodded.
"I agree. It's been a long journey for all of you. Servants!" He clapped his hands, and a few rushed forward. "Take the sorceress to her chambers."
Agartha and I exchanged a look briefly before the servants led her away.
I was escorted to my chambers where a warm bath awaited me. As I began to pull off my shirt, the door suddenly flew open, and Lady Eleanor burst into the room, her face flushed with pure joy.
"My Damian!" she cried, rushing toward me and wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. "I was so scared."
I gently patted her back, trying to calm her down. "I know, Lady Eleanor. I know. I'm fine now."
She pulled herself off me.
I chuckled. "And one day, you'll have to stop barging into my chambers."
She grinned, but then her eyes took on a more serious glint. "Well, I suppose I'll have to stop since you will soon be married and become king."
I rolled my eyes. "Don't think too far ahead, Lady Eleanor."
"Why not?" she teased, leaning closer. "The king said if you came back with the sorceress and defeated the beast, you would be crowned."
I sighed. "I've returned with the sorceress, but the beast is still out there."
She shrugged, unconcerned.
"It's only a matter of time, Damian. And once the beast is dealt with, I'm sure your father will have a beautiful maiden waiting for you."
I sighed again, more deeply this time.
"No, thank you."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, teasingly. "Oh? More than one maiden, then? Like your father?"
I stepped back, shaking my head.
"No, Lady Eleanor. I'll choose whoever I marry. And that's final."
Before she could press further, a servant entered, bowing slightly. "Your Highness, your hot bath is ready."
I nodded.
"Thank you. Lady Eleanor, if you don't mind, I'd like to take a private bath. Just me."
She hesitated, then gave me a playful smirk.
"Are... are you sure you can manage on your own? You always hated bathing alone."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Things have changed, Lady Eleanor. I think I can handle it."
She relented, leaving with a dramatic sigh. "Very well, Your Highness. Enjoy your solitude."
As I slipped into the warm water, my muscles relaxed, but my mind wandered. Agartha. She had saved us, yet I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me. If she collapsed every time she used her powers, how could she be strong enough to face the beast again?
♤♤♤
We ate dinner early, eager to finish before the sun set completely and the kingdom plunged into its compulsory lockdown.
Agartha sat across from me at the large dining table, a grand piece of furniture capable of hosting forty guests. The ornate carvings on the table glimmered in the candlelight, casting flickering shadows around us.
My father, King Gario, was in high spirits. His laughter echoed through the hall as he raised his goblet, drawing everyone's attention.
"To my son, Prince Damian! He has returned not only with the sorceress but with tales of bravery and valor!"
A chorus of voices erupted around the table, warriors and nobles alike raising their glasses in agreement.
"To Prince Damian!" they cheered, the sound ringing in my ears.
But amidst the noise, I found myself lost in the world of Agartha. She wore a stunning blue velvet dress that flowed elegantly around her, its volume accentuating her beauty. It hung like a royal gown, making her look every bit the princess. My gaze was fixed on her, and I caught her stealing glances back at me, her lips curving into a soft smile.
Just as I was about to say something, my father's voice broke through the haze.
"Damian, my son. You've been unusually quiet tonight."
"Uhm…" I blinked, momentarily disoriented.
"Stand and give a toast!" he commanded, his eyes sparkling with pride.
I stood, clearing my throat as I faced the assembled guests.
"To family, friends, and the bonds we share," I began, my heart racing. "We have faced darkness together, and yet, we stand united. To those who have fought bravely by my side—especially my dear friend Agartha, whose courage inspires us all. Let us cherish our victories and remember those we lost along the way. May we continue to protect this kingdom and each other."
As I raised my goblet high, a cheer erupted once more, the sound filling the great hall with warmth and camaraderie.
After the toast, the ominous bell rang, its deep chime signifying that all persons, animals, and anything that breathed must be under lockdown.
The atmosphere shifted as we immediately rose from our seats. Servants began to lock the castle doors and seal the windows, ensuring every entrance was secure.
"See you tomorrow, I guess?" Agartha said, her voice soft as we left the dining hall. As her hand brushed against mine, I felt a jolt of energy course through my body, a warmth that lingered long after her touch.
"Says who?" A teasing voice cut through the moment, and I turned to see Jasmine sliding into our midst, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She tapped my back lightly. "I could see the fire darts flying from both of your eyes," she said with a playful grin before sashaying away.
I looked at Agartha, and we both chuckled at being caught by young Jasmine.
♤♤♤
Later, as I lay on my bed, sleep eluded me. I tossed and turned, my mind swirling with thoughts of the day. But soon, sleep took me, and I was plunged into a nightmarish vision.
In my dream, I was fighting the beast alone, surrounded by chaos. The kingdom lay in ruins, flames licking at the sky, and darkness enveloped the land. The air was thick with despair, and I could feel the weight of my failure pressing down on me. The beast roared, its monstrous form towering over me, and I was struck by a chilling realization—I was the last line of defense.
I swung my sword, but it felt heavy in my hands, the blade slipping past the creature as if it were made of air.
I was fighting for survival, but the beast seemed invincible, and I was left struggling against a tide of overwhelming odds. With each swing, I felt the futility of my efforts, the devastation of the kingdom ringing in my ears as I screamed in frustration and fear.
I woke up, it was still night.