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Beyond the Dragon’s Hoard

xv_Mimi
7
chs / week
The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
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Synopsis
“In the land of Azura, where the sun dipped into the horizon and painted the sky with hues of crimson and gold, King Arin ruled with wisdom and justice. He was beloved by his people, and his kingdom prospered under his leadership. It was said that the Ancestors blessed the land with all good things you could think of. However, as the years passed, King Arin began to feel the weight of his mortality. He fell gravely ill, and his healers informed him that his time was running out. Desperate to cling to life, King Arin remembered the ancient legend of the Starlight Gemstone, a powerful artifact rumored to grant immortality. The stone was also said to be cause of the prosperity of the land and if in the wrong hands will bring great curse and destruction. The starlight gem stone was a gift from the gods to the people of Azura. The gemstone was said to be hidden within the Temple of the Moon, a sacred place guarded by a group of powerful monks. King Arin, driven by his desire to live forever, called upon his four sons, each a skilled warrior, and tasked them with retrieving the gemstone. The four princes, led by the eldest, Prince Lyrien, set out for the temple, determined to succeed where many others had failed. As they approached the temple, they were met with resistance from the monks, who were sworn to protect the gemstone from those who would misuse its power. The princes, fueled by their desire to please their father and secure his immortality, fought bravely against the monks. They slew many of them, but the monks refused to yield, fighting valiantly to defend the temple and the gemstone. As the battle raged on, the last remaining monk, a wise and powerful old man, retreated to the inner sanctum of the temple. There, he summoned the ancient dragons, four mighty beasts , the sole protectors of the gem and the temple. The dragons, with scales as black as coal and eyes that glowed like embers, descended upon the temple, their roar thundering through the land. The princes, taken aback by the sudden arrival of the dragons, were quickly overpowered. As the dragons claimed the gemstone, the last monk, his task complete, lay down his life, content in the knowledge that the gemstone was safe from those who would misuse its power. The princes, defeated and empty-handed, returned to their father, bearing the news of their failure. King Arin, enraged and heartbroken, realized too late that his desire for immortality had led him down a dark path, one that had cost the lives of many innocent monks. King Arin's death sent the kingdom into turmoil. His four sons, each with their own ambitions and desires, began to vie for the throne. Prince Lyrien, the eldest, claimed that he was the rightful heir, while Prince Kaid, the second eldest, argued that he was the most capable leader. Prince Arden and Prince Eryndor, the youngest of the four, also staked their claims, each believing that they had what it took to rule the kingdom. As tensions between the brothers escalated, a wise old sage appeared, bearing a prophecy that would change the course of their lives. The princes decided to split the kingdom into four separate realms seeing that none of them were able to confront the dragon , each ruled by one of the brothers. Prince Lyrien took the northern realm, Prince Kaid the southern, Prince Arden the eastern, and Prince Eryndor the western. The princesses, their sisters, were sent to marry into neighboring kingdoms, securing alliances and strengthening the bonds between the realms. And so, the kingdom was divided, each realm waiting with bated breath for the appearance of the chosen one, the young man who would unite the kingdom and claim the Starlight Gemstone. The END “. The Queen closes the book and starred at her son who sees intrigued to hear more “Go to sleep Tiger, tomorrow is your big day” .
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: The king’s vow

Jorian's POV

I stood before the ornate mirror in my chambers, adjusting the silver clasps on my formal attire. My Right hand man Thorold , fussed over the intricate embroidery on my sleeves.

"Your Majesty, you look every inch the king," Thorold said, stepping back to admire his handiwork.

I nodded curtly, my mind preoccupied with the union that was to take place within the hour. My marriage to Princess Calantha had been arranged by our families, a strategic alliance to strengthen the bonds between our kingdoms.

As I turned to face Thorold my eyes narrowed. "See that everything is in order Thorold, I want no mistakes today."

 Thorold bowed low "As you wish, Your Majesty. Shall I escort you to the throne room?"

I nodded, and together we made our way to the grand throne room…..

*************

Calantha POV 

My heart was racing, and I smoothed out the silk folds, my mind a whirlwind of emotions.

As I gazed at my reflection, I couldn't help but think about the man I was about to marry. King Jorian. A man I had never met, yet was bound to by duty and obligation. Our families had arranged this marriage. 

I felt a surge of nervousness as Elara placed the final touches on my hair. What would he be like? Would he be kind, or would he be cruel? I had heard rumors of his fierce warrior spirit, his unwavering dedication to his kingdom.

But I had also heard whispers of his dark past, of the scars that marred his soul. What secrets lay hidden behind those piercing blue eyes?

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I would do my duty, no matter the cost to my heart.

"Princess its almost time let me escort you to the throne room " . My heart beat accelerate and my palm became sweaty

" Oh Elara I will miss you so much " I hug her for a moment we forgot our social status.

" Let's go my princess" Elara said almost tearing up. She has being my personal maid since I could remember. she's closer to me than my very own mother,the Queen.

She led me to the front of the throne room where I waited to be called upon.

***********

In the grand throne room of the castle, adorned with lavish tapestries and radiant candelabras, King Jorian stood tall, his commanding presence filling the space. His chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and raven-black hair made him a vision of masculinity. His broad shoulders and imposing physique seemed to shrink the very room itself.

As he awaited the arrival of his betrothed, Princess Calantha, he exuded an aura of quiet confidence, his jaw set in a firm line. The air was heavy with anticipation as the doors to the throne room swung open, and Calantha stepped inside.

"Her Royal highnesses, Princess Calantha of Eldrador!!" The Herald proclaimed the bride arrival in a loud voice. 

Calantha's slender frame and delicate features seemed almost fragile in comparison to Jorian's imposing stature. Her porcelain skin was flushed with a soft pink hue, and her bright green eyes darted nervously about the room. Her long dark brown hair cascaded down her back like a river of sunset hues. She was deck with beautiful jewelry making it difficult for her to walk down the aisle.

As she approached Jorian, her steps faltered, and she curtsied low, her eyes fixed on the floor. Jorian's gaze narrowed, his eyes never leaving hers as he reached out a hand to assist her to her feet.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to vibrate with tension. Calantha's nervousness was palpable, while Jorian's calm, assured demeanor seemed to envelop her. The stage was set for a union that would change the course of their lives forever.

As the grand ceremony reached its climax, King Jorian stood tall, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Princess Calantha's. The throne room was abuzz with the murmur of nobles and guests, but the couple's focus was solely on each other.

The Archbishop of Kyrogha , resplendent in his ornate robes, raised his hands to quiet the assembly. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of King Jorian and Princess Calantha in holy matrimony."

With solemn dignity, King Jorian began his vows. "I, Jorian , King of Kyrogha, take thee, Calantha, Princess of Eldrador, to be my wedded wife. I promise to love and cherish thee, to honor and protect thee, and to stand by thy side through all the trials and joys of life."

Princess Calantha's voice trembled slightly as she replied, "I, Calantha, Princess of the Eldrador , take thee, Jorian , King of this Realm, to be my wedded husband. I promise to love and obey thee, to stand by thy side, and to support thee in all thy endeavors."

As they exchanged their vows, the assembly held its collective breath. The air was heavy with anticipation, and the very fate of the kingdom seemed to hang in the balance.

With their vows spoken, King Jorian took Princess Calantha's hand, his fingers intertwining with hers in a symbol of their union. The Archbishop pronounced them husband and wife, and the assembly erupted into cheers and applause.

As the newlyweds turned to face their guests, King Jorian's eyes locked onto Princess Calantha's, burning with a fierce intensity. He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a gentle, yet possessive, kiss.

The assembly cheered and whistled, the sound echoing off the stone walls of the throne room. King Jorian and Princess Calantha, now husband and wife, stood together, their love and commitment to each other shining like a beacon in the midst of the cheering Crowd.