All those present nodded in agreement, although the reason for their return was not because it was time to do so, but rather an escape. Even so, they had returned, at least for a few years.
The servants and guards hurried to carry out the king's orders. While the preparations were being made, Sipros, Sayura, and the baby were escorted to a room to rest until the hour of the celebration. After having taken a bath and changing into traditional attire, Sayura emerged from the room with Amiona in her arms, wearing a dress of soft fabrics in sky blue and golden colors that fell to cover her feet. Half of her hair was tied up in a bun, while the other half cascaded over her shoulders.
The absence of one of her wings was very noticeable, so she mentally prepared herself for all the stares she would receive.
The lights flickered, and the atmosphere grew vibrant with energy. Sayura watched with gratitude the warmth surrounding them as she walked down the hallway to the grand hall, taking in the marvels that adorned the place. T
he memories she had of that place were still intact; everything was just as she remembered. Paintings on the walls told stories of past victories, and chandeliers shone like stars within the palace. She glanced down at Amiona, who was looking intently at her, her small hands reaching out to grab the locks of hair hanging over her shoulders, smiling as her tiny hands squeezed the strands and brought them to her mouth.
"Here, you will grow up safe. I will teach you to fight, to wield a sword," she smiled gently and kissed her forehead, "I will take good care of you. I promise that you will regain everything that was taken from you."
Princess Amiona would be her greatest responsibility. She continued her way to the grand hall. As she entered, the music of Itarmi played songs of hope and renewal, songs she hadn't heard in a long time.
As she crossed the doors, the eyes of the attendees, familiar yet unknown faces, fell upon her. The music paused momentarily to announce her presence. She felt uncomfortable with the stares of others, but Sipros appeared beside her with a younger appearance now that his prominent beard was gone. His elegant imperial attire revealed the proud prince she remembered. He looked at her and whispered:
"Hold your head high; it is not a wound of shame."
"For them, it is..." Her voice sounded bitter, "but I won't show weakness."
"Your Majesty, the Second Prince Sipros Morn and his companion, the Supreme Warrior Sayura Lessh, make their entrance."
They descended the stairs with elegance and their heads held high. Many of those present murmured about their return, the story of what had happened in Ekhros had already spread throughout the city, but the unexpected was what lay in Sayura's arms: the little baby.
The Letohoiko, known for their exceptional sense of smell, exchanged doubtful glances and whispered among themselves. Everyone tried to identify the baby without success. The baby had no scent of any of the families they knew, generating an aura of mystery around her identity.
"What do you think this means?" one noble whispered to his companion.
"That child doesn't smell like anyone I've known."
"It could be a child from Ekhros," another whispered back.
"But why would they bring a child from Ekhros?"
This only sparked more doubts and speculations. Sayura, aware of the stares and whispers, held the baby firmly with a mix of tenderness and determination. Around her, the looks of the nobles and guards ranged from incredulity to distrust.
"Everyone, His Majesty, King Dymur Morn, makes his entrance!"
King Dymur entered the grand hall, his imposing figure commanding silence and attention. He descended the hall's stairs and surveyed the room, his keen eyes taking in each expression of doubt and curiosity.
"Families of Itarmi, let us welcome our brother and sister!" His voice resonated firmly, making it clear that there would be no more questions for now, only celebration.
The attendees observed with respect, though the unspoken questions lingered in the air. They all raised their hands in applause; music and dance resumed, yet a palpable tension remained. The guests enjoyed the party, for now, that was all that mattered. There was no room for the answers they sought; tomorrow would bring the quest for answers, yes, tomorrow the search would begin.
***
The next day, after Sayura had fed Amiona, Sipros approached her.
"I thought you'd let the servants take care of her," he commented, taking a seat beside her on the couch.
"I have no problem doing it myself. Besides, I feel very protective of her," her eyes wavered momentarily.
"The bond we formed with them still feels painful," he furrowed his brow and clenched his jaw.
"We spent several centuries with them, watched an entire great generation of descendants live and die..." Bitterness and sadness laced her words, "We made a promise we couldn't keep," her voice broke for a moment.
Recalling the past, the words of a promise made centuries ago to the first King Amion, they felt the pain of having broken the promise. When the prophecy was first revealed, they had made a vow to keep the Kums family safe for many generations. They thought that after so much time, the prophecy would not come to pass.
They had planned to return to Itarmi after Queen Ukreel gave birth, but as soon as they saw her child was a girl with silver eyes, they knew the prophecy would be fulfilled at any moment. The outcome was not what they expected; nearly the entire family was dead. The pain of losing those they loved dearly felt as if their hearts were being twisted.
They sat in silence, each consumed by their thoughts. The weight of their unfulfilled promises felt like an unbearable burden. They knew that the only way to redeem themselves was to protect Amiona, the last hope of the Kums family.
"Let's at least fulfill the promise we made to the queen," Sipros sighed and gently stroked Amiona's cheek.
***
In the following days, Sipros was summoned before his brother Dymur. They conversed about the life Sipros had during his stay in Ekhros, and Dymur shared how the kingdom had managed to advance and grow during his centuries as ruler.
"Representatives from each family clan of distant lands agreed to live together in our kingdom," said Dymur.
"It all happened after the great war between Itarmi and Ekhros. In part, it was also due to Amion's help, who united the family clans to fight together. What our father could never achieve, a stranger from another world did."
"Amion had the gift of convincing anyone, regardless of whether they were from his world or not," Dymur smiled, reminiscing about his old friend. "The kingdom looks prosperous, brother," he noted as he gazed out of the balcony. The houses built by all the Letohoiko families looked magnificent, colored in multiple hues, each representing a different family.
"Yes, it does. In a few days, my wife and children will return from the Tígrin mountains, just in time for the Ancestral Light Ceremony. My eldest son will reveal his human form," Sipros nodded, recalling past times.
"I remember the first time your human form was revealed; you looked like a scrawny and defenseless child," both brothers smiled.
"Father was worried that the figure would remain that way forever. Some cases exist where no Letohoiko has been able to strengthen their human form," a shadow crossed his eyes.
Unfortunately, for Letohoiko who reveal a scrawny human form, it was almost impossible to strengthen it. Such Letohoiko tended to suffer mana loss and shortened lifespans upon transforming. Due to this, Dymur faced many difficulties. Sipros nodded and said:
"And over time, you proved it wasn't so. You became a very strong man."
"Thank you," Dymur nodded slightly.
Their conversation continued, filled with old memories. It was a pleasant moment for both. It had been a long time since Dymur had a conversation with his brother. He missed those days when they spent hours talking like good friends. Their relationship was very close; they were each other's best friends. That separation was hard for both, but Sipros had made a promise to Amion and stayed in Ekhros to fulfill it. Unfortunately, circumstances forced him to return temporarily, but the new promise he made to Ukreel, he had to keep. He would ensure Amiona regained her kingdom, and when that was done, he would return to Itarmi, this time forever.
***
After his conversation with his brother, Sipros returned to the room where Sayura and Amiona awaited him. Sipros told his companion that the repairs to their old house were progressing well, according to what his brother had informed him, and that they could return to their old home in two days.
"I thought that house had been given to a family," Sayura commented.
"I thought the same, but Dymur decided to keep it for our return. It has been maintained year after year, but upon closer inspection, they discovered some defects that needed fixing."
"His Highness is very considerate."
"If the roles were reversed, I would have done the same."
"I know. You both share a big heart," she placed the palm of her hand on Sipros's chest and smiled lovingly.
"It's been a while since we spent time together like this," he said seductively.
"Now that we are here, we can dedicate more time to each other, live as a family," her eyes filled with longing.
Sipros knew Sayura wanted to start a family, but due to his promise, they couldn't. Moreover, they didn't want their future children to be born in Ekhros. They wished to start their family in Itarmi, and now was a good time. He placed his right palm on her cheek and brought their foreheads together, let out a sigh, and then kissed her lips. It was a tender kiss, full of love and desire.