#writingblur

Bavalon, beautiful land of separate kingdoms, protected by a magical border that kept out the monsters that once plagued the outside world. The best way to describe the land was straight from the storybooks: lush forests, clear river waters which run with no stop, the civilians happy and peaceful, everyone had gotten along, danger hadn’t plagued the lands in centuries. The four kingdoms controlled their separate sections, the west kingdom controlled the west of Bavalon, the south kingdom controlled the south of Bavalon, and so on. In the middle of Bavalon however, a grand palace sat upon a mountain, lush trees and waterfalls surrounding. The palace was home to the High King Kedron, he was the head of the land after his father had passed from illness, his mother dying at his birth.

While being a proud king, he was also a selfish one. The people of Bavalon had suffered greatly from his reign, food and luxuries were hoarded for the richer and more privileged of society. Those inside of Bavalon who were less fortunate were given what was left. Most couldn’t blame Kedron however, he was still young to be High King and it’s not as if he got lessons when it came to being king. His mother had died when he was but a baby, and when his father died in his fourteenth year, they had an emergency coronation, so no one ever taught him how to be a good king.

Eventually, the people of Bavalon had enough of Kedron. Kedron was dethroned and banished outside the border. With the banishment of-high King Kedron, the northern kingdom had decided to take liberty and take the throne as High King and Queen. High King Loxin and High Queen Yuda reigned well, Bavalon had remained peaceful once more with the banishment of Kedron. Bavalon once more had enough food and riches to spare to everyone, no one had been left to starve or beg.

However, outside the walls Kedron had grown ever more resentful, Bavalon was his land, his birthright, and now it had been stripped away from him. His banishment had made Kedron lose his mind, feeling himself becoming more and more unhinged with each day in banishment. Kedron had vowed that Bavalon would be his once more, that he would become High King again, for now though he just had to wait. Just wait the years out, wait until the people of Bavalon and its kingdoms let their guard down, then he would attack and take Bavalon back by force. In Kedron’s eyes, he was the best thing to ever happen to Bavalon. Bavalon had always been a very peaceful land, the peacemaker of sorts, but when Kedron took the throne he made Bavalon stronger, able to take down its foes. But now? What was Bavalon now without Kedron? Back to its old ways, the peacemaker, to never raise its fist in anger but rather support. In Kedron’s eyes, Bavalon was better with him in control, what could King Loxin or Queen Yuda do? He had made them who they were and they were pretending to be worthy of his throne?

With Kedron’s banishment, High King Loxin and High Queen Yuda had taken the rule. The people of Bavalon were happier, except for the few rebellions asking for Kedron’s return. Even with the rebellions though, Queen Yuda had remained peaceful, executions had been abolished when Kedron had been banished. Not that punishment wasn’t out of the question however, with each bad act, a person would be forced into slavery for a year. Say someone had fought someone and stole all their money, that person would be in slavery for two years. One thing however had never been tolerated in Bavalon, the murder of another being. During Kedron’s rule, murder had been punished lighter than it was now that Loxin and Yuda were in charge, now murder had gained you banishment from Bavalon; some may argue however that banishment was worse than death.

One thing was certain though with both rulers, the gods come before all. Bavalon was very loyal to the gods of the land; Satish, king of the gods and creator of Bavalon, Kauket the goddess of death and the mother of Satish, Igninitis the god of oceans and storms who commonly finds himself metalled with mortal affairs, Hartya the goddess of love who was once a mortal woman, and Aurelius being the god of night and day along with being a lover of gold. Igninitis is quite a problem to most and is the most hated of all the gods. Igninitis known for mischief and romantic words, known for having multiple affairs with women and men in Bavalon due to his honeyed and romantic words.

Demi-gods were forbidden inside of Bavalon, to have a demi-god around was to put the gods in danger and dishonour. The child of a mortal and a god, put the gods of Bavalon at risk of losing the faith of Bavalon. Satish simply couldn’t stand for losing his faith, Kauket continuously arguing with her son that demi-gods can’t be entirely awful or dangerous as they are still part mortal and therefore will end up in her garden of death when they die. But Satish always refused to listen to his mother, ordering the kingdoms that any demi-gods that are born on Bavalon’s ground were to be fed to the blood sea outside the borders. High Queen Yuda disobeying the gods, however, demi-gods were to be met with banishment, to throw a baby into the blood sea seemed cruel.

What gives the ruler power? Is it their crown? Is it the fact that they’re a Monarch? Maybe it's respect. However, if respect is lost then what chance is there? When the sun goes down, do people miss it? Of a million sheep going to slaughter, if one escapes the axe, does it make a difference? If the wrong one is saved, can the parents be blamed? One child’s life had been a game of chance, he was never meant to live, yet he did. Rain, a demi-god, had survived; he missed his fate by a hair. Igninitis’ son, a master of water, son of the most beautiful woman in Bavalon and widow, Tatia.

When the rebellion against the gods had found a young baby on the streets crying out for help what had they been thinking? If they knew that this child was the son of Igninitis would they have still raised him? Would they have just killed him right there? It had been once Rain showed signs of his water bending abilities that the rebellion knew something had been up, that Rain was what the people of Bavalon feared; a demi-god. Why hadn’t the rebellion killed Rain though? Why was Rain spared, simply abandoned as a commoner child despite his power? Maybe it had been because of Ulfric, the leader of the rebellion and the ‘father’ of Rain. Despite Ulfric’s hatred for the gods, he could never find himself murdering the boy he raised and called his son despite his birth.

Rain had grown up in the streets, begging for every meal, it felt like a gift with each second of sleep he could earn. The day that Rain had learned of his father, what his father had done to his mother and him, he sought revenge. He wanted to watch his father suffer, how dare Igninitis never give him a chance, a god feeling so cowardly and ashamed of his birth, it made Rain want to both laugh and tear his father apart. Igninitis’ wife, however, the woodland spirit Avolena, no, she would suffer with the grief of Igninitis. Let Avolena weep the same tears that his mother had for him, feel a grief so badly that you wished for death. Except Avolena wouldn’t die, she’d live with her grief, to suffer and feel pain for all of eternity.

What did loyalty even mean anymore to Rain? His own parents hadn’t wanted him. Rain felt worthy of everything in Bavalon being a demi-god, hellbent on power and willing to destroy anything that gets in his way of becoming stronger.

<><><><><>

20 years later

Days seemed to morph together, weeks turning into months, it had almost been four years since a crack had been spotted in the barrier that surrounded Bavalon. King of the East McCoy took action almost immediately, setting up for war against whatever threat it was. With no one else to rule due to his wife’s passing only a year prior, McCoy had been forced to make his twenty-one year old daughter rule. Valerica had worried deeply for her father, him being her only family left, if he was to die in battle then she would be alone.

Originally McCoy had made the promise to send his daughter a letter every week, updating her on the battle and if any major threats showed. Slowly however, letters had become less and less frequent, his last letter mentioning the man that almost all of Bavalon feared; ex-High King Kedron. Kedron and his army were the ones that made the crack in the barrier, he was planning something, what however? Valerica never learned as a letter had never come back.

With each passing day, Valerica’s fear and worry grew. Her father could have fallen in battle, Kedron breaking the barrier slowly, bit by bit until the barrier crumpled, leaving her home defenseless to all evil outside their barrier.

However, one morning it came, the sound of drums over the horizon. Valerica had rushed from her throne towards the docks of the palace, her servants following on her heel. This was the noise she had waited a whole year to hear. Her father had returned home safely, he was alive, Bavalon hadn’t been in danger anymore. As the grand ship rolled into the docks, Valerica waited anxiously for her father to come off the board, she had missed her father so much.

When King McCoy had gotten off of the ship, Valerica rushed to her father, enveloping the king in a hug. It felt so nice to be in her father’s arms again after such a long time not knowing if he was alive or dead. But he was alive, and Valerica wasn’t going to bother him with questions, as long as he was alive she was happy. Her father had returned to her, here he was, barely having a scratch on him.

“McCoy, perhaps you should introduce us,” the princess’s ears perked up at the sound of a voice behind King McCoy, a smile appearing on the king’s face as he released Valerica. Motioning the man that was beside him on the boat, her blood running cold looking at the man. Clad in a purple and gold armored suit, a mask with an anchor symbol covering half of his face. His black hair tied up, stray strands in front of his face, hypnotizing dark blue eyes that held seriousness but also, pain?

It was Rain, the infamous demi-god son of Igninitis, known for his disloyalty, a dangerous man to side with. Valerica stared at her father, what was her father doing with a man like Rain?

“Valerica, my beautiful daughter,” McCoy smiled happily, his hand resting on her shoulder as Rain stared at Valerica, a sly smirk on his face, “my heir, my hope, this kingdom’s beloved princess.”

Rain grabbed the princess’ hand, bowing slightly as he placed a kiss upon the back of her pale hand. Valerica pulled her hand immediately away from him and wiped the back of her hand on the skirt of her dress. Rain stood back up straight, looking at Valerica, “it is an honor to make your acquaintance, princess. I know we’ll get to know each other much better with our marriage.”

Puzzled, Valerica looked at her father, “marriage?”

“Rain is the reason we survived the war,” King McCoy said, looking at Rain proudly, his hand landing on the demi-god’s shoulder, Valerica glared at the action, “in return, Rain has asked for your hand in marriage, I told him it would make my heart soar like an eagle.”

“How does next week sound? A wedding would certainly make your return even more joyful, my king.” McCoy smiled at this, saying that it would be perfect.

Valerica on the other hand was wide eyed, pushing her father’s hand off of her shoulder and rushing away from the docks to the palace. How could Valerica’s father just sign off on her life like this? To a man like Rain? A man that is known for his deceit and persuasive words, a man that looks only for power and can only love himself? Does her father not know of this man’s history?

Valerica couldn’t just let Rain marry her to take the throne, she wouldn’t put it past Rain to murder her father and possibly herself. He’s a demi-god, son of Igninitis, he has the power.

Moving to the one place Valerica knew she could always go, her mother’s garden, her most prized place. Where she would take her when she was younger and tell her the stories of the gods, tell Valerica how one day she would marry a man that would help her lead the kingdom, but he would never lead. It was for him to assist but not have a say, that’s what came from being the heir. It was her birthright. No matter if she was to marry Rain, Rain would have no say in what would happen, it was her choice in what happens to her kingdom, he was merely an extra voice. But if Valerica was to die without an heir, she worried who would be in the lead then. Being her father’s only child, if the marriage was to happen, then Rain would rule.

“Your father said you might be here.” The princess reached for her dagger quickly, turning around to be met by Rain. Her eyes narrowed at the son of Igninitis, her dagger pointed towards his throat. Rain’s hand wrapped around her own, holding the dagger, there was such strength behind it. His hand was colder compared to her own as he pushed down her hand, releasing her fingers from the handle of the blade, “Wouldn’t be wise to kill me, Princess. Your father quite favors me for what I’ve done for your people and he hopes well for our union.”

Valerica glared at the man, “My people don’t like you, unlike my father, I and my people know what a monster you are. Now why are you trying to marry me? Because I know it isn’t out of love.”

Rain chuckled, intertwining his fingers in front of him, “How very clever of a woman, it is true, I don’t like you very much Princess, but your father trusts me, a marriage can do well in giving me an empire.” Rain leaned in closer, his lips by her ear, “and I can’t deny you are a beautiful woman. Your father was right in choosing me, we could make beautiful and strong heirs. That is why your father allowed me to marry you if it wasn’t obvious enough. He sees me as the best choice of marriage for you.”

“Is that all I am? A source of power and womb?” Valerica questioned the son of Igninitis, the thought of having an heir with this man disgusted her, “What’s stopping you from killing me and my father the second I marry you?”

Rain shrugged, moving away from her as he stepped on the stones below his feet that worked as a path around the garden. He moved to where a purple rose was growing, plucking the flower from its stem as he twirled it in his fingers, his frown unmoving under his mask, “Your mother Oxana was an admirable woman, am I right?”

The princess was silent, she didn’t like the mention of her mother. Not that she was a bad person, she was perfect actually, the princess just missed her.

“I never knew my mother if it makes you feel better,” Rain said moving towards her, the rose still in his fingers as he tucked the rose into Valerica’s auburn hair, “my father Igninitis made my mother believe I had been born a stillbirth, took me and put me out in the streets, my mother had died of grief for me, thinking I had died. Later raised by the rebellion for the gods, not that they were any better. Sometimes I wonder, however, if my mother had survived, would I still be the way that I am?”

“Is that why you hate your father?” Valerica questioned, not bothering to remove the flower from her hair, “trying to seek some kind of revenge on him? Pity from me by telling me your sorry origin story.”

Tapping his foot on the stone, Rain looked down, “perhaps, more or less, I’m just a bastard.” He looked at her, “but by marrying you, I can prove that ass wrong, that I’m more than a bastard, that I’m a god, a king.”

Valerica had rolled her eyes moving to the gate of the garden. What could she have suspected from Rain? For a minute she thought he was actually being real with her, that he was genuine in wanting her hand but no, she was no more than a source of power like she first imagined.

What choice did she have now though? Her father, King McCoy, had already signed her wedding to be next week, she’d have to give Rain an heir eventually as well, everything about her life now in the future made her feel disgusted. How was she expected to have to wake up each day next to Rain, bare his child, getting held, kissed, made love to by that man, and that was if he didn’t kill her after the crowning.

<><><><><>

This was to be King McCoy’s first dinner back at his palace, also would be Valerica’s first dinner with the monster by the name of Rain. The princess tried to make any kind of excuse that she could not come to dinner; trying to make herself too sick to eat, trying to injure herself while she was riding her horse, yet nothing had worked. By the time dinner time had come around, one of Valerica’s ladies in waiting, Amara, knocked on her door to prepare the princess for dinner, Valerica knew she had no choice but to face Rain once more.

It was to be a simple dinner; only McCoy, Valerica, Valerica’s lady in waiting Amara and servant Silas were to attend along with Rain. Valerica tried to tell her that this dinner was going to be just like it normally was, playful banter between Amara and Silas, Valerica teasing the two while her father ate in silence, cracking a joke or two occasionally. Yet it wasn’t going to be like normal, Rain was going to be there, whether she liked it or not.

Amara was in her usual green and white dress, her cornrows tied highly with gold pieces holding the braids together. Valerica had grown up with Amara, knowing her practically her whole life, it was Amara’s job as Valerica’s lady in waiting to be Valerica’s personal assistant, to wait on her hand and foot. Not that Valerica really cared about the title of lady on Amara, to her, Amara was just her best friend and the only person she could really go to except for Silas. Silas was another person that Valerica had grown up with, one of the servants of the palace, Silas mainly working in the kitchen. Silas prepared almost all of the meals for the palace. It was so painfully obvious that Silas and Amara liked each other, just from the glances they would give each other at dinner and how Amara would look at Silas when he would laugh. How awkward and stumbly Silas would get when talking to Amara. Valerica was just waiting for the day that those two would finally admit it to each other.

“As much as I know you hate this, you know how mad your father will be if he finds out you aren’t coming,” Amara was always the reasonable one, as much as it pisses Valerica off, Amara was right. Making her father angry wasn’t exactly on her list of ideals, “it's one dinner Val, besides Rain seems like an alright guy when you get past the ego.”

“You know the kind of guy that Rain is right? I’ve heard all the stories about that man, he’ll make you trust him, he’ll sound loyal and trusting but really it's all an act,” Valerica sighed, pulling on her white dress, having Amara help her tie the corset in the back, “I won’t lie, with this marriage I am scared Amara. I’m scared that if I marry Rain, he’ll kill me. Even if he tries to be a good husband, I know it's all just for my crown.” Valerica looked at the mirror on her vanity, she tried to picture herself in her mother’s wedding dress, but it just felt wrong. She wasn’t sure how her father could just trust Rain, hasn’t he heard all the stories about that man? How foolish was her father for trusting a man that can’t be trusted.

Amara pulled the ties of the corset together tightly, crossing the ties between her fingers as she started to tie it, “I’m saying this not as your lady in waiting but as your best friend, maybe marrying Rain is a good idea.”

“How can you even say that?” Valerica asked.

“Hear me out,” Amara said letting go of the ties once it was finished, brushing through Valerica’s auburn hair, “think about it, Rain is a demi-god, son of Igninitis no less, no one messes with him and therefore no one will mess with you. Is Rain good? No. But is marrying him playing in your favor? Yes. Remember what Oxana said? Rain has no control over what happens to the kingdom, it's your control, you have as say it what happens. The most Rain can do is suggest. You still have the power Valerica.”

Valerica sighed, “let’s just go to dinner.”

<><><><><>

Valerica’s chair was pulled out for her at the head of the table, Rain sitting across from her, Amara and Silas sitting to her right and her father to her left. The other end of the table hadn’t been sat in since the passing of Valerica’s mother, and seeing Rain sitting in her mother’s chair was an off feeling for sure. It felt wrong, seeing Rain in her mother’s chair, no one had ever sat in that chair except for Valerica’s mother, it felt almost insulting. Yet when Valerica looked over at her father, McCoy was happily eating his dinner, as if he didn’t even notice Rain sitting in his deceased wife’s chair.

The grand feast of pork had been Rain’s idea, Silas explaining each plate individually of how it was prepared and what it contained. Valerica couldn’t deny that it looked very good, although Silas’ food always looked good. Valerica felt petty however, thinking that she wasn’t going to enjoy it because this was all Rain’s idea.

Amara looked over to Valerica who was glaring angrily towards Rain. She tapped Valerica’s foot under the table, snapping the princess out of her glaring session at Rain. Amara leaned closer to Valerica, whispering to the princess, “This dinner is a good thing, don’t make things go wrong.”

Valerica sighed leaning away from Amara, leaning back against her chair refusing to touch any of the food that Silas had prepared, McCoy pouring himself a glass of wine as he offered a glass to Rain. Valerica looked at her father, filling Rain’s glass with the red wine, suddenly Valerica snapped at them.

“I wouldn’t waste perfectly good wine on him, I quite enjoy that bottle.”

“Valerica, my dear, please hold your anger,” McCoy replied, popping the cork back on the wine bottle, “it is my first night back at my home from war, as well as Rain, let us enjoy a glass of wine.”

“Oh don’t let me bother you dear father, as I can clearly tell who is the favourite at this table,” the princess argued, her arms crossed in front of her, King McCoy putting down his glass with an exhausted sigh, “no need to sound so disappointed, I can assure you I feel the same.” Valerica reached for the bottle of wine, Amara standing up taking the bottle from Valerica.

Silas looked at the group, “so uh, should I cut the ham or-”

“Shut up Silas,” King McCoy snapped at the servant boy, Silas sitting back down in his chair.

“No need to be rude dad,” Valerica snapped as well, “just give me the bottle Amara.”

“I’m doing this for your own good,” Amara argued, keeping the bottle from Valerica’s reach.

Rain tapped his foot on the ground, holding his glass of wine, “I’d like to eat if it isn't much trouble.”

As Silas stood to plate Rain’s food, Valerica stopped him, “you aren’t his servant Silas, you don’t owe him a thing.”

“And here you were saying that there was no need to be rude,” Rain smirked behind his mask, resting his head on his hands as he stared at Valerica who was glaring daggers at the demi-god. Looking away from the princess, Rain stood, cutting himself a piece of the ham, Silas attempting to do it for the demi-god but Rain just stopped him. “The son of Igninitis can cut himself a piece of ham, my darling Silas.” Silas’ eyes widened, pushing his blonde curls out of his face as he stared at the demi-god practically slack jawed, “Forgive me, I forgot most people don’t know of my father.”

Silas shook his head violently, “No, no, no, I know of your father, many of your stories actually. I’m just shocked that you didn’t want me to prepare that for you. From the stories I heard, you see other people as your own personal servants.”

“Well as the friends of my future wife,” Rain winked over Valerica, “it’s only right of me to show her friends my most respect, as well as her father.” King McCoy cheered his glass over to the demi-god, Amara sitting stone-faced with her hands in her lap, Silas still slack jawed. Valerica sitting across from Rain however, was the most furious. If looks could kill, Rain would be nothing but dust just from the glare alone that Valerica was sending him.

“Oh cut the act Rain,” Valerica slammed her hand down on the table, McCoy jumping at the act, his wine spilling from his glass onto his robes. Silas rushed up quickly to the king’s side, trying to get the king dry. Valerica glared at Rain, “others may be fooled by your honeyed sickening words but I’m not like the others, I believe my people unlike my fool of a father.” McCoy glared at his daughter, muttering at her to shut up. Rain just standing still, his arms crossed across his chest, a smirk hidden behind his mask, “You are no more than a liar and a bastard.”

“Brave words from a woman,” Rain chuckle, “must have forgotten who I am, I am-”

“Yes, yes, I know who you are,” Valerica rolled her eyes, “son of Igninitis, I’m a god, all that nonsense. I think you forget your place Rain, you are as mortal as any of us, if I was to stab you right now you’d die like any of us.”

“Valerica,” McCoy said through his teeth, “Sit. Down.”

Amara looked at Valerica, her eyes practically begging, and pleaded with her in a hushed tone, “Just listen to him, please.”

But Valerica continued, “I think not, Amara. I cannot marry this man, I do not love him, I cannot. With a man such as you, fueled by his own ego and arrogance. It’s pathetic really, I mean your own father couldn’t even love you. If the man who gave you life couldn’t love you, then what chance is there that I can?”

“Valerica!” King McCoy yelled, “I’ve had it, dinner is over, Silas clean this.”

<><><><><>

The beautiful, white marble fountain stood proudly amongst the flowers. The moon and stars and suns and clouds depicted in the beautiful carving that stood center. Valerica ran her hands along the edge before seating herself. Out of all the confusion of lessons, court, and dinner matters, this was indeed her own closed-off wonderland aside from her mother’s garden. She skimmed her fingers across the surface of the water, tracing the shape of what was underneath when a reflection in the pool caught her eye.

It took less than a second for Valerica to pull her dagger once more, turning around in an instant having the blade touch the chest of the armor-clad man who had creeped up upon her.

“We must stop meeting like this, my dear. I don’t find it very heartwarming nor friendly to have my future wife constantly pointing such a pitiful dagger at me with each meeting.” Of course it was Rain, the last person that Valerica wanted to see this morning. Ever since the dinner, Valerica had been avoiding the man, she had been avoiding everyone, even Amara. “I’m not here to hurt you, Princess.” Rain was without his mask, it was weird to say the least to see all of Rain’s features, the crook of his nose, the slight stubble upon his chin, all that Valerica had ever seen of his face before was his skin and dark blue eyes. The pounding of Valerica’s chest was so loud she could hear it. Her nerves didn’t calm one bit now that she saw it was him. Valerica held the dagger steady, scowling at him.

“What do you want, Rain?” He laughed, smugly smiling as he moved around her to sit next to Valerica on the fountain.

“My my, where did all those manners go? I was beginning to think that my bride-to-be had no backbone. Yet at dinner last night, my gods, were you a little fire, little, but still a fire,” Valerica narrowed her eyes, lowering the dagger just a bit but keeping it in-between the both of them.

“Manners, I only use around people I genuinely respect.” Rain’s face remained the same as hers spoke, but the glitter in his eyes made her stomach twist. How could her father trust this man?

“And to think you are portrayed to be an innocent princess, all the while you act like this in your private time.” Rain mused, his eyes flicking down to the dagger in Valerica’s pale hands and back to her hazel eyes. Valerica said nothing, “You distrust me quite a lot for someone who accepted my marriage proposal.” Valerica scoffed, turning to face the fountain once again. Valerica could almost feel his eyes trailing over her face, and that was what made her stand. Alas, Rain still followed her as she walked into the maze of the royal garden.

“Make no mistake, Son of Igninitis, for it is not my choice, solely left for my father, and my kingdom. I have no intention of ever trusting you, nor loving you. I’ve heard the stories of your betrayals.” His strides matched hers very quickly, and unfortunately for Valerica he continued to stick close to her side. Her arm was covered in goosebumps when his own brushed against it.

“Then, as a man who openly admits to those actions, I will assure you that I wouldn’t betray your father. He was civil enough to accept my offer-"

"And what was that offer, pray tell? What lie did you tell him to give you my hand in marriage, and the rank that comes with it? I am no fool Rain, I know it wasn’t just for your help in the war,” Valerica stopped for just a moment, eyes boring into Rain’s own. He let out an airy laugh once again, and started to approach her.

He loomed over her in size, and as he started to approach, Valerica started to back away from him. It wasn’t quite as easy to hide the fear in her face when her back hit the large hedge wall. Valerica brought the dagger up to his chest again when his arms trapped her in. Her face was uncomfortably flushed as his eyes bore into her own.

“Among many other things,” One of his hands slowly slid down the leaves of the thick boxwood bush, settling uncomfortably close to Valerica’s waist. “I promised him, strong, demigod warriors for grandchildren…” That was quite enough! In rage, Valerica moved the dagger up as he started to lean into her, pressing it to his neck. It was like a switch flipped as he glared at Valerica in annoyance.

“You will not seduce me. You’ve admitted the first lie out of your "promises” to my Father, and I will not hesitate to rid my kingdom of you if I hear of any others.“

He laughed in that infuriating smug way of his, leaning back and finally stepping away from her.

"And what would that lie be? Have I not told you the truth?”

Valerica rolled her eyes.

“All of Bavalon knows you are only a demigod yourself.”

Rain’s face shifted in rage for only a moment before one of Valerica’s maids called for her. Valerica turned promptly, leaving Rain in the gardens without so much as a parting glance.

<><><><><>

Days ticked down to the wedding, and more and more Valerica feared for her life. Unknown of Rain’s intentions after the marriage, was he truthful in being a good husband or was she going to die the same day that was supposed to be the best day of her life? Her and Rain have not once seemed to get along, not even once. Amara, being the wonderful woman she is, has not pushed Valerica to get along with him either. Although only a fool couldn’t see that Amara was growing weary of the childish antics. King McCoy grew more and more annoyed with his own daughter.

Today Valerica woke up in a particularly happy mood. Once a month, Valerica was scheduled to visit the orphanage inside of the East kingdom. Valerica always looked forward to it, as she would sit down, and read to the children to help them learn how to read themselves. Valerica could never forget their cheerful, happy faces when she showed up in her carriage.

Valerica almost skipped to the carriage, leaving a quick goodbye and a kiss on the cheek to her father before the footman helped her into it. Valerica waved at her father from the window, books tightly held in her lap. Her father’s bright smile made her face light up all the more. Valerica wondered for a moment what made him so happy today, but settled on the idea that he must’ve just been happy to see his daughter so excited for once. How wrong she was.

Valerica jumped, startled as the other door of the carriage opened, her mood immediately turning sour as Rain stepped into it.

“What are you doing here?!” Valerica demanded. He thankfully kept his distance as he settled down, and when he turned to her, his smile did not reach his eyes.

“So, you’re finally talking to me again. I believe that it’s been days since you’ve spoken to me directly.” Valerica scowled, scooting farther against the door. Her gut was twisting in knots. Did he pay off the footman and the coach to take her to some other location? Was today the day when he would kill her, then her father to take the throne? Why was he here?!

“You are avoiding the question, Rain.” He hummed in response as the carriage lurched forward. Valerica scrambled to get her hand on the door, desperately trying to escape, but it was locked.

Damn it. Valerica had forgotten that the coachman always locked the doors so that if the carriage was attacked, she would be safe inside. It seems none of them considered that the enemy could be within the carriage itself.

“Don’t be so paranoid. Your father personally asked me to escort you during your little trip today. Who am I to deny the King, my friend?” His sarcastic tone didn’t match his relaxed, almost bored, face. Valerica had her back to the door at this point, not daring to look away from Rain at any instant. It did make sense. Her father must’ve finally gotten tired of the constant avoidance, and taken the initiative to force the two of them together. The scowl on Valerica’s face had been there so long it had started to hurt. Why did her father ever agree to this marriage?

A particularly rough bump in the road knocked Valerica from the side of the carriage, and the books in her lap were sent flying. Of course they did. Valerica sighed heavily, feeling almost defeated before leaning down to pick them up. This day was already off to a bad start. To think she was ever actually excited about it.

Valerica had picked up almost every book as Rain watched, but when she reached for the last, his hand took it from her.

“This is what you will be reading to those children? History of the gods?” Valerica glared, trying to snatch it back from him, but he held it away from the princess . At this point Valerica was just tired. Valerica sat back against the cushions in the seat as he flipped through the pages.

“I don’t see why I shouldn’t!”

He nodded at her response, stopping on one page in particular. Valerica recognized what page it was immediately, the little scrap of paper marking it. Panic started stirring in her stomach. There was no telling how he’d react.

“Tales of Igninitis, do not read,” Rain chuckled, turning to Valerica, her face gone pale. “May I ask why you’ve decided not to teach about my father?” Valerica tried to stop the fear, swallowing and avoiding his stare. Be calm, she told herself. He’s calm. He hasn’t reacted badly. He hasn’t done anything to make her believe he’s offended. Enough of this anxiety. Just answer the man.

“Igninitis was good to Bavalon, that is true. But he was a terror to the kingdom. He was awful to negotiate trade with. When we were at war, he refused our pleas to take refugees. He disrespected my mother’s death, and his wife was the only one who apologized to my family.” Valerica stopped for a moment, trying to catch Rain’s reaction. He quirked an eyebrow at her.

Valerica continued, “We don’t teach him because many of our people don’t believe he deserves it. Even Lord Satish himself agrees that Igninitis doesn’t deserve worship. He was not a benevolent God to us. Most want him to be forgotten, but that does not mean that we will erase him from the books,” Valerica’s eyes trailed the sketch of Igninitis on the page.

“He had become quite the controversial topic,” Rain looked back at the book, gaze flickering with an unknown emotion as he closed the pages, “and you?”

“Sorry?”

“How do you feel about my father?” Valerica must’ve looked panicked for a moment, because Rain quickly added, “there’s no need to be formal, speak your mind."

Valerica pressed her lips together in a thin line, staring through the small windows of the carriage. Against her better judgment, she did as asked, "I believe he was a fool.” Valerica left it at that. She didn’t want to speak about the innermost thoughts of her mind. She hated Igninitis. She still did. The disrespect the man had shown at her mother’s funeral couldn’t be ever forgiven.

“It’s good to know we agree on one thing,” Valerica’s attention snapped over to Rain, who supposedly remained emotionless. He held the book out to her, and after a moment of hesitation Valerica took it.

“We really should speak of adding me into that book, dear princess,” the words caught Valerica off guard, and for a moment, she laughed. Shaking her head at the man, Valerica set the book with the others in her lap. Both of their smiles remained until the end of the ride.

<><><><><>

Since the ride in the carriage only a day ago, Valerica had wondered of Rain’s true intentions. That man confused her to no end, arrogant yet vulnerable at times, he had sent her all kinds of mixed messages with each small meeting between the two. It was going to get worse though, her wedding dress hanging on the rack in front of the vanity, the flowers from Rain himself that she was to carry to the altar. It was the night before the wedding, the morning that she dreaded, her freedom would disappear the second the sun rose into the sky. Forced to marry a man that she barely knew, her life possibly being on the line marrying this man. She wasn’t even sure of Rain’s true intentions anymore.

She stood on her balcony, the moon in the dark sky illuminating the area in what light it could give off. It was a high balcony, looking over almost all of Bavalon, she used to love this spot to come read or just get away from royal duties, now it felt like her only escape. How far could the drop be from this height? This was going to be the last day in her own room, once she was wed, she was to move into a different wing of the palace with Rain. Just the thought of having to wake up everyday to that man made her skin crawl.

A knock was heard at her door as she moved to it, turning the knob seeing her father as he looked at his daughter so proudly, only if he knew how she was really feeling. Her father walked into the room looking at her dress, a smile appearing on his older face, “Your mother’s old dress, oh how beautiful you’ll look in it my daughter.”

Looking at her father, an idea came to the princess’ head, a part of her was screaming at her not to say it. But Valerica couldn’t stop her lips from moving, “I don’t want to marry Rain.”

King McCoy stopped his movements, the lace of the dress falling from his fingers. His breathing turned rigid, his voice cold as stone. “Are you not proud? I give you life, everything you have ever asked for from a father, much more than your mother that’s for sure. Are you so ungrateful that you are to deny a successful marriage, that a man I have found for you is strong, brave, and can grant you a life of comfort after I pass on?”

“Thankful, sure. Proud, however, I am not.” Valerica sighed, looking at her father who had turned to look at her, his face slightly red with anger.

“Signing your daughter, your only child, to a man of danger? Have you not heard the stories in the streets of Rain? A man who is dangerous, only looks for power, I’ve heard it from my own ears the day I had returned to the garden. He doesn't love me and nor asks for my hand out of admiration, it’s simply to prove Lord Igninitis wrong, that he can rule a kingdom. He would kill me if given the chance.”

Her father was stone faced, his words calm, slow, but nevertheless threatening.

“You shall appear in the hall in the morning or you shall never look me in the face again. I will not tarnish my own kingdom because of a feeling. I give you to a friend, a confidant, or you will beg, starve, weep, and die in the streets. Do as I say or you should live a life of regrets.”

Watching her father leave, the slam of the door behind him, Valerica fell to her feet. A life with Rain was a nightmare, but also was banishment to the streets. A woman in the streets was a dooming sentence. She couldn’t imagine her own father being so cruel, Valerica had seen him be in anger but never this way, he never pointed his anger towards his own daughter.

Retreating back to her balcony, a small lark perched upon the railing, the bird tilting its head at her before within a quick movement flying to her hand.

A part of her envied the animal, how she wished she could grow a pair of wings and fly. Over one mountain, then the next, to escape from Rain and this marriage. To get away from everything.

“A lark, a beautiful bird is it not?” The voice that had annoyed the princess for the past week was behind her, the lark flying from her hand into the night sky.

“Symbolizing joy, peace, and innocence. Reminds me of a certain someone, especially the beautiful part.”

Glaring, Valerica turned to the son of Igninitis who was without his usual attire or his mask that covered his face, his longish black hair out of its updo and hanging loosely, dressed in only his night pants and shirt, the first three buttons undone. Her cheeks turning a pale shade of pink, Valerica was glad that it was so dark out tonight.

“What do you want Rain? To gloat in my suffering?” she questioned, what else would the arrogant man want other than watch her sorrow?

“Correction Princess, I couldn’t help but overhear your father’s yelling,” Valerica watched Rain step past her, over to the railing of the balcony looking over Bavalon, “I’d say to make the walls of the palace thicker, but knowing the history of the palace, that would be a waste of history.”

“Cut the act Rain again,” Valerica demanded, using her queen voice she had learned to master in the year her father was gone at war, “what even if this? Are you trying to play with my head? One second you’re kind and true, the next arrogant and annoying, what are you playing at?”

Rain simply sighed, a part of her felt like she actually affected him, a sort of glory washing over her but along with guilt? Why was she feeling guilty for yelling at this man? He didn’t deserve her pity, for all she knew it was an entire act.

Rain looked over Bavalon, his thoughts seeming lost, his emotions unreadable even without his mask.

“I can’t force you to love me Princess as I cannot force a feeling for you that isn’t there, but your father would suspect something if I was to call off the wedding now.” Rain looked at her, his eyes showing a genuine side to him, a vulnerable side.

“But I can promise you this, Princess. Marry me and I shall make you live comfortably, I shall not force love upon you, anything and everything will come at your beck and call.”

“Why are you doing this? I thought I was no more than a source of power to you?” Valerica questioned.

The son of Igninitis stepped towards Valerica, a part of her wanted to back away as he got closer but her feet were stuck to the ground. Rain was so close to her that she felt his breath on her face. It made her own stop, Valerica not even realizing the breath she was holding as she stared at Rain. Taking in his features, she had only seen him once without his mask, his unhidden appearance making her feel weird with each look. Almost a sense of vulnerability between the two of them.

“I’m not a man of innocence nor virtue, Princess,” Rain said slowly, his words holding confidence and poise, “but in a way, I need you to accomplish my task. I wish for death upon my father for abandoning me without even giving me a chance. With marrying you,” one of his cold hands moved to her side, enveloping her hand in his, “I have a chance to avenge the pain he put my mother through with his lies and the pain he put me through for years.”

“But what do I earn?”

“A home, a husband that will make you comfortable without question,” Rain squeezed her hand lightly, “and I will not stop you if you wish to have another lover on the side, it is common for the kings to have their mistresses, why can the queen not? Love is something that can’t be forced, you loving me or me loving you cannot be forced.” Rain sucked in a breath, continuing, “I will be an honest man for once, I had planned to kill you the night of our wedding to claim the throne but I cannot.”

“Why? What is stopping you from murdering me right now, no less.”

“You are as much a victim of circumstances as I am,” Rain spoke, his other hand moving to her hair moving it from her face as his fingers went under her chin, “our pains are similar but yet so different.”

His breath was warm, a slight smell of fine wine and pineapple mixed as his lips parted, slowly leaning closer and closer. His lips, practically on top of her own.

But it never came, his hand simply dropped from Valerica’s chin and his body leaning away from her as he moved to the door of the balcony, his hand resting on the handle, “I hope to see you in the morning princess.” Valerica followed his movements into her room as he stopped to glance at her dress.

“Don’t forget my words.”

<><><><><>

The demi-god had left Valerica’s room silently, moving down the hall to his own room where he had been staying until his wedding. Rain had never imagined himself ever getting married, if he was to wed someone it was merely for power. Yet, he wanted to marry Valerica despite what was bound to happen at the wedding. Rain dreaded when he would wake up for his own wedding, knowing full well the outcome which would follow.

Pushing the door of his room open, Rain entered the room. Why he had been vulnerable with Valerica he wasn’t sure, he promised he’d never be vulnerable to anyone, yet he was with her. He felt foolish.

“You really should lock your door,” Rain turned quickly behind him, his eyes trying to settle on the dark room and make out the figure that sat on his bed. The oil lamp on Rain’s bedside table was lit, revealing Amara sitting on his bed. Amara smirked at the demi-god.

“For the son of Igninitis, I really thought you’d be more smart.” Amara stood from her spot, holding something behind her back.

“So should I reveal this now or are you just going to spill?”

Rain looked at the lady in waiting, trying to imagine what Amara had found, however nothing came to his mind.

“What is behind your back?”

“A letter, a pretty ‘nice’ letter actually,” Amara said, revealing the letter behind her back. Rain’s eyes widened, Amara had read the letter, “Kedron? Really? I thought better of you Rain.”

“What is your plan? Are you going to tell Valerica?” Rain questioned.

Amara suggested it in her mind for a second but stopped, “No, Val doesn’t need to know about this. But it doesn't mean you’re off the hook, Rainy.” Amara tore the letter into two pieces, her eyes fixated on Rain, “But you will marry her, whether you like it or not. I hate you, but I will not allow my best friend to go into the streets because of you.”

“What’s stopping me from killing you right now?” Rain asked the lady in waiting.

“Nothing, but something tells me the King won’t take too kindly to finding his daughter’s lady in waiting murdered on the morning of her wedding day.”

“You know what the plan is at the wedding, correct?” Rain asked, Amara walking past him towards the door. She didn’t speak, just a silent nod as she left, leaving Rain alone to contemplate what he was meant to do now.

<><><><><>

It was confusing to say the least, how could her father expect Valerica to stand still for four hours while six ladies walked around her, three working at her hair, one working with her makeup and the last one smoothing out her dress and occasionally yelling at her when she had to itch or slightly move. Amara rushing around the six ladies, trying to get everything in order, Silas flipping through some kind of long paper, probably a list no doubt from her father, Valerica wasn't exactly sure why some women would say that their wedding was the happiest day of their life, it certainly wasn’t to her. Being reprimanded wasn’t exactly on her list of things she enjoyed, Rain not exactly helping in the situation.

Rain, he confused Valerica to no end. One minute he would seem to want nothing but to torment her, the next he was gentle and true. Well, as true as she wanted to believe. Valerica still wasn't sure if his whole speech last night was an act or him being genuine with his feelings. She got no sleep last night after the encounter, staying up all night lost in her thoughts. Had he been genuine? It was hard to tell. He was a man known for deceit and lies, he said it himself, persuasive and clever. Her head could end up on a pike tonight if she wasn’t careful with her words and actions.

But something was telling her to trust Rain, another part of her however was telling her not to. Valerica felt like she was stuck between two sides. On one side, she’d marry Rain and either live a life of comfort and luxury or die. On the other side where she didn’t marry Rain, she would end up in the streets and her father will most likely make Rain king due to his favour of the demi-god, either way Rain will become a king and her people have the chance to become doomed.

Valerica felt the purple roses placed into her hand for her to carry down the aisle, her father was to be the one to take her down the aisle. Valerica always imagined her wedding to be a beautiful and joyful day. A day where she would marry her one true love, surrounded by loved ones, and become the Queen. But this day was anything but that, she was being forced to marry a man that she wasn’t even sure of anymore, surrounded by people she barely knew and become Queen with a man that could kill her at any point at her side.

“Princess Valerica,” a knock was at the door as Silas opened the door, King McCoy at the door holding his arm out to his daughter, “Your fiance and our people await you.”

Sucking in a final breath, Valerica stood off of the stool and had Amara and Silas carry her veil, the same her mother Oxana wore on her wedding. Since her own engagement, Valerica had begun to wonder if her mother married her father out of love or if it was similar to her case right now. Valerica guessed it was the latter, royals didn’t exactly get the choice of who they could love no matter how much her mother made it look like that for her when she was younger.

“You look absolutely beautiful my daughter, just like your mother,” Valerica’s father smiled brightly, holding her arm as the two walked to the throne room where she was to wed Rain. Her father leaned closer to her making sure the two friends of Valerica following couldn’t hear,

“Don’t forget, wed my friend or starve in the streets.”

When reaching the throne room, it was nothing as Valerica expected, the servants had really gone all out. Each candle was lit on the chandeliers, new white fur on the ground up the aisle, freshly carved wood chairs and tables surrounding. The alter being of white carved wood, twirled purple roses in the wood, Valerica only expected it was Rain’s idea being his signature colour. Speaking of Rain, he had cleaned up rather nicely for the wedding, Valerica had to admit. His hair was loose, but tame nonetheless, a few strands here and there combed to frame his face that was without his mask. A pearl white button up and purple vest of golden lace, a sword held in the belt that kept his vest closed. Valerica hated to admit it, but he was attractive, it didn’t mean his personality was however.

She felt like dragging her feet while walking down the aisle with her father, her freedom ticking down until she would end up as free as a lark in a bird cage.

The friar was at the very end of the isle, Rain to his right, this is where it all came to a head.

King McCoy handed her off to Rain, the friar smiling at both of them and then the crowd, her father and Amara by her side on the altar, Silas to Rain’s side. As the friar gave off of his speech of royalty and marriage and all that nonsense, Valerica stared at Rain, trying to read his emotions. He refused to look at her. His face was unreadable.

“I am sad to say that Lord Igninitis, while he was invited, refused to show,” the friar said, a frown on his face. Rain snickering something to himself that Valerica couldn’t pick up. The friar continued his speech before ending with, “Rain, do you vow to take Princess Valerica, second of her name, daughter of King McCoy and Duchess Oxana, as your beloved wife to rule beside and to care for and love for eternal life?”

“I do,” Rain said calmly, a frown painted on his face. Valerica eyed the sword on his belt, why did he bring a sword to his own wedding?

“And Princess Valerica, second of her name, daughter of King McCoy and Duchess Oxana, do you take Rain as your king and husband, the man you shall rule beside and care for and bear the heir of and to love for eternal life?” The friar asked, making her voice catch itself in her throat, Valerica’s heart starting to hammer as she glanced behind herself seeing her father, he looked normal but in his eyes, he was glaring daggers at her.

Valerica looked back at Rain, him refusing to look at her. She let out a breath, “I do.”

The friar smiled brightly, raising his arms in the air, “Then by the power invested in me by the great gods, I pronounce this marriage as eternal and real.”

Valerica kneeled slightly, feeling the weight of the crown placed upon her head, looking at Rain who was doing the same. Once the crown was placed upon her head, the crowd cheered happily at her coronation and marriage.

The friar looked at Rain, whispering something in his ear as Rain looked towards Valerica for the first time since she walked down the aisle.

Rain grabbed her hand, pulling her closer to him as he cupped her cheek, his lips landing upon Valerica’s own making her eyes drift closed and her head tilt to his height slightly. It was gentle, as if Rain was afraid he’ll break her if he uses any more force. Valerica kissed him back slowly and felt her cheeks burning. Rain’s slightly chapped wine flavored lips move in sync with her own, not too fast, and she smiled against them. Rain pulled away and looked at her, his face unreadable.

He held his arm out to her in silence, walking her down the aisle and to the open space of the throne room where the two were to share their first dance together. The crowd moved from their seats to surround the two as the candles from the chandeliers were dimmed using magic of controlling fire by the castle’s sorcerer.

Rain’s hand curled itself around her waist, pulling Valerica close to him as the two swayed to the quiet song. Valerica moved in sync with Rain, but her eyes kept looking down at his sword, something didn’t feel right, like something bad was going to happen.

But he kept dancing, the two danced in silence. Rain twirled her before dipping her down, her eyes hypnotized on his own, his face leaning into her, “I must say, my queen, you look most beautiful today.”

“My queen?” Valerica questioned, Rain raised her back up, swaying together as the crowd started to join with their respective partners, “I thought I was just princess to you?”

Rain shrugged, a sly smirk on his lips, “That crown upon your head can say otherwise.”

Valerica gave a small smile, “I can’t say that I’m upset with the better title. Officially a queen, it feels unreal.”

Rain’s sly smirk slowly turned to a genuine smile, smiling with her as he gently pressed his forehead to her, his hair brushing the side of her face. Valerica smiled and heard him chuckle softly.

“What changed?” Rain asked, a chuckle on his lips, “Just a week ago you pointed a dagger at my throat.”

Valerica chuckled as well, grabbing Rain’s hand in her own squeezing lightly, “Am I not allowed to show the king affection?”

Rain suddenly turned serious, still remaining quiet making sure no others could hear.

“Valerica, I want you to know whatever happens tonight will be of no ill intent towards you.”

Confused, Valerica asked him what he had meant, Rain not answering but instead letting his lips reconnect with hers. Her own moving against his agonizingly slowly. His hand let go of hers and cupped her left cheek and squeezed her waist. His lips are soft and chapped with a slight taste of wine, this kiss was so much different from the first kiss that felt so forced, this was genuine. His kiss reminded her of the sweetest simplest times. He was so gentle and careful as he kissed her. His slight stubble scratching her chin, not that Valerica really minded. His fingers gently rested against her skin and his nose brushed against hers, sending tingles down her spine. Valerica pulled away for air, not realizing she hadn’t been breathing until that moment.

Rain rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper, “I love you.”

But before Valerica could reply, a sharp pain went through the back of her abdomen, her breath catching in her throat as the blade got pushed deeper through her skin till the metal of the handle met her back. A gasp left her lips, her legs feeling weak.

Rain quickly supported Valerica’s head, her legs feeling weak as she fell to the floor, clutching her bleeding abdomen. The screaming and gasps of the crowd were drowned out by Rain’s serious but calm words, “I’m sorry.”

Valerica’s blood spilled down onto the floor of the throne room, the crimson liquid staining the white dress. The pain was so intense, she looked at Rain, tears welling in her blue eyes, feeling blood welling up in her throat, clutching to Rain’s arms, “Rain I’m scared.”

Rain hushed her, “I know.”

Valerica’s eyes instinctively looked down at Rain’s belt, the holder of his sword being empty. The crash of doors was deafening in her ears, her weak sight turning to see multiple people in red uniforms rush into the throne room attacking the crowd, specifically her father. Valerica whispered with a ragged breath, “Kedron…” Rain slowly let go of Valerica, removing his sword from her abdomen as she watched weakly, his footsteps growing more and more quiet.

Behind his mask, Rain was no more than a traitor.

<><><><><>

The demi-god watched as his victims drowned, victim after victim, he watched their breathing stop as they fell to the ground. Anyone who didn’t agree to join the side of ex-High King Kedron was not worthy of living in his eyes, not that he was exactly loyal to Kedron either. He was merely on the twisted ex-high king’s side in hope of more power for himself. A villain many would call him, the bastard of Lord Igninitis, but to himself and those close to him, he was a god, a legend, a warrior. He wanted to be seen as a threat, he wanted people to fear the very mention of his name, to get on their knees and beg for respect, for their life.

Not once in the demi-god’s life had he felt so much power and glory, to watch the nobles beg on their knees as the water filled their lungs. Watch the blood pour onto his blade, to hold the heart of his victims, the people that had seen him as no more than a bastard. They used to laugh in his face when he lived on the streets, starving and begging for food, and now who was laughing?

The word demi-god offended him, his human half offended him in general. Why should he be seen as any less than a god just because of his human mother? He loved the pain it brought Igninitis everytime he mentioned his name, the disappointment that Igninitis had for him would never be as great as Rain’s glory would be once he murders his father. His step-mother Avolena however, would live, to suffer from grief the same way his own mother had when his death was faked by his father’s deceitful words and power.

“Protect the queen!” Rain was stopped in his movements, someone had survived? He looked from the corner of his eye, Silas carrying a limp body pouring of blood. A body that Rain knew was familiar, not that he would admit it however.

Watching Kedron tighten the grip he had on his axe, Rain rushed to the ex-high king’s side, stopping the man in his movements. He couldn’t allow Silas who was carrying Valerica to die, Silas was her only way of surviving.

He hated himself for his actions against Valerica, this entire engagement was to gain the trust of this kingdom and allow him to open the border to Kedron to dominate the kingdom. The closer that Kedron was to King Loxin and his wife, the more chance there was for domination over Bavalon.

What Rain didn’t expect to happen was his own heart to betray him, the amount of lies he had told to Valerica about his feelings for her. How he didn’t love her, how he couldn’t love her, but since the day he saw her on the docks the demi-god had been smitten. To stab her in the back was one of the worst pains that Rain had felt, much worse than when he had found the truth of his father and his abandonment.

“Rain my boy, you have done well,” Kedron said to the demi-god, Rain simply nodded, looking back at the throne where he was supposed to sit with Valerica at his side, now only the body of her father laid in front of the throne. A great slice across the king’s gut, his large and small intestine spilled over the floor, a mixture of blood and water dripping from the edge of his parted lips.

That’s one of Rain’s greatest kills, one he had no remorse for, the second he had heard the man’s cruel words to Valerica he had wanted to watch the man suffer. The screams of Valerica’s father still played in Rain’s head like a sweet lullaby.

One body however made Rain’s body grow cold; Amara. She laid with the other deceased or in pain guests, she was definitely deceased however. When saying her body, it was more literal than Rain wanted to admit. It was just Amara’s body, from the neck down, her head was missing. Where someone had taken the lady in waiting’s head, Rain wasn’t sure. He was sure of one thing however, the kill had been done by Kedron. Beheading was Kedron’s whole thing, Amara was the first one to die when everything had gone down.

There was no doubt in Rain’s mind that Valerica was going to be upset at the learning of Amara’s death, and with his involvement in the death of her best friend, Rain wasn’t sure if Valerica would even have him back.

Rain glared at the surviving people left in the blood covered room, Silas and Valerica’s limp body had disappeared. The remaining people laid on the ground, clutching to their wounds. Rain looked at Kedron and his warriors.

“Kill them, and let them suffer a thousand times over.”

Rain left with a quick movement, slamming the throne room doors behind him, the screams of innocents echoing in the background as Rain left.

Once outside of the palace, Rain looked up at the storming sky. He didn’t want things to happen like this, originally yes he had wanted this, he wanted to see Valerica and her family suffer. However, within the short week between the two, Rain wasn’t sure about his feelings anymore. During the dance, when Rain said ‘I love you’, he didn’t know if he said that from his heart or out of pity knowing of his actions.

In the next week following the attack of the West Kingdom, King Lexon was to be attacked next. Kedron was to kill Lexon, force Queen Yuda to marry him and raise Lexon’s new baby Letvia as his own.

Rain had sighed, looking up at the pouring sky as he pulled on his mask, tying his hair back. If only he knew where Silas had taken his dearest Valerica, he guessed he couldn’t call her his dearest anymore. Calling her his dearest or feeling love for Valerica had felt wrong now, how could he say he loves her after he just stabbed her and almost left her to die? He wasn’t even sure if she was alive.

Meanwhile on the other side of the kingdom, just past the walls was another kingdom, led by a beloved high king and queen, Lexon and Yuda, who had just had their precious baby girl Latvia. Close family friends of King McCoy and late Queen Oxana, King Lexon being the godfather of Princess Valerica.

Once the attack and death of King McCoy was announced, King Lexon had begun to panic. The fight against the border’s attackers had lasted a year, it seemed to work, the border seemed to protect the people of Bavalon, but it seemed their monsters had gotten free.

“Help! Yuda, Lexon, we have a survivor!” King Lexon rushed to the hall, finding a weak and wounded Silas gasping for breath, a body pouring blood in his arms.

“She doesn’t have long, she needs help.” Silas held onto Valerica’s body tightly, her heartbeat faint but still there. How long she’d have however, was unknown.

<><><><><>

The room was still and quiet, Valerica’s body laying under the silken sheets. She had been asleep for almost an entire week now, Yuda knew that it was a miracle that she had survived with the amount of blood lost. She had also told her husband that either the attacker was severally stupid or didn’t actually want to hurt her as when their blade pierced her, it had avoided all organs that could cause internal bleeding that would have killed her almost instantly.

Lexon had planned to question her on what had exactly happened when ex-High King Kedron took over. The last he heard of her father was the invite that he had received to Valerica’s wedding to Rain, a marriage that Lexon was worried for but still supported. Sadly, or Lexon guessed more glady now, he had to miss out on the wedding due to Latvia being so young and needing constant attention.

It wasn’t until one day that Yuda was working on changing the stitches on Valerica’s wound that she felt Valerica stir in her coma. She immediately rushed to get the royal nurse. When Valerica had woken, she was understandably confused about what was going on. How had she ended up at Lexon’s palace? Why was she in the nursing wing?

The last thing Valerica had remembered clearly was the wedding, in the arms of Rain, he had just confessed that he loved her, after that it was a fuzzy thought. She remembered screaming, blood, and everything going black.

“Queen Valerica?” Valerica looked up from her book, her back resting against her raised pillow. It was High King Lexon, her godfather. He moved into the room, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“As you probably know, you are the only one to have survived the attack of your kingdom aside from Silas.”

Valerica looked at Lexon shocked, had her father not survived? Amara? Did Silas know that Amara wasn’t alive? What about Rain? Had he survived? If he did, where was he?

Lexon looked at Valerica, his face calm but his voice having a slight anxious tone to it, almost as if he was in fear, “Kedron is threatening my rule willingly, I have my guards working overtime making sure Kedron can’t get past our walls but I fear with each day that my life and my family’s will be at risk.” Lexon sighed, stepping up from the bed and pacing in front of Valerica.

“We are at threat everyday, my child is only a few weeks old. I am terrified.”

Valerica remembered Kedron from the brief stories her mother used to tell her of the monster, the old high king who now killed without mercy, only wished for power and fame. He reminded her of Rain, at least at the start, Rain had changed though. Rain showed her that he was capable of loving someone other than himself. Kedron, however, that man’s heart was cold as stone.

Valerica looked up at Lexon, “did Rain survive?”

Lexon looked at her shocked before his face dropped, a frown pulling down at his lips, his eyes giving her a look of pity.

“It was Rain, Valerica.”

When she had asked what he had meant, Lexon sat down on the edge of the bed again, taking her hand in his own.

“Rain is working for Kedron, he was simply marrying you to gain your father’s trust and to allow him inside of the kingdom’s walls so he could bring down the border that kept Kedron and his army out. Rain is the one that pulled the final blow on your father.”

The room felt like it was starting to spin, the sound of ringing filling Valerica’s ears as she sat in silence, Lexon’s hand on her own. Her voice had disappeared. Valerica thought Rain was being genuine, that he truly loved her. She knew the side of Rain though, he was very manipulative and deceitful, his honeyed words and actions made her wonder if everything was genuine. His words, his touch, his kiss, Valerica wondered how much of it was an act.

How could she have been so stupid to fall for his lies? His persuasive and sweet bitter words, she allowed herself to be blinded by love for a man who was using her just as a pawn. He had killed her father, Amara, so many of her people, and almost her?!

Lexon looked at her and squeezed her hand, knocking Valerica out of her trance.

“While you were asleep, Rain had shown up at the castle doors, but we wouldn’t allow him in.”

He had come back? What did this even mean? Did he feel guilt? Did he want to make sure she was dead? Valerica didn’t even know anymore.

“If it doesn’t bother you King Lexon, I’d enjoy a stroll in the garden, I need some air.” Lexon nodded, standing up from the bed, saying that he was going to get the nurse to help Valerica get dressed first. Valerica was to be going outside with Silas, who had been watching the newborn Letvia for the time being.

<><><><><>

Silas fixed his tan jacket, moving beside Valerica in the maze of flowers that surrounded the garden of the High Palace of Bavalon. Valerica’s grey dress moved along the cobble while Silas was quiet, his thin lips left in a line on his face, not a frown nor a smile, just a line. Valerica glanced at her friend, he refused to speak, only a curt nod or shake of his head with each word that came from Valerica’s mouth.

Valerica frowned at her friend, moving in front of him catching the servant off guard. Silas looked away from the ground up at Valerica, his eyes holding grief and sadness. Valerica's frown deepened, reaching out for her friend’s hand.

“Something is wrong, you can’t deny it, Silas. Please tell me.”

The servant turned away from Valerica, moving to the other side of the garden.

“No, it’s just a waste of time, this is precious time we are wasting here. We should be out there, fighting, avenging her!”

“All we can do is focus right now,” Valerica followed after Silas, watching her friend, his panicked and pained expression worried her.

“The only thing I can focus on right now is revenge, against Rain, against Kedron, against the gods, against everyone!” Silas snapped, Valerica had never seen the servant boy like this, normally Silas was the calm one of the three of them, “this is all your fault Valerica.”

“Silas-”

“All of this, all of the plans, the deals, you caused all of this,” Silas dropped his face into his hands, slumping down against the cobblestone of the garden.

“You promised me that you wouldn’t fall in love with Rain, yet you still did, you lied to me. And now Amara is dead. The love of my life is gone, your own best friend, she’s dead. She died for you, she died trying to protect your screwed up family.”

“Amara would be proud of you,” Valerica said, moving to Silas’ side, trying to comfort the servant who continued to push her away.

“You saved me, her death wasn’t without reason.”

Silas looked up at Valerica, his eyes deep with grief and his cheeks covered in tears.

“How can you even say that? She never should have died, she never should’ve ever been in battle. Kedron took her life, he took the girl that I love who I never even got to tell. She died thinking I didn’t love her but I did, I loved her with every fiber in my being, Amara was my everything. Now I just feel empty.”

“Silas you need to focus.”

Silas continued however, “What results did you expect to happen? That Rain would spare us? He allowed Amara to die! He took the woman I love from me before I could even tell her! If I hadn’t been such a damn coward.” Silas looked up at Valerica, his face was pale, tears brimming the edges of his eyes.

“I miss her. If I had just been a little braver, maybe I could’ve saved her.”

“You did what you could,” Valerica moved over to Silas, sitting down beside him as she placed her hand on his shoulder, hearing the servant’s broken sobs.

“Do you not understand?” Silas questioned, looking away from Valerica, down at his hands, scars covering the skin.

“She was my hope, my everything. And now she’s gone.”

Silas looked up at Valerica, letting out a painful sob.

“I let her in. I let her in. I don’t let people in. You knew this, yet you allowed it, you allowed me to be hurt. You’ve taken her from me.” Silas stood from his spot, “I needed her and you’ve broken me. You promised Amara that you’d stay by her side, but when Amara was dying, where were you? Nowhere.”

“I was dying, Silas!” Valerica snapped at her friend.

“You have no right to blame me for Amara’s death when I was dying myself. I loved Amara, she was my best friend, she was practically my sister. To say that I wanted her to die is just dehumanizing and cruel, Silas. You are allowed to grieve but don’t point your anger at me.”

Silas rolled his eyes. “Oh so now it's about you?”

“Yes it's about me,” Valerica yelled, Silas looked at her coldly, “I’m the one that was screwed over here. At my own wedding I had been betrayed and left for dead by a man I thought I could trust. My father and best friend are dead, all my people are either dead or left in the clutches of Kedron.”

“And where does that leave me?” Silas questioned, “I lost the love of my life. Am I not allowed to grieve?”

“You can grieve but don’t make this seem like it's all about you Silas because it's not.” Valerica argued, Silas looked at Valerica, his eyes puffy and red from crying, his face unreadable.

“What?”

“You’re a bad friend,” Silas admitted, leaving the garden along with a speechless Valerica.

Valerica sat in silence against the cobblestone once Silas had disappeared, was Amara’s death truly her fault? Was everything that happened her fault? No, she didn’t know what was going to happen, she couldn’t be blamed for not knowing what was happening. At the same time however, Valerica was the one that chose to trust Rain despite all of her beliefs. Her own words were that she couldn’t love him, “if the man who gave you life couldn’t love you, then what chance is there that I can”, her exact words to Rain the night of the dinner.

A part of her felt bad for saying that to him, another part of her however felt glory for it. Knowing she was able to hurt Rain made her feel both guilty and proud. She didn’t know why she felt guilty for hurting that man. Rain had betrayed her, let Amara die, killed her father, her people, why was she sitting here feeling bad for a man who hurt her so badly without remorse?

<><><><><>

It was a quiet day, High King Lexon worried about Kedron’s inevitable attack upon him. He didn’t know when Kedron was going to attack or how. It was an anxious game of waiting. Yuda had tried to calm her husband’s nerves, but Lexon remained restless and unable to deal with his anxiety. Lexon worried for the future of his people, his wife, Valerica, and his newborn with the outcome of Kedron’s attack. If Kedron was to win, with Lexon’s death, what was to happen to Yuda and Letvia? Was Kedron really that much of a monster to kill a newborn child?

Yuda sat beside her husband, Lexon slumped in his throne, fiddling with his axe in his hands. Something was on the High King’s mind; vengeance? Aggression? Fear? Yuda wasn’t quite sure, but she didn’t like it.

Silas rushed into the throne room, catching the two royals and Valerica’s attention.

“Silas, what’s wrong?”

Silas ignored Valerica as he gasped for breath, “Kedron! He’s here!”

Lexon stood from his throne, walking over to the servant boy at a quick pace.

“Send for my army. We will attack at once. Kedron will not reach my palace walls.”

However, Lexon had spoken too late, as a whistle had been heard from the door of the throne room. Lexon looked to the doorway, his heart dropping to his stomach at the sight of Kedron, with an army at his side. Valerica on the other hand, was focused on the man beside Kedron; Rain. He had returned, still on the side of the monster Kedron, why did she ever think that she could love that man?

Kedron walked around the throne room, Lexon clinging to his axe while Yuda stood from her throne going to her husband’s side. Valerica only managed to look at Rain, the demi-god refused to look at her. Kedron moved with confidence and power, Silas still catching his breath.

“I’d gain my breath back pretty soon servant boy.” Kedron’s hands tightened around his axe, pulling it behind his shoulder ready to swing at Silas.

“Say hello to Amara for me!”

“Stop!” Valerica yelled, rushing over to Silas’ side, pulling Silas out of the way as Kedron swung the axe. Pulling Silas closer to her, Valerica looked up at the ex-high king, Kedron holding his axe over his shoulder as he smirked down at the former princess.

Rain stared at Valerica, she had survived, that’s what mattered to him. Kedron on the other hand, his brows were furrowed, looking at Valerica.

“So, the princess lives. Rain my boy, I thought you said that she had died?”

“It’s Queen to you!” Valerica stood from her spot on the ground, leaving Silas. Valerica glared at Kedron, this man was the reason that Amara was dead, the reason that she’d never see her best friend again. Not like Rain was completely innocent either, he had killed her father in cold blood.

Kedron laughed, pointing his axe at Valerica, her refusing to break contact with the ex-high king,

“I’m not going to lie, ‘Queen’, you scare the living daylights out of me.” Kedron said in an overly sarcastic tone.

“The feeling is mutual,” Valerica responded, turning her back to Kedron as she went over to Silas, helping the servant to his feet.

Kedron nudged Rain in the shoulder catching the demi-god’s attention.

“Ever heard the story of the embarrassment named Valerica who thought she knew things and that she was something important, when in reality she was more insignificant than an ant? And then got everyone that she loved killed and turns around and blames others for her acts?” Kedron laughed, Rain standing emotionless. Kedron looked over at Valerica.

“Oh wait, that’s about you.”

“Cut the act Kedron, what’s is your point of being here except for murdering my family?” Lexon asked, pushing through Valerica and Silas, staring eye to eye with Kedron.

Kedron laughed at Lexon, Lexon glaring at him. Kedron glanced over at Yuda, the high queen standing by Valerica and Silas.

“Yuda dear, is this really the best you could do?” Yuda glared at the ex-high king.

“You still look at me the exact same way, like I just trampled a puppy, you really think that low of me?”

“Yes.” Yuda replied, “You’re a monster.”

“I know.”

Kedron moved back over to Lexon, pointing his axe at the high-king’s throat.

“Now Lexon, I don’t appreciate my men being killed.”

Before Lexon could reply, Valerica spoke up looking at Rain, “are you serious Rain? Siding with this ass? I thought you’d have more respect for yourself.”

Rain refused to speak, he couldn’t think of a comeback for the first time in his life, Kedron doing it for him instead.

“Well, it's obvious lover boy over here didn’t tell you so why don’t I? Rain’s been on my side since day one, the second that Ulfric had dis-owned him, he came to me and begged me to take him in. Now was I going to just give up the opportunity to have a demi-god on my side? Gods no, so I took him home, safe and sound, and I fed him, and nurtured him, and loved him as if he were a son.”

“Amara wasn’t lying…” Silas said quietly, Valerica turning behind her to look at the servant.

“What do you mean by that?” Valerica asked, Silas’ face turned pale.

“The night before the wedding,” Silas sucked in a breath, “Amara had shown me something. A letter, from Kedron himself to Rain, spoke of a plan.”

“Why was I never told of this!?”

Silas remained silenced, Valerica turning back to look at Rain.

“You were using me. How much of what you said was ever genuine?”

Rain finally spoke for the first time since he entered the throne room.

“It started as just a plan, Kedron had assigned me to fight for your father and gain his trust. I was to ask for your hand and marry you, then at the wedding I would open the border, and was to murder you at our first dance after I was crowned.”

Rain pushed past Kedron, moving closer to Valerics who backed away from him.

“But I promise everything was genuine! All our conversations were genuine!”

“Oh really, because I’m having a hard time believing that now!” Valerica shot back at the demi-god.

“What right do you have to even be speaking to me right now, trying to get my trust back?”

Rain looked at her with the same glare, him towering over her with his tall height.

“I think it’s because I’m your husband!”

“Oh sorry I must have missed that part while you were trying to kill me!” Valerica yelled, Rain falling silent as he pulled down his mask, revealing his face once more to her. A twinge of guilt washed over Valerica, but it was hidden by the amount of pride that had also washed over her. Valerica had finally actually hurt Rain and gods did it feel good.

“I never wanted to.” Rain said quietly, just catching her attention.

“Well at first I did, but as I got to know you, I had become smitten with you...” he was calm, yet frantic.

“...and the more I got to know about you, the harder I began to fall. It was not my choice to attempt to kill you, don’t you know I made sure to avoid all your organs when I stabbed you? I never wanted you to die, Valerica.”

Now it was Valerica’s turn to be silent, staring into Rain’s eyes. His dark blue orbs hypnotizing her, how did she allow herself to become so smitten by this man, something about him was just so hypnotizing that it almost made her forget everything he’s done. Key word, almost.

“You still stabbed me and left me for dead,” Valerica said quietly and calmly, a fire burning behind her eyes. Rain frowned, his hand raising itself to her cheek, instinctively, Valerica pushed his hand away.

“Stop trying to make me love you again! It's not going to work, I know your tricks now Rain, I won’t fall for your honeyed words and actions again!”

Rain went silent once more, staring at Valerica. His lips parted to speak but not a word coming out. Valerica’s hazel eyes glared at Rain, a fire burning behind her eyes as she started at her would-be murderer.

After a few awkward minutes of silence, Kedron’s voice piped up once more, making both Valerica and Rain turn towards the ex-high king. Kedron’s axe was behind his shoulders, he was preparing to swing.

“Let's get back to it then, shall we?” He said as the axe swung, making contact with the top of Lexon’s head, cutting the high-king’s head in half.

Yuda screamed, running to Lexon as Silas held the high queen back. Kedron laughed, Lexon’s dead body falling to the ground, blood pouring onto the throne room ground. Silas held back the sobbing high-queen who just watched her husband and the father of her child murdered in front of her.

Kedron ripped his axe out of Lexon’s head, turning on his heel, “I’ll return, come Rain.”

Rain glanced over at Valerica, then down at Lexon’s body. Rain looked back at Kedron.

“No.”

“No?” Kedron questioned what Rain had said, no one had ever disobeyed him before.

“You heard me,” Rain replied, moving to Valerica’s side, “fight without me.”

Kedron stopped a moment, and then nodded in silence, pointing at his army to leave. Rain looked back at Valerica, Valerica however didn’t show any emotion at Rain’s betrayal of Kedron. Yuda’s crying being the only noise inside of the throne room. Valerica glared at Rain as she left.

<><><><><>

The library of the palace had been empty except for the two, Valerica and Silas, Silas sitting on one of the tables of the library while Valerica looked through the books. Since Lexon’s death, Yuda had taken charge of the kingdom and the army, yet she had refused to ever let go of her child Letvia, Letvia was all that she had left of her husband, if Letvia was to die as well, Yuda wasn’t sure what she would do.

Rain had been accepted by Yuda to Valerica’s disappointment, Valerica had locked her room every night in case Rain tried to kill her again. Valerica wasn’t sure of Rain’s intentions, she didn’t know if Rain betraying Kedron was an act or not. Since his attempt on her life at the wedding, she didn’t know what to trust anymore.

"Amara had asked me something the day before she died," Silas piped up as he bit his lip thinking, Valerica turning away from her books.

"Who would I be if you no longer needed me, did I have any plans of my own that don't involve serving you. I thought about it, there was a time long ago, I recall wanting more, years ago when you, Amara, and I were still children. I wanted a family and to one day quit servant duty to be a stay at home father. But I lost that feeling from all the depression and anxiety, along with the years-”

"Hey-" Valerica said, placing her hand on his face to make him look at her, "you can't let the bad things in the past blame you, I know you, you are good. Amara would be proud of you, she loved you more than you could ever understand."

"And you are good despite how much of a hypocrite you are, you cared for me and Amara," Silas sighed, standing from the table.

"I was wrong when I thought you deserved all this, you don't deserve this, none of us did, especially Amara. I wonder however, if I had just been more brave, not so much of a coward to hide, would Amara be alive?" Silas sighed, looking at Valerica.

"Yet you are right, I did save you. Amara would be proud of me for that. I just keep imagining how I could’ve saved both of you. If given the option of saving you or Amara, who would I have chosen? If Amara told me to save you instead of herself, would I?”

“It’s my fault,” Valerica admitted, shame washing over her, “my gut had told me that something was up, yet I ignored it. I noticed Rain’s sword at the wedding, yet I said nothing. I mean, that should have been the biggest sign of his plan, who brings a sword to their own wedding?!”

“So what is your plan?” Valerica asked Silas what he had meant by that, Silas shaking his head.

“About Rain? I mean now that he’s here and fighting for us. What’s the plan?”

“I’m keeping my eye on him, he’s not pulling any funny business with me this time,” Valerica crossed her arms in front of her, her brow furrowed at the thought of Rain alone. Suddenly an idea came to her mind, “you Silas!”

“Me?” Silas questioned, confused.

“Yes, Rain seems to favor you, remember at dinner?”

“A lot has happened since then, Val,” Silas raised his hands, “and I’m not putting my head on a pretty little platter for Rain.”

Valerica sighed, looking out the windows of the library.

“He’s planning something. I just know it, there’s no way that he’ll betray me, then Kedron and come right back to my side. There’s some alternative plan, I can just feel it.”

“And if he’s being genuine?” Silas asked.

“He’s not,” Valerica said simply, “it’s Rain, the same man that lied straight to my face and stabbed me at my own wedding, nothing about that man is truthful. I thought there was but it was all an act, he’s planning something, I can just tell. What is it? I don’t know, but you need to figure it out, Silas.”

“He’ll see right through me, I can’t even play poker Val, you really think I’m able to lie to Rain?” Silas questioned.

Valerica tapped her foot on the ground, trying to think of a plan.

“Then we attack, Rain will get banished.”

Silas’ eyes widened.

“Don’t you think that’s a bit far?”

“I think the bit far part was him stabbing me and leaving me for dead!” Valerica replied, venom laced in her voice. Silas sighed in response.

“Why don’t you just talk to him yourself?” Silas asked.

“Are you crazy?”

“I’ll come with you if you need, I know you are scared that Rain will make an attempt on your life again.”

After a moment of reluctance, Valerica nodded at the idea as the two left to go speak to Rain.

<><><><><>

Standing outside of Rain’s room, Valerica stopped herself from knocking on the door. She turned to Silas who looked at her confused. Valerica looked at Silas, she wanted Rain to be genuine, she wasn’t sure how genuine Rain would be however if both her and Silas questioned him. Valerica asked Silas to stay outside, if anything happened, she would yell for help from him. Silas nodded at the idea.

Valerica raised her hand to knock on the door, hearing shuffling from inside the room. Silas moved to the side so he wouldn’t be spotted by Rain. As the door opened, Rain’s eyes widened, noticing Valerica, he was without his mask once more, dressed in only his night attire.

“May I come inside? I hope I’m not bothering you,” Valerica asked, Rain nodding moving to the side allowing Valerica into the grand bedroom. Valerica looked at Rain’s bed, seeing a book laying on the sheets, reading the cover.

“‘Symphous Solitude’, my mother read that to me when I was younger, I don't remember much of it.”

Rain watched Valerica’s movements, watching the new queen pick up the book in her hands, moving through the pages. The demi-god was confused, just a day ago she wanted nothing to do with him but now she was in his room at four in the morning looking through his reading collection?

“Paint a portrait, it lasts longer,” Valerica laughed, noticing Rain’s staring.

“What are you doing?” Rain questioned, grabbing the book out of Valerica’s hands making the former princess look at him.

“Well you are still my husband despite your attempt on my life,” Valerica explained, her voice nonchalant and her shrugging. It confused Rain, was she not angry at him anymore?

“I haven’t let you off the hook however, High-Queen Yuda may trust you but that woman is in grief and hysterics, gods only know if she’s thinking clearly anymore. Me however, I’m thinking clearly and logically, so explain, why are you suddenly on my side again?”

Rain was silent for a moment, trying to think of the right words to say, words that wouldn’t get a dagger at his throat once more.

“To marry you was all my plan, it kills Kedron a little each time it’s brought up, knowing my plan worked instead of his. Not meaning that I never cared for you Valerica, sure I had alternative motives, but that doesn’t mean I liked causing you pain.”

Valerica glared at the demi-god, reaching for her dagger.

“If you didn’t want to then why did you? What was keeping you from not killing me? You still had a choice and you took it.” Rain shrugged, looking away from the princess.

“A part of me did want to hurt you, I will admit. A part of me even felt joy for almost killing you, the rest of me felt guilt.”

“So it is like I believed, I am just a source of power, you’ve never cared.” Valerica said calmly, walking up behind Rain, pointing her dagger at the demi-god’s back.

“Tell me now why I shouldn’t push my blade into your heart right now.”

“Because you love me.”

Valerica stopped, her dagger being moved from Rain’s back, Rain turned to face Valerica. Valerica looked at the demi-god in silence.

Rain looked down at Valerica’s dress.

“Black looks good on you.”

Rain suddenly felt a sharp pain come to the side of his face, making the demi-god’s head turn to the right as he held his stinging cheek. Rain looked at Valerica in shock, Valerica looking back at him with the same glare she gave him at dinner.

Valerica turned on her heel over to the door, stopping as she turned to look at Rain.

“You’re going to wish you never met me, son of Igninitis.”

As the door slammed behind Valerica, Rain stood in the bedroom in silence, his cheek still stinging from Valerica’s slap. He had been confused, what did Valerica even think of him anymore? Outside of his bedroom, Rain overheard muffled a conversation, it was Valerica and a male voice, they seemed to be arguing with each other.

The demi-god chose to ignore it, he didn’t plan to piss Valerica off more due to her power and control over the situation. All it would take is one word from Valerica to Yuda, Rain would be banished if he pissed Valerica off enough.

Another knock came to Rain’s door, Rain shook his head, he didn’t plan to open the door. It was most likely Valerica.

“It’s Silas by the way, just let me in, please,” Rain heard the servant boy’s voice. Deciding he couldn’t just ignore Silas, Rain got up from his spot, opening the door to face the servant boy, allowing him inside of his room. Silas looked at Rain, his slightly red cheek from Valerica’s hand.

“Yikes, looks like it hurts, want some help? Ice?” Rain shook his head, he’s the son of Igninitis, he was sure he could handle a petty slap.

“I’m sorry for how Valerica acted.”

“Why are you apologizing, this is Valerica’s fault is it not?” Rain asked, Silas seemed to be thinking, his hands stuffed into his pockets as Silas tapped his foot on the ground.

Silas looked at Rain, Rain not being too much taller than Silas but Silas still needing to look up at the demi-god.

“I will admit, when Amara had died I blamed Valerica at first, well really I had blamed you, Valerica later for even trusting you. Now however, I just blame myself, I mean if I hadn’t been such a coward would Amara still be with me?”

“I’m sorry.” for once in his life, Rain had done something that he never thought he could, something no one had ever thought Rain was capable of, feeling remorse.

Silas sighed, looking up at Rain in complete seriousness.

“Look Rain. If you’re going to kill anyone, please kill me.”

Rain looked at the servant shocked, his voice caught in his throat.

“Why? Why should I? Valerica would kill me.”

“So I can be with the love of my life,” Silas explained, his voice struggling to go above a whisper, “so I can be with Amara.”

Rain shook his head, “Silas, I can’t hurt Valerica more.” The servant’s eyes drifted to the ground, a sigh leaving his mouth.

“I suppose you’re correct, son of Igninitis, yet all I can imagine is Amara being alone in Kauket’s garden of death. All alone, scared, knowing that I betrayed her by not saving her, and it's my fault.” Silas stared at the demi-god, Rain remaining silent.

“I better go, Val will be furious if she finds out I’m still talking to you.”

<><><><><>

The garden was beautiful today, Valerica had decided much earlier to lounge under one of the beautiful willow trees and read. Rain stopped by, as he had just finished training some of the newer royal guards. It had annoyed Valerica, she didn’t exactly find it ideal to see Rain today, but she wasn’t going to let him ruin her day today. No, him appearing was only a slight inconvenience.

She couldn’t say that she hated Rain, dislike possibly, still love? Maybe even, but hate? It felt wrong. Valerica couldn’t quite call him a friend, but Rain was no longer her enemy. Valerica was no longer completely convinced he was trying to kill her and Silas. He was no longer acting like a complete ass either. As he sat under the ancient tree with Valerica, she was almost… content, with the company.

“These cannot be the books you read for fun.”

Valerica rolled her eyes at Rain, a wide smile taking over her face as she flipped to the next page of the botany book. Admiring the beautiful pictures on the page, and taking notes on how to care for the plant depicted.

“If you think this is boring, I’d hate to see what you find interesting.”

Rain smiled, reaching out to look through the stack of books Valerica had brought with her from the royal library. Most were usually kept by her bedside, used for enrichment during rainy days. Valerica had always enjoyed learning, and her clear interest in the palace gardens made the royal librarian suggest the science encyclopedias for her.

Valerica blushed for a moment, thinking of the one fiction book she had been reading for the past week. It was a trashy romance novel she had snuck out of the library on a night she couldn’t sleep. The book didn’t help, however. And Valerica ended up staying awake just to read it. Valerica dipped her quill back into the ink, bringing it back to the note paper. She couldn’t imagine what Silas would think if he found out Valerica had been reading such explicit pages.

“What’s this?” Valerica didn’t look up from the page of her book, simply smiling at Rain instead.

“It’s a Botany book. Just like the rest of them, Rain.” He chuckled next to her, opening the book and flipping through the pages, finding one marked with a bookmark.

“It’s very suggestive for a Botany book, isn’t it?” Valerica looked up from her book, face twisting from confusion to embarrassment when she realized what book he had in his hands.

“Give me that!” Valerica lunged for the book, but he quickly avoided her, holding it above her head.

“And to think my wife reads books like this. I never would have expected that,” Valerica’s face was thoroughly flushed at this point. Valerica tried to get the book once again, only for him to dodge her hands.

“Rain, please! Just give it back!” He smirked, and Valerica lunged for it one last time, falling into his lap. He held her with one of his arms to make the former princess sit still.

Valerica was beyond mortified as he smiled down at her. Valerica could already feel the shame and tears welling up. She held her face in her hands, not wanting to look at his face. His hold on Valerica loosened a bit, and she could feel him lower his other arm. Something landed in her lap, and when Valerica opened her eyes, it was the book.

“I know better than to tease you, but I couldn’t help myself. Take the book back, but you should pay more attention to hiding it next time.” Valerica was confused at his sudden, civil attitude, and it didn’t stop her from lightly slapping his arm as she got out of his lap. Valerica clutched the book closely as she sat back down by her notes. The ink had toppled over and spilled during all the commotion, ruining her notes. The Botany book Valerica had been reading was thankfully unstained.

Valerica felt awful as she set the romance book to the side, and started to clean up the mess, separating the papers that could be saved from the lost causes. Rain had stood up from his spot next to her, but she didn’t notice until his hand brushed against hers while cleaning the mess back up.

“Here.” Valerica inhaled sharply out of surprise when he summoned water seemingly out of nowhere, washing the ink off her hands. The rest of the water moved over the ruined papers, dissolving them into a black mess. The stained water sunk into the ground, and out of sight.

“…Thank you,” Valerica breathed out in amazement. He smiled at her, nodding, before standing again.

“I’ll go get more papers. I suppose helping you rewrite all those notes wouldn’t be a complete waste of my time,” He paused, “although, You should definitely put that book back in the meantime.” Valerica rolled her eyes at him as he helped her up. The two then walked back to the palace in a blissful silence.

<><><><><>

Valerica woke to screaming hours after she had said goodbye to Rain. Her breath felt like it had caught in her chest as she frantically dove out of bed, quickly lighting the candle at her bedside and running to the door.

Valerica hesitated before she set her hand in the door handle. What was she doing? Valerica could be walking out into the heat of battle. Her stomach twisted. What was going on? Who was attacking? Was it a foreign threat? Kedron? Where was Silas? Tears started to develop, Valerica started to panic.

Was Rain…?

Valerica had to stop panicking. She took a breath, and when the screaming had quieted a bit she reached for the door handle, but it opened before she could grab it. Valerica stepped back startled, but the panic died down a bit when she recognized the uniform of the palace guards.

“Queen Valerica! You need to come with us,” Valerica stumbled away from them for a second. Clutching the candle holder tightly in her hand.

“What’s going on?!” Suspicion started to grow when the men only looked at eachother, almost debating what to say, “What’s. going. On.” Valerica narrowed her eyes at them. One of the guards drew their sword, the other holding a hand out to her.

“Rain has allowed Kedron back into the palace. We need you to come with us so we can keep you safe.” The sudden urge to cry was overwhelming, but Valerica’s common sense was telling her to believe otherwise. He seemed genuine the day prior. He had left Kedron’s side. He did. He wouldn’t- would he-?

“Queen?” One of the guards called. The other had his sword still drawn, eyes set on her with a deadly look. This wasn’t right. It didn’t feel right. Valerica looked at them both sternly. There was one way to find out. Valerica knew how to read people, she needed to rely on that skill.

“I don’t believe you,” the men immediately stiffened. The first once giving a hand signal to the other, and grabbing her.

Valerica screamed, yelling at them. Demanding that they let her go, but they didn’t listen. The candle crashed to the marble floor in the hallway as they forced her out of her room.

“We’re doing this for your own good queen!” The guard frantically whispered.

“We just need to take him out before he does the same to you.” Valerica struggled against their grip, jerking around violently.

“You’ve got him all wrong! Let me go this instant!"

"I’m sorry, your Highness, but-” He went silent. His face constricted in horror, and Valerica was too afraid to look back at the other guard as he screamed in pain. The sound went quiet, and she almost screamed as the light from the fallen candle went out.

It was too dark to see. And for a moment Valerica was glad she couldn’t. Valerica shut her eyes tight as the guard holding her was ripped away, she yelped as his fingernails scratched her as he was taken. His scream of agony was enough to get her hyperventilating. Valerica opened her eyes again, still not able to see, and did the only thing she could think of.

“Rain?” She called out, voice breaking. She knew it might not have been him. Could have been Silas for all she knew. But he was the only person she could think of that would, that could...

Valerica flinched as a hand reached out to grab her wrist tightly. Her sense of doom didn’t stop her from frantically running her other hand over the knuckles and fingers of the one that held her, searching frantically for the wedding ring that was gifted to him after her father had promised her to him.

Valerica almost cried when she found the cool metal, shaking hands running over it again and again as a nervous tic. Her crying earned no sympathy as the hand tightened.

“Did you do this?” Rain’s voice spoke, he was commanding an answer. He wasn’t asking. His scary tone made her flinch, her hand now clutching his in an attempt to pry it off as it crushed her wrist.

“What? Why would I?-” Valerica sucked in a shaky breath.

“Did you do this!? Did you plan this mutiny!? Couldn’t wait to get me out of your kingdom, could you!?” Valerica sobbed, terrified. Whimpering at the pain.

"Rain, you’re hurting me-“ Rain froze for a moment, and she strained her eyes as she fruitlessly scanned the darkness for his face. His grip on her wrist softened into a loose hold.

”… What am I doing?“ He whispered, mostly to himself. Valerica took her hand off of his knuckles, reaching forward and meeting his soft fabric of the nightshirt on his chest. She shook still as she felt upwards to find his face. Valerica could feel his frown when she cupped his cheek.

"Rain-”

“We need to get you to Silas. I’ll find the rest of those guards who attacked and return to you with the ones that I trained. I’ll find whomever planned this,” Valerica slipped her other wrist out of his grip, holding his face with both hands. Gods, how she wished she could just see his face.

“Valerica?” He called. Valerica used her thumbs to find his lips, and pulled him into a kiss. His hands slid around her waist, holding her terribly gently.