The color of Divinity I - The delusion of reality

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon


Notes and warnings
First of all, sorry for the delay. I’ve been busy with the end of semester exams. Thanks to all the readers, especially those who review and rate. Feedback is, as always, highly appreciated.


Previously in TCD: It’s very uncommon for an Ethen to marry outside of his country. Still, Meanea Guinare, a noble Ethen came to N’Alaera to do so with its king: Fenaleos. Iadden, Meanea’s younger Eth brother, favours this marriage for their family’s sake. He’s at odds with N’Alaera’s prince, Edyane, who’s infatuated with Meanea and is against the wedding. Also Iadden’s tutor, Mieri, is plotting a way to stop the marriage so he can claim the Guinare’s heritage. No one knows that he’s in fact their bastard uncle and was already responsible for their parents’ deaths. If this wasn’t enough, Meya’s second prince has been meeting in secret with the Death Whisperers’ race who are about to ignite a war against the North Alliance that same week. He has promised them the life or the support of the recently found Dark-haired Ethen of the Legends, in exchange for Meya’s crown. Unaware of all this and unbelieving in an incoming war, N’Alaera’s people continue the joyful celebrations of the wedding in a Tournament held in Meanea’s honour. But the early arrival of Meya’s first and third prince may mean things are about to change for them as well…


Part I
Chapter 10

Meanea watched his brother and the several men head to a slightly concealed door leading to a private room inside of the Arena’s walls. He couldn’t help but feel apprehensive at the happenings he had testified mere moments ago. He loved his cousins and he could say he knew them pretty well, but their behaviour would seem odd even to someone who didn’t. Something had happened. Something bad.

Delaen’niel was one thing. He only said what needed to be explained to whom it mattered. But his cousin Ryaen’ne was another story. He was not his normal cheerful self…Well, he was. It just came out somewhat forceful, today. Something was bothering him and he was using his personality to hide it. But the looks he exchanged with the prince somehow gave him away. And Meanea noticed. Even in the middle of his current happiness.

Ryaen’ne didn’t like to worry his family when problems arose, especially Midaen’niel, so Meanea could understand the secrecy regarding the younger boy. But the young Eth lord had always confided in him for support and advice, even when the matter at hand technically did not concern the Ethen. Today, he hadn’t even offered a word of comfort when they had called Iadden to go with them. Worse, he had tried to cover it up with lies. He was a lousy liar…

Perhaps Ryaen’ne didn’t want Meanea to worry after he had claimed to be so thrilled in their short conversation a while ago. Still, he wanted to help. He wanted to know. He had a right to. What private, important subject would need Iadden, a nine year old boy, but not him, the future vice-king of N’Alaera? And what did this early arrival of theirs mean? They didn’t really expect him to believe that stupid lie after what he had seen, right?! Not even Midaen’niel believed it anymore, from the worried expression he now wore. He could relate to his Ethen cousin. He felt exactly the same way. Their two Eth relatives were too agitated and they were purposely hiding things from them…It couldn’t be good.

He replayed the previous moments in his head…

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“Your majesty, if the Tournament is not commencing right away, could we speak somewhere in private? Unfortunately, I’m afraid our coming earlier was not to make our cousin a pleasant surprise…” The king looked taken aback for a second at the prince’s soft and too serious tone, but soon recovered and nodded.

“Of course, is there something wrong?” he asked in his normal tone. Apparently he was too loud. Meanea, Midaen’niel, Nareill, Iadden and Ryaen’ne all turned to him. He saw Ryaen’ne sigh, annoyed, and Delaen’niel effectively rolling his eyes in disapproval. He realized then, he had made a mistake. Meanea looked at his taller cousin and frowned.

“Is there something wrong?” he echoed. Ryaen’ne shook his head and smiled, somewhat sheepishly.

“No, I already told you. We just need to discuss some security measures with King Fenaleos due to vandal attacks in our borders, nothing you should worry yourself over with. You know Eths: we always have to bring military business with us...” Meanea huffed at the obvious point but he wasn’t convinced. In the least. He knew Ryaen’ne. His cousin was lying through his teeth. Still, pressing it would not make the blond Eth speak. It would only make him angry. So, the way to find out what was happening was to keep quiet and pay attention…He eyed Midaen’niel and Iadden. The small Ethen looked preoccupied, his golden eyebrows slightly frowning in thought. He could also feel his brother’s restless aura. Okay, if the two boys felt the same, that meant he was not being overly paranoid. Somehow that didn’t feel as good as he had hoped.

“Is it possible for you to call your military advisors to join us?” The strawberry blond prince asked in his previous soft tone, unnecessary as it was. All attentions were on his conversation with the king, anyway. The king nodded, still a little embarrassed at his lack of discretion. He hadn’t realized it was needed.

“All but one. My son is participating on the Tournament. We’ll only be able to talk to him afterwards…” Delaen’niel looked pensive.

“That is bothersome…” He commented slowly. “I was told your son is the leader of N’Alaera’s army. I intended to share in his opinions and perhaps even count with his aid. Isn’t there someone of his trust who can speak for him? An advisor…or perhaps a personal knight?” He asked matter-of-factly turning his green gaze to Fenaleos again. The king watched the Eth disbelievingly for a moment and then made a pained smile.

“You were misinformed. The leader of N’Alaera’s army is me. My son is but a boy, still. Too young to lead anything or even have advisors...” N’Alaera’s ruler said. His amused tone sounded insincere even to him. Delaen’niel slightly arched an eyebrow but didn’t comment on that.

“Still, if he is one of your advisors I’d like someone of his reliance to be present.” He pressed instead. Fenaleos sighed but eventually motioned a nearby servant. “Also about your own advisors, call only those you know you can fully trust. I’ll tell you why, later…” The young prince continued, firm. The king stared at the royal Eth again and then resumed his orders to the female servant. Meanwhile, everyone else had been watching the exchange. Meanea was getting more troubled by the minute and so, contrary to his own previous thoughts, turned to the young Siekih Eth lord in search of enlightening. The man noticed his anxious look and sighed.

“Stop that. I told you already that nothing is amiss. Don’t worry. Just sit down and relax. We’ll be back before the Tournament begins.” Meanea glared at Ryaen’ne but sat as he was told. This was not the time, nor the place, to have a fight with his cousin. The young Eth lord walked to the sitting Midaen’niel and kissed the top of his head. The boy looked at him and the older brother whispered.

“Be right back, humming bird. Love you.” The golden Ethen nodded and uttered a soft “Love you too” but didn’t smile which meant he was not in the best terms with Ryaen’ne, also. After all, the small Ethen didn’t like being lied to, either. And no one knew Ryaen’ne better than his younger brother. The Siekih lord sighed again, this time at Midaen’niel’s antics but kept silent and turned to Iadden.

“Iadden, come with us, this concerns you as well…” He said simply. The dark-haired child lifted his head to his cousin as if surprised but rose from his seat without uttering a word. It was Meanea’s sharp “What?!” that filled the air. The prince heard his exclamation and turned to him, eyebrows raised. The King, who was speaking with the appearing generals and advisors, stopped and looked at his fiancé as well.

“Is there a problem, Milessin?” Delaen’niel asked in his calm tone.

“Yes. Yes, there is. Iadden’s a child and I’m still his caretaker. Whatever involves my brother, concerns me too.” He replied, challenging. “If he’s going with you to this meeting, so am I.” The Ethen concluded while sharply standing. Midaen’niel cringed at Delaen’niel’s cold stare. Meanea, the aim of such stare, started a little, too, but bravely endured it. Finally, effectively angry at his authority being defied by the Ethen, Delaen’niel spoke.

“No, Meanea, you’re wrong. This subject doesn’t concern you. As such, you are staying. Iadden comes, of course.” Meanea glared at his indifferent, cold tone and then turned to Ryaen’ne with a pleading look. His direct cousin huffed.

“Blue bird here is an Eth, Cousin, whether you want it or not. There’s nothing you can do about it.” He said simply. “Don’t worry so much. We’re not going to eat him.” Fenaleos smiled at that and neared Meanea. Grabbing his hand, he motioned for him to sit on the cushioned throne and whispered.

“Your cousin is right. You’re too protective. Let the boy come. I’ll watch over him. It’s only a meeting. We’ll be back in a few minutes.” Meanea scoffed but stayed put. The king smiled and kissed one of his hands. Iadden nodded.

“I’ll be fine.” He said, shaking his head. Fenaleos smiled again while the two older Eths rolled their eyes.

“Excuse me, my king. You sent for me?” The calm tone seemed to glide on the air, attracting everyone’s attention to it and effectively ending the argument. The owner, an impeccably dressed young man with pale blond hair and clever teal eyes bowed from his place on the top of the stairs. A young girl with a beautiful long dress and equal pale locks arranged in twists curtsied as well, a little to his left.

“Oh, Quera, yes. You are to represent my son in a brief meeting before the Tournament.” Quera arched his right eyebrow but nodded and greeted the others.

“Milessin Meanea, you look lovely, as always…” Meanea inclined his head at the compliment.

“Thank you, Lord Quera. Finally, a gentleman…” He purposely commented. Fenaleos grinned at him, amused, at the same time Meya’s prince glared. Ryaen’ne eyes were fixated on the newcomer in wonder.

“My younger sister wanted to meet you, Milessin. I wonder if it’s okay that she stays here while I’m on the meeting.” Quera asked pleasantly. Meanea nodded.

“Of course she can. She can sit near Midaen’niel. What’s your name, sweetheart?” The girl curtsied again and thanked Meanea while handing him a bouquet of beautiful yellow flowers.

“I’m Aelnesa Behevoir, Milessin. It’s a blessing to finally meet you.” Then she curtsied again and went to sit on the only vacant space, next to Midaen’niel, curtsying to everyone on the way there. Quera nodded, satisfied and turned to the king. Fenaleos decided to introduce him to the Eths, then.

“Delaen’niel, heir prince of Meya and Ryaen’ne Siekih, third prince and Lessin Midaen’niel’s older brother.” He affirmed waving a hand to each one, respectively. Quera bowed deeply while the other two inclined their heads, and stated calmly.

“I didn’t know who you were. I’m ashamed to say I only knew you for your names. I’m incredibly at fault. Please, accept my apologies, your highnesses. I am pleased to finally meet you.” The green-eyed prince nodded with a polite “Same here.”

“Are you a human?” Ryaen’ne asked bluntly, his dark-blues narrowed. Quera blinked at the tall blond. Delaen’niel rolled his eyes and elbowed his cousin. “What?” The other Eth asked. “You’re thinking the same thing…” Quera let out an impish smile.

“Yes, I believe I am a human. At least I was, the last time I checked…” Dismissing the slight sarcasm, the tall Siekih lord questioned again.

“Are you sure?” Everyone looked disbelievingly at him. Quera blinked once and then smiled again, politely.

“Yes, I am.” He reaffirmed. Ryaen’ne shrugged.

“You look like an Eth.” He confirmed matter-of-factly in a confident strong baritone. Quera shrugged.

“And you behave like a Human.” He replied. Ryaen’ne eyed Quera and the teal-eyed human smiled angelically. The blond Siekih Eth smirked, amused.

“I see. So, you’re N’Alaera’s prince ‘right hand’, Lord… Quera Behevoir, was it?” Quera nodded.

“Yes, Quera Behevoir. I don’t know if you can say I’m his ‘right hand’ but I believe I’m one of his best friends. I’ll do my best to represent him and I feel flattered his majesty chose me for the task.” Fenaleos chuckled.

“I believe you’ll do better than him…” Quera chuckled and not surprisingly Iadden nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with the king’s words. Prince Delaen’niel didn’t get the joke nor did he care for it.

“I decided to trust you, Lord Quera…” He said politely, but his tone implied a continuation of his sentence. ‘Do not disappoint me.’ Quera nodded, pleased. “What do you think, Ryaen’ne?” the prince asked his best friend. The blue-eyed Eth gazed at the pale-haired human for a few seconds and then shrugged, nonchalant.

“He looks fine to me.” He said simply, while turning on his back and shoving Iadden playfully for the boy to walk in front of him. “Shall we get going? We’ll miss the opening of the Tournament otherwise.” He concluded. The king nodded, kissed Meanea’s hand again and walked ahead of them to a small marble archway in the far corner.

“Of course. Please follow me.” Meanea scoffed again at being left behind while Athios began following Iadden and Ryaen’ne at a signal from the latter. Midaen’niel simply took a deep breath and stared straight ahead. It was starting…

Delaen’niel glared at his best friend for a moment and no one understood why, Quera included. He looked puzzled at the first prince of Meya, who just smiled politely at him and started on the others’ path. Only Iadden saw, and Delaen’niel knew, the smirk on Ryaen’ne’s lips when he had spoken the words regarding Lord Quera Behevoir.

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“Oh! Is that your Maguenta’s marking, Milessin?” The softly spoken words awakened Meanea from his thoughts. He shook his head and reined on his fury at the Eths. He just knew this meeting had an important purpose. Something was going to happen…no…something was happening already, and Meanea definitely didn’t like being left in the dark, especially when his child brother was involved. Still, he was glad for the distraction, if not he was going to keep on duelling on the several possibilities and worrying himself sick. And that would be pointless. There was nothing he could do about it, for now, and, after all, he wanted to enjoy this pleasant afternoon.

Meanea turned to the beautiful girl, Lord Quera’s younger sister and smiled when he noticed what she was referring to. Looking fondly at his right shoulder, he smiled.

“Yes, yes it is.” He had forgotten he had taken off his cape earlier and now his bare shoulder showed the beautiful design clearly.

“It’s really beautiful, Milessin…my brother told me every Ethen has one and that they are very important to you…” The blond girl said in a wondering voice, while angling her head to better look at the red, blue and green symbol of a small seven-shaped star apparently etched into Meanea’s skin.

“Well, your brother was right.” The golden Ethen said softly. “The Maguenta’s marking is the name we give to the birthmark all Ethen are born with. Most of the times, it’s the only way to distinguish an Eth from an Ethen when they are babies.” The girl nodded and commented, still awed by the symbol.

“I heard they are all different. That there aren’t two Ethen with the same marking.”

“That’s correct, just like fingertips.” Meanea confirmed with a smile. The girl looked at him then.

“I saw that his majesty, king Fenaleos, got a tattoo on his right hand exactly like your symbol, Milessin, why is that?” She asked in a curious tone, her brown eyes shining in delight at being speaking with the Ethen. Meanea smiled again and hurried to answer her.

“Well, it’s like a symbol of commitment and respect to the Ethen they’re going to marry and his family. You see, when an Ethen is promised to his intended, said man or child has the back of his right hand tattooed with the Ethen’s mark as a sign of fidelity to his vow, the Ethen and their families’ names.” He explained softly.

“But I heard that many Eths are promised when they’re still children…” The blonde girl said with a small frown. The Ethen nodded.

“Well, yes. Even if the agreement is completed when the Eth is still a child, the tattoo is made as soon as it’s settled. And most of the Eths are very young. For example, Midaen’niel has an intended since he was four. When the marriage was arranged, Lord Lnorien Erephine, at the time only an eleven-year-old, had his right hand tattooed with a smaller replica of Midaen’niel’s marking. And Midaen’niel’s marking is very complex. That had to hurt…” He confirmed looking at the smaller Ethen. Midaen’niel smiled mischievously.

“I hope it hurt a lot!” He exclaimed, still angry at his Promised one. Meanea chuckled. Nareill scoffed.

“Don’t let him hear that...” Sanari admonished but he had a small smile on his lips. The small blond Ethen merely shrugged.

“You see, Aelnesa, these marks are very important to us, the Ethen.” Meanea continued, turning to the girl once more. “They not only serve like sort of a contract of marriage with our Promised ones, they’re also the only source of our scarce magic powers. You know that Ethen, for some reason, are not blessed with high-class magical abilities like the other Eths, but the few magic we can use comes from these markings.” The girl gazed to the older Ethen.

“Really? But isn’t the dark-haired Ethen supposed to be the most powerful of all creatures?” She asked with a voice full of unveiled interest. The future vice-king was happy to oblige her.

“Yes, well, the dark-haired Ethen is a God born on Earth. He’s Maguenta’s Interpreter so he’s special. Like his hair colour, his powers are an exception.” Meanea explained softly. “But he too has a marking. The biggest and most complicated of them all. You see, the more an intrinsic design a marking has, and the larger it is, more powerful the Ethen’s powers are. Mine is rather small and plain, but, for example…Midaen’niel would you mind taking off your right sleeve?” The small golden-haired boy nodded and shrugged out of his sleeve, pulling his shirt up and showing his right upper back. The girl’s eyes widened in awe.

“Wow, it’s so big!” She exclaimed. Midaen’niel smiled, turning his head slightly to look at her. His marking was indeed big. The motif resembled that of a full bloom pink flower in the middle of several green thin sprays criss-crossing and covered in leaves and buds of all colours. It occupied all his right shoulder-blade and one of the blue buds even extended a little further up onto the base of his neck. “It looks like flowers blooming…so pretty!! Thank you for showing me, Milessin.” The girl said bowing her head and Midaen’niel smiled beautifully. Nareill scoffed from his seat, but no one cared. Meanea smiled as well.

“Yes, Maguenta’s priests say Midaen’niel has one of the largest and most beautiful markings of all Ethen alive. And Midaen’niel has great curative powers. It was him that healed Iadden’s sprained ankle yesterday.”

“Well done, Milessin…” The girl complimented the boy who grinned.

“Thank you.”

“Yes, it’s a pity Midaen’niel’s marking is fading…” Nareill commented loudly from his seat. Sanari and Meanea both glared at him. Midaen’niel became immediately miserable.

“Yes, now I see…” The girl observed, while taking a closer look. “His marking is not as visible as yours, Lessin Meanea. Yours seems to have more deep and clear colours.” She said comparing the two. Meanea gave her an alerting look. Midaen’niel turned even sadder, his normally bright blues downcast and dim. The future second ruler of N’Alaera hurried to explain.

“Oh, it’s rare, but sometimes they fade after the first years of life and it’s nothing serious. As soon as Midaen’niel turns twenty and becomes of fertile age, it will certainly recover its full vivacity. So, don’t worry Midaen’niel, okay?” Midaen’niel continued somewhat depressed but nodded. A fading mark was believed to be a bad omen for an Ethen. If by the time he turned twenty the marking did not recover, it meant that he might not be fertile. And an infertile Ethen was a useless Ethen, a cursed Ethen. His Promised one would never want him that way…

Suddenly, a sharp sound of trumpets was heard, efficiently interrupting the stuffy atmosphere. The packed stands cheered and the judges in the South end of the Arena sat on their determined places. The Tournament was about to begin...

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Meanwhile, in the room Meya’s prince and his best friend were trying to convince the very sceptic advisors of N’Alaera.

“As I said before, our Council doesn’t believe a war is even coming, we believe it’s here already. The races south, on the other side of the Sacred Wall, are already fighting…” A murmur was heard between the older humans, the advisors not convinced of the much younger prince’s words. Youths always wanted wars to flaunt, to become heroes. Only few realized what war really meant. Meant death and destruction. Not always glory and prestige. Fenaleos kind of agreed with them. There were no evidences of a war. He had not received a single call of help from the other allied countries, save from one incident here and there. But Delaen’niel was firm and confident in his belief. In the Eths’ belief. Still, the Eths were a warrior race and sometimes N’Alaera’s king thought they jumped too fast and happily at the prospect of a war. And N’Alaera wouldn’t be the one provoking the Death Whisperers. Not when they had no proof of enemy movements. No, he wouldn’t be so easily swayed, especially not by two boys, royalty or not.
Ryaen’ne huffed at the older men antics. Humans got too used to peace. Comfortable enough not too see what is right in front of them. He just hoped they woke up before the Whisperers came knocking on their doors.

“We came early to warn you. As our ally you ought to know what is happening!” He insisted. However, the king refused to acknowledge his words; he refused to believe a war was on the way. So what if it was time for the so-called millennium war? It could start today or in fifty years. They didn’t know.

“If it’s because of what the priests are preaching-” Fenaleos started calmly as if talking to a child, but he was quickly interrupted by Delaen’niel.

“No,” The prince said in a cold, angered, barely contained voice. “I already told you there have been suspicious movements south of the Sacred Wall. The priests have nothing to do with this. Our intelligence knows the Death Whisperers are preparing for a large-scale attack. And we have detected their presence even in our land.” Fenaleos and the advisors looked up at that, instantly silent.

“What?” The king asked in fright. “Are you sure of that?” Delaen’niel and Ryaen’ne both nodded at the same time.

“They’re testing our borders. Testing our knights.” Ryaen’ne said in a low, dangerous voice, glaring at the king. If the king was afraid of one or two small fry entering their lands, then they couldn’t expect much help from N’Alaera. The young Siekih Lord was starting to think that possibly N’Alaera’s knights were good for playing tournaments, not for a real war…He gazed at Quera who was listening quietly. He appeared to be considering their words. Perhaps their hope resided with the famous prince and his ‘friends’. Delaen’niel surely seemed to be counting on it…

“But how?” Was one of the advisors who asked in a trembling voice: a fat man with four heavy gold necklaces falling on his chest. Meya’s prince merely shrugged, unmoved.

“They kill the guards on the borders and enter. Simple as that. Are you sure you haven’t had any suspicious deaths occurring amongst your country guards on the south?” He asked plainly. The humans’ reactions were enough to make Ryaen’ne scoff. He didn’t know if he should feel amused or frustrated with the older men. They turned to each other with fleeting frightened looks.

“You have…” Ryaen’ne stated in his dangerous tone. Delaen’niel could only stare at them in disbelief.

“They’re only a few vandal attacks. We have control of that.” Fenaleos said. In fact, he was the only elder still displaying something akin to calm.

“Vandal attacks?” Ryaen’ne asked arching his eyebrows. “Vandal attacks are the stories I tell my twelve-year-old Ethen brother so that he can feel protected and sleep peacefully at night. Are you telling yourself those same stories, your majesty?” He asked, his tone a mix of sarcasm and wonder. Fenaleos looked a little offended but didn’t comment. Delaen’niel was the one who spoke.

“Stop that, Ryaen’ne!” He admonished in his cold voice, but his eyes told everyone he was thinking the exact same thing. “Anyway, the Council also believes there is a traitor among our kin. That’s why we’re substituting our armies’ generals by new trustworthy High-class knights. The only reason we came was to warn you and because we’re Meanea’s direct family. Lord Lnorien Erephine was called back to the Capitol. He’s to assume the command of our armies until the wedding. Then, me, Ryaen’ne and Iadden are to join him. We are preparing for war. The Council suggests you assemble your units and start to prepare as well by reinforcing your army with men you can trust. Me, Ryaen’ne and Iadden are to assist you with anything you might need. That is, if you decide to believe us and honour your allegiance. If not, I still hope we can stay here in N’Alaera’s Capitol until the marriage…” Fenaleos took a deep breath.

“Of course you can stay. That is not the question. We’re delighted to have you here. It’s just…about this subject of war, you certainly understand that I have to reunite with my advisors to discuss it. It’s not a matter I can decide, here, in a few minutes.” He said opening his arms. “I was not expecting this…” Delaen’niel nodded.

“Very well. Should we be of need, you know where to find us. But keep this in mind: Meya and Crano’en march south in one week. With or without N’Alaera.” Fenaleos’ eyes widened but he nodded, nonetheless. Ryaen’ne and Delaen’niel bowed and turned to leave the room when the king spoke.

“Just one more thing, Prince Delaen’niel.” They both stopped on their tracks and looked at the king. Delaen’niel arched an eyebrow in questioning.

“From what I understood, you said Iadden was to join you.” Delaen’niel looked at Ryaen’ne who held the dark-haired boy’s shoulders tenderly.

“Yes.” He simply said.

“In war? You do not certainly expect me to let you take a nine-year-old child to war, do you? He’s in my care, now.” He replied disbelievingly. Iadden looked at the king and then at his cousins.

“I’m very good at fighti-” He started softly, but Ryaen’ne’s angry tone stopped him.

“Do you think I want my blue bird on this bloody war?” he asked, emotion clouding his voice. The king was about to say something but the blond Siekih lord didn’t even let him start. “No, I don’t. But I don’t actually have a choice, do I?” He said, angrily turning to Delaen’niel. The prince sighed.

“It is not usual, for us Eths, to put youths under fifteen as part of our armies, even if they’re good fighters and we start training as toddlers. But the Maguenta’s High Priests convinced the Council that Iadden is a special case. They believe he’s fated to lead us on this war. Long story made short, they have the Dark-haired Ethen in their temple and they say that Iadden is the Maguenta’s heir.” Everyone looked shocked at Meya’s first prince. Athios unconsciously stepped forward in surprise and worry and Iadden, the first to react, turned to the royal Eth, fists on his hips.

His “What?! I am no such thing!” was muffled by the trumpets announcing the beginning of the Tournament.

TBC…

Ending notes: Well, yeah. Next chapter I’m finally, FINALLY starting the Tournament. About time, I know. I also know these political chapters are a bit uninteresting but hey, this isn’t a story revolving round romance only, so they’re kind of needed. And this part has so many revelations that I didn’t want to rush things up so that you people can find sense in the story’s plot and start uncovering it’s secrets on your own. Next chapter I’ll go back to the love triangles, okay? Thanks for putting up with me. Love you all!