The color of Divinity I - The delusion of reality

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon

Hi everyone. Here he is: the most recent chapter of TCD. I honestly hope you enjoy reading it. If you can spare the time, please leave me a word or two, I would greatly appreciate it. I’d also like to deeply thank all readers especially those who rate, review and encourage my work. You’re amazing, I love you all.

Itara: Thank you so much for your feedback and your kind words. You can’t imagine how blissfully happy I am to know you think that way. About the new developments, let’s just say things are going to change and speed up a little. Love triangles are so much fun, aren’t they? I really hope you carry on liking and following my story. Thank you! Kisses.

boring_neko19: I’m so glad you liked the fight: I was so very insecure about it. I’m very happy!! :) Hahaha. Yes, poor Edyane. But it’s his own fault that he’ll be tortured. After all, he’s so blind by Meanea’s beauty that he doesn’t realize he cares about Iadden. Of course Iadden is still a child, so Edyane doesn’t get to see him like he sees Meanea, but as the story unfolds he will hopefully understand his own feelings towards the younger boy…At least, until someone else appears to complicate things further. Because Iadden will be just that: possessive, jealous, insecure and Edyane is a very independent man… Thanks for the amazing review. Hope you keep reading and that this story won’t ever disappoint you. Kisses.

Child of the Darkened Moon: Don’t worry, it doesn’t suck at all. Haha. Finally someone sees Iadden through Edyane’s eyes. Now you understand why he wants to whack the brat so badly, sometimes. Anyway, everything has its reasons and consequences and so does Iadden’s incredible strength. Besides the boy’s glory will be short-lived…Edyane’s revenge will be very sweet…in every way. Thanks for the great feedback! Hope you keep reading and reviewing. Kisses.

Phade: I become so happy when you tell me those things. Thank you so, so much for your feedback and support. I’ll do my best not to let you down. And, yep, the two princes are well matched. Haha. I’m actually wondering that myself, right now…we shall wait and see where the boys take me. I have many plans for them, either way… :P Please, continue reading and leave a word if you have the time. Kisses.


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. 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. Oblivious to this, N’Alaera continues the celebrations of the royal wedding. However, with the arrival of Meya’s first and third prince, things change. Will they finally open their eyes to the upcoming war? Will they believe Iadden, whose terrifying skills were proven in the Tournament, is the Maguenta’s Heir? Will Edyane fulfil his obligations and lead N’Alaera to war or will he stay and keep his father from marrying the man he believes he’s in love with? And Iadden? Will Edyane manage to prevent the child he has grown fond of, from going to a deadly war?


Part I
Chapter 14

“Ow, ow, ow! Andro, that hurts!” The auburn-haired prince protested for the tenth time in the past half an hour. He lay on his bed covered in bandages and aching all over from several bruises and cuts. Andro’s pulls while sewing a small gash on his left arm were not helping matters.

He had been healed by magic previously (courtesy of Sir Athios), but it took awhile for the spells to achieve their full effect and, until then, infection had to be prevented by regular curing methods. Still, the magic’s action could be seen already, mainly in the prince’s behaviour. Before, he had been unmoving and quiet because of the intense pain and general mental numbness. Now, with the worst of the pain gone, he was energetic, full of life…and complaints.

Said valet apologized while giving a last pull on the sewing thread. The prince hissed through his teeth.

The fight against Iadden had not been kind to the auburn-haired young man. Refusing to surrender, he had fought the best he knew and it still hadn’t been enough. The brat was in a total different level.

Even if Edyane had his full strength and vigour at the beginning (which he hadn’t because he had fought several battles before), he was almost certain he would’ve lost for sure.

Iadden was too astute, too quick and too intelligent. And not all of his strength was due to his undeniable talent. He had been remarkably well-trained, too. The boy was a fearsome warrior and at such a tender age, it was amazing.

Iadden was amazing, Edyane thought. It was true that the prince felt the urge to whack the kid in the head most of the times, but he had to give it to the little devil: he had one hell of a personality. No quantity of warnings could have prepared the auburn-haired young man for the wild whirlwind that was Iadden both inside and outside of a battlefield.

It was hard for the royal teenager to grasp that the kid had his own limitations, as well. But if Edyane thought a little, they were more than understandable.

The last combat of the evening had ended with the prince being knocked out unconscious by the hilt of one of the Nla’dryea against the back of his head. And, consequently, Iadden’s victory, of course. But Edyane didn’t regret having accepted the challenge. He was still unbeatable amongst his kin and, surprisingly, he felt no shame in having lost to the boy. He had never encountered in his life such a powerful opponent and that made him realize he still had much to improve. But that hadn’t been the only thing he had foreseen during the fight.

It is shocking the things you learn about yourself when you least expect it. Edyane had always sought to be the best in N’Alaera. A handsome, honest man and a strong warrior for his people to be proud of. And that would have been enough: to have the respect and praise of his country and to be known as a great monarch in the others.

Not even once had he imagined he could be something higher. Not even once had he dreamed that his destiny would go beyond his beloved N’Alaera. That it would encase the whole North Alliance.

Not even once…until today.

He had never fought like he had done today. So freely, so unafraid, so vigorously. Until now, he realized, he had always unconsciously held back at least some of his power, in order not to hurt his comrades nor kill his opponents.

But today, he had found another Edyane. An Edyane with the potential to be even stronger, even faster and inconceivably better. An Edyane who could be implacable and mighty. An Edyane who had the will to take on the Gods.

Today, he had felt like a Hero of the Legends.

For a sole second, that second when his single, premeditated hit had landed, he had seen his destiny in Iadden’s wide, astonished, aquamarine gaze. In that moment of transcendence, he had been bathed in Maguenta’s divine light. And he had felt the modesty of an earthly being and in that humility, the grandness of the Hero.

He would have to work very hard to make that hero surface, he knew. But it was there, inside of him, and he would come out in time, with patience and perseverance.

The most surprising thing was that other people already recognized in him the power he had taken so long to perceive he had. What those people didn’t know was that it wasn’t his to claim, yet. First, he had to earn it. He had to battle for it. But, when even Eths came to him for help in the present, he knew that the future when he became the Hero living inside his body was closer than he could ever hope for.

Edyane wondered if the other Heirs had known it so surely like he did. He wondered if they had ever felt so afraid and weary of their Fate… if they had been suffocated by the weight of that knowledge and responsibility…like he was.

Oh, yes. Quera had told him already about the millennium war. About Meya and Crano’en’s preparations. About his father’s reluctance in believing the two Eth princes. Edyane didn’t question the Eths. He knew it was time. He knew they were right. He knew the Alliance wasn’t ready.

Still, if they didn’t act fast, the war would be fought amongst their houses and not far enough. They had to go. The sooner, the better.

Only one thing Edyane would not permit the Eths. He would do everything in his power to prevent Iadden’s departure for war.

Sir Athios had come by earlier to magically heal the worse of his injuries and to make that same request. He recalled the pleading words of the proud Eth Guard even now. And he couldn’t deny their veracity. He couldn’t deny the pain such thoughts brought him either...

&&&&&&&

Quera and Tenaii had already left the prince’s chambers to prepare for the royal banquet that night, when someone knocked twice on the outside door of the same quarters.

Andro rose from his kneeling position, leaving the bloodstained cloth he was using to clean Edyane’s cuts on a water basin. The water gradually absorbed the piece of tissue, turning a deeper shade of red.

The prince opened his right eye into a slit and grunted in a low, angry, pained tone to his valet.

“If it’s another one of my tutors asking me why I’m not getting ready for my father’s banquet tonight, tell him he has my permission to jump off the nearest cliff.”

Andro smirked at the words, but silently left the bedchambers to answer the outer door. He felt sorry for his young master: he had some very painful injuries. The one who had knocked him out cold was probably the worst of them.

Who knew a nine-year-old kid could do that amount of damage in a fair combat? Rumours had it that the prince had let the boy win. He couldn’t quite accuse who had spread them. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes and known better, he wouldn’t believe the truth either.

The handsome prince closed his eye again relishing the blissful darkness slowly reaching for him. Unfortunately, he couldn’t give in, not until Andro finished patching him up.

Until a few moments before, Quera’s narration of the meeting with the two Eths and the discussion about it that followed had distracted him enough, but now that they were gone for the stupid banquet, his body’s pain was eating him alive.

Not even the remembrance of his epiphany during the combat against Iadden was enough to lessen his agony. Although he guessed he would have to get used to physical aches, if he was going to enter in a war. Surely he would not let his father (who barely could tell a sword’s handle from its blade) fight for N’Alaera and command its army…

If he focused enough on his thoughts he could almost forget the suffering he was in. Almost. He was oozing blood and throbbing all over and his neck was killing him. Iadden hadn’t been kind.

At least, the brat hadn’t come out unarmed either. It was cruel of him to think such, but he was glad he had landed some powerful hits of his own. To tell the truth, save for one, all the others had been pure luck. Still, luck was part of a fight and that didn’t make them any less painful. Though somehow the knowledge that the kid was hurting too, didn’t make him feel that much better.

He heard the door to his bedchambers open and looked sideways to his valet who held a surprised look on his face while closing the door behind him.

“Edyane, Sir Athios Gariane awaits outside. He wants to see you.” The prince arched his eyebrows and tried to rise into a sitting position. After a few heartfelt groans and with Andro’s help, he finally managed to settle into a more or less comfortable position, considering his state.

“I wonder if something happened… please, send him in.” Andro nodded and reopened the bedchambers’ door, motioning for the Eth Guard to enter.

The tall, black-haired Eth stepped inside and bowed in reverence. Edyane inclined his head slightly in greeting at the same time he suppressed a grunt. He didn’t let the Captain speak first.

“How is Iadden? Is he okay?” He enquired, genuinely worried. When he had awakened, he had already been brought to his housing at the palace and no one had been able to inform him of the boy’s condition after the fight. Perhaps his injuries were more serious than he had thought. Why else would the Eth Guard be in his presence right now?

The tall man spared him an intense and brief glance and then lowered his eyes again.

“Milord Iadden is well.” He replied, simply. “He had a few grave injuries in his arm and legs, but a basic healing spell took care of those. I was more worried about his exhaustion in the end of the battle than everything else.”

“His exhaustion?” The prince questioned, stunned. “He looked like he could keep at it for days.” The Eth Guard nodded at the auburn-haired youth’s words.

“His will is stronger than his body. And he was trained to never show any weaknesses, especially to his adversary. But there is a reason why milord Iadden tries to finish his combats in a few strikes. It isn’t to boast about it.

You see, he is still too young and his small body isn’t yet ready or shaped for combat. And you certainly realized that his Nla’dryea were not meant for someone so young. They are still too heavy for him to carry for a long span of time. By the time your combat ended, milord was already fighting with his reserves of energy.

His body, fragile as it still is, does not bear with the fast and powerful techniques he uses for long. Some more time of battle and perhaps your fight would have met another end…” Edyane and Andro looked at each other, completely taken aback and then turned to Athios again. Of course, such power in such a young body had to have a catch.

“You mean he could have collapsed right in front of me…I couldn’t possibly imagine…” the prince commented, lost in thought. Sir Athios’ strong baritone called him back.

“Your highness could do nothing else than fight with all your might, like you did. It would be my job to stop milord Iadden before that happened.” He concluded. Edyane nodded grateful, but he still had to make sure everything was fine.

“He’ll be okay, right? In his usual bratty self?” He questioned once more. For a second he caught a fleeting, amused smirk on the Guard’s lips.

“He’ll be well, don’t worry, your highness. I fed him dinner, cast a sleep spell on him and now he’s resting. He’ll probably be tired for the next two days or so, but after that he’ll return to normal. There is no cause for concern regarding today’s fight. About the Council’s plans, however…” He finished slowly with a deep frown, letting the sentence hang in the air, not certain if he should continue it or not. Edyane and Andro both looked at the Eth Guard, quizzically.

“Is something else worrying you, Sir Athios? Something to do with the incoming war?” The amber-eyed prince finally asked after a few moments of heavy silence. The black-haired Eth gazed at the younger boy and sighed.

“May I speak freely, your highness?” he enquired as if afraid of disrespecting someone. Who, Edyane wasn’t sure.

Nonetheless, he nodded. “Of course.”

The tall Guard took a deep breath and kneeled on one knee, with a closed fist pressed against the wooden floor.

“I came here to offer my services in the form of healing magic, so as to alleviate your current pain, your highness…” He started determined, but stopped abruptly. Edyane arched an eyebrow and was about to thank and accept the man’s offer, when said Eth continued, a little slower this time. “...and to ask you a favour, Sire.”

Sensing the urgency and importance of the matter by the man’s careful tone, Edyane glanced at Andro, who shrugged. He then returned his stare to the silent kneeling man.

“Andro, fetch a chair for Sir Athios. We can talk better without so many formalities.” The valet nodded and hurried to get a cushioned chair from the far end of the bedroom. The Eth Guard looked up from his bent position.

“But, your highness, I’m merely a Guard…” Athios complained. Andro put the chair in front of the prince and politely motioned for the Eth to sit down.

“He doesn’t care about that, Sir.” He replied in a low voice. Athios rose and looking first at the valet and then at the amber-eyed young man who was trying to smile charmingly (but wasn’t exactly managing due to the pain he was in), nodded, grateful, and pulled the chair closer to the bed. When the Guard finally sat down, the auburn-haired prince also nodded.

“Now, explain me the situation. As long as it’s something within my power and not dishonourable, I’ll do my best.” The black-haired Eth curved his lips in something resembling an indebted smile.

“It seems I’ve come to the right place. If you don’t mind, Sire, I’ll heal your injuries first.” Edyane grinned, thankful.

“Please, go ahead.” The Eth nodded. After doing some elegant gestures with his right hand and saying a few words in his native language, a soft breeze resembling a cold, calm tide floated through the prince’s body, reducing his pain considerably.

“I cast a level four healing spell on you. The bleeding and the worst of the pain must have subsided by now. Nonetheless, I would still recommend at least one day of rest, some stitching on the larger cuts as well as the application of the usual medicinal water and healing herbs. They help the ongoing effects of the spell. If all this is done correctly, in two days, not even faint scars will remain.” The Eth affirmed.

The prince moved into a more comfortable sitting position alone, without too much pain and marvelled at the Eths’ knowledge. This magical stuff was quick and good. Andro seemed amazed, too.

“I deeply thank you, Sir Athios. I feel much better. Hell, a lot better.” Athios gave a simple dismissive nod and stayed silent, his eyes cast down. Once again the valet and his prince exchanged confused looks.

After a few more moments, the prince decided to end the awkward silence.

“You had a favour to ask me, Sir Athios...” The Guard heaved a noisy sigh, but when his eyes returned to N’Alaera’s prince, they shone with stony resolution.

“I feel ashamed that I have to trouble you with this, your highness. We know each other for such a short time…the fact is that I’ve heard only impressive things about you. You have the respect of the nobles and the love of your people and I’ve witnessed the power you exert in your Court and country.

I have also heard that you help whoever comes to you whenever you can, regardless of their social status… that’s why I’m here.” Edyane softly inclined his head in encouragement and waited patiently for the older man to continue. He was kind of curious as to what he could do for the proud Eth Guard. The older man began his request then, his baritone voice strong and firm.

“Surely your advisor, Lord Behevoir, has already spoken to you about what was discussed in the meeting…” It wasn’t quite a question, but it wasn’t an affirmation, either. It was as if the Captain was somehow testing his knowledge. Either way, Edyane didn’t even need to ask what meeting he was referring to.

“He has.” He confidently replied. Athios let out a serious, satisfied smile. Edyane felt as if he had passed an important trial.

“I can speak to you without qualms then. The matter that brought me to your presence is Milord Iadden’s role in this entire situation.” The auburn-haired man arched his eyebrows and, suddenly interested, shifted a little in his bed (not entirely without pain or soreness), to better hear the Eth Captain.

“I don’t know if Milord Iadden is the Maguenta’s Heir or not…” Edyane carefully veiled his expression. He had had a herald earlier that day that contradicted that prediction. Still, he remained silent and Athios hastily added, unaware of his thoughts.

“Nor is it my place to question the sacred Ethen’s words. However, as someone who knows Milord Iadden’s limitations and the horrors of warfare, I cannot allow him to go to war at his young age without doing everything I can to stop it.” Edyane immediately grasped the older man’s fears and sighed at his words.

“I understand your worry, Sir Athios, but even with his weaknesses, he is a warrior…one of the best we have. He would be much more than just a valuable asset to our cause.” The prince affirmed, honestly. The Eth, perhaps sensing a misunderstanding, hurried his answer in order to clarify his statement.

“Don’t get me wrong, Sire. I’m fully aware of that. Please believe me, when Milord Iadden becomes older, I’ll be the first to advise him to follow in his Grandfather’s footsteps. I will unquestionably fight alongside him too, even if it means my death and damnation. But right now, your highness, he is much too young. Not only physically, but first and foremost, psychologically.

He has limitations in combat and in a war there is no respite. He won’t manage to fight for days in a row with few rest and food. And to make matters worse, his character will demand him to be the stronger and the better on the field. More so if he bears the responsibility of the Hero’s title. He won’t last and he’ll break. Eventually he’ll end up killing himself.”

Edyane averted his eyes from the Eth’s pleading gaze. The man was right. The boy was strong but his body wouldn’t be able to endure the continuous effort. And, perfectionist as Iadden appeared to be, he would never ask for help or allow himself to rest while others fought outside his tent. He would first kill himself.

Edyane sighed. By now, the prince didn’t quite have any doubts about granting the Captain’s request, but if he had, the Eth’s next words would completely clear them all.

“Certainly, you have read the chronicles and heard the rumours of the Death Whisperers and their monsters, Sire. Please, you can’t expect a young child to see comrades, friends, perhaps even family, die brutally in front of him and not retain any trauma. He is too kind, too caring and unfortunately too stubborn. Sending him to war at this stage will destroy the purity and innocence that is the lifeblood of his strong personality. He will die viciously and if he doesn’t, if he instead is captured, only Maguenta knows what the Death Whisperers will do to hi-”

Athios stopped speaking at Edyane’s raised hand. The prince had his eyes firmly closed and his face was almost white. For a second the Eth Guard thought that maybe something was wrong regarding his injuries, but then he understood.

It took awhile for the amber-eyed prince to recover from the horrid images still lingering in his mind. Yes, he had read the ancient chronicles of the tortures inflicted upon conquered warriors. Never a ransom had been asked. They were captured for fun and violence. And a child. That beautiful child would be like candy to those monsters.

A single image of the lovely boy lying in a pool of his brilliant red blood, his arms torn, his hair ripped, being savagely violated by unearthly monsters while his rare, gorgeous eyes were being pulled out of their sockets so as to sell as pieces of stone in their markets, clung to his eyesight. He could even hear the boy’s screams and pleas for his own death.

Edyane took a deep breath to calm his stomach.

“Why don’t you pose this directly to the Council, Sir Athios?” He asked, minutes later. The older man sighed deeply.

“Unfortunately, I do not hold enough power nor a suitable position to face the Council or Meya’s leaders about this, your highness. I’m merely a Guard, after all. I’ve tried to reason with His Highnesses First Prince Delaen’niel and Lord Ryaen’ne, but they can’t do much else than what they’re doing.

Only our magnanimous King can confront the Council, but he needs a reason which would lead to failure and defeat. The Council Eths will dismiss such a motive as fatherly concern. They never liked Milord Iadden that much… he’s too powerful and too little submissive to their liking…do you understand what I mean?”

Edyane hummed affirmatively. He did. In fact he did comprehend it all too well. Iadden, stubborn and independent as he was, would never let his actions be ruled by the Council once he grew up into the nobleman he was supposed to. And being the heir to the rich and powerful household which was the Guinares’, there was no question about his influence in Meya’s Court. Mainly because he was fourth in the royal line and the King’s favourite successor after Delaen’niel.

The amber-eyed prince chuckled disbelievingly.

“Meya’s Council fears Iadden’s future authority.” He said matter-of-factly. Athios agreed with a curt nod. Edyane could tell he was proud of his master child.

“That’s why I turn to you, your highness. I can’t possibly hope you would hear my pleas when my own people ignore them, but please consider my words. I know you are an honoured prince, that your power goes beyond that of your own father’s, his majesty, king Fenaleos and I have noticed that you care about my masters.

I honestly don’t know how you can oppose the Council’s order, what weapons you might have, but you’re my last hope. Milord Iadden’s last hope. For Milord Iadden’s sake and Milessin Meanea’s happiness, please help us.” The proud Guard rose from the chair and kneeled on the floor again, his head low, really begging. It made Edyane feel important… and embarrassed.

“By Maguenta, Sir Athios, please rise.” He said, annoyed. The tall Eth did as he was told but kept his gaze away from the prince in expectation, bracing himself for a negative answer. He was not ready for the prince’s positive one, though.

“I give you my word of honour, Sir Athios: until he is of age, Iadden will not journey to war. He will stay in N’Alaera with you and his brother. I guarantee it.” The older man’s eyes widened, in surprise. It was the prince’s self-assurance more than anything else, that shocked him. This was no easy task. Only a fool would promise something with so little chances of accomplishment.

But then the tall Eth gazed to the serious amber eyes returning his intense look, and something in those strange orbs made him trust the young human. One of his short honest smiles appeared unconsciously on his lips.

“I believe and thank you, Sire. I’m forever indebted to you, my prince. If there comes a time when you find yourself in need of any of my services, you won’t find a more loyal and faithful knight at your disposal, I assure you.” The Captain said, bowing his head in reverence and closing his right fist above his heart. Edyane smiled and congratulated himself in finding yet another man he could really rely on. Of course first he had to achieve what he had promised.

“Just make sure Iadden grows up into a fine man and an exceptional warrior. Oh, and bonk the little devil in the head at least twice a day. He deserves it!” Andro laughed and surprisingly, so did Athios.

“I will. Oh, forgive me, just one more thing. Please don’t tell Milessin Meanea anything about Milord Iadden’s situation or our efforts to prevent his departure for war.” The Eth requested. The prince arched his eyebrows.

“He doesn’t know?” The Guard shrugged and shook his head.

“Milord Ryaen’ne doesn’t want him to know. And I believe he is right. There is nothing Milessin can do to help and he is so happy right now…This would tear him apart. His brother is everything to him.”

&&&&&&&

And so Edyane had pledged to save Iadden. For the boy’s sake and his brother’s happiness.

Either way, Iadden wouldn’t be needed in the war, right away. After all, the boy wasn’t the Maguenta’s Heir, even if his strength and power were unthinkable for someone so young.

No. The auburn-haired prince knew better. He just didn’t know why the child had been labelled as such by the Black-haired Ethen, though he suspected why the Council was so eager to let the young noble boy head off to the conflict.

Still, they should trust the sacred Ethen, right? He had to have his reasons. If they didn’t believe the Maguenta’s interpreter, a God born among mortals, whose advice would they follow on this millennium war? Now, this brought a whole new point of view, didn’t it?

Edyane huffed. He hadn’t even seen that Ethen yet. For all he knew, he might even be an invention from the priests. He would follow the sacred Ethen’s knowledge when he spoke to him face to face. Hearing things from others was never a good policy. If needed, he would seek Maguenta’s forgiveness later.

For now, he was certain of only one thing: like Athios had said, Iadden was several years too young to go to war. Meanea would be destroyed and Edyane’s own heart would shatter into pieces if he had to witness the boy being killed or worse, tortured. He shivered just from thinking, the images from before returning to his mind.

Besides, such a strong personality was worth saving. The prince trusted Maguenta had put Iadden in N’Alaera for a reason.

Their combat had surely been fated by the Gods, too. To make him realize his destiny, or anything other, he had no way of knowing. But the prince believed that, like he was, also Iadden was destined for great deeds in the future. He just didn’t know if they would be to aid or to counter him.

Still, the boy had to grow up first. Either as his most faithful antagonist or the greatest of his generals, it would be worth seeing the man Iadden would become in a few years.

But to see that, he had to put his plan into motion. Now. And yes, he already had thought of a method to save Iadden. In fact, he had just the thing. After all, it was well known in N’Alaera that Quera’s intelligence was far greater than his. An idea coming from the pale-haired boy had few probability of failure and this one had occurred to the prince after he had remembered his conversation with the teenager before Meanea’s arrival.

Of course Quera didn’t even know about this situation yet. He had to talk to him as soon as he could. They both had to deliberate the details.

“There, I’m all done.” Andro said, awakening Edyane from his schemes.

“Thank Maguenta!” The prince claimed while easily flexing his arm and testing the stitches. Andro huffed and rolled his eyes at his childlike prince, at the same time he gathered the dirtied cloths and water basin and took them out of the bedroom. He returned minutes later with clean sheets.

“Out of the bed, your highness, come on!” he ordered. Edyane looked at him in mock incredulity.

“I’m a pained man. I’m bandages all over, and you want me to make such an effort as to leave my bed?” He said, in similar tone. Andro rolled his eyes again, annoyed.

“A pity your tongue isn’t injured as well, sire.” Was his answer. Edyane huffed but he wasn’t really angered.

“You do realize I’m throbbing everywhere still, right? I might not be in pain like I was when I first awakened, but I’m still hurting. Besides I bathed before you started treating me.” He affirmed, seriously this time.

“I know all that. And I’ll help you get up, slowly and carefully. But I won’t let you fall asleep in a bloodied bed. Please?” The valet asked politely. The amber-eyed young man sighed, bored.

“Fine.” He conceded. In the end, he didn’t need the valet’s help to get up at all.

Ten minutes later Andro had his bedroom so clean it sparkled, no trace of blood or dirt remaining to tell the story. The auburn-haired prince was then finally allowed to lie on his bed, again. To tell the truth he felt a lot better, lying down on the cool dark-silken, clean sheets, but he would never tell that to his valet. The older man looked smug enough as it was.

“Finally, I’m done. Do you need anything?” The valet asked his prince. Edyane reclined in his soft pillows and nodded. He was hungry.

“Could you bring me some food? I haven’t eaten since the tourney and I’m feeling weak.” Andro smiled, amused.

“Well, if you’re hungry, you must be feeling a lot better. Still, I’ll bring you something light. Just to make sure. Some soup and fruit, sound good?” The prince grinned.

“Marvellous.” He responded, truthfully. The valet nodded.

“Anything else?” The amber-eyed prince shook his head.

“I’ll be right back, then.” Andro promised, leaving and closing the bedroom door behind him.

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The sweet scent of spiced soup mixed with a faint flowery fragrance assaulted his senses and it was his rumbling stomach, more than anything else, which forced Edyane to open his eyes.

The first thought that occurred to him, when his eyes settled on the open window, was that he had to have been asleep for quite sometime now.

Outside, the city had quieted down and the moon was high in the black sky. It was too dark to clearly see the magnificent view he had from his room, but somehow the silver rays coming from the heavens above made the far outline of tall mountains and shining crystalline waters seem all the more entrancing and mysterious.

A sudden darker shadow and a rough caw of a crow very near his windowsill disturbed his peaceful contemplation. The prince shivered. Such a bad omen in his garden couldn’t mean anything good.

Turning his eyes to the highest peak of the mountains, the young man discerned the serene High Temple of Maguenta forever veiling over N’Alaera and ever gleaming, even at night. It was always a calming sight.

His bedroom was equally silent and dark, no candles alight. Only the fire in the far away fireplace still burned weakly, but the brightness it gave was not enough to light the large room.

The amber-eyed prince frowned at this. Why hadn’t Andro awakened him? He had told him he was hungry, hadn’t he?

A strong gust of wind entered through his window, intensifying the unknown fragrance. The prince frowned once more. He had no flowers in his garden with that nice scent. Uncaring, his stomach rumbled again and he shrugged. It was pretty obvious what had the priority here.

Shifting in his bed, he tried to reach for one of the posts to use as leverage to get up. The bed cringed under his weight and a soft voice almost made him fall onto the floor.

“My prince, you are awake…”

Scared to death, he fell onto the bed instead. What the hell? Had someone been in his room all this time? After catching his breath, the prince raised his head, squinting his eyes to determinate the owner of the voice. Said man lightened a candle in the fire and turned around to extend its flame to the others in the room. The flickering yellow brightness illuminated his attractive features as well.

Edyane was dreaming. He could only be dreaming.

“Lessin Meanea?” he asked, stupefied. The man chuckled lightly while he lightened more candles, confirming the prince’s assumptions. It was Meanea. Parading in his personal chambers with a burning candle in hand while dressed in nothing more than a simple white night tunic. His gorgeous eyes and hair were caught between the golden glow of bright candles and the cold rays of the silver moon and he looked more beautiful than ever. Even though he had questions to pose the Ethen, for the life of him, Edyane could not think of a word to say.

Fortunately, he didn’t have to speak a thing, the golden Ethen offering his explanations freely.

“You must be enquiring why I am in your room at this hour…” He commented in a low tone while he stirred the now strong fire. Edyane lamely nodded and rose into a sitting position, using his pillows to support his still aching back. Meanea sit in the corner of his bed and folded his hands on his lap.

“Well, I was coming to check on you when I ran into your valet.” He smiled shyly, glancing everywhere but at the handsome prince’s face.

“I brought your dinner.” He added softly, the aquamarine eyes staring to his left. Edyane followed that gaze and saw a tray of covered food sitting innocently on his bedside table. The wonderful spiced aroma came from there. The flowery fragrance, now the prince knew, was Meanea’s perfume.

“You should have awakened me.” The auburn-haired young man chided with a charming smile. The Ethen looked at him then and his own curl of lips changed into something affectionate.

“You looked so peaceful. I didn’t have the heart to.” He chuckled, a crystalline sound. “You resembled a child.” The prince coughed at that, uncomfortable and a little offended. That was how Meanea saw him? As a child? He glanced at the Ethen confidently.

“I’m not a child, Milessin.” Meanea smiled at his seriousness.

“I know that. Forgive my thoughtless comment.” Edyane smiled indulgently but he wasn’t convinced.

“Do you not feel hungry, anymore, my prince?” The golden Ethen asked, changing the subject. The prince recognized the question for what it was, but dismissed it. He wouldn’t let such a childish thing bother him.

“It’s okay.” He said politely, instead. The Ethen shook his head, some of his blond curls following the movement.

“It’s not okay. I was so worried when you didn’t appear to dinner with us.” He commented sadly.

“Forgive me. But…well, your brother beat me up real good.” The prince excused himself with an amused chuckle. Meanea sighed, crestfallen.

“I apologize on his behalf.” He uttered with a small bow. Edyane arched his eyebrows and smiled sorrowfully. He hadn’t meant for Meanea to feel guilty about this. It wasn’t his fault the amber-eyed man wasn’t strong enough. Nor even Iadden’s for that matter.

“There is no need. I am well now, milessin. Besides, I accepted his challenge. I subjected myself to the consequences.” The prince’s raw honesty compelled the Ethen to clarify his statement.

“I didn’t mean the fight itself. You’re a great warrior but you fought for a whole afternoon while my brother simply evaluated your techniques. I am familiar with his strength. I was more surprised you could hold it up for so long. In most of his combats, my brother ends up victorious after three or four strikes.” He affirmed matter-of-factly, with a wave of his hand. Edyane smiled gratefully at the compliments.

“No. I meant the challenge.” Meanea continued a little angered, this time. “You were the rightful winner of the tourney and Iadden had no right to spoil that for you. My brother has conscience of his incredible strength, but he’s not usually this arrogant and aggressive about it. Believe it or not, he is a caring and humble boy…

I assure you, he will not be excused for his behaviour and he’ll be severely punished. I promise.” The Ethen concluded waving a finger in an authoritarian pose as if he was seeing the boy already in front of him. Edyane stared amused at him. He found this frustrated side of Meanea extremely endearing.

“Why does he dislike me so? Is there a particular reason?” He asked. It was something that had been plaguing him for sometime now. The golden-haired Ethen calmed down and sighed with an elegant shrug.

“It’s not like he hates you. He just…well, he put in his head that you are smitten by me.” Meanea said simply, purposely hiding the fact that Iadden thought it was mutual. Being so close and intimate with the prince, he wasn’t so sure of his detached feelings regarding the young man, anymore. He was so charming, handsome and simple. He didn’t exploit the artifices most of the Eths used. He was just his honest, natural self. And he was gorgeous, in every way.

“I see. He’s as perceptive as I’d thought.” The Ethen looked up at this. He didn’t know if he was in shock because Edyane had admitted it so simply or because Meanea realized he had hoped he would.

“You mean he’s right?” He asked, in disbelief. He didn’t quite believe it yet. Edyane’s smile was pure and sincere like few things the Ethen had seen in the world. And his amber eyes, those strange coloured eyes, glowed in determination and strength when the human man spoke.

“I’ve never seen someone as enchanting as you.” The words were nothing special: he had heard similar things in the past, but never before had they touched him so deeply. His heart fluttered and he blushed, not knowing what to say. The prince just kept smiling at him with that idiotic guileless smile.

A few awkward moments later, the Ethen regained his voice and his wits.

“I have obligations to your Father and both our Countries.” He replied. It was Edyane’s turn to look surprised.

“You mean if circumstances-” He started, but the golden-haired Ethen didn’t let him finish.

“I can’t deny that knowing you do appreciate me makes me feel happier than I should.” Was the most sincere answer he could give and he wouldn’t even look at the auburn-haired young man in the eye. He was promised to his father. The prince straightened in his pillows and neared the beautiful young Ethen.

“Milessin,” he whispered, very close to the other man. “you are not bound by any responsibilities yet.” The blond faced him then, abashed.

“What are you suggesting? I’m not the only one who has obligations to N’Alaera and its king, Edyane. You do too.” The whispered observation hit the prince like a bucket of frozen water. Meanea was right and he didn’t even know that the auburn-haired man’s duties went far higher than N’Alaera and his father.

For moments Edyane had forgotten the incoming war and his mission to save both Iadden and his father from it. For moments he had forgotten his glorious destiny. He had simply been a man in love. A man who had discovered that his love could be requited. He backed a little, closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

“I know.” He mouthed, passing his right fingers through his unruly hair. Meanea looked down at his hands folded on his lap.

They stayed like that for a long time, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally the Ethen’s voice ended the heavy silence.

“Iadden was right after all. I was being charmed by you.” He whispered.

Edyane looked at him with a half-amused, half-sad smile and affirmed. “Well, he’s a clever little devil.” Meanea simply nodded and the silence got hold of them again.

It was the prince who broke it, this time.

“There really are no chances for us...” It was not a question and the young human was correct so the blond didn’t feel the need to verbally agree.

“Well, at least you are lucky. My father is a great man and he will spoil and love you like no other.” Meanea looked at the prince’s serene amber eyes with a smile. He thought so, too.

“And I’m sure Maguenta has someone very special guarded for you only.” That got a grin out of the auburn-haired prince, though the Ethen hadn’t been joking. Somehow he knew it was like that.

“He’ll have to work really hard. I’ll only accept someone as lovely and entrancing as you, in the very least.” The Ethen chuckled amused. Edyane glanced at him with affection.

“You know,” he started suddenly serious. “you’re the first thing in my life I’m going to give up in favour of others.” He said softly. The blond thought that altruism made him all the more noble and adult, but he remained quiet about it. Instead he smiled and grabbed the prince’s bandaged hands.

“I can still give you your prize, can’t I?” The prince smiled charmingly.

“If you wish…”

And so they joined their lips, but the chaste kiss was a bittersweet one.

TBC…

Ending notes: Please forgive the lateness of this chapter. Hope you liked it. Love you all.