𝖙𝖔𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖔𝖋 𝖎𝖈𝖊 || 𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖋𝖎𝖛𝖊

Elegant curtains depicting aristocratic and noble settings surrounded the palace's vast hallways. The sound of footsteps echoing off the marble steps that supported the tall ceilings. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of exotic flowers, and the polished floors glistened in the warm glow of the golden sconces bordering the walls.

Within the palace's lavishness, I walked with purpose, aware that all eyes were on me. Clad in clothes that suited my rank, I felt the weight of my responsibilities with every step. With a fixed posture, my gaze determined as I moved through the hallways, leaving no doubt about my intentions to those who saw me.

Two imposing royal guards stood watch as I approached the majestic doors, they straightened and looked grave when they saw me. They gave me a courteous bow and moved aside to let me pass, showing their respect for my title.

My eyes landed on the person sitting on the elaborate throne as soon as I entered the throne room. Even I could not match the air of authority and strength that Empress Desdemona radiated. After my long absence, her presence filled the room, her stare piercing as she looked at me.

"Izan," she said, her tone reflecting her position. "I'm glad you're back in Moonvein."

"My Empress, it is an honor as always." I answered with a tone of sincerity and respect.

The two guards closed the doors behind him, their heavy footsteps echoing across the hallway as they stood at attention outside.

"I hope you have been well since my departure to Goebana," I said softly.

Desdemona's mysterious gaze never left mine. "I take it that you have read my letter before returning here."

"The news of Davian's stirring troubles me deeply, Izan. His presence in the Frosttheugh realm has long been a safeguard, but if he awakens and breaks free, the consequences for our empire could be dire."

I frowned, my brow furrowing in concern. "Have we considered the possibility of... eliminating Davian permanently? Perhaps there's a way to end this perpetual threat to our realm, even if he's a god."

Desdemona's expression darkened slightly, her eyes betraying a hint of resignation. "Izan, you speak of a task that has been attempted countless times throughout the ages. Davian is not merely a mortal being that can be vanquished with a blade or spell. He is a deity, tied to the very core of our world. Even if we were to succeed in destroying him, he would only return, bringing with him the eternal curse of winter."

"And also, Davian is the guardian of this realm we live in. The realm he cursed and punished the innocents of eternal winter. Without Davian... the realm might collapse. Chaos and destruction would also ensue, the likes of which I do not wish to even imagine."

My face softened with a thoughtful gaze. "Then, Your Majesty, what do you propose we do? How can we safeguard our realm from Davian's influence without resorting to futile attempts to end his existence?"

I leaned in slightly, a glimmer of determination in my eyes. "Surely, there must be a strategy, a method that can weaken his hold or mitigate the damage he inflicts upon our lands. We cannot simply resign ourselves to enduring his eternal curse."

The Empress shifted in her seat, her expression pensive as she studied my face.

An unexpected silence fell between us, the room's only sounds being the occasional footsteps of the guards outside and the quiet rustle of her dress.

At last, she spoke. "There may be a way... but it is one that would not be without difficulty or danger. It would require immense commitment and sacrifice from you, Izan."

My brows raised, curiosity filling my expression, as my tone became more earnest.

"I am willing to do whatever it takes. For our realm. For our people. Please, my Empress, tell me. What do we need to do to defeat Davian and restore the realm to what it once was?"

Desdemona's eyes narrowed slightly as she pondered Izan's words, her mind racing through possibilities. After a moment of deep contemplation, a flicker of realization crossed her features.

"Davian's power lies in the Glacial Rime of Winter's Embrace, the source of his eternal frost. If we could somehow separate him from this source, weaken its grip on him, then maybe... just maybe, we could render him vulnerable."

Her words hung in the air, carrying with them the weight of possibility. "If we can find a way to strip him of his power, to break the bond between Davian and the Glacial Rime, we might have a chance at banishing him from this realm for good."

I began to question, "You think it's possible? To sever the bond between Davian and the Glacial Rime?"

Her gaze hardened with resolve. "It won't be easy, Izan. The bond between Davian and the Glacial Rime is ancient and powerful. But if there's one thing we've learned throughout history, it's that even the most formidable challenges can be overcome with perseverance and ingenuity. If we marshal our resources, seek out the knowledge of our most skilled scholars and sorcerers, perhaps we can uncover a method to break that bond."

The Empress met my gaze squarely. "It's a risk, a gamble against an immortal force. But if we do nothing, Davian's curse will continue to plague our realm indefinitely. We must try."

Suddenly, a servant burst into the throne room, breathless and wide-eyed, startling both of us. My brow furrowed in confusion, while Desdemona's irritation grew at the interruption.

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Desdemona demanded, her voice sharp.

The servant, barely able to catch his breath, managed to stammer out, "My Lord Izan, Lady Francesca... she lives! She is alive, despite being declared dead in your absence."

My face turned pale, feeling stunned and overwhelmed with relief at the news.

"What..."

"It's true, my Lord," the servant breathed.

"How certain are you?" I questioned, still feeling doubtful.

"There is no mistake, my Lord. Lady Francesca was discovered within the Reverie estate, alive."

The news made my heart skip a beat. My mind stopped, a mixture of disbelief and hope. My betrothed, Francesca, whom I had mourned as lost, was not dead after all. The realization that she was alive hit me like a wave of grief.

Desdemona watched the exchange without concern or surprise, but rather with mild irritation. "Izan, you mustn't rush off immediately," she cautioned, her tone firm. "You've just returned from a long journey. Go see Francesca first thing in the morning. You need rest."

"But, my Empress..." I began, but the Empress raised her hand, cutting me off.

"No buts. A night's rest won't kill you. You can see her first thing in the morning. Now, go get some rest."

I sighed, a heavy weight settling on my shoulders. I did not want to wait even a moment longer. But I had to admit that Her Majesty was right, it would be more prudent to rest and get my bearings first before rushing off to see Francesca.

I nodded my head in resignation.

"Very well," I said quietly. "In the morning then."