The skies were still dark when Maltherion stepped into the corridor just beyond the court chambers. A low Torchlight flickered against the aged stones, casting shadows that danced like secrets on the walls. Reagan stood ahead, waiting, his arms crossed, his eyes tracking the soft embers.
"You're up early." Maltherion said.
Reagan gave a short nod. "You're one to talk. Thought I'd find you at the southern tower again. Watching the sky."
" I was," Maltherion said simply. " Then I started thinking. About the coastlines... The beaches we never see anymore. The ones past Varethin's border."
Reagan's lip twitched. " Still remember them?"
" Barely," The King admitted. The waters were clear. Golden sands. There were markets near the docks.... Filled with merchants from Aldair, Linvare, even the forgotten isles. And you? You ever think of them?"
" Sometimes," Reagan said. " That was where we met. But I remember more about the food. Dried fish wrapped in sweetleaf. My mother used to trade spices with the Southerners. Told me no kingdom could match the flavour of Linvare's stew.
Maltherion chuckled quietly. It was a rare sound, like gravel stirring in stillness. "We've been so caught up in alliances, bloodlines, and council meetings... Sometimes I forget there were days before all this... Simpler days."
They walked slowly down the hall. The tension between them wasn't warlike - just layered. Two men who'd seen too much, said too little, and held too many oaths. Shadows followed them like loyal sentries.
"You know," Reagan added, glancing at him, " you dont get to talk about beaches and stew and call it nostalgia. Not when you're still King of a land burning at the edges."
" Noted," Maltherion said dryly.
They both smiled faintly, but it faded quickly. Duty never let them linger in memory.
Then Reagan's voice shifted. "I saw something this morning. Or rather - someone. Elara.
Maltherion slowed. "Go on."
"She left the palace just before dawn. I was in the eastern wing, taking the lower corridor to check the guards posted near the outer gates. I caught a glimpse of her slipping through the servant's wing. She was cloaked. Moved like she didn't want to be seen."
" You followed her?"
" From a distance," Reagan nodded. "She didn't notice. She disappeared near the gardens. The path that leads to he shadow gate."
" And she hasn't returned?"
Reagan shook his head. " Not since."
Maltherion's jaw tensed. "What in the god's name would she be doing out there at that hour?"
" I was going to ask you the same thing," Reagan muttered.
A bit of silence passed. The flames on the wall crackled like whispered warnings.
"There's more," Reagan added. "Before she vanished, I heard her say something. Just the word, really, 'vatriska.'"
The name cut through the air like a blade.
Maltherion turned Sharply. "You're sure?"
Reagan nodded once.
Vatriska - the name spoken only in old scrolls and forbidden tongue. A place tied to the time of fire and blood, when witches ruled the skies and shattered kingdoms. A lost land, buried in myths and half - burned pages. The seat of the ancient legia - the hidden order of the flame born.
"That name hasn't been uttered in the open since the Dark Marches," Maltherion said. His voice was low, grave.
"And yet she said it. As if it belonged to her."
They stood still now, surrounded by quiet stone and flickering flames.
"Where's Xandria?" The king asked after a long pause.
Reagan didn't hesitate. "She's in the library. She went there not long after Elara left. Hasn't come out."
Maltherion began walking again. More deliberate this time.
"Xandria has had contact with Zendriya before." Maltherion spoke after a long pause.
"How do you know?"
"Her parents told us. Last night."
"They took her to the witch?" Reagan asked, his brows furrowed together.
"Unfortunately. And so did Elara. It seems like fire awoke within Elara, from what her parents told us. But I feel there is more. Something they are still hiding." Maltherion was deep in thoughts.
"Why do you think so?"
"Xandria can control my flames. It's like my flames know her. " His voice was low, slow.
"That's impossible." Reagan muttered. " It wasn't the grand Gias that gave you the flames."
Maltherion nodded once, his hands behind his back. " Something happened during the time of Xandria's visit to Zendriya. And now, Zendriya is already in the palace, hiding as one of the maids. Waiting. "
" Who is she?"
" She's in Anaya. Xandria saw her reflection change yesterday. "
" You knew all along. " Reagan Stated.
" I did. But I needed her to bring out all her accomplices. It's easier to finish them off that way." Maltherion smirked.
" What are you going to do about Xandria? About her sister?"
" Xandria knows were Elara's loyalty lies already. Elara made her choice. And now Xandria has to make her own."
" What if she decides to side with Elara?" Reagan asked.
" The Grand Gias won't allow. It connects our heart together. She won't be able to betray me or the throne."
" I know that. But what if Xandria manages to break the bond of the grand gias. You know it can never be truly tied unless you mark her."
" How do you know I haven't marked her?" Maltherion glared at Reagan
"There are whispers around the palace. Some say you haven't consummated your marriage yet."
Maltherion chuckled coldly, his laughter sounding like a threat. " And you help spread such rumors? "
" I'm just confirming, my King." Reagan bowed mockingly, smiling as he saw the glare in Maltherion's eyes.
"I won't mark her against her will." Maltherion finally said seriously.
" She will never agree to something she doesn't know."
" She will be terrified."
" Let her be the judge of that. "
Reagan bowed slightly as they both reached the door of the palace library. He gently patted Maltherion's back, as he turned towards the opposite direction, going towrdsto the south Tower.
Maltherion hesitated for a moment in front of the door. How could he show Xandria what he truly is. What if he doesn't love him. Or what is she becomes frightened.
Emotions flickered through his eyes quickly, but they vanished as quickly as they came.
He stepped towards the door and opened it gently.