Chapter 282: The Blessing of Golden Blood
[Silthara Palace — The Day of the Naming Ceremony — Dawn]
Before the first light touched the golden deserts... before the bells of Lord Urzan’s Temple echoed across Zahryssar. The Empire had already awakened. It was not an ordinary morning. It was the day...the Golden Blood would receive their names.
The day the future of Zahryssar would be blessed by Lord Urzan Himself. Throughout the capital...every street had transformed.
Golden banners bearing the ancient crest of Silthara Palace fluttered proudly from every rooftop. Silver serpent emblems shimmered beneath the dawn breeze.
Fresh flowers decorated every doorway; children ran through the streets wearing tiny silver ribbons tied around their wrists. Old merchants closed their shops without complaint. Blacksmiths extinguished their furnaces.
Even soldiers standing guard wore ceremonial silver cloaks instead of battle armor today...no serpent wished to work.
Today the Empire wished only to celebrate because after centuries... Lord Urzan had blessed Zahryssar once more, not with one heir but with two.
***
[The Lord Urzan’s Temple—Same Time]
Outside the Grand Temple, thousands upon thousands of serpents had already gathered. Nobles, farmers, merchants, priests, children, and even veteran warriors.
Even elderly serpents who had not left their homes for years...had come to witness this sacred day. Every staircase leading toward the temple overflowed with fresh white lotus blossoms.
Golden incense burned from towering bronze braziers, the fragrance spread throughout the city like a sacred prayer.
The high priests stood waiting upon the temple steps; their white robes danced gently beneath the morning wind. Behind them...the enormous gates of Lord Urzan’s Temple remained closed; they all are waiting...for the arrival of the Golden Blood.
***
[Sarytharn City—Continuation]
Throughout the capital...one blessing echoed from every home.
"May Lord Urzan protect our future."
"May the Golden Blood bring light to Zahryssar."
"May our Malik and Malika live long."
"May the young heirs rule wisely."
An old woman carefully lit a clay lamp before a small shrine as she smiled warmly.
"My Lord Urzan...I am old enough to have witnessed three reigns. My eyes have seen wars, famines...and darkness."
She looked toward the distant temple. "But today...You have finally shown mercy."
A little boy standing beside her clasped his tiny hands together. "Grandmother...will the little prince become very strong?"
She laughed softly. "I pray...that he first becomes kind."
The little boy looked confused. "Is kindness stronger than power?"
The old woman smiled. "When power loses its way...only kindness remembers where home is."
***
[Silthara Palace — Malika’s Private Residency — Later]
The final preparations had been completed; the attendants quietly stepped back. Only the gentle fragrance of sacred oil lingered throughout the dressing chamber.
Iru approached with slow, respectful steps. Upon both hands rested the ceremonial veil of Zahryssar. Its fabric had been woven from silver silk, embroidered with delicate golden threads that shimmered like sunlight upon the desert dunes.
He lowered his head. "Malika."
Levin turned toward him, already adorned in the ceremonial attire of Zahryssar. His robe of royal gold flowed gracefully to the marble floor, every silver embroidery depicting the ancient serpents blessed by Lord Urzan.
Upon his ears rested newly forged silver serpent earrings, the symbol of his marriage. Hidden beneath his robes...resting close to his heart... Lay Sirrash’s pendant.
Iru carefully lifted the veil with utmost reverence...he placed it over, covering his face. For a long moment...everyone simply admired him, not because of the royal garments but because...he truly looked like the Malika of Zahryssar.
Levin adjusted the edge of the veil, then smiled softly. "Let us leave."
The attendants immediately bowed. "As you command, Malika."
The great doors slowly opened, and outside...the palace corridors had already filled with royal knights standing in ceremonial formation.
As Levin stepped into the sunlight...he immediately noticed Duke Aren and Zyvera walking toward the waiting Imperial carriages.
Duke Aren stopped, his eyes softening with unmistakable pride. "Are you ready?"
Levin smiled. "Yes, Father."
Duke Aren looked at the approaching attendants carrying the twins; a gentle smile crossed his face. "Before the Temple claims them for the ceremony...would this old man be allowed...to steal one grandchild for the journey?"
Levin laughed softly. "I doubt they would object."
His gaze shifted toward Zyvera. "Any news of Raviel?"
The smile upon Zyvera’s face slowly faded; she respectfully bowed. "None yet, My Malika, no message has returned from the border."
Levin nodded as the conversation ended there. Some grief could only be healed by time. Levin slowly continued toward the Imperial Courtyard, waiting beside the foremost carriage...stood Malik Zeramet.
Clad in ceremonial robes of golden and silver. The royal serpent crest gleamed proudly across his chest; nearby, Captain Varesh calmly issued final orders to the Royal Knights. Raevahn carefully inspected the escort one final time.
Lady Arinaya stood beside Prince Sarash and Lady Nyra, ensuring every detail of the procession remained flawless.
The moment Levin approached...Zeramet stepped forward; he extended one hand, and his golden eyes carried unmistakable amusement. "May I...have the honor of escorting my consort?"
Several attendants immediately lowered their heads. Prince Sarash discreetly looked away. Even Lady Arinaya hid a faint smile. Levin stared at the offered hand.
Then at Zeramet. "Must you ask so formally?"
Zeramet nodded with complete seriousness. "Before the empire, etiquette must be observed."
He leaned ever so slightly closer as a mischievous smile tugged at his lips. "And besides...my wife still refuses to forgive me entirely."
Levin’s ears immediately warmed beneath the veil as his whispers barely reached Zeramet. "You are embarrassing."
Zeramet’s smile only widened. "So may I?"
Levin sighed in quiet defeat, then he placed his hand within Zeramet’s. "Only because everyone is watching."
Zeramet smiled victoriously. Together they approached the Imperial carriage, the moment Levin stepped inside his expression immediately softened.
The twins rested peacefully upon embroidered cushions inside the shaded carriage. The curtains had been drawn carefully to shield them from the afternoon sun.
Lady Arinaya bowed outside. "The physicians advised against direct sunlight, My Malika."
Levin nodded approvingly, and he gently lifted Prince Zaryan into his arms; the little prince blinked sleepily, and then the instant he recognized his father’s scent...his tiny hands immediately reached upward.
"Baaa..."
Levin smiled. "Already awake, little prince?"
Prince happily grabbed the edge of Levin’s veil, completely fascinated by it. Levin chuckled. "I believe the future heir of House Veyrhold has already claimed his first royal treasure."
Duke Aren laughed warmly. "He certainly has his grandfather’s confidence."
Levin carefully turned toward him. "Father."
He slowly placed Prince Zaryan into Duke Aren’s waiting arms. "Please...take good care of him."
Duke Aren accepted the child with practiced ease; the little prince blinked curiously at his grandfather. For several heartbeats...he simply stared, studying every wrinkle, every smile, and every heartbeat.
Then without warning...a bright little giggle escaped him.
"Baaaa..." His tiny fingers wrapped around Duke Aren’s thumb, as though he had already decided...this was someone he could trust.
Duke Aren’s smile deepened. "Looks like the future Lord of House Veyrhold...has accepted his old grandfather."
Levin quietly watched them, his heart warmed. One day...Prince Zaryan would inherit not only the blood of the Imperial Family but also the legacy, the honor, and the responsibility...of House Veyrhold itself.
Yet today he was simply a child laughing in his grandfather’s arms. Princess quietly stirred beside them. Lyresaph immediately hopped onto the carriage with surprising excitement. The silver dragon curled protectively beside the little princess.
Moments later... Asha gracefully followed; the tiger settled at the carriage entrance, vigilant as ever. Zeramet mounted his royal carriage; he slowly looked toward the Temple of Lord Urzan standing proudly upon the distant hill.
His golden eyes carried quiet anticipation, then he raised one hand. "We depart."
The ceremonial horns echoed throughout Silthara Palace.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOM...
The enormous palace gates slowly opened, and they moved out of the Silthara Palace towards the Sarytharn city.
***
[Sarytharn City—Later]
As soon as the carriage entered the city, thousands of citizens waiting beyond immediately erupted into joyful cheers.
"Long live Malik Zeramet!"
"Long live Malika Levin!"
"May Lord Urzan bless the Golden Blood!"
"Long live Prince!"
"Long live Princess!"
Flower petals filled the air like golden rain; the imperial procession slowly began its journey toward the sacred temple, toward Lord Urzan’s blessing, and toward the moment...when all of Zahryssar would witness...the names of its future.
***
[The Grand Temple of Lord Urzan — Continuation]
The Grand Temple stood in absolute silence; towering pillars of white stone stretched toward the heavens. Ancient carvings of the First Serpents covered every wall.
At the very heart of the Temple...upon an enormous pedestal carved from sacred crystal...stood the statue of Lord Urzan.
The Creator, the First Guardian, and the God who had blessed the Serpent Race. A single shaft of sunlight descended through the open dome above.
It bathed only His statue, making it appear as though the Lord Himself had descended from the heavens.
Below...the sacred reflecting pond shimmered peacefully. Upon its marble platform...Malik Zeramet and Malika Levin stood side by side, the entire Zahryssar surrounded them.
Duke Aren. Prince Sarash. Lady Nyra. Lady Arinaya. Captain Varesh Raevahn. High Mage Arkhazunn. Every noble house of Zahryssar stood in respectful silence.
Even Lord Sharukh had lowered his head before the Creator. The temple had never witnessed such a gathering after Malika got recognized by Lord Urzan.
Silence.
Only the gentle sound of flowing water echoed beneath the temple dome.
Prince rested peacefully within Levin’s left arm. The princess slept comfortably against his right; neither child understood the countless eyes watching them.
Instead...their curious little eyes remained fixed upon the dancing particles of light drifting through the sacred sunbeam. Tiny fingers reached toward them, trying to catch the floating golden dust.
"Baa..." Prince giggled.
Princess answered with a soft, "Aaa..."
The nobles smiled, then...a quiet whisper spread among the gathering. "...Where is High Ensi Rakhane?"
Another noble slowly looked around. "He has never missed a ceremony of the Crown."
Several murmurs quietly followed. Lady Arinaya heard every word, yet...she remained perfectly still, her expression never changed. Raevahn briefly glanced toward her; he understood this was neither the place nor the moment...to answer such questions.
The silence returned, and then...the high priest slowly stepped forward. His long white robes flowed behind him like sacred clouds; he raised the ancient Staff of Urzan. Its crystal head immediately began glowing with warm golden light.
"My Malik... Malika..." His voice echoed throughout the temple. "The hour has arrived; let the Naming Ceremony begin."
Every serpent immediately lowered their heads. The high priest slowly closed his eyes, then...he began chanting, not in the common tongue but in the forgotten language... The language believed to have been spoken during the First Age beneath Lord Urzan.
Each ancient word resonated through the temple. The marble beneath everyone’s feet gently trembled; the sacred pond rippled without wind.
Outside, every priest throughout Zahryssar immediately knelt. Inside...the beam of sunlight suddenly shifted. Gasps echoed throughout the temple; the brilliant light...that had illuminated only Lord Urzan’s statue...slowly descended until... It rested entirely upon the twins.
Nothing else, not the Malik, not the Malika only...the twins. Golden light embraced them like a divine blessing; the tiny particles danced around them. Neither child cried.
Instead...they laughed, reaching toward the sunlight as though trying to hold it inside their little hands.
The entire temple fell silent.
"...I’ve...I’ve never witnessed such a blessing."
"...Neither have I."
The high priest slowly opened his eyes; for the first time after Malika first came here, he even appeared astonished.
Then a warm smile slowly spread across his aged face.
"Lord Urzan..." He lowered himself into a deep bow. "Has accepted them."
The temple bells rang once.
BOOOOOONNNGGGG—
"The Golden Blood..." The high priest looked toward Zeramet and Levin. "Has received the Creator’s blessing."
He slowly turned toward the Malik. "My Malik, as tradition commands, whisper their names into their ears, then announce them before Lord Urzan...and before the Empire."
Zeramet quietly looked toward his children. Then...toward Levin, a gentle smile softened his usually regal expression.
"There is one tradition that I shall gladly break."
The high priest blinked; the nobles looked on in curiosity. Zeramet slowly stepped behind Levin, his golden eyes never leaving his consort.
"These children were carried beneath your heart. You endured their birth. You protected them when darkness sought their lives. You are the one...who first heard their cries."
He smiled warmly.
"So this honor...belongs to you, my beloved consort."
The temple grew even quieter. Levin slowly looked toward Zeramet; emotion quietly shimmered within his blue eyes, but he held it and gulped, saying, "Thank you..."
Zeramet simply smiled. "Tell the Empire who our children are."
Levin slowly stepped forward; the sacred sunlight continued embracing the twins. He first lowered his head toward the little prince, and his lips gently brushed the child’s ear...very softly...he whispered a name.
The little prince immediately burst into delighted laughter.
"Baaaa!"
The nobles couldn’t help smiling. Levin then looked toward the little princess; he gently kissed her forehead, then whispered another name into her ear.
The princess blinked, then smiled so brightly...that even the High Priest quietly laughed; the Temple itself seemed warmer.
Levin moved slowly, glanced towards Lord Urzan, and his voice remained calm, clear, and proud.
"My son..." He looked lovingly at the little prince. "Shall forever carry the name...Zaryan Karash Veyrhold."
The name echoed beneath the Temple dome. Levin smiled.
"Zaryan, the Dawn that Rises After Darkness, may he become a ruler whose strength brings hope and who shall carry the House of Veyrhold and become the next Duke of Thalryn."
The temple bells answered.
BOOOOOONNNGGGG—
Levin then turned toward the little girl sleeping peacefully against his arm, and his smile softened. "My daughter shall forever carry the name...Nyzara Karash Veyrhold."
A warm breeze quietly entered the temple, her tiny fingers wrapped around Levin’s thumb. Levin smiled.
"Nyzara...the Moon that Guides the Lost. May she become wisdom within darkness and the strongest Malik of this empire, like her father. Perhaps...stronger than her father."
Silence; no one spoke. Many nobles quietly lowered their heads. Others smiled through tears, even Duke Aren slowly closed his eyes.
"Beautiful..."
He whispered.
Prince Sarash smiled warmly. "They truly carry names worthy of the Golden Blood."
Lady Nyra glanced towards Princess Nyzara, mumbling, "She’s beautiful."
The high priest slowly raised both hands toward the heavens; his voice echoed throughout the temple.
"Bear witness...O Lord Urzan. Today, the Empire of Zahryssar...receives...Prince Zaryan Karash Veyrhold...and Princess Nyzara Karash Veyrhold...Future Lights of the Serpent Empire."
The temple bells roared outside...thousands of voices erupted at once.
"LONG LIVE PRINCE ZARYAN!"
"LONG LIVE PRINCESS NYZARA!"
"MAY LORD URZAN BLESS THE GOLDEN BLOOD!"
The celebration spread across the entire empire, and beneath the sacred light of Lord Urzan...the twins smiled innocently, completely unaware...that from this day onward history itself would remember their names.
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