Underneath the maroon canvas of the evening sky, the silhouette of Flaralis, a magnificent dragon of ancient lineage, roared into the ether.
Astride this majestic beast were two figures, bound in an intimate embrace, their bodies pressed close against the chill of the evening winds.
Rowena sat tall and graceful in the saddle, her hands firmly holding the reins of the dragon while her back found comfort and warmth against Asher's chest.
She was making Flaralis fly slowly on purpose so that she could enjoy this moment with him longer.
Asher wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his fingers interlocking at the base of her lean stomach. His breath, warm and steady, caressed the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
His eyes, however, couldn't help but take in the vast expanse of the kingdom spreading beneath them.
To say Asher was awed would be an understatement. He was riding atop a huge dragon, an experience that was as exhilarating as it was terrifying.
Just riding atop it could make one feel the king of the world and how tiny everything below them was.
Nothing could beat the thrill and awe of riding a majestic beast like this, and he couldn't help but feel like wanting one for himself. However, he felt that thought could wait for later.
The wind whistled past them, tugging at Rowena's raven-black hair and causing it to dance like a wild storm around them. She tilted her head to rest against Asher's shoulder as she looked at him with a soft gaze and said, "I feel you are now ready to take more responsibilities for our kingdom. What you did today…I am sure nobody will forget it for generations to come. Without your efforts, this war would have ended in a disastrous way."
The corners of his lips tugged upward in a gentle smile as his grip around her tightened ever so slightly, "I feel flattered you think so. Is this why you've decided to put the Umbralfiends under my control?"
Asher was also feeling proud of himself that he managed to quickly catch up on how to do things around here to increase Rowena's confidence in him.
Rowena softly nodded as she said, "I don't know how but you are really good at dealing with people at such a young age. But what I felt most important was how you care about our entire realm as a whole which is something not even most of my ancestors cared about. Even the Devourer wasn't that interested in conquering the humans. If he was…we probably wouldn't still be in this hellish world."
As they soared through the skies, the world below them a blend of shadows and fading light, Asher took a moment to process Rowena's words.
His gaze softened, his brow furrowed in contemplation, as he found himself wrestling with an age-old question. It was a question that had likely plagued the minds of many before him, and it was his turn to voice it.
"The Devourer...what kind of a guy was he?" Asher asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The query seemed to hang in the wind, suspended in time as they continued their journey.
Rowena regarded him silently for a moment before responding, "I respect his power, his achievements. He tamed the most powerful race of beasts in our realm and even used their power as his own, built a kingdom with his bare hands, carved a home for our people out of the wild and untamed chaos. Our realm, Zalthor, wouldn't have become stronger as a whole without him," she began, her voice steady, echoing amidst the sound of Flaralis flapping her wings, "But as for what kind of man he was...that's harder to say. History, as you know, is written by the victors."
Asher already knew this and that was why whenever he read up the history of anything, he would take it with a pinch of salt.
"This is the reason," she continued, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow, "I can't be certain if the Umbralfiends are lying or telling the truth about the northern lands. According to our history, the Ravager discovered these lands, empty and waiting. He built a society, a home. Then the Umbralfiends emerged, causing havoc and destruction. He had no choice but to retaliate, to ensure they would never threaten our peace again."
Asher sighed as he shook his head, "I know…But the story they are telling is the complete opposite. Who knows what is the truth."
Rowena's words took on a serious tone, reflecting the weight of the responsibility they carried. "Whether the Umbralfiends' version of history is true or not doesn't matter," she said and continued, "What matters is the present, and the future. That is why I want you to figure out if the Umbralfiends will be a source of strength for our kingdom, or if they'll become a liability."
Her eyes scanned the horizon, taking in the sprawling dark crimson clouds beneath them as she added, "This is one of the reasons I didn't kill them all, despite starting the war and the losses they caused. We need strength in numbers, allies for the future. The Umbralfiends could prove useful, once they regain their strength. And you expressed the same idea I had in my mind, making me feel that you were ready."
A chuckle escaped Asher's lips as he said, "It's all because you really are a great mentor, much better than those old seniors," he said, a light teasing note in his voice.
Rowena's lips slowly melted into a soft smile as she shook her head gently, though her eyes were warm, "You don't have to flatter me, Ash," she said, "This wasn't possible without your natural talent. I only guided you but you walked the path."
Asher smiled as he nodded at Rowena's words, a spark of determination flickering in his eyes, "Don't worry, I'll handle the Umbralfiends," he assured her, his tone carrying a sense of resolve. "You can focus on other important things."
Rowena held his hand as she said with warmth in her eyes, "I have complete faith in you that you can handle it," Her eyes then narrowed as she added, "But I would want you to gain Isola's confidence," she said, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "She is not just the key to our relationship with the Umbralfiends. Isola herself is quite powerful. Her strength is not lesser than a low-level Soul Devourer."
Asher's eyebrows raised as he was astonished to learn this.
He had expected Isola to be a Soul Purger at most, but the reality was startling.
But then he glanced at Rowena, her strength reaching the peak despite their similar age which was even more impressive and shocking.
And this made him wonder if Isola's power could have reached the same level as Rowena if not for the harsh environment she lived in? Was her bloodline that powerful? Could this be why the Kraken was greatly interested?
Rowena also added, "Other than that, there is the issue regarding the newborn Kraken having imprinted on both of you," Her expression suddenly became complicated as she continued, "It's strange it happened but you have to do whatever is necessary to not let her have more influence on it than you. The best way to prevent this is to form a close bond with it."
Asher nodded as he took her advice seriously. He also didn't want Isola's influence over it to become great enough to order it to kill him in his sleep or worse.
"I wish it was…" Rowena's gaze became absent as she firmly pressed her lips together, thinking about how Asher was going to raise a companion along with an enemy. If only she could have taken her place…
"Wish what?" Asher asked with furrowed brows.
Rowena discarded that thought and suddenly squeezed Asher's little finger in the gentle hold of her hand, "It's just that…even if you are going to get busy with all this, don't forget about our painting classes," Rowena's usually cold voice took on a softer tone as she turned her face away, hiding the faint blush in her cheeks from Asher's gaze.
The words held more weight than they seemed to, for their painting classes were a shared sanctuary, a time and space where they were not queen and consort, but simply Rowena and Asher. It was the only time she felt most connected to him.
Asher was a bit taken back, his eyes amused by the sight of the usually cold and authoritative Bloodburn Queen acting so adorably shy.
He couldn't help but smile as he gently turned her face towards him, his thumb caressing her blushing cheek. Her crimson eyes, usually so distant and determined, now held a softness that seemed to melt into him.
Gazing into her eyes, he said with an intensity that matched her feelings, "You don't have to worry. Even if the world was going to end, I would be spending my remaining time with you."
Saying so, and being unable to resist the magnetic pull between them, Asher leaned in, his lips meeting Rowena's in a sweet, passionate kiss as the two rested in each other's embrace.
As they kissed, Flaralis, sensing their need for privacy, spread its mighty wings, shielding them from the world below, ensuring that this intimate moment remained theirs and theirs alone.
Together, they rode through the twilight, their hugging bodies swaying gently with the rhythm of Flaralis's flight.
The silhouette of the Demonstone Castle was becoming clearer on the horizon, its tall spires reaching out towards the sky like outstretched fingers, welcoming them home.
Flaralis' descent was gentle, its colossal frame touching down upon the cobblestone courtyard of the Demonstone Castle with surprising grace. The guards below kneeled upon seeing their queen descending from the skies.
As they dismounted from the magnificent beast, the world seemed to snap back into reality, the magic of their flight dissipating into the chilly evening air.
Asher extended his hand towards Rowena, ready to assist her, "Let me help you rest," he offered, concern etched in his gaze.
But Rowena simply shook her head, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
She eyed Asher, her gaze lingering on his still recovering form, "My body has already begun to recover on its own. I'll be fine soon," she reassured him. Her gaze turned more serious, "But you... I'll send the royal physician to tend to you right away. You should go to your room right away and wait for him," Rowena knew he drank a healing potion and even got checked by the best healer she could find on the spot, yet none of it would completely help him heal unless he gets the full treatment and bed rest.
A helpless sigh escaped Asher's lips. He had to agree before she nagged him further. This was something he learned by being her husband for more than a year, "Then, what will you do now?" he asked, curiosity lacing his words.
Rowena's expression hardened, her gaze turning as cold as the frosty winds that whipped around the castle, "I plan to see through what I said before the people," she declared, her voice filled with determination, "I'll begin the cleansing of this kingdom, starting with the execution of the traitors within our own House."
Her words hung heavy in the air, carrying the weight of justice yet to be served, "A thorough investigation will be conducted, requiring my supervision," she added, her tone brooking no argument, "We have no choice but to make an example of the traitors."
However, her countenance swiftly shifted, a somber veil descending upon her radiant features. "But.." She began, her voice a gravely undertone, her head slowly shaking in reluctant acknowledgement, "If we still can't find out who the mastermind is after all this, I fear we might be standing on the precipice of an unseen, far greater peril."
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