Galahad was lost in thought as he and Reza toured the castle. Their outing took them to many rooms and chambers. He had only ever returned here a handful of times, but he always felt a renewed sense of wonder each time. To carve a castle into an Everwood tree was nothing short of magical to him. The sheer scale and size of the tree meant that it ascended and descended through many layers. Such craftsmanship could not be easily recreated. He knew of only one other people capable of this level of detail. But he would dare not think of them having had a hand in this. No, this was magic. True magic, to make dreams a reality. Such power was not to be taken lightly and as powerful as he believed himself and many he knew to be. This castle was a representation of a power that could rival the gods, rival the Stygians. Surely but slowly, he understood emperor Nero’s fascination with Laconia, with Reza and the union of her and the king in the north. But it did not mean he approved.

  “If I am boring you prince Galahad please let me know.” Reza puffed her cheeks mockingly.

  Embarrassed at his lack of attention, “Forgive me princess, there is a lot on my mind.”

  Reza’s expression changed to one of concern and she moved closer to him, “What troubles you?” her azure eyes as clear as any perfect blue sky.

  Galahad blushed, “It is nothing for you to worry about. All is well.” He looked away to regain his composure.

  The young princess furrowed her brow. “I am not a child anymore. My naming ceremony is a few weeks away. I will be seventeen, a woman and a true crown princess of Aurum.” She mimicked the royal bow she had long practiced.

  Galahad laughed, her form still needed some refinement but he could see an attempt to improve. “That is true, but for now humor me and enjoy being a child for a little while longer.”

  “You sound like Roderika,” she grumbled.

  They found themselves in one of the higher levels of the castle, this allowed them easy access to one of the many great branches that extended out of the Everwood Tree. They crossed over to reveal a large outside garden that overlooked the city below. From here much of Laconia was visible as far as the eye could see. The garden was covered with many colored roses. Each one turned towards the sun basking in the sunlight. The grass was a vibrant green that was cut uniformly, the stone path that allowed them to walk through it was made of the smoothest of materials. Water fountains of varying shapes and sizes were scattered all over. Some were made in the image of famous Laconian queens, while others were made in the image of animals and other strange shapes that Galahad did not know. The garden was so large it had room to contain smaller trees, each one of them seemed to sway back and forth with the winds. Around the trees various totems and miniature figurines were planted as some kind of protectors of the tree. This was only one of the many gardens that littered the many branches of this great Everwood Tree. But to Galahad, Reza’s beauty far exceeded anything he had seen so far, this garden included. He wished things would remain like this forever. But he was not so naive anymore.

  He stumbled slightly, and Reza helped him to a bench nearby. “Forgive me princess, this body of mine... is a disgrace.” He crumbled his pant leg in disgust.

  “Do not say that!” she grabbed his hand. “The fault lies with me, I should not be dragging you all over like this.”

  Galahad was moved by her kindness. But there was nothing she could say to change how he felt about himself. To be born as powerful as he was, with many believing he had the same level of skill over of fire as Saturn had. But that was as far as their comparison went. His body was far too frail to support the weight of the immense power that lived within him. From the day he was born he was aware of the limitations of his body. A cruel fate that after many centuries a Bludgaard would be born with this level of might and worthiness to tame an elder dragon. But a body that would not be able to keep up.

  “I am undeserving of your gentleness princess-”

  “Call me Reza, we have known each other for far too long for you to still be so formal with me.” Her smile like a thousand blooming roses.

  Galahad hesitated, “Yes pr- Reza.”

  “Now tell me,” she began. “What troubles the prince of dragons. I hope you are not quarrelling with Saturn.”

  Galahad’s face lit up, “Now that you mention him. He sent me with a gift for you.” He moved his crimson hair to the side and rummaged in his knapsack.

  Reza’s eyes widened with excitement. Of all her siblings she had always admired Saturn the most. He was a legendary warrior and an even greater king. Her father—the rare occasion he visited would regale her of his epic tales throughout Talterra and beyond the vast oceans of her home. He was known to be fair and just. All who knew him spoke of him as the greatest hope humanity had seen in a very long time. They believed that he would usher in a new age, one that would rival the long lost empires of old. He was the golden child of her father and his brightest star. She had only met him a handful of times, but he was always kind to her. Always brought her treats and treasures from his many exploits beyond Aurum whenever he traveled. At times he was cold and distant but that was how he had always been. But most of all she did not mind, for whenever they spoke she could see that he was kind. Reza would never admit it, but she often bragged to the servants that she had the same eyes as him. A true mark of their blood lineage. What she saw in Saturn was the personification of greatness, and she hoped that one day she would wed a man who was merely half as great as he was.

  But as she grew older—as they all did, less and less did she spend time with him and their other siblings. They were sons and daughters of the emperor and that meant they were destined to rule. And such destinies required them to be apart. It did not help matters, her mother seldom let her leave the castle, let alone the realm. So it was only when they visited did she get to see them. And among all her siblings it was Saturn and Enrieta that she wished would visit more, but they rarely did. Which is why she looked forward to her naming ceremony. After so long, she would see them all again, this time not as their little sister who was locked away in a castle. But as a Crown Princess, a woman in her own right. Free to move as she saw fit.

  “What is it? Is it sweets? No, could it be a new dress? Perhaps a sword? But I do not know how to wield a sword. Does he plan to teach me for my naming day!?” Reza did not allow herself to catch her breath, peppering with questions.

  “Close your eyes.” Galahad asked, “And your mouth too.”

  Reza did as she was instructed. She was barely able to contain her excitement, her mind running wild with what the present could be. Galahad took her hand and placed what felt like a box on it.

  “You may open them.” His scarlet eyes twinkled in the sunlight.

  “Can I open it?” she asked softly.

  He nodded, “You may.”

  Reza had spent all of her life confined to castle Altieri. Because of this, she did not know much of the outside world. So she turned to books. In them she learned many things about Aurum and the world outside her home. She learned of the different animals that lived as well as the way each realm seemed to bend and follow the rules of those who lived within them. There were so many things that she had only ever learned through reading and thus she often felt she only understood the concept of things. So many things she wanted to experience for herself, to see with her own eyes. She learned of Vistoria, Galahad’s home and how the dragons now called it home as well. Or of Vanahiemr and its red skies that her older half sister Enrieta ruled over. Even the little texts she had of Iliad, allowed her some understanding of the Stygians. But perhaps what had always caught her eye and what she wished to see the most was none other than the very sea itself. She had read so many books about it, of the strange animals that called it home and how her eyes were often the same color as the deep blue sea itself. The way the sand contrasted against the water and how it felt between one's hands. She had seen paintings of it, even drawings. But what engrossed her most about the sea, were the tiny sea shells that were found littered around the shore. They were of different shapes and sizes. The iridescent look of them meant that when the light of the sun hit them they reflected so many different colors. Such a pretty phenomena that she had always wanted to see. So when she opened the box and the light of the sun bounced off the sea shells into her eyes she was more than stunned. She was mesmerized. It was far prettier than she could have ever imagined. The books nor the paintings could properly capture their allure. She could not bring herself to touch them because she was scared they would break. Tears uncontrollably started to fall from her eyes as she remained transfixed by them. Of all the thoughts that swam through her mind, none more prevalent than how fragile they looked. She carefully held on to the box so as not to drop it.

  “Is it not to your liking?” Galahad asked, “Our journey south allowed us some days of reprieve. Saturn would not want you to know, but for an entire day we walked along the seashore collecting as many unique shells as we could find. Forgive us if they are not to your liking. We had little knowledge.”

  Reza jumped into Galahad’s arms with such speed it nearly toppled him over. She allowed her tears to flow, there was no way she could stop them. Galahad simply allowed the young princess to express herself, caressing her raven hair as she wailed in appreciation. A part of him was sad, Saturn was not here. It should have been he who would deliver this gift to her. Not him. But he would not complain, this kindness that he offered her was merely the least that he could do for what was to follow. He wanted for her to at least have this one last thing before everything would change.

  “It is perfect.” She pulled away, wiping tears from her eyes. “I will treasure this forever. I swear it.”

  Galahad moved some of her hair away from her face, “I have no doubt you will, Reza.”

  He sat there for some time as she studied every single seashell telling him all the different things she had learned about them and he listened earnestly. For as long as he could he would keep her distracted. There was no reason for the day to end in sadness. He hoped Emperor Nero would wait until tomorrow to deliver her the news. If there was anyone who deserved tranquility it was her. Were it up to him he would not deliver her the news until after her naming ceremony. But he was painfully aware he had no power in the matter. Not even Saturn dared interfere with the emperor, that was more than enough for Galahad to understand the nature of what was about to happen.

  “There you are!” beamed Emperor Nero.

  Galahad’s smile faded near instantly.

  “Father, mother! Look what Saturn and Galahad brought me.” Reza ran towards them showing them the box of seashells. Her father reacted accordingly but she could see something troubled her mother greatly.

  “Is everything alright?” she looked at her with concerned eyes as she slowly closed the box.

  Tereza could not meet her gaze.

  “My sweet child,” Nero cleared his throat. “There is something that we must share with you.”

  A look of confusion crossed her face.

  Nero continued, “Reza as you know, your naming ceremony is but a few weeks away. You cannot begin to understand how excited we all are. It will be a momentous occasion. Not simply because you will be made a woman. But something far greater will take place. It is with great joy that I say, King Antares Xerxes would like to wed you. And I have accepted! Now-”

  Reza gripped the box tightly. She would not be able to recall any of the words her father said. She watched as his mouth moved but for some reason she was unable to hear him. The gradual silence that washed over her ears made it difficult. Slowly she felt as though she struggled to breath. Each intake of air was laborious and difficult. A thousand thoughts ran through her mind and she was unable to latch onto a single one of them. She did not understand what was happening, a mere moment ago she was filled with a kind of joy and hopefulness that she rarely experienced. A love so hardly ever felt and mere moments later here it was snatched from her. She looked at her mother who could only look back at her in stoic silence, her eyes nearly glazed over not wanting to react in any way. It was in that moment that Reza realized she did the same thing, not once while her father spoke did the smile on her face falter. As though frozen stiff she knew better than to disappoint him. No one disappointed Nero Blackrose.

  It was an odd experience she felt, as though her soul would leave her body. She did not know why this was happening, so soon to her naming ceremony. She nearly had forgotten that she was holding the box of seashells. Something she quickly realized might have been more than a gift, a way to pacify her. She felt idiotic, childish, betrayed. Even as she neared womanhood she was still looked at as a child. But she turned her mind towards her father. A man she never wanted to sadden. And as such had always done as he asked, whenever he asked. No matter how much she wrote and complained to him that she wished to leave Laconia and visit him. He always told her to listen to her mother and be a good princess. So why now would he treat her like this? What crime did she commit that was so severe that he would promise her hand to another, when he knew she loved another man? Why her? These were all questions she wanted to ask him, to shout in his face. But she did not. She could not. So she nodded. Said the right things that he wanted to hear and excused herself to her room.

  Reza cried the whole day away. She refused to join them for a feast celebrating her fathers arrival and the news. She did not answer the door when Roderika knocked, nor when Karla begged her to open. She crawled into bed with tears in her eyes and sobbed for hours. As night fell there were no tears left for her to make and she lay there in silence. Listening to her heartbeat as it ached. She drifted in and out of sleep, hoping that it was all a terrible dream. But as she would wake up periodically she would remember the day's events and her heart would break again. This time there was a knock on the door that she ignored. But a moment later, the latch unlocked by itself and it opened. She did not need to turn to see who it was. There was only one person who would dare intrude into her chambers even when she closed herself away. The only person admittedly she wanted to see.

  “Since you did not eat, I brought you fruits.” Tereza said softly, placing the bowl on her desk to the side.

  “I am not hungry,” she responded coldly.

  “I cooled the grapes, just the way you like.” She said, trying to sound cheerful.

  Reza did not respond, it hurt Tereza.

  The former monarch stood there in silence and shame. Unsure of what to do or say. She could feel her daughter slipping away from her. The distance between them growing.

  “May I sit next to you?” she asked softly.

  “Now you care about what it is I have to say?” scoffed Reza. “You barge into my room after I say I wish to be left alone. And now you want to ask for permission?”

  “Reza if you wish, I will leave.”

  There was a long silence that hung heavy in the air. Her daughter did not say anything and that pained her even more. All of this suffering and he was not even here for a full day. She cursed his name underneath her breath. She accepted her blame in all of this and turned to leave.

  “You can sit.” Reza called out.

  Tereza turned back towards her daughter grateful, she did not deserve the kindness.

  She sat on the edge of her bed and Reza continued to have her back to her. Her raven hair seemed even darker in the dim light of her bed chambers. Her face was obscured, but from the way Reza sniffled she could tell she had been crying for a while. She looked around the room. So much of their lives were spent here. She had read to Reza every single book that covered her shelves, multiple times over. She remembered how when Reza was much smaller she would demand to read the books herself only to realize she would come across words she did not know how to say or understand what they meant and gingerly give the book back to her mother. Tereza smiled at the memory, as one by one more came to her. And for the second time today tears drowned her emerald eyes. Soon this place would be empty. Another one of her hearts would leave her. She reached over her daughter and with a slender hand and picked up one of the seashells. She held it softly in her hand.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Do you remember the first time I brought you a book about the sea?” Tereza asked, studying the shell.

  “No.” Reza paused, “Why?”

  Tereza chuckled to herself, “You must have been seven, eight at the oldest. Roderika read the whole book to you in one night. But that was not enough, you asked her to read it to you over and over and over again. And she ran to me exasperated by your request. And so you and I looked through our great library and found all the books we could on the sea and all manner of things relating to it.”

  She paused for a moment waiting to see if Reza would respond. She did not so she continued.

  “By the time we read through every single book at least twice, you were quoting so many facts about the sea. It drove us all to near madness for a whole month. I cannot count how many times we had to empty the lower chambers as you constantly filled it with water.”

  Reza giggled, “I only continued to do so because I knew how much you all disliked it.”

  Tereza laughed.

  Reza finally gave in, turning over to look at her mother. It pained Tereza to see her azure eyes swollen from all the tears. She reached over and stroked the side of her face.

  “How can you allow this to happen?” Reza asked on the verge of tears again, “Knowing that I already love another.”

  Tereza took a moment to respond. She knew she had to be careful in what she would say.

  “I know I am over two hundred and fifty years old and it is difficult to imagine.” She pointed out, “But I too was once sixteen and in love.”

  “Was it with Barranagan Xerxes?” she asked softly.

  Tereza smiled but Reza could see the pain in it. “It was, although at the time I did not know it. Back then Aurum was much harsher, there was no time for such things.”

  Reza took a moment to think about what she wanted to say next, “Do you still love him?”

  “I still do. I never stopped. Even when I thought I did.”

  “Then why did you not go to him when he was dying?”

  Reza did not want to continue talking to her mother about this, but she could not help it. This was the first time she could remember her mother willingly speak about her past. Even when she was younger she knew her mother never truly loved her father, even when she said so. There was always another someone who she pretended did not exist. His name was often whispered by servants and nobles who enjoyed gossip. She would hear terrible stories about him and what a monster he was like. But all it did was further drive her curiosity about the man who could steal her mothers heart. And now she was to wed that same man’s son. She felt she was owed at least some insight into her mothers past.

  “Shame, guilt, regret. I do not know Reza, everyday I ask myself the same question. But I tell you this. What you feel for Gawain is not love. The boy is naive and does not understand how the world truly works. You may hate me for saying it, but in time you will come to understand.”

  Reza furrowed her brow at the remark by her mother. She knew she did not like Lord Gawain, their meeting was but an accident. But from the first moment they met each other they were smitten. He told her of many things of the world outside Laconia as he was from Talterra. He lived in his own castle with his family and he would make Reza his wife. They would live by the coast and build a new home together. He filled her head with so many hopes and dreams. They were of the same age and he was the only lord to not fear her mother. He wished to become a knight too. Something Reza saw as a gallant way to live. To marry a knight and live by the coast. This was the life she wanted and she would have announced it during her naming ceremony. But now all of that lay in ruin, shattered because she was desired by the King of the Stygians. It was not fair.

  “And so what? Is it not better to be with someone who is willing to see the world as it should be? I must instead marry the ‘Earl of Lavender’?” Reza responded, angry that the man she loved was not here to defend himself. “That is not all about King Antares they say too.”

  Terza furrowed her brow, “Where did you hear that?” She would address all within the castle in the morning, she had thought she made it clear such rumors about King Antares and what went on in Iliad was of no concern to them.

  “Why does it matter if it is true?” She turned her head away defiantly. “You would not let me wed a future knight and lord like Gawain but a king who in exile chased the skirts of maidens?”

  Tereza rubbed her forehead, “Do not believe everything you hear about someone. You know better than most how the bards sing of people.” Tereza recounted the time Reza heard stories about herself that saddened her.

  Reza pulled her sheets over her mouth hiding that she was pouting. “I did not mean to offend. I am just angry.”

  “I know my love. I know.”

  They allowed a moment to pass between them. The cool air was refreshing as it helped calm their spirits. There was still so much to say between them and so very little time. Before long after the ceremony, a wedding would be planned. But Tereza did not concern herself with what was to come. Her main focus was on her daughter and her safety.

  “Will this marriage really bring peace to the all realms?” Reza looked at her with such uncertainty, it was the first time perhaps since she was a child that Tereza could remember.

  “Perhaps,” She would not lie to her, not again. She would not treat her as Nero did. “But everyone wants to convince themselves that it will. That way they can wash away all responsibility. But I will tell you, I do not care for Aurum. I care for you, Roderika, Karla and the people who belong to this great house and realm.”

  “May I ask one more thing?”

  “Ask me as many things as you like, my child. I will never tire of answering your questions.”

  “Do you think Antares is a good man?”

  Tereza thought about the question for a moment. She had never met him. All she knew about him was through rumors and gossip that she detested. There was much to say about him. Of him becoming a Lord of War, or the reason for his exile. His tales during the rebellion of his uncles were more like fantasy than anything one could believe to be real. He was feared, insulted, hated, and in some circles even loved. Much like his father that she once knew. But there was time, not too long ago that she recalled. That her path crossed with one Freyja Stormborne who was now wife to Saturn Blackrose. And in their brief conversation. They spoke of many things, but what remained with her after they went their separate ways. No matter how much she tried to hide it, with the indifference in her expression and bland words. Freyja could not hide how much she deeply still loved Antares. And for Tereza that was all she needed to know about the young monarch.

  “I do,” She said confidently. “No son of Barranagan Xerxes would not be.” She smiled.

  Unsure of why she asked that question, Reza nodded in acceptance. She would have much to think about in the coming days. But for now she wanted to sleep. Her head felt heavy, the crying had tired her greatly and Tereza could see it.

  “I will let you sleep. We will talk more tomorrow, about whatever it is you like.” Tereza rose to her feet as she caressed the side of her daughter's face once more. “And forgive Galahad. There was very little he could do.”

  Reza nodded, feeling ashamed at how she reacted towards him. Tereza made her way out of Reza’s room. Dimming the candles even further with a wave of her hand. Even the former monarch herself had grown weary with exhaustion. She walked the quiet halls of her castle back towards her room. Lost in thought about the day's events. So much had happened and yet still, so much was to come. Even as she had decided her choice she did not do so with any certainty. The gamble she took was perhaps the greatest one she could ever make. But once more she was given an opportunity that she squandered a century ago. This time she would not make the same mistake twice. Not especially when Reza was involved.

  When she arrived at her bed chambers, she undressed. Slowly removing her attire. Her room was massive. In some ways it was similar to her study, but far more intimate. A large tub sat in the corner with glass walls allowing moonlight to bathe a corner of the room. The warm water steamed in the cool night air and she eagerly anticipated submerging herself in the rejuvenating waters. Her tall slender frame was exposed in the moonlight, her near ethereal beauty on full display. She softly slid into the tub and warmth wrapped itself around her. She moved her hair out of the way so as to not get it wet. Only to reveal a single braided strand of hair wrapped in an old leathery material. As she caressed it, she thought of Barranagan.

  “I thought you would be in your study.” A voice called out from behind her.

  “I thought you would be asleep.” She responded, opening her eyes to see Karla standing by her bed.

  Karla approached in a revealing nightgown that highlighted her curvy features. “I had to make sure Roderika would not do something foolish.” she knelt by the tub, resting her head on the edge. Admiring her former queen.

  Tereza sighed, “I wish she did not inherit my short temper.”

  “Do not act like it does not make you proud.” Karla teased, splashing water towards her. “Besides, I do not blame her for having such a reaction.”

  Tereza could see that Karla wanted to say something, the left side of her lip always curled when she wanted to. She found it cute.

  “Speak your mind Karla,” she permitted.

  “I will not insult you as to doubt you. I have known you for far too long,” her face full of worry. “But agreeing to this, to allow Nero to use Reza like this. After everything he has done.”

  “I had no choice in the matter Karla.” Tereza responded, “Nero made that abundantly clear.”

  Tereza liked that Karla was not afraid to show how felt, that she cared.

  “But to wed her to King Antares of all people. Forgive me but was he not exiled for-”

  “Do not tell me you also listen to the bards.” She did not hide her annoyance. She was tired of people choosing to view the north with such apprehension. The Stygians were not without fault of their own, but to forget what happened a century ago was reckless. It was they who saved Aurum, It was Barranagan.

  Karla lowered her head in forgiveness. She knew she overstepped.

  “I did not mean to insult him. Please forgive me.”

  Tereza placed her hand on top of Karla’s. “I know you think of Reza like a daughter. You care for her as I do. But I have not abandoned her, in fact this is the only way I can save her.”

  “What do you mean?” Karla looked into her emerald eyes.

  “Antares is not just a king, he is a Lord of War. To the rest of Aurum that title is feared for good reason. But in the North, in Iliad. It is the highest of honors a Stygian can attain. What greater protection is there for her? It seems I can no longer protect her, as painful as it was made aware of me today. But Antares can, whatever it is Nero and Enrieta are planning, Antares will protect Reza.”

  “How can you trust someone that even Barranagan Xerxes exiled?” she asked.

  “And yet did he not recall him and give him the throne?” Tereza retorted.

  Karla did not say anything. But was still not convinced. She knew how Tereza felt about Barranagan. It made her jealous that she loved him so, that after so long that love did not waver once in a century. She had only met him once, upon the battlefield and what she saw was a monster wearing the skin of a man. She could not understand how Tereza could love such a being, to trust him. Karla was aware of the great sacrifice that Barranagan endured, she knew the story even if Tereza spoke of him very little over the years. But she could never forget what she saw that day all those years ago. The way he tore through men, Beastmen, and Nephilim like they were nothing. Such a man could only exist in nightmares but that day he was real and it terrified her to her bones.

  “Do you know how one becomes a Lord of War, Karla?” Tereza asked.

  Karla shook her head.

  She looked off into the distance as a memory returned to her. “Stygians do not reach full maturity until their centennial naming day. It is one of the most important days in a Stygians life. Every hundred years, deep in the frozen mountains of Iliad. The Lords of War open the gates to their ancient city, Mashu Hursag. If you are not a Lord of War you could look for ten thousand years and never find it. But just once a century, they allow it to be seen by outsiders. If the stories are to be believed, their ancestors guide one hundred great male warriors all who have lived over a century towards it.”

  Karla was enamoured with the tale, She knew very little of the Stygian way of life, and here she felt she would learn something only a few humans who had ever lived where privy too. She listened and did not interrupt.

  Tereza continued, lost in memory. “As the one hundredth warrior crosses the threshold, the gates close again. Never to be seen by outsiders for another ten decades. I do not know what goes on within the walls of Mashu Hursag. Nor do I ever wish to know, for that I am truly grateful. But what I do know is at the end of the ritual. After five years. Of the one hundred warriors that entered, only four will leave as Lords of War. Forever changed. Do you understand what I am trying to say, Karla?”

  Tereza looked at Karla who nodded slowly, as the dots seemingly began to connect.

  “B-but Antares is not a century old yet?” she responded, “So he could not have taken the ritual, is it a lie?”

  Tereza grinned but there was no joy in it. “That is right. If I am correct he is only twenty-seven years young. Same age as Saturn.” Karla had brightened up, thinking she had figured it out. But her expression showed that she was still confused.

  She continued, “It is not a lie. The Stygians may hide many secrets, but not when it comes to being a Lord of War. You see, fifteen years ago. King Barranagan Xerxes denied the famed ritual of selection from taking place. Much to the shock of everyone. In place of one hundred strong male warriors, he selected twelve boys including his own twelve-year-old son. And sent them to Mashu Hursag to participate in the ritual. Of the twelve boys, do you know how many returned?”

  Karla’s eyes widened. Finally understanding what Tereza was saying. Dread crawled its way up her spine.

  Tereza caressed the braided strand of hair, soothing herself. “Of the twelve boys that entered Mashu Hursag, all twelve returned. Antares included—As Lords of War, forever changed.” She would not allow herself to think of the horrors they experienced to be reborn as weapons of annihilation.

  Tereza did not speak again, allowing Karla’s imagination to grow and search within its darkest corners to paint its own picture of what could have happened, of what they would have had to endure. She had never seen a Lord of War but she had heard stories of how any conflict they interceded on quickly came to a close. The greatest killing weapons Aurum had ever seen. The ones who drove the Fire Giants to complete extinction. Who cleared the skies of the Elder Dragons and led the slaughter of witches. The beings who subjugated the wilderness of Aurum along with the ancient knights of old. They were civilization enders, world eaters. And Reza would be their queen.

  “A ritual that had taken place for well over a hundred and fifty thousand years. Countless Stygians lives given and only ever produced four worthy Lords of War. And Barranagan Xerxes found twelve in one attempt, children no less. That is why I am choosing to trust Antares with Reza. Because his father trusted his would survive the impossible.” Tereza finished.

  Tereza dipped a finger in the water and spoke to it and the water began to bubble growing warmer. She relaxed herself again comfortably and allowed the heated water to keep her warm. It had been ages since she last spoke of the Lords of War and what she learned. Just uttering their name chilled her to her bones. She had always feared them, for the power they wielded and what they could do with it. But that is why she chose Antares. It was the only way to keep Reza safe from whatever it was that Nero was after. She would use one monster to fight another. Her chest was heavy because of her wicked ways. But it was the only way. She was sure of it.

  “I understand…If it is the only way, then I understand. ” Karla broke the silence, “Would you like me to stay the night” She caressed Tereza’s exposed arm.

  Tereza pulled away slightly, and placed a hand on Karla’s. “Not tonight, I think I want to be alone tonight.” She gave her a wearily smile.

  Karla nodded, although pained. “As you wish my lady. Please try to sleep, even if it is only for a little.”

  Tereza acknowledged her and Karla quickly left as she arrived. Now alone by herself, Tereza sobbed softly. The weight of the entire day finally was too much for her slender shoulders to bear. She curled up in the tub and wept silently. She missed Barranagan nearly everyday, but today was the most she had ever spoken of him and it was nearly too much. She missed the way he held her, the way he smiled at her with such tenderness and love. There was so much more that she missed about him than she could ever express. But none of that mattered. He was not here anymore and soon she would be all alone. There would be far too much she would sacrifice to hear his voice again. And in that moment, a cold breeze blew across her cheek. For the briefest of moments, the breeze carried his scent and she could barely console herself. Like her daughter she cried for some time. But soon all the tears she had been holding in since she felt him die, dried. She knew if he were here he would not allow her to wallow in self pity like this. They were fighters, born during an age of unchecked suffering and great destruction. They had survived that and she too knew she would survive this. It hurt her that the path she put her daughter on would lead to great pain for Reza and Antares but in this moment she chose to believe that they would overcome it just as she and Barranagan did once before. She laid back fully and looked up above into the moonlight. With Barrnagan’s death, a great change was on the horizon. For a century he held back tides of violence as he swore to her would. With this change, new monsters and great warriors would arise, and once more many would clamor for ultimate power. Of all those who would stake their claim, Black Witch Tereza Altieri, one of the three heroes of The Third Great War and former Queen of Lunaelia. Would bet it all on King Antares Xerxes, the son of the man she loved most of all in the whole world.