Arnin and Prince Khane were still in the woods, riding their horses slowly, the darkness pressing in around them.
"It's too dark," Prince Khane remarked, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Suddenly, blue lights radiated from behind them.
Both Arnin and Prince Khane turned back to see where the lights were coming from.
In the darkness, small round forms glowed brightly, illuminating the road ahead.
"What do you think these creatures are? I know for sure these are not fireflies," Prince Khane said to Arnin, curiosity evident in his tone.
"They are—" Arnin began to speak but was cut off by a sudden rush of air that passed him.
"They are pearls, and no, they don't have the power to shine on their own. It's my energy," a voice said, drawing their attention to a tree.
Tidalia was perched on a branch, her leg crossed and her back leaning against the tree trunk.
She sighed. "300 gold coins for the light pearls, 1000 for saving you, 500 for escorting you on your journey, 200 for a new dress—this one is a little ripped—and 700 for future spending," she said, counting on her fingers.
"That's 2700 gold coins!" she said with a smile before she gracefully flew down to the ground, landing in front of Prince Khane's horse.
"Let's just make it 3000," she added with a playful grin.
"Not bronze but gold? Do we look like rich young masters? We're barely hanging on," Arnin protested, disbelief in his voice.
Prince Khane smiled. "Miss demon, I didn't call for you or ask for help. You helped from your heart. Isn't that kindness?"
Tidalia shook her head, sighing as her hair swung by her face. "This won't do," she said before disappearing.
She reappeared behind Prince Khane on his horse, unseen by him but noticed by Arnin, who chose to stay silent.
Prince Khane only realized her presence when she placed her hands around his waist, causing him to jump at the surprising touch and turn his head.
"Young mortal, I'm not a kind demon," she whispered, her eyes locking with Prince Khane's, a mischievous glint in her gaze.
"Dream," she commanded. Her eyes changed, and Prince Khane's eyes mirrored hers. He closed his eyes, his body going limp as he nearly fell off his horse, but she held him tight.
"It was too early," Arnin remarked, his tone cautious as he watched Tidalia struggle to manage the horse with Prince Khane slumped in front of her.
"My lord... he's heavy," Tidalia complained, her voice strained as she struggled with the weight.
"Find a solution yourself," Arnin said, his tone firm as he rode forward, leaving Tidalia to figure out how to manage Prince Khane.
************************************
By noon the following day, whispers filled the air as people speculated on what the coming day might bring.
Soldiers marched in perfect unison beside a grand, ornately decorated carriage as it approached the Laon mansion.
Their boots struck the ground in rhythmic precision, a commanding presence that sent vibrations through the earth. Sunlight gleamed off their polished armor, catching the attention of bystanders who stopped to watch in silence.
From his vantage point, Ningtin caught sight of the carriage and the soldiers. Realizing its significance, he darted through the halls of the manor, his urgency evident. He made his way swiftly to Lady Meiyer's quarters, his heart pounding with a mix of concern and purpose.
When he reached her quarters, she was already stepping out, her posture upright and resolute. A gleaming sword was sheathed and strapped across her back, a symbol of her readiness.
"What do you want?" she demanded sharply, her eyes cool and unwavering. "Have I not told you to sign the divorce papers and leave already?" Without waiting for a response, she strode past him, her gait brisk and determined.
Undeterred, Ningtin followed her, falling into step by her side. "Your father, the lord, has returned," he said, his voice calm but laden with meaning.
Lady Meiyer froze briefly, her expression hardening as she turned to him. "I'm grateful for the information. You can leave now," she said, her tone curt but composed. Pivoting on her heel, she altered her path toward her father's quarters. Despite her dismissal, Ningtin trailed behind, unwilling to be dissuaded.
As they arrived at the entrance to Lord Laon's quarters, the guards stationed there stiffened at attention. They greeted Lady Meiyer with deep respect as she entered, and she returned the gesture with a nod.
Inside the main hall, a domestic scene unfolded. Lady Meiyer's mother, dressed in an elegant purple and white clothing, sat beside Lord Laon, carefully pouring him tea.
Her hair was impeccably styled, yet the lines of fatigue etched into her features hinted at the toll of their travels. Lord Laon, clad in somber black robes, exuded a quiet authority.
His face bore the weariness of thought, his brow furrowed as he sipped his tea in contemplative silence.
Lady Meiyer and Ningtin knelt before them, placing their hands respectfully on the ground. "Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother," Lady Meiyer said, her tone formal and measured. Rising, she maintained her composed demeanor, though the undercurrent of tension was unmistakable.
"Meiyer," Lord Laon called, his voice both stern and paternal.
"Yes, Father," she responded, straightening her posture.
"Come forward. You too, Ningtin," he said, gesturing for them to approach. They obeyed, stepping closer with an air of trepidation.
Lord Laon's gaze fixed on his daughter, his words carrying the weight of both warning and wisdom. "Meiyer, your mother is tired. Do not cause her any worry. You should know what you ought to do and what you must not do.
Do not cross the line to avoid trouble. I am aware that you have crossed those lines before, but I advise you not to do so again. Know your place."
His tone pierced through the air like a blade, leaving little room for argument. Lady Meiyer's heart sank slightly as the implications of his words settled over her. She understood; someone, likely the state governor, had informed her father of her actions.
Her composed exterior held firm, but within her, emotions churned.
"Father,I understand.However are the shoulders of the four parts of essed ready for what's coming?we have to fight!" She said ,her face furious.
Lord laon did not reply to her ,the he said while looking at his cup"And ningtin".
"Lord" ningtin replied.
"Watch your wife,she needs guidance.she has turn deaf ears ony words ,you should speak to her" lord laon said.
"Father, I understand. However, are the shoulders of the four parts of Essed ready for what's coming? We have to fight!" Lady Meiyer demanded, her face flushed with fury, her voice ringing with urgency.
Lord Laon did not answer her immediately. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on his teacup. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his tone calm but firm. "And Ningtin."
"Lord," Ningtin replied promptly, his posture respectful.
"Watch your wife," Lord Laon said, his eyes still on the cup. "She needs guidance. She has turned deaf ears to my words. You should speak to her."
"Father, there is no need for that. We are divorcing," Lady Meiyer said coldly, her piercing glare falling on Ningtin.
"My Lord, the lady has been distressed lately," Ningtin responded, his tone measured as he cautiously reached for her wrist.
"Let go of my wrist!" she yelled, her voice breaking the tension in the room. In a swift motion, she unsheathed her sword from her back and pointed it directly at him, the blade gleaming in the light.
Ningtin remained calm, his voice firm yet gentle. "Your father already said not to make your mother worry, but what are you doing now?" His words,like a reprimand.
Turning to Lord Laon, he added, "My Lord, Mistress, we shall take our leave and trouble you no further." Without waiting for a response, he firmly grabbed Lady Meiyer's arm and began to lead her out.
She resisted, their bickering echoing down the hall as they left the room.