Chapter 04: Untold Story
Northern Lands
Lira gently sipped her fragrant rose tea, savoring its delicate flavor, as she attentively listened to Rain provide her updates regarding her niece, who ruled over the vast and rugged northern territories. The sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the table between them, and Lira couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern about the political climate. She wasn't entirely certain whether she should be concerned about the cunning fox from the southern lands and the potential threats it posed; however, she was acutely aware that Lyra, her friend and confidante, was deeply troubled by the situation. Lyra's worries were palpable, reflecting the tension that often simmered between the north and south, and Lira understood that such matters were far from trivial.
“That's all the information I have at the moment,” remarked Rain, the mage from the northern lands, her voice barely above a whisper. She appeared to be a calm and kind-hearted woman, her demeanor exuding a gentle strength that was both comforting and reassuring. With her short light blue hair arranged into two playful ponytails that flowed in soft waves at the ends, she embodied a sense of youthful vitality. Her deep light green eyes, filled with both wisdom and curiosity, observed the former ruler of the northern territories intently, as if trying to read the untold stories etched into their features. After a moment of contemplation, she let out a soft sigh, a sound that carried the weight of unspoken history and lingering questions, reflecting the burden of knowledge she carried and the uncertainty that lay ahead.
The two women were comfortably seated in a quaint garden that was nestled between the imposing northern castle and the elegant tower where Rain resided with her family. This charming garden was a picturesque haven for enjoying tea, as the vibrant flowers bloomed in a riot of colors, their petals glistening in the sunlight. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming blossoms, creating a serene atmosphere that made every sip of tea feel like a special occasion. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of laughter from the castle added a delightful backdrop to their conversation, making it an ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon.
Lira shut her pale blue eyes and let out a soft sigh as she carefully placed her delicate teacup on the table, the warm aroma of the tea lingering in the air. “Is Sinta recovering well, thanks to Kai?” she inquired quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she feared the answer might shatter the moment. She then opened her eyes, which sparkled with concern, and glanced over at the light blue blossoms nearby, their gentle petals swaying in the soft breeze, reminding her of the fragile nature of healing and hope.
Rain observed the woman with black hair for a moment, taking in the way the light caught the strands as they framed her face, before finally gathering the courage to respond. “Indeed... my lady,” She said, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach, aware of the weight that those words carried in her presence.
“I understand... now, could you share some details about Ryan and your beloved Max?” Lira inquired gently, her fingers brushing against the flower. A faint smile appeared on her face as she recalled a memory while she listened to the mage speak tenderly about her son and partner.
315 years earlier
Lira let out a soft sigh as she strolled around the castle grounds. Whispers had circulated that her healer had accepted a pupil without informing her, but it didn't bother her. She permitted her guards and healer to pursue their own interests, provided that tranquility was maintained. Perhaps she felt a sense of curiosity about the identity of the healer's new apprentice.
Upon hearing that her healer, Takumi, was outside, she stepped out of the warmth of the castle into the crisp air. The soft sounds of nature surrounded her as she paused for a moment, blinking gently to clear her vision and adjust to the brightness of the day. She focused her gaze on him, taking in the details of his familiar figure, noting the way the sunlight caught the strands of his hair and how his presence seemed to radiate calmness amidst the bustling world around them.
Beside her healer, Takumi, who had short red hair, stood a young demon with cropped dark blue hair(his hair is almost black) and icy silver eyes. The young demon wore dark robes that appeared slightly oversized for his petite frame.
Lira recognized who he was, yet she remained silent, her thoughts swirling in a mix of curiosity and surprise. In truth, the northern princess was at a loss for words, grappling with the unexpected sight before her. It was the first occasion she had witnessed Takumi showing genuine interest in someone besides herself, and the realization stirred a complex array of emotions within her. She had always thought of their connection as unique, and now, seeing him captivated by another, left her feeling both intrigued and uncertain about what it might mean for their relationship.
Takumi glanced at his princess and blinked softly. It appeared as though he hadn’t noticed her presence until then. “Princess... I meant to mention that Lyne requested me to mentor this young one.”
She gave a slight nod, fully aware that Lyne was likely to act in such a manner, and then let out a soft sigh, a mixture of resignation and understanding. With a measured step, she approached the two demons, her heart racing slightly as she drew nearer, the tension in the air palpable as their eyes met.
The two men observed her quietly, while the elder healer glanced briefly as his princess examined the young demon.
Lira examined the younger demon closely before gently reaching out to caress his smooth hair. “You conceal two lovely ears, little one,” she remarked in a gentle tone.
Takumi covered his mouth to suppress a laugh, which caused the young demon to shoot him a frosty glare while Lira smiled, clearly amused by the exchange. After regaining his composure, he cleared his throat and, with a serious tone, said, “Princess, there’s a reason why Kai keeps them hidden, and it's not just for the sake of mystery. He understands the potential chaos they could unleash if they fell into the wrong hands or were misused. It's all part of a larger plan that he has in mind, one that involves safeguarding not only his own interests but also the well-being of everyone involved.”
She turned her gaze from her healer to the youth known as Kai. "Is your name really Kai?"
Kai gave a subtle nod, his silver gaze fixed on her. "Indeed... my lady."
The princess gave a gentle smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kai. And I won’t inquire about your lovely ears.” She remarked quietly before making her way toward her cherished garden, located between the northern tower and the castle. As she departed, she caught Kai mumbling something. “What a fascinating little kitten,” she mused to herself.
Present time
Lira perched on her bed within the northern castle, gazing out at the ominous clouds gathering in the sky. "Looks like rain... I suppose that's why Lyra wanted me to stay..." she murmured to herself, releasing a gentle sigh as her fingers glided through her long, dark hair. "Oh well..." she whispered as she rose to her feet.
She opened her door and blinked a bit as she caught sight of Kai. “Kitty...” she exclaimed instinctively.
Kai blinked back at her, then shook his head and stepped aside. “I apologize, my lady. The princess has requested your presence.” His voice had a soft, slightly chilly tone.
Lira smiled faintly and nodded. “I understand. I'll go see her now,” she replied gently. Closing her door, she pondered briefly. “Kai, do you still have the same reason for concealing those lovely ears of yours?” she inquired.
The healer paused, turning to meet her gaze. 'Same reason... What was my reason again...?' he mused internally.
Noticing his deep contemplation, Lira chuckled softly, causing Kai to look at her with a puzzled expression. “Don’t overthink it... But your ears are quite beautiful,” she said quietly, extending her hand to touch his hair just below where his cat ear would be, though they remained hidden.
He let out a soft sigh, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. He had never quite understood why the northern princesses were so fond of his ears, and he wondered if Lyra could perceive his concealed eyes the way her aunt could.
She smiled gently as she withdrew her hand, bidding farewell to Kai before heading off to see her niece.
Kai watched her depart before continuing on to his own quarters. Caring for the southern fox proved to be more exhausting than he had anticipated, yet he didn’t mind. He found Sinta to be one of the few intriguing demons he had encountered in the south.
Pushing thoughts of the fox aside, he entered his room. After softly shutting the door, he approached a chair positioned by the window and took a seat. His completely black ears reemerged, this time catching his attention. Gradually, his entirely black tail followed suit. He gazed down at his tail, pondering. "What could the reason be...?" he questioned himself. Unfortunately, Kai couldn't recall what it was.
Castle
Mira was seated in her expansive library, surrounded by a multitude of books, each one filled with spells, enchantments, and ancient knowledge waiting to be discovered. She was on the lookout for spells that could assist her beloved fox, who had fallen ill recently, but her search had been fruitless and disheartening. Her long black hair was in disarray, strands falling haphazardly around her face, and her maroon eyes bore the heavy marks of sleeplessness, as if the weight of the world rested upon her shoulders. Regrettably, the princess had been unable to find the peace she so desperately needed, leading to her increasingly exhausted state.
Soren entered the vast library, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor, and let out a soft sigh of concern. He disliked witnessing his princess in such a state of distress and sorrow, but he felt powerless to change the situation that seemed to envelop her like a dark cloud. Sinta, her first knight, was the steadfast protector who ensured her safety and well-being in the absence of the mage, but even his presence could not lift the burden from her heart.
"Mira, come with me," he said softly, his voice gentle yet firm.
She glanced up from her book, blinking in surprise, her thoughts momentarily interrupted. "Where are we going?" she asked, curiosity mingling with a hint of reluctance.
He sighed again, this time more deeply, as he approached her and gently took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "To bed. I’ll stay with you..." he offered, hoping to provide some comfort amidst her turmoil.
A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she contemplated his words, memories of their childhood flooding her mind. "Like when we were children?" she asked, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
He nodded slightly, a small smile creeping onto his lips. "Exactly, now let’s go," he encouraged, his heart swelling with a protective instinct.
A small smile appeared on her face as she rose to her feet, the warmth of the shared memory bringing a flicker of light to her somber expression. The recollections of their carefree days together, filled with laughter and innocence, were among her most cherished, though she would never admit it to him, preferring to keep those feelings close to her heart.
Shaking his head gently, a fond exasperation evident in his demeanor, he led her towards her room, the weight of the world momentarily lifting as they walked side by side, each step echoing a promise of companionship and solace in the face of uncertainty.
Somewhere north of the southern castle
Kira let out a soft sigh as she dispatched Hiro to keep an eye on her youngest daughter. Although she was unsure of what had transpired, she witnessed Mira dart off to the north without uttering a word, which caused Kira some concern. It was unusual for her young princess to simply run away like that.
Mira sensed something unusual emanating from the northern part of the garden where she had been playing. Curiosity piqued, she glanced in that direction and hurried off to investigate. Despite hearing her mother calling out to her, she continued on her way.
She sprinted until Hiro, her mother's guard and a wolf demon, caught up with her. "Hey, I want to see something! Let me go..." she protested, struggling to free herself from his grasp.
With a light sigh, the wolf demon set her down and transformed into his pristine white wolf form. "I'll accompany you then..." he replied to the young girl. Aware that Kira might not approve, he felt compelled to support the princess.
Mira beamed at the wolf and gently stroked his fur. "Thank you," she said softly before taking off again, this time with the wolf by her side.
They ran a little farther until they came across someone who was unconscious. Hiro approached the young boy to assess the situation, and unfortunately, Mira followed closely behind.
Mira's eyes widened slightly as she spotted the boy. He appeared to be around her age, with messy short dark green hair and tattered robes. She knelt down onto the grass and gently brushed her fingers through his hair, tilting her head as she noticed an unfamiliar red marking on him.
Hiro observed her for a moment before breaking the silence. "Princess, would you like me to take him back with us?"
She glanced at the pretty wolf and smiled sweetly. "Yes, please, wolfie," she replied cheerfully. Rising to her feet, she watched as the wolf returned to his human form and lifted the young boy. She then followed him back to her displeased mother.
That Night
Mira sat silently beside the bed where Hiro had placed the boy, observing Anaru as he examined him. She was puzzled as to why her mother had not called for a healer but chose to remain silent about it. There was something captivating about this boy that drew her in.
Kira entered the room, letting out a soft sigh. "How is the young lad doing?" she inquired of Anaru.
The blood mage exhaled gently, shifting his gaze from the sleeping boy to the ruler of the southern lands. "He appears to be alright. He has a few minor cuts, but they seem to be healing unusually quickly. It looks like he hasn't eaten in a couple of days," he replied.
Kira contemplated for a moment before glancing down at her daughter. "Mira, sweetheart, why don't you head to bed? I have a feeling he might wake up around the same time you do."
Mira frowned slightly but acquiesced. "Okay..." Though reluctant, she climbed off the bed and made her way to her room, after coaxing the wolf demon to settle down beside her.
The princess walked quietly down the hall to the guest room where the boy was in. She blinked lightly as she saw her mother bring a tray of food into the room. She ran to the doorway to the room and blinked again.
Sitting up was the young boy that she was interested in. Her mother sat the trap of food in front of the boy as Mira quietly walked into the room. He looked from the food to the young princess as their eyes met.
Mira then giggled lightly, getting the boy to blink. She got onto the bed, with help from her mother, and sat near him. "Your eyes are pretty." She said happily with a smile.
Kira sighed lightly. "Mira dear, I don't think it's the time for your weirdish. Plus don't you have classes?"
The princess looked up at her mother then stuck out her tongue at her. "I wanna be here."
Kira sighed lightly again as she walked out of the room, "Alright but later you will need to let him rest as you take your classes." She said, walking out of the room.
Mira waited a bit before smiling to the boy again. "I'm Mira. what's your name?"
The boy thought a bit before saying anything. "Soren..." He said in a low voice.
She blinked lightly then smiled softly. "Soren is a pretty name."
Soren blushed lightly as he looked down at the food. He walked to say more to her yet he couldn't.
Mira noticed and giggled lightly. "Soren, you don't need to make yourself talk. Just eat and rest, so we can play together." She told him as she worked on getting off the bed.
He watched her silently as she ran out of the room. He let out a soft sigh and slowly started to eat.
Still in the past
Mira pulled Soren around as she kept him with her even when she was in her classes. She had him join her magic lessons where Kira learned that Soren was good with basic spells yet he showed no interest in magick unlike her daughter who seem to have fun learning spells with the young boy.
Soren didn't seem to mind getting pulled into Mira's lessons or pulled around the castle and gardens. Oddly he liked being near the young princess.
One day, Kira asked Soren if he would be interested in learning white magick, which he nodded. Mira didn't understand what her mother meant yet she just went off to the library.
Kira allowed Soren to live in the southern castle as she went to talk to her sister's healer. It took a year or so before she was able to get Soren a teacher, Sadly Kai was talked into it.
Kai came to the southern lands to see if he could even teach Soren the basics. It didn't take long for the young boy to learn the basics which Kai and Kira thought was interesting as Mira pouted as the less time she had with him.
Once Soren learned the basics, Kai had him come to northern lands to learn for spells. At first, the young boy didn't want to go since he liked being around the young princess yet once he thought of it more, he went with Kai to the northern lands.
Southern Castle, Night time
Mira leaned close to Soren who blushed lightly and smiled. "Soren, did you ever learned what the pretty mark is?" She asked him as she reached over and touched his mark which was on his forehead.
Soren sighed lightly as he felt her touch. "No.. but Lyne had some ideas about it.."
She moved her hand away as she sat up. "Is one of the ideas about dragons?"
He blinked lightly then stared at her silently, before nodding.
She smiled softly. "If Soren is linked to dragons then it was be interesting." She said with a light giggle.
Soren shook his head slightly then pulled the princess down against the bed. "Mira, you need to calm down and get some sleep now."
Mira smiled as she cuddled against his side. "Ok." She said, with a soft giggle.