Prologue

The sky blazed a mixture of red, orange and yellow as the sun neared the horizon. The sea that stretched to the horizon shimmered in anticipation, ready to capture the energetic sun and cool the colours in the sky. Airi could see the cloak of night starting its journey from the west – a very pale blue. The evening stars of Astale had begun to sparkle, not as brilliant as the sun, yet. Tide was low and the clear water lapped gently on the shore. The warm breeze was salty and moist – the salt tastable.

Airi deeply inhaled the salty air. Her maid had suggested it would keep her anxiety at bay. Airi could only partially agree with her. It calmed her but she couldn't shake the image of Aram and where he was and why he was late…. He had promised to be back home in the morning from the strange unknown land across the sea. He had promised.

What if something terrible had happened to him? What if he was hurt and bleeding to death? Had he caught an illness? Had conflict arisen from the treaty? Was he a hostage? Airi bit her tongue, trying to contain a scream.

She paced back and forth on the coastline, scanning the horizon every now and then. Continuous movement helped manage her thoughts – she needed to move faster. The hem of green silk gown swept the white sand, ineffectively removing the evidence of her footprints. The carefree wind played with her long brown hair and caressed her face, drying up the moisture in her eyes.

"Airi?" That voice. She froze. Was she imagining it? Again? "Airi!" She shut her eyes tightly and pursed her lips, preparing herself for the illusion. It couldn't be him. But there were footsteps, quick and light. Were they his? Airi couldn't bear it any more. Illusion or not, she desperately needed to see Aram's face.

Airi's eyes focused on a handsome figure clad in heavy royal garments. That charming grin on his face was Aram's. And his deep green eyes, fixed on Airi's, glowed with pure joy. "Airi!" He wrapped his arms around her and spun her around once. He then held her face, gazing at her apologetically. "I'm sorry I'm late sweet."

"It is you." Airi's eyes widened and her heart thumped hard. He was here! She clutched onto his velvet top garment. "Aram, I...where were you? Why were you late? Why didn't you –"

Aram pressed a finger, gently, against her lips. "Hush," he whispered quietly, his face an inch away from hers, "I'll explain later". He kissed her cheeks softly, then met her lips more passionately.

Airi gripped onto his attire tightly. She pulled away abruptly, her eyebrows pulled closer together. "Aram, why are you so cold?" She scanned his face and noticed the paleness. Airi touched his cool face. "Why are you so pale?"

"I'm fine!" He grinned. But Airi could see the translucent lie. She knew him too well.