Three Years Later...

The young prince woke up with a start, his breathing was very fast. It had been almost three years since Yubel received the heart of the dragon and became a demon.

The prince was older, now and more mature. His relationship with his protector also grew in the past years.

A lot has happened in three years. Jaden's Kingdom of Raboanara's neighbor Republic of Malubriese is on the verge of an all out war with its neighbor, the Empire of Arcelsus. The three countries were normally good friends and had good relationships but after the sudden assassination of Malubriese's heir, the Arcelsusian Empire threatened war. Now it's up to Raboanara's diplomats to solve the crisis.

His Father had reassured him that it won't come to war, he had sent diplomats and ambassadors to the neighboring countries to find a peaceful resolution.

Yubel however, was not as optimistic. She urged the prince to focus more on his training and swordsmanship if war ever came.

Yubel was watching her beloved prince as he was training from afar. He had gotten better with the sword, and could defend himself if an assassin came his way, though as long as she was by his side, that probably would not happen.

After Jaden had finished, be bowed to his teacher, and walked over to Yubel.

"That was excellent Jaden." Yubel complimented.

"Thanks Yubel, it's always nice that I have someone to watch out for me."

Just then a dignitary ran up to the prince. "My prince, his majesty requests your presence in the audience chamber immediately."

"I'll be right there," he told the servant. "Let's go Yubel."

The audience chamber was one of the finest rooms in the castle. It was a long, rectangular room with a high, vaulted ceiling and marble pillars lining the walls. On one end was the king's throne, with the banner of Raboanara hanging majestically behind it.

Jaden and Yubel walked across the granite floor and bowed. "Did you summon me father?" Jaden asked.

"Yes, I have some very serious matter to discuss with the both of you. It seems that our diplomacy has failed, we will be preparing for war."

"Please tell me this is not true!" Jaden protested.

"I'm afraid it is, my son. There may come a time where I must lead the troops into battle."

"But we still have some time right? I mean, our country's borders are far south of the empire's and it will take many months, if not years for the Republic of Malubriese to fall, by which time we can find out why they attacked in the first place."

"You do have a point, you've been reading up on war strategies then? Very well, what do you suggest we do?"

"Why don't you send a team or someone to investigate the assassination? Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding. If we can do that, we can put an end to this war quickly, father."

"Very well, I shall have a meeting with the War Council about this. You've really grown up my son. You're dismissed."

And with that Jaden and Yubel left the audience chamber. Jaden decided to walk outside to one of his favorite places, the castle gardens.

"Yubel, do you think it'll really come to war?" His voice slightly trembling.

"I'm not sure Jaden, but if your plan works, there will definitely be fewer casualties."

Jaden then burst into tears and ran to Yubel. She knelt down and held him in her arms. She stroked his back trying to comfort him.

"I'm...s-scared Yubel..."

"I know it's hard Jaden, but we'll get through this together. I promise." Yubel whispered in his ear.

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