Hello everyone! How're you all? I hope you are doing good. Umm...after a loooong time here, I guess? Hehehe...sorry, but Misty's brain keeps flooding with new plots and urges to write them immediately, so sometimes, I tend to forget 'bout "Kingdom". Hey, no worries, as long as you, my dear readers are here, I will never forget about this plot. That's why, here it comes, chapter 76!
At first, thanks a lot to Golden Glow of Amber, sakurasato56, Cutetyhil, ILoveMySweetIndia, Sohana Sarkar and Qwerty for reviewing. Also special thanks to those who have added it to their favorite and following list.
Qwerty: Hi dearie, nice to meet you! Snu snu moment? Sorry, I couldn't understand what you wanted to mean but I guessed something from it *Winks*. Well, as for "Snu snu" moment, we are not getting it so soon because...well, you'll get it only by reading this chapter. Thank you so much for reviewing. Please keep reading and reviewing :D
Here comes the next chapter, with TalaJul moments as I promised. Enjoy, dear people!
It was one of the western rooms of Russia. The view of the full moon could easily be captured through the barriers of the large, rectangular open window and the half-oval shaped balcony, bedecked with olive-green thick silk curtains and gypsum railings, made of composite columns and adorned with the vines of blue chikoris where the bumblebees gathered, even at that hour of night. Inside the room, a few candles were ignited in silver candle-stands, clinging to the walls. The paintings on them were, of course, eye-catching and praiseworthy. The velvet bed was decorated with camellias and gardenias, emitting a heavenly fragrance all over the chamber. The soft, silvery moonlight flowed in the compartment through the open porch and the loopholes, without any hesitation and embarrassed the candle flames flawlessly.
The dual-haired Latina, seated on the large, velvet couch, sprawled her legs and propped her head against her palm, placing her elbow on the smooth, black wooden handle. She was dressed olive like the appearance of the room. Adorned in golden and emerald ornaments, she was waiting for her beloved husband. It was their wedding night. While slouching lazily, she was even yawning but not letting her eyelids fall on her pupils for once. A bit irritated she was feeling because of the lateness of the wolf-prince, planning to chide him, fulfilling her heart's content once he arrived. She always lacked of patience since her very childhood. Tala knew it too. Why was he taking the test of her patience then?
"You haven't slept yet?"
Pondering, she looked at the doorway, rubbing her eyes. The scarlet-haired prince of Russia was standing there, frowning at her. As she properly sat, he strode in and took a seat beside her.
"My lord…" She stood up and bowed, forgetting all her plans to chide him badly within no moment, "Good evening. I hope you're doing well."
Tala was staring at her with a pair of surprised eyes. Woah…was she really the bossy, fierce and haughty princess of Spain? Or…did the coldness of Russia calm her brutal nature down somehow? Julia smiled, taking her seat right by his side again. Let the world turn against, she was a married woman now, the bride of the royal clan of Russia. She couldn't behave with him in the same way she had used to, once upon a time…or, a few weeks back? Did she ever fight with him before their marriage? Julia couldn't remember that she was a newly wedded bride. To her, she was attached to him, bonded to him through the vows of marriage in the alter, forever.
"You were waiting for me?" Tala couldn't find any other question to ask his wife.
"My lord, after wedding, when the husband and wife are staying together under the same roof," Julia answered, "One shouldn't go to sleep without another. It's our responsibility."
"So…" The redhead felt amused, "You were only performing the responsibility of a wife towards me?"
Again, the dual-haired girl bent down her head in embarrassment. The wolf-prince was really flabbergasted at this expression of his bride. The first time he'd seen her blushing had been in Japan, when he had been badly injured while fighting with the ferocious, deadly wolf-demon. At the night before their wedding, she'd been back to her furious nature, claiming her rights on him in every way possible and not stepping back an inch from her decision. Now, once again, she was feeling shy to answer to his question. It wasn't only the duty of a wife; it was a love of a lover for her beloved as well. Tala knew it too but the words weren't reaching the tip of the tongue of the princess.
The character of a woman is mysterious and complicated, isn't it?
"Julia…" Tala lifted one of her hands into his very gently though it left tickling sensations all over the body of the bride, "At the wedding night, the groom and the bride exchange gifts. As a gift, I want a particular thing to you tonight."
"Yes?" She raised her bashful eyes and looked at her newly wedded husband, eager to know his wish.
"When Kai will be coronated as the emperor of Russia," The redhead replied, "I'll be promoted to the rank of commander-in-chief. Then, I will have so many responsibilities towards Kai, the throne, this family, this castle and at last but not at least-towards Russia. But it doesn't make so many differences because already I have dedicated my whole life in the service, support and aid to Kai."
Julia remained silent. Tala continued speaking, "Jul, Kai is not my own brother. Yet, we've grown up together, receiving education from the same learning center. When the bitter-sour relation between us in our childhood turned into a bond of trust, respect and deep friendship, we ourselves didn't get to know. Only for him, I went to Japan and got to meet you. Today, we are a married couple, living under the same roof in Russia. We cannot help giving Kai some credits for it. That's why, Jul, I'd like to request you to support me whenever I am right by the side of Kai."
Taking a breath, he respoke, "At our first night as a married couple, I can want this from you, cannot I?"
The Spaniard still kept mute. Tala's eyes bore impatience as he felt nervous a bit, thinking whether he'd saddened his bride by saying these things or not. He'd had to say it to her because he wanted to keep this relationship fair and bright, not wanting to make her feel that she was being deprived of her rights as a wife. However, after a few moments, she clasped his hands, smiling a bit at her husband.
"You know, my lord…" She started, "My relation with Hilary is somewhat like it. Though I was born in Spain, I spent my childhood in Japan, accompanied by Hilary. Uncle Hayashi and aunt Sayoko never let me feel that I am not their own daughter. Hilary is not my own sister but we have always treated each other as if we were born in the womb of the same mother. If it weren't Hilary, I might not be in front of you at this time. I can understand how you feel for brother-in-law Kai."
Pulling his hands closer to her face, she softly pressed her lips on them, "No problem, my lord. I promise, I'll never be an obstacle on your way to perform your responsibilities of an ideal brother and ideal commander-in-chief. I promise, I'll be your strength always, not your weakness. I'll be the rose petals that will make your walking easy, not any throne that will hurt your feet. You can count on me, my lord, I won't make you turn back ever."
A peaceful smile rose in the lips of the wolf-prince. He sighed in relief. He was expecting some stormy dialogues and harsh truths from the mouth of his wife but no, instead she assured him that she'd always remain by his side, at all his actions, decisions, choices and preferences. Thankfully nodding, he pulled the dual-haired woman closer as they shared their first embrace. She peacefully placed her head on his chest with a palm, stroking his torso. His arm was protectively wrapped around her shoulder, lips brushed her forehead warmly. The bride closed her eyes blissfully. Tears were brimming there, belonging to love and the fear of losing this moment into vanity but she didn't let them fall in front of her husband.
She'd promised him that she would be his strength, not his weakness. Then how would she become the reason behind his weakness? No, she would never let her emotions be visible before him. Never.
She could remember her childhood. How vibrant she'd been then! Like her brother, she'd also wanted to master in warfare. She could never have tolerated to be treated inferior to her brother or any male child in their family. Never knowing to sacrifice, she'd been conscious enough regarding her rights and status in her surroundings. As a princess, as a girl, as a daughter, as a sister-she'd never learnt to lose. But today, what had happened to her? She sacrificed her rights as a wife so easily? Yet, she wasn't feeling guilty or inferior at all. She knew whatever she did was for the betterment of her husband, her family and her new kingdom. She heaved a contented sigh.
In history, the names of mighty male warriors are written in golden letters. But the women who sacrifice their rights as mothers, daughters, sisters, wives or lovers and spend the rest of their lives in agony, in loneliness, in harshness-remain absent in the pages of history. An ever-constant truth of this world it is, never changeable as long as mother earth exists.
However, the moon princess showered her calm light on the faces of the couple, drowned in the ocean of euphoria. The clouds moved away, making a space for her, yet enjoying the scene from far away. Pure love it was, they forgot to make the next move, getting a feeling in their hearts that they would remain in the same position, under the same roof, together, for next all lives, till the doomsday of the earth. Suddenly, the moonlight vanished from the closed sight of the couple. Despite having their eyes closed, they could sense that something was rushing towards them. They opened their eyes as they went widened within no moment. The wolf-prince and the Pegasus-princess stood up as the arrow dashing at the forehead of the redhead was almost piercing it but…
"Caught it!"
The tip of the arrow was only a centimeter away from the wide-shocked eyes of the wolf-prince, held in the hand of his wife. The dual-haired princess shivered and sighed in relief, glad to save her husband. Clutching the shoulders of the redhead, she worriedly asked, "Are you okay, my lord?"
"Hn…" He also took a sharp breath, "Thanks a lot, Julie."
"It was my responsibility, my lord…" Huffing, she gawked at the missile. It wasn't empty or shot to take any life, to be precise. It could be said because of the scroll wrapped around it. Tala narrowed his eyes at it, taking the projectile from the hands of the Latina. Unwrapping it, he spread it on the table and started reading it:
"Dear whoever-receives-this-letter,
This is not any ordinary letter, but an open challenge of China and prince Goki Zagart, the possessor of Illuminative Dranzer. He is waiting for you with his full battalion in the battlefield for Kai Hiwatari, the beloved and revered crown-prince of Russia. Tell him to face us. If you become late, we will be compelled to attack on the castle which won't be so good for the reputation of Hiwatari clan, we guess.
So, we hope that you'll not call your own destruction by neglecting this challenge.
Sincerely,
Goki Zagart,
The prince of China."
Tala stood up, crimping the letter in his hands as his eyes went bloodshot. He was fuming in rage. Those Chinese didn't stop walking along the path of vengeance, even after knowing that they were not so strong in comparison with the Russians? Did they completely forget that the ego of their emperor had been badly crushed back in Japan before the groom-choosing ceremony of his sister-in-law, in front of the common people of Nippon, by his cousin? Julia was irritated too, not because their wedding night got ruined, but for the cowardice of the Chinese to challenge them for a war at this hour of night? They'd been invited for the weddings; they also knew it far well that the night was very special for the newly wedded couples. How shameless could they be?
"My lord," Julia clutched the arms of her husband, "Will it be good for us to accept their challenge and start for the battleground at this hour of night? You know it far well that night battles are filled with treacheries and other evil motives of the opponents who are challenging us! Please, think once about it."
"I'm sorry, Julie," Tala threw away the letter, "But a real warrior can never reject the challenge of a battle."
Facing the mirror in front of him, he puffed, "We have to let this Goki Zagart know that we are Russians, not afraid of any kind of challenge. Be it the battle of the battleground or the war of life, we are never scared! We always face our enemies without a bit of fear, tension or hesitation in our hearts and crush them into sands!"
Turning to his wife, he demanded, "Julia, bring my armors. Dress me like a warrior. Today, it is my turn to uplift the dignity of mother Russia! I don't want to miss this precious chance to serve my nation!"
Julia stared at the face of the wolf-prince. No, his icy face was flaring like a furious volcano. He was determined. Nothing could make him step back from his decision. He was just like her; stubborn and dauntless. Now, opposing him would never be the right thing at all. Besides, he was not wrong at all to take this decision. He was a patriotic son of Russia; he would protect her at any cost. It was his responsibility. Who was Julia Fernandez Valkov to make him retreat from it? That's why, the dual-haired woman didn't protest. Forgetting that it was their wedding night, she nodded like an obedient wife and went to the dresser to take his armors. Tala sighed, watching her.
'Pardon me, Julia….' He pondered, 'At our very first night, I am leaving you. I have no idea whether I'll return to you or not…but keep waiting for me…until I don't return….'
The moon was shining brighter above the roofless parasol of the royal garden of Russia, surrounded with eight marbles pillars. Silk curtains were swinging between each two pillars, colored in golden. The round canopy was quite large, decorated with staircases, a silver cradle, three-legged tables and so many necessary pieces of furniture. Besides, this time, floral festoons were hanging between the poles. Lamp-stands were attached to them, containing fragrant candles. The seat of the swing was made of pure velvet, with a pair of pillows and a bolster. A bouquet was in a crystal vase. The environment was tranquil and comfortable. The calm waves of the spring breeze were leaving throbs on the water surface of the purple lotus pond. Here, no one had any idea about the outer world.
On the large, silver cradle, the regal, majestic couple was sleeping peacefully, bound in the embrace of each other. The face of the brunette crown-princess of Russia was tucked deep in the chest of her beloved husband, his arms were binding her protectively, hiding her from all the dangers and evil eyes of this world. Their breaths were placid, so was the gusts of wind playing with their slate and coffee tresses. Eyes were closed, yet, full-open to the world of euphoric, honeyed dreams. The more the swing was swaying left and right in a periodic way, the deeper their slumber was getting. Usually, on the days of period, the brunette couldn't have slept peacefully. Now, she was as all her pains were dissolving in his hug.
"Shush!"
An arrow hit the petals of a lotus leaf placed on the water, kept in the silver bowl near the cradle. Right then, the phoenix-prince squinted as the low sound couldn't avoid his tympanic membranes. Lightly opening his eyes, he turned to his wife who was still sleeping, hiding her face amidst his chest. Carefully placing her head on the pillow so that her sleep couldn't break, he got down from the silver swing and looked at the lotus bowl. An arrow it was, with a dark-red feather attached to his bottom. Carefully separating the purple lotus from it, he popped out the scroll wrapped around it and opened to give it a read.
The more he was reading, the more his blood was bubbling in his veins. He could easily understand that it was only the vengeance of Zagart. He couldn't have accepted his defeat back in Japan when the phoenix-prince had overthrown the egoistic emperor of China in a storming, sweating wrestling duel. After it, he'd tried to take revenge in many shrewd, subtle ways, maybe taking any help from any third party but each time he'd failed. Now, he was wanting to face him in a battle. Kai's eyes moved to his asleep bride. He could remember the last words of Zagart in their last meeting:
The fallen man was scuffling much against the young man to free himself. But he found himself bound from all the four directions. He couldn't find any way so that he could come back to the battle. Sighing in disappointment, he slapped on the ground as a sign of surrendering. Victoriously smirking, the winner stood up. Walking to his shirt, he put it on. While wrapping the scarf around his neck, he spoke, "I hope you are aware of the deal. If you break it, my soldiers will crush the whole China."
"Hmph!" Getting up somehow with the assistance of his soldiers, the injured emperor blurted, "Princess Tachibana, today, I'm leaving Japan. But I promise, one day, my goal will be fulfilled. Then, nobody will be there for you. Not even prince Kai Hiwatari!"
He hadn't bothered much at that time. But now, receiving the challenge from prince Goki, he was feeling worried for his wife. What if the whole challenge was only a trap? Were they trying to take any advantage of the situation using Kai and his soldiers? What if the bastards would do something wrong with Hilary in his absence? Unlike his cousin, he wasn't so hot-headed. Before leaving for the battlefield, so many thoughts were gathering in his brain. Once again, his eyes went to the sleeping figure of his innocent, pure wife who had no idea about these conflicts.
'Hilary…' He sighed, 'Forgive me, I had to leave you for the battlefield. You had the right to paint battle triangles on my cheeks but I know that at this time, you are not in the condition to know about it. I'll return to you before the sunrise and tell you everything. Until, keep sleeping. Don't worry, the sacred beasts will surely protect you.'
Pressing a soft kiss on the forehead of his wife at which the brunette mumbled and turned around, the slate-haired prince made his way to his chamber. Adorning his arms, shoulders, knees, ankles, wrists, waist and chest with golden cuffs, wristcuffs, hand-protectors, gloves, knee-length boots, waistbelt and breastplate where the faces of a phoenix were painted, he hung his semicircular bow and quiver filled with the bunch of keen arrows from his back and attached the sword to his belt. Painting blue sharkfin triangles on both of his cheeks and adjusting the headgear, he marched to the horse stable. Nearing his favorite black mount, he stroked its face, murmuring, "Get ready, buddy. We have to make Goki Zagart understand that he's just a piece of grain in comparison with the Hiwatarians."
"Kai?"
The amethyst eyes of the phoenix-prince made their way to his scarlet-haired cousin as the latter was also found beside him, frowning at him. Perplexed, he raised a brow, "Tala?"
"So…" The redhead concluded, "You have received the invitation of the battle too, haven't you?"
"Hn." He nodded.
"Such cowards these Chinese are!" Distaste was clear in the voice of the wolf-prince, "Only being unable to accept a defeat, they have sent their entire battalion to Russia."
"Control your temper, Tala," Kai's voice, however, was calm, "Don't blame the entire kingdom only for a few persons. Maybe, there are some people in China…who are still righteous, who still know the meaning of conscience, truth and justice…be him only one in number!"
"Okay okay…but we haven't gathered here to discuss about politics and civics, have we?" Tala changed the topic, "My father and uncles have already left for the battleground. Bryan, Spencer and Ian are accompanying them. Now, let's go! Otherwise, Goki will turn us into ashes with his Illuminative Dranzer."
The dual-haired prince smirked. Did the redhead go mad? He was frightening him, the master of Dranzer, the sacred vermilion bird of the south, of its shadow? Can shadow ever annihilate the light?
"Okay, I know that Illuminative Dranzer is nothing in front of Dranzer," Tala sighed, "But does it mean that we will keep standing here without doing anything?"
"Tala…" Taking a sharp breath, Kai opened his mouth, "This battle is too easy for us to win. But…"
"But?" Tala raised a brow.
"I don't think that their motive behind this battle is good and positive," Kai looked at the night sky studded with the bunches of stars, "I think…it's a trap."
"What?" The ocean eyes of the redhead became extended.
"Hm," His cousin nodded, biting his inner lips in a bit of tension, "Emperor Zagart threatened me to kidnap Hilary when I defeated him in a wrestling in Japan. I'm worried for Hilary."
"Hey…" Tala kept a hand on the shoulder of his cousin, "Do not worry about sister-in-law. She is brave and strong enough to face all kinds of dangers."
"Maybe…" Kai sighed, "But it is the responsibility of a husband to protect his wife."
At a loss the phoenix-prince was. In their wedding alter, before everyone, keeping the deities as witnesses, he'd vowed that he'd always protect Hilary. On the other hand, on his 20th birthday, before the dwellers of Russia, he'd also promised that he'd protect his motherland, keeping her above all the worldly things and beings. Now what would he do? Where should he go? To the battlefield? Or to their flower-bedecked chamber in the garden where his wife was resting? He knew, 'There is a custom in Hiwatari clan since ages. Even if you lose your life, you must never break your promises." But…if he tried to fulfill one of his promises, another would simply get broken. What would happen after it? What?
"Kai, do not worry," Tala affirmed, "You go to the battlefield. I am staying here, by sister-in-law's side."
"Huh?" Kai gave a startled stare at the redhead.
"I can understand what is going in your mind at this time," The wolf-prince nodded, "But I also promised that I would always be right by your side. This time, protecting sister-in-law Hilary, I'd like to perform my responsibility."
The redhead closed his eyes, remembering his last words exchanged with his bride:
"Hold this sword, my lord…." Reddening the flashing blade with her own blood, the Latina handed the rapier to her husband, "Protect the weak. Take care of one another in the battlefield. Make it sure that nothing happens to brother-in-law. And…"
"And?"
"I'll be waiting for you," Julia placed the sapphire-studded headgear around his forehead, "I know that you'll return to me. In fact, there's no one in the whole China who can stand in front of you for a single moment."
"Take care." Placing a quick, yet, affectionate kiss on the forehead of his wife, the redhead tucked the sword in the case tied to his belt and went out, not noticing the droplets streaming down like the rain of monsoon, from the jade orbs of his newly wedded bride…
"Only I am enough to guard sister-in-law from all kinds of dangers, brother," A teary smile rose in the lips of the redhead, "You can count on me. You go and perform of responsibilities towards your motherland as a true son, let me fulfill my duties as a brother and a brother-in-law."
Kai kept staring at his cousin, not able to blink. Really, Tala was always a responsible brother but he was supporting him at his thoughts too. He could easily have made fun of the ominous feelings that were making the phoenix-prince feel sick and worried. Squeezing his shoulders, the redhead furiously nodded, "What are you thinking so much, Kai? Go and save mother Russia! Whereas, I'll save her pride, staying here."
"Thanks, Tala…" The phoenix-prince whispered, "I needed this. Take care."
"You too." Tala managed to smile.
Filling his lungs with fresh oxygenated air and emitting the carbon-di-oxide, Kai rode the black steed with fellow soldiers. As he untied it from the pole, within no moment, understanding the wish of its master, the four-footed beast rushed out of the stable, running in the direction directed by the phoenix-prince. Once the place got empty, Tala clenched his teeth. Now, he had to get back to the garden where there was his sister-in-law, alone and stranded. He quickly pulled his feet, as fast as he could be.
"Get up, your Highness! You're in our custody from now on!"
The sudden threat entered the ears of the asleep brunette as she felt something sharp placed at her chin. Stirring, she squinted at the sudden amount of light. Right then, she sat up, almost tossing her arms and legs. Beside her, her husband wasn't there. But she wasn't alone in that roofless room. Rather, she was surrounded by a bunch of soldiers, clad in black from their tops to toes. All were holding naked swords, aimed only at her. Behind the masks, only their lustful, glimmering eyes were visible. They were eating her silently, without even touching her. They created a circle; she was the center. Her soul shuddered at their vicious, fearful sight.
Her heart skipped a beat. She looked around, only with a faint hope to discover her husband. But no, he wasn't nowhere. She was gasping, sweating hard in the cold night of the icy kingodm. Her breaths went shakier in fear, she wasn't expecting it at her first night in Russia. Ruby eyes were enlarged in shock. Who were they? From where did they come? What would they do with her? What did they want from her? She was thinking but failing to reach any logical answer eventually. Moreover, her abdominal pain increased in tension. Noticing it, the guys smirked which became visible to the chocolate-haired princess of Japan.
But she was Hilary Tachibana, not any ordinary woman who would cry and beg in front them for her life or dignity. Seeing no other way to be safe and no one around her who could guard her in that situation, she decided to be the protector of herself. Jumping down from the swing, she pushed the soldiers standing before her with sheer force and reached one of the columns. When she'd entered the chamber for the first time, her glimpses hadn't ignored the sight of the sword pairs clinging to the poles. Pulling out two of them in two of her hands, she pointed the weapons at the black-masked soldiers.
"Don't dare come near me!" She hissed, "Otherwise, you'll have to welcome your end!"
"Look, the warrioress has finally woken up," One of them taunted, grinning, "What're you watching, comrades? Let's extinguish the flame of her pride forever!"
First two charged like a horse towards her and leapt, but she just knelt down and swung her swords upwards in a curve. It penetrated their abdomens; they fell on the ground like a pair of ripe mangoes from any tree. Hilary stood up, clenching her teeth and threw herself to attack the rest of the soldiers. Her swords hugged the straight, keen blade of rapiers. They moved too but she swirled on her ankles, successfully dodging their attacks. One of her foils slit the neck of a trooper, another gained entry into the forehead of another, like an intruder, without any warning. Seeing no other way, the fifth was planning to attack from behind but she revolved back like a wheel, separating the head of her opponent with a single, horizontal swipe of her arm.
Only three remained there, exchanging confused and scared stares with one another. They could never have believed that the brunette would be so powerful for them. Then again, they gawked at Hilary who was panting, getting fatigued. They decided to charge together, rushing in her direction, raising their swords in the air. The brunette pierced the hearts of two of them with her weapons but the one standing in the middle placed a sharp kick at her abdomen. She fell back, the weapons dropped from her hands as she was not able to take the pain. Tears came to her eyes in inflammation and worries. She tried to stand up again, paying no heed to her physical disturbances but too late it was. Utilizing this chance, the remaining solider lifted her up by holding the diamond necklace around her neck, smirking in victory.
"Now…" He hissed, maintaining the grin all over his face, "The heroine of Russia has finally accepted her defeat, hasn't she?"
"Let me go, bastard!" She writhed, gritting her jaw, "What do you want from me?"
"You!" The soldier leaned forward, lust swimming in his bloodshot, intoxicated eyes, "Only you! Now, come with me!"
"Chuck!"
"Ouch!"
The soldier who was holding Hilary left her all of a sudden as she stepped back, losing her balance and falling on the ground. His eyes went widened for a second. Not much after it, he collapsed on the ground. Hilary's surprised ruby orbs caught the view of an arrow penetrating the back of her opponent, blood spilling from the wound. Raising her eyes, she discovered the scarlet-haired wolf-prince. One of his hands was still occupying a silver longbow from where the arrow had been discharged. Seeing him, waterfalls drenched her soul which was throbbing. She felt much relieved as he hurried to her, helping her stand up from the floor.
"Sister-in-law…" He worriedly asked, "Are…are you alright?"
"Yes…" She huffed, "Thank you so much, Tala. If you weren't here…"
"Let it be, sister-in-law," He assured, yet huffing badly, "You're safe now. Don't worry, I'm here…with you."
"Thanks…" Hilary looked at the corpses, "But who are they, Tala? From where have they come here and why? Where's your brother by the way? What's happening here?"
"A…a battle…" Tala panted, "A battle has been waged, sister-in-law. We…we weren't prepared for this!"
"What?" Hilary wasn't ready to believe her own ears at that statement of her cousin-in-law, "A battle? Right now? Against whom?"
"C…" Tala clenched his teeth, "China!"
Thunderbolt cracked on the head of the brunette as she stepped back, not able to digest the answer. A gasp came out from her throat, she clasped her fingers together. She recalled the events in Japan when emperor Zagart had created tantrums in the corn field. Defeated by her husband, he'd threatened her to abduct her. She hadn't been much worried regarding his words at that time, having a firm belief in her heart that Hiwatarian would always be with her. For a moment, she started feeling guilty. Only that day, she'd come to Russia, being her adorable bride. She was dreaming to start a new life here which would be beautiful, free from all worries and sadness. Getting the support, affection and love of the motherly figures, her dream was turning into reality. But….
She kowtowed on the ground, covering her face under her palms and sobbing badly. Tala dashed to her, sitting by her side.
"No, sister-in-law, don't worry at all!" He tried to console her, "Kai has gone to the battlefield along with Bryan, Spencer and Ian. We all will win this. China will not be able to stand in front of us for much time."
"I…I am not worrying about Russia or Hiwatarian, Tala," She sniffed, "Of course, I have full faith on my Hiwatarian. But…look, only for me, this battle has started. Only I am responsible for it, Tala! How will I forgive myself ever for it?"
"Who said these things to you?" Tala shook his head firmly, "No, sister-in-law, don't blame yourself ever for it! You have no fault at whatever is happening now. If you want to blame someone, blame the egoistic, heartless emperor of China! He is the one who is doing these things, destroying peace and snatching so many fresh, innocent lives! Why are you thinking that you are guilty?"
Hilary nodded, sighing and wiping her tears. Standing up from the floor, she sat on the cradle, worrying and watching her surroundings. Tala was standing at one of the gaps between two columns, observing the environment with a cool head. Though Tala had assured her that everything would be okay, ill feelings were curling in her stomach. She could smell something fishy in the air. Anger, grief, guilty feelings-they all were raising storms in the heart of the crown-princess of Russia. She wished she could have shared it with Julia or her mother-in-law or any of her aunts-in-law but all the ladies had already been ordered to stay at their respective places and not to leave them. She could understand why Hiwatarian hadn't informed her of it. However, she was tensed, perplexed and irritated at the same time.
Suddenly….
"Hilary! Tala! Save me!"
Hilary Tachibana Hiwatari, who was trying to meditate to remove all the ill feelings from her mind, winced as her eyes shot open. Tala also screwed his brows, hearing the blood-freezing scream. To their utter horror, it belonged to none but the phoenix-prince. The brunette descended from the swing and ran towards Tala who felt confused, yet, anxious for his cousin.
"Tala!" She shrieked, "This is your cousin's voice! Looks like he's in danger!"
'In danger….' The redhead frowned, trying to relate something with something. Kai hadn't gone to the battle arena alone. Bryan, Spencer and Ian should have been with him, so should his father and other uncles. At last; but not at least, they had trained soldiers accompanying them. Then why would Kai scream only by his name despite knowing that he was here, with Hilary?
"What are you thinking, Tala?" Hilary couldn't stop her screaming, "Your brother needs your help at this moment. Please, go to the battlefield!"
"Calm down, sister-in-law…" The redhead tried to manage the situation, "I don't think Kai can ever be in any danger. I have full faith on his abilities!"
"I also think so, Tala…" Hilary breathed hard, "But…don't forget that there will be so many opponents who will cheat in the battle. Maybe…maybe Hiwatarian has been deceived by any of the enemies? Tala, you always remained by his side. Please, stay with him this time too! He needs you!"
"But…Kai has left me here so that I can protect you from the enemies, sister-in-law," Tala helplessly replied, "I promised him that I would guard you. I cannot break my promises…specially those promises which I made to Kai, sister-in-law!"
"You…you're worried for me, right?" Hilary gnashed her jaw, "Fine, take me to the battlefield with you too. As a princess coming of a royal clan, I can raise my weapon and protect myself along with my near and dear ones too if needs be!"
"I have full confidence on your abilities, sister-in-law…" Tala tried his best to make the brunette understand, "But…"
"Aaaah!"
Hilary's eyes were shot wide as she heard the blood-freezing scream of her husband. Her heart pounded heavily. This time, Tala was also horrified, yet, unable to understand why the voice was seeming so close specially when the battlefield was quite far away from the garden. Even the clashes of the swords, neighs of the horses and other battle sounds were also heard by him but splashing everything, only the helpless, painful scream of the dual-haired prince was coming to their ears. Why? What was the reason? Tala's mind was telling him that something was surely fishy though he couldn't calculate and determine the final answer of the sum.
"Tala, please!" Hilary crouched before him as tears started flowing from her ruby orbs, once again, "I'm begging to you…for the life of my husband! Bryan, Spencer, Ian and uncles are worthy enough, I don't disagree with you on it…but nobody except you can save Hiwatarian at this moment! Please…don't make this helpless, worthless wife return! Please!"
"No, sister-in-law, you don't need to beg to me!" Tala again consoled her and made a determined face, "Fine, I'm going to the battlefield for Kai's aid…but you have to make me a promise too."
"Promise?" Hilary glowered.
"Hm." Nodding, he tucked out an arrow from his quiver. Closing his eyes, he uttered some chants as the tip of the arrow started glowing icy-blue. Revealing his ocean orbs to the world, he drew a circle around the parasol as the line flashed in the same color, only for a moment. Hilary was confused about the deed of her brother-in-law, yet, didn't open her mouth during the whole task.
"This is called wolf-line, sister-in-law," Tala clarified the confusion of the brunette, "The line is not ordinary. It stores the power of Wolvia, my sacred spirit. Whoever will try to cross this line from outside will immediately freeze. Sister-in-law, please, promise me that you won't get out of here as long as we are in the battlefield."
"I promise, Tala…." Hilary sobbed, "Now go and save your brother!"
"Sure." The redhead went out and rode his horse kept nearby, only for looking back once at the call of the brunette.
"Take care, brother…." She wiped her tears, "And stay safe."
"You too, sister-in-law…" The wolf-prince managed to smile faintly, "May the Almighty keep you safe from all kinds of dangers. See you soon."
Hilary kept watching the hooves of the white horse, splashing sands all along its way. Tiredly heaving a sigh, she slumped on the swing.
'Oh Kami….' She prayed, closing her eyes as her cheeks were still bearing the dried tears, 'Please…keep everyone safe…specially my Hiwatarian…'
Oooh! See, only Misty knows how to turn a wedding night into a battle night! *Laughs evilly*
So, what will happen after it? Will Hilary stay safe? Will she be able to keep her promise till the end? Is Kai really in danger in the battlefield? Who are the soldiers attacking on Hilary? Will Julia's waiting come to an end finally?
The next chapter will have the answers to all these questions, hopefully. Till then, stay tuned. ;)
If you get bored while staying tuned, you can try my new stories "Footprints", "I have got your back", "Once there were a tree and a cloudy sky", "Me and my roses," "Where flames meet streams" and "Two worlds, one story". Thanks in advance :)
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and spelling errors. Take care and stay safe :D
-Misty ^_^ ^_^