Hello everyone! How're you? Welcome to "Kingdom" :D

Thanks a lot to Cutetyhil, Seafoam Green Under Twilight, Emerald Vivienne Ramira, Sohana Sarkar, ILoveMyIndia, Sakura, kaihilnator, Jyotsna, LadyPeach7, Scarlet Witch of Terra and Justafan for reviewing.

ILoveMyIndia: Oh dear, not every chapter of this story needs to have KaiHil. Just like this chapter doesn't have. Surely this story is KaiHil centered but without other dots, a center is a mere point, right? If other dots join, it forms a beautiful circle where the center gains the dignity of being the center. Okay...enough geometry here...besides, Kai and Hilary are going to get married, right? How will they meet each other before two days of marriage when the bride's house is filled with guests from the groom's family? It's somewhat taken as ominous in India too sometimes, right?

Yes, you guessed the epic perfectly. Don't worry, nothing like will happen but about some sure events...well, I cannot guarantee, dear. About the gap, I wish it could be possible for me to update everyday but you know, writing a new chapter is really very difficult. You have to think the plot, the sub-plots, the scenes, the atmospheres, the mental and emotional states of the characters-what not? Just arranging them, five-six days are required. Then it also depends on the mood. When you'll write something, you'll understand it (Btw...I'm hoping you to join us in and start writing..hehehe...)

A new KaiHil plot? Has it struck in your head? Sure, do tell me about it. I cannot guarantee that I'll write it but I'll try to do it. Thank you thank you so much for reviewing :D

Sakura: You missed Hilary? Do one thing, read the previous chapters then you won't miss her :P. Nah seriously...if this story has to be dynamic, all characters cannot fit one chapter. For bringing new couples, I had to keep some behind the curtains. Thank you so much for reviewing :D

Jyotsna: Yes, somewhat he is. :P Thank you so much for reviewing :D

Justafan: Hey buddy, I was eagerly waiting for your review. You reviewed, I updated. How sweet and coincidental our relation is, isn't it?

Oh lord...*Gasps* Are you all okay? Have you got your samples tested for COVID-19? Wearing masks? Using sanitizers? Didn't you all wash yourselves from your tops to toes with Dettol and Savlon? Take care :'O

Yes, I was remembering you only writing the scene. I wish I could write it more openly but suddenly...I felt shy and started twisting like a vine. Never mind, I'm really a blushing introvert who can do nothing but imagining but when it comes to expressing, I am like :O o.O *Covers my face* I even imagined the readers throwing questions like, "Was he naked or was he wearing something? If he was naked, how was that of him?" Eeeh!

Hey! He's my Hiwatarian! (No offense, I'm also fooling around) :P

Hehehe...that's what Max could do. Do you think that Max could stand before Bryan if he faced that brawny Russian? Hehehe...*Evilly chuckles* Thank goodness that RaulNatasha and CharlotteJoseph somewhat seemed good to you, some readers didn't even look at them properly *Sighs*.

Yes! You're totally right about Kai! He only shows himself when he feels the necessity or when others feel his necessity. I like this trait of him the most, dear! I decided to bring the same natures in "Kingdom" (Though I don't know whether I have succeeded or not). So...here are the answers to your questions:

1) My birthday is on the longest night and the shortest day of the year.

2) Yes, I watch Goyenda Ginni. I loved that episode a lot where a stage actress was murdered by her co-artist...even I'm planning to write a fic on that incident too :P

3) Hm, yes, there's a chance but not on TVs, you have to follow a youtube channel. Once one episode is out, I'll let you know.

Finally, thanks a lot for reviewing :D

So...here's the next chapter of "Kingdom". I mayn't update in this month anymore since I'm planning to write some fics for some dear people in the next month. Bear with that and apologies in advance :)

Enjoy!

The raven-haired neko-jin was standing in front of a house. It was two-storied, made of timber and white-washed. Red cobblestone pillars were guarding the balconies. On their floors, still a few ignited clay lamps could be seen. Origami artworks were hanging from the roof. In front of the mansion, a bonsai was placed on a dark-brown gypsum podium. From the tin-made ceiling of the pewter well, a bucket was swinging with the help of a rope. The manor was encircled from three directions with skyscraping birch trees. Ancient Chinese portraits were attached to the walls. His eyes captured the little fishes playing naughtily with one another in the elliptical koi pond.

Everything was almost the same, except some dwarf-like plants which had turned into tall trees with the passage of time. Before twelve years, they'd been fragile. Whenever thunderstorms had arrived, they had shivered in fear and vulnerability. Now, they became very strong and deep-rooted. They realized where their roots were and how deep it could go. No storm could move them a bit from their positions. The fits of the clouds might stain their stems with scrapes and bruises still but they couldn't hurt their skins much. They were invincible, they were matured. They learnt to ignore the outer world and its cruelty. Now, nothing could harm them. Nothing could happen to them.

He also became like those trees, didn't he?

Taking a deep breath, he tapped on the door. Within a few moments, his ears caught the resonation of jingling anklets rushing towards the door from inside. He grinned, remembering old days.

She remained unchanged.

Inside the house, a pink-haired girl in her late teenage was running towards the entrance. The blemishes of her lac-dyed feet painted the marble floor rhythmically as they smit the ground. The unbound magenta tresses flew back in the half-darkness of the passages which were being illuminated by the metal tapers. The trinket-embossed edges of her watermelon qipao were sliding against the surface. The clinks of her anklets were so honeyed, yet subtle, that nobody in the house was waking up hearing them. The glass doors in front of her were being opened one by one. The toes were almost hopping through the corridors. One of her hands was carefully holding a brass oil lamp. She needed it to view the face of the comer.

Reaching the main door of her house, she thrusted it open. Immediately, her honey orbs touched the sight of the raven-haired neko-jin. He went taller, his muscles also grew harder. Long black hair crossed the territory of his kneepits, thickness of it also increased a bit. In the pair of golden eyes, there were the vibes of valor and determination. Even in the outfits of a Brazilian soldier, he was looking admirable. That's why, she couldn't burst out laughing despite his awkward guises. Behind him, a big, full moon rose in the sky. Its illumination washed out the glow of hundreds of oil lanterns on the earth, touching the tanned skin of the soldier and making it gleam. The heart of the pinkette throbbed at it. Quickly, she blew off the lamp, letting the murk prevail.

In his disguise, he might hide from the rest of the world, not from her. Her sharp eyes didn't waste a single moment to recognize his actual identity. That's why, she didn't feel nervous. She didn't gasp. Rather, she smiled at him as though she'd known him since births and rebirths.

In temporary light, in the blinks of eyes,

When I get to see you,

I fear...I fear to lose you,

Then, I lose you suddenly...

"Hey!" The Chinese man protested, "Why have you extinguished it, Mariah?"

"I don't need it anymore now," The pinkette beamed, "One Ray is enough for me. He is equal to thousands of oil lamps in this darkness."

"Hehehe...your words are so beautiful," Ray scratched his head, "But unfortunately, they cannot fulfill my hunger. Riah, please give a set of cloths of Lee to me with something to eat."

"Sure," Mariah affirmed, "Everything is ready for you. They all are waiting only for your stepping inside."

"Hm." Nodding, the neko-jin slowly entered the house as the pink-haired girl closed the door quickly, only for the safety of her best friend and childhood crush.

Just like before twelve years, the earthen plate was carrying white shrimp dumplings. They were soft and moistened, emitting delicious and mouthwatering steams in the air. Surrounding half of the platter, three porcelain bowls of chili sauce, green sauce and mustard sauce were there, producing three different flavors. Beside the tray, there was a metal goblet filled with cold but refreshing water. Taking a short sip from it, the Chinese in his actual outfits dipped one of the dumplings in the saucer of the mustard with the help of the black chopsticks and had a bite. Sitting beside him, the pinkette was fanning him with a handmade sandalwood fan. Her concerned eyes were secretly watching him gulp the stuffs as if he'd been hungry since the eternity. Unknowingly, she sniggered a bit.

"Why're you laughing, Mariah?" Ray chewed the food, "Was I looking very funny in Brazilian costumes?"

"Sure you were," Mariah replied, "But not for that. Actually, you didn't change a bit."

"As in?"

"You came to me in the same state; beaten and tired," She explained, "You're also eating in the same manner in which you used to eat before twelve years."

"You're saying this as if I didn't come here in the middle of these twelve years," Ray chuckled, "You remembered only my departure?"

The pinkette gulped. Her heart felt heavy as she looked down. She could remember that he had also come to her village before four years but she didn't want to preserve the memory in her brain. The stern rejection of him still pricked her often. It wasn't that he had wanted to ruin their friendship but she craved for his love. She knew that she would never get it in this life. Gradually, she heaved, not answering to his question.

"What happened?" Ray swallowed the water, "Why are you so silent, Mariah?"

"Do you need some more dumplings?" For changing the topic, the female neko-jin flapped the fan more speedily, "Or something else?"

"No no," The raven-haired shook his head, "But one thing I must admit, Mariah. The taste of these dumplings have increased a lot in this time."

"Actually, then, maids helped me prepare them," The pinkette blushed, "Now, I myself have cooked them."

"That's why they're bearing the aristocracy of the hands of a noblewoman like you," Ray praised, nibbling another, "I was waiting for it."

"I see," Mariah grimaced, "So, you're eating like a glutton ever since you came here. You didn't feel the necessity of talking to me once. Hmph!"

"Uh oh...I'm sorry...hehehe..." The neko-jin sheepishly smirked, "Anyways, tell me about you. How have you been? Have your marriage been fixed?"

"Oh Ray, don't ask me anything about my marriage," The girl decided to conceal the actual fact but spat out some truths, "For the last month, a strange guy wearing mask has been visiting our village and flirting with me."

"What?"

"Yes," Gloomily, she nodded, "His hair is dull blonde and eyes are ocean-blue. He looks very strong but acts cheerful. Often, he sends me love letters."

"Love letters?" Ray frowned, "To you?"

"Hm," Mariah carried on, "Those letters are so toadying and creepy that I always keep burning them. But, he doesn't stop."

"What's his name?" Ray wanted to know.

"Uh...I cannot remember..." She forgetfully brushed her hair back, "Something like pastel or castle..."

"Okay okay, no need to trouble your tiny brain for recalling that name," Ray poked her forehead, "Did he tell you where he lives?"

"Yes, he did," She enthusiastically waggled her head, "He told me that he's the prince of Doomland though the name of his kingdom seemed very awkward to me. I mean...have you ever heard the name?"

"D...Doomland?" The raven-haired neko-jin glowered at the mention of the empire. It was appearing so familiar to him. He felt as if he had heard about it earlier. He knew it. Someone had told him of the mysterious and unknown realm. The kingdom seemed hidden from the rest of the world. Although his best friend was quite suspicious regarding the presence of Doomland, he was sure that it existed. It did exist on the earth. But where? Behind the darkness? Behind some mazes? Were they even penetrable? Were they even solvable?

"But I didn't believe him, you know," Mariah chattered, "Still, he continued chasing me. Sometimes, he gave me flowers and sweets. One day, a crow snatched my earring from my hand and kept it in its nest. Then, Pastel...whatever, just climbed the tree like a monkey and took the earring back without disturbing the birds."

"Aren't you praising him now?" Ray narrowed his eyes, "If you think that he disturbs you, why're you admiring him?"

"I'm speaking what the truth is, Ray," Mariah yawned, diminishing the speed of the fan, "He's a skilled warrior too."

"Huh?" The rebel chocked on the food.

"Yes," The pinkette didn't care, "He overthrew Kevin and Garry together at a wrestling match. Can you imagine that Garry, the best wrestler of our village, lost to him?"

"What about Lee?"

"Lee tried his best but couldn't win in the kendo fights against him," Mariah sadly whispered, "As a result, Lee's also pressurizing me to be nice to him. But I have no feeling for him, Ray."

"Hmm...but I think you should abide by your brother," The Chinese man thought for a while, "In one way or another, that mysterious guy will be good for you. It's high time you started thinking of your marriage and future, Riah."

"Huh! You say and it will happen?" The pinkette screwed her nose, lifting her mood with no difficulty, "Never!"

"Really?" Ray rolled his eyes, "But why?"

"Because I'll marry such a man who will obey my orders and fulfill each of my wishes," She stood up, keeping her hands on her hip, "He should be devoted to me. He must always be ready for me and my commands."

"Oh?" The neko-jin sweatdropped, "And you think you'll get such a husband for you one day? That's called a slave!"

"Why not?" Mariah seemed confident, erecting her nose, "If a husband can be superior, why cannot a wife be? If he has to be honored like a god, why cannot a wife be protected and respected like a goddess?"

"Hn," Ray tittered, "Thanks a lot for the foods."

He was about to pick up the plate but his friend stopped, "No Ray, let me clean the stuffs."

Lifting the utensils, she handed them to a maid who was waiting there. They headed to the metal basin on which a kettle was placed. Mariah poured some water from the steamer as Ray kept washing his hands, "Good that you have finished eating before grandpa's waking up. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise?"

"You know that far well," The pink-haired girl sighed, "He isn't on good terms with you."

"Why?" Ray cocked an eyebrow, wiping his hands taking a handkerchief from the nearest table, "Why isn't he on good terms with me?"

Hearing someone's footsteps, the pinkette stealthily looked at the doorway. There was standing an old and fat man with a tall and oval-shaped head. His gray eyebrows reached his chin, crossing the verge of his face. Wrinkles were evident on his forehead. A huge black bump-like freckle was in the joint of his brows, over his creased nose. He was holding a kendo stick in his right hand tightly. His eyes were strictly watching the raven-haired neko-jin who wasn't noticing what was happening behind him. The girl decided not to disclose it to her friend. She asked, "What were you saying? Would you mind repeating it?"

"I was saying..." The Chinese guy placed the handkerchief on the table, "Your grandfather who consumes all the foods of the villagers alone...why will he hate me? Does he dislike me because I don't have the ability of giving him something? Or...does he despise me because he thinks that something is going on between you and me? Besides, I also assume that all the foods that he eats are preserved in his belly, not utilized by his brain. That's why, he's the fattest of all your family members..."

"Thump!"

"Ouch!" The neko-jin leapt as the kendo stick fell hard on his butts. Wheeling back, he discovered the annoyed grandfather of his best friend. Seeing him, he stupidly rubbed his head, "Oh...you? I was waiting for you, Sir."

"You were waiting for me?" The old man cocked his cane, "What were you saying about me? I'm fat? I'm brainless? I eat all the foods of the villagers? Now I won't spare you!"

Both the male neko-jins began to run after each other just like a cat and a mouse. The young one dodged his stick by jumping over beds and other furniture. The old man didn't have the stamina but when he was clashing against those, they were shuddering. The girl felt as if a pumpkin had been chasing a carrot. Pressing her mouth, she giggled amusedly.

After three or four rounds, the raven-haired found the main door of the house. Opening it, he hopped and rushed out in the soft crimson sunshine of the new dawn, not even bidding a proper farewell to his childhood friend. Her grandfather was also going behind him but she caught him, "Grandpa, what are you doing? Don't chase him!"

"Let me go, my girl!" The old man freed himself from the grips of his granddaughter, "Today, I'll smash him! Ray, I'm coming!"

Nearly thrusting the pinkette behind, the village head scurried outside only to catch the spoiled brat. Faintly chuckling, Mariah heaved a deep sigh that was clogging her bones inside her chest.

'You didn't tell me once when you would come...'

Please, don't leave yet,

Yet, my heart isn't satiated,

You have just arrived,

Just now you have,

You have just only arrived,

You have spread like the spring,

Let the air catch your fragrance,

Let my gaze go crazy,

Let this evening deepen a bit,

Let my heart be steady,

Let me live for a little while,

Let me take some sips of the intoxication,

Haven't said anything yet,

Haven't heard anything yet...

"You couldn't find him out?!"

Raged, the commander-in-chief kicked a nearby tool which rolled twice on the carpeted ground of the tent. In front of him, in two rows, Brazilian soldiers were standing, holding their wild spears. Their ink-smeared faces turned darker on that day. It also hid the deep red of embarrassment which came to them springing from their loss to a mere Chinese rebel. Their leader was bubbling in wrath before them. He'd always been angry but that time, his anger crossed all the limits. He was fuming just like the blazes of the bowl-shaped torches set on the copper lamp-holders. Even the metal shields and swords diagonally attached to the fabric walls also trembled at his fury.

"How could it be done?" He shook one of the guards by clinching his neck, "A measly Chinese fled from here dodging all your eyes and you all couldn't even find him out?"

"He isn't a measly Chinese, father!"

Seeing the lavender-haired girl in his chamber, the leader ordered his teammates, "Get lost!"

As all the troopers emptied the room, the girl strode inside to her father. Glancing around the compartment, she spoke, "Your hands won't get him now because I myself have taught him the warfare of Brazil. So, he knows every single move of us."

In front of the baffled face of her father, the lady continued, "Besides...do you know who helped him flee? Me!"

"What?" The jaw of the captain dropped, "What the hell have you done? You freed the guy who was our enemy? You helped him who was a cheater?"

"He wasn't a cheater, father," Frankie replied, "Rather, he's a weapon."

"Weapon?"

"Yes," She affirmed, "He's such a sword which will revenge both Kane Yamashita and China on behalf of me."

"You've gone crazy in the fire of your revenge, Frankie!" Ricardo scowled, "Can you see anything else except that or not?"

"No, I cannot," The lavenderette smirked, "Besides, Lord Douglas is ill now. You're handling everything here. In this way, you have the power of doing whatever you want. So, tell me...will you help me revenge?"

The brown-haired captain silently seethed at his daughter, not uttering anything. Getting the hint, Frankie started as tears flowed on her face, "Your silence has told me that you won't help me. Father, you will never be able to understand the pain which I have undergone. But...that Chinese has understood it. He's also prepared to help me revenge. It's the reason for which I helped him escape. It's...it's okay if you don't want to support me. But please...don't be the obstacle on my way if you cannot help me."

"Smack!"

The lilac-head quickly moved her face right as the fingers of her father landed on her left cheek. Automatically, her grips curled into fists as she looked at him back, shocked, perplexed, offended and disappointed. Her eyes were wide-open at that moment.

"Listen!" The soldier blurted, not facing his daughter as a few maids hurried in the marquee. Bowing to their master, they clasped the hands and arms of the Brazilian woman as he commanded, "Take Frankie from here!"

"You...you cannot do this!" Frankie wrestled against the strong grips of the maids, "Leave me!"

"Keep her imprisoned under your supervision in her own room!" Ricardo growled as the slaves dragged her out of the room. For the last time, she stared at her cruel father. Inside her chest, the fire of revenge got fueled more.

'Hope you'll come soon for me, Tigre.'

Two guards were standing straightly in front of the arched entrance of the prison section of the castle. The gates were wide-open, waiting for the arrival of the noblewomen. In the yard inside, prisoners were sitting on the limestone podium in ragged and dirty cloths. Their skins were used to the stains of whips and heated rods. Tangled tresses were falling on their faces and eyes. Their heads were lowered; they weren't permitted to rise before the soldiers. Other troopers were trudging before them, keeping an eye on the environment. The sand of the open patch was flurrying throughout the area. No grass had grown there. They were arid, hard-just like the hearts of the captives.

The watchmen at the entrance bowed as the princess entered there with the raven-haired woman. Behind them, maids in cream-colored and purple qipaos were carrying the rectangular golden and silver trays of precious cloths and jewelries. The scarlet-haired girl was looking cheerful as always. That day, her happiness got doubled because she had decided to share it with all the dwellers of her castle. Even the animals and birds weren't out of her list then.

"You didn't need to do it, Sal," Biyu wiped her sweaty forehead, "It is nothing but the complete waste of time."

"Shut up, Biyu," The redhead chided her sister-in-law, "Like us, these prisoners are also human beings. They also deserve some happiness in their life. On this auspicious occasion, why should they remain sad? We're their custodians, we're the ones to take care of them. If we don't take care of their happiness and sadness, who will do it?"

"You're a real angel, Sal," Smiling, Biyu patted her head, "That's why we all love you a lot."

"I know that...hehehe..." Winking, the Chinese princess headed towards the captives. The maids handed her the cloths and sets of ornaments which she placed before the prisoners one by one. The captives were bowing before the garnet-haired, taking them with their own hands. Everything was going okay until the young noblewoman stood before a lady around the age of her mother. Her head was bent as if she hadn't been looking at the young girl. Her tangerine eyes were fixed on her lap. When a dress was expanded to her, she didn't even take it.

"Take it," One of the maids spoke, "It's the gift from the princess. Her alliance has been fixed."

"What're you thinking?" Another taunted, "This chance will not come again in your rotten life, old hag."

Now, the aged woman lifted her head and looked at the onyx orbs of the princess. She was gently and sympathetically smiling, discreetly insisting her to accept her gift. The scarlet-haired princess of China hadn't changed much from her childhood. She was still jovial; she was still an angel. The darkness of the castle of his devil father couldn't touch her blameless soul. It couldn't harm her. In the obnoxious zoo of Zagart, she was still a white and innocent pigeon. Despite not wanting, Riza felt sorry for cursing her.

"Fine then!" The woman stood up, "I've also heard that Shaina is going to bear your third child today. I pray to God so that you can be blessed with a daughter. When she'll get hurt, when she'll shed tears, then you'll understand, Zagart! You'll understand the outcome of hurting so many ladies!"

One of the guards raised his whip on her but the princess had quickly caught it before it got slammed on the back of the female prisoner. Glaring at him, she rumbled, "What the hell are you doing? Have I ordered you to beat her? Get lost from here!"

Looking down, the soldier left. Kneeling down before her, affectionately, the girl raised the chin of the woman. Worriedly, she asked, "Are you okay?"

The ex-queen of China smilingly nodded, taking the gift. Automatically, tears brimmed in the black diamond pools of the redhead. Forcing them back, she carried her task on. Riza grimaced at her, gripping the cloth softly.

'Oh God!' She prayed, 'The fire which will burn the dynasty of Zagart shouldn't touch this angelic girl. Please!'

"Son, many days have passed since we didn't drink together," The king of Hong Kong poured some half-transparent cherry-colored liquid in a pewter goblet and extended it to the young man who was near him, "Have some."

"No father, I don't need it anymore," His son turned his face away from the alcoholic stuff which had been his favorite once upon a time, "I have planned to give it up."

"You will give up drinking alcohol?" His father cocked his brows, "Why? It used to give you pleasure, didn't it? Why do you want to give up your own pleasure? If pleasure doesn't remain there, how will you live your life?"

"Of course I'll keep searching for pleasure, father," The blunette replied, "But from a different source. I have already found it out. So, alcohol is just a luxury for me now. I want to avoid it. I have to avoid it."

"Who has given you so much happiness that alcohol cannot give you it now?" The king felt surprised.

"Princess Salima," Kane stood up from his velvet couch, "Now, I am going to get married to her. Soon, she'll be the crown-princess of Hong Kong, later, queen. Not only to me, but also to my entire kingdom, she'll be the source of eternal happiness. Then why to depend on wine?"

The emperor of Hong Kong said nothing, just smiled at his son. The indigo-head continued while striding in the room, "Father, do you know? When you sent me to the learning center at the age of nine, I met Ray first."

"Son, why're you bringing his topic here?" King Yamashita interrupted, "His memories are painful to you, aren't they?"

"That's why I'm telling these things to you so that I can wash all my suppressed pains away, father," Kane grimaced, "I thought to befriend with him. He was really exceptional. Despite coming of a subaltern family, he had the vigor of hundreds of princes. But Master Tao..."

He firmly grasped a cobblestone pillar, his nails wanted to dig it. He continued, "Master Tao always kept him far from me. In every competition, in every challenge, in every test-I... I was always equal to him. I was not less good than he. But always..."

His heart whimpered as a bitter event of his childhood peeped at his present from his memory cells.

Flashback:

"Shoop!"

Two arrows dashed across two flagstaffs standing before the competitors. One of them hit one of the flag-stands. As a result, the red flag having the face of the golden tiger painted on it dropped on the ground. On the other hand, another dart gouged only the green flag, not making it collapse. Outstretching his bow victoriously, the blue-eyed 12-year old looked at his teacher and grinned, "I've been the winner."

"Ray," The master didn't seem to notice him as he sounded worried and baffled, "Why did you pierce the flag instead of the flagpole?"

"Because flag-stand symbolizes the subjects," The raven-haired neko-jin answered confidently, "And the flag symbolizes the king. According to your teachings, my goal is the king, not his subjects. Hitting the flagpole means hurting the subjects which is the main reason behind the downfall of a kingdom."

Satisfyingly smiling, the teacher turned to his other disciple, "Look Kane, you have lost it despite winning. This is the difference between a king and a soldier. A soldier only knows how to operate his weapon. Whereas, a king knows where, when and how to do it."

Shifting his eyes to his dearest student, he gently shook his shoulders, "Congratulations, Ray. I'm proud of you."

Proudly smiling, the neko-jin stared at his fellow competitor. His golden eyes were filled with the joy of victory, pride and insolence. They burned the prince of Hong Kong from his core. It was unbearable for the blunette. The Yamashitian didn't know when his teacher had taught them that. He was one of the most brilliant and attentive students of the learning center but he couldn't remember it. It went clear to him that the neko-jin was being taught by Master Tao secretly somewhere. Some secret facts were going on between them of which the rest of the students were pretty ignorant.

It was discrimination. It was something called favoritism. Despite coming of a noble clan, he couldn't win the trust of his mentor. Nothing could be more humiliating than it. As a result, throwing the bow and arrow at the ground, he quickly left the place.

Flash forward:

"He was always like that..." Kane's voice became heavy a bit, "I thought Ray would help me know what he knew. But no, he also turned his face away from me. Their behavior, their harsh words, their partial actions, the nepotism caused by Master Tao-everything still haunts me, father. Tell me one thing: Am I worthless? Am I not as deserving as Ray? Do I not love my kingdom and China?"

In front of the silent father, the son burst into tears, kneeling down on the ground. The worried king rushed to his offspring for support.

"Don't cry in this way, son," He squeezed his shoulders, "Don't forget that you're a prince. You're a nobleman. You're a warrior. Tears don't suit you."

"Shouldn't warriors have emotions, father?" With bloodshot eyes, the blunette gazed at the king, "Should they be heartless? Pardon me, father, but...I cannot be heartless. I cannot repress my grief inside my heart and put on the mask made of boulders. It is so heavy, father. I also have my own pain. People...people may consider me as an arrogant, drunkard and spoiled prince but they will never understand what I have undergone. Not a single person on the earth will realize how I used to feel when the arrows of nepotism gashed my chest and made my heart bleed. The more I put efforts, the less Master Tao appreciated them. How will I be able to forget those events, father? At those times, only wine accompanied me. Father, have favoritism and deprivation become my regular buddies? Have they been permanently written on my fate?"

"Not at all, my son, not at all," The king hugged the prince, "Those days, you might be alone, helpless and depressed-but you aren't now. You are a strong crown-prince, a skillful warrior of Hong Kong. You're the pride of our kingdom. Now, you have everything whatever you want. You can do everything. Moreover, you have the support of princess Salima with you. You have owned her love and faith. You've won her heart. Then, why to shed tears anymore? Be cheerful, my son."

"Perhaps, you're right, father," The blunette wiped his tears, "Now, I don't have any reason to pet the pain. Why should I bother? After all, I'm the prince of your kingdom, I'm the fiancé of the princess of a mighty empire like China. Only pleasure and treasure are around me. There should be no sign of grief, father. They shouldn't be."

'Sure, my son...' The king patted his head, 'Soon, immense power will be at our doorway too. Just keep loving princess Salima in this way. Your extreme love for her will make me reach the ultimate stage of control and energy. Hahaha!'

"Father!" The cheerful princess of China hurried inside the chamber of the king, holding a folded scroll, "Look what I have got!"

The green-eyed monster frowned at the familiar parchment. Nonetheless, beaming, he asked his daughter, "What, my child?"

"The invitation letter of the weddings of the princes of Russia!" She squealed as excitement flickered through her ebony orbs, "Many days have passed since we attended a wedding ceremony. Father, let's attend this one, please!"

When the name of the icy kingdom was mentioned before him, fire caught his veins. It soon reached his head, showing itself from his green eyes. Clutching the bedsheet, he mentally cursed.

'That bastard Hiwatari!' He fumed, 'At first, he broke my pride and now dared invite me to his marriage? How sadistic scoundrel could he be? Ugh...still the wrestling match cannot be forgotten. I wish...I wish I could defeat him in all the worst ways possible and suck all his secret powers from him forcefully so that he could taste what defeat actually is! Aaargghh! Hiwatarian, you didn't do the right thing by sprinkling salt on my wound!'

"I have heard from others that the prince of Russia is so handsome...that..." Salima flushed, biting her tongue, "Sorry father, I know...I know I shouldn't swoon over any other man specially when my wedding has been fixed but it's also true that he looks no less attractive than a Greek God! Even in blindfolded state, he can defeat hundreds of soldiers in archery. Only with the help of archery, tying his eyes, he can find the way in a mazy jungle. I...I wanna know more about him, father. I want to meet him. I want to meet the lucky girl too. Please, father, don't reject this invitation!"

"My child..." Somehow controlling himself, Zagart cleared his throat, "All your words are true. But...you have to understand politics also as you're the member of royal clan. Russia isn't on good terms with us at present."

"What?" All the joys of the redhead became vapors as she gulped, "What are you saying, father? How can it be possible?"

"My girl, have I ever lied to you?" The cruel king affectionately stroked her cheeks, "A proverb goes that the most poisonous snakes of the world possess the most precious stones in their heads. But we shouldn't be attracted to those venomous creatures for them."

"Are you..." Salima shivered, "Comparing prince Hiwatari to a snake?"

"Of course!" Zagart furiously nodded, "He is dangerous. By sending this invitation letter, he must be planning to do something evil against us, dear. That's why, we shouldn't go there."

"Okay..." Believing all the words of her father, the redhead sadly walked off, forgetting the invitation letter right there. Picking it up, the emperor of China dropped it in the flames of a metal lamp. Watching it burn and turn into ashes, he felt relieved a bit. But it wasn't the final relief. Still, his heart was sweltering for revenge.

'Now...' He hissed, 'Boris Balkov and Gonglu Zagart-both will have to work together in this case. Kai Hiwatari, that day, in the wrestling match, you snatched my pride from me, didn't you? Now, Boris Balkov will snatch your pride, your dignity from you in front of the whole world with my assistance and you won't be able to save her despite your body and mind-wrecking efforts! Buhahahaha!'

*Shudders* Dear Salima, you didn't do the right thing by showing that invitation letter to your father *Gulps*.

Okay, so what will happen now? Will Salima's excitement for seeing the prince of Russia and the respect for him remain till the end? Or not? What about Frankie and Ray? What about Kane? Have his griefs ended finally?

Before ending this chapter, let me share something with you. Pardon me...I know that it's a KaiHil fanfic. KaiHil is the center of this story. Of course, they're the main staple...but when you sit in your dinning table to have breakfast/lunch/dinner, do you always take only one dish to eat? Don't your tongue crave for others? Sweet, sour, spicy, salty? Then...why're you only clinging to that one couple? I'm really very sorry to say that but KaiHil is my favorite too and there's no chance that I'm eliminating them from "Kingdom". But...try to understand, dear people...if other couples don't remain here, this will only remain as a fairy tale whereas I'm planning to make it an epic, a "Daastan". Other couples are just like appetizers and desserts on this dinning table, taste them too. Otherwise, they'll be deprived :P. And have mercy on this chef too sometimes *Sighs*. (I'm not saying to every reader, of course, most of the readers make them comfortable with whatever I write and I'll be indebted to them forever for it :'D).

Extremely sorry for blabbering too much. Now tell me how the chapter has been?

Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and spelling errors. Take care and stay safe :D

-Misty ^_^