Hello everyone! Welcome back to "Kingdom". Missed it a lot, right? I'm extremely sorry for updating it late, pardon my busyness. Hope everyone is safe and sound :)

Thanks a lot to Cutetyhil, Seafoam Green under Twilight, Sakura, Stark02, ILoveMyIndia, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Jyotsna, Sohana Sarkar and Emerald Vivienne Ramira Elil for reviewing the last chapter.

Sakura: Oh my, I'm touched! Surely, Hilary, the heroine of this novel is admirable. She's admired by everyone. I also wish you stay happy and cheerful like it forever and always keep telling me how my story is. Thank you so much for reviewing, sweetheart! :*

ILoveMyIndia: See, patience's fruit is sweet. According to your demand, the marriage chapter is here. Thank you so much for reviewing :D

Jyotsna: Yes, victory and defeat are the parts of a war. Ray might have lost it but he'll succeed later on, believe me. About Kane's promise? Well, it will be seen later ;D Thank you so much for reviewing.

So, welcome to the pre-wedding ceremony of our princes and princesses. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy!

Wait...before enjoying...

Koto, Biwa, Shamisens and Kotsuzumis: They are Japanese musical instruments. Some Japanese words will appear in this chapter too, please google them though it's not mandatory. You also may feel bored by the long descriptions but what to do, I just tried to make you feel present in the festivals.

So...enjoy now! :D

Afternoon it was. Diagonally, the sun was above the wharf of the Fuji, the holiest river in Japan. Its transverse and mellowing rays were sloping on the tranquil water surface where tiny waves could be seen sometimes. The golden ink had already spread all over the liquid mirror, coloring it no less bright than melted gold. The white stairs made of marble were twinkling on that day. Standing by both the sides of the staircase, the olivaceous twigs of the mango trees were mustering together, providing shadow to those who had gathered there. Leaves blew in the southern breeze of the spring and happiness as two or three mango buds fell on the ground. Everyone was looking at the glass-like waterway, waiting for the groom to lift his head.

"Splash!"

Almost pushing the water surface up, the phoenix-prince rose from the river. The droplets seeped from his brawny body just like a decorative statue fountain. To his icy blue bangs, thick, arched, slate eyebrows that were guarding his eyes and silky indigo strands, those beads were clinging like the pearly dew drops to the blades of velvety grasses in the early dawn before the sunrise. Sunlight landed on his drenched herculean back and neck, making the stains of the fluid shimmer like pearls. When he turned behind to revere the sun God, it fondled his lips, well-built cheeks, chin and the niches of his collarbones too. On the wharf, the lavender and cream-colored kimono-worn Japanese maids who were holding the platters of flowers, sighed and thought, 'Ah! How lucky our princess is!'

Completing worshiping the setting sun in the west, the phoenix-wielder slowly ascended the marble stairs where his red-haired brother was waiting for him, wrapping a cotton towel around his shoulders and back which showed that he'd completed his bath before the slate-haired. The navy-haired guy came before him, holding a silver tray having another towel. On its royal blue background, stitches of red and golden threads formed a majestic phoenix, outstretching its wings at left and right. Neither Kai had seen so much beauty in a fabric, nor could he have imagined that even a mere object of wiping like towel could be made so aesthetically.

Curiously, the Russian looked at the dragoon-wielder since the latter replied, "Princess Hilary Tachibana herself painted this picture on her canvas. Seeing it, princess Dew sewed this towel. You can consider it a gift from your soon-to-be wife and sister-in-law, Kai."

Accepting it with a mild grin, the dual-haired wiped his upper torso and face with it, thus wrapping the garment over his round shoulders. Looking at the sky for determining the time, the king worriedly said, "The girls should have come here by now with the cloths. Where are they?"

"We're here, father," The purplette came there with a large tray in her hands and other girls behind her, "Pardon our lateness."

"No problem, Dew-chan," Hayashi asked, "But what took you so long?"

"We were coming fast, uncle," The American brunette opened her mouth in haste, "We would have reached here soon if…"

No sooner had she been about to complete her sentence than the blunette almost grasped her mouth, not letting her speak. Nearing her ear, she whispered, "Not now, Charlotte."

"If?" Everyone frowned, specially the hyperactive American. Though Mariam had left her mouth, Charlotte didn't wish to let it out. Rather, she recalled what had happened to them before arriving here, actually, to her.

Flashback:

"Don't be late, people!" The sweet sixteen voiced, carrying a dark wooden casket on whose lid some floral designs were painted, "We're getting late. Brother-in-law's bath must have been completed by now."

"Coming, Charlotte," The violet-head dragged her feet as fast as she could, huffing, "My feet are hurting, you know."

"Why?" Mariam glowered.

"Actually, I was practicing dance," Dew scratched her head, "It needs much stamina and endurance. My muscles are paining too."

"Wow, I think today your performance will be unique," Mariam squealed, "It could be more beautiful if Tyson danced with you."

"Duh….." The purplette bent her head down, blushing, "Whatever you say, Mari ni-chan."

"She's right, sister Dew," The American princess enthusiastically waggled her head, "It's all our dream to watch you dance with Tyson…"

"Thud!"

"Smack!"

The face of the brunette clashed with the chest of a greenette who hadn't seen her coming from the opposite direction. No color was there this time to splatter her face or dress but yet, the conflict was pretty hard just like the previous one, breaking the beautifully designed lid of the box. The purplette covered her mouth for hiding her laughter from others, the blunette gawked angrily at her confused brother. About the youngest one? Well, had stares had the ability to kill, the pyre of the greenette would already have turned into ashes. Behind him, the leopard-wielder stood, coughing and moving his face away as if he had seen nothing.

"Again?" Charlotte grouched, "Where do you keep your eyes? On your head? Or behind your neck? WHERE?!"

"I…I…." Joseph didn't find anything to speak, "I…I…am…so…sorry…"

"You should have been careful," She chewed, "But no, you've repeated the same mistake. The same mistake can be forgiven once, not twice! Now, you'll get what you deserve!"

Swallowing, the elephant-wielder looked at the twin-haired whose face wasn't turned at him. Without any word, Ozuma rejected to help Joseph as though he had seen him never, let alone recognizing him. Joseph immediately understood that the brunette would tell everything to her brother and he would be doomed within no time. Muttering some curses under his breath, he shifted his eyes to the blunette who was standing behind the American princess. Flames of annoyance were showering from her leafy orbs too. As he gave her a pleading look, joining his hands together, her facial expression softened a bit, she sighed seeing no other way.

"Charlotte-chan…." Adding extra honey to her voice, the royal blue-haired girl uttered, "Let's leave him here. Forget what happened."

"But Mariam," The princess of America pouted, "He did it twice with me."

"I'll chide him a lot," The shark princess patted her head soothingly, "But not now. We're getting late."

"Okay…." Murmuring, she continued going to the wharf after throwing a fiery stare at the leaf-haired which meant, 'I'll deal with you surely, sooner or later. Be prepared for that. Hmph!'

As the girls were out of their sights, turning to the younger boy, Ozuma neared him. Holding his right shoulder, he chuckled, "Joseph, tell me the truth."

"Yes?"

"Were you doing it intentionally?" He winked.

"Ozuma!" With his reddened face, the greenette couldn't speak more than that one word.

Flash forward:

"If?" Wrinkling his brows, the older brother of the American girl questioned. The heart of the greenette who'd already reached there started shuddering at the curious tone of the vibrant draciel-wielder. His sister clutched the shoulder of the young brunette, gesturing her to look at her brother and have mercy upon him for that time.

"If sister Dew's feet hadn't hurt." Exhaling and stiffening her jaw, Charlotte answered. The brother-sister duo sighed in relief, the blonde chuckled and the purplette rolled her eyes, thinking, 'Woah, not bad at all, Charlotte-chan.'

Her annoyance flew away as she saw the concerned eyes of the dragoon-wielder fixed on her appearance, occupied with worries for her. Trying her best to avoid everyone's eyes, she somehow gave a positive nod, indicating that she was alright. The way how the navy-haired was gaping at her in the presence of the elders and the royal guests left the crimson of shyness on her bronze cheeks. Clearing her throat, she told everyone, "I'm fine, don't worry for me."

"Anyways," Tyson asked, "Where are the attires?"

"Here." Taking another golden platter from the hands of a maid, the purplette handed it to the chief-commander of Japan. When he took it, his fingers caressed her palms secretively. Lightning passed through the arms of the young princess as she quickly stepped back. Smirking at her once, with the tray, Tyson returned to the grooms. Taking one of the robes from it, the dual-haired Spanish prince helped his would be brother-in-law wear it. Having silver linings, it was red-white. On the other hand, Kai's was navy blue-white with golden fringes. Both the robes had the paintings of phoenixes and wolves. Done with the inners along with golden and silver Hakama pants and waist-straps, they came out of the barrier made by the slaves as Tyson and Raul swathed their shoulders with navy blue and maroon cotton Haori jackets. When their wrists got bound in sun-moon fabric cuffs, no one could believe that they were Russians. The quietude as well as the vigor of the conventional Samurai warriors rose from their miens. Specially the phoenix-prince seemed almost mixed with the soil of Nippon. The silent amethyst fire in his orbs dissolved in his tranquility, spreading the fresh mint scent in the air of Japan.

"Woah!" The dragoon-wielder exclaimed, "I wish I could keep you here forever with Hilary…hehe…."

Getting the narrowed glares from him, the navy-haired bit his tongue. However, deep inside, none but he knew what was going through him. In front of the people, it was just a mere joke. In himself, it was a serious desire. Ah, could it have only been fulfilled once!

'Isn't it possible?' He thought, hiding the sad face behind the joyful mask, 'Isn't it possible for my best friend not to leave me? If there'd been any condition, any chance, I would have let all my friends leave me except her. O Hilary, why did you have to be born as a girl?'

What to do? This is our fate; this is the destiny of the girls.

Soon, the sun completed its job for that day, therefore, going to sleep in the west. Still, the soft crimson clung to the sky insistently. The golden river turned bloodshot as the residual rays faced their reflections on the liquid crystal mirror. The perturbed surfs calmed down finally. In the houses, the bells of the evening venerations rang. By both the sides of the marble steps of the wharf, royal maids lit the clay lamps. They enlightened the environment so brightly that the stars hid their faces behind the floating clouds in embarrassment. But more than theirs, the aureate complexion of the grooms ignited like the sun and the moon, outshining every single source of light-be it natural, or artificial.

"Have the brides be called," The king ordered, "It's the time to donate lamps."

After some time, the reverberations of trumpets and conch-shells filled the riverside area. The guarding watchmen thwacked the ground with the tips of their lances, kneeling down as the bare but ornamented feet of the brides fell on the red velvet runners of golden fringes. Other girls were sprinkling flower petals on their ways. Soft sepals were getting tapped by the softer toes. Some were spraying the mixture of rose water and the holy water of river Fuji from copper pitchers with red and green maple leaves. The sounds of the drums went higher, the announcer blurted, "Attention! Princess Hilary Tachibana and princess Julia Fernandez are entering!"

Lifting their eyes, Kai and Tala looked at their fiancées. Both presented themselves in white-yellow kimonos. The tops were golden with cream Sakura flowers and the bottoms were butter, imprinted with white peacock-feathers. Between them, broad yellow waistbelt hugged their slender waists on which there were off-white damask patterns. Julia's were deeper and brighter like her fiery character. Hilary's were lighter, showing her innocence and purity. Their hair was tied into Odango buns, placing one or two tresses loosened on their temples. The cousins were dressed in the jewelries made of coreopsis flowers and white roses. The two-layered necklaces, threader earrings, waistbands, wrist-chains-even the wreaths surrounding their foreheads were made of them. The Russian princes felt as if their would-be wives had belonged to any forest, being the goddesses of nature.

Steady and straight, looking at no one, they came and stood by their grooms, bowing their heads. While exchanging stares, Hilary's were embarrassment-ridden as always, Kai's were contented and relaxing, not being the exception. But when the Spaniard had the eyes of her would-be husband, she found some tints of grief and frustration there. Tala felt sorry for making the princess of Spain suffer only for his responsibilities. Understanding it easily, Julia smiled and nodded, silently speaking, 'All is well, prince Valkov.' However, none of them heard the praises of the people around them, 'Ah, they are made for each other.'

"It's time for the lamp-floating ritual." Sage Dickenson brought four paper lamps on a tray. Those lanterns were placed in rectangular paper boxes in four different colors: Red, blue, golden and silver. Peacocks, Pegasi, vermilion birds and icy wolves were painted on them. Transparent they were. From outside, the tiny trembling blazes could easily be seen.

"All you have to float these lanterns in the Fuji," Stanley instructed the soon-to-be wedded couples, handing them the lights, "Then, you may return to the respective camps for the pre-wedding ceremonies."

Nodding, the four descended the stairs bit by bit. Stepping on the last stage, they all crouched and gently left the lamps. The brunette slowly tapped the water so that their ones could proceed; the phoenix-prince held her hand. Flaring up, she gazed at him, he simply pushed the liquid surface, helping the lanterns as well as his fiancée. She smiled, shying away. She knew that he would always help her in this way in every stage of her life. She also took a vow to be supportive and helpful to him immediately. They watched the lamps floating peacefully together. Twice, they parted away from each other, giving their owners temporary shocks. The guy didn't express it but the girl bit her lips, gulping. But at the end, both the lights drifted together until darkness concealed them.

On the other hand, hardly were the lamps of Tala and Julia coming closer to each other. There was always a little distance between them. After a few moments, unexpectedly, fire caught the lantern of the wolf-prince, it couldn't move a bit. Julia's stood beside it, wheeling in circles. Clenching his teeth, the redhead closed his eyes when the jaw of his fiancée dropped. She wished to jump in the river and protect Tala's but she couldn't, feeling the clutch of her would-be husband on her wrist. Without any difficulty, she understood that no one had the power to hold the destiny. As the lamp of the redhead completely turned into ashes, that of the Spaniard moved on, following the eternal rules of life. The ever-brave Julia Fernandez, unknowingly, felt very nervous for the first time in her life. Bringing another hand to her chest, she quietly prayed to the Almighty for making everything alright. She had no other choice save it at that moment.

'Hmm….' The elder American girl thought, not ignoring whatever had happened just then with the lamps before her eyes, 'The matter is seeming pretty serious.'

"Hey…." The royal blue-haired girl came to her friend, understanding the state of her mind, "It's just a ritual, Julie. Don't worry, just chill."

"I know," Julia stood up, "Even if it becomes the reality, I will not mind at all, Mariam. Accepting the fate is the responsibility of a human being."

"Well…." Tyson offered, "The sun has already set. The formal rituals have also been completed. Your Majesty, if you don't mind, may we enjoy the bachelors' and maidens' night respectively?"

"Sure," Hayashi permitted, "Enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you so much, your Majesty." Bowing, he came to the grooms, "Kai, Tala, let's go."

"Hn." Agreeing, the phoenix-prince and the wolf-prince accompanied the dragoon-wielder, not without glancing at their fiancées once. Smiling at one another, the four parted for that night.

Gorgeous the decoration of the chamber was. The festoons of sunflowers and Umes hugged the composite columns diagonally from tops to bottoms. Surrounding them, tall golden lamp-holders possessed metal lanterns. Crystal firebrands spread their conflagrations all over the hall. From the roof, quartz chandeliers swung, bedecked with white marigolds. Ancient Japanese artworks were painted on the walls and floors. Most of them were related to wedlock and the love of a married couple. Low seats were surrounding the room from all the four directions, made of red and blue velvet. Behind them, on the spread cotton carpets, the musicians were sitting with their Kotos, Biwas, Shamisens and Kotsuzumis. Facing the entrance before which thick embroidered curtains were hanging, both the brides were occupying their seats.

"Welcome to the maidens' night of princess Hilary Tachibana and princess Julia Fernandez," Standing at the center, the blunette announced, "As we all know, tomorrow, our dear girls will get married. Then, leaving us, this kingdom and their families forever, they will reach Russia and start their new life-their married life."

Everyone was silent, including the brides. They gave each other sympathetic stares. They were still together but somewhere in their hearts; the bells of au revoir had already rung.

"That's why," Mariam lightened the mood, "We want to make this night so memorable that our brides can never be able to forget it. In this beautiful evening, we'll entertain them with songs, dances, dramas, arts, games and gifts. Are you all ready?"

"Yes!" Everyone squealed, forgetting their sadness.

"In the beginning of the ceremony," The blunette continued, "We'll present our gifts to the brides on the trays beside them. So, who're coming at first?"

"We are!"

Hearing the combined voice of a pair of women from the entrance, all the girls in the room moved their heads in unison. There were standing two young ladies having the complexion of the sun and the moon. One of them had thick scarlet hair, unbound, crossing her knees. Emerald eyes were set on the brown-haired bride. Wearing a dark red full-sleeved column gown with golden palmette designs, she was covered in dazzling jewelries made of gold and fire opals from her head to toe. At that night, rays of sunshine were coming out of her body. Another wore an icy-blue kirtle possessing white aboriginal patterns. Necklaces, earrings, bangles, forehead-pieces, waistbands and anklets of diamond and sapphire beautified her physique. Silver hair was free, blowing in the breeze. Orbs were clear, seeming to be made of crystal. Around her, there was a chilly breeze, unlike her companion. They both had different natures and aspects, just like the fire and the ice.

"Come in," Without hesitating, the chocolate-haired princess left her seat and bowed before them, surprising everyone, "As you both stepped in this room, you gave me the vibes of the fire and the ice with your presence. I'll feel blessed receiving your gifts, honorable ladies."

Approaching the brunette, the redhead smiled at her and gently hugged her. To Hilary, it was very warm and sincere. Loosening the hug, the stranger gave her a golden box which held a pair of earrings made of the feathers of a mysterious scarlet bird. Then, she spoke, "I bless you. May your husband never leave the world in your lifetime. May your purity be preserved forever. Together, may you and your husband protect the world from the dirty and dark paws of the evil. Sometimes, only cherishing love and setting a family cannot be the main goal of a marriage, princess."

"This bracelet is made of ice," The silver-head handed a wristwear to a baffled Julia, "But this ice is not ordinary. It doesn't melt easily. If you see it melting…"

Pausing for a while, she restarted, sighing, "Accept the fact that your husband is no more."

Everyone in the room gasped together. Julia shrilled, stepping back. She looked at the bracelet. Beautiful it was, receiving all the shades of blue, silver and white. Its colors were getting changed in the illumined room. However, it was not a jewelry to her anymore that could adorn her wrist. To her, it became a bell that would ring after the eternal departure of her husband. When it would chime and let her know of her widowhood, she didn't know. No one knew. Clutching her head, she tiredly sat down on her couch. Her cousin rushed to her for comforting her but she didn't notice her. What was happening around her? First, it'd been the lamp, then, this bracelet and the prediction of this mysterious lady. What was it?

"Princess Fernandez," Holding her shoulders, the icy woman helped her stand up, "Control yourself. You're a fiery and brave princess. You should have the guts to accept the reality."

"But…" The Spaniard murmured.

"Not only you," The lady of icebergs didn't let her finish, "Many a woman faces it in married life. Sometimes, our fate doesn't support us. Sometimes, we are left alone in the bridge named life. It keeps cracking and shaking but we should not jump in the river in the name of attaining salvation. We must keep moving on bravely. Hence, I bless you with the power of acceptance, patience, courage and keeping your head cool. You can utilize them if needs be."

"Huh?"

"And I believe," She smiled, "I believe that you are able to do it. You may have to be the head of your family and run it. You may have to take care of the future generation and prepare them for their future. You'll be both a doting mother and a strict guardian at the same time for the well-being of the children of your family. Holding your hand, the new sun will rise in a new dawn when Russia's sky will remain plunged in obscurity. That's why, you should never break down."

"Exams will find you on your way too, princess Tachibana," The garnet-haired looked at her, "Soon, the wheel of time will place you at the junction of two roads. One will lead you to luxuries and another will make you face all the hardships that you'll never be able to imagine. One will remind you of your rights, another will show you what your responsibilities are. There will be bad things, the threats of death and losing your dear ones. I believe that you'll also be able to overcome them, right?"

"Of course," Hilary nodded, "My lady, you yourself have told me that, only cherishing love and setting a family cannot be the main goal of a marriage sometimes. If our marriage really has some bigger and more important motives, I'll heartily accept all the miseries that will come in my life. I'll never let my husband feel ashamed of me. I promise, I'll be his pride, not his humiliation. When he'll fight against the evil, I will support and help him by every possible mean."

"You've opened my eyes, dear lady," Julia breathed, "I also promise that I'll keep supporting my husband till my last breath. I'll be his strength, not his weakness. I'll be his way, not the obstruction standing on his way. I don't know what it will cost but I'll never turn my face away from my vows and duties."

"Divine ladies you both are, princesses," The redhead commented, "May you both be successful in your life and attaining your goals. May all the auspicious things in the world come holding your hands."

"Thank you so much for coming here," Hilary bowed, "Also thanks a lot for blessing us, dear ladies. Kindly have the seat now."

"I wish we could, princess," The silver-haired remarked, "But we are the servants of holy deities. We must return to them in their services."

"We would feel happier," Julia gloomily said, "If you stayed with us a bit longer."

"Don't worry, princess Fernandez," The scarlet-haired lady patted her back, "We'll keep meeting you both when you will need us. This is not the end."

"See you both," The woman who had the skin tone of the moon raised her hand, "Be happy, be victorious and stay blessed."

"See you too." The brides glumly smiled. Grinning back, the divine women exited. Even after their departure, for a few moments, nobody could speak a single word. The sudden guests had casted a spell on all of them. Never had they met such celestial beings before it. They didn't know whether they should feel blessed or worried, thanks to some indirect prophecies.

"We don't know what the future will bring for us," The orange-haired American announced, "But we surely know what is happening around us at present. We only know and remember the present. The current time is telling us that it's the maidens' night of our dear princesses which should be enjoyed heartily. So, why to worry?"

"Emily is right," The blunette nodded, "We should not overthink of our future but do our deeds according to the present situation. So…shall we start?"

"Of course!" Life returned to the ceremony hall.

After the other gifts had been received, Mariam called Dew to perform at first but the purplette rejected her call, saying that she would dance later. Besides, she insisted to watch the blunette dance. Strangely, everyone agreed with her. Sighing, the royal blue-haired girl tied the anklets around her ankles and stepped in the stage.

"All the best, Mariam!" Julia cheered, "Flood the podium!"

Mariam glared at her but didn't say anything. The instrumentalists played their tools together, she bowed to everyone. Her white and navy-blue kimono skirt fluttered across the floor, hands moved dramatically through the air just like weaving something and feet wheeled according to the rhythm and tune. Her anklets superseded the drums. In her every twirl, the petals of the white daisy tucked in her royal-blue hair were emitting soft shivers. Unlike the traditional Japanese dance, her moves had a particular restlessness and vibrance. She herself was thrilling and flamboyant. Her fingers rotated; her well-dressed but unbound hair blew around her with her bottom.

Everyone dropped jaw in awe. They didn't know but indeed, Mariam was an excellent dancer. Even Dew herself became silent. The blunette was graceful. In her steps, there was the agility of a reckless ocean on a stormy day. She wasn't looking at the audience, she was dancing only for herself. Little did she know that someone else was watching her from outside. He also remained surprised. Like the girls, he was also unknown to the fact of this talent of his lover. Her moves were vibrant but they brought coolness to his baby-blue eyes. The waves of a sea were fluctuating in front of him.

She was so absorbed in dancing that she didn't notice when one of her dangle earrings fell on the dance floor. No one saw it, lost in her performance. But somehow, it didn't avoid the eyes of the hyperactive American. He wanted to receive it anyhow but he didn't know how. Fortunately, or, unfortunately, his orange-haired friend saw him as a smile of mischief rose in her lips. Alertly reaching the window, she whispered, "What are you doing here, Max?"

He didn't see her coming. Startled, he gasped and stuttered, "No…I mean…."

"Don't you know that it's the place where only unmarried girls are allowed?" Emily pretended to be pissed off, "If Mariam gets to know that you are here for watching girls, she'll be very angry with you."

"No no…..don't tell her anything…." Max shook his head, "Just bring that earring to me once."

"Earring?" The orangette frowned, "Which earring?"

"That which fell on the floor from Mariam's ear," He pointed at the ground, "I need it."

"Why?" Emily placed her hands by the sides of her waist, "Why do you need it? Will you sell it somewhere?"

"Duh, which jeweler will agree to take only one earring?" Max quietly snapped.

"Oh, I see…." She rolled her eyes, "You're trying to say that you would definitely sell it if the jewelers were ready to buy a single earring, right?"

"Uh oh…not at all…." He scratched his head, "I want to have some fun. Mily, you're my childhood friend, right? Won't you keep a single request of your friend?"

"Okay okay…." Emily sighed, "You have become so stubborn, Maxie. Maybe it's the outcome of staying with Mariam."

"You're right," Max gave a toothy grin, "But in this case, she always outshines me."

"Hm, I'm going." Giving a side-pout, Emily thought for a while what could be done. Then, hitting upon a plan, she rushed to the center of the stage and joined Mariam. Everyone became astonished but didn't say anything, being enthusiastic because of Emily's sudden decision of dancing. Not being nervous a bit, Mariam spread her arms to the American, welcoming her to dance.

In comparison with Mariam's, Emily's moves were calmer but still they had the equal grace. Her hands and feet were moving less but eyes, lips and brows were playing dramatically. She reminded the audience how a peaceful river should be. She was like an alligator which waited for its prey silently, resting at the river edge. Whereas, Mariam was a reckless and ferocious shark which could do anything to attain its food. As everyone became attentive again, utilizing the chance, Emily picked up the earring and threw her right hand pretending to perform a step. It got tossed at the open window at which the hyperactive American was standing. Quickly, he caught it and left the place. Within a few moments, the music ended, so did their dances. The watchers stood up and clapped.

"Awesome it's been, Mari ni-chan and Emily!" Dew praised, "Mari ni-chan, when did you learn to dance so beautifully? Emily, where did you learn this beautiful form of dance? Was it pre-planned?"

"No, Dew-chan, not at all," Emily shook her head, "Actually, there is a dance teacher in America who knows almost all the forms of dance worldwide. From her, I have learnt it. In fact, seeing Mariam, I couldn't control my temptation to join her. Mariam, have you felt bad?"

"What are you saying, Emily?" The blunette hugged her, "Rather, I have got a new energy when you joined me. Really, it was very enjoyable."

'You'll enjoy more, Mariam,' Emily thought of her childhood friend and the blunette, giggling silently, 'Hehehe...'

Unlike the girls' hall, this tower didn't have much gorgeousness but it was decorated aristocratically in its own way. Lamps were here too attached to the gypsum barriers, grasping silver torch-holders emitting blazes. Instead of flowers, flowerless plants were kept in earthen, wooden, metal vases and pitchers. Antler chandeliers were attached to the dome-shaped roof of the gallery. In the place of instruments, trumpets and drums were there. The paintings of ancient warriors and battlefields adorned the floor and walls. Tuscan pillars were encircling the battle arena where friendly matches were taken place. It was the final round of archery which was happening between the dragoon-wielder and the phoenix-prince. In this phase, their eyes were tied with black cloths. Both had already pierced the equal number of bulls' eyes in the same duration.

"Hey, it's not a tournament," Raul offered, "Let's declare both of them as the winners."

"No," Tala refused, "Raul, let's enjoy it more. Besides, only one can be the winner, be it any game or any formal contest."

"I agree with you, prince Valkov," Max spoke, "But there are the matches of sword-fighting and spear-fighting too. Since the sunset, we're only enjoying archery. When will we watch other games?"

"Okay then," The Spanish prince stood up, "Brother-in-law Kai, Tyson, you both are the winners. Now, you can rest."

Both they stopped and untied their eyes, putting their bows and arrows down. Chortling, the navy-haired approached the would-be groom of his best friend, "Hey Kai, an amazing match it was, wasn't it?"

"Hm," He complimented, "It would be more amazing if it had a particular outcome."

"Hehe….there will be more chances before us in future, buddy," Tyson stretched his palm for a handshake, "Just chill."

'I wish I could chill….' Reluctantly, the Russian shared the handshake, 'Only if I knew what would happen to us in future.'

"Now, it's the sword-fighting round," Spencer announced, "Presenting prince Tala Valkov, the fiancé of princess Julia Fernandez, our cousin, the prince of Russia and Raul Fernandez, the twin brother of princess Julia Fernandez and the prince of Spain."

Clutching their swords, both the noblemen stepped in the arena. Before starting the match, both shared a handshake as Raul whispered, "Have mercy on me brother-in-law. At least for Julia's sake."

"I wish I could know what mercy is, Raul," Tala sneered which froze the blood of the Spanish prince, "Besides, I also doubt whether Julia like it or not."

"Swordsmen, are you ready?" Spencer announced, "Three…two…one…go!"

Instantly, both the players scurried in each other's direction, lifting their rapiers. The redhead was quite a veteran in this case. He was cutting the air repeatedly with his weapon in his right hand while his brother-in-law was only defending, not biting back. His defense was indeed admirable, the wolf-prince silently admitted it. The audience remained awestruck. The Russian princes cheered for Tala and the Japanese encouraged Raul not to give up so easily. The loud utterance of these two names echoed everywhere in the gallery. Only the slate-haired was completely quiet, still thinking of the incidents of those lamps.

Wheeling once, the dual-haired swordsman pushed his opponent to a Tuscan pillar, pinning him right there by placing his sword horizontally at his neck and grabbing his shoulder. The redhead scuffled but the grasps of the Spaniard were hard just like his tough defense. The people of Japan exulted at the probable defeat of Tala Valkov. Biting his nails, Spencer started counting down, "Ten…nine…eight…"

Before reaching five, suddenly, the redhead pushed his opponent, freeing himself completely from the Spanish prince. Raul stumbled but didn't fall back. He wasn't expecting it from Tala. The screams of the Russians filled the stadium again, the redhead charged at his brother-in-law. Their swords clattered together, clashing with each other. After two or three horizontal and vertical collisions, the wolf-prince blew the matador by kneeing his chest. Not able to bear the blow, the sword from Raul's hand flew up as its owner got tossed back, straightly landing on someone's lap and saving his waist from the hard-concrete floor of the arena.

"Ouch!" But his savior couldn't save hers, "My back!"

"Natasha!" Her brother immediately rushed to her aid along with all the Russians including the phoenix-prince. Not thinking twice, the wolf-prince clutched the neck of his would-be brother-in-law and lifted him up from the lap of his sister. Raul tossed his hands and legs but couldn't be free from Tala. His icy stares were chewing the Spaniard, making the heart of the poor prince almost stop. Standing up, Natasha cleared her cloths and stroked her back, giving a nasty look at Raul.

"Thank goodness, brother, you've caught him," She accused, "You know what he did?"

"What?" Tala didn't remove his eyes from Raul who was still hanging from his arm.

"When I was landing from my chariot," She fumed, "This mannerless prince threw all my Sakura flowers and got himself under me. Yet, I didn't complain to you because he's the brother of sister-in-law Julia."

"So what?" The falcon-prince outstretched his mace, "We will not spare anyone who will try to mess with our sister."

"Never!" Spencer pointed the blade of his spear at Raul.

"Not even in our imagination!" Ian placed his sword at his neck. The four Russian princes were surrounding him, keeping him at the points of their respective weapons. Even in the comfortable weather, Raul sweated bullets. His hands and feet started shuddering. He didn't know what these protective brothers would do with him. He'd heard a lot of the wrath of the Russians but was facing it for the first time in his life. Maybe, for the last time too.

"What happened, brother Kai?" Ian glowered, "Why aren't you saying anything? This idiot has hurt our sister."

"Tala," Kai glanced at him, "Spare him."

"What?" Tala blurted, "Are you serious?"

"Hn," He nodded, "Leave him."

"Seriously serious?" Bryan swallowed.

"Cannot you understand one thing?" The phoenix-prince yelled, "Just spare him. Otherwise, I'll chop you all with my bare hands."

"Okay okay…." Tala left his brother-in-law somehow as he fell on the ground. Somehow standing up, he bowed to Kai, "Thank you so much, brother-in-law."

"Hm," Kai spoke, "Go back to your seat, you need rest."

"Sure sure…." Somehow holding the life in his hands which had been gifted to him by the phoenix-prince, Raul returned to his bench. Shifting his stares at the female redhead, Kai spoke, "Asha, you shouldn't have come here. This place is reserved only for men."

"Pardon me, brother Kai," The only princess of Russia bent her head down, "But when my brother's name was announced, I couldn't resist myself from coming here to watch the battle."

"The battle has already ended and your brother has won it," Spencer added, "You don't have to worry now."

"Who said that I was worrying?" Natasha's teeth flickered, "I knew that none but brother Tala would win because he's the best swordsman of Russia. Whereas, prince Fernandez is just a novice."

"Asha, respect warriors," Kai clenched his teeth, "No matter how weak they are, they all try their best to win."

"I'm sorry again, brother Kai," She glared at the nervous Spanish prince poisonously, "I'll take care of that."

"You should," The dual-haired Russian showed her the door, "Now you may go."

"Sure." Cursing Raul again under her breaths, the female redhead left the place. Once everyone was back to the chairs, the whale-prince announced, "Now, the spear-fighting competition will start."

While declaring the names, the dual-haired Russian gestured the navy-haired Japanese to come to him. As Tyson neared him, pulling out a scroll from the pocket of his kimono jacket, Kai handed him, ordering, "Go and deliver this to Hilary."

"What?" Tyson looked here and there confusedly, "Now?"

"Yes, at this moment."

"But…"

"Are you deaf?" Kai glared at him, "Just go!"

"Y…yes…" Gulping and taking the scroll from Kai, he silently descended the stairs and got out of the room. Now he understood why all the Russian princes were so afraid of him. The phoenix-prince was indeed a gentleman but could be dangerous at times. He shook his head, 'No Tyson, you need to be careful.'

"Now, it's the turn of the best dancer of Japan who will satisfy our eyes," Mariam announced, "Presenting princess Dew!"

Amidst everyone's wild applause, the purple-haired girl reached the stage slowly. She was wearing a Houmongi kimono in the shades of turquoise and sky-blue, embodying her olive skin tone. Purple tresses held the decorative hairpins containing silver thread tassels and chikori flowers. Peacock-feathers dangled from her earlobes. After all, she was well-known as the peacock of Japan. Carrying the dragoon-wielder in her heart, steadily, she stood at the center. All the eyes were only on her. All were eagerly waiting for her to start performing. After bowing to everyone, she spread her arms as the music started. As always, she made everybody shut up with her steps and facial expressions.

Playing with her own eyes and shifting her gazes from right to left twice or thrice, she revolved on her ankles. Completing two circulations, she sat on the ground, bending her knees as the fringes of her bottom spread on the floor. Her fingers drummed the strings of an invisible instrument, orbs displayed the feelings of being absorbed in tunes. That day, her steps became more aesthetic and mesmerizing. When Mariam, Emily and Charlotte had danced, some chirpings could surely have been heard. But when the stage was under Dew's feet, it was pin-drop silence all over the room. Only the excited breaths of the audience hit the ears.

Standing up, she lifted a platter filled with powdered blue dye. Holding it, she swirled as the color scattered around her, blowing. She proceeded to the entrance; her anklet-worn feet massaged the tinted dance floor. She didn't know where she was going until….

"Clamp!"

Everyone left the seats, bewildered. Their eyes went widened at the sight. The dancing maiden hit the navy-haired messenger who was at the open door. Some blue colored his indigo bangs. Dew had been immersed completely in dancing. With the collision, she came back to the real world. Still, it felt dream to her as she'd been imagining the same person who was in front of her, while dancing. Innocence and the vibes of being startled struck his manly face. One of his arms tied her waist; his face was leaned forward; auburn eyes were drowning in her teal orbs.

From her hands, without any pre-warning, the platter of the color fell down and hit the ground in the same way.

What will happen after it? With Tyson and Dew? With Max and Mariam? With Raul and Natasha? With Joseph and Charlotte?

About the couples? The direction of the floating lamps and the prophecies by those mysterious ladies...what do they prove? Will...our couples ever be happy in their married life? What about KaiHil? What about TalaJul?

The biggest question: Who were those mysterious ladies? ;D

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

-Misty ^_^ ^_^