Chap.2
He stared at the head. It was hard to picture it as a man. It's eyes looked at him, tearing him apart cell by cell. He stood before it, and suddenly, he felt very vulnerable. He looked down at his right arm. He still hadn't been able to bring himself to touch it, much less try to see how it worked. It made him sick.
"Folken Fanel...." The head spoke. It was a deep voice. The face barely moved as the words were spoken. Folken couldn't tear his eyes away.
Suddenly, the head broke into a wide smile. Almost unnatural for something so odd...so sinister looking. In a stammering voice, Folken glared defiantly at it.
"What...what ..do you want with me?" He asked. The head chuckled.
"What do I want? Oh Folken, my boy, you understand so little." The head peered at him. Why couldn't he picture it as a man? Folken shook his head.
"Why are you keeping me here? What have you done to my arm!!" He glared at the head. It's eyes were mildly shocked.
"Is that the gratification I get for saving your life?"
Folken gulped. It was true. This..thing, whatever it was, had saved his life, and as a knight, Folken owed it his life.
"What do you want of me." He asked, in a strangled voice. The head watched him.
"You'll see, in time. All in time."
It's cryptic words were beginning to get on his nerves. He clenched his fists, only to find in surprise that his right arm responded as well. He stared down at it in awe. Slowly, he moved each of the metal fingers, feeling the sensation through the metal. What kind of medical, technological genius was this? The head seemed to notice his sudden absorption in his metal arm.
"Ahh...so you've seen the wonders of that contraption. Still so opposed?"
Folken was speechless.
"Yes, see...it replaces your old arm...with new utilities." The head grinned, and Folken help but feel a little twinge of something sinister going on. He looked up at the head.
"Please...I...I thank you very much..but..please, what do you want of me, as I must return to my Fanelia."
"Return?" The head looked genuinely puzzled.
"Of course. You...you certainly don't intend to keep me here forever..do you?"
The head didn't respond.
"Do you?" Folken insisted.
The head gazed sharply at him. "Don't use that tone of voice with me boy. I'm emperor Dornkirk, head of the Zaibach empire, and you will...you will obey me."
"I will not do anything!" Folken shouted. "I want to go back to Fanelia!"
"Is this the gratitude of the people of Fanelia?" Dornkirk asked. Folken shuddered, his shoulders dropping. In a low voice, he asked.
"What do you want of me then?"
Dornkirk only smiled.
"Dammit answer me!" Folken shouted, frustrated almost to the point of tears.
The emperor only looked at him.
"I think our chat is about ended. Guards, take him back to his room." Dornkirk ordered. Folken looked up.
"No! Let me go! I want to leave...!!" He struggled against the guards that took him by the arm. But they had a firm grasp. "Please...let me...go...." His voice faded as the door shut behind him.
Dornkirk watched, still hearing the cries of the boy as he was being led away. Why couldn't he understand? Why couldn't he be thankful that he was till alive? Oh yes, but he would. He would understand, one day. One day, this boy..this boy would rule all of Zaibach.
**************************
The guards had locked the door. Folken had spent the last fruitless hour banging and hollering at the door. Then he had tried the windows, but to his horror, there was nothing outside his window. Only empty space. Clouds whirled by, and far far below, earth. In despair, Folken threw himself onto the bed. His head ached from all the shouting and his throat was hoarse. What to do? He had to get back to Fanelia, he had to let mother know he was alright. Gods.....Slowly, his tired body sank down, relaxing on the soft mattress. And sleep came.
"Folken......"
Brother
"..where have you been?...brother...."
Van....
"Van!!"
A new voice...
Auburn hair..green emerald eyes....a pendant....
A shimmering moon...
Who was she?
"This is my queen."
Wrapped in each others arms.
No!
Shimmering eyes.
Who was she?
Must know......
Folken awakened, his head wet with sweat, his heart beating furiously. He gasped in the darkness. Already, the reality of the dream was starting to fade...but...who was that girl? Amazing green eyes.....Who? And such odd clothing. Sighing, Folken lay back down, it must've been his imagination again. But he couldn't help wondering.......
Chap.3
The young man stood before him. His eyes downcast.
"And how are you doing hmm? Adjusting to your quarters? We shall soon be reaching the capital of Zaibach, there you can see the bright future of this world. Oh yes, and there, you shall meat the beautiful Princess Lourdres. Oh the wonders of that city, you shall witness them all....."
"When will you let me go.." The boy interrupted. Dornkirk was almost surprised. For the past three days, almost a week now since he had been brought on board the floating fortress, the boy hadn't mention that hated word. Home. He had been resistant, constantly yelling, shouting in his room, but Dornkirk had thought he had come to his senses by the third day when he had come before him and not uttered a single word of home. But now, obviously, it had been on the boys mind the whole time. Dornkirk almost sighed. His patience was wearing very thin. Calmly, he answered.
"Folken, we have been over this. You don't belong there, you belong here. You are...a part of Zaibach now."
"No...I am Fanelian. And I will forever be Fanelia."
"You have no idea, you have no conception of the grand plan!" Dornkirk fought to keep his voice under control. The boy averted his gaze silent. Dornkirk recognized the look, it was of utter stubbornness. Sighing, Dornkirk called the guards, it would be useless to continue with him.
********************************
In his room, Folken kicked the wall. If only I could kick my way through this wall and fall to my death, he thought. He sat on the edge of the bed and put his head in his hands. Everyday, all day, he was haunted by those eyes. Those eyes that pierced he soul. Every night he dreamed them, they came, peering at him, only to return once more into Van's arms. Every night. He was getting so little sleep. And then, being kept here, against his will. What useless babble was the Thing telling him.
"Oh gods...." He muttered. In one corner of the room, the Fanelian noble sword stood. At least they had let him keep his sword. But his room was guarded 24 hours a day, so it really wasn't very useful. There was a knock at his door. Why bother knocking, Folken thought wryly. Kent entered.
Folken had seen very little of the commander since the first time they had met. But now, the commander wore a huge grin on his scarred face.
"We have arrived! The capital of all of Zaibach!" The commander smiled. "You shall have the pleasure of meeting the Princess." He nodded to the guards who had entered the rooms. One bore a uniform. Folken stared at the clothing blankly. Kent explained.
"It would do no good for you to enter Zaibach palace, looking like a prisoner.."
"But I am a prisoner." Folken interrupted, his eyes flashing.
"No, you are an honored guest. The Emperor has willed it so."
"I don't give a damn what the Emperor wills!" Folken shouted, his anger suddenly seizing control. He flung the uniform against the wall. "And I will not put on your filthy uniforms. I will not hide that I am Fanelia, I will never join Zaibach."
Kent's face had turned to stone. Then, in a flash of motion, Kent was gripping Folken by the shirt collar.
"You will do what the Emperor says, when he says it and however he says it. Do you understand me?" His eyes flashed. Folken stared at him, his throat constricting. "You don't understand, little boy, you don't understand, the depth of what you've gotten into. You don't understand what destiny has handed to you on a gold platter. You just wait. Now, there is a princess waiting to meet you." Kent turned abruptly, exiting. Folken stared after him.
**********************************
The city of Doven was nothing like its beautiful name. It was magnificent none the less. Tall, dark spires rose out, heading off into the sky. The sky seemed a musty red over the city, and smoke columns filtered from dozens of factories. It sprawled out, like a black carpet over the hard ground. Folken glanced down at the uniform that Kent had practically forced him to wear. Kent now stood next to him.
"Ahh...look at the beautiful city. It is like an iron fist, strong, absolute."
Folken gazed down at it. Iron fist, now that was a good description. It was nothing like his beautiful Fanelia. Where Fanelia had been beautiful mountains and trees, sparkling waters and clears skies, here, it was buildings, glowing almost, a burnish gold. Almost mesmerizing the eyes. Whereas Fanelian buildings had been white and glistening, the Zaibach buildings were iron, and cold. Almost crude, yet architectural geniuses in the way they twisted and turned, reaching up to the sky. The sun glowed so sullenly in the sky. In the distance, amidst all the darkness, a pale gold building stood. It shone, almost too brightly amidst the rest.
"What's that?" Folken asked. Pointing at the building. Kent laughed.
"Oh that..that is what the Princess insists on having. It's her palace."
"And...who is..the King?" Folken asked slowly. Kent looked at him.
"Why...Emperor Dornkirk of course."
"So...she is his daughter?"
"Well..I guess you could say that." Kent shrugged. "It's somewhat complicated."
Folken didn't' turn away. Kent continued.
"Well, you see how the Emperor is now? Well, its because he's been alive for hundreds of years. Well, that machine keeps him alive, and, since he had no children before he went onto the support, he had some of his DNA put into a child. So essentially, yes, the princess is his daughter."
Folken looked back out, gazing at the far palace.
The floating fortress docked with a soft click. Folken still couldn't get over the technological genius of the whole place. Technology, it had always interested him. It had somewhat bothered him that Fanelia had been, somewhat behind on the times. Many a times, he had insisted on introducing, new machines, but his mother had always been reluctant and Balgus, Balgus had always said the old ways were the true ways. If only he could bring him here, to show him this city!
Kent led him off the ship. Almost immediately, Folken noticed that the air seemed laden with something heavy. As if every breath stuck in his throat. There seemed to be a whole retinue awaiting their arrival. Soldiers lined either side of the street. Soldiers accompanied them as they headed toward a dark looking building, with twisting spires and tall towers. As they walked along, Kent suddenly stopped. He nudged Folken to stop as well.
"It's the Princess." He whispered. Folken looked around. Then, he saw her. He remembered the Emperor saying that she was very beautiful. Very beautiful weren't really the right words. More like, more beautiful than anything else he had ever seen in his life. Her hair was pale, almost like snow, and it shone, shone like nothing else in the whole city shone. It was bound by a thin circlet. Her eyes were lavender, large and depth less that gazed at him, and he couldn't think of anything else. Beside him, Kent fell to his knees.
"Princess..." He bowed. Almost with helping himself, Folken followed suit. It was hard not to in front of a princess who's aura almost brought him to tears. Her eyes flicked over him, and he shook. She extended her hand slowly, it was perfectly gloved in a black glove, slender. He raised it to his lips. She raised him up.
"How do you do?" She nodded to Kent, then her eyes traveled back to Folken. "And who might you be?"
It was hard to keep the tremor out of his voice.
"Prince Folken, of Fanelia."
"Ah...I see my father kept his promise."
Folken looked at her.
"Promise?"
She nodded lightly, a smile breaking out over her face. Her smile was like the sun shining out under the clouds.
"Yes. My father promised to bring me home a bridegroom from the Dragon Country that would be worth of my love. I see he kept his promise."
Folken's mind whirled. Bridegroom?!?!?!
Chap.4
Folken shut the door to his room, his heart racing. He should be happy, yes, he was happy. Well.....his mind was warring. One side, one side was reluctant. He was Fanelian, he needed to get home. The other side of his mind, his conscience, it told him to go along with it. Gods, he had, easily the most beautiful girl in the world betrothed to him, why shouldn't he be happy? No one was mistreating him...no one was doing anything to Fanelia...surely it wouldn't be so bad......
"What am I thinking?" Folken whispered. But Princes Lourdes was so beautiful...
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Folken said. Kent entered.
"So..." He drew a deep breath. Then laughed, loud and long. "So our little prisoner is now betrothed to the Princess of the Zaibach empire. And I, a soldier of the highest rank, childhood companion of Lourdes, I am cast aside." He laughed again. But something in his eyes were hard. Folken didn't know what to say.
"Uh...."
"I know, I know, its got nothing to do with you. But...I just...."
Folken looked at Kent, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Kent continued, his eyes staring up at the ceiling.
"I...I used to believe that...that if I loved her enough, if..if I spent enough time. God." Gill's eyes rolled, suddenly glistening in the light. "Did you know we were born but a month apart?"
Folken stared at him.
"Yeah, only a month. I...she was my best friend." He laughed, and Folken's heart twisted when he heard the invisible knife that Kent plunged into himself. "You know, when...when she wasn't so beautiful, and being a princes...being a princess didn't matter so much. I mean, I'm only a soldier." He sighed. "But...but I understand you know? Like, I don't...I don't hold it against you at all. I.." He laughed. "I'm sorry, I don't even know why I'm telling you this."
He blinked, then hurried out of the room. Folken sat on the edge of the bed, his mind in absolute pieces.
***********************************
Dornkirk sighed, settling back into his familiar life support. It was good to be home.
"Excuse me, Your Highness, your daughter, is here..." The soldier at the door spoke. Dornkirk nodded. His daughter entered. He regarded her, and he was surprised at how little affection he actually felt for her. She looked up at him.
"Father.."
"Daughter.." He put on a smile. She did turn out very beautiful. Hopefully, that would play to his advantage. "How do you like him?"
Lourdes looked away.
"He is...very handsome."
"You do not approve?"
"No! Father...I..."
"What is it daughter?" Dornkirk asked, somewhat impatiently. Lourdes sighed.
"He...he doesn't seem...content. He gazes at me, and his eyes are full of love, and then he turns away, and they grow dark with anguish. I..I don't know what else to do..."
Dornkirk regarded his daughter. Truly, she had to be epitome of beauty. Even now, distressed, her cheeks flushed rosily, she was beautiful. Her silvery hair flowing around her in fine, silken strands. Surely, surly the boy wouldn't reject such an awesome prize.
"Give him time, my daughter. You two have only just been introduced. You cannot expect miracles to happen."
"I know...I know..." Lourdes bowed her head. "I just...don't want to disappoint you Father."
"Of course not." Dornkirk gazed down at her lowered head. "I must rest."
He signaled a guard, who escorted Lourdes out. Dornkirk mused. His whole plan depended on the boy marrying Lourdes. He had to have that boy as his successor, and the quickest way to a man's heart was, as always the universal answer, a women.
***************************************
Lourdes hurried out of the room, her breath coming in short gasps. Meetings with her father always did this to her. She always felt..almost evil whenever she was with him. Tainted, was the right word. She was pretty sure it wasn't how a daughter was supposed to feel about her father, but....
"Oh!!" She gasped, as she walked right into someone. "I'm so sorry.." She looked up, then her eyes alighted. "Kent!!" She laughed, throwing her arms around him in a hug. "I saw you earlier, but you were surrounded by the court ladies. Don't tell me you are marrying off already!" She pouted. Kent grinned back, his face suddenly clear of all his worry lines.
"Ahh, Lourdes. You know I am already taken."
Lourdes giggled. "Of course. And we shall live in the tree house you built for me in the castle courtyard, am I right?"
Kent smiled, then sobered. "No, you shall live with me on my Father's estates, on the edges of Zaibach. I know you like the gardens, and here, your gardens will choke and die." He gazed into her eye, his heart in his eyes. Lourdes backed away. Why did he have to be like this? Before he had left on that last mission with Father, he had been professing his love at every turn. She had hoped he would've forgotten about it during his absence, but obviously she was wrong. Trying to keep the atmosphere light, she skipped out of his reach.
"Oh Kent! You are too much. You know I am betrothed."
"To a stranger. Surely you don't plan on marrying...."
"Kent....it..is obligation."
Kent's face went hard. Lourdes' heart felt like it was weeping. Why did it have to be her that caused him pain? He was her best friend. She remember when they had chased each other through the mulberry bushes, wrestled in the haystacks, swam in the ponds. He had been her first kiss. His face was like stone.
"Kent...please...don't..do..this." She started towards him. He shrugged her away and walked off. She watched him, wanting to cry. Her shoulders slumped, she walked away.
************************************
Folken stared out the window at the city of Doven. It was night. Still, even a week after he had first set foot in the city, the night time scenery of the city never failed to amaze him. Lights blinked, from all parts of the city, and not just torch lights. Somehow, this empire had created lights that did not burn out. The city was like a halo in the night.
"It is beautiful, is it not?" A voice behind him spoke. He turned and found Lourdes behind him. Even now, the sight of her made his breath stop in his throat. It was like regarding someone above you, she was somehow unearthly. He nodded. She came up beside him, staring down at the flickering city lights. "What do you think...so far, of my city?" Her voice was low. Folken turned back to the window, staring out over the horizon.
"It...it does not fit its name.." Folken spoke, catching himself too late. "I..did not mean to offend..."
The princess laughed, a soft laugh. Almost sad. She shook her head.
"No, no that's alright. I understand. Doven, it should be a city of white clouds and beautiful gardens should it not? Beautiful doves grazing the skies. It should be....yet..." She sighed. Folken didn't reply. Suddenly she turned, facing him. "Is that what Fanelia is like? Is it....?"
Folken stiffened. But looking into her midnight blue eyes, he felt his anger melting away. He nodded slowly.
"Yes...yes Fanelia is beautiful. The trees..the trees touch the sky, and the bird, they will eat out of your hand. Oh," He laughs, "Our buildings are nothing like yours, nowhere near as...as technological, but..there is a...a simplicity in my homeland." He sighed. His homeland. How distant is seemed already. Lourdes was watching him.
"How I wish to be there."
"As do I." Folken said softly. Lourdes looked at him, her eyes changing again to violet. Suddenly, she threw her arms around him. He tried to back away, yet..he wasn't sure he wanted to. She finally let go and gazed at him, her face in a wide smile.
"Thank you." She smiled.
"For what?" Folken asked, confused.
"You've, you've made me happy. I...I've always dreamed of such a place, and..and to know that it is out there, it's a wonderful feeling. It gives me hope." She beamed. Then, she was gone, in a flurry of skirts. Folken watched her go, her quick light steps. Her ever-changing eyes. Eyes. Oh...if only he could forget those shimmering eyes. Those shimmering emerald eyes that haunted him only in dreams.......
Chap.5
Folken stood before it. Even now, almost two months since he had been brought into the city of Doven, he still refused to admit that it was a person. It was always only a Thing in his mind. He clenched his jaw defiantly.
"I...will...not....bow...to...you.." He said, each word short. The Emperor regarded him, his gaze cool.
"Ahh..but my boy..."
"I am not your boy!!!" Folken shouted. Backing away, his fists clenched. If only he could strike. Then, gaining control over himself, he calmed. "When...when will you let me go?" He insisted, his voice almost in tears. The emperor didn't respond.
How stubborn he is, Dornkirk thought. I did not count on this..this stubbornness. Is it always a trait in these barbarians? His impatience was wearing very, very thin. But calmly, always calmly he answered the boy.
"Folken...."
"I just want to go home." Folken pleaded, his eyes suddenly glistening. Dornkirk frowned. Was Lourdes not doing her job?
"Does the princess not please you?" He asked. Folken blanched.
Oh yes, Folken thought, she is beautiful..yet..How could he love her if she was already loved by another, another that deserved her more? And truly, Kent did deserve her more. Over the weeks, Kent had become his one and only companion. Together, they had practiced their sword techniques, rode horseback and visited the city. Always, there seemed to be something on Kent's mind, and Folken didn't doubt that it had something to do with the princess.
"Yes....yes she does please me." He said.
"Then..then what is the problem?" Dornkirk asked. Folken sighed in frustration.
"I...I am Fanelian. I.."
"No, Folken, you will be known as Zaibach, you are Zaibach, do you know why?"
Folken felt the Emperor's will forcing him to keep his eyes on the ugly head. The Emperor continued.
"You are Zaibach, because I, I am Zaibach. And your life is from me. Do you not feel it?"
Folken stared at the head in horror. NO! His mind shouted over and over again. He was not....yet he knew, he had always known. He could feel it, the life inside of him. Churning, boiling, seething.
"No...." Folken whispered, doubling over, as if in pain. Dornkirk smiled.
"Yes....now you understand." He paused, still smiling. Folken wanted to wipe the smile off his face. The emperor continued. "You know now...why, even now, when you have had opportunities to escape..why you are still here. Why, you feel, compelled to stay. It is your destiny."
"No..." Folken whispered, knowing all the while that it was true and hating himself for it.
"You feel it don't you...inside." The emperor laughed, overjoyed at the boy's reaction. "You know...you feel it. I am inside you..."
The emperor's words echoed inside Folken. With a cry, he shot out of the room, suddenly sick to his stomach. He hurtled through the corridors, soldiers staring at him as he went by. He ran out into the clear air. Almost choking, he ran, as far and as fast as he could. He ran, his eyes gazing at the distant mountains. Fanelia. Fanelia was past those mountains. He ran until there was no more ground to run. The grass ended, abruptly, in a sharp cliff. Below, sharp rocks loomed. Folken had only seconds to comprehend his fate. The edge loomed closer. His breath was gasping. It was better to be dead, than to have that thing, that thing inside of him.
He threw himself over. The wind whipped his hair about his head. He closed his eyes, accepting his fate. This was best. Maybe, if the gods were merciful, he'd apologize in heaven. Peace was so near.
"I'm sorry.....mother....goodbye..." He whispered.
The ground loomed close. He could see the sharp rocks, dark.
"Folken!!!" A voice shouted from above.
Nooooooooo!
Shimmering eyes, Emerald Green.
I....am.....
Folken's eyes shot open. The girl.
White, sparkling wings shot from his back. He was caught up in the updraft. He wanted to cry...almost. His wings beat upwards, carrying him away from the rocks. Almost of their own accord, his wings carried him up, up too the steady ground. There, he was surprised to find Lourdes staring at him, her now-pale blue eyes wide. She was kneeling on her knees, obviously shouting over the edge just moments before. His wings alighted him gently on the soft grass. He fell down, his body collapsing. Great heaves racked his body.
"Folken..." Lourdes reached towards him. He shook his head. When he finally looked up, he saw her, regarding him with her pale pale eyes.
"Folken..." She started. Slowly, she placed herself under his arm, helping him up. "Oh...Folken.." She sighed.
Folken's head was hanging down, his eyes closed. He hated himself. Hated himself for not being able to do it. Hated himself for being led away by this beautiful princess. He hated those shimmering, shining green eyes, that didn't let him go.....And all the while, the churning, burning, life inside of him.
***************************
Kent stood before the door. He hesitated. He had heard about attempt Folken had taken on his life. When he had first heard about it, Kent had been disgusted. Only a coward would rather die, then face life, head on. But, now that he thought about it, Kent was starting to feel sympathy towards the young Fanelian prince. He had a future, a kingdom. Maybe even a princess....... The young man had rarely talked about his homeland, and Kent had never broached the subject, knowing that it hurt him. Sighing, Kent raised a hand and knocked on the door quickly.
"Come in.." A voice called from inside.
Kent entered the room. Folken was lying in the bed, propped up by pillows. He stared at Kent as he entered. Sitting next to him, on a wicker chair was the Princess. It made his heart wrench to see the tenderness in her eyes as she looked down at Folken. No, he thought, I will not hold it against him. He approached the boy. Seeing him, laying there, so pale, Kent realized how very young the boy was. The boy, that was what the Emperor always called him. Never by his name, at least, never to Kent.
"How are you doing?" Kent looked at Folken. Folken smiled at thin smile.
"As fine as I can be expected." He answered, his voice strangely hollow.
"...Why..??" Kent asked. Folken didn't respond. Lourdes watched him, her eyes imploring.
"Kent...."
He looked at her, his eyes scornful. He couldn't help the twinge in his heart at the sight of her. Her eyes, strangely grey....He shook his head.
"My name...is Commander Kenton. I request that you call me that, Princess."
Lourdes stared at him.
"Kent...." She whispered, her eyes huge. Tears glistened in them. Kent forced himself not to go to her. He turned his head, his eyes forced shut, so as not to see her. She gazed at him, her eyes filling with tears. Then, with a sob, she ran out of the room.
When she was gone, Kent sighed, suddenly realizing how tense his body had been. He looked at Folken, whom he found was looking at him, a bemused look in his eyes.
"Do you not think that was somewhat cruel?" Folken asked. Kent didn't meet his eyes.
"Not as cruel as what she does to me." He said, his heart still aching. Why couldn't he just forget about her? She would never love him, never love him the way he lover her. And how could he blame her? She was the Princess, him, he was only a mere soldier.
"Can you not tell that she loves you?" Folken blinked at him. His jaw tightened. He laughed hoarsely.
"Yes, of course. The most beautiful princess in the world loves a mere commoner." He turned his gaze upon Folken. "Now, no more of this idle talk, you must answer me. Tell me, Why?"
Folken's head turned to his hands. His body trembled.
"You..have..no...idea..." He whispered.
"Tell me...Let me help..." Kent insisted. Why was he doing this? Why did he want to help this...this boy? This boy whom would tear out his heart and soul. Why did he even care about him? Let him fall to his death. But already, the words were fading. Folken's eyes were shut, and his face was filled with pain.
"He....It...is in me...." He whispered, his voice shaking. Kent stared, confused. Folken's eyes snapped open.
"DON'T you understand!!??!!" He shouted, "That thing, is..inside of me! That's why I can't leave..IT is Inside of ME!!"
"How...how can that be?" Kent asked. Folken's eyes were shut again.
"He...he put some of himself inside of me, when I had died. I..I can feel it inside. If only I'd have died." He turned his head away, but not before Kent had seen small tears, gathering in the corners of his eyes.
"You...you can't give up!" Kent spoke, almost vehemently. "The Emperor can't control you, unless you let it. And...you will come to understand. Life..life is precious, cherish it. The emperor, in all his odd ways, is not a cruel master."
"I...have a kingdom." Folken almost sobbed openly. Kent watched him. Yes, the emperor was there. Inside, the life force inside of him.
"Give up your country, give up your mountains and your skies. Come into the future, the future with Zaibach. Sometimes, you can't control destiny." Kent spoke, almost coldly, and Folken didn't respond. Getting up, Kent turned to leave. Then stopped, saying one more thing.
"Remember, Folken, you are Fanelian no longer. Embrace life, and all it has to give. And you will find peace, if not happiness." He turned, his cloak fluttering behind him.
Folken watched him leave. Could it be? Could the gods really mean for him to be part of this Empire? To wed this princess? To be Fanelian no longer? Lying back, he stared out the window at the grey clouds, and all he could think about was those shimmering green eyes.
To Be Continued..