A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE

Chapter 19: Condemnation

Heat looked around him with dull eyes. He had moved on with his life…and had taken his position back months prior.

Although he had had his life back on track, he would never allow himself to forget. He could never forget her even if he wanted to anyway…

No.

He narrowed his eyes suddenly as he shook his head. He shouldn't think about her. No. There were other issues at hand that needed his attention.

There were two in fact.

One. There was the queen's guard. Roland hadn't been himself; he could tell. Heat wanted to laugh at his pitiable state though.

It wasn't the way he was looking at the queen either.

It was how he tried not to look at her.

He would see him during the banquets, how he would steal glances at her…and how he would move his eyes quickly away.

It was a look of longing. Heat had seen that look and had been acquainted with it rather intimately…

When he searched for "her" all those months ago…that was all that he felt; pure longing.

But still, getting back on his original thought…Roland. He needed to watch him closely.

Two. There were the rebels. Although Serph had assured him that they were of little concern, Heat begged to differ. There was one rebel that he was so desperate to meet.

He narrowed his eyes into slits as he remembered the masked young man from the battlefield on that day when Sera died. What was his name? Ah yes…Cielo.

She had screamed his name on the battlefield…Heat's blood boiled at the thought.

'Why did she scream his name?' he spat mentally.

'Did he mean anything to her?' he thought venomously, clenching his hands into fists, 'I want to capture that little bastard.'

But as of now, he could do nothing…Serph's words were absolute. But then again, there was always the chance that Serph would go to war…All he needed was a motivation to do it. As of late, the Resistance had been quiet, 'Probably getting their damned spies in place!' Heat internally seethed.

But still, when the rebels had fallen, he would meet Cielo again. Heat needed him alive. He would get him alive. When he did, there were some questions that he needed answered. And Heat would get his answers…

Whatever the cost.

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Serph looked at Argilla from afar as she hummed to herself. She was on a rug amidst the lush greenery of the gardens, on a hill.

He closed his eyes as he felt the cool breeze pass by him. It was a lazy afternoon, and the sun was about to set.

He walked over to her, smiling, "Hello." he told her gently.

She immediately looked up, "Serph…!" she exclaimed, surprised that he had been there and blushed, "Milord…please sit…"

Serph was the man for her…That had been decided long ago…Argilla believed that firmly…But she also believed that it had been possible for her heart to go astray…

And it did when she had met Roland…

But now…

Serph was her present and her future…

She shouldn't be selfish; and so, she erased all feelings of Roland within her mind…Even if she had to harden her heart and force it to love someone else…She would do it.

But that didn't mean that she felt nothing for Serph…

No…She loved him…But the question was, whom did she love more…? Serph or Roland…?

'That is a question that need not be answered…'

'Serph is with me now…He is the father of my child…' she thought with absolute firmness, letting all thoughts of Roland fly out of her head.

Serph laughed, "That title doesn't suit me Argilla…"

She nodded and said nothing more, shifting a bit in her position as he sat beside her. A moment later, as he got comfortable, he put an arm around her and pulled her close, "I cannot wait for the birth of our child…" he said against the breeze.

"…"

She was wrong about him. Why can't she give him a chance? She knew not his whole being…She really shouldn't judge him too harshly…

"I've built the country that I've aspired for." he stated proudly, contentedly, "After I am gone from this world, he would take my place and rule over these lands…He would have a country that he would be willing to fight for…to preserve and to protect. A country that he would be proud of; strong and dignified."

She still said nothing and he sighed, looking at her as he pulled himself away from her, "A country of peace…A country that had been unified."

She looked into his eyes and saw how serious he was…What…he didn't plan on furthering his conquest…?

He was stopping?

Why?

Serph, who seemed to have read her eyes merely shook his head while chuckling, "I'm not a warlord Argilla. I do know when it is time to stop. And now, I do believe that the time has come."

She raised an eyebrow, "And Radhakrishna?"

Serph opened his eyes and looked at her with serious eyes, "Radhakrishna and Arkanadara had reached a mutual understanding. We are currently at peace with them. As of now, we are their allies."

He saw the disbelief in her eyes and he held her firmly, his hands on her arms, "When will you ever see that I'm not what you think I am?" he asked with his low and grave tone.

She averted her gaze from his and he growled, grasping her arms tighter, "Argilla," he began, "I made this country for the child that you are carrying…Not for me."

"…" How could she even begin to believe him…? He was the most bloodthirsty and lustful and greedy person that she had ever met…But despite those flaws, she had wanted to believe him.

Why? Because she loved him…It was just that, she wanted an explanation, any explanation, so that she may be able to believe him.

His hand left her arm and there, stroked her belly, "I want to see our child. I want to see him…I want to raise him…"

Argilla looked up at him and read his eyes; she saw happiness within them. She saw the contentment in his usually cold silver eyes.

"And…I want to do all that, with you by my side." he whispered, cupping her face, "When will you ever…believe me My Queen?" he asked, choking his words a bit, letting her see blatantly the weakness that she had made him feel…

"When will you ever know…that I too am capable of love…?" he asked her, growling a bit as he controlled the rampaging feeling of desperation within his very soul as she continued to be unresponsive to him.

Argilla's heart began to crumble as she heard him speak to her in such a fashion…He sounded so desperate…so pleading.

Without entrusting her feelings to her words, she let him know what exactly it was she thought…Her hands touched his face and there, guided his face gently towards hers…

Serph closed his eyes as he saw her close hers…And there, their lips met. Serph moved closer to her and kissed her fully, prying her lips apart and there, explored her wet mouth expertly…

Her tongue danced with his voluntarily…His heart felt light as she kissed him back. He could tell that there had been a change within her…

A few moments later, their kiss had ended and there they looked within each other's eyes. Argilla smiled weakly as she sighed, stroking his cheek affectionately, "I believe you…" she whispered.

Serph's silver eyes widened but said nothing.

Argilla giggled; this was the first time that she had ever seen that facial expression on his face, "I believe you…Serph…"

Serph raised his eyebrow skeptically, "Why?"

"Because I love you."

She had finally found the courage to tell him that. At first she had been afraid that he was merely lying to her, despite the fact that he had never lied. Then, after that, she did not dare utter such words since she thought that he was merely using her…and did not know what love was…

But as the months had progressed…She noticed the small things in him…that gradually altered her perception of him…

But despite that, she held her ground…

However, today had been different. She had seen within him…what he had hidden for far too long. He showed her his weakness; something that he swore no one would ever see…

That was why she felt happy that day…Because he trusted her. He trusted her enough to bare to her with lurked within the deepest crevasses of his burning and tortured soul…

And because of that, she reckoned that she bare her all as well…

That was just what she had done.

Serph could not explain with words the happiness that he felt as her words passed through her luscious lips. Only God could know how long that he had waited and dreamt about the day that she would tell him that…

And now, she did.

He smiled at her and stroked her hair, tucking the loose strands behind her ears. Now, his being, his soul, felt complete…

His soul-mate had finally revealed herself to him…

It was more than he could ask for.

"And I you…" he replied as he kissed her tenderly…

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"W-what do you mean?" shrieked the woman.

Serph smirked, "Just what I said. I do not require your services any further…You can die for all I care…" he said indifferently.

"Besides," he said, waving his hand casually before turning to her with cold and steely silver eyes, "I should have you beheaded and your entrails fed to the dogs!" he thundered.

She stiffened but said nothing.

"You had lied to me about the late Princess Severina! She was within the rebels and you deliberately withheld that information!"

The woman glared at him, "I hid nothing. You asked to find a maiden with ebony hair and silver eyes…who was a princess…There were many within the faction…and none of them were princesses…"

Serph snarled, "Are you testing my intelligence?"

The woman smirked, "The woman introduced herself to me as Serish and not Severina. She wore not her royal robes or her royal sari but a peasant's robes. She did what normal wives did; washed, cleaned and cooked…None of those attributes fit your princess. Wouldn't you agree?"

Serph wanted to kill the woman right there and so, within the split-second, drew his sword and placed it at her neck.

She was using the terms of technicality and feigning ignorance as a justification for her lack of news about the late Princess Severina when she was still alive. Technically, she was right though.

"You are no longer of any use to me woman…Any last words?" he asked, bored.

The woman felt her heart break, "There are still things that you do not know My King! You are making a mistake!"

Serph yawned, "You have yet to bring me any news that will interest me…In fact, don't bother. I am no longer concerned."

Here, the woman narrowed her eyes, "You may not be interested My King…But what about your general?"

Serph raised his eyebrows, "Oh?"

She smirked, "If you dismiss me now, you would never find the information that you oh so seek…But as you said before, you are no longer concerned…" she turned her back and crossed her arms, "If you dismiss me, your general would never find the man that he seeks…"

"A man?"

She nodded, "Yes…a Sanadan man…The one who had challenged your Red Dragon to a duel…on that day when Princess Severina had met her demise…Your general is desperate to find him, I think…"

"…"

"Think carefully My King." she spoke, before disappearing into the shadows.

Serph smirked; she was playing her cards correctly…He supposed that he would leave her alive for a bit more…She had better be careful though…

It wasn't that he didn't know what she wanted…

His grin widened and he bared his teeth; of course he knew. He saw it everyday within her eyes…She was in love with him.

'Foolish woman…' he thought in a mirthful laugh.

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It was a happy day for Sera and Cielo…This was their seventh day as husband and wife…Yes. It had been a week now, since they had married. At first, both had thought that things would become awkward…

But they were both surprised to know that it wasn't the case at all…

In actuality, since they had married, nothing seemed to have changed…They still joked around with one another and had spoken to each other as they had done before…

The only things that had happened since the ceremony was that their feelings had been revealed…

They were both able to say out loud what they both feared only a few days prior; the revelation of their feelings of affection.

Flashback

It was the morning after their wedding celebration; which was just the other night. His wife, yes, she was finally his wife…

His wife slept soundly within their bed while he was fully awake.

He gazed out the window and saw that the sun had yet to rise. He was always awake at those times…

He leaned over the window and smelled the dew within the moisture-filled air. The fog was still lingering about…but he knew that within minutes…perhaps half an hour, the aforesaid fog would also retreat.

It was these times that he would…watch the sunrise…To him, it had been a moment of peace; it was the threshold between light and dark…morning and night.

It would be those times where he could gather his thoughts and let his feelings swell freely…He turned and looked at his sleeping wife. And now that his angel had become his better half…he knew that this was something that he wanted to share with her.

He smiled and there walked over to her, sitting by her bedside, touching her on her shoulder, leaning in so that his lips may be near her ear, and gently spoke, "Hey…Wake up…"

"Hn…?"

He chuckled; she was never the morning person, was she?

"Cielo…?"

"Hey…"

She blinked, "What is it…?"

He stood and held out a hand, grinning, "Want to go out?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Now?"

He pouted childishly, "Please…? There's something I want to show you."

Her eyes melted at the sound of his voice, and so, without hesitation, she took his hand. A few minutes later, after quick preparations, Cielo carried her slowly through the trees, still as balanced and composed as ever…as if his wife had not gained any weight.

Soon, they had reached their destination.

It was the waterfalls…And now, the two sat by the nearly branch of a tall tree, overlooking the horizon.

"Cielo…?"

"Ssshh…" he said gently and there pointed to the trees in front of them, towards the distant mountains…

And there…

The sun's gentle rays slowly touched the peaks of the mountains…and there…a few moments later now held the trees…its branches…

And finally…

"Oh my…It's so beautiful…" Sera spoke dreamily, her eyes upon the water…

Cielo followed her gaze and there saw as the first rays of the sun uttered a slow and gentle "good morning" to the waterfalls…The crystal clear water within were now in the hue of the most purest of gold…

The raging water that fell from the furious waterfalls glowed as well…but it had been different…Not having the sun's direct light, the rushing and gushing water fell, drop by drop like diamonds…or was it like…stars from the sky…?

The pebbles along the edge of the river glowed and reflected the light making them seem as if they were jewels…

Cielo put his arm around her and pulled her close. Sera looked at him and smiled, leaning on him, her head resting on his shoulder, "Oh Cielo…It was a most beautiful thing you've shown me…"

She sighed contentedly, "Thank you…"

She closed her eyes and so did he. He felt nothing but warmth at that moment. The sun had vanquished the fog and had restored light and warmth within the earth…But he wondered…perhaps it wasn't the sun that provided such warmth…

He looked down at his wife and noticed the smile on her face…

Yes…he knew…

The warmth, the feeling of euphoria passing through him at that moment…wasn't from the sun…It had been from her…

"Anytime…"

End Flashback

Yes…that was a treasured memory…One that neither she nor he could ever forget.

Cielo embraced her from behind as he walked up to her seeing that she was gazing out of the window, looking at the trees before her, "Hey…What are you thinking?"

She giggled within his arms and leaned further into his touch, sighing contentedly, "I was just thinking what we should name our baby when he or she is born."

"Ooh…" Cielo trailed off, drawling a bit, "I know!" he beamed excitedly.

Sera snorted playfully, "For the last time Cielo, we won't name them Sera I or Cielo I!"

The smile within Cielo's hopeful eyes and lips vanished only to be replaced by a childish frown, "Not fair…"

Sera giggled at his antics. He could be such a child himself. Cielo released her from his hold and led her towards the bed that they now shared, letting her sit on it with him beside her.

Cielo smiled once more, "Alright, alright. Enough clowning around." He beamed once more, "So, what about the child? What do you think is a good name?"

Sera stroked her belly affectionately, and then looked at Cielo's eyes, "Hm…Well…if it's a girl…I would like to name her…Nozomi."

Cielo raised an eyebrow, "Nozomi?"

Sera chuckled and nodded, "Yes. Nozomi is a name from my country which means 'hope'."

Cielo saw the hope within her eyes…He nodded, "That's a beautiful name Sera."

She blushed, "Thank you…" she paused, and then continued, "But, if it's a boy…then, I would love for his father to name him." she finished; looking expectantly at him.

Cielo looked at her, puzzled and then saw the expression in her face. She was looking right at him. Uncertain, he pointed to himself as he tilted his head to the side, "Me?"

She giggled, "Of course silly!" she sighed and held his hand, giving him a firm squeeze, "I want his father to name him." she whispered.

Cielo's heart warmed in understanding, "Then, I would name our son, Kanaye…"

"Kanaye?" Sera asked.

He nodded, "Kanaye in our country means 'zealous one'."

Sera embraced Cielo lovingly, sighing, "Oh Cielo…Thank you…"

He held her tight against him, "No…It is I who I must thank you…You have given me another reason to live and fight…Without you, Sera, all that I would have lived for is revenge against Arkanadara to avenge my clan…my father…"

Sera said nothing, wanting to listen to his entire monologue.

"But with you and our unborn child, I feel as though that there is something else waiting for me in this bleak world. You've made me believe in the beauty of life again…You've made me feel love again Sera…Love…and hope. You have given me a different reason to smile; before, I would smile to please other people without feeling any of the mirth…but now, I smile…genuinely."

He sighed, "That is why I should be the one thanking you…"

He pulled her away and looked within her silver pools that had, by now, gazed upon his sapphire eyes with nothing but compassion and understanding within them.

"I love you Sera."

"And I you…my brave Raikiri…" she breathed out lovingly.

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Heat walked along the halls feeling all the more bored. He grew weary of the lack of development within the castle.

It was as if, all the excitement had died as everything had decided to "settle". Serph and Gale seemed to be content…while he felt deprived.

He stopped suddenly; someone was following him. He grabbed the handle of his sword and pointed it behind him, "Come out from where you're hiding." he said, pointing to the dark corner of the room, "I know you're there. I can smell your fear." he spoke dangerously.

A figure slowly emerged, "My, my, your skills really are impressive Red Dragon…" said the figure silkily, emerging from the shadows, revealing to him nothing but the apparel worn by the aforesaid figure.

Heat raised an eyebrow, "Who are you?"

"I'm here to help you…"

He growled and took steps towards the figure, pointing the sword against the person's throat, "I've no need for your help woman…" he sneered, but then grinned, "Although I am in need of a woman in my bed…"

The woman sneered, "Is that so? Well, I, on the other hand have no need for an oaf of a man…"

Heat growled, "Watch your tongue wench, if you want your head to remain upon your shoulders."

She laughed, "Aaah…But enough of this idle banter. I've come to help you."

Heat looked her up and down, her face still shrouded in mystery. He turned around and began to walk away, "I've no need for you wench."

He walked away but froze in his tracks as he heard her next words, "I know about the Sanadan man whom you seek."

Heat's heart stopped and he immediately turned and thereupon seized the woman by the throat, "Tell me where he is…" he commanded; his voice hanging dangerously low.

The woman did not reply. Heat narrowed his eyes at her briefly before letting her go, "Tell me who he is."

The woman nodded; smirking within, "He is a member of the rebels…The prince of the Sanada Clan…"

Heat narrowed his eyes into slits; he knew he recognized that mask…

"How did he know my wife?" Heat asked; he wasn't blind to how Sera had screamed his name at the battlefield…

And what was more was that…in the event that he had revealed himself to her and she to him, she had chosen the Sanadan man rather than he…

The woman shook her head, "He had won her heart."

Heat narrowed his eyes and grabbed her again, "Lies!!" he thundered, "I shall have your head for this…!"

The woman snatched her arms from his grip, "I am not lying."

Seeing his shocked expression, she smirked and walked away, "I shall tell you more about him when I find out more…Until then, farewell, Red Dragon."

Heat's soul stirred there as his blood ran cold. He couldn't move…much less, breathe. The woman's words…

They damned him.

So, Sera's love for him had disappeared…and had been given instead to that Sanadan man…He let out a strangled breath…

'It…it's impossible…' he thought desperately.

At that moment, all he felt was utter hatred; pure, passionate and unadulterated. He would find that man…He would find him and know the man who had stolen his beloved from him. And then, he would relish in the blissful feeling of killing him…slowly and painfully.

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It had been a week now since the king had openly expressed his feelings of nonchalant countenance towards her; yes, he had already told her that she was no longer needed…She had spent seven days and nights thinking of her next course of action.

And now, she had decided.

The woman knew where her loyalties laid…It laid with the king…She didn't mean to approach Heat.

But she had no choice.

She had miscalculated.

She had thought that by informing the king of the queen's wrongful doing about the elimination of her pregnancies that the king would dispose of her…the way he would any person who had deceived him.

But it was a completely different matter for the queen.

He did not dispose of her and had made outrageous decrees to make her comply instead. It was a turnaround tactic for Shailendra…

He seemed to be desperate to keep the queen…

She sighed; she had hoped that by knowing what the queen did, he would have her killed and realize that she herself, his most loyal and affectionate informant, could take the queen's place.

Why not?

She was loyal to him and was a skilled person. She wouldn't dare call herself unattractive either. She wouldn't mind baring him all the children that he wanted…

All that she wanted was his affections. But he didn't find her attractive at all; he didn't even like her.

'That's a lie! He's just being this way because the queen is hindering everything! Once she's gone, the king would choose me!' she thought with sheer anger and frustration.

But, as she had stated before, she had miscalculated. And now, the king even wanted to get rid of her. Why?

'Because of that damned wench!'

The queen. She had come to know that the queen had not only successfully conceived but she had come to return the king's feelings as well.

The woman's eyes blazed in anger. She had considered killing the queen herself. She cackled, "That stupid woman would never know what hit her!"

There were many times that she could have poisoned her or had killed her…But she decided against it. Because of Serph's distrust towards her due to the issue of her pregnancy elimination, her food was never served without it having been tested for poison or toxins…

She really couldn't have the option of striking the queen directly…

Her faithful dog, Roland, never left her side.

She frowned; Roland was the best of the best amongst his tribesmen. He was not a man to trifle with. And most especially, not for a woman such as she.

She had studied Roland; she knew that seduction would be futile against his overwhelming prowess of fortitude.

His loyalty was above reproach. His skill was undeniable and unquestionable.

She sighed; that was why she had resorted to approaching Heat instead. With the way things were going between her and the king, she had found it best to find another ally.

Heat was convinced that he needed her. Thus, he, in turn, would convince Shailendra that she had yet to outlive her usefulness…That was why she had purposely failed to inform him that his wife was alive and well…

And that she was with child.

She chuckled; she could just imagine what his reaction would be like when he found out…And that she had decided to marry the prince of the Sanada…

Aahh…

As much as she would love to tell Heat, she mustn't. Her information about Princess Severina was her trump card. She wouldn't reveal it so easily. And now, she must attend to other things that required her attention.

She made a disgusted face.

She was living on borrowed time; she needed a scandal that would ruin the queen within the king's eyes!

There had got to be a way…!

Well, she would figure things out…She would; she hadn't a choice.

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Roland walked to the queen. He had decided.

Argilla raised an eyebrow, "Roland?"

He knelt in front of her and she spoke, "Rise. There is no need for this."

He rose from his position and looked at her firmly, his eyes dancing with emotion, "My Queen. I have decided to relinquish my position as your guard. I wish to leave immediately."

He couldn't take it any longer. Within each of every God-given day, the queen drew farther and farther away from him. She no longer spoke to him and doted her attention on the king and their unborn child.

He had been fine with that…to be sure. But there was always the selfish side in him protesting…telling him, irking him about his situation with the queen…His unrequited love for her…

Or was it?

That was what frustrated him…

He knew of what she felt for both him and king. And what hurt him was that she had completely forgotten all about him…given the fact that she was with child.

He frowned at that thought.

Within each given day, a little piece of himself continued to die…Everyday that he would see her love another…Well, now, he could no longer bear it. There wasn't a need for him to guard her any longer anyway. The kingdom was at peace…and the king was more than capable enough to protect her.

He wasn't needed.

"What?" Argilla half-yelled in surprise, "Why?" she asked in confusion.

Hearing him say those words had hurt her even more than she had previously anticipated. She had always thought that since she had admitted her feelings for Serph and that she was with child, that her feelings for Roland had diminished and altogether vanished…

But now, she had discovered that they had not disappeared…but had only been subdued…concealed…hidden.

And now, they had been rekindled, awakened by his simple words…

Her chest suddenly felt constricted and her breathing became labored. She immediately stroked her protruding belly, not wanting to cause her unborn child any distress as she fought with all of her might to secure her majestic composure…only for it to be in vain as she looked within his eyes and saw nothing but pain…and love.

She cast her head down and intertwined her fingers together, "Can't you…reconsider…?" she asked; her tone low.

Roland sighed, "No. I cannot. I cannot remain here any longer."

She looked up at him, her eyes pleading with his, "Is it because of me…?" she whispered sadly. She had been right; he had decided to leave after all…But it had just hurt worse than she had previously anticipated.

She had thought that by placing Roland as a friend within her mindset, that all feelings would disappear…But now…she was unsure.

He turned away, "The castle has gotten to small for us milady. I cannot live here any longer. Please understand."

She let out a strangled breath as she nodded, "Very well…"

Roland nodded as well and turned around to leave, "Thank you…"

She bit her lip and immediately took a step towards him, "Wait!"

He turned to look back at her, "What is it?"

A tear cascaded down her face, "Tell me…Tell me that you love me…" she sobbed demurely, pausing, then spoke once more, "Tell me how you really feel about me…That way, I'll know…so I'll never forget…"

Roland swallowed the lump that he had in his throat and sighed, "Highness…"

"Please Roland…I want to know."

"For what purpose My Queen?" he asked confusedly; not understanding what it was she wanted from him.

She closed her eyes tightly, suppressing her tears and then, a moment later, opened them once more, "I need to know…that it wasn't a lie…I need to know that you felt for me…what I felt for you…Please…do this for me…So that you may set me free." she spoke desperately, her statements ending in a spirit-moving whisper.

Roland felt his heart melt…She wanted to be free of him as well. She wanted him to take with him his feelings along with hers when he left through those doors…

And so, now understanding her motives, he complied, "I love you Argilla…"

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Heat walked along the halls. He needed to speak with Serph. He needed to convince him that finding out the rebels' hideout was a priority.

He made his way towards his chambers and there reached it. He brought up his fist to knock when he heard voices.

It was the queen.

He growled; it would seem that he was preoccupied with the queen at the moment. No matter; he'd come back at a later time.

He turned to leave when he heard another voice.

He froze on the spot. That wasn't Serph. It was a different male's voice. His blood boiled as he realized that there was a man within the queen and king's chambers!

He growled and considered barging in there but remembered that this was Serph's business. But still, he wanted to know who the man was.

So, he pressed his ear to the door, while opening the door ever so slowly, peeking through the small, almost nil, opening.

He gritted his teeth; he had been right. It had been the guard! Roland!

What was he saying to her?

"Tell me…Tell me that you love me…"

"Tell me how you really feel about me…That way, I'll know…so I'll never forget…"

"Highness…"

"Please Roland…I want to know."

"For what purpose My Queen?"

Sirens went off within Heat's mind. Those were treacherous words! Not wanting to waste any more time, he quickly departed from the scene and there ventured to look for the king.

He gritted his teeth in sheer anger. The queen was betraying Serph.

'Those bitches…' he thought with utter disgust, 'They're all the same!' he thought with contempt as he remembered Sera and how she had abandoned her love for him and had given it to the Sanadan prince…

They were all the same in his eyes now…

They were nothing but garbage…Nothing but filthy whores…

He ran through the halls, looking left and right for the king when he stopped as he saw his friend walking up to him with a puzzled expression on his face, "Heat? What is wrong?"

Heat growled, "In your chambers. Make haste."

Serph's bemused expression quickly evaporated and without another word, left Heat rooted on his spot.

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Argilla let out a cry as his words left his lips. Was it a cry of pain or of happiness…she could never know…

Hearing him say it, warmed her heart…She stroked her belly as she felt a stinging pain on her back. And as before, Roland came to her side immediately, "Are you alright?" he asked as he held her in his arms, his eyes never leaving hers.

She blushed as she considered their proximity and turned away when he made her look back at him, "Argilla…"

"W-what?"

He leaned in, "Please grant me this…" he whispered seductively.

Feeling disoriented and detached from reality, she complied with his final wish and leaned in…A moment later, their lips had met…

Roland groaned at the feel of her against him…She was warm…and full of life…

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Serph gritted his teeth as he forced his legs to literally fly up the staircase. He reached their chambers and there opened the doors with much force. His eyes immediately landed upon the visage of his wife and her guard in a passionate embrace…in a more passionate kiss.

He saw red.

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Sera washed the clothes and shirts in front of her with much concentration. Her eyes were fixed on the aforesaid fabrics and her lips were set on a grim line.

She was getting better in these sorts of chores in her opinion.

Well, it was all thanks to Priya anyway. It had been her who taught Sera everything; from washing clothes to cooking.

She smiled a bit; if it weren't for Priya, Sera feared she would have continued to be a burden to Cielo…And now that she had recently become his wife, these skills were paramount, now, more than ever.

And it was because of Priya that she had begun to feel at ease within the community. She had helped Sera to integrate herself within the populace and meet new acquaintances.

"Sera?"

She turned her head, momentarily ceasing her hands' activity and smiled as she looked upon her aforesaid friend's face, "Priya! Hello! I was just thinking of you! Please, sit!"

Priya chuckled and sat on the rock beside Sera's and dipped her legs into the water, "So…how are you these days Sera?"

Sera beamed at her before turning back to the laundry, "I'm as well as can be expected." she paused as she giggled, "My baby had kicked the other day…and Cielo felt it! It was all so cute!"

Priya laughed, "Aa…I'm glad to hear that you and the prince are getting along so well."

"Me too." Sera replied blushing a bit. After all, it had been she who had denied all those months ago about her feelings for Cielo and his for her…

"So, I haven't seen you in a while…Where were you?" Sera asked, changing the topic.

Priya sighed, "I do apologize Sera. I've just been terribly busy. I had been in the towns, just buying the necessary supplies. With the Arkanadaran army cutting us off, it had been a bit more difficult to move around. That's why women had taken it upon themselves to gather the supplies instead of the men."

She paused and grinned as Sera looked at her as if she had grown two heads, "Men are more conspicuous. Not like us women. Just cry a bit and the guards would back off."

Sera smiled, "I suppose so…You're right though. But Cielo hasn't told me about that…about the women leaving for the towns, that is."

Priya chuckled and motioned to her swollen belly, "He's just concerned about you and your child. You wouldn't be able to make the trek. It's too stressful. Don't hold it against him though; he just doesn't want you to feel guilty of being a burden and he doesn't want you to think bad thoughts either. You should be thankful to have a man who loves you so…"

Sera blushed but it quickly evaporated and she turned to the bundle of laundry that Priya had brought with her, "Oh! You're here to wash too? Whose are those? Your husband's?"

Priya giggled, "No! You're awfully forgetful Sera! I told you I am not married!"

Sera blushed, "I'm sorry…"

"Don't worry about it. You've just been awfully stressed, right? Well, being that the case, it's alright. Well, as per your question, I'm just helping a friend who had too much of a load. I'm not doing anything anyway, so, it's alright."

"Oh…"

The two women were encased in a pregnant silence as each kept to themselves. Sera, unnerved by the silence, decided to break it and looked at Priya, "Why don't you get married already Priya?"

Priya looked at her bemusedly, "Huh?"

Sera nodded, "I mean it. You're young, dedicated, beautiful and smart…What else can a man be looking for…?"

Priya chuckled, "I'd love to Sera…really, I would…"

"But…?" Sera asked, encouraging her to continue.

Priya tore her gaze from Sera and stared at the clear water before them, and sighed, "I do have someone…"

"…"

"But…he doesn't see me that way…He loves someone else."

"Have you told him how you feel?"

"…No…"

"Why not?"

She chuckled suddenly, looking at Sera, "I think he knows it. I mean, I do show all of the signs that I love him…I do everything for him; I do whatever he asks…and…"

"And…?"

"I'm willing to do anything to make him happy." she told Sera with unfaltering resolve, her eyes steely, steadfast.

Sera smiled, "You really love him…But…don't give up Priya. I'm sure he'll come around. Just continue to be there for him…But you know…"

"Hmm…?"

"You should tell him how you feel…There's always I chance that he doesn't know your feelings for him…" she said gently, her silver eyes piercing her hazel ones.

Priya smiled tightly and held Sera's hand, "Thank you for that advice…Maybe I will…"

Sera smiled, "Good!"

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Jenna couldn't breathe. Her silver eyes pierced Gale's tightly, and suddenly, her knees felt weak. Gale caught her right before she sank on the floor. He held her tightly as she cried on his shoulders, "Argilla…!" she choked.

Gale held her tightly, "Calm down. Nothing has happened yet…The king is…is currently debating on what to do with her…But he has not harmed her."

She pulled away from him and gazed at him steadily, "I want to see her Gale…Please."

Gale sighed, "The king…"

"I will speak to him…! Please Gale! She needs me!" Jenna pleaded openly, gripping his robes in her hands tightly.

"Alright. Come, let us speak to the king…"

Jenna smiled and nodded.

They promptly left their chambers and there looked for the king. He had not been in the throne room or in the War Room.

Gale stopped and thought for a moment; where was he anyway?

Ah…

He grabbed Jenna's hand and they walked along the corridors. They soon reached a long flight of stairs. And there after minutes of soft silent contemplations, they reached the door. Gale nodded and knocked.

No response.

He knocked again; and again, there was no response. Gale looked back at Jenna and motioned for her to be quiet. She nodded and he held the handle and there pushed the door open.

He looked within and there, he saw his friend, sitting on the window with his arm atop his knee, gazing out into the fields silently, his mask in place.

He knew Serph. When something had hurt him severely, he usually kept to himself until he was ready to face the world once more. He hardly spoke of his feelings but he and Heat could always tell when their brother and friend hurt…

Like now.

"Serph…" Gale stated flatly.

"What is it Gale?" he asked calmly.

"Where is the queen?"

Serph laughed and he turned to face Gale, his cold mask in place, his eyes evilly glinting at him, showing him all of his ill feelings, "Of what need have you to know that Gale? Wait! Don't tell me that you too are fucking my wife…!" he finished, malice and venom dripping in his voice, lacing his words, as he continued to intently gaze at his friend.

Gale narrowed his eyes, "I am here on the behalf of my wife Serph."

Serph laughed again, "Aaah…the Princess Junia…" He slowly stood from his position and walked in front of Gale, his silver eyes boring holes into his face, "You should keep the wench on a leash Gale, if you know what's good for you."

Gale remained unfazed and spoke just as calmly, "She wishes to see her sister Serph. I do not wish her to be denied this right."

Serph's eyes zipped from Gale to the person a few feet behind him. He pushed passed Gale and regarded Junia's calm face.

Serph narrowed his eyes as he saw the same fiery and feisty look in her eyes as they were in Argilla's eyes. At that moment, all his logical pattern of thinking vanished into thin air as he suddenly grabbed Jenna's chin and drew her to him, looking intently into her face.

Gale saw this and immediately grabbed onto Serph, "Serph! Cease and desist!"

Serph shook Gale off him and gazed into Jenna's face, which by now, had contorted into a look of pure displeasure and disgust…

Yes…she was definitely like Argilla…

Gale growled and forcibly got in between the two, making Serph drop Jenna. Gale glared at Serph, "She is not Queen Amadeus Serph!" he hissed angrily.

Jenna hid behind Gale and inspected her sore chin with a small frown. But she was glad though…Gale had defended her…

Serph growled and turned his back from Gale and Junia. He was just exhausted…and angry…That was all. He didn't mean to intrude upon Gale's territory.

He was right. Junia wasn't Argilla. His problems with her did not concern Gale or Junia.

Sighing, he spoke, "Your sister is unharmed Princess Junia. I had not relocated her either. She is within our chambers." He then turned around, "Why do you want to see her Junia?"

Jenna moved from behind Gale and faced the king boldly, "She is my sister My King. That is reason enough."

He nodded; it was the same between him, Gale and Heat.

"Supposing that I let you see her, what will you say to her? Are you going to convince her to leave me…? Run away the way Severina did…? Or will you convince her to do something drastic…? Hm…?"

Jenna felt sorry for this man…As he was speaking to her at that moment, she realized that he did not speak to her as a king…but as a man. A man who had been hurt.

She looked deeply within his silver eyes and there saw what Gale had told her to be true. He really did love her sister…

That was the reason that he was being this way…

At knowing that, she felt her heart soften…

"I will do no such thing Your Highness…I love my sister…dearly. I only wish her to be happy…and safe. And right now, even if she were unharmed, she is neither happy nor safe. Please My King, I beg of you…" she said, her firm voice cracking, her calm façade crumbling.

Serph released a long breath, "So be it. I am placing my trust in you Junia. Do not betray me the way you did before…"

Jenna beamed and bowed, "I thank you…"

Serph turned from them, "Now leave."

Gale grasped Jenna by her shoulders and led her away.

As they walked hand in hand, Jenna broke the uneasily silence, "You were right about His Majesty."

Gale raised his eyebrow as he looked at her, "What?"

Jenna smiled tightly, "He really…does love her…"

Gale nodded, "He does."

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Argilla sat on the chair sighing. Her eyes were transfixed on the floor, her body numb…her eyes dead.

Her breathing was steady and calm…

The sun had set and night had rolled in.

Her face felt dry and was salty. She had been crying and weeping for the last few hours…And now, she had no more tears to shed.

Now, she wanted it all to end…She bit her lip as a sensation broke though her spirit and spilt her heart in two. It had hurt.

She began to hiccup once more and her hand flew over her mouth. Roland was going to die. Serph had condemned him…And it was all because of her.

'He shouldn't have to die!!' she screamed to herself, as she gripped her hair tightly, pulling at her pink locks roughly, tearing some of the strands off from her scalp.

It was because of her…! Her and her utter foolishness…and selfishness!

She hated herself at that moment…She couldn't do anything right…All that she thought, felt, said and did were all wrong…They were either forbidden or disrespectful even blasphemous…

A tear escaped her eyes and rolled down her cheek. She sniffed; she had thought that she had run out of tears…She supposed that she had been wrong about that as well…

She wanted to die at that moment…Serph had not harmed her in any way…That had been a surprise for her though…She had been almost certain that he would beat her into submission out of sheer anger…

But he didn't…

He merely glared at her and turned to Roland, whom he had apprehended and sent away. He then turned back to her and told her that she was not to leave their chambers…She had done just that. As if she had a choice anyway. The doors were locked from the outside and were guarded.

She sighed and stroked her swollen belly once more, "I'm sorry…" she whispered, her voice cracking. Now, with Serph totally indignant towards her, there was a chance that he would have her killed…

She shook her head, "I don't care what happens to me…" she paused and sobbed, "I just wish that he would give me a little more time…until I could…bear him his child…" She paused once more and gazed at her belly, where their child continued to grow, "You are not part of my crime my child…You deserve to live…"

She loved Serph…That was clear. She had just thought that by releasing Roland and admitting their feelings towards each other, that she would be free from him…

It was that moment that Serph wasn't supposed to see…

Why did it turn out this way?

Why was God punishing her this way? She had merely wanted to say goodbye…but now, it seemed that she would still be saying goodbye…forever.

Roland would die a painful death because of her indiscretion…

"Argilla…!!"

She stiffened and her head shot up, "Jenna…!"

Her sister ran to her and there, embraced her tightly, "Argilla…Are you alright…?"

Argilla smiled, "I am…I am alright…But tell me Jenna, why are you here?" she asked, wiping her tears as she pulled away.

Jenna smiled at her tightly, "I asked the king to see you…"

Argilla's eyes dilated widely, "What…? You asked…His Majesty? And he…let you?"

She nodded and held her sister's hand, "Yes. He did…Argilla…what have you done…?" she asked with utter sadness and regret in her words and her eyes.

Argilla cast her face down, ashamed, "I am sorry Jenna…I…I was foolish…I gave in. I gave in to my desires…I wasn't thinking."

She then sobbed once more, "I do not know what the king has in store for me. It is very likely that he would have me executed…while he tortured Roland…" she finished with a choke.

She continued to sob, hiccupping every once in a while as she continued to speak, "I…I care not what becomes of me…But…But I do wish that I would be alive for a bit more until I bring this child into this world." she stated with much strife and agony as she stroked her swollen belly, "My child had committed no crime with the exception of having a whore for a mother…!"

Jenna gritted her teeth and grasped Argilla's shoulders tightly, "You are not a whore Argilla! You are righteous…! You are dignified…A kind and loving person…A person who puts everyone else's needs before her own!"

Jenna sighed and sat in front of her sister, "I'm not condoning your behavior sister…By all books and by all beliefs, sacraments or religion, you had transgressed what is considered lawful…But I would say that you did it not because you were selfish…"

"You did it because you were human." Jenna caressed Argilla's drooping face and tugged at her chin persuasively. She complied and let her pink eyes meet her silver orbs.

Jenna looked at her understandingly, "It is just human to fall in love with someone Argilla…You had held your feelings in for far too long…" she sighed as she paused, "That was why you made the mistake…There came a time that you couldn't hold it in any longer…"

Argilla's breath became shaky as she felt cold sweat run all over her body, "What will become of my child then…I wonder…? Without his mother to raise him and teach him the ways of kindness, of virtue…of compassion…of love?"

Jenna smoothed out Argilla's hair and there, tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, "The king feels strongly for you Argilla…Too strongly. I have complete faith that you would be fine…And your child would not grow up without a mother…"

Argilla wanted to believe her words so much…No…she wanted those words, those lies, those words filled with false hope, to be inculcated within her mind…

But she knew she couldn't…

She had committed a crime, and thus, must suffer the consequences…But all that she had asked for was that her child be spared…

And Roland as well.

"What happened to Roland…?"

Jenna shook her head, "I know not Argilla. I've no news of his condition…"

"Junia. Come, we must leave." came a stoic voice from the chamber doors. The two women turned around and saw Gale within the room.

He bowed before the queen, "Forgive my intrusion My Queen…But my wife and I must depart…"

Argilla smiled weakly; he still regarded her as his queen…She still had his respect. Gale was a good man; she was happy for Jenna and for herself as well. She was happy that should she leave this world, Jenna would be taken care of.

She bowed her head in return and look at Jenna, "Go Jenna…"

"But I-!"

Argilla shook her head, "No. I shall be fine…You said so yourself…"

Jenna nodded her head and rose from the chair, "So I said…Alright. I shall return as soon as I can…"

Argilla rose from her chair as well and embraced her sister, "Go…"

Jenna pouted childishly, "You sound as if I'd never see you again!"

Argilla grinned, "Go…" she said, ignoring Jenna's attempt at humor. For as far as she was concerned, she may not see her again after all.

Jenna nodded and turned around.

A moment later, she was alone once more.

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She embraced him from behind, letting him know that she was there…She had expected him to resist and push her away…but he didn't. He merely continued to stand where he stood, his hands limply at his sides.

The woman could not believe it though…

She could not believe her awfully good fortune…There she was thinking, scheming of a scandal that would ruin the queen indefinitely…

But it just came naturally. She had not been stupid or blind to Roland's feelings towards the queen. She just didn't think that he was stupid enough to actually act upon his feelings of foolish affections for her…which he did.

She wanted to laugh out loud at her triumph; but she wouldn't dare, now. The king was in a foul mood.

She understood though; it wasn't just mood…No. It was something deeper than that. He truly loved the queen. Her act of betrayal towards him had really struck upon him a most devastating blow.

And that was why she was there…She wanted to comfort him. And perhaps, make him realize that Queen Amadeus wasn't the only woman who could make him happy…

And so, she held him tightly.

Serph didn't know what to think or what to feel at that moment. He felt…dead. He had been feeling this way since he found out all those hours ago. He wanted to hurt her so much…He wanted to make her suffer…to punish her…

But as he was reminded of their child, he found himself unable…As he saw the utter fright in her pink eyes, he found himself unable…

He had to admit it to himself now. He loved her that much…

'I'm such a fool…' he thought sadly…angrily. He had been such a fool to believe in things such as love…peace…

Those were unfathomable…unattainable…

Why?

'Because I am death itself. I am evil incarnate…' he told himself as he narrowed his eyes. Yes.

He was. How many men, women and children had he condemned to their deaths?

How many husbands, fathers, sons and brothers had he slaughtered?

Too many…

And that was why…That was why the Almighty had forsaken him…

"Serph…"

He growled as he remembered his present state. He roughly grabbed the woman's hands from his waist and turned around, glaring, shoving her away from him roughly, "Do not…ever address me in such a fashion whore!" he hissed venomously.

The woman's heart almost broke at his words but she allowed it. He was, after all, still hurting.

His wound was still fresh…

"Highness…please…Let me comfort you…"

Serph snarled as his silver eyes blazed angrily at hers, "I have no need for your 'comfort' wench. Leave me."

The woman felt a sting of pain in her heart and she bit her lip tightly, almost tearing the skin as she fought her tears back.

She couldn't take this any longer. She had been his lover for months now, before he had married…And she had done everything that he had ever asked of her…She had let herself be used by him over and over in hopes that one day, he might love her…

But she had begun to have her doubts when he refused to touch her after his marriage…Yes; she had been rejected by him in more ways than one…

"Why are you still brooding about the queen!?" she suddenly yelled, "She has betrayed you! She feels not an ounce of love for you! Why can't you see that?!"

Serph said nothing but stomped over to her where she was standing. He stopped right when he had backed her to a wall and there, he leaned in towards her face, "No matter what you do…or say, I will never ever have you as my wife."

And with that, he had left her.

The woman stood there, completely frozen. A lone tear escaped her eye, "You are wrong Serph…You would love me by the time this is all over…"

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Roland hung his head low. He had been thrown in the dungeons and had been there for hours…The king had sentenced him to a hundred lashings…and had his legs broken…His nose and fingers had been broken as well…

But he knew that those were just the tip of the iceberg. No…Those were easy to endure. The king was just getting warmed up.

He hadn't even spoken to him yet. He had yet to visit him in his cell.

To be sure, his body hurt and ached in a degree that most men would find to be unbearable but he knew he must endure…For Argilla's sake.

He had to speak with the king first…He needed to appeal for Argilla's wellbeing and her safety…

He sighed; it was his fault. He didn't mind what the king did to him. He had just but one wish…

'Spare Argilla…It had been my actions…'

'It was my mistake…She need not suffer for it…'

He was right though…He never should have stayed as long as he had. He knew that he would fall in love with her deeper and that it would prompt him to do something foolish…which he had just done.

He sighed.

He could only hope that she was alright…

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