The trapdoor opened, Eileen walked down the stairs at a quick pace followed by Riou.

Ursula, Francis and Albert watched silently “Set the wedding for this afternoon. We will do it inside Francis’s house” said Eileen in a serious tone while approaching Ursula.

The court mage looked surprised at Eileen and to Riou who seemed unconcerned about it.

“This is too soon Eileen. We can’t get everyone ready and…” said the mage as she noticed the noble’s gaze disagreeing.

Francis looked at Ursula with a smile. “I will make the arrangements,” he said quickly going up the stairs and inside the house.

She nodded at the princess. “Seems like you have made your mind.” She then looked at Riou who was behind Eileen. “And it seems that I owe you an apology.”

Riou smiled at her. Ursula squinted her eyes, something was amiss. Eileen, who over the past month was denying the marriage and clearly waiting for him, was now rushing it and Riou didn’t seem bothered by it.

Riou noticed someone else in the hideout and looked at Albert with a strange interest. “So, you must be Albert… I heard a lot about you” Riou smiled while staring at him.

Albert looked quite confused and glanced at Ursula. Riou promptly continued “From Ursula of course, she said that you were their contact inside Rodrick’s court. Do you know where the knight is right now?”

Albert looked at Ursula and then to Riou as if requesting permission to speak to her “Lord Roderick has returned to Longart yesterday because of the news of Elise's vanishing act. He said he’d have to capture Eileen now to go forward with his plan… I was just telling Ursula that having the wedding soon is a good choice. It will give Roderick less time to act.”

Riou looked at him sideways. “I see, so he hasn’t given up on that idea yet.” He paused pondering for a moment. “Do you think he knows about this hideout? Could he attack us before the wedding takes place?” questioned Riou.

Albert thought for a moment. “I don’t know, I didn’t hear anything of the sort in the castle.”

“Maybe we should prepare, just in case,” said Riou as he turned his head to look at Ursula who nodded. “Agreed.”

Riou watched everyone silently as time went by. Especially Albert who didn’t seem concerned at all by the rush. Riou found his behavior very strange.

He was certain that he’d try to contact Roderick in order to allow him to impede the wedding.

But despite what Riou thought would happen, Albert stayed around and even discussed with Ursula a few possible defense strategies. Riou squinted his eyes towards him, puzzled.

It didn’t take long for him to approach Riou as well.

“So you are the famous one, the hero that saved Thorwald in Thanes… I’m very curious as to what happened there. Would you care to tell me your tale?” said Albert with a smile.

The young man smiled a bit surprised. “You make it sound like a great feat, but in truth I barely saw what happened… Maximilian and Therese took care of most of the assailants. Truth to be told, I was knocked out when the ceiling crashed on me.”

Albert shook his head with an unbelieving expression. “So what about all the talk about being banished to another world, that the princess insisted on going on about?”

Riou shook his head and lowered his voice so no one else would hear him. “I didn’t know either until I got here. I think it was Maximilian or Therese that invented such a tale so she would come back here. I told her yesterday what really happened. They found me under the ceiling with many broken bones, I had to wait to heal and then I made the trip back here. That’s why it took me so long. And probably that’s why she is kinda mad at me now” he said pointing at the princess that was clearly avoiding him completely, not even looking at him.

Albert looked at her and nodded. “So you and the princess are not engaged anymore?”

“Oh no… no,” quickly replied Riou. “Well, I can’t say that I didn’t try… but we just told her grandpa that so she could escape the rites. We were just faking being her suitor. I even got this fake ring to impress the north lords, you know, since the Brahms never show up anyway, most of the lords would believe the story and leave her alone.”

“I was under the impression you fought and won many battles in that tournament,” replied Albert

“Really?” said Riou, amazed. “People sure like to tell tales in the North,” he added with a large smile, happy to hear his reputation was any good.

A moment of silence got between them as Riou noticed that Albert had clearly lost interest in him. “So…” said the young man. “It must be tough being a spy for the rebels and still have to serve in the castle… Will you stay for the wedding in the afternoon or do you have to go back?” questioned Riou, trying to pry some information.

Albert smiled forcefully. “There is no need, I will stay and watch the ceremony.”

Riou just nodded and remained silent as Albert walked away, he had completely lost interest in Riou after that conversation.

‘Something is wrong.’ He poured mana into his eyes once again to look for magic or mana imbued items within the spy.

‘Dammit… he doesn’t seem to have been in communication with Roderik. He only has that Argonian rune on his chest, but it has not been used. Then, why would he not send word to the yellow knight? What’s their plan here?’

The hours passed and the preparations were ongoing. Some of the nobles that were still in the city began to arrive at the house to witness the wedding and grant their support for their cause.

Riou watched everyone carefully as things moved forward.

---------------------

The big house of the Van Halten had an enormous event room, able to host very easily over a hundred people sat down. A hall beautifully decorated with red velvet walls and white marble pillars. Chairs were being set to accommodate the guests as the priestess prepared for the ceremony.

As the moment approached, Eileen glanced at Riou concerned. Something should have already happened according to the plan. He was sure that Roderick’s men would attack the celebration by now.

Watchful, Riou was concealed from the crowd that arrived slowly to the room.

Suddenly Riou felt a strange surge of death energy. He looked towards its source and noticed a lord arriving at the room entrance.

He was a man in his 50’s with a blond beard and medium wavy blond hair, very well adjusted clothes, expensive coat with black and brown details, a silk white shirt underneath the many layers of his clothing.

Riou transferred mana to his eyes once again and smiled to himself. Without delay, he approached Ursula. “Who is that?” he questioned.

“That’s Lord Griffith. I thought he was in Iris...” said Ursula

Riou proceeded to walk without gathering attention around the room, unnoticed from most of the crowd’s gaze. Especially from the lord Griffith field of view.

‘A shadow… no sign of the real body around… why is only one of them here? And why come as himself? Are they planning something else or are he just that cocky?’

All the lords talked and discussed the country’s future while the preparations were being finished. It didn’t take much to have everything set. With the notice from the priestess, they all took their seats as the guards positioned nearby the doors and walls.

Riou sat a few chairs behind the Lord. Francis’s Father walked towards the eminent Lord Griffith the moment he realized he was there.

They shook hands and spoke very quietly to each other with lots of smiles. Lord Halten then went back and took the stage to speak.

“Welcome to my house. I am Everart Van Halten, it is my great honor to present you the future king of Allard, my son, Francis Van Halten. As it is known, the princess by herself cannot rule nor claim the throne without the previous king’s blessing. So, by marrying my son today, the princess of Allard, Eileen Strongheart will receive the support of the king’s court and crown a new ruler under this nobility’s blessing. With your support, my son will now have the rightful claim to the throne! We are sure to pass through these difficult times! May both houses and the entire kingdom prosper with this union!” shouted the lord with his red clothing and dark brown and well-trimmed beard. His features resembled Francis.

“And now, please Priestess, proceed with the ceremony,” he said while leaving the altar and sitting in the front row.

A woman in white approached the center.

Eileen was wearing a simple, yet traditional, blue dress, with engravings symbolizing the water mother. Clearly put together in haste.

But underneath it, she had her usual armor and weapon, ready to defend herself from attackers. Francis was wearing an official soldier outfit with the purple colors of the king and a sword at his side.

As the priestess began to speak, Eileen was getting restless. She wanted to look behind to see what Riou was doing. This had gone way too far already and a sense of urgency began to grow inside of her.

Riou watched the lord and the spy without blinking. ‘Strange… nothing? it is as if they want to go through with this marriage,’ Riou kept thinking. ‘Maybe…’ He once again poured mana into his eyes and looked at the crowd.

Something in the first row caught his attention and he smiled when he saw another person with the argonian Rune ‘so that’s their plan!’

A few more moments passed as the princess began to grow even more concerned. Restless, she glanced at the crowd, searching for him without restraint.

*SNAP*

Suddenly a sound made with someone snapping his fingers, loudly enough to be heard amidst the guests in the room. Everyone turned to look at its source and quickly noticed Lord Griffith bursting in flames into nothingness.

“What is the meaning of this?” called Everart as the guards took poise.

“I think it’s pretty clear,” suddenly the voice of a young man echoed in the room.

Eileen sighed relieved once she heard that voice.

Riou stood up and started walking towards Albert by the central corridor.

“We have a spy among us working for the enemy,” Said the young man, looking at Albert and then Francis.

Francis was mad angered “I knew he’d try something!” Francis turned towards the guards. “Seize him!”

The first army veterans remained still as they were in confusion on what was going one, they wouldn’t go against Riou.

But the servants and guards of the Lord of that house immediately moved at him.

Riou dashed forward, losing the guards behind him and quickly reaching Albert, looking at the knight servant with piercing eyes. Riou smiled “Isn’t that right? Mister Spy?”

Everyone looked around at each other clearly not understanding what was happening.

Albert squinted his eyes. “You… you play me for a fool? Who do you think has been helping the rebels until now? I’ve been the one spying for them!”

Riou shook his head. “Help can have many meanings… You sure said you were helping, but nothing you ever brought to the table had any real significance in the real fight. On the contrary, you were playing them, mining their resolve and options at every failure you suggested. All to reach this very moment, right here, right now.”

Ursula looked without believing in the possibility that Albert was helping the enemy and was getting angered by Riou’s words as well.

The young man approached the spy’s ear whispering “I know it was you the one commanding the pawns in the Longart castle. You were the one that made sure that Max’s letter to me would never be seen… you were the one moving Rodricks plans… you crafted him that plague. I know all your secrets” Riou put his finger on Albert's chest right where the argonian rune was.

Albert’s eyes widened and he quickly stood up moving back away from Riou.

But before he could do anything Riou held him in place with his hand to his shoulder “Not so fast,” said the young man, immediately blasting the spy’s chest and ripping his clothes off, exposing his chest for everyone to see.

A large dark red argonian rune could be seen, carved on his flesh. The guests looked shocked by the sight and promptly moved away from Riou and the Argonian agent.

Caught, Albert tried to fight back. He reached to his rune in his chest and immediately a fire engulfed everything around him, consuming the empty chairs in an instant.

But when the fire vanished, he noticed the young man was still there, standing in front of him as if that fire was never there.

Albert’s sense of danger and fear went through the roof as he promptly began to chant a spell using the rune’s power.

Riou attacked him immediately, leaving him no time for another attack.

With a swift and powerful hit of his fist at the center of the spy’s chest, he broke all of Albert’s bones, causing them to puncture his lungs and heart.

The spy was dead even before he fell to the ground.

Everyone watched, amazed, to resist an argonian spell and then kill the Argonian mage, unarmed and with a single punch, it was an astonishing feat.

With its owner’s death, the rune shone brightly for a moment before spreading its mana across the room.

From the shadows on the room, formed by the pillars, chairs and other objects, many dark portals began to form within their shadows.

And from these portals, shadow fiends began to slowly crawl their way through them, trying desperately to cross over.

The death of the mage triggered a spell hidden in the rune. And everyone in the room looked around surprised, but only a few were truly aware of the real danger they were.

Ursula and Lilly swallowed hard as they recognized the monsters that were trying to emerge from the portals. A fear hidden in their minds ressurged.

They knew very well what would happen if even one of those things passed through. A sense of fear took over them.

Riou just looked around and quickly said to himself, “Mass Shadow Banish.” His mana dispersed so quickly through the room that no one even noticed it. It engulfed every portal instantly erasing it’s shadows, collapsing them all before any of the fiends could make half way through the portal. The fiends ended up being sucked back from where they were coming from.

Lilly and Ursula looked at each other unaware of what happened.

It was clear that something prevented the fiends from crossing over. But the only other powerful mage they knew, was Serena, but she was still recovering in the cellar. They looked around and found both of their gaze resting at Riou, who was calmly walking forward once again.

After a few moments, Everart spoke “Guards, verify the house to see if everything is in order.” He then turned towards Riou as he saw the young man was walking towards him.

“You are a smart young man. May I know your name? How did you know he was a spy?”

Riou smiled. “I’m Riou, from the House of Brahm.” Everyone widened their eyes and began to gossip with one another. That was a very well known name by that moment.

Everart nodded. “So you are the famous boy? But you look like a young man to me. I must confess that I wanted to meet you ever since I heard of your feats in the North. I’m glad you are here to help on this important event.” He then addressed everyone, “Please sit down, we will continue with the marriage ceremony now that the enemy has been dealt with.”

Riou stood in front of him. The lord looked at him with a weird expression as he noticed that the young man’s eyes seemed to glow faintly while gazing briefly at his chest.

“No…” Riou said to him, “There will be no wedding today.”

Eileen smiled after she heard those words and stepped away from the altar. Ursula looked at the princess and realized that this was their plan all along.

“Absurd!” shouted Everart, infuriated.

“Eileen?” Riou spoke loudly so everyone could hear, “Did you renounce the Norse ways?”

Quickly the princess replied to the question “No!”

“Have you any desire to marry this Lord’s son?” continued Riou.

“No,” Eileen replied once again.

Riou looked at Everart with a smirk.

The lord squinted his eyes at Riou, but the young man continued.

“Princess Eileen, isn’t it true that you just played along in this charade of a wedding, just to draw forward the real enemy of the kingdom?” said the young man while staring at the noble in front of him.

“Yes! Riou is right,” she said, ripping the dress to show she was ready for battle, wearing her armor and sword beneath the dress and addressing the whole room.

“We have been manipulated for far too long. It’s time to open our eyes and start fighting back, I won’t let the kingdom fall into the enemy hands nor be played by their hands!” spoke the princess trying to open everyone's eyes to the truth that was happening.

She then continued “We all know now, Lord Griffith’s is a dark mage and the argonian runes on Albert have confirmed that he was the one helping Rodrick to destroy our kingdom. It was him that created the plague that ravaged our city!” she added while looking at Ursula watched everything, still shocked by the discovery, “It’s clear now who the true enemy is. Roderick is but a pawn in the grand scheme. Argos, is the true enemy!”

Everart nodded. “Very well… seems like we have all been played in the end.. This marriage may have been a ruse, but that doesn’t change the fact that Roderick is still the acting regent. These accusations will be nothing but empty words. What good will come out of simply exposing a single spy? Nothing has changed!”

He then shook his head and continued, “This union should continue more than ever now. We can’t deny the fact that it is still the best approach to our problem. Roderick will not go anywhere even if you accuse him, his position will only strengthen from now on. What we need now is to ensure that the country remains in the hands of true Allardians, and proceeding with the wedding is the only way to do that!”

Everyone nodded, the lord’s words had convinced them once again.

“I said that there will be no wedding,” said Riou, plainly, without regard to the lord’s opinion. Looking at him with a very serious expression.

The young man quickly pointed his open palm to the lord’s chest. A blasted him violently, throwing the lord Everart like a ragdoll back, tumbling on the velvet floor of the hall.

He was dead on the spot. Everyone watched mesmerized as he was killed in cold blood by the young man.

A moment after the shock, everyone poised against him. The guards and even the veterans who, at that moment, didn’t know what to expect from him anymore.

Ursula prepared an offensive spell as Lilly just looked at Eileen. But the princess also seemed surprised.

“What have you done? Have you gone mad Riou?” shouted Ursula ready to fight him as Francis drew his sword with hate in his eyes and pointed it at his father’s killer.

Riou ignored all of them and walked towards the lord’s body. Using his foot, he turned the lord’s body towards them all.

The front of Everart’s shirt and coat were gone, ripped by the force of the impact.

The young man stepped aside, letting everyone see the lord’s bare chest. The red glowing was faint and fading away. The carving in his flash seemed recently made and covered a large part of his chest.

Riou walked away as everyone looked at the rune in surprise.

“It makes no sense… why? Why would he give us shelter? Why help us if he was also working for Argos and the council?” asked Ursula, unable to understand what was going on. She questioned herself on what they had been doing for the past year and a half.

Francis was on edge. All he could think about was that his father was killed before his eyes and he wanted vengeance. He waited for Riou to approach, ready to sneak attack him.

Noticing his intent, Eileen unsheathed her sword and pointed at Francis back, pressuring him.

“Drop the sword…” she ordered him while quickly turning to the guards, “Arrest him” she ordered as the veterans promptly approached Francis.

“What are you doing? Capture him! He killed my father!” shouted Francis while being restrained by the Veterans and guards.

Riou looked at Ursula. “Since your attempt of rescuing Bhalrom, I knew there was a spy in the hideout. There was a group waiting outside the prison, ready to follow Eileen once Albert suggested they split up. The first trap was a decoy for the real one.”

“What was this wedding all about then? We could have dealt with them if you had told us”

Riou smiled wryly “I was expecting a full force from the knight to stop this wedding. I wanted him to come himself and put an end to this problem once and for all. However, as no interference occurred and everything was going on smoothly, it was clear that the master plan had changed. They decided to ditch their main pawn and were about to create another one” said Riou glancing to Francis.

“But why? Why would they go to such lengths? Makes no sense!”

“What better way to gain public favor if not by retaking the kingdom by deposing a tyrant that did nothing but torture a suffering city? Francis would be a hero. Everyone in Allard would accept him and even the princess would believe she was acting in the nation’s best interest.”

“The best pawn is the one that can’t see the strings…” said Ursular, realizing it.

“Like a young king, he would do anything his father advised, the council would have free rein in Allard. They would then open the kingdom’s doors to the Argonian invasion.”

The nobles gasped at the thought and looked at Francis with disdain. They couldn’t believe a noble would plot against its own kingdom.

“I don’t know if Francis was part of it or not… but his father’s eagerness to continue the marriage even after a council member and a spy was revealed… was proof enough for me to conclude that he was also corrupted by them, luckily he was already initiated in the argonian power, that rune proved me right” said Riou, looking at Ursula who listened carefully as if cold water had been poured on her head.

Riou smiled while in front of Ursula, he whispered for her to hear, “When we talked at the cellar I already knew all about Albert”

Ursula froze in place for a few moments after hearing those words. She looked at Riou with amazement and relief. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He smirked and winked at her. “You were the one that kicked me out before I could say anything. I told you were making a mistake, but you never listen to me, do you?” He then walked towards Eileen, leaving Ursula to her thoughts.

Riou was looking at Eileen with a smile as she waited for him to approach. “Well, that was easier than I expected,” he said unimpressed by the council’s actions on that day. “They really underestimated us today.” he looked at her sideways. “You seemed a bit restless up there for a moment, did you think I wouldn’t interrupt the wedding?”

“No… I knew you would, but you should have done it sooner”

“I had to make sure” He smirked at her.

----------------------- Iris

Shouts could be heard in Lord Griffith’s room. “Who? Who dares to mess with my plans? I will boil their guts in oil and make them eat it!”

“It must be that damn mage… He must be hidden between one of those lords, but who? To be able to dismiss one of my shadows with such ease, it must be the one that has been helping the Magus.”

After pulling out an orange gem, he poured mana into it. “Algrim, answer me!”

“Yes Master,” a dark, raspy voice replied.

“Have you heard anything from Herion and his puppets yet?”

“No master… he and his undeads just vanished”

“There is someone messing with my plans in Longart… He was even able to destroy one of my shadows.” The lord paused.

“Want me to deal with it, master?”

“You are my best and last disciple, go kill the princess and whoever you find with her. Go to Longart at once and lay waste to all those who oppose me! Once you are done, make sure the last monarchs of Allard are really dead at the temple” said Tessai with anger.

“It shall be done, master.”

“They may struggle as much as they want… It will not change the fact that I will control Allard in the end”

--------------------------

With the spy threat exposed and the news of the improved health of the king and queen amongst the nobility, the rebels disbanded and all soldiers returned to protect their rightful monarch in the temple of Brine.

It was just a matter of time now before Roderick was taken into custody and removed completely from the city rule.

With everything set, Riou and Eileen moved towards the jump point to reach the hidden village as Riou promised the Princess.

After leaving the walls of the city, it didn’t take long for them to arrive at the place.

“Here? But there is nothing here” said Eileen while looking around.

Riou smiled. “Just watch.” He took a few steps forward and shouted out loud. “I’m back”

Eileen kept watching as a few individuals gradually began to appear from behind the trees and bushes, slowly approaching, very cautiously.

Two of them were wearing gray cloaks and two wearing dark blue ones, but all of them had astonishing equipment beneath those cloaks, armors and swords that were clearly of very high grade.

She couldn’t recognize the armor style from anywhere, it was something that she had never seen.

These individuals were covering their faces and heads completely. Very similarly to the man in black she met on the hideout. It was only by the body type that she could identify women from men, but nothing else could be seen.

The princess didn’t like their approach. They were too cautious and silent, their hands were ready to draw their weapons or cast spells at any moment.

The gray one in the front suddenly questioned Riou for her surprise “Who are you?”

“Nobody” replied the young man with a smile

Immediately all lowered their heads and opened a path for them to walk through.

Eileen looked amazed and caught up to Riou. “What was that?”

“It’s my password, I need to tell it so I use this jump point to enter the village” he explained as it was a very common thing.

“Why do you need it? Can’t they just tell by looking at you?”

“No, there was this thing in the spirit realm, it shapeshifted into anyone form and tried to infiltrate our ranks. We created these passwords to enter and exit to avoid that from happening.”

Eileen squinted her eyes clearly intrigued. “I see… but what is a jump point?”

“You will see” said Riou, opening a square door amidst the trees. Eileen could have sworn that there wasn’t anything like that a moment ago, the door seemed to open in the middle of nowhere.

Inside the door was a small room with a crystal on top of a stone pedestal. “Touch it, put mana into it until the portal opens.”

The princess approached it and did as asked. After a few moments she was exhausted but there was no sign that anything would be happening soon.

“What was supposed to happen?” questioned Eileen.

He approached it and touched it with 1 finger and suddenly a portal opened. “This” he said playfully.

Eileen looked amazed. Using all her effort for nothing to happen, but with just a touch of his finger, instantly a portal opened.

On the other side, the same room could be seen. She watched Riou cross the portal and wait for her to do the same.

“Welcome to the village,” said Riou, opening the door to the outside.

Eileen looked around, amazed.

A giant wall covered a very lengthy distance through all sides. There was a lake in the middle of it and crop fields being cultivated. There were even some animals on the far distance within smaller farms. Nearby there were several strange houses set in a very neat formation, one beside another with some distance between them.

There was also something that resembled training grounds with dummies and targets. They were all over the village, mostly away from the houses and crop fields.

On the one nearby, she noticed children playing with swords, not too far from them a familiar face.

“Elise!?” shouted Eileen.

Riou watched her going towards her cousin and shouted to her, “I will be in my house, I need to take care of a few things, come find me once you’re done” Eileen turned to look at him

“You have a house here? How do I find it?” she asked concerned

“Just ask anyone,” he replied.

Feeling more confident, she nodded and went to meet her cousin.

As he got away from the princess' eyes, Riou spoke loudly, “Attia, Bellica!” promptly the two appeared before him. They seemed tired and with eyes of someone that hasn’t slept for a while.

Riou sighed, imagining they didn’t sleep for the last couple of days while he was in the city.

“Send the order to regroup. Send a few parties to patrol around the city and the temple.” He paused and looked at them both.

“And go rest, it’s an order ok?”

Both of them nodded.

-------------- Eileen

“Elise!” the princess shouted once again as she approached the training ground. Elise was wearing brown leather armor and using a sword to train. As the norse Princess heard Eileen, she promptly went towards her as well.

Both seemed a bit awkward looking at one another. They didn’t have that much intimacy, but both were clearly happy to see the other safe and sound.

“It’s good to see you well Elise. I was worried when I heard you vanished…” said Eileen while smiling to her cousin.

“It was a nightmare... I’m glad to be awake once again.”

Eileen looked at Elise’s equipment and the location where she was at. “So, what are you doing here with that steel sword in hand in the middle of these children?”

Elise looked around to ensure no one was listening. “I’m training,” she said in a low voice.

“Why the secrecy? And what do you mean by training?” asked Eileen in a low voice as well.

“It’s nothing…” said Elise, embarrassed. The children were quickly intrigued by the presence of Eileen and began to approach them as well.

One of the kids looked at Elise. “Is she your sister?” Eileen smiled and crouched to look at the kid. It was a small girl with big round eyes.

“She is my cousin, that’s why we are so alike,” explained the Norse Princess already used to the kids at the training grounds.

“I’m Eileen, nice to meet you,” said the princess to the children that looked amazed at her.

The kid approached Eileen more and more, finally sniffing her “She has a master's scent on her!” she said happily, finding it very amusing.

Quickly many other kids approached her sniffing her “She does, she does!” Suddenly all the kids there were gathering around her very excitedly.

The teacher was approaching the kids that had left the training.

It was a woman wearing a dark brown cloak and having equipment very similar to Elise, she lowered her head respectfully towards Eileen.

“My apologies queen, I hope they are not bothering you.”

Seeing the teacher behavior the kids promptly imitated her and lowered their heads.

As the kids noticed that Elise was not doing the same they looked at her with disapproving eyes.

“Fine…” she said, lowering her head as well slightly and squinting her eyes at Eileen. “Queen huh?” she said, mocking the princess, Eilee just seemed confused at what was happening.

“It’s not a bother… but I’m not a queen. Why would you call me that? ” Eileen questioned looking at Elise that just shook her head, unsure.

“Attia and Bellica said that a very beautiful female named Eileen was the Master’s mate… I was certain she meant you” said the teacher, looking at Eileen who clearly wasn’t aware of any of that.

The image of the man in black came to Eileen’s mind. ‘This can’t be happening… Riou said he was a friend. Could he have been plotting this all along? That’s why I didn’t like him… I knew something was wrong with that man… I must tell Riou about this at once and clear this out!’ thought Eileen to herself.

The teacher smiled and pulled the children back to the training. “Let’s go back! You had enough fun already, we need to finish this class before evening.” She said, leaving the two princesses.

Eileen looked at Elise confused. The Norse princess as well seemed confused by all that talking and questioned, “So… queen? Are you going through with the marriage then?” questioned Elise intrigued.

“No! Why would I?” said once again Eileen with a clear resolve.

“Look around you, isn’t this reason enough? Just look at this place! This village could win against argos on its own! I was certain you knew this all along already”

Eileen shook her head “What!? This is the first time I’m seeing this place and I don’t care about it… I won’t marry anyone because of power,” replied the princess.

“Is that so? So you won’t be marrying him after all? I judged you wrongly then”

“Of course not, I will clarify this confusion immediately”

“I see… so if you won’t be marrying him, you don’t mind if I grab him for myself then?” questioned Elise with a devilish smile.

“Now who is the one that changed?” said Eileen, not understanding her cousin. “Weren’t you against this kind of marriage?” added the princess.

Elise nodded. “Yes… but look at this place, there is nothing like this anywhere in this land!”

Elise looked at Eileen with suspicion “And I thought you were already aware of this place. And besides...” She paused for a moment. “I must admit that he is not that bad… he is a handsome man, I wouldn’t mind being with him now” Elise looked a bit embarrassed at Eileen before continuing.

“Did you know he saved me? I can’t explain it, but I just want to know more about him now”

Elise looked at Eileen after a moment lost in her thoughts “I find it strange that you are giving up on all of this so easily. I was sure you knew all about this place a long time ago”

“What are you talking about? This place didn’t even exist a couple days ago. I just heard about it yesterday and this is the first time I’m seeing this village. I will not marry some strange man whatever the reason is” said Eileen with clear resolve in her mind.

“Didn’t exist? And what strange man? I’m talking about Riou,” said Elise.

“What about him?” questioned Eileen.

“You don’t know?” added Elise, finding it strange.

“Know what?”

“Back in Thanes, you really did want to marry him? Did this place really didn’t exist back then?”

“What?!” exclaimed Eileen surprised. “This village is made by the friends he made in the spirit world and they just returned from it a few days ago! But that’s not the point. The thing is that Riou is not the master, I’ve met the master of this place.”

Elise looked dumbfounded at her but before they could continue a voice suddenly called. “Elise! Come back to the class, you’ve rested enough already and you will miss an important explanation!” shouted the teacher.

Elise waved to her, acknowledging the request and turned to Eileen once more. “I need to go, I can’t miss this if I wish to join the basic training soon… We can talk in the evening during the feast!” She turned and quickly joined the class once again.

Eileen was left alone “What was that all about? Why would she be talking about him?”

The princess ended up walking the road towards the houses. Eileen looked at them with amazement.

Very well built, strong materials, the glass windows and structures seemed very sturdy and well made.

‘Which one of these houses would be his?’ she thought while looking around. She passed a few villagers on the way, all wearing similar gear and equipment, none of them wore simple swords and armor. ‘Riou wasn’t kidding when he said the villagers were strong… all their equipment is outstanding’

A large man in black armor was walking at a quick pace. He was also wearing a black armor very similar to the one worn by the lionesses.

“Excuse me” said Eileen politely to the man that was approaching. He promptly stopped and lowered his head towards her, greeting the princess.

“I’m searching for Riou’s house, could you point me in the right direction?”

“Of course. You must be Queen Eileen. Master told us you’d be coming soon… Please follow me, I will show you the way” said the big man elegantly.

Eileen was impressed by him. He carried himself well and had a strong presence very much like Therese.

“I’m Eileen Strongheart, pleased to meet you,” said the princess also elegantly to the man.

“You can call me Arthas, my Queen,” he added in a very polite tone.

‘Again with this Queen thing… ’ she thought as both of them began to walk calmly.

“Did your master say I was to be your Queen?” questioned Eileen.

“No, but I believe he told Attia and Bellica something. This is a small village so the news travels faster than wildfire” said Arthas with a smile.

She nodded a bit more relieved as it could be just a misunderstanding. “Your master must be very powerful to have two lionesses pledged to him… I heard that is a custom that hardly occurs.”

Arthas nodded. “It is true, I had never seen it happen before to be honest... all the stories about it were from the time of the white king.” He paused for a moment.

“But it is no wonder why it happened, after the master showed his power. All lionesses in the village were fighting each other to see who would serve him. It was their instinct to do it”

Eileen found it strange .“So there are more of them?” said surprised.

Arthas shook his head. “There were four at first as tradition limits it, a clan can’t survive if all females belong to only one male. But two of them died long ago.”

Eileen nodded, realizing how hard it must have been.

“So, this master, is he really stronger than Attia and Bellica?” continued Eileen, wanting to know more.

Arthas just laughed “Of course he is”

“That’s hard to believe…”

“Well, the first time I fought him, I almost died that day…” He smiled “To be honest, we all almost died” said Arthas nodding with satisfaction as if it was a good memory of his.

She squinted her eyes due to the strange reaction he showed. “Are you saying he fought all of you? At the same time?”

“And he didn’t even break a sweat,” added Arthas.

“Attia and Bellica were fighting too? Are you sure?” questioned Eileen, not convinced.

“Everyone you can see here was in that fight… our village best, about 40 warriors. And we lost miserably while he was still holding back on us,” said Arthas once again with joy in his face. “Truly kind of him to do so.”

Eileen couldn’t believe her ears.

‘Now I understand… Elise already knew of this,’ realized the princess, understanding her cousin's interest in the master. ‘But why would she mistake him for Riou?’ Eileen pondered a moment

“We have arrived,” said Arthas as Eileen looked around.

It was a much bigger house than the others and placed at a further distance than the rest.

She looked with weirdness at the place. “Isn’t this the master’s house?” questioned Eileen. As Arthas nodded confirming.

“But I wanted to go to Riou’s house,” replied the princess intrigued.

“Yes,” said Arthas, showing her inside while holding the door open.

A sensation of amazement began to fill Eileen as she looked inside.

It was a very beautiful place, well built with a wooden floor and sturdy, smooth white walls. It had a strange looking kitchen at the back. All the furniture there put the ones at the castle to shame. Worked to perfection in a style she had never seen before. As everything had a theme, a reason to be in that shape. To her surprise, Riou appeared from one of the doors to the right with a few things in his hands.

“Hey Eileen, I thought you’d spend more time with Elise,”

‘I should have known better…’ she thought to herself realizing who he was in that village.

She squinted her eyes. “Is he your master?” questioned Eileen towards Arthas. “Yes Queen, he is.”

Eileen was already expecting it by that moment, but still couldn’t help to feel dumbfounded and lightheaded for a moment after learning that fact.

Recollecting herself she looked with piercing eyes at Riou.

He smiled wryly. “Did I forget to mention that? I was sure that I had mentioned it at some point…” he put a set of black armor on the table.

Eileen had a mixture of feelings. She felt angry at him for not telling her beforehand and completely blown away by the fact at the same time.

“Why didn’t you say anything that night at the hideout? It was you, wasn't it?” questioned Eileen.

“I wanted to… but as I told you, I couldn’t do anything in front of the spy if we wanted the trap to work,” said Riou in an apologetic tone.

Eileen sighed, calming down… She remembered the conversation they had, above all, she knew exactly how he was.

“And later? Why didn’t you tell me at the tavern?” questioned the princess still mad at him.

“Didn’t I? I must have forgotten… right Arthas? My memory is not that good lately,” said Riou looking at him expecting some help.

Arthas just looked away dismissively, clearly not wanting to participate in the discussion.

“Unbelievable…” said the princess trying to suppress her anger.

He scratched his head while holding a playful expression.

The princess took a deep breath. “From now on, no more surprises like this. You promised to be honest with me.”

Riou smiled and nodded agreeing with her.

Arthas watched their interaction with a smile and waited for his turn patiently.

“Master, we received news that the mercenaries have arrived in Brigantium and are moving towards the temple. They should arrive at Allard with the provisions in a couple of days. Also, we already received some of the animals and seeds that you requested us to buy as well… We will begin the seeding soon,” explained the man in a very respectful tone.

Eileen was fascinated by the way he was treated. Even the children seemed happy just to have mentioned him earlier on.

Riou nodded, thanking Arthas for the information.

Eileen looked at them intrigued. “What provisions?”

The big man promptly answered. “Master hired the mercenaries to protect a specific merchant caravan that shall bring supplies for Allard, not to mention the cure with the priestess. They are to protect both of them in their efforts to ease the suffering of the population.”

“You already sent word and got to help the city?” said Eileen, realizing the plan to bring food from brigantium.

“Talking about food, I’m starving,” said Riou looking at them. Arthas nodded and quickly added, “The evening feast is being prepared. Shouldn’t take much longer”

The princess looked intrigued at Riou expecting an explanation on the occasion for a feast.

“It’s a custom we got from the other world… Every time we have everyone within a day’s distance from the village, we celebrate.

She once again wondered how difficult it must have been to make them create such tradition.

She looked at Riou with an expression of uncertainty. “So… you really are the master here? Did you really beat 40 of them at the same time?” questioned Eileen as they began to walk outside.

“In my defence, they were really stubborn and wouldn’t listen to me at the time.”

Eileen seemed surprised. This was the first time Riou gave a straight answer about his capabilities. She smiled to herself while amazed by the fact he was as powerful as Max had told her.

“These buildings… this strange way of life, it’s from your homeland isn’t it?” she questioned once again.

Riou nodded. “It’s similar, but wait until you see inside the houses with more care… then you will really be amazed.”

The princess widened her eyes “I’m beginning to understand why you want to go back. This place seems amazing, I wonder what else you miss from your home”

He smiled “I made peace with that for now… I think there is something in this land that is worth staying for.” he said looking straight at her.

Eileen smiled and blushed a bit.

“I know you want to talk… but I think we should go eat first. They love when I’m early to the feast… what do you say?”

Eileen noded.

Riou turned to Arthas “Then let’s go there, we can talk later on”

The three walked towards the tables that were being set in an open field near the lake. There was plenty of room. Magelight stones were spread around for lightning and a fireplace was set and ignited to keep the dishes warm. Didn’t take long for the villagers to start to gather and take their places on the many tables there.

Everyone that passed by Riou lowered their heads respectfully, some even put their hands on their chest. Riou just waved and greeted everyone there by name.

Their expressions were all of joy when meeting and greeting him. Eileen could see the genuine admiration everyone had for him. It was almost unnatural, as if he was some kind of entity to be worshipped and not a real person.

And just by being beside him, many also took the opportunity to address her as well. “Queen,” they said with reverence towards her.

She knew it was not because she was a princess, they thought she was already married to Riou.

Suddenly Riou turned to Eileen, intrigued. “Why do they keep calling you queen? Something happened?” he questioned curiously.

Eileen smiled. “That’s what I wanted to ask you. What did you tell them?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know, I have no idea from where this came from.” Eileen smiled, finding it funny.

The princess then noticed Elise helping with the cooking pans and was taken by surprise. She would never guess that her cousin would be helping in such labors “I will speak with Elise for a moment, I will be right back.” she said to Riou.

She approached the cooking pans with curiosity.

“Are you really cooking Elise?” said Eileen, finding the scene very funny.

The norse princess nodded.

“I need to learn this… I can’t live without this food anymore” said the norse princess with a smile.

“And also… the elder said it’s a necessary skill here if you want to please the master,” she said with a smirk.

Eileen didn’t like her remark as she remembered their last conversation. But nonetheless, she suddenly became interested in what they were cooking. “So… is this Riou’s recipe?” she questioned as an older woman watched Elise stir the pot.

The elder nodded while glancing at her armor with disapproval.

Eileen found it very strange to be looked like that and quickly turned back to Riou to see what he was doing.

She was surprised to see the two lionesses were already standing behind him. It was strange to see him as their master.

She smiled to herself with a strange feeling of inaptitude. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact that he was able to win against those two.

A feeling of jealousy took over her as she realized that those two young, beautiful women had completely pledged their body, mind and soul to him… and they spent who knows how many months beside him.

She knew it was not only a tradition but an instinct for the Lionesses, she knew well what the lionesses that pledged were aiming for. She was well aware that the pledge was a form of love and duty. All it would require was a word from him and both would gladly attend to any wish he had.

She couldn’t help but wonder if they had that kind of relationship and a jealousy feeling grew within her.

The elder continued, pulling her attention back “Yes, everything we do is from master’s recipes. We learned a lot from him. Nowadays we only do his favorite dishes.”

“I’d love to learn them as well” added Eileen trying to shake that feeling away. She forced a smile and then returned to where Riou was.

“Attia, Bellica, I believe you already know Eileen. Eileen these are Attia and Bellica, my self-proclaimed guards” he said introducing them.

The two warriors lowered their heads respectfully greeting her.

Eileen greeted them as well with some discomfort. A strange silence took place as the air became heavier between the three women..

Suddenly Attia spoke towards Eileen. “My apologies for almost attacking you... I sensed master’s scent on you and even so I almost attacked you. Forgive-me for not realizing who you were”

Bellica as well bowed towards the princess clearly feeling the same way.

Eileen smiled. “That’s not a problem, I didn’t know it was him at the time… that’s why I acted that way.”

Bellica leaned towards Attia. “See, I told you it was strange, that’s why she drew her sword, she didn’t know it was him” She turned to Eileen “You weren’t able to smell him from that position, right?”

Eileen smiled wryly “I’m not from the clans… I can’t smell that well”

Attia nodded understanding the situation better. “I thought my master's mate would be able to sense him… I confess I was confused as well when you drew the sword. It seems that not the queen can see through his disguises”.

“As it should be expected from our master! Amazing as always” exclaimed Bellica realizing the truth of that statement and remembering that he said he didn’t want to be recognized by her at that moment.

Both were astonished by his genius and capabilities.

Eileen didn’t know how to respond to them after that statement.

Riou just breathed deeply “Don’t mind them, they have this weird way of seeing the world. I have trouble understanding how they reach some of these strange conclusions myself… To be honest, nowadays just go with whatever they say. I found it to be easier to cope that way.”

Attia shook her head. “I think it makes perfect sense.” She looked at Bellica with a concerned expression, as if remembering something important and wanting Bellica to ask it.

She nodded understanding what Attia wanted and then looked at Eileen. “Will you be monopolizing our master with this marriage thing?” They had no shame in asking.

Eileen was taken by surprise and even blushed a bit, she immediately looked at Riou for help.

He frowned at them. “What are you two talking about? Don’t you think that does not concern you?”

Bellica promptly replied, “It does concern us. We think our master should be free to have as many mates as he desires. It’s not fair to all other females if one monopolizes him, they should have the right to mate and have strong babies too. Imagine how strong our village would be then!”

Riou smiled devilishly for a moment and nodded, impressed, as if thinking about it. “I can’t argue against that flawless logic, when put like that... I must admit it makes a lot of sense,” he said, turning to Eileen with a playful expression as if asking what her thoughts on the subject were.

Eileen squinted her eyes at him as a fire began burned inside of her “No, it doesn’t make any sense”

She turned to Attia and Bellica. “And no, Master nor anyone should have as many mates as they want, it’s not right” said the princess.

Riou laughed to himself, impressed by the change in Eileen’s mood and looked at the two Lionesses “Well, you have your answer now, so let’s eat, the food is being served.”

Arthas, Eileen, Bellica, Attia and Elise sat nearby Riou.

As the food was served, everyone in the village stood still, all eyes were on their master.

Riou grabbed a piece of meat and raised his arm showing it to everyone.

Arthas, Attia and Bellica followed and then the gray cloaks, the blue then the green and finally the brown cloaks. Once all of them raised their hands with food, the feast began.

It was very fast, but very intriguing for Eileen and Elise that watched the scene.

Quickly they were all eating, drinking and chatting.

“So, where will Eileen stay?” questioned Elise, clearly having an interest on the subject.

Arthas looked intrigued at her. “We assumed she’d stay with the Master at his house… after all she is his mate” Elise looked at Eileen who remained silent and very comfortable with that response.

“I don’t think that’s appropriate. She mentioned before that she didn’t want to…”

“It’s fine Elise, I don’t want to cause any trouble to them. It is not strange if I stay in my suitor’s house” Eileen quickly intervened, cutting off Elise that squinted her eyes at her.

“Wouldn’t it be better if you stayed with me?” added the norse princess, clearly trying to intervene. “After all you are to be his mate… a marriage was not initialized yet”

Eileen smiled forcefully. “You have a house here?”

“I do, it’s very big and we can easily get another bed in it” she said while looking at Arthas.

The big man glanced at Riou for a moment “Sure… it’s possible, but the master's house already has a proper bed and spare rooms if needed. Wouldn’t that be more comfortable for the queen?”

Eileen nodded. “It's perfect, thank you Arthas.” She smiled towards him trying to settle the subject.

“But wouldn’t that bother Riou? I was told that he likes his privacy. You shouldn’t be bothering him like that” Suddenly everyone turned to look at Riou who was eating calmly in silence, clearly hoping that the subject didn’t reach him.

He smiled wryly. “I don’t mind, after all we used to travel together anyway, right Eileen?” he said to the princess that smiled and nodded with satisfaction looking at Elise.

Attia promptly jumped in. “If that’s the case then me and Bellica can go as well, right?”

“Oh no,” said Riou as both princess looked surprised. “You two won’t even let me go to the bathroom alone. I’ve told you already, there is no need to protect me inside the village, you can stay at your own houses.”

“Ma…master, it’s just to be sure you are safe” replied Bellica.

“What if something happens in your bedroom and it requires our attention” added Attia

“I think I’m pretty safe at my house inside the village and I would not require your attention there, don’t worry” he replied once again clearly tired of having that conversation.

Elise smiled devilishly. “Well, if there is another issue, as a princess of Allard you should think of your reputation” she said nodding towards Eileen.

“I see no problem staying within the house of my suitor, isn’t that a custom in Allard and the norse as well?”

Elise shook her head “Not when only he lives in the house, without his parents supervision… that would mean you’d be alone during the whole night, which would not be seen in good eyes for a maiden princess like yourself”

Eileen finally gave in realizing her cousin would not budge. “Fine Elise… I will stay with you.” she glanced at Riou a bit disappointed, their talk would have to wait a while longer.

Riou on the other hand seemed disappointed for another reason.

The norse princess on the other hand, smiled happily as she seemed to have accomplished her goal.

The festivities went on, the ones that were in recent missions told everyone of what they accomplished with great stories of fights and what they’ve seen outside the walls. It was a completely different world and the cities full of people were hard to imagine for some of them that had not left the village yet.

Eileen listened with attention to the explanations of how they followed and helped “the queen” while she went to the temple, how they protected the rebel hideout from the attack and many other stories.

She looked at Riou very surprised to know she was being protected, he shrugged “Didn’t I mention that as well? I was certain that I mentioned it at some point…”

As the end of the night approached everyone began to leave for their homes.

Elise and Eileen promptly helped the elder with the pans and chairs.

As they were helping, Elise began to chat with Eileen “I’m sorry, but you know I will have to try right? I can’t let Allard have this place. He is a Norse lord. We need his power in the war in the south. And you had your chance already a year ago, it's my turn now.”

Eileen smiled and laughed a bit. “You think you can just go there and take him? Just like that?”

“Why not?” Elise questioned. “He is a man, he sure likes you… and we are very much alike in appearance. So if he likes you, he surely will like me as well… and I know how men are, all I need is one opportunity and he will be mine.”

Eileen shook her head. “You are wrong, he is not like the other men.”

Elise just smiled. “We will see about that, I just wanted to warn you.”

The Allard princess squinted her eyes at her cousin. “You aren’t like this”

Elise shook her head “Don’t give me that now, you knew all along about him, admit it! That’s why you were so inclined to marry a kid back then. You knew what he was capable of… I don’t know how he grew up so fast or what happened, but that must have been in your plans as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if you had used your time with him to seduce him… all that talk in Thanes was just to make him your suitor officially. Took a while to convince him, am I right? Because if he really wanted it he could’ve requested it the moment he had won against you. Admit it, you took your sweet time to tie him up” spoke Elise with a bit of anger in her tone.

“You don’t know what you are talking about,” said Eileen replying in kind.

“Anyway, I just wanted to make sure you understand what’s at stake here… and I will not back down,” said Elise.

Eileen just shook her head. “Girls, girls… there is no need to fight over a male, you both can be with him, one at a time and everything would be settled” Said the elder Harlan hearing them fight.

Eileen just forced a smile, bid her farewell to the elder and walked back to the tables where Riou was.

Elise smiled to herself and shouted at her cousin as she was walking away “Don’t forget to come home, or I will have to go get you if you take too long!”

Eileen looked back with piercing eyes at Elise.

“Is everything alright?” questioned Riou, clearly noticing Eileen’s bad mood.

“Sometimes I forget how infuriating Elise can be” replied the princess joining Riou.

Both began to slowly walk away from everyone in the feast location and moved towards his house.

“I see, Elise sure knows how to make her point be heard”

Eileen was still mad at her and quickly added “And she is training with the children,”

“What?” questioned Riou, finding it very funny. “Well, training is a serious matter for them here”

The princess nodded. “I will be joining the training as well,” she said with resolve.

He was surprised as well, “Are you sure?”

“Can’t I?”

“No… I mean, of course you can… but I don’t see why would you want to”

Attia and Bellica were already dismissed by Riou, they were walking alone at night at the small road to his house.

Eileen was finally glad that they could have a few moments to talk as they used to, so she finally relaxed and smiled as they walked side by side.

They were arriving at his house, away from everyone, when Riou looked at Eileen.

“So, did I recover my position as your suitor?” he said playfully, remembering her calling him that at the table.

Eileen smiled. “Tradition can’t be broken that easily, it would be a dishonor to my name and my family if that happened”

He smiled “I know you wanted to stay with me so we could talk… but Elise wasn’t wrong you know...”

She got intrigued “What do you mean?”

“It’s not a good idea for you to stay alone with me anymore” he said with sincerity in his eyes.

The princess looked at him even more intrigued.

“Before, if I wanted to look at you like this I’d had to be on a step.” He smiled and looked away from her.

“Back then I didn’t feel quite myself, nor did I believe that a young boy like that could ever sway the heart of a princess like you. I wouldn’t dare to try.” he said slowly, while looking at her with a serious face.

Eileen frowned not understanding where he was going with that.

He looked at her, smiling “At that time you didn’t have to be concerned around me.”

Eileen widened her eyes “And now? Should I be concerned?”

Riou moved closer, holding her by her waist with both hands while looking deep into her eyes.

“Very” he said seriously while their faces were very close together.

Her breathing became erratic, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Eileen just stood there, looking at him with wide open eyes, helplessly looking into a dark blue sea of details illuminated by the magelight.

His face slowly approached hers, stopping very closely to her lips. So close that she could feel his breath on her skin.

She closed her eyes and went to his encounter.

A kiss.

His arms enveloped her, time lost its meaning as there was nothing else but them at that very moment.

Everything was taken away by a sense of yielding and warmth that took them away. She grabbed onto him tightly, inebriated by a sensation that she had never felt before.

As the moment went by, and they gradually recovered their senses, they began to break apart slowly, almost forcefully… for their bodies didn’t seem to agree to that yet.

After a moment, she opened her eyes and once again and gazed at him smiling at her. “I wanted to do this for so long…” he whispered to her as their bodies remained very close to each other.

Eileen remained silent and still, staring at him without end with wide open eyes.

She then smiled to herself thinking about what had just happened.

But their moment couldn’t continue, as it didn't take long for someone to come after them. Eileen looked at Elise that was quickly coming in their direction.

She sighed, resting her head on his chest, squeezing him tightly for a moment longer and then finally letting go completely. “I should go before she gets closer, or I will not hear the end of it.”