Daniel stepped from his stone carriage, stretching his arms and legs out after hours on the road. He looked up at the tall spires of Vul De Rah’s palace and let out a sigh of relief. Home sweet home, he thought. It feels good to be back. He made his way inside the palace from the courtyard and was greeted at the door by a group of half a dozen royal guards. Daniel greeted them with a salute before they led him inside. He passed the familiar halls of the palace. Halls that now felt as much a home to him as his old apartment back in his own world. My old world, he corrected himself. Pelemont, for better or worse, was his home now. And any thought to the contrary, he now rejected.

  He entered the council chambers; where Telmos, Turak, Athica, Robert, Delmos and Ambrosia were now sitting. They paused from their discussion, bringing their attention to him, and Daniel greeted them each as he approached the table.

  “It is so good to see you again, Daniel.” Telmos spread his arms out in greeting.

  “King Telmos.” Daniel smiled, grasping the king’s arms before he could attempt to stand. His body was now mostly healed. But from the pained look on his face, there was still a fair bit left to go.

  “Avria is out at the moment, but should be back any minute.” Telmos continued. “She would never admit it, but she has missed you greatly.”

  “Of course she has.” Robert said, approaching Daniel and embracing him. “Who wouldn’t miss a mug like this?”

  “How’s everything, Rob?” Daniel asked, just low enough that only Robert could hear him.

  “Surviving.” He smiled, but there was no emotion behind it. “What about you? It’s good to see you again.”

  “Eager to get things moving, finally.” Daniel shrugged. “Been sitting on my ass for the last few months.”

  “Well, there won’t be much more of that.” Delmos chimed in, “From what people are saying about this meeting Alektor called. There’s trouble to the East.”

  “That’s High King Alektor, Delmos.” Telmos corrected sternly. “I will not have you speaking in such a casual manner when he arrives.”

  Daniel shook his head, unable to keep a grin from his face. “High King Alektor should be here, shouldn’t he?”

  “He’s been up North.” Robert said bluntly. “With Katrina, for probably four or five days now. He should be back today, from what we’ve heard.”

  “Interesting.” Daniel perked up.

  “This was something you all should not be surprised by.” Ambrosia said, pouring herself a bowl of wine. “High King Alektor has expressed interest in mating with a human for some time now.”

  “I only thought she was a lost cause.” Delmos chuckled. “After everything that happened. With her trying to kill him and all. I thought he was more interested in the other human.” He snapped his fingers, “What was her name?”

  “Lauren.” Robert answered, his voice low. “And she is still the most likely choice. He hasn’t expressed any romantic interest in Katrina as far as I know.”

  Daniel grunted in approval as he made his way toward the large table, reaching for the wine. As he started to pour it into his bowl, he noticed Athica sitting to his right. Quietly reading a scroll.

  “Hey, Athica.” Daniel greeted her, gaining a puzzled look in return.

  “That’s Queen Athica.” Telmos corrected again. “By the Spirits, you’re all terrible at this. Etiquette is essential for a functional government.”

  “It’s fine, Telmos.” Athica waved him off with a small smile. “I am well, Hego Daniel. Thank you for asking.”

  “That’s great.” Daniel took a sip of wine and sat down next to her. “Congratulations, by the way; I heard you and Rob have a beautiful and healthy daughter.”

  Athica’s face brightened with joy and she put her scroll down on the table. “Thank you. Yes, we are very proud. You should come to see her soon.”

  “Both of them.” Robert interrupted; his voice carrying a tinge of harshness.

  “That’s right.” Athica deflated slightly but recovered with a broad smile. “It would be wonderful if you came to see them both.”

  Daniel was about to continue conversing with her but was interrupted by the slide of the main door to the chamber opening. A stern looking Avria strode in, pulling gloves from her hands and tossing them on a table as she passed.

  “Another bloody skirmish on Baa’Yega’s Eastern border, Father.” She spat, pulling a report from a satchel at her side and scanning over its contents. “Visoth bandits and brigands they’re saying. Far too organized and well equipped if you ask me.”

  “That’s wonderful, dear.” Telmos said, clearing his throat afterward.

  She glanced up from the report, looking slightly irritated but paused as her eyes met Daniel’s. “Daniel.” She said, much of her bluster now gone. “I wasn’t expecting you so soon.”

  Daniel crossed his arms, appraising her. “Nice to see you too.”

  She let out a small scoff as she made her way to him and captured him in an embrace. “Forgive my absentmindedness. It has been extremely difficult these past few days. I am happy to see you.”

  “Missed you too.” Daniel grinned, tightening his hug before releasing her and stepping away. “So, what’s all this business to the East?”

  “Several violent skirmishes between Baa’Yega border forces and Visoth bandits.” She replied with a tired sigh, turning to her father. “Fifteen warriors are dead, father. It is a terrible tragedy.”

  Telmos grumbled, shaking his head in disappointment. “And their losses?”

  “Nearly fifty, according to the Baa’Yega.” She turned back to Daniel, “So, to answer your question, Daniel. It would seem we have our work cut out for us. If we are to maintain peace.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Daniel groaned inwardly at the prospect of another conflict. They had just finished with the last one, and that almost destroyed everything they held dear. Granted, that was technically not a war, and more of a valiant defense against an apocalyptic horde of demons. But the one before that was a war. Either way, it sounded like trouble. And if they could do anything to stop it, he was all for it.

  “We’ll do what it takes to keep it from getting out of hand.” Daniel declared, feeling a hand rest on his shoulder.

  Telmos had made his way to them and squeezed Daniel’s shoulder affectionately. “That is correct, Daniel. But we can speak more on that after High King Alektor arrives. For now, I want you and Avria to rest from your time on the road. I will arrange a private dinner for the two of you, tonight.”

  “Father.” Avria said with reluctance. “That is entirely unnecessary. There is still so much to do.”

  “I will hear none of it.” Telmos gave her a stern glare, silencing any resistance. “The two of you have not seen each other for months and will be joined in matrimony in a matter of days. This will do you both well.”

  ~

  Evening came, and true to his word, Telmos ensured that Daniel was escorted to the large balcony, adjacent to the ballroom in the palace. Daniel was actually very happy to abide by the King’s demand that he and Avria spend some quality time together. After the battle, and the subsequent chaos, he was sent to his new territory. The preparations for their wedding were put on hold while the kingdom came back from the brink. During which time, Daniel had not seen Avria, and barely heard from her.

  He was not a sentimental man, by any means. But seeing her again earlier in the day stirred something within him. As he was led through the large opening to the balcony, a single table was assembled. Avria herself was standing at the far end of the balcony, resting her arms on the railing, overlooking the palace courtyard. She turned to face him with an elegance and grace that could humble any man. She wore a form fitting deep blue dress, her favored color, Daniel was starting to realize. With a silken shawl that hung around her shoulders to combat the night’s chill.

  “Hey.” Daniel said as he approached her, at a loss for words.

  Avria tilted her chin up at him, unable to keep a sly smile from her lips. “Good evening.”

  Daniel caught himself staring at her, then gestured toward the table behind them. “You hungry?”

  Avria’s brilliant yellow eyes shined mischievously at him as her smile grew. She merely nodded at him and began walking toward the table. Daniel remembered his manners, pulling the chair out for her, which gained him a raised eyebrow. He shrugged it off thought; Dae custom or not, he was a gentleman.

  Daniel sat down across from her as a myriad of servants began laying an assortment of dishes before them. Immediately the aromas began to cause his mouth to water. After months of bland Rexunii food, he had forgotten what the esteemed cooks of Vul De Rah were capable of.

  “I must apologize for earlier this afternoon, Daniel.” Avria broke the silence, her expression sincere. “I find it difficult to change the functions of my mind so easily. I was very happy to see you again.”

  “No worries.” Daniel replied, sipping from a freshly filled bowl of wine. “We’ve got important stuff going on. And the last thing we need is another war.”

  “Yes, peace would do us all some good.” She agreed, then turned her face to the side, allowing Daniel a perfect view of her profile. “Peace gives us all a chance to re-evaluate ourselves. To see our purpose and establish our goals.”

  He gave her a few seconds before he said anything, not wanting to interrupt her. “And what have you figured out?”

  “That life is fragile…” She said softly, continuing to stare off to the side. “That, no matter what choices you make… sometimes you are doomed to suffer.”

  “That sounds pretty morbid.” Daniel grunted. “We all suffer from one thing or another. Worrying about it is pointless.”

  She turned toward him, her eyes serious and focused. “It isn’t a weakness to worry for those you care about. Or want to be spared the spirit’s judgment against you.”

  “But that doesn’t mean you stop moving forward out of fear.” Daniel leaned forward, the true meaning of this conversation starting to reveal itself.

  “I suppose you know a bit about what I am speaking on.” She sighed, picking up her bowl of wine.

  “I lost everything when I came to this world, Avria. My family and my friends. Everything I knew, gone in an instant.” Daniel took a moment to gather his thoughts before he continued. “Then I made friends here, and I met you. And I was able to move on… I don’t think I’ll ever see my home again. But, after the time I’ve spent here, I’d be happier if I stayed.”

  Avria smiled at him knowingly, appraising him for several long moments. “So, where do you see your future here?”

  “Hopefully, fat and happy; surrounded by as many loving children as I can make.” Daniel chuckled, leaning back in his chair and staring at the sky. As he did, a subtle sense of dread began creeping into his mind like the silent march of spiders. War was coming, and he and everyone else knew it. Dio’Mar wouldn’t rest until their world was a smoldering ruin, covered in ash and death.

  “Though it’s unlikely.” He continued, looking back to meet her eyes. “I want to live that life with you, Avria.”

  “It will be hard fought.” She said solemnly.

  Daniel nodded in agreement. It would be hard fought indeed. But it was worth it, if the outcome was peace. At least for a while, he thought. Quickly quelling the pessimist in him that doubted. “Then we fight for that future, with everything we have.”

  “I agree, of course.” Avria’s eyes looked distant again, as though a painful memory was just beneath the surface of them. “Not just with the specifics of your future… but with the unsaid truth of our potential demise. Even so, I will not allow fear to overcome the good that will come of it.” Again, her eyes focused on his; their glow pulling him into the memories of his time here with her. “I trust you, Daniel.” Her voice was sincere and filled with a confidence that spread warmth throughout his heart. “And I know that whatever may come our way. Whatever threat or violent foe may menace us, we will defeat it, together.”

  Daniel smiled at her words, letting the effect they had on him remain hidden under a mask. She was truly the most remarkable person he had ever met, in this world, or his last. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He said, taking another drink from his bowl of wine.

  ~

  As morning came, Daniel found himself revitalized and filled with confidence. His brief, but very welcome ‘date’ with Avria had done wonders for his mood. At set him on a proper path to begin the day, that was until he found himself alone in the breakfast hall. After a quick bite to eat, he made his way to the council chambers, where again, he found himself alone.

  Where the hell is everyone? He thought, asking a guard if he had seen anyone that morning. He was directed to the courtyard, where he was finally able to meet up with Avria, Robert, Delmos, and King Telmos. They were in the midst of some sort of preparation; overseeing a dozen Dae workers who were using their Dunamis to construct several elaborate archways.

  “Morning.” Daniel called out as he approached.

  They all turned and greeted him appropriately, with the exception of Robert, who gestured toward a large stone archway. “So, what do you think?”

  Daniel looked up at the masterfully constructed stone structure, admiring its detail and care. “Looks… nice. What is it?”

  Avria looked at him incredulously. “The beginnings of our ceremony.” She said with a hint of irritation. “High King Alektor should be arriving within the next several hours. Also, he has sent word that he wants to proceed with the ceremony as soon as tomorrow.”

  Daniel huffed, “He never was very patient, was he.”

  “No.” Telmos chimed in, “And he is determined to make this a ceremony to remember. Much like yours, Reku.”

  Robert shook his head, his eyes betraying his irritation at the memory. “It was a damn spectacle, that’s it. Your wedding will actually mean something.” He huffed the last words as he turned to face Avria and Daniel.

  “Come on, Rob.” Daniel replied, “You’ve got to work something out with Athica sooner or later; if for anything, do it for the kids, man.”

  “She tried to kill me, Dan. Tried to send me back to the Espi-Dae.” Robert narrowed his eyes.

  “Please.” Daniel scoffed. “Avria tried to kill me at one point too; or… wanted to. I can’t remember.”

  “Me too.” Delmos announced cheerily. “I tried to kill you too; Dan. Must be a Regios tradition at this point.”

  “Enough.” Avria waved them off, locking eyes with Daniel. “We should finish this up as quickly as possible, then make preparations for the High King’s royal arrival. We can discuss Reku’s spousal troubles at another time.”

  “Thank you.” Robert crossed his arms, giving Avria a nod.