7th realm… Emperor’s castle…
The warm glow of the lanterns cast long, flickering shadows across the marble walls of the Emperor’s chamber. A soft breeze filtered through the open balcony doors, carrying the scent of blooming night flowers from the royal gardens below.
Emperor Ryon Lionheart sat in his favorite swinging chair, lazily rocking back and forth with a glass of deep red wine swirling in his hand. His gaze lingered on the magical glass orb glowing faintly on the table before him.
Queen Soya, dressed in an emerald silk gown, sat beside him with a large ornate jar of wine. Every time his glass emptied, she refilled it wordlessly, her delicate fingers brushing against his knuckles with practiced ease. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she watched the Emperor unwind, though her eyes betrayed a quiet curiosity.
The orb shimmered as the last remnants of the news replayed in elegant golden script.
[BREAKING NEWS: MADAM CLARK SIGHTED. DIVINE DEITY SECT UNDER INVESTIGATION. 9 REALMS ASSOCIATION IN PURSUIT.]
Ryon immediately sat straight and went through that news in full attention. His face changed colours with every phrase he read.
“Enough of this,” Ryon muttered, leaning forward to tap the orb lightly with his finger. He initiated a communication request. The orb shimmered and slowly connected to the head of the Nine Realms Association, Jason Mama.
Moments later, Jason’s rugged face materialized within the orb, his brows furrowed in what could only be described as mild irritation.
“What’s with all this nonsense, Jason?” Ryon’s voice carried the weight of authority. “Why did you let everyone know about the existence of Madam Clark?”
Jason sighed, rubbing his temple. “What can I do? Those useless Association members were breathing down my neck. Keeping it under wraps wasn’t an option. Besides, think about it this way—now she knows we’re after her. She’ll think twice before making her next move. Fear can be a powerful leash.”
Ryon scowled. “I don’t like it. The last thing we need is to stir up panic or, worse, draw unwanted attention to whatever she’s planning.”
Jason’s eyes flickered with annoyance. “Panic or not, she’s a threat, and the realms deserve to know it. Also, we will use this chance to show the power of the 9 realms association.”
Ryon leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his silver-threaded hair. “Fine. But tell me this—do you have any clue about where she might have gone?” His tone betrayed the frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior.
Jason hesitated for a moment. “We’re still searching. My sources believe they used some form of high-level and big inter-realm teleportation. It’s not common magic, Ryon. Whatever they’re using, it’s big enough to teleport a million soldiers. I’ve dispatched scouts to investigate places that house large teleportation gates. We’ll find them eventually.”
Ryon’s grip tightened around his glass. “Eventually? That isn’t good enough.”
“Look,” Jason continued, “our space element experts are working to repair the teleportation gate she used to escape. Once it’s operational, we’ll know exactly where it led. Give it a few days. We’ll have her location soon enough. And when we do, that rat will be exterminated for good.”
Ryon nodded slowly. “That’s good to hear. I’ll send my soldiers to check for potential gates on my end. The more eyes we have, the better.”
Before Jason could respond, Queen Soya, who had been quietly listening by Ryon’s side, leaned in closer. Her soft voice broke through the tension. “Brother, how have you been? How is your health? Don’t let these political games wear you down. Take care of yourself. BY the way Is everyone well?”
Jason’s expression shifted uncomfortably. The warmth in Soya’s voice seemed to pull at a string of memories he preferred to leave buried. Her words lingered for a moment longer than intended, hanging heavily in the air.
He gave her a thin, dry smile. “I’m well enough. And everyone is… fine.”
The orb flickered as Jason abruptly ended the call, leaving the room in silence. Ryon’s eyes lingered on the orb for a moment before turning to his wife.
“You always know how to make him tense,” Ryon mused, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Not even the head of the Nine Realms Association can stand up to your questions.”
Soya returned the smile but said nothing. She resumed her task of pouring wine, though the jar trembled slightly in her hands.
“What’s on your mind?” Ryon asked, sensing her unease.
Soya hesitated before speaking. “I just wonder… why now? Why are you suddenly so interested in finding Madam Clark? She’s been in hiding for years, hasn’t she? What’s changed?”
Ryon’s smile faded. He gazed out the window, his eyes distant. “Because, my dear, I’ve come to realize she’s not hiding. She’s planning. Madam Clark has been infiltrating the Empire right under our noses. Her son… he’s already here. And he’s caused more damage than I care to admit.”
Soya blinked, taken aback. “Her son?”
“Yes. That bastard Kent. He is her son.”
“””Phat”””
The big wine jar slipped from Soya’s hands and crashed to the floor, spilling wine across the marble tiles.
“Kent?” she whispered, her face draining of color. “You mean the Kent who… the same Kent who—?”
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Ryon’s brows furrowed. “What happened? Did this fact shock you so much?!” Ryon asked while checking the broken jar with a tense face.
“Answer me, Is Kent really the son of Madam Clark?” Soya asked in a lifeless tone.
“Yes, He is the son born to me and Madam Clark. Is anything wrong?” Ryon replied in frustration.
Soya’s lips parted, but no words came. Her chest heaved as panic flickered in her eyes. Ryon watched her carefully, his gaze narrowing with suspicion.
“Soya?” Ryon called out loudly.
She took a step back, shaking her head. “I… I didn’t know.”
Ryon stood, the swinging chair creaking as it swayed behind him. “Didn’t know what? Soya, what’s wrong?”
But before she could answer, her knees buckled. Ryon rushed forward, catching her as she collapsed into his arms, unconscious.
Inside, her mind reeled with memories — the nights she spent with him, the stolen moments when she let herself be vulnerable in Kent’s hands.
A sudden wave of nausea washed over her.
I slept with him…
–
*I hope this is enough to end this year. “Happy New Year, Guys.” We will rock 2025 together. Send Some new year GIFTS
