Requiem

While their pairing was initially for political reasons, keeping the peace and securing trade routes, a quiet love has blossomed between the two. It happened one fateful day when the couple was taking an evening stroll through the castle's rose garden; the moon had begun to peak out her shining face from behind the clouds surrounded by an entourage of stars. As they rounded the corner and stepped out of the shadows, the moonlight caressed Requiems cheek. A few paces behind her, Beloved was distracted by a newly planted bush that had just begun to sprout. As he turned to face his wife, all air escaped his lungs; the woman he had only considered a political partner was truly breathtaking. Noticing the flushed face of her partner, she couldn't help but chuckle.

"What? Say something! Am I so beautiful you've no words left?"

With a shake of his head and a deep breath, Beloved brushed the comment off and quickly strode ahead. He'd be lying to himself if he said he hadn't begun to catch feelings, but as a busy king, he had no time for such frivolities. Sure, the people of his kingdom believed them to be lovers, but there was absolutely no truth to it. None at all. Not even a drop. As their love ignited, so did tensions between Myste and Indraleam. War was on the horizon, and the pair would soon have to part. Beloved spent the weeks leading up to the incursion, running between Blackhallow Bastion and the War Room. Frostbit had to prep the soldiers, Odette needed to prepare her attack plan, and Beloved had to make sure everyone was organized for the fight. This rushing left little time for Requiem; no matter how hard he tried to pace himself, Beloved never spent more than a few moments awake once he stepped into bed.

On one such night, Requiem found herself returning to their chambers later than usual. She had spent the day going over documents and preparing to lead the country in her husband's absence. Quietly entering the stone room, she did her best not to wake the sleeping figure of her husband. It was clear that he had already entered a deep sleep, much to her dismay. But no matter, she would make the most of this moment and soon found herself moving toward the bed. She took a seat next to Beloved, noticing the rise and fall of his chest and the soft snore that escaped his lips. The sight brought a smile to her face; there had been little time for peace the past few weeks, but, in sleep, it seems he was finally able to find a lull in the chaos. Requiem trailed her fingers over her husband’s forehead, brushing the unruly red strands out of his eyes. It was moments like this that helped her forget the crushing reality of the oncoming storm. Life could be okay, if only for a moment. The Sun’s rays cascaded through the open window, lighting up the room in a brilliant orange glow. As the light hit his face, Beloved began to stir and rolled over to face his wife. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her close.

“Good morning, my love.”

A simple grunt escaped the pile of black tresses in his arms. They stayed there for a moment, enjoying the embrace. Soon, though, the clock chimed eight, and it was time for the two to begin their day. Before Beloved could escape to his dressing room, however, Requiem grabbed his wrist and placed a golden bracelet in his hand.

“I’ve been meaning to give this to you for a while now, just never found the time.”

Peering curiously at the ruby studded band, he turned it over. There was an intricate carving of a bird of prey on the underside.

“It’s beautiful, Darling. Thank you….hmm,” he said, pausing for a moment before continuing, “but isn’t this a family heirloom of yours? If it was a gift from your father, you should keep it.”

She wrapped her hands around his. “I want you to have it, so you don’t forget me.”

“I’d never forget you.” Beloved found himself surrounded on all sides. A gigantic warrior stood to his right, a deadly glint in his eye. His armor was splattered with the blood of countless Mystic soldiers, and he prepared to add on more soul to his collection. To his left stood another; these twins wanted him dead. The King raised his sword and brace himself for the powerful bow, he would not fall here. His wife had birthed two sons while he was away, and he promised them a better upbringing than his own.

The three men clashed; they were matched in skill and only a fatal mistake would end this dual. They jumped and dodged and weaved, neither landing a blow. While they were matched in skill, Beloved was at a disadvantage. He was exhausted and, despite standing over seven feet, was dwarfed by the figures in front of him. The King had trained for this, he had more than a few magic spells in his arsenal. Of course, he was too tired to use them, but at least he had a backup if everything else failed.

One misstep was all that was needed for this battle to end, and, try as he might, he could not get the brothers to fall. They were relentless, and Beloved soon found himself falling to the ground. The twins wasted no time as their swords came down on his chest. Or did they?

In a flash of dazzling, yellow light, the King was engulfed in a force field radiating out from his wife’s bracelet. Who knew such power could be stored in such a dainty thing? His strength was restored, and he jumped back on his feet. This victory was his.