Love between war

✧══════════════════════✧✧ Chapter Eight ✧When Destiny Crosses Paths

The sun shone brilliantly over the Kingdom of Elowen.

Golden rays poured over the magnificent capital of Veloria, bathing the city in warmth and light. Towering white walls rose proudly beneath the clear blue sky, their surfaces gleaming as if woven from sunlight itself. Silver banners embroidered with dragons fluttered proudly from every balcony.

Whooosh...

The gentle wind carried the fragrance of fresh roses through the streets.

Today—

The empire looked even more dazzling than usual.

Servants hurried along the grand avenues, carefully scattering flower petals over the polished stone roads leading toward the imperial palace. Gardeners placed baskets of blooming roses beneath marble pillars. Musicians dressed in ceremonial robes stood beside the avenue, quietly tuning their instruments.

Everything had been prepared with perfection.

Because today—

A rival emperor would step inside Elowen.

And Elowen never welcomed guests modestly.

It welcomed them magnificently.

Rows of imperial soldiers stood proudly on both sides of the avenue. Their polished silver armor reflected the sunlight brilliantly.

Clink...

Their spears stood high, straight and unmoving.

Like a forest of silver.

Nobles crowded the balconies overhead, their voices filled with excitement.

"The Emperor of Aldmoor is truly coming."

"I heard both royal princes will attend."

"And Princess Rachel as well!"

"The peace treaty may finally end the war."

Their whispers spread through the crowd.

But—

Not everyone cared about politics.

Many young noblewomen stood pressed against the balcony railings, their cheeks slightly red as they stared toward the palace gates.

Because standing there—

Was Prince Nathan Thoren.

Twenty-two years old.

Tall.

Elegant.

His golden hair gleamed beneath the sunlight like spun silk. Calm black eyes carried warmth and quiet confidence.

And on the side of his neck—

The dragon-shaped birthmark rested proudly.

The symbol of Elowen.

The mark believed to bless its future ruler.

Dressed in white and gold royal attire embroidered with silver dragons, Nathan stood calmly with a gentle smile.

He looked every bit the perfect prince.

One noble lady sighed dreamily.

"Prince Nathan truly looks like a hero from legends."

Another nodded eagerly.

"Handsome, talented, kind..."

"He is perfect."

Nathan remained unaware of their admiration.

Or perhaps—

He had simply grown used to it.

Behind him stood his trusted companions, dressed in ceremonial uniforms.

Disciplined.

Proud.

Ready.

A short distance away—

Another figure stood in silence.

Prince Zyren Thoren.

His attire was completely different.

Black.

Dark.

Elegant in a colder way.

A black military uniform decorated with crimson embroidery rested perfectly against his tall frame. A dark cloak draped over his shoulders, moving softly with the wind.

His black hair shifted gently across his forehead.

And beneath the high collar of his uniform—

The crimson half-moon birthmark remained hidden.

Hidden by imperial order.

Hidden because Emperor Alaric despised the whispers surrounding it.

Zyren stood quietly.

Arms crossed behind his back.

Expression unreadable.

Beside him stood Theon.

And nearby—

Milo and Rohan.

Where Nathan resembled sunlight—

Zyren resembled midnight.

Still.

Silent.

Beautiful in a way people feared.

The nobles whispered again.

"The War Monster..."

"The Crimson Moon Prince."

"They say he defeated an entire army at nineteen."

"They say he kills without mercy."

One young noblewoman stared a little longer.

Then whispered softly—

"But..."

"He is handsome."

Her friend immediately covered her mouth.

"Don't say that!"

"What if he hears you?!"

The young lady quickly lowered her head.

Meanwhile—

Zyren ignored everything.

The whispers.

The stares.

The fear.

As always.

Because silence had long ago become his armor.

Then—

From the distant avenue—

The sound of horses echoed.

Clop...

Clop...

Clop...

Everyone turned.

The royal convoy of Aldmoor had arrived.

Golden carriages slowly approached the palace, surrounded by rows of imperial knights dressed in silver and blue armor.

The crowd straightened instantly.

The first carriage stopped.

A servant hurried forward and opened the door.

Stepping down first—

Was Emperor Edward Vale.

Silver robes flowed elegantly behind him as he descended. Though nearing fifty years of age, his posture remained proud and dignified.

Beside him—

Empress Sierra Vale.

Her blonde hair shimmered beneath the sunlight.

Graceful.

Beautiful.

Yet her sharp eyes quietly observed everything around her.

Nathan stepped forward immediately.

He bowed respectfully.

"I offer my greetings to the Sun of Aldmoor."

Edward smiled politely.

"And I greet the Dragon of Elowen."

Nathan rose smoothly.

"It is an honor to welcome Your Majesty."

Nearby nobles nodded approvingly.

Prince Nathan truly possessed extraordinary manners.

The second carriage door opened.

Prince Alan stepped down confidently.

Proud posture.

Perfect appearance.

A faint smile rested upon his lips.

Beside him—

Princess Rachel descended elegantly.

Her silver hair flowed beautifully behind her.

Golden eyes immediately scanned the surroundings.

The palace.

The nobles.

The soldiers.

And—

Nathan.

Standing beneath the sunlight.

Golden hair.

Dragon mark.

Gentle smile.

Rachel's lips curved slightly.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Nathan greeted them politely.

Alan returned the greeting confidently.

Rachel smiled gracefully.

But behind Nathan—

Zyren remained silent.

Only Theon bowed respectfully.

Rachel glanced toward Zyren.

And her expression subtly changed.

Those red eyes.

That cold face.

That distant aura.

He looked exactly like the rumors.

A monster wearing a prince's face.

Rachel quickly lost interest.

And looked away.

Then—

The third carriage slowly opened.

Several maids hurried forward.

And between them—

A young woman descended carefully.

Small.

Fragile.

And unexpectedly beautiful.

Princess Aria Vale.

Her long red hair flowed softly behind her like silk touched by sunset.

Green eyes widened slightly as she looked around.

So many people.

So many soldiers.

So many strangers.

Her heart began beating faster.

Thump...

Thump...

Thump...

This was—

The first time in years—

She had traveled beyond her lonely room.

The sky looked larger than she remembered.

The palace...

More magnificent than the illustrations in her books.

Everything felt overwhelming.

Instinctively—

She lowered her head.

Trying to disappear.

Trying to become invisible.

Just as she always did.

Nathan glanced at her briefly.

Edward spoke warmly.

"We are grateful for Elowen's hospitality."

Nathan smiled.

"The honor belongs to us."

He extended his hand politely.

"His Majesty awaits inside."

The royal guests slowly began walking toward the palace.

Aria quietly followed behind Sierra.

Head lowered.

Hands tightly clasped together.

Trying not to make mistakes.

Trying not to attract attention.

But then—

As she stepped onto the grand palace stairs—

Something made her lift her eyes.

Perhaps curiosity.

Perhaps instinct.

And—

She froze.

Red eyes.

Cold.

Sharp.

Standing beside the entrance.

Watching her.

Zyren.

For a moment—

The world disappeared.

The crowd vanished.

The voices faded.

Everything became silent.

Only those eyes remained.

Everyone called him a monster.

Yet—

Why...

Did his eyes look lonely?

Aria forgot to lower her gaze.

And Zyren—

Forgot to look away.

Green eyes.

Bright.

Fragile.

Filled with fear.

Yet beneath that fear—

A loneliness...

He understood.

The wind gently lifted Aria's red hair.

Soft strands danced across her cheeks.

And suddenly—

A sharp pain shot through Zyren's chest.

His breath stopped.

His eyes widened.

His hand instinctively gripped his chest.

Beneath his collar—

The hidden half-moon mark burned.

Burned fiercely.

Hot.

Painful.

Alive.

Zyren frowned.

What—

Was happening?

Beside him—

Theon immediately noticed.

"Zyren?"

Zyren's breathing slowed.

The pain disappeared as suddenly as it came.

But the warmth remained.

A strange warmth.

He lowered his hand slowly.

"My mark..."

He spoke quietly.

Theon froze.

"What?"

"It burned."

Milo blinked.

"What?!"

Rohan immediately stepped closer.

"Your birthmark?"

Zyren nodded slowly.

A frown settled on Rohan's face.

"That has never happened before."

Theon followed Zyren's gaze.

Toward—

Aria.

Who had already lowered her eyes again and continued walking.

Theon's expression became serious.

Something strange had happened.

Something none of them understood.

But Zyren himself seemed the most confused.

Why...

Did she feel familiar?

He had never met her.

Never seen her.

Yet—

His heart refused to calm.

Theon gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We'll talk later."

Zyren nodded silently.

And together—

They entered the palace.

✧

Inside—

The Grand Imperial Hall glittered magnificently.

Crystal chandeliers hung high above.

Thousands of candles illuminated the vast chamber with warm golden light.

Long tables overflowed with exquisite dishes.

Golden plates sparkled.

Crystal glasses shimmered.

Everything reflected the wealth and power of Elowen.

At the head of the hall—

Sat Emperor Alaric Thoren.

Beside him—

Empress Elion.

The moment Edward entered—

Both emperors stood.

Polite smiles appeared.

Firm handshakes followed.

"Welcome to Elowen."

"It is an honor."

Measured words.

Controlled expressions.

Yet beneath those smiles—

Neither had forgotten years of war.

Elion greeted Sierra elegantly.

Rachel introduced herself proudly.

Alan smiled confidently.

Finally—

Sierra gestured toward Aria.

"My younger daughter."

Aria quietly stepped forward.

Her hands trembled slightly.

Her eyes remained lowered.

She bowed softly.

No confidence.

No pride.

No elegance expected from royalty.

Only—

Quiet obedience.

Elion looked surprised.

Nathan blinked softly.

Even Emperor Alaric raised an eyebrow.

This princess...

Was unlike any royal lady he had ever seen.

And—

At the far side of the hall—

Zyren quietly watched her.

Not because she was beautiful.

Not because she was a princess.

But because—

For the first time in many years—

Someone's presence had disturbed the silence he had carefully built around his heart.

And he did not understand why.

✧

Two kingdoms sat beneath one roof.

Smiles were exchanged.

Pleasantries spoken.

Laughter echoed throughout the hall.

Yet beneath those smiles—

Ambitions slept.

Secrets hid.

And destiny—

Had quietly taken its first breath.

✧══════════════════════✧