The Curse of the Moon-realms

Chapter Two

In mixed feeling, Lady Alara watched in both excitement and utmost disbelief. The thought of her infidelity being exposed to Eldric injected dread into her soul but “love would always prevail over fear,” she dishonestly thought to herself.

“I must overcome this if I must live happily with Adrian and build a great Kingdom by his side.” She thought further.

Lost in thoughts, “Lady Alara?” Adrian called.

“I love you too, Lord Adrian,” she stuttered dishonestly, “My heart has always been yours from my prime and I would do anything to stay by your side and build a better Southern moon-realm.” She professed amidst stings of guilts that poked her soul.

Her union with Eldric never meant anything to her as her parents had forced her to the heir of the Northern moon-realm in their prime. It was bound to fail and Lady Alara spared no remorse in discarding the Love that Lord Eldric gave. But with Adrian, she was ready not ready to spare any hesitations; to grow in love with him was the goal as she allowed their bond to grow deeper, entangling their hearts in a way neither had anticipated.

………….

Within the wall of the palace of Northern Moon-realm, Adrain walked in gallantly. “My Brother, my friend,” Eldric called out from his throne in excitement.

“Have you been well?” he inquired of Adrian who stood pale from the strokes of guilt, feeble and unable to behold his beloved friend, Eldric.

“Lady Alara and I intend to seal our union and become soulmates.” Silence fell upon the hall waiting for the wrath of Eldric to fall like a big stone in still and dense lake.

Awestricken by the news as he stood akimbo with his jaw dropping, “Adrian? Is this some kind of joke? Lady Alara and I are betrothed.”

“Don’t stress!” Adrian interjected.

“She doesn’t love you anymore.” He replied curtly.

Speechless, Eldric stood, his voice laced with betrayal and hurt as tears streamed from his bright eyes.

“How is this happening before me, Adrian? How are you comfortable breaking our oath? I mean, you have betrayed our oath, Adrian. Our pact, our brotherhood — thrown to the wind for my woman." Stung by guilt, Adrian tilted his gaze towards the veiled window of the hall. Torn between love and fidelity, he replied with heaviness in his voice," Eldric, my friend, I never sought this path, but love is a force beyond control. Lady Alara has captured my heart and I owe you no apology for dancing to the rhythms of my heart." He said with finality as he strode out of the palace of the Northern Moon-realm.

The die was cast, the unbreakable bond shattered. Adrian's choice had set in motion a rift that would slit the Kingdoms apart. "You have made your choice," Eldric declared as Adrian strode out of his palace, a shudder of anguish in his voice. "May our realms be ever against each other and apart, a testament to our broken bond." Adrian heard his friend, remorse etched upon his soul, but he held on to his decision as he dashed out of Northern moon-realm, never to be seen again by his friend.

….

Few hours to their breakup, the news of their breakup had spread like wildfire and as the evening flaunted itself in the heart of the Moon-realms, an old seer echoed this prophecy from the depth of his chambers as the news of the separation of both kingdoms continued to spread,

“When the hedge breaks,

Bid farewell to the seal of the moon,

When the hedge breaks,

May their seeds forever be apart…”

The Kingdoms that once bore witness to their innocent dreams, echoed in tears, for it knew the impacts of this night would be felt for generations.

The moon cast a sinister light upon the land, marking the morning of a new chapter, filled with secrets, prophecies, and the echoes of a broken bond hanging in the balance — a bond that would demand redemption, and maybe, a doubtful reunion.

Unknown to both Kings, their choices had set in motion different occurrence that would come to pass in the life of their descendants, leading to a test of love and loyalty that neither realm was prepared for.

…………..

The Southern Moon-realm stood as a testament to majesty and substance. Its far- reaching influence was talked about, a kingdom adorned with intricate beauty depicting the moon and its phases. It was a realm of fineness and tradition, bound by a lineage that stretched back centuries. Adrian, now reigning as king, stood at the zenith of his Kingdom in retrospect of the events that had led to this point. Lady Alara, his woman and queen, joined him on the deck, her presence a soothing essence to his worried soul.

"The seal of the moon has disappeared from our borders, my King, Adrian," she stated, her voice carrying a sense of concern. Adrian coughed, the weight of his decisions pressing upon him." Yes, and with it, the pain of a broken fellowship, I suppose." Lady Alara touched his arm gently, her eyes filled with understanding." Love frequently demands sacrifices we do not anticipate. Yet, love is also a lamp of substitute and change." Adrian could not hide his worry for too long as his mind wandered around the seal of the moon.

“The seal of the moon; bridge of the moon-realms, where be thou?” he rhetorically inquired in hush tones as his questions bounced back at him. The once magnificent bridge of the moon-realm that connected both Kingdoms together, disappeared, leaving both kingdoms in utter disarray and inaccessible.

…….

In the Northern Moon-realm, Eldric sat upon the throne, his eyes were fixed on a portrait of Adrian, a memorial of his long- lost friendship. Seraphina, his trusted Adviser and a professed Seer, walked into the room, her presence a joy to his sick soul. "King Eldric," Seraphina began, her voice a soothing air. "The prophecy spoke of love entangled with pain. But the bond between both Kingdoms is stronger than you know." Eldric looked at her, searching for answers." Is there a way to mend what has been broken?" he inquired.

"There's always hope in obscure places and even in the darkest of times," she said, her gaze distant, and lost in thought.

…

Nestled between towering mountains and endless unspoiled forest, lay a charming village known as Alver, a place of peace and neutrality, untouched by the politics and strife of the Northern and Southern Moon-realms. The air, filled with the scent of wild flowers and the only sounds were the gentle gurgling of a meandering stream and the laughter of children playing in the village square. Small and busy, the village secretly served as a city of refuge to both the Kingdoms of the moon-realms as they would stealthily journey in for trade.

In the middle of a busy market, a young woman named Aria walked along the cobbled streets, her auburn hair bounced on her back like a piece of ball. A descendant of the most noble King Adrian of Southern Moon-realm, known for its lush forests and fine craftsmanship. Aria's eyes, green like the leaves of her homeland, sparkled with curiosity as she marvelled at the bright colours and merchandize on display.

And, there was Lucan, a nobleman from the neighbouring Kingdom of Northern Moon-realm. He had a striking tall and broad-shouldered figure with ebony hair and striking blue eyes. Northern Moon-realm was famous for its mighty armies and majestic castles, but the adventurous Lucan was always looking for something beyond the battles and borders of his homeland.

The paths of Aria and Lucan crossed in the village square, where they were both looking for the same fabric at the counter of the fabric vendor. Their fingers pressed together and their eyes locked. Time seemed to stand still and in that brief moment they felt a connection that transcended their understanding. Eager to set the force of his heart in motion, Lucan spoke,

“I’ll buy that one,” he said, pointing to some neatly folded orange fabric, “and here… give her what she orders.” He instructed and he gave the vendor a gold toad as payment.

Awestricken and blushed-up, Aria signalled in thanksgiving as she bowed politely.

Aria steps towards a merchant who sells fine fabrics. Her fingers caressed the silk and she marvelled at the vibrant colours and accessories, “Those fabrics are beautiful.” she thought out loud.

Lucan, equally charmed by her brilliance, replied, “I am sure it is as beautiful as the gardens of the Southern Moon-realm.”

Surprised by his words, Aria looked up and met the eyes of the Northern Lord. Tensed, prepared to defend her identity, but there was something in his gaze that disarmed her. “How do you know my nationality?” she asked, suspicion in her voice.