The Epic of Antares

They arrived at the chamber their father asked them to attend in short order. The door was made of solid gold to signify a room where only members of the royal family and a select few were permitted entry. Enrieta pushed open the door and Reza entered first.

She had thought she had seen everything Castle Blackrose had to offer when it came to the elegance and design of its various rooms. But this one seemed to be of an entirely different level of brilliance than all the others. The wooden walls were painted a rich emerald green. Golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling with glowing crystal gems. The room extended further inside allowing the chandeliers to be hung in a uniform order of three. Statues of great rulers and monarchs were placed throughout the chamber. Some of them were complete designs, while others were crafted from only the head to the shoulder. There were even some that were broken, proven to be far older than any statue Reza had ever seen. Multiple brown couches were arranged in an open half circle, the quality of the fabric showed it to be of the highest order. Golden accents were lined within the couch and on the matching pillows.

This was a room truly designed for an emperor. Reza should have been absorbed by its sheer magnificence. But she was not. From the moment she entered the room, only one thing caught her attention, rather only one person. The first thing she noticed about her was her hair. She could not explain it but it flowed like the wind. Reza did not think gold could glow until she saw her hair. A rich color that compared to the great globe flowers that were found anywhere through Aurum. When she noticed Reza and turned towards her. The princesses heart skipped a beat. Her grey eyes carried within it the very thunderstorms that she had seen growing up. But there was no rage within them, these storms would not harm you or whisk you away. Somehow they would keep you safe, protect you from those who would wish you harm. She felt no shame in it, no matter how many times she saw her she always felt the same way. This was the most beautiful woman she had ever laid eyes on.

"Ah Reza you made it." Freyja Stormborne's voice carried with it the temperance of a true queen. An inviting smile welcomed her.

Reza blushed and turned her gaze to the ground, "Queen Freyja it is nice to see you again."

"Please do not be so formal with me." Freyja laughed with such ease. " Lady Freyja or sister is fine."

Reza nodded, still at a loss for words.

"At least acknowledge your real sister?" Roderika, threw her hands up. "Do I not get a greeting?"

The little witch stuck her tongue out at Roderika who was getting ready to teach her younger sister some manners.

"My my, always ready for violence are we not?" Enrieta chimed in. "I am still in shock, you are a queen."

"We just started speaking again, do not push me." Roderika pointed a finger at her sister, still feeling the great losses she incurred for sending soldiers to Enrieta's aid.

The Queen of the Nephilim rolled her eyes and she sat on the couch, "You are still holding on to that?

"Thirty-five thousand dead is no small thing, Enri. Even you have to know that."

Freyja caught the confused stare in Reza's face and sought to change the topic. "So Reza, how are you finding our home? I hope it is to your liking?"

Enrieta and Roderika took Freyja's cue to drop the subject. This was a momentous occasion for Reza. Her naming ceremony was supposed to be a time of great joy and celebration. Not one where she should be subjected to the petty squabbling and politics of those she loved dearly. They spoke for some time with Reza recounting much of what she thought of Longshore and her naming ceremony preparations. Both Roderika and Enrieta were more than ready to share in her opinions and thoughts, for they too had the same concerns and worries when they went through their own naming ceremonies. Reza enjoyed the conversation greatly for it felt as though despite being in the presence of three queens, she was treated as an equal. She especially enjoyed conversing with Freyja who from the first time they met knew she would get along with her. She was glad that her brother was married to such a woman.

But inevitably the conversation headed in a direction that all four of them had been trying very hard not to go in. But as Reza spoke of him and her exasperation with the potential marriage. It was Enrieta who took the conversation to newer heights.

"You know if you really want to know the truth about him," Enrieta sipped on her wine. "You should ask Freyja. Are you not childhood friends?"

Roderika shot her sister a very violent look, one that she made sure Reza was not able to see. Freyja did not react to the query, still maintaining her calm and even deposition. Reza turned to the Queen of Talterra embarrassed that she spoke so candidly about someone Freyja knew well.

"Oh it is all right princess. There is no need to feel embarrassed." She let out a soft laugh. "Antares…" The moment she said his name, countless memories came flooding back. Each one bringing with it another hundred emotions. But she held strong, she always did. "Antares is a complicated man." There were not enough words in the world to accurately describe him, Freyja thought.

"My Lady Freyja, you are being too kind. He is far more than that." Enrieta added, "Even in the brief time I met him and as intimately as we spoke, I only scratched the surface.

"You have met him?" Reza spoke Freyja's thoughts. "What is he like? Is he truly as monstrous as they say?"

Enrieta nodded triumphantly, "He is far worse than that dear sister. I can confidently say that he has no equal in all of Aurum. To call him good-looking would be an insult. To look upon him is to know perfection exists and that it can never be attained. Even among the Stygians I have dealt with. None can compare. I still scarcely believe that he is a warrior like they say."

"Really?'" Reza was more curious than ever.

"I do not believe you." Roderika snickered, folding her arms. "Have you seen a Stygian? What could look greater than that?"

"There is one," they all turned to look at Freyja. She remembered little Anastasia. She wondered if she would journey south with him. "There is one that can compare, but never mind that." She turned to Reza.

"King…Antares," calling him king was foreign to her despite the fact she had prepared for it all her life. "Is far more than his appearance. Many have taken it upon themselves to cast an image of him that fits their understanding of him." It was only for a moment, but her eyes shifted towards Enrieta. "But I have known him for much of my life, and not even I truly understand him. And yet it is what draws me—everyone to him.

Reza did not completely understand what she meant. The tenderness in which she spoke of him as though she wished to step around his name, never truly committing to an opinion of him. Told her all she really needed to know—whatever she thought of Antares, whatever was said about him—Freyja Stormborne did not believe a single word. The assuredness of her belief gave the young princess cause for pause. And the smallest pulls of jealousy.

There was tension in the air, and Roderika scarcely knew how to diffuse it. She had hoped the conversation would not steer towards King Antares but once Reza had started talking about the wedding she knew it was only a matter of time. Enrieta did her no favors by bringing the king to the forefront of conversation to get a rise out of Freyja. She hated when Enri looked to rile people. But in that moment as though answering her silent prayers, the large golden doors burst open. The youngest of Emperor Nero's children made his entrance.

"I have arrived!" Mars roared with the might of a hundred men.

His red hair burned with fiery intensity, he was only fifteen, so he still carried the frame of a boy. Nevertheless he did well to puff his chest with confidence, looking to one day resemble his grandsire in body.

"We would rather you had not," Enrieta grumbled, sipping her drink.

"Enri how dare you!" he yelled, "I'm the son of the emperor and you can't speak to me that way!"

"Are your vocal cords broken?" the Nephilim Queen asked her boisterous little brother. "Can you not see we are indoors?"

Mars was prepared to launch an avalanche of insults at his older sister when Freyja and Reza's laugh caught his attention. The little boy now ashamed by his actions desired to tone down his attitude and present himself like a proper royal.

"Ladies Freyja and Reza. It's nice to see you." He bowed, hiding his reddening face.

"And you too, Prince Mars." Freyja responded, while Reza bowed.

"Have I somehow become invisible?" Roderika threw her hands up in exasperation "Reza, did you cast an invisibility spell on me again?"

"It was one time, how long are you going to hold on to that," Reza rolled her eyes. Roderika was unsure if she was more annoyed that Reza was so comfortable with turning her invisible or how much she resembled Enrieta in that moment.

The mood had lightened considerably as they all took turns teasing Mars. For all that had gone on, Reza found herself thankful that she was able to meet the rest of her family. It was one of the many things that had brought her great joy. This is what she had longed for while locked away in Lunaelia. She savored these moments for even now she knew how rare they would be. There would only be a handful of them left.

"To see you all like this," Emperor Nero beamed. "There are very few things that have brought me greater joy."

They all rose to their feet and bowed, except for Enrieta.

Nero waved them to sit back down, "That is enough. We are family, there is no need for such things." The emperor looked at his Nephilim daughter unimpressed.

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"Do not look at me like that," Enrieta raised her drink in her defense. "Do you know how expensive this dress is?What if I spilled my drink?"

"She is right father, it is an expensive dress."

His voice carried with it the authority of a man who was born to rule. They felt his presence long before he ever stepped through the door. The room groaned with anticipation, and the temperature rose with glee. King Saturn Blackrose appeared from behind his father. With Crown Prince Galahad next to him.

Saturn moved with an elegance that was envious. He towered nearly as tall as Enrieta, and was built like a man who had been forged on the battlefield. Even in his kingly attire, highlighted a physique that was honed to perfection. The dark green and gold colors of house Blackrose was a natural look on him. He carried an expressionless face that oftentimes was impossible to discern the thoughts and emotions of the man who everybody believed would be the next Emperor of Aurum. But in the absence of not being able to read his thoughts, those who looked at Saturn Blackrose called him handsome.

"Someone understands," Enrieta leaned herself towards Saturn as he lowered and kissed the top of her head.

"That you have no desire to adhere to our customs or traditions?" Roderika asked, "If that is the case, we are all in agreement."

Saturn made his rounds, kissing all his sisters on their heads. As Roderika and Enrieta bickered for what was not the first time today nor would it be the last of their duels for the rest of it. Reza giggled after Saturn had reached her and he gave her a warm smile. He was appreciative of her innocent demeanor. And he had hoped that she was having a wonderful time, even though his duties did not allow him to see her as much as he had liked. Of all his siblings, it was her that he had difficulty understanding, granted they rarely saw much of each other. Regardless, he had committed to at least giving her a wonderful naming ceremony. And so far he hoped he did not disappoint.

"Husband," Freyja bowed.

"Wife," Saturn responded with indifference. He kissed her on the cheek. She offered him a courteous smile and he returned one kind.

"Now that you are all here I believe I can begin." Nero placed his hands behind himself. "It has been brought to my attention that there seems to be an air of…" The emperor thought for a moment.

"Uncertainty?" Mars suggested.

"Yes, Uncertainty. Thank you my son," Nero smiled as Mars patted himself on the back. "Permeating through the castle. So I wished to say some things to you all, that you may carry it for the others to see."

Some nodded in agreement while others, who knew what the emperor was referring to, remained indifferent. But all of them were aware of the uncertainty that hung in the air. None more so than Saturn himself. Much of the reason that he had not been able to spend time with Reza was because he spent it calming the nobles of what was to come, of who was to come. This was a conversation he had wanted to have with his father in private, but to involve the rest of his siblings, especially Reza and Freyja was a step too far. Reza was meant to be enjoying these coming days, not spend it carrying out her duties as crown princess.

"I want to make it clear, the reason we are gathered here in Longshore, in this castle is for Reza." Nero looked at his youngest daughter with pride, one that all her siblings, Lady Freyja and Prince Galahad carried as well. The little witch blushed at the attention. "Her naming ceremony is a mere few days away. She has brought us all together, and she is and will be the focus of our thoughts and feelings."

The mood in the room lightened.

"However," the emperor continued. "What makes Reza's naming ceremony so special, is that not only are we celebrating it all together, even the northern realms have decided to grace us with their appearance."

Saturn did not want to agree with his father, but he spoke the truth. Both Kings Arturious, Dion and Queen Emma were set to arrive later today. With King Satori soon approaching. Neither for his own, nor Enrieta's or Roderika's, did the northern realms attend. It had been this way for centuries. Through all the human emperors and their progeny, so long had it been since all the realms' willingly came together. Many believed it to be the hallmarks of peace, of good fortune that had so rarely come by in Aurum for the last few millennia. It was why numerous people had made the journey. Everyone wished to be a part of the beginning of a new age for Aurum. But Saturn was more inclined to believe it had more to do with those who lived in the far north than the northern kings coming of their own volition. Simply put, they came because the Stygians were coming.

"It would be foolish to not acknowledge the reason why such a thing is happening. And that is because King Antares also comes."

None spoke. Emperor Nero allowed the name of the Stygian King to float around in the air. He allowed all of them to entertain his name and he watched their faces for a reaction. He saw looks of confusion, anger, contempt and even intrigue. But among those present, as he had expected it was only Saturn and Freyja who did not give anything away. The same look of indifference that he was familiar with. Freyja passed the first of the emperor's tests.

The Queen of Talterra was unsure of what to feel at the mention of his name. For so many years she forced herself to master a routine, to detach herself from the memories of her youth. From her memories of him. And now like a force of nature the very same man approached. Once again her life would be thrown into disarray. She chastised the twin Goddess, Astrid and Bodil for interfering in her life again. Had her and Antares not suffered enough? What more did they wish to take?

"I know we all have had our differing opinions on the young king." The emperor looked into the eyes of all those present. "But for the first time in centuries, a Stygian King has chosen to come south. Antares has chosen peace."

Enrieta scoffed, Nero chose to ignore her.

"His potential union with Reza will work to fully achieve the goal, myself, Tereza and the Stygian King's own father worked so hard to achieve. An Aurum united."

"So what is it that you ask from us dearest father?" Enrieta asked the only question that mattered.

"I am not asking," Nero corrected. "I am telling you all to make the Stygians feel welcomed. Let their first time in the south be one met with merry faces. Not with uncertainty and condemnation."

Enrieta could barely stop herself from laughing. She knew her father had the talents for theatre but she was only convinced by his skill now. A man who for a century had allowed those within his realm and ally realms to talk of the former ruler of the Stygians as the demon king, now wished to welcome the monster's offspring with open hands. She would think her father mad, were it not that she was so impressed by his boldness.

Nero choosing to welcome Antares with such a spectacle would make it difficult for the Stygian King to display any malice that might have been perceived from the rumors spoken about his father. For surely none of it could be true if the emperor himself were to show such a kindness and softness for the son of a former hero.

Even if the king were to realize the hospitality shown was a facade it would not matter. The mere fact that King Antares was journeying south was enough to unsettle many realms. And the Stygian monarch would be aware of this. It was in the King of Iliad's best interest to arrive with as much graciousness one could expect from a Stygian, and maintain it throughout Reza's naming ceremony. Emperor Nero would do all he could to unsettle King Antares, and prove to the rest of Aurum that who truly stood between them and a united front were the very Stygians they were all right to fear. Enrieta was invested in the silent war that had now begun between her father and Antares. She would never doubt her father, but as a testament to the Stygian King, despite the little she knew of him. Queen of the Nephilim was unsure who would emerge victorious.

"There is no need to fear father," Mars beat his chest. "I will take it upon myself to challenge King Antares. Warriors best speak with their weapons!"

"I did not think it needed to be said, but there will be no fighting." Nero glared at Mars, who shrunk in between Freyja and Reza. "Leave it to those who partake in the coliseum." The old emperor was far more concerned about his youngest son's propensity for trouble than he liked to admit. "But Mars touched on the right idea. I would like King Antares to be entertained by Reza, Enrieta and you… Freyja."

Freyja tensed up at the mention of her name. The emperor held her gaze studying her expression. She felt as though they were all looking at her, especially Saturn most of all. She found it difficult to breathe and struggled to maintain her composure. Soon after, she felt the warm hand of her husband on her shoulder. And the unease that gripped her slowly relaxed its binds on her. She exhaled as calmly as she could and nodded her head.

"If it is your desire my emperor."

She half expected that such a thing would have been asked of her. She could understand why Reza and Enrieta were asked to spend time with him. But she did not understand why emperor Nero would subject her to the same treatment, knowing the past that both her and Antares shared. As though reading her thoughts, Nero clarified.

"I choose you most of all Queen Freyja, for you know him more than anyone here. Yes, it has been five years. But I am sure the King of the Stygians would feel at ease seeing a face that he is familiar with." The emperor smiled but it was not genuine.

"Yes, I understand." The Queen of Talterra nodded with a bit more confidence. She exchanged looks with Reza who looked to her for strength. Both women shared much of the same feelings.

Nero spoke with the rest of the room for some time, before he departed along with Enrieta and Saturn. The air in the room was a mixed affair, the words of their patriarch seemed to leave many of them with greater uncertainty. They all knew that they had no choice but to do as the emperor commanded. But among them all, one struggled with the task the most.

Reza had very little to say during the whole meeting, relegated more to a spectator in her own life. Much as she was used to it, she did not like that her father had made the decision to have her entertain the King of the Stygians. Although she understood why, she at the very least had to speak with him if there was any chance of marriage. Even still, the princess would rather it be on her own terms. As the days went on, Reza started to realize that her father no longer desired to see things from her perspective.

Saturn and Enrieta both walked in silence behind their father. Neither of them willing or wanting to say anything. How many times had they found themselves like this? At the edge of their father's thoughts. They waited for the old emperor to let them in. Nero stopped to gaze down below at the city streets. He studied as the people celebrated and enjoyed themselves in the afternoon sun. He turned to face his two most trusted children.

"Saturn wait for me in my study." The command left no room for a response. The King of Talterra bowed towards his father, and touched his younger sister's shoulder. She placed a warm hand on his and smiled.

The father and daughter were left alone in silence. Enrieta felt as though she was about to be scolded. A cheerful grin crossed her face and a memory of Adelard soothed her worries. She sought to ask the one question she had been dreading since returning home for Reza's naming ceremony.

"Do you still support me?"

Nero stroked his chin, "I do." The words held within them a sliver of relief for Enrieta, "There is plenty I have prepared for these celebrations. I will rattle the young king. And what of your efforts in Ichika?"

"I have sent my closest advisor to oversee the revolt. He along with Hideyoshi Sugawara assures us that King Satori will be ceased upon the completion of the naming ceremony, when he begins his journey back home."

Nero chuckled, "They make it sound so easy."

Enrieta voiced the same concerns to Salok Yn before he departed. Not only was King Satori Sugawara a Sword Saint, he was also an Enlightened. To call him dangerous would be to grossly underestimate the potential threat that he was. With the death of King Barranagan Xerxes, the title of the strongest rested on the head of the only worthy successor. Satori Sugawara stood atop the peak of all warriors. Trained by Hyperion Xerxes himself, he was one half of a terrible calamity. And that is why he needed to be dealt with, if there was any chance to bring about the death of King Antares Xerxes and the fall of Iliad. They needed to address his biggest supporter.

"My Advisor has never failed me. I will not doubt him now." Enrieta assured with confidence.

"Very well," Emperor Nero inhaled deeply, his eyes never leaving the people below. He recalled the rare time his father acknowledged him long enough to impart wisdom. "The death of a king begins with celebration…" he lamented.