The Epic of Antares

"I offered to take her place, and marry him instead."

"You?" she scoffed, "Queen of the Stygians, what a terrifying thought."

"You forget I am already a queen little sister," Roderika reminded her with a raised glass.

"Precisely, look at the state of Lunaelia."

Roderika and Enrieta shared a rare laugh as they conversed. The end of their fathers little event had carried mixed reactions throughout the nobility who gathered to watch. Although they all did well to mask their feelings with thunderous applause and celebrations. Neither Roderika nor Enrieta were interested in staying around to share in conversation, they felt enough people present would shower their father and the King of the Stygians, they were not needed. Instead, drinks were shared in the private chambers of the Lunaelian Queen. They only meant to share one, in hopes of reconciling the growing rift forming between them. However as the night progressed, one drink turned to several and was slowly growing by the hour. They did not mind, it was pleasant to not always be at odds, and have things return to how they used to be when they were younger. If only it was for one night.

"It is the truth, I tried convincing father to no avail." Roderika lowered her head in defeat.

Enrieta crossed her legs as she leaned back, her visage as near perfect as always. "It is good he said no, you are too good for the Stygian King."

Roderika raised her head, "And Reza is? She is your sister as well, you know?"

The Nephilim Queen rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean." She motioned towards her, "You are Roderika Altieri, Queen of Lunaelia, Sword Saint and an Iron Will. While Reza is…Reza."

"You're drunk, you only compliment people when you're drunk."

Enrieta shrugged.

"There is potential in Reza, do not dismiss our little sister so casually."

Roderika stared into her chalice, a reflective smile greeting her. It was rare to see her little sister offer such bold praise. The Lunaelian Queen thought of the titles that were rattled off. None of them meaning much to her, despite the weight behind them. She was nearing thirty and found little use for them outside of just place holders. All Roderika cared for were her sisters, she did not require being a ruler or a warrior to do that. So if becoming the Queen of the Stygians was the way to protect Reza she would do it. However the conversation she had with her mother dominated her mind, the way she spoke of Barranagan Xerxes, the way she spoke of the fears she had for Reza. There was much Roderika still was unsure of, much she did not understand. Among them what her father and the woman across from her were after.

"Enri, why is father offering our sister away?" Roderika could not bring herself to look her in the eyes. "We all know you are his favorite so I am sure he has shared some insight with you."

Enrieta studied her big sister, her auburn hair was braided beautifully, revealing an olive face with the warmest of green eyes. The freckles across the bridge of her nose only further enhanced her attractiveness. From as far back as she could remember, whenever Roderika was worried she would always look away. As though she never truly desired to know the cause of her pain. Perhaps if Roderika had the courage to ask her directly Enrieta would have told her the truth, that all of this was done out of retribution. To bring an end to Iliad and her Stygians once and for all, to offer them a blow that would cripple them and lay waste to a realm that has long thought itself invincible. That it was for what they did to Adelard and his family. For what they did to her. However the Nephilim Queen knew she would never. That was not the kind of woman Roderika was, even though that is how she wanted people to perceive her as. No when it came to family, Roderika like all of them chose to look away, because it was easier. Enrieta wrestled between a deep sense of love and longing for her sister and an uncomfortable hatred that she cared for Reza more than her.

"I was just as shocked as you were when he told me about the potential union." She enjoyed more of her drink, "Hightower was nearly within my grasp when he made me aware of it. It seems our dear father wanted to change things."

"And giving Reza to the Stygians is his plan?" There was desperation in her voice. "After over a century of all he has said about them, all he has allowed to be said."

"Dying men do strange things do they not?"

Her remark was a strong reminder that their father was indeed dying. What it meant for either of them was different and yet the same in many ways. Neither of them had tried to address the nearing end of the emperor's life, certainly not together. They had not been that close in decades, but it was a mutual understanding they shared–they shared with all their siblings that his actions were slowly becoming more abstract in their reasoning. Nevertheless they all went along, Roderika too. She chose to trust their father, not for any reason other than she believed he would not put his own daughter in danger. She chose to believe his desire for peace with the Stygians were true. She would believe.

"That they do little sister," Roderika agreed now looking at her. "However, it matters not to me if this union is truly for peace or to satisfy fathers growing guilt. I only care for Reza and her safety. And should any harm befall her like the late Queen Myrra…"

There was no need for the Lunaelian Queen to finish her sentence. The lifeless expression that materialized in her eyes was enough explanation for Enrieta to know what Roderika would do in the event of such a tragic loss. What they had witnessed in the play earlier tonight would not rival the horrors she would reign down on Iliad and those responsible for her youngest sister's demise. All would know of the wrath of Roderika.

"Oh do not be so barbaric," Enrieta pointed a heel at her. "That is unbecoming of you. Is this how you will carry yourself in Iliad for the wedding? How am I supposed to find you a husband there?" the Nephilim Queen smiled.

Roderika looked at her bewildered by the comment, "Excuse me?"

Enrieta laughed, "You heard me. We will find you a Stygian husband, you're an Iron Will. Might as well marry a man who can live that long. Or a woman, you know I never aske-"

"Sister stop talking. Please."

Roderika tried as much as she could to cover how red her face had become. Although she did not completely dislike the thought. She was more than of the age to marry.

"We will discuss at a later date, it is still some time away." The Nephilim Queen was growing more curious about the idea as the night went along.

Roderika instead chose to focus on the fact that the marriage was a long while away, but far more importantly not yet set in stone. "You are right, but I suppose it matters not since this all depends on King Antares agreeing to marry her tomorrow."

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"He will say yes."

"You do not-"

"He will say yes."

"Why?"

"Because he has no choice."

Roderika wanted to protest, Enrieta was known for making conceited remarks. However this was not one of those times. There was an assuredness to her voice that made the Queen of Lunaelia pause in her objection. Once again she recalled the conversation with her mother. Then the meeting with the sovereigns and lastly the play tonight. Does he have a choice? She asked herself, and Enrieta's reply reverberated in her head. She tried to ignore the growing sadness she felt for the Stygian King. She finished the last of her wine.

Enrieta rose to her feet, steadying herself. Even intoxicated she looked ethereal, "It is time I take my leave."

"Already?" Roderika blushed, quickly correcting herself. "If you must."

Enrieta chuckled, as she approached her fellow queen and kissed her on the forehead. "As always big sister, your company has been…refreshing. The wine helped." The towering queen caressed the side of her elder sister's face and watched as she bore a pained smile. "What is the matter?"

Roderika looked away, "I… I just worry about you Enri. This has been a welcomed reminder of how close we once were, all of us. Not just here tonight with you, but this whole ceremony, our entire family here. It seems I cannot help but wonder how things have changed. Why we have all grown apart. "

Enrieta allowed herself to acknowledge her words as they washed over her. She raised her sister's chin so their gazes could meet. "Adelard isn't here, my big brother is dead." She replied, the answer obvious.

A torrential wave of guilt poured onto Roderika as Enrieta turned to leave.

"Enri-I."

"I love you Roderika."

With that Enrieta left her alone with her guilt and shame for forgetting the one person that mattered to her more than perhaps even Mihai. She could have blamed the drink for clouding her thoughts, it was a worthy reason. However Roderika would not allow herself to escape unscathed. To forget him, to forget his family and what had been done to them. Roderika could not recall the last time she had thought of Adelard, she could scarcely recall how it was he looked. How long had she been looking away?

Enrieta strolled leisurely through the hallways towards her fathers chambers. He had wanted to meet with her later while everyone else slept. She found passing the time with Roderika to be a worthy alternative than sitting in her room, or worse yet being entertained by nobles. She had found the play quite impressive, although her understanding of the Storm Islands Rebellion to be more of a cautionary tale for those who go against the Stygians. But her fathers decision to dramatize and make it into a spectacle was an unexpected yet welcomed insight. She would have enjoyed it more had the giant Stygian who sat next to her not fallen asleep so soon after it commenced. It was odd that he would not stay awake to observe a play that celebrated his king and himself. She found it unbecoming of the warrior's inability to hold his drink. She felt as though she had learned something new about Antares. The violence that was spoken about him was not merely exaggeration. Although as she saw him now, that fury was not present. Enrieta was curious to see it in person.

It was not long before she had reached her father's chambers. Golden doors designed for giants greeted her with overwhelming authority. The marble pillars that stood on either side were engraved with silver which glowed in the moonlight. Two of the emperor's personal knights stood guard, unmoving in their duty. One would mistake them as statues if the ever soft moving of their chest was not visible. There had been many times she had asked the emperor to lend her his personal knights while she battled for Hightower to no avail. She knew she would put them to better use than he ever could.

As she approached they moved out of the way acknowledging who she was and giving her permission to knock on the door. Which is what she did. Some time passed and eventually the door opened to reveal the Emperor of Aurum in his nightly attire before her. She would have greeted him with a warm smile, had the Stygian eyes of Nyrne not caught hers from the emperor's bed. Nyrne embarrassingly looked away as she attempted to hide what was exposed of her naked body. The Nephilim Queen said nothing and followed the emperor as he led her away from his chambers.

Her fathers desire for the flesh had never bothered her, she was one of seven legitimate heirs of the emperor. With the ruler of Aurum electing not to have an empress, it only made sense that he would carry consorts in place of a definite bride. It was his right as the emperor. However Enrieta would be remiss if she did not also acknowledge that her fathers inability to make Tereza Altieri Empress of Aurum served to be for the benefit of the realms. As the compensatory gift from that failure was now he had multiple children sitting atop throne rooms across Aurum. Solidifying his reach and power.

"If you are going to say something, I would rather you just say it." Nero walked with controlled purpose.

Enrieta's lips curled. "I had half expected it would be the Black Witch entertaining you tonight."

Nero chuckled, "She has finally wizened to my antics. I fear I will never taste her again."

"A shame I suppose," his daughter remarked. "Although I think the alternative of bedding the woman who played King Antares is an interesting choice."

The emperor said nothing.

"Be it far from me to judge father, we like what we like I suppose." Enrieta tapped her chin, "Though I wonder when you were fucking her, was it Antares you were imagining or his father?"

Nero stopped in his tracks to raise an unamused gaze at his daughter.

Enrieta bowed, "It is all in jest dear emperor." She stifled a laugh.

"How long will you make me wait," he demanded.

As she was about to respond, a Bluemoon Butterfly phased through the large window they had stopped at, it flapped around softly in the air, circling around as though it was searching for something. Enrieta extended a slender finger in the air and the butterfly acknowledged her call before resting carefully on her hand. It flapped its wings gently, the creature was a deep black that rivaled the void of the shadows, but the blue hues on its wings glowed a welcoming color as when it extended its wings all the way out the image of a moon was present.

"Queen Enrieta," the creature flapped its wings.

"Salok Yn," she called back.

"I bring good tithings, all has proceeded smoothly here in Ichika. We are prepared and all that we wait for is your command, and we can finally begin."

Enrieta looked at her father, she had wanted him to be here, not for assurance but to see if he truly was capable of going through with what she sought. Once she gave the order a great many people would die. They would begin something here tonight that would reverberate for centuries to come. She was not sure what she was expecting to see in his eyes, but the apathy he harbored in his frozen gaze chilled her. To Emperor Nero, what his daughter attempted was inconsequential. It angered her slightly but she did not show it. Instead her resolve grew.

"You may proceed," Queen Enrieta Zxyphor decreed.

The emperor made his way without acknowledging her, "Goodnight daughter." Was all he said before disappearing back into the dark.

Enrieta stood there alone in the hallway, the moonlight lighting her appearance. Lost in thought, of what tomorrow would bring both here and in Ichika. If Hideyoshi Sugawara failed it would only delay the inevitable, but his success would be a great boon to her crusade. All the same she would not expect Salok Yn to fail her given his assurances.

"So it begins," he called out from the butterfly.

She agreed wholeheartedly, what would come next would be a bloody rebirth for Ichika, one that she was keen to see if they were willing to cease it with their own hands. To finally break free of the influence of the Stygians, to push those in the north into further isolation. This would be her first true attempt to harm them in ways that would leave a lasting mark across their flesh. Her violent retribution against the Stygians had only commenced in earnest. There was much more to come, but it all started here. Enrieta grinned with a malevolent thought.

"So it does," the butterfly flapped off her hand floating in the air as she walked away. "Do not fail me Salok Yn."