'He fell in love.'
'How did that even happen?'
Vesper stood by the window, watching as the clouds moved slowly, shielding the moon from her gaze in the beautiful night sky. The cool breeze brush over her, goosebumps rushing across her luminous skin. Her brown eyes peered in fascination at the navy blue sky. It reminded her so much of the expression he had on her face that day. Cold, sincere, full of desire. It made it so difficult for her to tell if he truly wanted to be in love or if it was just a situation he could not help. She had not bothered to ask who he was in love with, she already made a wild guess that it must be the human goddess; Moist.
She knew little about their history together but her instincts told her strongly that she could not be trusted. She had no good intentions for the spirit king and she was not going to sit back and watch her have her way with him just like that.
That would be difficult however, now he was in love with her and he did not sound like he was telling a joke. She found it hard to comprehend his decision of falling in love, especially when he knew how much it would affect the kingdom. The spirit race had gone through enough tragedy and suffering more was not very ideal. They just got liberated from slavery not long ago and now they were at the risk of suffering another loss.
The blazing fire grew weak with each passing day. It was just a matter of time before other races find this out too and launch an attack against them. That fire that fenced the whole kingdom was the only thing keeping their power hungry hands at bay. Now it was depleting, they would finally have an opening to strike them.
She was very weary about the whole situation. She was not sure if she was more worried about Aliadam falling for the human goddess because she was no good match for him or if she was more worried about their defense if the other races do attack.
Actually, she was only worried about the Witches. The humans and the Sirens were at their lowest now and she was sure they could defeat them if they choose to bring on a war against them, with or without Aliadam's blazing fire.
The humans were already seeking an alliance with them, Moist's desperate action told her all she needed to know about her current situation. She always found her to be a high lofty goddess, draped in pride and glory. Well, the Moist she saw at the border that day was no high and lofty goddess at all. She rather looked like a frail woman seeking for a shield to hide beneath as the time of troubles drew near. Lucky for her, she actually got her wish. Aliadam was now in love with her and Vesper knew he would be willing to do everything within his power to protect her. The sincerity in his hazel orbs when he made that confession made everything crystal clear to her.
So, rather than worry about the Human Nation, she could just think about the Sirens. But, they too were in no good place. They were already conquered by the Enchantress Supreme, the same person that was about to get married to the Demon lord and have dominion over the demons too.
Their marriage was clearly an amassing of power and Vesper could not be more afraid. She doubted highly that the Enchantress Supreme was indeed the same person with the Khalan she used to know.
She sat in court every time, listening to her exploits and stretch of power. Each time she could not help but wonder when she would finally decide to strike against them. Well, now she had her answer. She would strike soon. Their shield was falling, they needed to heighten their defenses.
She already gave the order to the war generals, the army trained ten times as hard as they did before. She could spare no losses, not again. By dawn they would attend Lucifer and Sheba's wedding. After that wedding, she knew that what would follow was war.
The invite came through Hal with the day's setting sun. She had personally received him, not only to give honor to the invite but also to update him on how Saskia was doing.
Since he revealed to her that he was a demon, she seemed to loose herself with the news. Unable to bear the fright it caused her, she chose to spend a few days with her in Emberbloom palace. Vesper knew her reaction would be nothing short of how she was acting now so she did everything she could to stay by her and help her get through it. She also apologized to her for not letting her know sooner that Hal was a demon saying she did not want to come between the beautiful affection they shared. Saskia did not blame her, not at all. She only blamed Hal for deceiving and lying to her and could not bare to consider forgiving him.
On the other hand, Hal was very understanding. He did not press on her or pressure Vesper in any way. He only occasionally came to see Vesper, learning about Saskia's progress through her and hoped she would soon find a way to forgive him and give him another chance to win back her heart. He just did not want to make peace with the thought of loosing her at all.
Most times, Vesper would sense his aura around Saskia. Of course he could not bare to leave her all alone, totally out of his sight. He loved her dearly and she could testify to that. She envied what they shared and wished that a love as fulfilling as theirs would find her soon.
Oran crossed her mind. Yes, she liked him very much. But, what she felt for him was mostly gratitude. He had been so helpful to her so far and he was a very loving person as well. It was not very difficult getting acquainted or close to him but being in love was not something she saw possible between them. Besides, he had never made any approach to her concerning such, so why would she even bare the slightest thoughts of them being affectionate about each other. Very unlikely.
She could only remain envious of Saskia, Moist and Khalan. They had people who loved them regardless of what it would cost them. Lucifer knew well that the Enchantress Supreme only wished to expand her rule yet he lets her.
Vesper already saw through their love during their time in the mansion. He was willing and ready to do any and everything to please her. Very odd for the Demon lord, but for a mate, very natural. The same was the case with Saskia. Demons could go high and beneath just to please their mates, no matter the cost. And then there was Moist. Aliadam was no demon but he was more than willing to throw away the safety of the Spirit Kingdom just to be in love with her. For some reason beyond her comprehension, that made her heart ache.
She saw nothing special with Moist anyway and for the fact that she found her intentions impure made her fume more. Aliadam was definitely stupid for choosing to love her. He was making the wrong choice and as his Hand, she must step in to stop him from going astray. She already tightened defenses, her next step was to find a way to make him stop being in love with her. Whatever it took, she must stop him from pushing through with this grave mistake.
If she succeeds, their kingdom would no longer be at stake and his peace too. Yes, she must succeed. She would lay her plan carefully and follow through accordingly. For now, the thought of the wedding tomorrow burdened on her. She planned on speaking to Khalan, or should she address her as Sheba now? She wanted to know if the friend she knew was still there. Their friendship may not have lasted long but it was worth reliving. Especially now that she was slowly becoming the most powerful being in existence. Vesper had to be on her good side and along with herself, bring the Spirit Kingdom too. This way, if by any chance she succeeds in taking over their Kingdom, she would not be as cruel to them as Moist was. This was her fall back plan and she considered none other worth trying.
Her thoughts still swirled but they were interrupted when she sensed another aura present with her in the room. Sharp, cutting, orderly; a human priest! She had a good experience of their aura in the past and was able to easily identify them now.
What was a human priest doing in the most fortified place in the whole Spirit Kingdom? How did he get in?!
Without second thoughts, she made her bow and arrow appear within her grasp, drawing it towards the direction where the aura emanated from.
"I know you are here." Her voice was coated with dread, she must frighten him to weaken his faith. "Show yourself now!" she commanded, her eyes straining to catch a clear view of him in the dimly lit chamber.
He answered with silence. For long seconds, only the beating of her heart pulse into the quite of the night.
"I give three you seconds priest." She began again. "Do not push your believe, my arrow would bore into your heart if you do not speak now."
He inhaled deeply, then slowly stepped closer to her.
"As expected," he smiled very eerily. "The Lady Hand of the Spirit Kingdom surely earned her title."
"State you business here." Vesper did not dare lower her arrow. She could feel the danger he reeked of and could not risk being careless.
"I am here to kill you." He blurted, not caring how she would take the news. "If you have any last words, now is the time. I swear by my honor as a priest that I must honor them."
Vesper's eyes widened, her expression shrouded in burning fury. "Moist dare send someone to assassinate me?!" She pulled her bow sling farther. "You seek death and I don't mind sending you to him!"
She let go of the arrow and it went straight for his heart but just as it got close to him, it stopped it's flight mid air. The arrow visibly seemed to be struggling to pass through an unseen shield he embodied. Shaking uncontrollably till it shattered into pieces, splinters scattering across the room.
Vesper's feet grew cold.
"You are right," he began slowly, his voice glazed with the exact fear she wished hers to. "I do seek death." A staff bearing immense glory and power as she could sense immediately appeared in his grip.
"But not for me," he smiled wickedly, his eyes brooding all over her being like he was sizing her up for the perfect coffin. "Fear not, this should be easy and quick."