"You're leaving?" Kai asked as I put his cloak around his shoulders. A new year had already begun; the snow hadn't cleared and the wind was biting. We'd spent three months here, training and spending time with my parents. Now, it was time to go back to Regila while I went somewhere else.
"I have business to attend to." I tie Kai's cloak and pat his cheek gently. "Don't worry and don't cause trouble." He grabbed my hand. "Then I want to come with you." I sigh. "No. I'm moving with less people, less resources and much quicker. Although I got you familiar with the horses here, you still don't know how to ride them well."
I pull away. "I'll be home before you know it and you'll be able to see your birthday present sooner." He's grown taller and became more responsible. I kiss his head. "Go and make sure everything is packed." He nods and walks off.
Heri was lingering around silently but once Kai left, she approached and hugged me. I kissed her head. "It's fine." She nodded. "Okay." A throat cleared. "Two of my girls." This man is nothing short of annoying. Heri turned and glared at her father. "Is that the way you look at your father?" He asked.
"No. That's why I'm looking at you like this." He glared at her. "I'm your father. How dare you be so disrespectful?" She rolled her eyes. "I only have a mother. Who are you?" She walked away, leaving him looking at her in shock.
"You've poisoned my children against me." I chuckle. "Sure. If you can call it that." Lai walked towards me, holding the reins of two horses. I smiled and took the reins of my horse from her. I place my head on Imperial. "Hey girl." I spoke softly. "It's been a while."
Horses in Palk were the best on the Continent. No one can replicate or breed horses of a higher caliber than them. This is one of the reasons Palk has more power over other Kingdoms. I got onto the horse and chuckled, if he was here, he would've recognized this horse.
"I'm leaving the children in your care." The prince stepped forward. "Of course. Their father's care is always the best choice." I scoff. "Go back to the Kingdom on your own. I didn't bring you and I will not take you back." The smile on his face froze and Bira pushed past him.
She bowed to me. "I will take good care of the young masters and young ladies." I nod. "Good. Something happens to them and I'll come after you first." I rode off with Ri, Ruby and three others following.
"You think they'll be fine on their own?" Ri asked me as he left the city gates. "They will have to be. Lion and Lia are not new to this, but Kai will take care of them. Why? Suddenly care about your 'non-blood' niece and nephews?" She remained silent.
It took two days to reach the last town on the eastern border of Palk. We camped just outside of the town. "What's the Feri Kingdom like?" Ri suddenly asked. "Why do you ask?" I throw a stick into the fire.
"It's the only Kingdom you haven't taken me to. Is there something special about it? Or is it because of its self-isolation and neutrality?" I look at her for a few seconds before looking away.
"When I first left the Kingdom, I hid in Feri for a few months. I worked in the Palace as a maid and often sneaked into the library to read the books there. You should know this, but Feri is the oldest Kingdom on this Continent." I sigh.
"It was the most peaceful I've ever been. It was a short two years, but it was the best time I'd ever had. After I'd return home, it was barely a few months, and you were only eight years old." I paused. "The assassins were aiming for mother; she was holding you. In any case, I left with you that year and have raised you since."
"Were they after mother, or you?" I chuckle. "I thought so as well so for the first year I didn't leave the Kingdom. I waited until news of my disappearance was sent out. No one else came to assassinate her again. They weren't after me or you. They wanted mother to suffer."
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I was greeted at the northern gates of the Capital of Lino. "What are you doing here?" Lanin grabbed the reins of the horse and smiled up at me. "I calculated the time and knew that you'd be here within these next few days, so I came to wait. I didn't expect that you arrived on the first day."
I scoff. "You're not here to pick up your master. You're here to see my sister." He blushed. "Was it that obvious?" I kick his hand away from the reins. "Move." He held onto the reins and smiled. "Master! Don't treat me so badly. I'm the King now."
"Fine. Show me to the residence. I'm tired." He stepped back. "Yes, Master!"
A few days later, I sat in a carriage on the way to the Palace. "Master. We've arrived." I get out of the carriage and was escorted to the Main Hall. Ri had entered the Palace a few hours earlier to see the entire coronation ceremony, but I didn't want to. It was boring and long.
"Now entering! Master of the Pendent Tower and Master of the King!" A servant announced as the double doors opened. I step in and walk towards the throne where Lanin stood. I walk up the steps and stop in front of the maid carrying the black crown.
"May your reign be peaceful and fulfilling. Long and steady. Strong and unbreakable." I say as I reached up to place the crown on his head. He smiled. "Thank you, Master." I nod and step to the side.
The noblemen gave their cheers and congratulations. "Let the banquet begin!" Lanin shouted happily. He turned to me. "Master, I left a seat for you." I shook my head. "I'll be leaving." His smile dropped. "When?"
"Now." I smile. "You know how to send me messages. Palari is staying here for a while so take care of her. Put some moderate strength in and maybe she'll agree to marry you." I pat his shoulder twice. "Enjoy being King."
I turn and leave the hall through a side door. I smirk. "Lino Kingdom is officially done." Ruby placed a cloak over my shoulders. "Congratulations, Master." I nod. "Congratulations are truly in order."