Shadows of flames

"I am very sure I was clear with my words when I ordered that you never come back here except you are here with the light illuminator". King Radia's voice thundered within his throne room at the sight of his son, prince Andreas. "Where is he? Have you brought him with you? If your answer is no, then leave this place before I force you to". He looked at him with irritation written all over his face. He hated him so much now especially after he threatened to kill him if he did not spare a common Trivenian. He meant nothing to him now if he wasn't with the light illuminator. Bringing him to him would make him consider accepting him back as his son.

"Forgive me father, for I have failed you is so many ways than I cannot count" he fell on his knees before him immediately. "I have come to plead for your forgiveness father. I have really been a disappointment to your grace".

Andreas knew there was no reason to remain far from home since he has decided to let Lilith go, notwithstanding the amount of love he had for her. He knew it was for the best that they be apart, besides they were never meant to be. It was very unheard of that light and darkness be in one accord. So returning to his kind was the best thing to do at this point.

"Are you really pleading for forgiveness now Andreas" he chuckled. "What happened to your hollering pride son? How come you are so humble now?" he smirked wickedly.

"I have realized my mistakes father and I now know that I have been no good. My pride is no more and I am back to submit totally to you and your rule" he still remained on his knees.

"Very good son. I must say you have indeed done well by realizing your mistakes but I must punish you before accepting you back as my beloved son..." he stretched his mustache with his fingers.

"I shall accept what ever punishment you feel is right for my mistakes father".

"Good then. Lord Varnaak?" the king called with his voice full of authority and he came immediately.

"Your most gracious" he bowed.

"The prince is back to his people, to his responsibility and where he truly belongs".

"That is very excellent news your greatness" he bowed to him before turning to prince Andreas. "Welcome back my prince" he bowed to him as well.

"Yes lord Varnaak, he is very much welcomed" king Radia continued "But he must serve the punishment of forsaking us at first. Heat up the flames and lock him with the shadows, let them feed on his strength and cause him unbearable pain" he said with dread in his voice, but Andreas wasn't scared at all.

He knew shadows of the flames were his weakness just as ice was his father's. He loved light and was always attracted to it but despised the shadows and it's darkness. Eventhough they were already beings of darkness, he depised it's dread and he felt his soul torn apart each day till he revealed himself to Lilith. She was the light that illuminated his darkness and eased him from it's pain. Ever since they have been together, the hurt he felt each day from the darkness within him came to a sudden halt and her light ruled over the shadows that caused him pain each day. But now, they were no longer together and the darkness living within him had already began to eat him up but that was nothing compared to the pain he was going to face when he would be locked with the shadows of flames. Dark shadows that burned with heat of irresistible fire. So he was not only going to endure their darkness but also the heat from their flames which wasn't soothing like light but painful like fire.

"Of course your greatness" the lord bowed.

"He shall remain there, till I say otherwise. Is that understood?"

"It will be as you have spoken your most eminent".

Although lord Varnaak was not happy at all with this decision, but he had no say at all and no right to oppose the king. He gave a signal and a five guards walked into the throne room, heavily armed. They walked directly towards prince Andreas and cornered him. Lord Varnaak took the lead as they walked away with the prince in the bonds of the guards surrounding him.

They took him to the den of the shadows of flame after the fire had been heated up and locked him up. He just kept calm and bore his punishment and all the pain it came with. He used it as an opportunity to forget about Lilith and what ever pain she must be passing through now...

Nerwin, Triven.

"You should never leave your room like that Rain, to avoid opening your healing wounds understood?"

Rain's face remained stoic and her eyes were empty. She only nodded at nanny Adelaide's instructions and maintained her emotionless expression.

"Don't worry nurse Adelaide" Nexine intervened. "I will make sure she remains on bed rest for the rest of the day".

"Not just for the day young man" she corrected. "But also for a whole three days at least. If she does anything strenuous anytime soon, it would make her healing elongate and might never happen if care is not taken".

"I will make sure takes the bed rest properly nurse" Florate said with determination in his voice. "She will surely heal pretty soon" he walked towards Rain's bed and creased her hair a bit before sitting down on the chair close to the bed, comfortably.

"Thank you so much, you are indeed a good friend Nexine"

"Don't mention nurse. Rain deserves the best" he smiled sweetly and she nodded.

"Stay fine ok Rain darling" Nanny Adelaide kissed her forehead, tucking her loosed her behind her ear. Rain gave her a faint smile but she gave her a very lively and beautiful one before finally leaving to to Nexine's care so as to attend to other rangers who needed medical care.

She left her room and heaved a very deep sigh. She could understand the type of pain she was facing right now as she knew very well that she had a fight with Florate just now. But what she could not wrap her head around was what really happened between them and why Florate would wish to offend her even at this delicate moment. He knew very well she needed all the support and love she could get now. Why then would he want her to remain in this kind of pain. Well, that would be something she was sure to find out right now as she was heading right away to Lilith's room. She wanted to find out what really happened within them and know if there was anyway she could help right now.

She made her way to the room and opened it widely to meet Florate in the most devastating state. His face was red and he shed tears shamelessly like a little baby. He sat on the bed while the tears just flowed freely as he continously sniffed and blinked with Lilith besides him, patting his back.

His present state made her feel utmost pity for him and suddenly weak. She rushed towards him immediately and brought his head to her chest.

"Oh my boy. My sweet boy. What is wrong?"

"Nanny... Rain..." he sniffed.

"What happened?" she asked again.

"I have lost Rain "...