Hidden Thorn

For generations, the royal family of Mithiyana preserved their magical lineage within the kingdom by marrying their own kin. However, when neighbouring kingdoms faced devastating droughts two centuries ago, they turned to Mithiyana for aid. The ruling King of Mithiyana forged a pact offering assistance, but in return, the other kingdoms would submit to Mithiyana's rule. Reluctantly, the desperate kingdoms accepted the terms, leading Mithiyana to expand its power. As part of the arrangement, Mithiyan women were sent to these kingdoms while their offspring were wedded back into the royal family, solidifying the ties between them.

Rysthan had many number of suitors to marry, but his decision to marry Verna for love, a woman with no drop of magical blood, marked the first deviation from the bloodline, changing the course of their kingdom's destiny. The kingdom was cursed with drought, and their bloodline's powers proved futile in restoring the kingdom back to flourish. It was until Naimishi came.

Back to the present, Naimishi carefully placed the ring inside the box. She closed the box and turned her attention to Alora. "He openly told me that my mother's illness during the last peacock festival was no mere coincidence. He poisoned her bathwater with a nightshade potion, and none could find he was behind this until now. Imagine what could have happened if he had used his mother's blood instead." Her heart squeezed in fear at the thought of harm nearing her mother.

"He has been gathering his own mother's menstrual blood in secret, using it as a sick weapon to manipulate and torment me. That monster threatened my father, and mother's life if I refused to marry him. My family's safety is paramount to me, Alora," Naimishi replied.

Alora was aware of the love Rosary held for Naimishi. She doted on her just like Verna and Riona. The fact that such a twisted, perverted son emerged from Rosary's womb was unbelievable to Alora. In everyone's eyes, Cassian appeared to be a gentleman, but only she and the princess were aware of his true colours.

In an attempt to lift the heavy mood, Alora chimed in. "Don't you worry, my lady. I will ask the gods to send a prince who will kick this monster's and whisk you away on his stallion." Alora pointed her eyes towards the easel, where a captivating painting depicted a warrior's silhouette standing tall amidst a battlefield, wielding a mighty sword adorned with a hilt fashioned in the likeness of a majestic lion. "Just like your prince charming."

"What! Who told you that? He..he is not my prince charming." Naimishi stammered, her hands trembling as she rummaged through the wooden desk in a flurry. What utter nonsense is she babbling about?

"Why would you paint his portrait if he is not the one who stole your heart?" Alora teased, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she noticed the unmistakable blush creeping across Naimishi's face.

"It's just one painting. You are making a fuss over a single_"

Alora got up, pushed aside the curtain and swung open the door to a private chamber, revealing a breathtaking sight. The walls were adorned with paintings, each showcasing a different portrait, yet all centred around a mysterious figure.

"Did you say only one painting, Princess?" Her eyes darted from one artwork to another. In one painting, a young boy peacefully slumbered beneath the shade of a tree, his face concealed by a mask. In another, he stood in a bustling market, his back turned, concealing his face from view. Alora's gaze then shifted to the painting of a grown man, his arm outstretched, wielding a sword, poised to strike his opponent. His paintings entirely decorated the four walls of princess chambers, yet his face remained mysterious.

"But why is it that in all the paintings, you didn't show his face? Will I ever get to see your prince charming?" Alora giggled. If his back alone was so captivating, she couldn't help but imagine the beauty that lay on the other side. Could this mysterious man be Prince Dusen? The tall stature and commanding presence depicted in the paintings perfectly aligned with Prince Dusen that she has in her mind.

"His face?" Naimishi grabbed a brush, a smile on her face. "Tell him to reveal his face in my dream. I will paint it for you." She dipped the brush into the ochre pigment, carefully adjusting the hilt of his majestic sword with precise strokes.

"Who are you? You keep appearing in my dreams, but your face remains a mystery," Naimishi whispered. He would appear in her dream without her permission, tantalizingly close yet always with his back turned. Each time she attempted to see his face, her dream would crumble, leaving her longing for answers. Since then, she has captured him through her emotions in her paintings.

Naimishi's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a maid, who informed her that her father was calling for her. She informed Alora to store them away in a private chamber and lock it. She couldn't risk Cassian stumbling upon them. That monster would stop at nothing to track down and eliminate the man, no matter where he might be.

Meanwhile, Rysthan stood on the balcony, his eyes locked on the sprawling green lands that lay before him. Naimishi crept up behind him, planning to startle him. But just as she was about to spring into action, Rysthan turned around, catching her in the act. "You are no fun, Father," Naimishi sulked, her playful mischief momentarily foiled. "Not once will you let me scare you. So, tell me, why did you call me?"

Rysthan's laughter filled the air. "Your mischievous tricks may deceive your brother, but they won't work on me. Now, let's discuss the important matter at hand. The king of Aashanti has invited me to his daughter's wedding. Due to the ongoing border disputes and the need to ensure the kingdom's security, Rasheil and I cannot afford to leave. Villagers staying near the southern borders have reported paranormal activities. Your brother will be stationed there to investigate. Arner is stationed at the garrison to safeguard the northern border. So, I want you to represent our kingdom at the grand wedding. Cassian has willingly volunteered to accompany you. With him, you would be safe."

Naimishi suppressed a chuckle deep within. Safe with Cassian? If only her father knew the hidden thorn, he was unknowingly placing beside him. She was well aware that Cassian had likely already approached her father, proposing to accompany her to Aashanti. However, this time, she was determined not to entertain his scheme. "Father, considering your and Uncle's involvement with the ongoing eastern border disputes, what if our kingdom were to come under attack from the West in your absence? The Nunans, banished from our lands, lie in wait for an opportune moment to strike. It will take time for Arner and Brother Reezhel to arrive in the kingdom with their army. It would be wise for Cassian to remain here and safeguard our kingdom."

"Well observed, my daughter," Rysthan said with pride, acknowledging Naimishi's keen insight. It dawned upon him that in his absence, someone must be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the kingdom should adversity befall. However, his heart was burdened with concerns for his daughter's safety.

"Don't worry, father. I will be perfectly safe. I am a warrior. I can protect myself if dangers come to me." Naimishi reassured, reading her father's unspoken concerns. As long as Cassian wasn't by her side, no harm would befall her. "I want to enjoy my time without the burden of constant protection. Let Silas and Alora accompany me." Her eyes pleaded for his understanding. With Silas and Alora by her side, she could truly be herself and enjoy the wedding. As for that annoying prince, she will avoid him.

Rysthan had no choice but to agree with her daughter's constant pleadings. Naimishi couldn't contain her excitement, letting out a delighted squeal before hurrying off to share the news with Silas and Alora.

Rysthan chuckled, his affection for his daughter evident in his warm expression. "She has a way of melting my resolve," He admitted with a fond shake of his head. Just as he was about to indulge in the joy of the moment, a guard approached, interrupting his thoughts. A spy had arrived with a message of utmost importance. Rysthan made his way to the court, where the spy presented him with a parchment bearing news that the kingdom of Aashanti had extended an invitation to Vrinastha country.

He was well aware of the kingdom to which Aashanti had sent the invitation in the country of Vrinastha.

The Kingdom of Vagarintha.

The mere notion of someone from that land stepping on his country ignited a seething anger within him. And to make matters worse, his daughter was attending the wedding.

....

Seated in the solitude of her chambers, a woman delicately unfolded the parchment that bore the invitation from Aashanti, beckoning her presence at Princess Thera's wedding. Though her heart resisted the idea, she found herself unable to evade the occasion, for it was the wedding of her cousin's daughter. She doesn't want to go alone without a company.

"Call Rander." The woman ordered the courtier who was standing before her.

"Prince Rander left with Lady Ahantha to accompany her to her mother's kingdom, Lady Rihritha."

Rihritha's lips tightened as she heard the news. He hadn't even bothered to inform her about this matter. "Where is Arazhan?"