"No, Obed," Dara insisted, his voice shaking. "It was never your fault. Don't blame yourself. Mara never told them she was innocent, never confessed to the lies she accused me of because of your own threat. It was because I threatened her too, I made her afraid."
Dara's voice cracked with emotion. "Mara wasn't someone you could force or manipulate. She was stubborn, determined. She only did what she wanted to do. She confessed even though she knew she was going to die. But she wanted to clear my name because I told her that's thing she can do that will keep us together again."
He buried his face in his hands, tears streaming down his cheeks. "She wanted us to be reunited, to be the brother and sister we once were. She wanted to be by my side again. But I pushed her away. I told her the only way to make things right was to confess, to tell the people the truth about what she had done. And she did it. She did it for me."
Dara's friends looked at each other, their faces filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. They saw the pain in his eyes, the raw grief that consumed him. They knew it wasn't easy to come from a family ravaged by such chaos, to be a king in the midst of such turmoil. Dara's strength, his willingness to forgive his sister even in death, spoke volumes about his character. He would be good king, a just and fair leader, even in the face of his own deepest pain.
"Dara, it's okay," Ruth said gently, her voice a soothing balm to his wounded heart. "Everything is fine now. I know your sister is happy, wherever she is. She didn't die in vain. You're back to your family's legacy, you're carrying on their name. Your father, your brother, they're all so proud of you. It's time to move forward, to embrace your new responsibilities."
Ruth helped Dara to his feet, her touch a silent promise of support. Dara, his eyes still red-rimmed but his spirit beginning to stir, climbed onto his horse. His friends followed suit, and together they rode back to the Golden Castle, where the ceremony in Mara's memory was already underway.
The weight of grief still lingered, but a flicker of hope, a sense of purpose, began to ignite within Dara. He had a kingdom to lead, a legacy to uphold. He would honor his sister's memory by ruling with justice and compassion, by bringing peace and prosperity to his people. He would make them proud.
                      | New Day |
The dawn painted the sky in hues of rose and gold, heralding a new era of peace. The echoes of war had faded, replaced by the hum of bustling markets and the joyous chatter of people. The Golden Castle, a beacon of prosperity, stood tall, its golden spires gleaming under the rising sun. The once-isolated Genesis Kingdom had blossomed into a vibrant hub of trade, drawing in merchants from far-off lands eager to partake in its newfound prosperity.
The market, a sprawling tapestry of vibrant colors and enticing aromas, was a testament to the kingdom's new growth. It had expanded tenfold, its stalls overflowing with exotic goods and handcrafted treasures. The air thrummed with the energy of a thousand conversations, a symphony of bartering and laughter. Dara, watched from his balcony, a warm smile gracing his lips. He had envisioned this day, a day when the seven kingdom would flourish, its people united and prosperous.
The wealth of the Genesis Kingdom had grown exponentially, thanks to the influx of traders and the wise taxes Dara had implemented. He had become the wealthiest man in the Seven Kingdoms, not through greed, but through his dedication to his people. The taxes, though small, were paid by millions, accumulating into a vast fortune that Dara used to improve the lives of his subjects.
As the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the market, Dara turned his attention to the soldiers who had fought alongside him. He had promised them a life of comfort, a reward for their bravery and loyalty. He would ensure that each warrior, from the highest-ranking general to the humblest foot soldier, would be richly rewarded, granted land and riches, allowing them to live in peace and prosperity. Dara's heart swelled with gratitude for their sacrifices, knowing that their courage had paved the way for this new era of peace and prosperity.
He would make sure that their service was never forgotten, that their names would be etched in the annals of history as heroes who had brought peace to the land. And there by he had sent for their rewards, and those who wants to continue serving him can go ahead and those he wished for a more better life can also go ahead and chose a life for themselves.
But most importantly, those who chose to remain at the Golden Castle to keep serving the king would be showered with the king's generosity. Dara, would ensure their every need was met. He would provide for them, offering not just comfort and security but also a handsome reward for their service.
However, Obed on the other hand had already started preparing his horses and his army as he was eager to return to his own people, but his decision was understandable, he now has a kingdom to protect, although he felt a pang of sadness at leaving the Golden Castle, where he had found camaraderie.
Dara, recognizing Obed's desire to return to his kingdom, had already prepared a lavish farewell gift. He had showered Obed with gold and precious jewels, ensuring that his journey back to his new domain would be prosperous. Dara had also presented Obed with gifts of great value, tokens of his friendship and appreciation.
"My dear friend," Dara boomed, his voice carrying across the courtyard, "May fortune smile upon you and your kingdom. Go forth and lead your people with wisdom and courage. You are needed, and I know you will rise to the challenge."
Obed, startled by Dara's sudden appearance, turned to face the king. A warm smile spread across his face. "My King, you startled me!" he chuckled, bowing his head in respect.
"I apologize," Dara said, his voice softening.
"No need to apologize," Obed assured him. "I am eager to return to my people and serve them. Thank you for everything, my King. Your kindness has been boundless."
Dara placed a hand on Obed's shoulder, his eyes filled with warmth. "You are a true friend, Obed. May your journey be safe and your reign prosperous. Remember, you are always welcome at the Golden Castle."