It’s been two months since Siel showed up and since then, they were all staying at Thrascias Empire. Olive was in total turmoil and the whole First Rank suddenly hyped and motivated since they now have a clear path to take and actions to make. No more walking in darkness and critical investigations.
“Tell us about Seiron.” Venice commanded and Siel nodded.
“It was totally different compared to the past. Its glory all faded.”
“I see. The last time I went there was almost a decade ago.”
Siel gave Xieaniel a flash drive which he quickly scanned and presented. The Hall dimmed and they all focused on the huge screen.
“Taking pictures there was quite hard.” Siel mumbled and glanced at Olive who was grinding her teeth. The Elders who used to go there also have faces no one can paint.
“This was the place they now called, “The Small Village of Fear.” Siel said and hearing the name, Kate’s face soured.
“It was the only way through the main city and going to the base. This village is proof that not all people in Seiron were Quislings. Many of them were forced to be a part when the three bastards conquered the place.”
Everyone silently listened as Siel explained to them everything she learned throughout her three years of staying in Sieron and Sephtis. Venice and Natsuki fumed when they heard about the village where weak and useless people are thrown.
“Many places there were filled with innocent people and the main city, which was located at the center of Seiron, was where the base was located. It is where Edom and Frank were. Donovan was in Sephtis.”
“Then that means we can just bomb the whole main city and kill-”
“Do you want Great Bloodshed part two, Raith? Bombing the whole main city will destroy the cities and villages surrounding it.” Olive blurted out.
“Why?”
“Edom was clever. He connected everything in the main city so when the main city was destroyed, the whole Kingdom would explode. Same goes with Sephtis.” Siel answered. “I learned that he already connected the two Kingdoms before they conducted the Great Revolt. So they are in full control.”
“That asshole.”
“Quit cursing.” Venice said.
“I was able to enter the base and their forces are not something we can disregard.”
Xieaniel frowned. “By that, it means the forces that attacked us…”
Siel nodded. “Their forces were divided into three. The troops that attacked you during the ambush before Young Master’s coronation were the weakest forces. They were the forced ones and had no proper training and Donovan was assigned to them. The second troop was quite strong. Do you remember Teb?”
Leon glanced at Oriana who was not shaken by the name. Something about her was odd. Nathan nodded.
“He was one of the captains in the second troop and their main leader was Frank. The third troops were the strongest. The Atherton Twins were the two main commanders and Edom was their main leader.”
They all looked at Natsuki who suddenly burst into laughter.
“Did I say something funny, Your Eminence?”
Natsuki shook his head. “You didn’t. But I just realized how bastard Edom was, that he even copied the division of our forces here. He probably ran out of original ideas.”
Venice also chuckled. “The devil is always a copycat.”
“What will happen to my brothers?” Oriana suddenly blurted out. Nathan was about to answer when Siel turned the lights on and spoke.
“Your second brother helped me with my mission and was totally against your elder brother. But what will happen to them is out of scope by now, Lady Atherton. It’s quite late so can we wrap this up for all of you to take your rest? I believe His Excellency has some preparations to do.”
Hearing her remarks, Nathan’s brows furrowed. “Meeting adjourned then. Let’s resume it by tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? But Sire, your wedding’s in two days.”
With her words, suddenly the whole room turned gloomy. They all know how Nathan dislikes and totally disagrees with Ashriel’s command but he has no choice. Natsuki even remembered almost killing one of the Elite Forces by accidental gun firing when Nathan told him about the wedding.
None of them opened their mouths but glanced at each other, as if having some silent conversation.
“Olive did all the preparations so it’s no longer on my plate.”
Nathan said coldly before leaving the Hall and only then did everyone breathe out.
Since the day Siel came, Nathan was having hallucinations. Sometimes he sees Ashriel and after a few seconds, she’s gone, making him frustrated that he wanted to remove Siel’s mask to see her face. But doing it will worsen the situation since he knew he won’t see the face he wanted to see.
Nathan pushed the heavy curtain covering the huge window of Ashriel’s office and went to the balcony. He glanced at the moon that shone brightly. It was beautiful. He took a few deep breaths, clearing his mind from all impurities.
He reached for his phone and called Xieaniel but to his dismay, Xieaniel failed to gather information about Ashriel again.
Since the day they learned about Ashriel’s death, Nathan commanded Xieaniel to secretly locate Ashriel and though Xieaniel lost his hope of finding her since he knew she was already dead, he never gave up for Nathan never lost his hope. He tried to track Ashriel’s crown ring but failed a couple of times.
“I’m sorry, General.” Xieaniel apologized but Nathan shook his head.
“It’s not your fault, MG.”
“She’s stoic, isn’t she? Strangely, everything about her was like Her Highness.”
Nathan paused for a moment before answering, “Ash is someone no one can replace. Take a rest now. Tomorrow’s another long day.” With that, Nathan ended the call and took another deep breath.
For a moment he listened to the sound of the ocean being tossed back and forth by the wind and his eyes went to Ashriel’s favourite garden. He stopped.
Someone was there. But who might it be? That place is forbidden unless Ashriel allows someone to enter which is impossible.
Nathan walked closer and saw a woman with silky black hair. He blinked, thinking it was another hallucination but no.
There is only one person in the Palace who has that kind of appearance. It was Siel. Suddenly, Nathan felt something in his heart.
He jumped from the balcony and effortlessly swung his hand and body to the nearest tree branch and landed on the ground as if he was some sort of paper.
He sauntered towards her and the breeze started to blow, causing the petals and leaves to fly around them, as if the heavens were waiting for that moment. Siel suddenly took notice of a sound approaching her, but waited for him to come closer.
Nathan’s breath caught when she turned around. He then stopped when a faint tear escaped her eyes that were smiling sadly.
“The ocean looks beautiful tonight.”
For a moment, everything around them froze and Nathan gaped. That phrase brought countless memories to him. Seeing his reaction, Siel’s heart ached. She knew him since they were young and she knew how much he was hurt hearing Ashriel’s demise.
She took a deep breath and reached for her eyes, removing the black lenses covering them.
“Silly. I told you not to make me your world.”
When she opened her eyes, she knew she would hear the word that she most likely would not fail to hear.
Nathan’s chest was tight with the emotions going rampant in it. A thin film of tears spread in his eyes from sudden, overwhelming delight.
“A-Ash…” The First General of Elite Forces and Heir of the Second Strongest House had lost face before the woman he was enamored with. But what face was he making now?
“Carsellion…” Ashriel called him with her wind charm voice.
Nathan grabbed onto Ashriel’s hands and took one step forward. The distance between them shrunk. Then he took another step again, reaching for her face mask. Ashriel didn’t move, allowing Nathan to remove her mask.
Slowly he removed it, revealing the face he always dreamed of seeing again. His hand trembled, dropping the mask on the ground.
“I-I… I’m not… I’m not hallucinating?” Nathan stuttered, unable to believe his own eyes. “Ashriel…”
Seeing his tears, Ashriel impulsively reached an arm out to him.
“Yes.” She smiled. He entrusted her his cheek and unknowingly shed more tears.
Nathan’s shaking hands caressed her long black hair and her wig slowly lost its grip, revealing her ginger red hair that flowed with the wind.
Feeling her warm palm, Nathan exhaled deeply, embracing Ashriel as if to throw her into his arms.
“Thank God.”
It was a rough embrace for a gentleman like him, but it thoroughly conveyed just how much he had been longing for a reunion.
Ashriel embraced him too, burying her face to his chest like he always does. His musky scent never changed.
Once again, she was engulfed with his hug and her tears soaked a small section of his shirt. She sobbed quietly.
“Hum… I was wondering,” Ashriel whispered. “Despite hearing my quietus… were you still looking for me?”
“There wasn’t a single day that I’m not looking for you. I was really… really searching for you.”
Ashriel attempted to somehow shift from her immovable position to look at Nathan's face but was unable to do so as his big body hugged her without any openings.
“Ash, why? Why did you do that? I almost died.”
“I missed you so much.” Ashriel replied, disregarding his question. Nathan at last slowly let go of her body and looked down at her face, giving air to Ashriel’s throat.
“That’s my line.”
Ashriel smiled. “You did a great job… I’m proud of you.”
The strength which Nathan held onto Ashriel’s hand increased. She would always say just the right words to make his heart pound.
Suddenly, Ashriel remembered her command to Nathan. In two days, he will be married. She was unable to look at Nathan’s face. Unwittingly, she cast her head down, yet he wound up, peering at it.
He peeked into Ashriel’s emerald green and crystal blue orbs that had unchangeably borne beauty. Nathan was now reflected on them. The distance between their faces was just enough for them to kiss.
“Ash,” Nathan called, slowly lifting her chin. “I love you.” He whispered and closed their distance.
In the middle of the crowd of fireflies, he kissed her in a way that could be considered murder. Nathan’s chest was now being filled up with the warm feeling that felt unfamiliar for the long time.
Her cheeks were rose-dusted, her heart started palpitating to the point of aching, and her field of vision blurred. Ashriel allowed something that seemed to fiercely burn her throat to pass through.
Her tears were feverish. They were proof of her feelings, which she had only shed a number of times that could be counted with hand in her life. Large teardrops streamed from her orbs. They trailed along her chin, pouring onto her crown ring necklace.
Ashriel slowly wrapped her hands on Nathan’s neck and responded with the kiss that became gentle as the kiss of the breeze on their skin.
As their faces broke apart, both of them catched their own breaths. Nathan brushed her cheeks with his palm and smiled.
“I know you’re alive. I never lost hope.” He whispered. “Thank you for being alive. Thank you for coming back.”
“I told you to trust me, didn’t I? But, don’t disclose my return to anyone yet.”
“I understand. This means the wedding with Amber is cancelled, right?” He said, suddenly perking up.
“No.”
Nathan stupefied. “H-Huh? But you promised…”
“Carsillion you know I’m always true to my words.” Ashriel uttered with tone Nathan was not fond of. “But this time, I want you to know my command for you still exists.”
Nathan’s eyes widened. “W-What?”
“You’ll attend the wedding. That’s a command.”
“N-No, Ash. Please, don’t joke around.”
“Carsillio-”
“No. Ash, look into my eyes and say those words again. I know you love me and will not allow me to-” He stopped when Ashriel looked directly into his eyes. He gulped when she reached for her crown ring necklace. The crown ring that will serve as Ashriel’s wedding ring if ever she is to be married.
“Attend the wedding. That’s a command with my highest seal.”
With that, Nathan was shattered to pieces once again. He thought everything was going well but why? What’s happening with Ashriel?
“W-Why?”
Ashriel remained silent and Nathan’s anger slowly started to boil.
“Ash, you know I don’t love Amber. S-So how? How can you tell me to marry someone I don’t love? Ash, the person I love is you. You’re the only one I’m fond of.”
“I know.”
“Then why?!”
“I have responsibilities I need to fulfill. Especially now that I know where Edom is.”
Nathan paused then laughed frustratedly. “Here we go with your selflessness again, Ash. Sacrificing your own happiness for the sake of everyone.”
“My words are absolute, Carsillion. You’ll do as I say. A command is a command, General Carsein.” Ashriel answered with her cold tone. In just a flick of a second, their superior-subordinate relationship was standing tall again.
Nathan was at loss for a moment then crumpled his fist.
“Command…” He whispered. “I wish I was superior so that I can command you to love me back.” Before he realized, his voice had deflated as if withering. His field of vision was blurring as well.
Ashriel looked away and Nathan took a step back, leaving her alone. The cold wind blew over them.
***
The birds chirped, the insects buzzed. But before the sun rose, everyone in the Palace was wide awake. The wedding of the century finally arrived. Everyone felt mixed emotions no writer could ever put in words. It’s been a long, long year.
Nathan sighed, then sighed again. Since the night he saw Ashriel, he never had a chance to sleep peacefully. Her words kept on echoing through his mind and questions flooded him. He sighed deeply again, waiting for the Elite Butlers to finish fixing him.
He was wearing his First General’s white uniform with his red noble half cape, gold threads, and gold epaulet. The same one he wore during Ashriel’s coronation but with more extravagance. It was heavy. But his heart was heavier.
He glanced at the window, looking at the garden where they united the other night and was about to sigh again when a huge hand and a strong force hit his hard back, causing him to cough uncontrollably.
“Your shining uniform doesn’t suit your gloomy face, you get it Bud?” Said Natsuki who was wearing his Best Man Tuxedo. “This is a once in a lifetime fairytale so cheer up for heaven’s sake.” He chuckled.
“Yeah.” Nathan answered lazily. “It could be a fairytale if only she will walk down the aisle.” Nathan whispered under his breath.
Natsuki smiled. “Now then, let’s go? Your wedding’s about to start.”
Nathan nodded reluctantly and traveled through the Grand Hall where everyone was waiting.
Everything was extravagant and well prepared. Fresh roses, peonies, lavender, and cherry blossoms. Diamonds and golds, crystals everywhere, and huge chandeliers. It was indeed, the wedding of the century. Thousands of people outside the palace were waiting along with the nobles inside.
Spencer and Harriet hugged him tightly followed by Tory, then the ceremony started. This time, Nathan’s heat beat doubled. He looked everywhere but failed to find Ashriel. He felt his heart shattered to pieces despite his stoic expression.
“So, you wouldn’t even show up, huh? Why are you hurting me this bad?” He mumbled underneath his breath. “I never thought we would end up like this, Ash.”
He closed his eyes and released a deep breath but as soon as he opened it, he saw Ashriel not far from his spot. She was wearing her disguise as Siel, standing at the balcony on the second floor of the hall. She was staring at them and her eyes were… cold.
Nathan felt his heart crumpled and he shook his head. “I can’t do this, Bud.” he told Natsuki and motioned to run away but Natsuki’s strong hand gripped him, pulling him back to his place. The other Elders present in the Hall exchanged glances but Nathan paid them no mind.
“Bud, I can’t marry someone I don’t love. I… If I am not going to marry Ashriel then I will not marry at all.”
Natsuki felt Nathan’s rising emotion, causing him to tighten his grip on his arm.
“I know, Bud. I’m fully aware of that.” Natsuki consoled him. “But you are fully aware, as I am, that my sister would never make selfish decisions for herself. She had every reason in the world why she commanded you something as heavy as this.”
Nathan’s eyes widened with the sudden jolt of realization. His lips quivered as he bit his lower lip and crumpled his fist. A thin film of tears spread in his eyes. This time, it was because of sorrow.
Natsuki squeezed Nathan’s hand before patting his back. “Everything she decides is for the best of everyone, Nathan. You know that better than anyone else here.”
Nathan looked up, stopping his burning tears from falling. His eyes then caught the balcony where Ashriel was standing a while ago and saw her still standing there but without looking at him anymore. He grinned his teeth.
“The door’s opening.” Natsuki whispered and smiled at Nathan who fixed himself.
“If this is what makes you happy, then so be it.” Nathan said to himself, hoping it will reach Ashriel.
The orchestra started to play and the bridesmaids and groomsmen entered, followed by the ring bearer and people involved in the ceremony. Nathan’s eyes unknowingly glanced at Ashriel in the balcony and back to the people walking in the aisle. She never left.
The Hall was filled with magical music but Nathan’s heart remained heavy. The bridesmaid with a thin veil covering their faces and the groomsmen all made way for the bride to enter.
As everyone made way for Amber, a very familiar scent covered the entire hall. Nathan’s eyes widened. It was Ashriel’s scent.
“So, you even let her use your scent huh?”
Despite being Edom’s daughter, Amber was assisted by Emmette and Chalier with teary eyes, since she was Cezile’s only beloved daughter.
As she slowly walked down the aisle, Nathan’s heart pounded so much that his hand began to shake. He wanted to run and climb the balcony where Ashriel was, and declare to everyone that she is alive and he will marry her but to his deepest despair, he was not allowed to. He cannot though he can if he will.
He bit his lower lip again and suspired for the nth time but then, Natsuki tapped his shoulder.
“Nathan,” he whispered. “Look at the bridesmaids.”
His brows furrowed slightly in confusion with Natsuki’s sudden words. And with Venice’s cue, the bridesmaids lifted their thin veil, revealing their beautiful faces. Kate, Mix, and Tory removed their veils with confusion but managed to smile. None of them knew why Venice told them to wear the veil.
Then suddenly, Nathan saw someone he never expected to see. Beside Olive was…
“Amber?”
With his words, Kate, Mix, Tory, and their partners gasped in shock.
“L-Lady Amber? Why are you-” Kate’s words were cut when Nathan exclaimed.
“Bud, what’s happening?”
Natsuki grinned amiably and pointed his index finger in the aisle.
“Look in front of you and focus only on her.”
As she walked slowly towards him, Nathan saw only his bride. It was as if there were only the two of them in their own world. Her face was covered with her long veil but Nathan knew who it was. The woman he always prayed for. That’s the time when the magical music filled his ears.
“Ashriel…” On cue, the tears that he was fighting back a moment ago betrayed him. He gulped and his eyes glued to Ashriel’s dazzling orbs.
“I-Is that you?” He whispered, unable to believe his own eyes. Just a moment ago, he saw her on the balcony but now, she was standing in front of him. He was about to look at the balcony but stopped when Emmette reached for his hand.
“Our princess is your queen now, my son. Take care of our precious Atarah.” Emmette said. His voice suddenly cracked as if he was about to cry again. Chalier reached for his hand as well but stopped when Nathan held it.
The whole Cadre and Elders present in the Hall were astonished. The woman they thought died was now standing beautifully. Even the people watching live outside the palace were amused. They thought the First General would marry Amber who was labeled as the daughter of the traitor.
“What’s happening?” People gasped.
“S-Sir, Lady, I… I want…” He stuttered. “I desire this to be formal.” He shut his mouth for a moment, perhaps because he kept stuttering over his words. He sighed after another minute.
“She is and will be the only woman I am enamored with.” He started, looking directly at Emmette’s eyes. “Sir, Ashriel’s precious to you and she’s precious to me as well.” He glanced at Ashriel whose eyes gleamed like crystals. He smiled.
"Sir, Lady… I would like to properly ask for your beloved daughter's hand for marriage. She is the only woman I prayed to be for the rest of my life."
This time, Chalier’s tears perfidied her but managed to smile. She nodded her head and squeezed Nathan’s hand. Emmette took a deep breath and gave his daughter’s delicate hand to Nathan.
“Boy, why is it that you are proposing to me? You already have my permission from the very start. Ha ha ha!” He laughed, wiping his tears that were about to escape.
“Propose to her, not to me, son. Oh well, I already called you “son,” though.”
Nathan’s eyes became watery again as he looked at Ashriel who was shining like jewel. His stoic personality always melted away in her presence.
Nathan held her hand and kissed it gently. “Ashriel… will you marry me?” His heart’s running so fast enough to make him run out of breath.
Ashriel managed to hold back her tears aside from the drop that managed to fall. She took Nathan’s hand that held her hand and kissed it back, making Nathan’s orbs shake. She smiled beautifully.
“I wouldn’t come back alive and stand in front of you if my answer is “no,” Carsellion.”
“WOOAAHH!”
Suddenly, the whole Hall roared along with the people watching outside the palace. They laughed and after saying their “I Do,” their covenant was sealed with a gentle kiss. Finally, the crown ring that was in Ashriel’s necklace now slipped on her ring finger by the man he truly loves.
“I love you.” Nathan whispered to Ashriel.
He had long stopped hiding his love for her. He could probably say it as easily as breathing, but this time, the weight of such sentence was different from before. It was an oath to bind his life to her.
Ashriel smiled. “I love you too.”