It was silent as onlookers watched as Zula approached Priestess Ziteng. The priestess whose outfit was almost as extravagant as the soon to be queen stood in front of the other faction leaders. The presentation of the sacred imperial regalia had been privately performed with only the faction leaders in attendance. Now donning the royal red and golden robes, Zula was ready to be declared the queen in front of the people. The already silent crowd became even quieter as the priestess began to speak.

“Lady Zula, are you willing to take the oath?”

“I am willing.”

“Do you solemnly promise and swear to govern the citizens of the Kingdom of Valleria?”

“I solemnly promise to do so.”

“Will your power cause law and justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgements? Will you, to the utmost of your power, maintain the laws of the land?”

“All this, I promise to do.”

“From the furthest side of heaven reaching beyond the apex of the sky, may you reduce your obstacles to ash. For as long may she reign watch the queen conquer. Long live Zula Ruruji, the Queen of Valleria”

Aciel and Eden couldn’t hear the coronation from the village but they knew what was going on step by step. The countless rehearsals Aciel and Zula attended ended up being for Zula alone. But it was no time to be bitter. With everyone celebrating the joyous occasion, the temple was closed to the public for the day and the number of guards would be minimal.

It was dark by the time they arrived at the temple. The memorial hall was in the left wing of the main building and the late king’s body was housed in a separate building behind the right wing. Since it was a sacred location, the guards were only placed on the perimeter of the building and in the main halls. As long as they could avoid those, the only difficulty in navigating would be due to the dark.

“Remember to stay on the main path laid out by the stones. I’ll run on the pebbled ground and then the roof to distract the guards. Go straight into the hall. I’ll wait outside.”

“Understood.”

Luckily Eden’s plan worked out that even a novice like Prince Aciel was able to go through it without any issues. Aciel was deep in reminiscing to his father’s dead body when Eden tapped on the door twice to signal her arrival.

“And then I turned twenty-five last week. The coronation did not happen, instead Zula became, no. I should change the topic to you now. I guess I should be glad that you can see your mother now. Please tell her I am doing well.” Aciel took a few breaths to control his tears.

Outside the room, Eden noticed a dim light at the end of the hallway. It was too small to be from the guards searching for her. It was more the size of a candle than a torch.

“Tell her that I grew more since she last saw me eight years ago, no lying by saying I am shorter than you. Tell her, even given the current circumstances, I will still eat and sleep well, just like what I promised her.”

The light grew larger and two silhouettes were illuminated by the small light. Eden couldn’t enter the room; the doors were too loud for that.

“I am sorry I was late and I promise that.” Aciel stopped as knocked on the door once signaling for him to hide.

Eden was hiding in the beams on the ceiling, using her arms and legs to support herself. She was curious about who the visitor was and her eyes widened as she saw her face. She didn’t even bother looking at the man that followed.

From his hiding spot, Aciel watched as a single person entered the room. They were too far from the moonlight for him to make out the person. He just wished they would finish their business quickly.

“I became queen today.”

For someone burning with rage, Aciel was frozen as he recognised the owner of that voice.

“Aciel and Eden are missing. Well, to the public Aciel is currently unable to carry out his duties as crown prince.”

He had his hands over his mouth, afraid that his breathing would give out his location. He just stared at the audacity of Zula Ruruji. How dare she come to gloat in front of his father? Aciel inched closer, her wrist was just within his grasp.

“Baeksoo is standing by the door, so I cannot stay for long. I just wanted to fill you in on what happened.”

“Zula.” Aciel impulsively stood from his hiding spot and grabbed her arm. As he saw the golden headpiece on her head, his anger faded to confusion as he spoke. “Why did you do it?”

“What?” She raised her voice in shock of his appearance.

“Queen Zula?” Baeksoo, her advisor, called out from the other side of the door.

Zula pressed her hand against Aciel’s mouth and spoke, “What is it?”

“You raised your voice rather loudly. Are you alright your majesty?”

“I’m fine Baeksoo. Just stand at guard.”

“With all due respect, I suggest that I search the room. All for your safety of course,” he added the second part a second too slow.

Eden narrowed her eyes. She had never seen this man before, the one that stood by Zula’s side. She was able to put together that he was on her side, most likely as an advisor. But, his speech pattern indicated a lack of respect. Who exactly was he? More importantly, how was Aciel doing inside?

“It was just a small bug. I was surprised. I am done now.” Zula pushed Aciel back to where he was hiding.

“Zula.” Aciel tried again.

“Your hair got shorter.” She said with a forced smile. Before she left she whispered, “I had to.”

“I apologise for my tone Queen Zula. I am just advising what I believe would be the best for your safety. I was concerned at your sudden cry.”

“You speak too much.”

“My apologies.”

Eden, still on the ceiling, tailed Zula and the man she addressed as Baeksoo. She watched them leave the temple’s premises before returning to Aciel. The prince used that time to finish his talk with his father and place the lotus with his body.

“Did she see you?”

“She did,” Aciel said in a confused tone. “She also protected me.”

“What?”

Aciel looked out the sole window that pointed at the castle. It was beautifully illuminated by the full moon behind it.

“The reason why she left, she left so that man would not see me. I’m sure of it. She also didn’t kill me. I, I thought she wanted me dead. I’m so stupid Eden. I thought I would be strong enough to kill her one day but it took everything to ask her that one question. Even after she betrayed me, she saved me? I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

“So, what will you do now Aciel?”

A defeated Aciel looked away from the castle and at his friend.

“Eden Grace.”

She dropped on one knee with her arm across her chest.

“Please help me.”

“I, Eden, daughter of Grace, swear upon my life to serve the crown. With my utmost loyalty, I pledge to be the sword and shield to Aciel Koi-Longwa who rightfully holds the crown of Valleria.”