Chapter Text
Everything was moving in a blur. Mydei hardly had a moment to consider his next steps before even more chaos erupted around him. He had just returned back to Castrum Kremnos after his time in exile. At first, he was all set to take action and seize the throne, even if it meant putting an end to his father's life. No celebrations. No festivities. No homecomimg.
And indeed there was no time for it. Because beyond their gates had come a royal dromas carriage from the Ohkeman Kingdom. There was tension in the air, and Mydei couldn’t comprehend what was happening.
Why were they standing by while their enemy nation strolled right into their gates? Not a single spear was raised in revolt.
“Just what had happened while we were away?” Mydei furrowed his brows in thought. He ordered his retainers to quickly figure out the details of the current situation.
Castrum Kremnos was a barbaric land to most of the people of Amphoreus, but this was a far cry from how they truly were. Outsiders had never entered their gates this easily, and so it was such a surprising and beautiful sight to these foreigners when seeing the true magnificence of the kingdom.
The Ohkeman ambassadors arrived to verify the identities of the brides and draft the details of the marriage contract. As it was no secret that this was to become a political engagement, both parties needed to have a fair and equitable agreement.
Advisors of the Royal Kremnoan court welcomed and ushered them into the palace. As soon as the large imposing doors of the palace closed, the residents watching finally released their bated breaths. Many of them returned their attention to the returning prince, congratulating him for successfully overcoming all the trials that were set against him.
The royal guards urged the prince to finish speaking with the townsfolk and promptly receive the king's orders. One of his retainers returned and whispered to him a brief explanation of events that transpired days before their return.
A peace alliance was being formed between Castrum Kremnos and Ohkema, a statement that Mydei would have never believed if it weren’t happening right now. This just did not make sense as Kremnoans were known to be extremely prideful and it was outrageous to allow anyone to become their equals.
Mydei had just returned from his lifelong exile. The place before him felt unfamiliar, and the cheerful smiles of the village folk seemed insincere to him. He longed to experience the warmth of coming home, but instead, this place served as a constant reminder that he was not truly wanted. Or rather, a reminder that he needed to endure significant trauma before he could ever feel deserving of belonging here.
He could not remember how it all began: his father's madness. There had been a time in his childhood when he was a happy prince, wandering through the corridors of Castrum Kremnos. He was a prince like any other, raised with a strict upbringing but still granted enough freedom to feel like a true child. However, everything changed when he was abruptly cast aside by his father, King Eurypon. He was forced to live independently outside the palace walls, without servants or guardians to care for him. He was expected to learn how to survive on his own and train as a warrior without any assistance. At just five years old, he was torn from his mother’s arms and thrown into the sea of souls.
His mother, Queen Gorgo, would not stand for it. She went so far as to challenge his father to a duel, which in Kremnoan tradition meant a battle to the death. Gorgo was the fiercest warrior this kingdom had ever known, which was precisely why Eurypon chose her to be queen in the first place. Everyone knew Eurypon would not stand a chance against her.
However, on the day of the duel, onlookers noted something strange about Gorgo. She appeared sluggish and weakened even before the fight had started. It was later discovered that poison was eating away at her life, and that was how Eurypon dealt with her. Even within the most honorable customs of their kingdom, Eurypon chose the coward's way.
As Mydei was still a child at that time, no one could bring themselves to tell the poor boy that his mother had been slain by his own father. For years, he remained unaware of the events unfolding within the kingdom and channeled all his energy into becoming stronger. In his early teens, when Mydei's natural charisma attracted many followers, an elderly lady he recognized approached him. She was his mother's handmaiden and handed him a letter that appeared worn from years of being kept hidden away. It was a letter from his mother.
The first thing Gorgo wrote in the letter was, "By the time you read this, I have already passed away. But I know that you will make it through, my sweet Mydeimos."
In the letter were the many wishes and dreams she held for her brave little son. She wanted him to know that there was not a day she didn’t worry for him as he was forced away from the kingdom. She wouldn’t defend her husband's actions and regretted not noticing the signs sooner. A challenge for a duel had been made to his father, and despite her weakening state, she refused to back down and succumb to inaction. She was prepared to put everything on the line if it meant there was a chance to bring her son home.
"Never forget your father, Mydeimos. Never forget this despicable, weak, and spineless fool. May the lance of fury guide you to success, my child. And may you finish what I started—what I wish I could have ended."
The young Mydeimos, who had never shed a tear since the day he was cast out of the kingdom, felt his whole body freeze with realization. It had been years since his mother's passing. For years, he had strived to steel himself and become stronger in hopes of reuniting with his family, foolishly believing that one day his father would recognize his strength and welcome him back as the crown prince. He was never going to be welcomed back. All the assassination attempts against him over the years were not challenges posed by his father; the king only wanted him dead.
That night he learned of his mother's passing, he sought solitude in a quiet wheat field enveloped by darkness. For the first time since childhood, he wept, albeit quietly. He didn't want anyone to see or hear him. This was a moment of weakness he would not reveal to any of his father's mercenaries. He simply wanted to mourn his mother properly and contemplate his next steps. Returning as the dutiful crown prince of Castrum Kremnos was no longer an option for him. An intense loneliness washed over him, as if no one in this world wanted him anymore. He was only 12 years old.
He felt sudden rustling around him, and his senses immediately kicked in as he thrust a blade toward the intruder who had approached him. A loud clank and a pained cry erupted from the visitor. A young boy, about his age and with snowy white hair, stumbled onto his backside, his flimsy little shield now bearing a large gash along its side.
Mydei froze, realizing he had nearly harmed an innocent child. In a panic, he quickly covered the boy's mouth, fearing he might scream for help. However, the boy looked up at him with bright blue eyes, filled with awe. Mydei slowly removed his hand, unsure of what to say.
"Wow! You're really strong!" The white-haired boy beamed up at him with a toothy grin. Mydei was taken aback, not expecting such a response after almost harming him. He suddenly remembered the tears he had shed earlier and quickly wiped them away, feeling embarrassed about his emotional state.
"I didn't mean to startle you. I thought I heard a chimera whimpering nearby and wanted to check if they were in danger." The boy stood up and brushed off his shorts. "My mom can make us some pancakes! They’re sure to lift our spirits. Oh, I’m sorry! I forgot to ask for your name. My name is Khaslana! What’s yours?"
Mydei couldn't respond right away. He hadn't encountered children his age in a long time, having traveled through very dangerous places. However, the white-haired boy's enthusiasm was somewhat infectious, and he couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
"Mydeimos," he replied in a quiet voice, glancing around as if concerned that mercenaries might be nearby.
"Woah… Even your name is really cool!" Khaslana chuckled, gripping his tattered shield tightly against his chest. However, the smile on his face quickly vanished when he looked up and glanced over Mydei's shoulder.
Quickly, he pushed Mydei behind him and lifted his shield high. An assassin had their sights set on Mydei's back, but he fortunately noticed just in time. With a loud clank, his shield almost gave way and shattered.
The tall wheat surrounded them, and the darkness of the night hindered their movement. However, it also provided the advantage of keeping them out of the assassin's line of sight. Mydei grabbed the boy's hand and dragged him into a sprint.
Khaslana paused for a moment and tugged at Mydei's arm, directing him to another path. "This way. It will lead us to the village."
"No. It's not safe to lead them toward your family." Mydei's eyes trembled with urgency. He released Khaslana's hand, leaving the other boy perplexed. "Go. Those people are only after me."
Khaslana didn't understand what Mydei meant. He believed they were merely robbers in the night, looking to kidnap young children as hostages. "It's okay. The village can protect you. I can protect you!" he insisted, tightening his grip on his nearly broken wooden shield.
Mydei felt a wave of frustration because it would be difficult to explain his situation. Before he could say anything, the mercenaries had already caught up to them. This time, Mydei was ready. He skillfully deflected their attacks and knocked out a few of them with a single strike.
He ensured that Khaslana was securely positioned behind him as the fight raged on. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the boy did not hesitate to cheer for him. Although it felt a bit silly, it genuinely lifted Mydei's spirits.
However, this only lasted for a moment. When the attackers noticed that they were no match for this beast of a child, they shifted their focus to the boy standing behind their target.
Mydei quickly recognized that the attackers had shifted their focus and hurried to intercept them. However, he was too late. One of the assailants managed to reach Khaslana and thrust a blade directly at him.
Khaslana, just like the two other times, bravely raised his shield to block the attack. However, this time, the already tattered wooden shield splintered and shattered from the impact. The force of the blow pushed the white-haired boy back, sending him flying a considerable distance before he splashed into the nearby water.
Anger surged in Mydei's vision, and he no longer held back. He had been doing everything in his power to protect the boy behind him, ensuring he would not be harmed. But the attackers were fools to change their target. Mydei unleashed his fury upon them like a vicious beast. Though small in stature, the force of his strength could topple a large animal.
It didn’t take long for the fight to come to an end. The mercenaries lay motionless on the ground, their weapons shattered around them.
Mydei swiftly shifted his focus to where Khaslana had been thrown. He scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the young boy swimming back to shore safely. However, the water remained eerily still, and there was no sign of him.
The young prince rushed toward the water and dove in. He swam as far as he could, hoping to catch a glimpse of the young boy. However, the sky was now fully dark, providing no help in seeing anything beneath the surface. Panic set in as he surfaced, desperately calling out for Khaslana.
But alas, only silence greeted him back. There was no sign of the white-haired boy.
He continued his search tirelessly until the sun finally rose above the horizon.
However, he never found Khaslana again.
He returned to the shore and sank to his knees, his gaze fixed on the shattered remnants of the wooden shield beside him. He picked up the painted gem that had been affixed to the center of the toy shield and held it tightly against him.
This was the second time in his life that Mydei experienced the weight of grief.
From that moment forward, he vowed never to fail again. His mother's blood stained his father's hands, but Khaslana's blood was on his.
"Your Highness?"
Mydei was slightly startled away from his thoughts. His retainer had been trying to catch his attention for a while. "What is it?"
"It's nothing," Mydei replied, shaking his head. "What is Eurypon up to?" His voice was cold, revealing his suspicions about the king's reasons for summoning him.
"The king has ordered for you to escort the bridal candidates to the Ohkeman border. It was deemed fitting for the crown prince to lead the royal family members there," the retainer said with a strained voice, disliking that the crown prince was already being sent away so soon after his return home.
"Why can't the king himself be the one to send away his family members? I don't imagine this being difficult for him." He scoffed at the end.
"The… advisors said it would be unwise for the king himself to attend a mere bride selection ceremony." The retainer emphasized the word "advisors," hinting to Mydei that the same individuals who had once plotted against his life were still active.
"Very well." Mydei quietly breathed and turned towards the droma carriages that were being prepared near the gates of the palace.
"But your Highness!" the retainer implored, trying to reason with him. "We cannot accompany you this time. It's too dangerous."
"Believe me, being within this madman's walls is more dangerous than anywhere else in the world," Mydei retorted, turning on his heel and striding forward, ignoring the retainer's pleas.
There were a dozen collateral members of the royal family being ushered toward the prepared carriages. Noble parents cried as they begged the guards not to take their children to Ohkema. Most of the brides were beautiful omegas with enough royal blood to qualify as bridal candidates. It was no surprise that their families were weeping for them. Being married off to an Ohkeman royal likely meant they would never see their loved ones again.
And with Ohkema being a longstanding enemy of their nation, there was no guarantee of how their children would be treated there. For all these parents knew, their children could simply be enslaved.
He wondered for a brief moment if his mother once wept for him the same way back then.
When the nobles saw him, they quickly knelt before him. Although these individuals were more or less distant relatives, he could tell their expressions of respect were insincere.
They pleaded with him to reconsider negotiations with the Ohkemans, insisting that these foreigners should not be allowed to take their children away from home. He couldn't help but laugh inside his thoughts.
"I'll see what I can do," Mydei replied, his expression blank. He offered no assurances but didn't want to leave them entirely in despair.
The bridal candidates appeared extremely tense, each adorned in beautiful white silk dresses accented with golden ornaments. Given the nature of the peace agreement, it was expected that the royal families would present their most beautiful unmarried omega children. Some of these young men and women were barely of age, anxious about their futures should they be chosen as brides.
Mydei felt a deep sense of sympathy for the bridal candidates. Their worries were justifiable, and he wished there could be a more favorable resolution to the ongoing war. Although they still had a long journey ahead to reach Ohkema, he lacked confidence in his ability to find a solution. However, he needed to first meet with the Ohkeman royals to assess the situation.
Since he was in a carriage that held many children with royal Kremnoan blood, Mydei felt confident that there would be no attempts on his life, at least until they completed the long journey. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to relax and get some rest.