AENARIO

Exosha has been bustling with activity since the rule of their new King. Trade has been opened to all the Kingdoms in Aenario. And with them being the only bridge connecting Nomosyne and Oniro, economy has been booming. Nomosyne has always been plagued by lack of supplies as their territory is always covered in ice. Only Oniro and Perifaenia could provide them their basic needs. That was why the King before attacked them first and they immediately surrendered because they feared they would be cut off from the rest of the world.

Oniro, on the other hand, has started rebuilding their Kingdom. With the help of Exosha and Perifaenia, the rise of their country was never impossible.

It was said that Aenario is at peace. All the other Kingdoms took up their arms and helped each other out. May it be in infrastructures, economy and even magical research – since the no-mages were still a mystery to most of them. Only Oniro had the firsthand knowledge about their magic.

The Council of Aenario, consisting of the Kings of each Kingdom, had decided to create a school for no-mages spearheaded by the No-Mage Council of Oniro. It was an effort to gather all no-mages and help them how to use and control their magical abilities.

Scholars also started to investigate the Black Sea, after hearing of King Amon's plight during the attack in Oniro. They started analyzing the water and navigating the sea with the help of Denaire's makeshift floating islands. This was to enable quick transport of goods through air, since travelling by land takes days. Travelling over the Black Sea has never been done because the whole sky above the sea turns black which disables accurate navigation.

All in all, Aenario was becoming a one whole nation.

***

Inside a huge and newly-built, dome-like structure stood Amon. He was standing in front of a huge crowd, all looking with earnest and anticipation at him. But he didn't notice it at all for he was looking at the door at the end of the aisle, waiting or it to be opened. A sweet music was playing on the background. He was nervous and anxious, but he was feeling happy.

He took a deep breath and said to himself, 'This is it'.

And then the music changed into a slow one, accompanied by the slow opening of the doors.

Everyone else also stood up and looked towards the entrance. They stared fixatedly at the princess of Perifaenia. They were entranced by her captivating regal beauty.

But Amon was the most entranced among all of them. His Queen was looking so radiant and happy walking towards him. There was love in both of their eyes.

His bride has finally come.

***

"Long live the King!"

"Long live the Queen!"

"Long live Oniro!"

Denaire walked up to Amon after the wedding ceremony. "Amon! Congratulations!"

Amon approached her and gave her a hug. "Thank you. And thanks for coming."

Denaire chuckled, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Tyre moved toward them after getting a hug from Amon's parents. Denaire saw her and immediately gave her a hug. "Congratulations Princess – oh sorry my bad – Queen Tyre!"

She chuckled, "You are so full of jokes Denaire – oh sorry my bad – Queen Denaire."

The two women laughed at that. Amon just rolled his eyes at their antics.

When their laughs subsided, Amon asked Denaire of Hiro's whereabouts. "By the way Denaire, where is Hiro?"

"Oh, I think he's still running after our son."

Tyre laughed. "That son of yours is so active. I sweated so much just two hours babysitting him!"

Denaire laughed apologetically, "I'm sorry. We really don't know what to do with him. Scolding isn't even enough for him."

Just then, Hiro came into view carrying a small boy. "Oh! There they are!" Denaire exclaimed.

The newlyweds looked at the direction she was pointing. They saw Hiro bounding towards them with a teary-eyed boy in his arms.

"Well this is a surprise!" Amon said. "Who would have imagined the notorious King of Exosha would personally carry his son and comforting him on top of that!"

Hiro ignored Amon's sarcasm and went near his wife. He gave the boy to her and faced the newlyweds. "Well, congratulations!" he said.

They both thanked him. "Well," Hiro continued. "One thing I can advise to you two is this: hire a lot of nannies when you have a son. Boys are so super active."

Denaire laughed at the side, Leon now sleeping soundly in her arms. "Well, I doubt there son would be like Leon here. Amon was a sweet kid before so maybe."

"We can't be sure of that," Amon replied, deep in thought.

"Well, whatever the future holds," Tyre said, "We'll do our best as parents. Now let's go and join the festivities."

And the four of them entered the banquet hall.

***

Hiro and Denaire were lying on the bed ready to sleep.

"Is he asleep?" Denaire asked her husband.

"Yeah. Finally. I have to retell him twice how we became King and Queen."

Denaire giggled, "He does love that story so much."

Hiro looked at his wife intently. He thought before that he would remain a general and serve the King for the rest of his life. Everyone thought that because he remained chaste in front of so many women. He never, ever indulged in any of those acts. He strongly believed that the act of sex is for those who love each other. And who would have thought that he would find Denaire in such an adversary. He was feeling thankful all over again.

Instinctively, he reached out and pulled Denaire into his embrace.

Denaire hugged him back. "Hey, why all of a sudden?"

Hiro kissed her head and lovingly said, "Because I love you."

Denaire unconsciously blushed, but she didn't mind. She felt so comfortable within the arms of the man she truly loved. His smell, his touch, his breath, his everything – it all feels like home.

"I love you too."