Sad story

- Yes.

- What a terrible thing it must have been for those devoted friends to discover such a betrayal. But they may have come to realize that when things break, they break and are irreparable. Love could have stayed, but the rest is gone. To lose all confidence in the being for whom you have dedicated your life is a misery that I would never want to know.

- None of them would ever be as sorry as I am if they did.

- And yet, I'm sure they all hoped to be mistaken about his wickedness. Just like you. And you despised yourself for that.

The emperor nodded.

- He apologized. But more than that, he was desperate. He was, how can I put it, detached, arrogant, strangely hurt and very lonely.

- People have condemned him. He gave up everything that had made his life on his own. Anyone would be devastated, even your invincible older brother.

- I remember it so well. My father. Our father has lost his joy of life. My brother always seemed so torn up, maybe even to the point of hating everyone. And yet, he never showed any sign of anger or disgust towards our progenitor. And if I'm honest, I never knew how it was supposed to go with him. I don't know who he really was. And I think Dad didn't understand either.

- In other words, everyone loved your beloved brother very much, but loved him in the wrong way.

- It was so hurtful. No one could ever get close enough to understand. Not even me. And yet, Azhewo never asked for help. Perhaps he already thought it was not his place to do so, or simply because it would not change anything.

- You probably knew your brother more than anyone else, and more than you dared to imagine.

- If you're right, then I guess he wasn't the one who did the kistarat. I remember a particular period. We had an old master who was also a friend of my father's. A phenomenal magician called Taros who had exceptionally agreed to train us.

Astieme had a nostalgic expression.

- He loved Azhewo. And when the latter was poisoned by a jealous mistress, our beloved master abandoned everything, even himself, in order to create the fire of Emyr, a magical and unquenchable fire that had the particularity of healing everything.

- I see. So that's how this legendary fire came to life.

- My brother was the best at everything. So amazing it was suffocating.

Astieme closed his eyes and remembered the moment when everything collapsed. Exactly a hundred years ago.

"- Azhewo, was it really you?

- And if so, what if it is?

- No! Refuted the younger one, too shocked to see.

- See, whether I'm guilty or not, they've all already convicted me? And so are you. So, whatever my answer is, your decision is already final.

- Father is full of grief. Azehwo, do something! Defend yourself, I beg you!

- So if I decide to do it, would you come by my side, my young brother?

- If you tell me you're innocent, then I swear I'll come to you no matter what the world thinks.

- You're too honest Astieme, which is why you'll never be able to defend me.

- That's no excuse to reject me.

- Astieme, would you still defend me if I were guilty?

Astieme never answered this question, but he never had to, because both of them knew the answer perfectly well.

He felt the princess' arms resting on his sleeve, and he noticed that he had moved away into the forest, now standing straight in front of the winged wooden statue, which was the last gift from loyal friends for his beloved brother.

- You loved him Astieme. Quite simply. There is nothing wrong with that.

- I miss him.

- She must miss you too.

Astieme laughs.

- That's how he should feel, but I doubt very much that this kind of emotion is ever familiar to him. And then he left. It's been so long now.

- But probably he hadn't felt as alone as we think he did. Besides, Master Seurus accompanied him, didn't he?

Astieme untied Ariadne's arms and looked at her intensely.

-....probably. But Princess Ariadne, I'm sure I didn't mention my former master.

- You didn't do it.

The emperor was upset.

- Where does this power come from?

- Astieme, you already know that. So I have no intention of keeping the story from you. I guess in my eyes, he was never guilty.

The emperor passed his hand over his altered face, then finally inquired.

- So, how is he?

- He's doing well. Very, very well.

Happy, he took the princess in his arms and seemed to have finally been relieved of an invisible and suffocating weight he had to carry for too many years.

They laughed together like old friends.

- I wonder why I still ask, knowing this person.

Ariadne wanted to talk more about Azhewo when a terrible weakness suddenly took her. She staggered and landed in the emperor's strong arms, who immediately laid her down gently on the edge of the fountain with its wooden statues.

- Majesty, something is choking me...

- What kind? He asked immediately on standby.

- I don't know. But I feel something wrong.

- An evil spell, Astieme guessed, immediately on alert.

- I think so, yes. That feeling of disgust in my mouth, that weakness! It hurts. It hurts.

The emperor stood up, turning to an invisible point. Ariadne had no need to see her face to guess the murderous rage that was written on it, moreover, her whole person was irradiated, releasing burning waves that reached the princess, amusing and impressive her in spite of herself.

- It's coming from the outside. Ariadne stays here. This place is the most protected place in the galaxy. This is his sacred place. No one can enter, except the imperial family and... his beloved lovers.

Despite her pain, Ariadne blushes.

-Yes...

Astieme left quickly to see what was happening.

But they both knew something was going on. Unfortunately, in her condition, Ariadne has no chance to intervene.

Eaten away by pain and fear, Ariadne let herself slide on the floor full of life. And she let the fantastic creatures and plants that lived there bring her their strength and essence of life, which soon eased her suffering.

- Thank you very much. Thanks to you, I'm better. She whispered gratefully.

A strange noise caught his attention. She tried with difficulty to look in the direction where the strange rustle came from. But she didn't even have time to turn her head, so two strong arms grabbed her and lifted her up easily.

Ariadne smiled. She didn't have to look up to know who was there. Because the feeling of unbearable wonders immediately filled her and sent heree heart high into the heavenly vault.

They sat gently beside the fountain, Ariadne sitting comfortably on his lap, surrounded by his arms.

- Azhewo.

He laughed.

- My love, every time we meet, should you always be in a bad situation or another? And I have to use all my power to get you out of there every time.

Ariadne laughed too.

- So to start, you have to kiss me.

- I can't, you're so weak, but maybe.....

- No, now...

He sighed, defeated and bent his head.

Their kiss was a wonder of light.

- Astieme rushed to see what happened. Ariadne informed him by hugging him.

- I know... I know. I just saw him running out.

- In fact, how long have you been here?

- Long enough to hear my brother's moving speech about me.

- He didn't feel you at all.

- This is no surprise. I was hidden by the magic of this place. This is my sanctuary after all.

Regardless of the weather or events that have occurred there, I am still the ruler of my loyal companions.

Ariadne nodded lovingly and then sighed.

- We probably have to go. Astieme needs you.

- But not right away. The power of this place protects me. As soon as I got out of there, the daylight would no longer pity my poor being. We must wait wisely for Seurus' signal before leaving.

- It's a danger as abominable as kistarat!

-... not really. Some terrorists are more attracted by a kind of insatiable revenge than by the fact of passing into posterity. However, they are strong. We must be careful.

While speaking, Azhewo passionately stroked Ariadne's body, which was moaning desperately, searching for his lips. They kissed, clinging to each other, devoured by an unquenchable fire.

Azhewo lifted the princess' dress and took off her panties. He pushed his fingers into the warm moistness of her femininity, already ready to welcome him and impatient to feel him invade her again. Ariadne languidly strode her hand over his manhood, as hard as a metal stick, kneading it, exciting it as their tongues intermingled in a flamboyant and endless ballet.

- Please Azhewo, I can't take it anymore...

When he begged her, he rudely entered her. There was no time or patience left to be tender.