chapter eight; prison of the heart

As Sotera and I sat in the dimly lit chamber, lost in our conversation, the door suddenly creaked open. We turned to see the Devil, Lucero, standing in the doorway, his eyes fixed on us with a somber expression.

"Lucero," Sotera said, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and wariness.

The Devil's gaze shifted to me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. There was something in his eyes, something that looked almost like... regret.

"Kael," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "I see you're doing well. Despite everything."

I nodded, unsure of what to say. The Devil's presence was always intimidating, but there was something about him now that seemed... different.

Lucero walked into the room, his movements slow and deliberate. He sat down in a chair opposite us, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity.

"I've come to talk to you, Kael," he said. "About your... situation. I know I'm not exactly in a position to apologize, but... I regret not being able to protect you better. From Azazel, from the others who sought to harm you."

I felt a surge of surprise at the Devil's words. Regret? From the being who was supposed to be the embodiment of evil?

"Why?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Why did you let them deceive you? Why did you let them hurt me?"

Lucero's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was blinded by my own ambition, Kael. I wanted power, and I was willing to do whatever it took to get it. Even if it meant sacrificing my own son."

Sotera's hand reached out, taking mine in a gentle grasp. "Lucero, you can't blame yourself," she said. "You did what you thought was best at the time. And Kael... he's strong. He's survived despite everything."

The Devil's eyes lifted, his gaze locking onto mine. "I know," he said. "And that's what makes this all so... regrettable. I should have been there for you, Kael. I should have protected you."

I felt a pang in my chest, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Anger, sadness, regret... they all battled for dominance.

But as I looked at the Devil, I saw something there that gave me pause. Something that looked almost like... love.

"Lucero," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I forgive you. Not for your sake, but for mine. I need to move on, to focus on what's ahead."

The Devil's eyes closed, his face twisted in a mixture of pain and gratitude. "Thank you, Kael," he said. "Thank you for understanding."

Three years had passed since I last saw Heaven. Three years of war, of bloodshed, of endless struggle. But now, as I stood in the grand hall of Heaven's birth kingdom, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

Heaven stood before me, her eyes shining with tears. "Kael," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

I smiled, feeling my heart swell with love. "Heaven," I replied, taking her in my arms.

We held each other for a long moment, the world around us fading away. But as we pulled back, I noticed something strange. The kingdom seemed... different. The banners, the guards, everything seemed to bear the mark of Heaven's family.

"Heaven, what's going on?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Heaven's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "My family... they took over Azazel's kingdom. After what he did to me... my brother, Messele, he... he beheaded Azazel for hurting me."

I felt a surge of shock, my mind reeling with the implications. Azazel, the powerful demon lord, was dead? And Heaven's family had taken over his kingdom?

But before I could ask any questions, Heaven's expression changed. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But that's not all, Kael. My family has been working to establish peace with the other kingdoms. And I have a feeling that you're going to be a big part of that."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Heaven's smile grew wider. "I mean that you're going to Xuchael kingdom for business and peace talks. The king of Xuchael has requested your presence, and my family has agreed to facilitate the meeting."

I felt a surge of excitement, my mind racing with the possibilities. Peace talks? With Xuchael kingdom? This could be the break we needed, the chance to finally bring peace to the war-torn lands.

I turned to Heaven, my eyes locking onto hers. "I have to go," I said, my voice filled with determination. "I have to see this through."

Heaven nodded, her smile faltering for a moment. "I know, Kael. I'll be here, waiting for you. But be careful, okay? The king of Xuchael is not to be trusted."

I nodded, my mind already racing with strategies and plans. I would be careful, I would be cautious. But I would also be determined, driven by my desire for peace and my love for Heaven.

With a final glance at Heaven, I turned and walked away, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

stood before the king of Xuchael, his throne room grand and imposing. The king himself was a tall, imposing figure, his eyes piercing and calculating.

"Kael, I'm glad you could make it," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I trust you're aware of the... delicate situation between our kingdoms?"

I nodded, my eyes locked on the king. "I am, Your Majesty. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to bring peace to our lands."

The king smiled, his eyes glinting with approval. "I like your spirit, Kael. And I think I have just the thing to ensure a lasting peace between our kingdoms."

He paused, his eyes locked on mine. "I want you to marry my daughter, Xanthea."

I felt a surge of surprise, my mind reeling with the implications. Marry the king's daughter? I had never even met her.

But before I could respond, the king continued. "Xanthea has... feelings for you, Kael. Deep feelings. And I believe that a union between you two would not only bring peace to our kingdoms, but also make my daughter very happy."

I felt a pang of guilt, thinking of Heaven and the love we shared. But I also knew that I couldn't let personal feelings get in the way of peace.

"I'm flattered, Your Majesty," I said, trying to stall for time. "But I need to think about this. Can I meet Xanthea, at least?"

The king nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Of course, Kael. I'll arrange for you to meet her immediately."

I nodded, my mind racing with thoughts of Heaven and Xanthea, of peace and duty. I knew that I had a difficult decision ahead of me, one that would affect not just my own life, but the lives of countless others.

As I left the throne room, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would I marry Xanthea, securing peace for our kingdoms but potentially sacrificing my own happiness? Or would I find a way to refuse, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace and putting everything at risk?

stood in the grand gardens of Xuchael kingdom, surrounded by the opulent beauty of the royal estate. But despite the luxurious surroundings, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was a prisoner.

It had been three months since I arrived in Xuchael, three months since the king asked me to marry his daughter Xanthea. And for three months, I had been stuck in this limbo, unable to make a decision.

Xanthea herself was a kind and gentle soul, with a beauty that rivaled Heaven's. But despite her charms, I couldn't bring myself to love her. My heart still belonged to Heaven, and I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.

But the king was not a patient man. He had given me an ultimatum: marry Xanthea and secure peace between our kingdoms, or refuse and risk war.

I walked through the gardens, my mind racing with thoughts of Heaven and Xanthea, of peace and duty. I knew that I couldn't stay here forever, that I had to make a decision soon.

As I walked, I noticed a figure watching me from the shadows. It was Xanthea, her eyes fixed on me with a mixture of sadness and longing.

"Kael," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know you're struggling with this decision. But I want you to know that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy."

I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I couldn't return her feelings. "Xanthea, I... I don't know what to say," I stammered.

Xanthea took a step closer, her eyes locked on mine. "Say you'll marry me, Kael," she whispered. "Say you'll be my husband and my king."

I hesitated, my heart heavy with emotion. I knew that I couldn't marry Xanthea, not when my heart still belonged to Heaven. But I also knew that I couldn't refuse her, not without risking war and destruction.

As I stood there, frozen in indecision, Xanthea's face fell. She knew that I was hesitant, that I was unsure of what to do.

"I'll give you more time, Kael," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But please, don't keep me waiting forever. My heart can't take it."

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt and regret. I knew that I had to make a decision soon, but I also knew that it wouldn't be easy.

As Xanthea walked away, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would I marry Xanthea and secure peace for our kingdoms? Or would I refuse and risk everything for the sake of my own heart?

I sat in my chambers and thought.

I stood in my chambers, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. Three months had passed since I arrived in Xuchael kingdom, and I couldn't take it anymore. I had to get back to Zethel, to my people and my kingdom.

I waited until nightfall, when the guards were least expecting it. I snuck out of my chambers, making my way through the dark and deserted corridors of the palace.

As I reached the castle gates, I could feel Xanthea's presence behind me. I turned to see her running towards me, her face determined.

"Kael, wait!" she shouted, grabbing my arm.

I tried to shake her off, but she held tight. "Xanthea, let me go," I said, trying to pry her fingers off my arm.

But she refused to release me. Instead, she pulled me back, her eyes blazing with determination.

"I won't let you go, Kael," she said. "I'll follow you anywhere."

I tried to reason with her, but she wouldn't listen. She forced me to take her with me, following me as I made my way through the winding streets of Xuchael.

As we emerged from the city gates, I could see the familiar outline of Zethel kingdom in the distance. I quickened my pace, eager to return home.

But Xanthea kept pace with me, her breathing steady and determined. I could feel her eyes on me, boring into my skin.

As we approached the gates of Zethel, I could see the guards staring at us in surprise.

"Kael, what's going on?" one of the guards asked, eyeing Xanthea warily.

I took a deep breath, trying to explain. "This is Xanthea, the princess of Xuchael kingdom. She... she followed me here."

The guards looked at each other uncertainly, clearly unsure of what to do. But Xanthea seemed to know exactly what she was doing.

She walked forward, her head held high, and addressed the guards. "I have come to Zethel kingdom of my own free will," she said. "I wish to speak with King Kael, and to discuss the terms of our alliance."

The guards looked at each other, and then back at me. I shrugged, unsure of what to do.

But Xanthea seemed to know exactly what she was doing. She walked forward, her eyes fixed on me, and I knew that I was in trouble.