A Crown of Secrets

Before leaving with the Princess, Alex spoke with his party. He had told them how the Princess refused him to be her Knight, but accepted him as another part of her Personal Guard. 

They had already discussed the possibility that Alex might not see Lara and Ros again for a while, so they were ready for anything.

However, even Alex didn't know what was going to happen. The whole problem with Zivko, and the unrest in the country brought a lot of unease. 

But, he had no choice. He felt bad for Zivko, and that was the reason why he decided on protecting the Princess.

Zivko was only being misled by his emotions, if Alex had the chance to talk it out with him, maybe it would stop him from committing unnecessary murder on a kind-hearted woman. 

However, Zivko was still too mysterious. Alex assumed Zivko told him only a small part of what happened when he was still a child.

Alex sighed, pushing aside his thoughts for now as he concentrated on the path he and Aurora were taking. 

Drenald and Tarn were also accompanying them, along with Zivko who stood behind Aurora as her newly appointed Knight. 

If Zivko were to make a move now, Tarn would instantly take notice. 

Alex kept turning his head slightly, checking Zivko. From his expression to the way he moves his feet, Alex was on his guard. 

They were walking along an empty concrete street, in the middle of the cold night. 

There were lamps lighting up the street, but some of them were either broken or not even turned on. 

They chose to go from here because it was mainly an abandoned part of the city. 

Aurora noticed Alex's rough expression, and how he kept moving weirdly, switching left and right every minute. 

She thought for a bit, before finally speaking calmly:

"Have you ever heard of the legend of Sovereign Noris and Stargazer Aiko?"

Alex turned to the Princess, surprised by her sudden question. 

He replied, confused, "Uh.. No. I heard only of the tale of Sovereign Adonis the Warmonger. I don't really pay much attention to history and all." 

Aurora faintly smiled, "I see. Sovereign Adonis was quite an impressive man, but I have always admired Noris. He fought valiantly in a doomed war against the Aeon of Fate and Perseverance, but ultimately he met his demise. He was tricked and betrayed by his own son, Aiko, who read the stars and threads of time for him, but led to his defeat. Their story is much deeper, and it always gets me, but that's basically the sum of it." 

Alex raised a brow. "Aeon of Fate and Perseverance? How would anybody be able to stand against a monster like that, or even find one?" 

Aeons especially were impossible to be in any contact with, while there was the Aeon of Wrath, Thyrion, that openly ruled a country far in the East, the others were quiet like the ocean.

Aurora replied as she shrugged, "Beats me. If I had to assume, Stargazer Aiko managed to read the Constellations… But I wonder what I would have done if I was in Noris' place."

He tilted his head, growing more confused. Why would she even think of fighting an Aeon?

Princess Aurora chuckled, "It's dumb, I know. My old tutors would have laughed at me."

Alex snapped back to reality as he realized he took too long to answer the Princess, making the situation seem awkward. 

"No, no.. Not at all." said Alex worriedly, waving his hands. He then added, curious, "But.. Are all Sovereigns that strong… or even real? I've only heard they are called Sovereigns because they've broken through eight Revelations."

Drenald answered his question, before the Princess could have the chance:

"Of course they're real. We only stay secretive so our enemies won't have the chance to learn about them. That is why they all fear us!" He laughed. 

Alex felt Drenald was lying. His tone said it all, but he wasn't sure. 

Aurora stepped closer to Alex, startling him a bit before she whispered as Drenald was looking away, "They are real, but they've only got to the Fourth Revelation, not First."

Alex nodded wordlessly in response. Going through the Fourth Revelation was also a pretty big deal, even then. 

But, if they lied about that, they must have only done it to make Aeloria seem strong. No wonder the last war was eight years ago, despite the rising tensions. 

If a civil war were to actually break out, the other countries would not hesitate to also take advantage of the situation. 

'Well, it doesn't matter. I just need to keep an eye on him.' 

Zivko was the main priority now, anything else could wait. That was what Alex hoped for. 

Drenald continued on rambling the entire time as nobody paid much attention to him. 

It felt very tense, especially between Alex and Zivko. But he brightened the mood a bit. 

"... With the ceremony held soon!" said Drenald, Alex only caught the last part.

"Ceremony?" Alex asked. 

Drenald stopped talking, then gazed at Alex for a few seconds. He sighed before finally answering:

"It's the anniversary of the coronation of the King. The Grand Houses' representatives and leaders are going to be present. I'm sure you'll enjoy watching Princess Aurora eat cake for six hours straight." He said, full of sarcasm. Alex was unsure whether to believe him or not. 

Alex annoyingly frowned, before turning away from him. 

There were about nine Grand Houses in total, each ruling a different region in Aeloria, but they were under the command of the King. 

Alex only was able to recall the House of Belvoir, as before he'd seen a lady named Astra Belvoir that made it to Alos.

She had crowds of people following her, making Alex notice her pretty quickly. He assumed that obviously meant she wasn't somebody random. 

After getting the chance, he stepped between the crowds shouting her full name, until he finally saw her in person. 

She wore a long dark purple dress that fit with her hair which was practically the same color.

Alex looked into her blue, ocean eyes, seeing nothing in particular. But, it was clear she was very proud, perhaps of herself, due to her pose. 

While the lady hadn't even noticed Alex, he kept her in mind. 

Brushing off the unnecessary memories, he slightly turned and checked on Zivko again. 

Zivko was as silent as ever, his whole expression unreadable. Alex only wondered what could be going through his mind. 

***

Finally nearing the castle, they headed into a small tunnel dug through the large hill on which the castle was built. 

"This is a secret site, you absolutely can't tell anyone." Tarn warned Alex and Zivko before they stepped inside along with Aurora and Drenald. 

Then, after a meaningful nod, they both headed inside. They were standing next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. 

As Aurora and Drenald walked by themselves, knowing this place was much safer than in the city, Alex thought it was the best chance to speak with Zivko again. 

Tarn stayed outside, perhaps to guard the secret tunnel. 

Alex took a deep breath in before he whispered, without shifting his gaze from the Princess.

"Do you still plan on murdering her? It's obvious she is different from what you thought."

Zivko didn't answer. His pace quickened all of a sudden. 

"Hey. I'm talking to you." said Alex, annoyed by how Zivko ignored him.

The corners of Zivko's lips twitched as he suddenly stopped moving, "I thought I said to not get in my way." 

Without even giving Alex the chance to respond, he left him behind as he stepped closer to the Princess.

Alex looked from behind, speechless. He caught a glimpse of Aurora covering her mouth as she laughed, and Zivko was smiling. 

'Bastard.' Alex thought as he grit his teeth. 

Now, how was he supposed to stop such an unfathomable man? A part of him wished he stayed with Lara and Ros, avoiding all of this unnecessary conflict. 

But he had already made up his decision to protect Aurora, and the Vowing Ritual was to be made soon. Alex hoped everything could go well.