Allyser sits upon Julian's lap with a beautiful, lascivious smile upon her face, gently cradling his cheeks in her palms.
"I bless the day I met you."
She kisses his forehead before gracefully rising and dressing herself. Julian watches his wife's elegant movements with a satisfied smile.
She turns to him, smiling, walks over, and gently pushes his head back with a finger.
"You have seen it many, many times. Why do you still have that stupid look on your face?"
"Well, my darling, do you ever stop being beautiful?" he asks.
"You already have me. No need to flirt."
Julian slips swiftly from beneath the sheets and wraps his arms around her waist.
"I disagree. I shall sing your praises until my dying breath."
A vein appears upon Allyser's forehead. Somehow, her expression remains calm while her eyes become utterly lifeless.
Julian immediately turns away and clears his throat.
"You know what I meant."
His grip around her waist tightens possessively.
Allyser seems to enjoy the attention. A small smile forms upon her lips as she rests her head against his chest.
Julian's loving expression slowly gives way to worry, determination, and grim hope.
Allyser has already endured enough.
With every passing century, he feels her losing more and more of herself. He does not want to lose her. He never has.
Many years ago, when he was merely a boy and she was already a woman of legend, she looked at him with an acknowledgement no one else ever gave him. It was perhaps a small gesture, but it meant more to him than he could ever hope to repay.
Now the woman he admires, the woman he falls in love with, slowly withers away in his arms.
Not physically.
Not immediately.
But the change is there all the same.
Allyser pulls away, noticing the shift in his emotions. Her eyes become glossy as she wipes away a tear from his cheek.
"What is this?" she asks softly. "Do you want to see me cry?"
Julian gently takes her hand and kisses it.
"Of course not. Pay me no mind. I simply worry."
Allyser smiles, pinches his nose, and steps away.
"We have work to do. Get dressed and meet me in the throne room."
Aethon Crimson, otherwise known as the Crimson Blur, arrives on Phase 2 after his ship is destroyed by a bomb planted by his pursuers.
Months have passed since then.
Now he once again stands before the beautiful queen and her king.
"Tell me, Aethon," Allyser begins.
Aethon grins.
"Boy no more?"
Julian and Allyser both smile.
Then Verdure kicks the back of his leg.
She has been called back by her mother after receiving no further training. At least, none that Cerve can provide while also overseeing the three others under his care.
"Mind yourself, fool," she says.
Even through the helmet, her voice sends shivers down the spines of the guards.
Aethon groans dramatically.
"Argh, argh, sorry. I get it, hot stuff."
Verdure freezes.
For a moment, complete silence fills the throne room.
Then she pokes his shoulder.
A sickening pop follows.
His shoulder dislocates instantly.
Allyser rubs her forehead as if nursing a headache. She glances towards Julian and notices the bright smile on his face. The sight distracts her momentarily before she clears her throat.
"Must you always do this? Behave."
Aethon immediately straightens himself.
Allyser smiles.
"What have you learnt?"
"A lot, thanks to you."
He turns towards Verdure.
"Of course, I would never forget about you."
"So when do you set off?" Allyser asks, almost eagerly.
Aethon hums thoughtfully.
"Hmm. I cannot see him yet. It is not time. Perhaps after the inevitable battle to come."
He shrugs.
Allyser nods.
"Hmm. That is a wise choice."
"Of course, I have more than one reason."
He turns towards Verdure.
Her intimidating, expressionless helmet deflects his intense gaze with ease.
"I must subdue this one."
The entire throne room falls silent.
Aethon's grin widens.
"I will make her mine."
Several guards nearly choke as their mouths fall open in disbelief.
Beneath the mask, Verdure's ears and cheeks turn bright red.
Julian bursts into laughter.
"Another one."
He turns towards his wife, pride and amusement shining in his eyes.
Ordinarily, he is overprotective of his daughters.
Verdure is different.
Very early in her life, both he and Allyser realise she is more than capable of protecting herself. In truth, they begin to fear that no man will ever look beyond her intimidating strength and skill.
It seems they are mistaken.
And perhaps, judging by her reaction, she is not entirely indifferent either.
"You would have to defeat her first. That is my condition."
Allyser smiles, closes her eyes, and leans back upon her throne.
Julian's smile immediately fades into concern.
Aethon scratches the back of his head.
"You drive a hard bargain."
Then his expression hardens with determination.
"Three years."
Allyser opens one eye.
"And if you succeed?"
Aethon smiles.
"That's easy."
His grin widens nursing his hurt shoulder.
"Tell me my father's new name."