(Other Realm)
Alethia materialized outside of Shudon, her desire to see Huan once more and fulfill her promise to Zepher about taking the wedding preparations seriously driving her forward. As she strolled along the path toward Greg Minister, a white building that gradually appeared in her sight, she noticed a change in the flags. She tilted her head curiously, and just then, Chris materialized beside her. "What brings you here?" he asked, puzzled.
Alethia continued toward the steps, determined. "I'm here to visit Huan and meet with the wedding decorator," she replied. Ignoring the guards, she ascended the steps and pushed open the heavy doors to enter the main hall. Making her way up the staircase toward the hospital wing, she encountered a chaotic scene: people rushing past her, guards barking orders, and one guard, whom she stopped, grabbing his arm. "What's happening? What's the commotion about?"
"Princess, thank the Gods you're here. There's a fight taking place on the top floor. One of our enemies managed to breach the wards," the guard explained urgently.
Alethia nodded, her heart pounding, and hurried up the stairs to investigate. Drawing her scimitar from its sheath, she followed the sounds emanating from a closed door. When she opened it, she witnessed Zepher being hurled through the entrance, crashing into the wall. Zepher, though battered and bloodied, remained steadfast, leaning on his sword for support.
The figure he faced was tall, possessed long blond hair, and donned black armor. Several guards were engaged in combat with lesser foes, while another man, unfamiliar to Alethia but somehow familiar in appearance, skillfully battled four opponents simultaneously, wielding a longsword. Alethia rushed to Zepher's side, her gaze fixed on the central figure in the room. His eyes, devoid of warmth, met hers, and his smile exuded pure malevolence. She shivered, and Zepher looked up at her, pleading. "Alethia, you must leave now!"
"This is my home, Zepher. I can fight," she declared, her determination unwavering.
Zepher pushed himself off the wall, his voice filled with concern. "Alethia, I don't want you to get hurt."
As the enemy approached, his longsword splitting into two, he smirked at Zepher. "You've proven to be a worthy opponent, Zepher, but it ends here." He drew back his arm, preparing to strike, but Alethia stepped forward, raising her sword to block the blow. Successfully deflecting his attack, she sent his sword flying. Freeing his hand, he backhanded her, sending her sprawling across the floor. "I'll deal with you later, little one. You may provide some entertainment."
"That was a grave mistake, Yuber!" Zepher shouted.
Yuber laughed as his sword returned to his hand. "Do you truly believe you can defeat me? You are nothing but a worthless elf, with no exceptional qualities. You shall die here, and your beautiful companion shall be mine, until I grow tired of her."
Alethia stood her ground, focusing her energy as flames ignited in her palm. "I'd rather die than be yours," she declared, her voice resolute.
Yuber smirked, his gaze fixed on her. "That can be arranged, child." He took a step toward her, undeterred by the flames engulfing him. Zepher lunged at him from behind, thrusting his sword into Yuber's shoulder blade, but Yuber remained unfazed. He reached back, yanking Zepher's sword from his shoulder and dropping it to the ground. Reuniting his swords, Yuber seized Alethia by the throat, lifting her effortlessly into the air. "You're quite something. I can sense the power within you. Perhaps I'll make you mine for eternity."
Struggling to breathe, Alethia focused her mind on a specific point in the room, attempting to teleport out of Yuber's grasp. As she fought to control her magic, her thoughts grew hazy.
"I'm sure that would deeply upset little Zepher if I were to claim his wife as my own," Yuber taunted, pulling her closer and inhaling the scent of her hair.
Summoning her strength, Alethia delivered a powerful kick, striking Yuber between his legs and causing him to drop to his knees, releasing her in the process. Gasping for air, Alethia crawled backward, away from Yuber, with Zepher rushing to her aid.
"You wretched bitch! You will pay for that!" Yuber exclaimed. Just then, the sound of approaching guards echoed up the stairs. Yuber glanced toward the door. "You will be mine, Alethia. Mark my words. This is far from over." With those parting words, he vanished, leaving the guards to burst into the room.
"Lord Zepher, Lady Alethia, is anyone injured?" the captain of the guard inquired urgently.
Still catching her breath, Alethia surveyed Zepher's wounds and assured him, "I can heal these quickly."
Zepher nodded, his glare fixed on the guards. "What took you so long? Your future queen was nearly killed."
The captain of the guard stuttered, attempting to explain. "My lord, I apologize. We weren't all present when the attack commenced."
"That's no excuse. Whether two or two hundred of you, when we are under attack, you must show up," Zepher reprimanded sternly.
Alethia interjected, trying to diffuse the tension. "Zepher, it's alright. They arrived as soon as they could. No one was gravely injured. Your wounds are superficial, and I am perfectly fine, just a bit winded."
Zepher's gaze softened, but frustration lingered. "That's not the point. You shouldn't be the one defending the kingdom."
"I shall not, and cannot, assume the role of queen if I am unable to stand alongside my warriors in battle! I refuse to send my men into the fray while I remain sheltered!" Alethia's voice echoed with determination.
Zepher's gaze lingered upon her for a brief moment before he averted his eyes and dismissed the guards. Turning back to Alethia, he warned, "Yuber will now set his sights on you."
Focusing on mending his wounds, Alethia replied, her voice tinged with confidence, "I am no weakling; I can fend for myself."
"It is my duty to safeguard you, Alethia," Zepher asserted. Her frustration evident, Alethia closed her eyes and retorted, "Do you truly comprehend the woman you are marrying? I could defeat you before you even blinked."
Zepher's gaze shifted once more. "I am well aware of the woman I am marrying. While it may be your destiny to bring down the God of Chaos, and you are the daughter of the God of War and the Goddess of Love, I am your husband, and my duty is to ensure your safety."
Having finished healing him, Alethia sheathed her fallen sword, which had slipped from her grasp when Yuber seized her throat. She headed towards the door, but Zepher swiftly seized her wrist, pulling her back.
"Alethia, I apologize. I know you possess the strength to protect yourself. However, Yuber is a formidable adversary, one of the most powerful demons from the depths of the underworld. If he has his sights set on you, we shall encounter grave challenges. I have fought against Yuber for years, while aiding your father in his battles against Kakaron. And if Yuber believes he can lay hands on you, he shall soon learn otherwise."
Alethia squeezed his hand gently, nodding in agreement. "I understand your desire to protect me, Zepher, and I am grateful for it. But I am no damsel in distress. I shall fight for this kingdom as fervently as I fight for my father's, and I would answer Jarhan's call for aid, should he require it."
Zepher nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "And I would have it no other way." He pulled her into an embrace.
Resting her head against his chest, Alethia returned the hug. "Together, we shall overcome this. I promise you, Yuber shall never lay his hands on me."
