He had hoped he had done well to hide his true feelings. In fact he would later scold himself for how childish he felt for having them to begin. It was only natural that she would have a child by now, she was married after all. That was expected of someone in her position. She was Queen of Talterra, baring an heir was her highest duty. Yet to hear the boy call out to her was... difficult. Antares watched Freyja carry her son and disappear into the crowd. Soon after he was joined by the rest of his family who tussled between chastising him for his deliberate choice of dancing with her or praising him for his refined reaction to seeing her son that surprised them all. Even Casspien could not bring himself to criticize his dearest friend, knowing the immeasurable pain that he must have carried in his heart. So instead the Lord Regent of Iliad chose to help his king numb the aching sensation that twisted his heart into knots. Casspien handed him a chalice without word, which Antares readily accepted as they continued on talking to the nobles that gathered around them. However they were interrupted by an approaching group, one Antares was truly happy to see again after so long.

"As mischievous as always, little Antares." Satori Sugawara, King of Ichika proclaimed.

"Be more forgiving King Satori, it was a wonderful performance." Added Dion Vermillion, King of the Beastmen and ruler of Laconia.

"You mistake my tone, King of Beasts." The towering monarch laughed, "It was a compliment."

Antares expression lightened tremendously at the sight of the both of them. He embraced Satori first, much to the surprise of the Sword Saint who placed a warm hand on his shoulder.

"It has been too long King Satori," Antares was nearly moved to tears.

The monarch of Ichika thoroughly agreed. He looked over the man he had known ever since he was a newborn babe wrapped in the violet colors of House Xerxes, as he cried in his mothers arms. Even as Antares was now, a great man who had deservedly become king. To Satori, he would always remain the shy boy who clung to the robes of his master, Hyperion. "Forgive me my king, for not attending your crowning ceremony." There was a surprising amount of earnestness in his apology.

King Dion bowed echoing the same sentiments, "I too my great king. My emissaries tell me it was truly a wonderous event."

Antares waved both of them off. He did not care about such frivolous things. To him seeing them now more than made up for any of that. It had been years since he gazed upon either of them and most importantly Satori who he viewed as an older brother. While King Dion was a man he had always gotten along with, although their meetings had been rare through the years. To see both of them in such wonderful health–Satori the ever towering legendary Sword Saint who now stood closer to seven feet tall–and Dion who carried the many physical traits of the Beastmen and the rest of their kin. With blazing red beast-like eyes and near feral features. He was happy, but he could not help but point out the missing member that rounded out the northern kings of Aurum.

"Where is King Artorias?" asked the Stygian monarch.

A man with dazzling caramel colored hair; adorned with a golden crown was followed by a great number of noble ladies, cutting through the crowd with haste. The noblewomen all wrestled for his attention as they bickered amongst themselves. One would be mistaken for assuming they looked ready to tear him apart, for in the minds of many of them that was certainly their goal when it came to his royal clothes. For their true desire was what lay underneath. He looked full of energy and life and it seemed to feed those who had gathered around him. Many tried to speak to him but with as much grace as he could muster he thanked them for their time and continued to make his way finally reaching them. The ever sought after King of Avalon had made his entrance with some hassle but nevertheless it brought a smile to Antares' face.

"Great King Antares I-" King Artorias began but halted his prepared apologies as someone far more important to him caught his golden eyes.

Before anyone could grasp what was happening, the eccentric monarch had dropped to one knee in servility in front of Guinevere who looked more startled than anyone present.

"My wondrous Princess Guinevere, it is the greatest of honors to make your acquaintance again." The authenticity of the words that left his mouth shocked all present, but the Avalon King was not finished. "Be it your divine armor or the wonderful black dress you have adorned. Your beauty has no equal. I truly must ask again for your hand in marriage."

Everyday seemed to present the King of Iliad with more proof that truly there was a growing number of things he did not know about the goings-on of Aurum and her people. Certainly of his own little sister who perhaps was not so little anymore. Antares did often forget that Guinevere was a woman of age to wed. Which is why he, among all present, was the most surprised by King Artorias's declaration. Never mind that he had also never seen his sister so flushed before for as long as he knew her. He did not have time to fully digest that the King of Avalon had just brazenly asked his sister for her hand in his presence, let alone that this was not the first time. He looked over to Casspien who was just as bewildered as he was. Whereas Typhon broke out into a joyous laughter.

"This is cause for further celebration!" demanded the giant Stygian as he called for more wine.

"Lord King Artorias, please carry yourself with greater dignity!" begged Guinevere, her cheeks reddened with increased haste. "I am a knight of Iliad. I serve my realm and my king. I do not have the time or luxury for such things!" she mustered all the courage she had, while Ursula and Melina struggled to maintain their composure behind her.

King Artorias was crest fallen, once again his declaration of his love rejected so harshly. Yet the Knight-King would not give up, he turned his attention to Antares for approval, "Lord Brother, what say you? Will you stand in between the way of our love?" the sadness in his eyes was captivating.

Antares found it difficult to come up with an adequate response in such a short time. He was somewhat aware of how unconventional the King of Avalon could be. Yet he often thought those exaggerated rumors were simply done to discredit a man who seemed perfect in nearly every regard. Given that Artorias Pendragon was also considered by many to be the greatest living knight known throughout the nine realms. A title that was not so easily earned granted the stringent requirements to become a knight, let alone the ruler of them all. The good natured man before him was talked about as wise beyond his age and was a guiding hand that over the years had done his part to help improve relations not just across the northern realms but the south as well. All the praises heaped atop his head were worthy accolades. King Artorias in his short rule had done well to reiterate how much he wished to further grow Avalon's relationship with the ancient realm of the Stygians as they once were a millennia ago. However Antares had not known he was this eager to form such a lasting union.

King Dion forced the Knight-King to his feet. "Please forgive my dearest friend King Antares, Princess Guinevere." He bowed low, coercing the King of Avalon to do the same. "He is a very passionate man, says what he feels at any moment. To his detriment and all those around him."

Antares was appreciative of how much the description reminded him of a certain red-haired Stygian giant. "Do not fret, King Dion. I know of a similar man." He glanced over at Typhon, "I am flattered by your interest in my sister King Artorias. Unfortunately for you, my sister's will is her own." The king leaned in close, "But she never did out right deny you." He winked, giving the great king renewed vigor, much to the dismay of Guinevere herself.

What followed was great conversation between northern monarchs as a jovial atmosphere grew with welcomed delight, naturally Antares took the opportunity to tease his little sister and suggest multiple ways the King of Avalon could win her heart. To which Guinevere readily shot down every possible future of that happening. Seeing his king entertained and distracted, Casspien saw an opportunity to excuse himself as he stepped off to the side looking for more wine. Although just arriving he had grown tired of the festivities and was ready to retire to his chambers. However he knew it was only a matter of time before Typhon relaxed enough and forgot himself. The Lord Regent needed to watch him at the very least, he could not sleep soundly knowing his dear friend was left to mingle with people who already regarded him with such wonder, lest they convince the Stygian giant to display his Stygian strength they no doubt were eager to see. Instead he sought more wine to relax himself and pass the time. Antares' earlier display had ruffled things but the manner in which he carried on with Faye allowed for those present to find joy in their waltz. The only issue the Lord Regent had, was that he hoped Princess Reza and the rest of Emperor Nero's family would not take offense to the slight. As he thought of Nero he could not help but notice that the Emperor of Aurum had yet to make his entrance, when he was handed a drink.

"For you my lord," the woman offered. "It seems you could use another."

The Lord Regent of Iliad was stunned into rare silence as he took the glass from the woman in a red dress. She approved of his speechless expression, a worthy response to her appearance. She debated greatly about even attending such an event in proper attire. The cold feel of her armor on her skin and the warm leather was all she ever needed. This was a battlefield she rarely ventured to and felt as though she did not belong. His reaction told her otherwise.

"Do I look that out of place?" she grinned as she twirled. Her short hazel hair fluffed around in the air.

Casspien Xerxes recalled the first time he met Rose Valentine, one of the Thirteen Sword Saints of Aurum. For so long he was effectively chained to Akkad, because of Antares's exile and by those who sat on the king's council; along with the influence of Prince Daimion. They looked to keep him close and busy. They believed if he had enough time to ruminate about what had happened, he would reject their rule on the basis of being a Lord of War. Or run off to join his dear friend and abandon his post. However they did not know Casspien was bound by duty and would do no such thing. Instead he did as he was instructed and remained in Akkad, focused on carrying out his duties and giving himself completely to his training as a Sword Saint. The songs of the wind told him another Sword Saint would seek him out and so he waited.

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His shock when that day arrived was not that he had been waiting for a woman, but was the daughter of the previous famed Sword Saint who had given him his legendary blade. Without much word, she challenged him to a duel ready to reclaim one of two swords that belonged to her father, the other was already in her possession. Certain that Casspien was the one responsible for his demise. And so they dueled, to which Casspien won, again and again. Never electing to kill her. When she had calmed after repeated defeats, she permitted the young Sword Saint to offer an explanation. Years prior Roan Valentine had journeyed to Iliad by direction from his famed weapon to pass it on to another. This other was Antares, who at the time refused the honor. He had no desire to become a Sword Saint so soon after attaining the title of Lord of War. Shocked by this decline, Roan eventually accepted and sought another to inherit the will of the Sword Saints. That man was Casspien Xerxes and thus it was how he came to own the legendary sword known as the Nameless Blade.

Of her fathers demise, he was unsure how such a thing came about, for in the brief moment he had known him. Casspien could feel the great power he held, scarcely believing a human could wield such strength. In time Rose grew to accept his explanation and even go as far as to be satisfied. She vowed that one day she would reclaim the famed sword from his possession, for she too was a Sword Saint bound by their ways. Once a year she would battle with him for it, and once a year she would fail. Only to return again. It had been five years since they first crossed blades. Their yearly duel had started as a ritual of death and blossomed into a more intimate affair.

"You look breathtaking," the Lord Regent admitted with ease.

Rose Valentine bloomed a wonderful color as she looked away, surprised by his candid response. "I was not expecting you to be so honest."

Casspien smiled, "What are you doing here Rose Valentine?" It was not the first question he wished to ask her but it was enough to start a conversation.

She took his drink, and enjoyed some of it. "I am working of course." Her multi-colored feline eyes scanned the crowd around. "This may come as a shock, but some of us need to work for our meals." She handed him back the drink.

He rolled his eyes with a grin, "Who could possibly afford to hire a Sword Saint as a private guard?" already knowing the answer.

She simply motioned her hand around to remind him where they were. That being more than enough to answer the question. "It is very difficult to decline when the Emperor of Aurum sends envoys with bags of gold to ask you to be a private mercenary for his daughter's naming ceremony." She recalled how dogged the emperor's men were when they came after her. "And when I was told the King of the Stygians, the famed Antares Xerxes would attend? I simply had to come. I even declined the money." She was impressed with herself.

Of course there was something far more valuable than money: recognition. The fact that so many nobles would be gathered in one place meant that she would be able to ply her trade and perhaps even become a retainer to a wealthy noble or even a monarch. Casspien was aware of that, but Rose was not one to struggle for money nor work. There had to be another reason she would do this without payment.

"I have never known you to work for free," he pressed. "Though it is interesting that you would attend after the mere mention of King Antares' name. Have the tales about him moved you as well?"

The Sword Saint crossed her arms, "Oh please as though I would come for such a man, when the prospect of seeing you is far more entic-" Rose stopped herself as the growing smile on Casspien's face widened considerably while he sipped his wine. As always, her mouth tended to run much faster than her thoughts. "W-what I meant to say is that it has been a year and we are due for another duel." Her face matched the color of her dress.

Casspien let out a laugh, "I am sure."

"Meet me tomorrow night by the docks, you scoundrel." She did all she could to look intimidating, but all she managed to do was look ever more captivating in the eyes of the Lord Regent.

He bowed, "As you wish Lady Rose." He had no desire to let her know that he did not travel south with his legendary weapon. He saw it as a fitting surprise and looked forward to what tomorrow night would bring.

They continued on like that for a time, with Rose recounting her journey through Aurum since the last time they had spoken. He looked to hang on every word she said, alternating his gaze between her eyes and lips. For Casspien her presence was a welcomed sight, a moment of clarity surrounded by so many he was unwilling to engage with. He had told Antares that he needed to be welcoming but as he stole glances of his king in the distance surrounded by so many with cheery smiles. He somewhat felt insincere that he had scurried off to the corner of the great ballroom with Rose to converse. He thought as long as the night proceeded like this there was no need to be so strict with his duties, at least for now it looked like the first night in Longshore would end in a subdued yet pleasant celebration.

As he allowed himself to relax that is when things changed for the worse, so suddenly a hushed tone took over the ballroom and one by one in quick succession people fell to their knees bowing their heads. At first it was one at a time and then a large majority did so. Eventually enough lowered themselves that Casspien could make out who it was that approached. There was no announcement of his arrival, nor was there any indication that he would attend. Of the many thoughts of him and what he would look like, Casspien did not know what to make of him. Of the Emperor of Aurum. The only man to ever cast a shadow as long as King Barranagan Xerxes. This plain looking man commanded so much authority throughout not just the room that they were in but throughout several realms across Aurum. A man who was rarely spoken about yet seemed to always be in every conversation. A constant reminder from a different age, he was the one claimed the riches that were meant to belong to his king's father. Even Rose who stood next to him lowered herself on one knee and bowed her head, the royals and Stygians of Iliad also followed suit although gingerly as though an oppressive force pushed them down. The only ones to resist and remain standing were himself, his sister Melina, Ursula, Typhon, Guinevere and of course King Antares.

"By the Gods you look just like him." Emperor Nero Blackrose rubbed his chin in amazement as he studied Antares. "If you told me you were Barranagan Xerxes reborn, I would believe you. And I knew the man for well over two centuries!" He mused.

Antares recalled the first time his fathers name was cursed. He could not have been older than six when it happened. It was soon after his mother's life had been taken. The boy prince had locked himself in his room, seldom coming out. He lay on his bed, clutching his mothers clothes, as he bathed himself in her scent unable to do anything else. The prince hardly slept, when he did he went to bed hoping that as he awoke she would burst through the door ready to take him on their daily walks with a new book in her hand.

She never did walk through his doors again.

When it dawned on him that he would never hear his mothers voice or her laughter, it paralyzed him with so much fear and an unbearable sadness that no boy that young should ever have had to know could exist. He often would wake up vomiting as he recalled the memory seared into his Akashic Eyes, watching her very soul fade into nothingness leaving him behind along with her lifeless corpse.

In that haze where time shifted like hands through sand, there was one memory that he clung to. The servant girls who had been tasked with bringing his meals and cleaning his vomit, often forgot to close his door completely. On one such night, they took it a step further and foolishly gossiped, forgetting that the boy they attended to was not human and his hearing was superior to theirs. They spoke of the many theories and rumors about the cause of his mothers death. Though among what they had said there was one thing that stuck to him even now as he was a twenty-seven year old king. They cursed his fathers name, blaming him for the demise of his mother. That perhaps the words of the Emperor of Aurum were true–that the ruler of Iliad, the monster that hid in the north was truly the Demon King himself. Only such a being as terrible as that could possibly have been cursed to have a perfect queen like Myrra Stormborne meet her end in such a gruesome manner, still clinging to her youngest child in an act of eternal love. Antares was nearly six years old the first time he heard his fathers name being cursed. Over two decades later and the countless times it happened since, he finally came face to face with the man he grew to hate without ever once meeting. Until now.

"Nero Blackrose," The Stygian King smiled. "It is an honor," he offered a courteous bow.

The King of Iliad looked to the woman who stood next to the emperor, her tall slender frame was attractive. He instantly recognized her to be Princess Reza's mother. They shared nearly all the same features along with such striking black hair. The way her eyes lingered on him for a moment too long made him realize in his face she saw someone else. He also bowed respectfully to her, snapping her out of the trance she was in. If she was flustered Antares did not know, she bowed in kind and gave him a soft nod.

These two before him were his fathers oldest friends, the heroes who saved Aurum over a century ago from ruin. Their tale was spoken about and seemed to grow in grandeur the more it had been told. Antares knew not what to think of the Black Witch. However, of Nero Blackrose, that was no mystery to him. Of all he knew upon finally meeting them both, he found them to be just as ordinary as anyone else. That was the problem he thought, oftentimes stories made people greater than they were through no fault of their own. How else were heroes and villains meant to be created? At the end of the day they were just people living their lives, doing what they needed to do to survive. Yet his father gave them more, he gave all of Aurum more. Barranagan Xerxes gave them the opportunity to thrive and in return they cursed him for it. Owing to their ways, even in times of peace, humans still needed to create monsters to flourish.

Emperor Nero waved his hand dismissively, "Please such pleasantries are not needed between us. It has been some time but our families were close once, and soon we will be closer still." He turned around beckoning for all to rise. "Let the celebrations continue! The night has only just begun!"

Antares nodded in agreement and proceeded to introduce his sister and the rest of his family to the man who had contributed to the vile image that had been crafted of his father for decades. The formality he was able to carry along with Nero surprised him to some degree. However he was far more proud of Guinevere and Typhon who both managed to not only remain cordial but also speak with great dignity in the face of such a man that he knew they both hated as much as he did. In Typhon's case perhaps even more, as the large Stygian had always viewed Barranagan Xerxes as the greatest being to have ever lived and the savior of their species.

The rest of the night proceeded with a calm ambience that was well received by all. It had only been the first night of the Reza's naming ceremony but all present looked to be on their best behavior. They all pretended well, played their role and laughed and mingled. All the doubts and worries they carried they drowned with wine and music. Tonight in this room Aurum looked to have achieved the true peace that Barranagan so desperately fought for with all his might. It amused Antares that if his father had still lived he would not have attended this gathering. Such was the kind of man he was, content with the safety of others but never wanting to intrude upon their happiness. A lonely existence that he never once found issue with. It was why the new King of Iliad was able to conduct himself with such refined air. He would uphold the memory of his father, that little he could offer him.

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