by Isu Yin
Fate drew back a breath. “Pardon my interruption, Your Majesty. Approximately how long will this journey last?”
“This depends on Hero’s ability to learn. As his former mentor, I estimate no sooner than three turns.”
Her voice let out a shrill sound. “Three?”
“Yes. During this time, Lady Fate, you will be studying under Akira and myself. Since it has been determined that you and Hero are Bound, you will have to prepare yourself to become my successor. Once these conditions have been met, you and Hero will be wed.”
Hero calmly interjected. “This is all very sudden. When are we expected to leave?”
Queen Heqet’s gaze softened. “We are expecting a representative this evening.”
“So soon?”
“I apologize.”
The High King crossed his arms. “This conversation has drawn on too long. We must be efficient if we intend to properly send you off.”
Akira raised a hand to his side and darkness surged from his feet, forming a scythe in his grip. He spun it swiftly into an upright position. “We need to sever the first pact.”
A scythe? What is he, anyway?
He stepped in front of Kyou, shifting the scythe from his right hand to his left hand. His now-free hand rested over Kyou’s heart. “How wicked. They held your heart hostage. I suppose it is the way of the Council to take what matters most.” When he pulled back his hand, glowing strings extended from his palms and fingers, out of Kyou’s chest.
Fate perceived that these gold strings may have been anima, the connecting force of all living things. She knew very little about pacts, but she could guess that Akira intended to sever these strings to sever the pact that she and Kyou shared.
“Don’t worry,” Akira said, seeming to notice her distress. ‘’It won’t kill him.”
Kyou groaned as the strings pulled farther from him.
Besil twittered his tail and leapt from the desk to Akira’s shoulder, watching as his companion stepped back into the open room.
Akira snapped the strings with his blade and observed, until the remaining pieces dissipated. Once that was over, he moved to stand between Hero and Fate. “I’ll assume you know how to form a pact, Prince Hero.” He prattled to his cat while resting his chin against his hand. “It is unfortunate that I should have to bear witness to this ritual. There are many others suited to the task. It is my punishment, dear friend.”
Hero swerved his eyes towards Akira, blinking as a response, then extended a hand towards Fate. Earlier in the day, he’d expressed an air of awkwardness, but here, he focused so calmly on the task, he appeared disinterested.
“Fate, in order to make a pact, we have to promise something. I vow to return to your side and protect you, no matter what may come between us—space, time, or even death.”
Akira scoffed. “Can you overcome even death? My, we have a wizard on our hands.”
“I have no need for your gratuitous interjections. You’re here to watch, not to comment.”
A dark haze hung over Akira, spreading into the air like smoke. Even his eyes darkened as he heard the remark.
Besil cooed and nuzzled against the side of Akira’s mask.
Fate’s attention remained on him, nervous of the miasma she knew only she could see. She questioned the cat as well, because it seemed to understand the changes in Akira’s emotions.
Hero flashed his ‘U’ smile. “As I was saying, we must come to an agreement. Though this creature beside me doesn’t appear to understand, a binding is a promise that transcends space and time. With that in mind, is this a reasonable vow?”
“Yes,” she said, her heart racing as she watched Akira.
Hero brushed her cheek. His hand came around the back of her neck, and he pulled her closer.
As their lips touched, she experienced a surge of warmth in her chest and throat, as though she had swallowed a warm fluid. Her heart skipped a beat, and she clenched her eyes tightly shut until the pact had been formed.
After they had finished, he smiled. “Vien’ou. It’s necessary to conjure anima when a pact is formed. I hope you weren’t in pain.”
“Pain? No.” It embarrassed her too much to admit how pleasant she felt, so she feigned composure.
Queen Heqet rushed over to them. “I am so delighted to welcome you into the palace, Lady Fate! I hope my pupil does not trouble you too much.”
“He’s fine.” Fate glanced around for Akira, but he had disappeared.
“Unfortunately, we must prepare for what is to come.” Queen Heqet put her arms around Hero and Fate and led them to the doors of the conference room.
Fate scrutinized Hero on their way down the hall. She understood the meaning of his vow. As her Bound, he promised to overcome every possible obstacle to be by her side.
When she had looked for Akira, she thought of Solaris and his words in her vision: Mistress, you left me. You broke our promise. What was I supposed to do?
She swallowed hard and locked her hands together.
As Hero’s Bound, I vow to protect him from the same fate as Solaris.
Fate spent the afternoon watching Hero pack at the High Queen’s request. He spoke very little except when he addressed the Queen’s guards or Kyou. All the while, she waited, and did nothing but follow and listen to the preparations. She sat balled-up against a decorative window in the ceremonial hall, where the Ussan shone, casting intricate shadows onto the floor.
The duration of Hero’s trip bothered her the most—three turns. This trip would be longer than the time they had spent together. She feared the repercussions of their distance, considering she would be studying under Akira. She still had many questions about bindings and his involvement.
Since the death of her brother, she had spent every day beside Hero. Although she knew not to cling to others, the thought of being apart saddened her.
Even if it’s painful, I have to wish him well and study hard. I can learn a lot while he’s gone, then when he returns, I can be more helpful to everyone. If I’m going to become a proper successor, I have a lot to learn. I only feel like this because he’s been training since he was young. Be strong, Fate.
Hero crossed the hall and knelt down before her. “It’s almost time to leave.”
“I’m surprised you noticed me here.”
“What are you saying? I just made my vow. How can I lose you now?”
“I guess your word is your bond, after all.”
“Of course.” He stood, and helped her up by the hand. “Are you coming to see us off?”
“What about the representative?”
“Everyone has gathered outside. You didn’t come, so I searched for you.”
“Sorry to keep you.”
He glanced around for passersby. “Honestly, I’m not sure how to react to any of this. I feel blindsided. Even though I knew the High King often schemed against Lady Heqet, I never imagined he would go to these lengths.”
“Isn’t everyone waiting for you?”
He opened and closed his mouth several times, pausing. “You know, since I first met you, you’ve never really complained. You’re so determined. Even when Abyssus died, you kept moving forward. I praised you for it, but I also think it’s hurting you.”
“Why are you saying this now? You don’t have time for this.”
“Because I can’t leave like this. I feel like escaping with you.” He laughed faintly. “That’s selfish, right? I hate this. That’s the truth. I never wanted to become the High King’s successor. I hate it even more now that they’ve dragged you into it. Everyone expects me to be sad about my mother’s death, but I’m angry. She left this world without leaving answers. Now everyone is so busy pointing fingers, they can’t see what’s happening right under their noses.”
Fate said nothing. She couldn’t muster a response. Before, it seemed like they were on the brink of starting something new together, but that hope was destroyed in mere moments.
After seeing her reaction, h
e sighed. “Sorry for ranting, especially now.”
“Me too... I’m sorry. I wanted to send you off with a smile, but I’m sad. I felt like we were finally starting to understand each other, and now you’re leaving. After all we’ve been through, it’s just hard to think that I won’t see you tomorrow or even the next day. I should’ve been stronger and less reliant on your company, but it’s too late for me to start thinking that way, so I have to look forward and become more independent.”
“Me too.” He caressed her face with both his hands. “I’m sure it’s difficult to understand what I’m thinking, but I’ve become very dependent on you. As much as I hate it, the distance might help in some ways.”
“Are you acting mature because you’re sad or for another reason?”
“Both?” He feigned laughter. “I know that all of this is sudden, but I’ll do my best to become an enviable husband.”
“Husb— ugh! Don’t say things like that without warning!” Life in Mu passed by swiftly. The idea of marriage shouldn’t have surprised her. It wasn’t as cute or sweet as it sounded. They were the Capital successors. They would be wed even if they didn’t wish for it themselves.
“I have to tease you in a meaningful way. Then we’ll both remember. Truthfully, I don’t want to force you to do anything you don’t like. So even if we’re forced to follow certain guidelines, I hope you’ll be honest with me about how you feel.”
“Don’t be absurd. We just formed a pact, and even before that happened, I confessed that I have feelings for you. Though our fates may have been sealed, I hope you know my decisions have nothing to do with our current predicament or anyone involved. I didn’t get a chance to make a vow, so I’ll tell you now—I want to become stronger and more independent. While you’re away, I’ll study and train hard so I can properly stand on my own two feet. I want to become someone who can protect you. I think that if I feel more like your equal, I might be able to rely on you a little more, because I’ll know that I have a way of returning the favor.
“I don’t want to be someone who has to hide behind you every time we run into a conflict. When I was listening to Queen Heqet, I realized I have to be able to fight, to protect myself and the people I care about. Maybe I won’t be as strong as you, but I can learn how to become a proper support member of this team.”
Hero’s smile reached his eyes with a faint twinkle of admiration. “I like this part of you. You’re so hard-working. Ma’ail so. If this is what you wish, I’ll concede.”
“I’m sorry if it sounds selfish. I just want to feel like I can make a difference on my own if I need to. I want to be a reliable person.”
“You don’t need to apologize. I understand. Still, it’s going to be lonely without you.”
“I’m relieved that you’ll have Kyou.”
The word lonely elicited many memories of Leoht and Solaris expressing their various forms of the emotion. She hadn’t seen Solaris in her visions since the first time, but his loneliness seemed to have created a voracious void.
“It makes me uncomfortable to know you’ll be with Akira for three turns,” Hero said. “But I’ll trust you.”
“Yes, do that. I shall prove to you that my word is my bond.”
“Ma’ail. Why are you using my words against me?” He dug into his scarf, removed the hourglass, and slipped it over her head. “A keepsake. Take care of it. I’ll want this back.”
Fate buried her delight with a dull tone of voice. “I’m overjoyed.”
He smirked and studied her face carefully before giving her a kiss.
She hid inside of her hair.
“I like this reaction better. Was I too intrusive?”
“You’re going to be gone for three turns... you should do something like this. I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. Now, if you don’t go, you’re going to get into trouble.”
“Hmm... I’ve been restraining myself for a while.”
Kyou walked across the ceremonial hall and sighed. “You’re still here flirting? Everyone is looking for you. I understand the desire to exchange affections, but if you take any longer, my father is going to have one of his fits.”
“I was just telling him to go,” Fate said.
“That’d break my heart. I don’t understand how you two can speak so objectively. I’d run off with my lover in my arms and—”
“Okay, we’re done.” Hero pushed Kyou back the way he came. “Fate, you’re coming, right?”
She followed instead of answering. A carriage waited outside, where the King and Queen stood chatting with a soldier.
“Oh, good! You’re here.” Queen Heqet attempted to smile as she hurried over to Fate’s side. “I’m sorry this is so sudden. Akira and I will be here with you, so let’s make the best of our situation.” Her statements lacked the freedom of her usual manner, likely due to the presence of her husband.
Hero and Kyou met with the King and listened to his warnings and advice about their journey. Whenever Hero spoke with someone in these situations, he came across quite diligent and focused.
In many cases, Fate liked to see how he behaved towards, or around, others. It told her that their bond differed in a special way. He genuinely treasured his time with her.
The King ushered Hero and Kyou towards the carriage, negligent of farewells or emotions that may have been involved with the long journey ahead.
Fate saw why Hero had sought her out beforehand. If not for that, they wouldn’t have been able to properly say goodbye. Her only regret was that she hadn’t given him a final embrace.
Queen Heqet held Fate close and waved as she noticed Hero glancing from the carriage window. “Did you say everything you wanted to?”
Fate looked to ascertain the Queen had addressed her.
Everything? No.
Her gaze found Hero as he flung open the carriage door, ran back, and threw his arms around her. The warmth of his embrace enveloped her. His hand pressed against the back of her head, entangling her long flowing hair between his fingers.
“I’ll return, I promise.”
Fate brought her arms around his back and breathed in deeply to take in his scent. She rested her face against his chest, listening to the irregular beat of his heart.
As I thought, its beat is always peculiar.
“Be well,” she said. “I’ll work hard.”
He waved a final time and returned to the carriage.
The High King griped about the informality and urged the coachman to leave.
The carriage began to draw away from the Capital, and Fate still retained a sense of remorse about her repressed feelings. She pressed her hands over her lungs, and took a deep breath. “Hero!”
He quickly leaned out of the carriage window.
“Meil ou ya do!”
He beamed so brightly her heart skipped a beat. “Meil ouin, mail’ou.”
“Eh, what?”
A laugh escaped Queen Heqet. “He claimed ownership of it. He says that love... or your love... is his.” She laughed harder. “And he gave you a nickname.”
“You mean that last part, right? It sounds a bit like the word for precious or cute.”
“Young love is so precious.” She sighed blissfully. “You’re correct. It’s a common term of endearment in the traditional language. Ma’ail and ou. I often think of this as ‘my love’, but you’re welcome to interpret it how you please.”
“I feel like he’s just teasing me.”
“I think he’s being sincere, but I’m sure you’re right. Since your cheeks are so rosy, it’s hard not to tease you!” Queen Heqet cuddled Fate’s head. “Are you feeling better now?”
“Yes. Everyone is so affectionate.”
“Not everyone.” Queen Heqet glanced at her husband. “But almost.”
“Do know where I can find that articulate fox?”
“Akira? He’s often in the study. I can guide you to him. Are you already itching to begin your studies?”
Fate tossed her hands on
her hips. “I must press onward! I can’t let Hero surpass me!”
Queen Heqet clapped. “What a wonderful spirit. I feel like cuddling you again.”
“You remind me of Madam. You’re like a mother.”
“How funny. As you know, I am a mother. I can’t help but treat every young person like a child. I’m sorry if it unsettles you.”
“No, I like it. I feel adored.”
“I am pleased to hear so! Now, we shall go and find Akira.” Queen Heqet amused Fate, because she emitted airs of liveliness and poise. Her position as High Queen didn’t mar her welcoming personality.
Fate inspected the paintings on the walls on their way upstairs. Various images of the Royal family hung in elaborate gold frames. They walked down the left hallway to a room with white doors and stopped. The air grew thick near Akira’s miasma.
When she had first met him, he concealed it so well. Now she wondered why it suddenly spiraled out of control.
“Here you are,” Queen Heqet said. “I can feel his aura already.”
“Agreed. Thank you.”
“Please, take your time. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay in the palace.” She brushed her hand down Fate’s arm as she walked away.
Once Queen Heqet turned the corner, Fate pressed down on the door handle and entered the study.
Akira sat at the edge of a long table, one leg crossed over the other, and read from a book propped up in one hand. “Rota Fortunae.”
Fate closed the door. “I’m sorry?”
He slid the open book across the table, then slipped his hands into his pants pockets. “The ever turning wheel that decides which sinners shall perish.”