4 Exordium (Part-1)

The world of Zestria has prevailed in its glory for millions of years.

The lives frolicking around beautifully in land, water, air alike bringing joy to the gods who created them.

The new lands had the higher beings, their kind named as humans. These humans divided their lands into territories and ruled them with their own principles and those principles varied greatly with each and every individual of their kind.

But the one principle everyone of this kind shared in common was that they considered their kind to be at the top of the food chain.

But that doesn't prevent the differences being too many and resulting disagreements being too many, so they had to draw a line---A line to separate people who share more common principles from those with more different principles from their own.

Thus came to be different countries as different continents have a natural separation in the form of ocean.

The continents were divided into four groups: The northern continent of Delphia which is mostly barren and isn't divided into countries as the cold makes it harder to support life, the southern continent consisting of Columba which consists of humans with principles that most other countries consider lesser to their morals naming them pirates or privateers---a much decent term for barbarians.

The other country of the South is the kingdom of Aria considered to nurture beauties beyond comprehension and is coveted all around the world. Their strong innovative minds helped hold their Fort with naval forces loaded with equipments of far future that makes them survive even with Columba just a sea across.

The Eastern continent is the largest among the four and is divided into four: The country of Suman located in the far north and is covered in snow in winter and blooms into beautiful greenery in summer, the country of Katiah covered in lush green evergreen all around except the North West closer to Bekhar which is made of smooth sands, the country of Bekhar is covered in its entirety with dry and smooth sands which are warmer when the sun is up and colder after the sun sets, the last country of the East is Hatar which has the greenery of Katiah and abundant agricultural fields made by the people's determination making them self sustained.

Then finally is the continent of the west. Its consists of the most influential and the most wealthiest of all, the first kingdom of Clarines with its rich mineral wealth and abundant precious stones and metal making it the richest in the world, the second is Steins being the undefeated with the highest military stronghold, the third is Liberty the country of snow with its people accustomed to the climate and lesser population, they thrive on their own available vegetation and the trade of coal and animal fur with the neighboring countries.

The fourth is Gillmore; the country of pearls, the beautiful pearls obtained from the entire coastal region and the abundant corals make their trade with Clarines all the more important. The fishery and the delicious cuisines obtained from the rarest species found only in the locality makes it a good neighbor for Clarines.

Then lastly the fifth and final country of the West and Zestria itself, is the kingdom of Wales. Being the most peaceful country, they refrain from involving themselves with any other across their border. The rich snow mountains in the North West prevent the colder winds of the North covering the foothold with evergreen shrubs that are rich in flora and fauna. The mineral wealth is also considerably high and agriculture is half of the people's occupation. The east coast is rich with rare fishes, corals and pearls and the southern border is surrounded by deep dark forests and hills surrounding the grand canyon of Russ.

Since it is a country with all the wealth of the world it is also called 'Omnia'---'the kingdom with all'. However that also laid the foundation for war as it is the root of envy. Although the other countries had forgotten, that a country which remains untouched for many years is impossible to exist in and by itself without strength---The strength to protect itself from anything and everything, which was proved and reminded to all by the great war of Heath half a century ago.

But everything isn't everlasting and everything has its own weakness, be it miniscule or major, they still have one.

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Kaia woke up to the jerk of the carriage. Her neck felt sore from the uncomfortable position she had slept in. At the moment she longed for her bed back in her chamber at the castle of Wales even though she despised returning there.

Her eyes found Alex who sat on the seat in front of her and almost let out a chuckle. Her friend was all stiff even when sleeping, with ram rod straight posture and arms folded neatly across her torso. The only indication she was still asleep was the slight forward drooping of her head.

The party, that included the Princess, her aide and ladies in waiting, along with the Royal Knight guard of first order and few soldiers, had begun their journey by dawn and left the inn they had been staying at before the sun rose. Waking up early just made Kaia even more tired and Alex doesn't seem to be an exception.

Kaia turned back to gaze out of the window. The beautiful green landscape she had been gazing at before was now replaced with newer looking brick buildings, which grew taller and taller as they passed by.

Kaia had a sudden impel to close the drapes and shut out the light and the outside world, as if she could confine herself in this small space and protect herself from the impending doom. Anything would be better than staying in the castle she called a home for the sake of it. But she still couldn't help but feel anxious, for she had never stayed over anywhere alone without him, except for her home based on lies.

Kaia grit her teeth and tried her best to divert her attention and concentrated on the scenery. She had to go through with this, for she cannot let his sacrifice be useless. Although, she'd give up anything if only she could be with him.

Yet it isn't possible anymore. Maybe she should have listened to her parents and never snuck out of the castle. Maybe she should have never gotten close to him. Maybe she shouldn't have let him fall in love with her...

Kaia's eyes dimmed as countless possibilities that could have saved his life ran through her head. She took a deep breath and let go of those thoughts that aren't of any value anymore.

'Just concentrate on the scenery.'

She reluctantly dragged her mind towards the rich edifices which differed completely from the architecture of Wales. Clarines screamed of wealth while Wales showcased nature.

'A completely different world.'

Kaia leaned her head by the door and continued watching the city bustling around. The people were either all dressed in rich silk, while the others were in rags and dirtied clothes.

'Poverty.'

Although she had heard and read about it a lot, Kaia never witnessed it in Wales but seems like she's about to witness it a lot hereafter.

Almost all other countries have people well below the line of average amount of income but Wales had always been an exception. The government is very well versed that there had been no instance of poverty in the last few decades. That of course drew the attention of many curious countries but a single example from the military made them retreat quietly and immediately.

That is why the kingdom of Wales remain undefeated and unintruded all these years. It is said to be the most fearsome of all yet the most beautiful of all. The natural wealth it has; the hills, the forests, the lakes, the seaside, the snowy meadows are all widely known around the world and coveted by all.

That is why it is a known tradition of Wales, that the Royal family should marry one of their own, be it a noble or a commoner. It has never been heard in the history of Wales about a royal marrying one from another country much less another royal.

Kaia knew well that Leortes had been well qualified to be her husband in all aspects. She also knew that Prince Voire lacks in them or more exactly does not have them, no matter how rich his country is, no matter how strong he himself is. It made her feel all the more miserable for taking his life.

Kaia knew she cannot escape from this cycle. These memories will haunt her till her end. The love she once cherished became the one she fears the most. It's a sad but cruel reality.