(Not) a Hero

The pounding footsteps of Aloy and his troops echoed along the palace corridors, causing the atmosphere to suddenly become tense. If usually several servants were still busy passing by, this time no one was seen. Only the palace guards were standing by, ready to wait for the king's orders with their heart beating wildly.

Are they going back to fighting against mage race?. Anyone who thinks about that question must be shivering in horror. Fighting against a mage race was like signing a life-and-death contract.

Unlike other races, the mage race is more difficult to conquer. Their appearance is similar to humans in general. Only a few special marks on their body parts that indicate that they are magicians. And they can hide the mark very well.

"Calm down, Zon, we have a war hero who can even kill a witch general and make a witch queen helpless."

One of the guards of the empress' chamber gripped the sword in his hand tightly. Mumbled softly, trying to regain the courage that had lost when he saw the reflection of the red moon above the sky. Since deciding to become a soldier, he immediately got the task of escorting the empress. So he had never experienced the battlefield firsthand. So, when he imagined having to face a terrifying mage race, he instantly shrank.

"Open the door to the empress chamber!"

Zondi, the guardian of the empress chamber who was busy with his thoughts, was shocked. Who knows since when, the king and his personal bodyguards were standing in front of him.

In a panic, he opened the bedroom door, even forgetting to inform the empress about the king's presence.

Ah, it looks like the king suddenly came to the empress because he wanted to discuss the possibility of the awakening of the magician race. Yes, he is sure of that. So, it doesn't matter if he doesn't announce the king's arrival to the empress.

However, Zondi's confidence suddenly faded, as his eyes widened wide as the glint of the sword that was raised aloft was aimed at his neck. And before Zondi had time to react, pain immediately stabbed into his body, as a sword slash landed on his neck.

Fresh blood started flowing from his neck.

Why? why? the question filled his head. He didn't even understand on what basis the king's bodyguard sword landed on his body.

"Think of it as being sacrificed for mankind."

The king's cold gaze that kicked Zondi's body before entering the empress's room made Zondi understand something. Understanding that is very sad because he only found out at the end of his death. The man who had just stared at him was not the hero he had been so exalted about. Yes, he is not a hero.

"Tidy up the body. Gather together with other bodies."

Said the king coldly, completely uninterested in Zondi's lifeless body under his feet.

He then stepped inside, looked at a beautiful woman who was standing right in front of the window, looking up at the sky with sad eyes.

"So, you decided to become a traitor, Drea ?."

The woman completely ignored Aloy's question, her eyes were still fixed on the sky. It was as if there was something she was desperately looking forward to.

"This damn woman!!"

Aloy hissed sharply, with quick steps he approached the woman, pulled her hand forcibly and threw her body onto the cold floor.

"Answer! Have you decided to betray me and side with those damn magicians?"

Aloy grabbed the woman's hair hard. Impatient with the attitude of that woman who still chooses to remain silent.

The eyes of the woman who was none other than the empress as well as wife of the king who was now pulling her hair mercilessly, trembled. There are a thousand sorrows that suddenly hit her chest when she heard the accusation that Aloy uttered.

Wasn't she loyal enough all this time?. Even after she found out how cruel and ambitious Aloy was, she still helped the man become the king.

All Andrea did solely because of her love for Aloy. In fact, she was willing to betray her twin, Palya. Delivered Palya to death when Palya tried to save Terena from Aloy's sword.

"Why are you silent? Are you now decided to be mute after all this time your sweet mouth continues to say love words to me?"

Asked Aloy again.

Andrea could see there was a flash of disgust in Aloy's eyes. As if all the words of love that Andrea has been saying are something disgusting and not worthy of him to hear.

For the first time in years, tears flooded Andrea's cheeks. The last time Andrea cried when the crown prince was officially crowned. After that, Andrea felt numb because of Aloy's cold attitude toward her.

Not only cold, Aloy even casually hugged many women every night. Ignoring the lonely Andrea. And stupidly, Andrea remained at Aloy's side unconditionally.

"Isn't that enough?"

Andrea's head, which was originally bowed, now lifted. Staring at Aloy with her beautiful red eyes,

"Isn't all my loyalty to you not enough? I even betrayed Palya and made as if she was the one who killed Cleana. I could only remain silent when you killed Palya behind my back. Tell me, Al, where else can you doubt my loyalty?"

Shouted Andrea in a choked voice.

Aloy's cold eyes suddenly turned soft when he heard Andrea's scream. The hand that had previously grabbed Andrea's hair was now loose. He then hugged Andrea's body which was shaking with sobs, stroked Andrea's long hair which felt very soft.

"Sorry, Rea, sorry. I'm sorry for suspecting you."

Aloy whispered softly in Andrea's ear.

Anger and sadness were suddenly lifted from Andrea's heart when she heard Aloy's whisper. She returned Aloy's hug, burying her face in the burly chest of the man she had loved so much for years.

Aloy kept stroking Andrea's hair, kissing her head repeatedly, making her sobs slowly subside.

"I love you very much, Aloy. There's no way I could betray you."

Said Andrea sincerely.

Ah, even from the first, Andrea always said the word love with great sincerity. And today, Andrea hopes, her feelings will be conveyed to Aloy.

"Yes I know,"

Whispered Aloy softly,

"I love you very much too, Andrea."

Aloy's right hand continued to stroke Andrea's head. Made the woman close her eyes because the feeling of happiness flooded into her. Finally, after all this time, Aloy understood the love that Andrea had been having.

Just as Andrea's eyes were almost closed due to the fatigue of crying, Aloy's soft voice came back into her ears,

"But sorry, Rea. This time you have to sacrifice yourself as proof of your love for me."

Andrea's eyebrows furrowed, not understanding what Aloy was saying. What other sacrifices did Aloy means?. And a few moments later, Andrea's question was answered. Her eyes widened as Aloy's dagger stabbed her heart.

Pain should have gone through Andrea's body. But somehow, she didn't really feel it. It seems the pain in her body was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

Ah, you were right, Palya. I am stupid, really, really stupid...

Suddenly she remembered Palya's expression, who always mocked her because she was crazy about Aloy, who was still a prince who was not considered worthy.

"I'm sorry, Pal.. Sorry.."

Her consciousness slowly fading, before it finally went completely dark.

Aloy stopped stroking his hand on Andrea's head when he no longer felt her sigh. He then raised his head, staring at the back of his bodyguard who had been standing with his back to them in front of the door.

"Tell all the people and nobles that the empress was killed by Terena when she tried to escape,"

Aloy let go of Andrea's body which was lying on the floor. His eyes were fixed on Andrea's face,

"And stack the bodies together with other corpses."

Aloy said coldly, walking away and leaving Andrea's stiff body...