Chapter 4: Welcome To Sapphire

A long time ago, before the many realms emerged, there was a powerful House. Its name was Sapphire. The name of that very house would bring fear and respect all over different realms. The Sapphires were a rich family who invested in weaponry and fighting. People respected them and feared them greatly. House Sapphire established its Kingdom when it conquered the land surrounding it. They became a legend and a force to be reckoned with. Realms from different sides of the world wanted to be their ally for their abundance of jewelry and advanced weaponry. 

The Sapphires have distinct features. One of their well-known features was their midnight-black or midnight-bluish hair and sapphire eyes. Another distinct thing about them is the ability they possess to wield magic. They're known for their beauty, intelligence, and ruthlessness when it comes to battle. People like them—if they weren't royal—would've been considered monsters that descended from the devil himself. 

There are a number of Houses that are close allies with the Sapphirian Dynasty. Three of them are House Solaris, House Verdant, and House Azure. Theodore, the King's Secretary, is from that very House. Magnus, the knight, is from House Azure. 

The ride from Crystalia to Sapphire was a rather long one. Fortunately, they didn't come across any monsters along the way. It had been quite a peaceful journey other than the occasional wild boars that were running around the forests. At long last, the princess arrived in Sapphirian soil. 

"Princess," Theodore said, pointing at the window. "Welcome to Sapphire, the land of which you shall rule one day."

Eternia was in awe. She had never imagined that Sapphire would be this beautiful even at night. The realm was absolutely different from the place she grew up in. The stars here were different. They were brighter and more scattered throughout the sky. The night sky was filled with beauty and constellations you could only read of in books. "It's beautiful!" she beamed. 

"I'm glad you like it," said Theodore, "The reason, if you're wondering, as to why the stars are so evident in our sky, is because we try our best not to light up the realm. We believe that the light from the heavens is much brighter than any lamp made by man."

"It's nothing compared to the beauty of Crystalia all those centuries ago," commented Adrian, earning a smack on the head from Theodore. He rubbed his temple, glaring at the "older" looking yet younger man. "Whatever," he says, still glaring at him. "It's only this beautiful thanks to the Arcane Sentinel."

"The fairytale from the children's books?" asked Theodore. 

Adrian rolled his eyes. If only they knew who he actually was. Instead of looking down on him, these men would absolutely cower at him. Alas, there's nothing he can do for now. Yes, he's got power. Still, he hasn't recovered yet. Another thing was that he's bound to Eternia thanks to the bracelet. Unless he could break free from it, he can't leave the princess' side. At least, not permanently. 

Soon enough, the carriage stopped at the Palace gates where the queen and the rest of the courtiers were waiting. The trumpets sounded their arrival and the carriage door opened. 

"The King has returned," announced the pager, "Long live and forever reign, the house of Sapphire!"

Theodore first stepped out followed by the boy and the spirit fox. Aurelius stepped into the carriage to help his daughter out of the box. She was trembling, but she could put on quite the act. Everyone bowed and was in awe of her beauty and grace. 

"Behold, everyone," the King presented, "My only child and heir, Princess Eternia Seraphina Crystalia-Sapphire. May her presence be respected at all times. All those who ever say a single negative thing about my daughter shall be put to the sword."

"Long live the princess," cheered the courtiers. 

The Queen received them with a warm welcome. She bowed humbly before the king and smiled. "I have missed you, your majesty. I hope your travels have been well."

He shrugged, kissing her hand as a kind gesture. "This is my daughter," he presented, "Do be good to her. She's been through hell enough. I'm not asking you to love a child that's not your own, but show some kindness."

The queen smiled, nodding. "But of course, Your Majesty," she looked at the young girl and knelt in front of her. "You are a beautiful child, your grace. I've heard so many things about you. I hope that we can be a family despite my not being your mother."

Eternia curtsied in respect, earning the Queen's approval. "It is with great honor to finally meet you, Your Highness, my father's wife. I hope we can live at peace with each other," she greeted. 

The queen nodded. "What a well-mannered child," she comments, "Follow Lady Mariette. She shall take you to your chambers. We shall discuss everything else on the morrow seeing that you're exhausted."

"It was nice to meet you, Your Highness," Eternia bids.

Aurelius nodded at her, gesturing for her to do as the queen instructed. The other guests were put in a room near the princess' new quarters as well. The King then proceeded to walk with his wife back the the Queen's chambers. "How, might I ask, do you feel about my bringing my child home?" he asked, breaking the silence. 

With all honesty, she replied, "Surprised. But seeing that you brought her here despite the Crystalian law, something serious must have happened. I'm glad the child isn't harmed."

"Are you offended?" he asked. 

She was surprised at his questions. The King barely spoke to her and was usually stoic. The only time they ever spent time together was for official engagements and for the marital act. "No," she replied, "It is within your right to bring your child. Besides, I am in no place to complain. I failed at my part in this marriage."

"We still have time," he replied, "We'll have children."

"And if I can't?" she asked, "My King, you have been so gracious enough to not divorce me within the first year of our marriage… I fear you will soon tire of my uselessness."

"When that happens, I assure you that I won't send you back to that hell of a house you came from," he said coldly, "So you needn't worry." Finally, they reached the Queen's chambers. He followed her into her bed where various petals were scattered everywhere. Obviously, she made an effort. 

"Will my husband spend the night?" she asked, undressing. 

Aurelius turned his back with a simple "No" and vanished from her sight. Once again, he left the Queen. Despite what the rumors say, the King had only been with one other person—Marcella. Since the downfall of his marriage, creating an heir has been a struggle. It should be simple since lesser men could do the deed, but it's not. His heart and body continue to betray his mind. Perhaps that's the reason why he's unable to produce a male heir. The person his heart still longs for will forever be Marcella. 

Aurelius made his way into the princess' new chambers. The candles had already been blown, but the child's still wide awake staring out the window. "Eternia," he called, her gaze meeting his. 

"Your Majesty," she curtsied respectfully. 

He sat down beside her and thought about what he could say. There were a million things he'd like to tell her. In truth, he long waited for the moment when he could finally talk to her again, but now that it was here he couldn't find the right words. 

"Will you be crossed if I exchanged letters with Lady Jessica?" she asked, fidgeting her fingers. 

"No," he replied. 

"Then I would be grateful, Your Majesty," she smiled. 

"Do you not like this place?" he asked curiously, "I could find you another room if you'd like. We'll discuss the preparations for your future on the morrow."

"I like it here, Your Majesty," she assured him, "And I am very grateful for your generosity. Truly, I am. No one has ever shown me this much kindness other than you. I am truly blessed to have been born your daughter."

"I thought you'd resent me for the mistreatment you've endured for being my child," he thought to himself. He then smiled warmly at her and said, "It is a greater honor to have a daughter who's as beautiful and intelligent, and yet still as kind-hearted as you. As for the past, I hope whatever those lesser people said to you will remain in the past. You are my daughter and no one shall ever harm you here."

Eternia grinned. "You're so pretty, Your Majesty."

Her words caught him off guard, making him blush. At the same time, they stung his heart for the same words once came out of her mother's mouth. 

"Father," he corrected. 

"What?" she asked, furrowing her eyebrows. 

Warmly, he said, "Call me father."

"Father," she beamed. 

"Welcome to Sapphire, my princess," he said, planting a kiss on her head and tucking her in. Tomorrow unfolds a new chapter in all their lives.