THE TWO GIRLS

**Chapter 5: The Two Girls**

One month before the Yoddha Ceremony, an unexpected turn of events occurred, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in the tale of Taiyo Realm.

From out of nowhere, two girls materialized at the entry gate, casting an air of mystery over the surroundings. The guards stationed there, intrigued by their sudden appearance, approached the girls and inquired about their identities.

"Aarika," one of the girls introduced herself, gesturing towards her younger sister. "And she is my little sister Jyorim."

The guard's eyes widened with recognition. "Ah, the princesses of Vrigon Kingdom. Welcome! The Queen is eagerly awaiting your presence in the battle arena."

Guided by the guards, the two princesses embarked on their journey to the battle royal arena. Their footsteps echoed in rhythm with their anticipation. As they entered the arena, their eyes locked onto the fervent clashes between valiant warriors, each vying for supremacy.

In the midst of the battles, one figure stood out among the fighters: Sagarka. Aarika, with a heightened sense, detected an unsettling presence surrounding him. A chilling realization dawned upon her – Sagarka was no ordinary fighter; he was a vampire. Yet, she chose to withhold her reaction, not letting her emotions betray her.

As the battles reached their climactic conclusions, Aarika and Jyorim found themselves wandering towards the bustling marketplace. Amidst the stalls and trading, Aarika's gaze was captured by a horse rider. An inexplicable aura emanated from him, a mix of love and kindness, filling the air around him. However, fate intervened abruptly – the horse suddenly reared, unseating the rider who fell towards Aarika. Time seemed to pause in that fleeting moment as their eyes met, a connection formed that transcended words.

Reality snapped back, the spell broken. The fallen rider introduced himself as Wong Lee Balluka, Prince of Japasuo. "Beautiful lady, I am Wong Lee Balluka, Prince of Japasuo."

Aarika's response was polite and measured. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Wong. Are you also here for the Battle Royal?"

Wong Lee affirmed, mentioning his father's forthcoming arrival for security reasons. Curiosity piqued, Aarika inquired whether he assumed her to be a local resident.

Aarika's reply was straightforward. "No, I'm a traveler, here for merchandise purposes."

Wong Lee then extended an invitation for a walk, which Aarika declined due to her ongoing work commitments. However, her sister Jyorim, ever supportive, stepped in to manage the workload, allowing Aarika to accompany Wong Lee.

During their walk, Wong Lee's efforts at flirtation fell on deaf ears, Aarika's disinterest evident. She manufactured an excuse and gracefully left, heading towards the Queen's palace, where her sister Jyorim and the Queen herself were awaiting her return.

Upon reaching the palace, warm familial bonds were rekindled as the Queen welcomed her nieces. The reunion was marked by happiness, bridging the gap of time that had separated them.

"Are you both fine? How is your brother Kyzer doing?" The Queen inquired, genuinely concerned about their well-being.

Jyorim updated her aunt on Kyzer's busy schedule as he managed the Vrigon Kingdom since their father's demise. The Queen acknowledged Kyzer's significant responsibilities, given that he had assumed kingship at a tender age of 9 after the death of their father. Presently, Kyzer was 25, Aarika 27, and Jyorim 22.

As the evening progressed, another visitor joined the fold – Hana, who had questions about the two princesses and their proximity to the Queen.

Queen's explanation provided insight: "Aarika and Jyorim are my nieces, daughters of my younger sister. We are four sisters in total. I am the eldest and the Queen of Chisame. My second sister, Greesha, married the King of Vrigon, resulting in three children: Aarika, Kyzer, and Jyorim."

Tragedy had struck both Chisame and Vrigon during a previous war, claiming the lives of both kings. Greesha, unable to bear the shock, had passed away due to a heart attack. Kyzer, the eldest son, had ascended the throne, carrying the heavy burden from a tender age of 9. At this point in the tale, Kyzer was 25, Aarika 27, and Jyorim 22.

With Hana's departure, dinner ensued, nurturing not just the body but also the bonds between the characters. Post-dinner, Aarika seized the opportunity to question the Queen about Prince Kyzer's absence.

"Why is he missing? Why didn't he become the king?" Aarika's concern was palpable, rooted in her belief that Prince Kyzer held the key to the kingdom's salvation.

As the day transitioned to night, Jyorim awoke at around 3 o'clock in the morning, her dreams haunted by vivid images. Her elder sister, Aarika, inquired about her dream, hoping to glean insights from her visions.

"I saw our elder brother on the battlefield, fighting at Chisame's borders," Jyorim shared, her voice tinged with urgency.

Aarika recognized the significance of Jyorim's visions, suggesting that her dormant power to foresee the future might have reawakened. The conversation unveiled additional details – another figure was present in the dream, locked in battle with their brother.

"Who were they fighting against?" Aarika's question hung in the air.

Jyorim's reply was somber. "I couldn't discern, but the scene was filled with bloodshed."

Aarika's mind raced, considering the implications of this revelation. Could the vampire ruler be plotting an attack on Chisame, or was another sinister force at play?

As the night wore on, uncertainties loomed, the narrative thickening with intrigue, foreshadowing challenges and revelations that lay ahead for the two girls and the kingdom they held close to their hearts.

TO BE CONTINUED...