Chapter 2 – The King's Warning (Extended)
Zaria strolled through the gleaming marble hallways of Flamecrest Palace, her long crimson robe trailing behind her like a river of fire. Guards bowed as she passed, and servants pressed their backs to the walls, avoiding her gaze. Her presence was thunder wrapped in silk—silent, commanding, impossible to ignore.
Sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting flames of color on the stone floor. Zaria's veil shifted slightly with the breeze, revealing a glimpse of her flawless skin and piercing blue eyes—eyes that could make even trained warriors flinch.
She entered the royal dining hall where King Thalion sat at the head of the table, dressed in a robe of emerald and gold. His crown gleamed under the chandelier, but it was his sharp gaze that ruled.
"You're late," he said, lifting a cup of spiced wine without looking up.
Zaria took her seat, unhurried. "Blame the new maid," she replied smoothly. "She spilled tea all over the floor from trembling."
The King raised an eyebrow. "You truly enjoy terrifying the staff?"
"I enjoy reminding them who I am," she said, sipping from her goblet. "A princess is not a decoration. I am steel in silk."
Thalion smiled faintly. "That steel may be tested soon."
Zaria set down her cup. "What does that mean?"
He leaned back in his chair. "A raven arrived at dawn. From the Northern Empire. The God of War is coming."
Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"They didn't say directly. But the scroll was sealed with the crest of House Varkas—Kaelion's house. There are whispers that he seeks a queen… and your name is on his lips."
Zaria's lips curved into a cold smile. "Another fool blinded by beauty?"
"No, Zaria. He is not like the others. Kaelion Varkas does not chase skirts. He conquers. Empires bend before him, not because of politics—because of fear."
The room felt colder despite the hearth fire. Zaria's fingers traced the edge of her goblet.
"So the gods now want fire to kneel before storm?"
Thalion shook his head. "No. But when two storms meet, they either destroy the world—or rule it together."
Zaria stood, walking to the tall window that overlooked the courtyard. Below, guards trained, clashing swords echoing in rhythm. But her mind wasn't on steel or shields—it was on him.
Kaelion Varkas. The God of War. The man who burned cities and broke kings.
What does a man like that want with me?
And what happens when two monsters fall in love—or wage war?
She turned, veil fluttering.
"Tell the Northern Empire," she said, voice like ice. "Let the God of War come. But let him know this—Flamecrest bows to no one."
And with that, she swept out of the room, leaving behind the scent of burning roses and the echo of thunder.
In a distant land, across mountain and sea, Kaelion Varkas opened a scroll bearing the royal seal of Flamecrest. As his emerald eyes scanned the words, a smile tugged at his lips.
"She's bold," he murmured.
He rolled the scroll shut and looked toward the setting sun.
"Let fire and war meet at last."