Under Secrets

A long long time ago, when there were kingdoms, kings, queens, princes and princesses, between the 13th and 14th centuries, there was a very prosperous Kingdom called Greavaria, that was ruled by King Arthur Montgomery.

This man was known for his great charisma, wisdom and mercy towards his people and the neighboring kingdoms.

As an interesting popular saying goes, behind a great man there is a great woman, beside that great man was a great woman, Queen Magdaleena Montgomery.

Although this kingdom was prosperous, like any kingdom, wars were inevitable.

In 1270, three years had passed since the war between the Kingdom of Greavaria and the Empire of Promor and, that same year Queen Magdaleena was giving birth, it was a very complicated birth.

It was necessary that three midwives had been with her, but because she did not know the sex of the child, she preferred that the only midwife would be her companion, Helena.

Finally the child was born, Magdaleena was very happy to see that she had given birth to a very strong and healthy child, but at the same time, she was sad to learn that the child who had given birth was a boy.

In order to prevent him from growing up and joining the war as the prince, Queen Magdaleena made a request to the only person she trusted with all her life, her escort, Helena.

Before losing her life, Magdaleena asked Helena to hide the fact that the child was a boy and to tell everyone that the child who had given birth was a girl.

The scort accepted without questioning anything, the queen also asked her to tell the king that the only request she had was that after four years, the child she had given birth to, lived in a convent and that the child should only return at the end of war.

The scort accepted.

Magdaleena took the child, kissed the child and said the child's name would be Dylan, as she didn't want them to know he was a boy until the end of the war and didn't want to give him a female name because he wasn't a woman.

Magdaleena died taking Dylan in her arms. Helena cried, but she did exactly as the late queen had said.

She introduced the child to the King, Arthur Montgomery, who in turn accepted as his beloved late Queen had asked.

Helena was taking care of the child hiding his true gender.

Time passed, the war continued, four years passed and finally it was the time Dylan's should go to live in the convent, far from the kingdom, far from the war and far from anything that could harm his life. His nanny went with him, after all, Helena was the closest person to whom Dylan knew.

Dylan was growing up with the love and affection of his nanny Helena.

He knew he was different from everyone else in the convent and his nanny Helena always told him to hide it the fact that he was a boy.

At age 13 he met Lizha, at the time she was 10 years old. They became good friends. When Dylan was 18 years old, Helena died but left Dylan with a letter that should be opened on the day he returned to the kingdom, the moment that would be revealed that Dylan was a boy and that this fact was hidden to prevent him from going to war.

The years went by and four years later, the war was finally over.

Dylan could finally return to his realm and reveal his true identity.

However, when came to the moment, nothing was linear as Magdaleena and Helena had expected.

-------------------------------------------------------

"So Dylan?"

"What?"

"Have you started hearing the rumors yet?" Lizha combed Dylan's hair.

"What rumors?"

"Rumors about the end of the war between the kingdom of Greavaria and the Promor empire."

"Hmmm...news like that fly...I heard it yesterday after mass..."

"It looks like life here at the convent is going to change."

"I hope so. Donations had decreased a lot due to the war."

Suddenly someone knockedthe door.

"Come in!" said Dylan.

"Excuse me," entered a girl, "Dylan..."

"Helena," Dylan saw the girl by the mirror.

"The director is calling you, she said she needs you in her office in five minutes."

"Okay," Dylan said.

The woman left.

"What could it be?" asked Lizha.

"It must be something related to the end of the war, I think I'll go home."

Dylan got up and looked at himself.

"You combed my hair really well, too bad I'm going to have to mess it," Dylan ran a hand over the hair

Dylan was white with tanned skin, waist-length blond hair, light brown eyes. He was tall and extremely beautiful.

"Here," Lizha handed him a gown, cassock, and a handkerchief.

Dylan received the clothes and dressed it.

"M I okay?" she ran her hand over her clothes.

"Very well," Lizha smiled.

"Well...let me see what the headmistress has to tell me."

Dylan left the room towards the directory.

Once in the living room, he knocked the door.

"Come in!" said someone on the other side of the door.

Dylan did so.

As he entered, he saw a royal man sitting in one of the chairs opposite the convent director.

"Good Morning!" Dylan got close to the table.

"Good morning," said the convent director.

The woman was Caucasian, middle-aged and dressed as a sister.

"Sit down!" The lady indicated the chair.

Dylan did so.

"This man has a message from your father," the sister pointed out to the lord.

The man got up and bowed.

"I bring a letter from Master Arthur Montgomery," the man handed Dylan a letter.

Dylan's heart pounded when he heard the name Arthur Montgomery, after all she hadn't heard that name since he was four years old.

"Thank you," Dylan received the letter.

Dylan opened the envelope and took out the letter.

He swallowed hard as he unfolded the letter.

Dylan my beloved daughter. It's been 18 years since I've seen your beautiful face. I want to believe you grew up graceful and beautiful in the grace of the gods like your mother. I send you this letter ordering you to return to the kingdom of Greavaria. After several years, the war was finally over. Return to Greavaria as soon as possible. From your beloved father, Arthur Montgomery.

Dylan folded the letter and put it back in the envelope.

I knew that this call had to do with the end of the war, Dylan thought.

"So, you didn't just come to give me this message..."

"No, your highness...your majesty has ordered me to take you back to Greavaria,"the man kept his head down.

"Lift your head. What's your name?"

The man lifted his head,

"The-o--Theodore, Your Highness."

"Fine. I'll be back, Theodore."

The Man nodded.

"Mistress Director..."

"Yes your highness..."

"Please keep calling me Dylan like you did for these 18 years..."

The woman nodded, "how can I help you?"

"I have a request..."

"I'm all ears."

"I want to take Lizha with me..."

"Lizha?"

"Yes, she's the only friend I've had since I've known myself as a person."

The woman nodded, "I authorize you to take Lizha with you."

"Thank you very much, Madam Director. Thank you for take care of me during all these years. When I return to the kingdom I will send monthly supplies to the convent."

"Thank you so much for your generosity Dylan," the lady opened a smile.

"Theodore..."

"Yes your highness!"

"Wait for me and Lizha at the gates...let's just pack up our stuff."

"Yes your highness."

Dylan left the director's office and returned to his room.

"So Dylan...why did the headmistress call you?" Lizha saw Dylan by the mirror.

"Pack your things!"

"Why?" Lizha continued to comb her hair.

"Let's go to Montgomery," Dylan was arranging his clothes.

"Do what?" Lizha looked at her.

"Lizha?" Dylan stared at her, "Do you want to stay forever in this convent starving to death? The war is over. My father told me to get back home."

Lizha got up all excited.

"What? Go to the kingdom of Graevaria?"

"That's what you heard! Pack your things," Dylan closed the suitcase.

"But what about the director?"

"I had her consent," Dylan began undressing, "we are not going out dressed as a nun.." He finally took off hi. clothes.

Lizha looked at Dylan up to down and smiled.

"What?"Dylan asked.

"If they knew..."

Dylan shook her head, heading towards the closet.

"That's exactly why I take you with me...you're the only person I trust...I can't let another woman near me," Dylan was rummaging through the closet.

Finally he took off a dress.

"I'm ready now," Dylan was seeing his hair in front of the mirror.

"Me too..." Lizha smoothed her hair.

"Did you take everything that is yours?" Dylan looked around.

"Yes," Lizha cracked a smile, "because I'm best friends with the princess of Greavaria...I'll have better clothes..."

Dylan sighed, "Let's go."

Both carried their bags and left their room.

"I can't believe it...I'm leaving the convent. Maybe I'll meet a nobleman and get married," Lizha said excitedly.

"Avoid talking about royalty while we're in public. The war is over, but it's not known what will happen to me if they find out I'm Arthur Montgomery's child.

"Yes...yes..." Lizha panicked.

Finally they both arrived at the gate.

"Dylan! Lizha!"

Dylan and Lizha turned back.

They saw a group of women going after them.

"Ah...they came to say goodbye," said Lizha.

Lizha put her suitcase on the floor and ran to meet the girls.

Dylan crossed his arms watching the women embrace.

"Let me help."

Dylan turned back to see who it was.

"Ahm... Theodore."

The man carried Dylan and Lizha's bags.

Suddenly one of the women threw herself into Dylan's arms.

"Hey...Sylvie.."

"Take care Dylan...I'll miss you..."

Dylan cracked a smile, "Me too..."

"Make sure you eat right..."

"I'll do it."

"Your..." Theodore paused.

"Is my suitcase packed, right?" Dylan tried to hide it.

"Yes...Dylan."

Dylan ran a hand through the hair

"Lizha...let's go! Sylvie, take care," Dylan walked away.

"Wait for me!" Lizha ran to the carriage.

Finally they both got into the carriage and left.

"I can't wait to see the kingdom of Greavaria," Lizha was looking out the window.

Dylan opened a book and began to read.

The afternoon passed, after five hours of travel the carriage stopped.

Dylan looked around.

"Why did we stop?" she looked around.

Suddenly someone opened the door.

"Excuse me Your Highness. I believe Your Highness is tired and on the other hand it is getting late. If we keep walking, we will be targets of looters as soon as we reach the foot of the border. I hope your highness understands."

Dylan closed the book.

"I completely understand. Let me wake up Lizha."

"I'll ask the carter to get the best rooms in the tavern."

"Fine," Dylan nodded.

The messenger left.

Dylan got up and went to meet Lizha.

"Lizha!" Dylan shook Lizha's body, "Lizha...wake up!"

"Hmmm... What's wrong Dylan?"

"We stopped to take rest. Wake up..."

"Hmmm..."

Lizha sat up and rubbed a hand over her eyes.

"Have we arrived in Greavaria?" she looked around.

"No...we stopped somewhere before the border," Dylan looked around, "well...let's get out. I need to shower and sleep."

Suddenly Theodore appeared.

"We've already booked the rooms..."

Dylan took Lizha's suitcase and hers then climbed out of the carriage.

"Let me help..."

Theodore walked over to Dylan and carried the bags.

So heavy, thought Theodore.

Finally Dylan got out of the carriage and looked around.

The place where they were was a forest and the only habitable structure was a tavern.

"Dylan..." Lizha called him.

Dylan turned back and saw Lizha trying to get out of the carriage.

Dylan sighed and went to meet Lizha.

"Here you go!" Dylan held out his hand.

Lizha took Dylan's hand and got out of the carriage.

Lizha messed up and they both fell. Lizha fell on top of Dylan.

"Lizha!" Dylan stared at Lizha.

Lizha looked away.

"Get up! You're heavy..."

Finally Lizha stood up and held her hand out to Dylan.

Dylan rolled his eyes and stood up by himself.

"Dylan?" Theodore called him.

Dylan sighed, shook out his clothes.

"Come on," he held Lizha's hand.

Both headed towards the tavern.

Finally they entered.

Dylan looked around.

The tavern was made of wood, was large and luxurious. There were numerous tables around, a reception, on the left side a bar and a dance floor. There were few people chatting.

Suddenly a woman got close, "Please follow me."

Dylan looked at Theodore, Theodore nodded.

The woman started walking and Dylan followed her and Lizha followed Dylan.

The three went up the stairs.

The girl stopped in front of a door and unlocked it.

"This will be your room," she pointed to the entrance.

Then Theodore appeared carrying Dylan and Lizha's bags.

"Please Theodore," Dylan pointed to the room entrance.

Theodore went in, left the bags on the floor, and left.

"Here it is," the girl handed Dylan a key.

Dylan received the key.

"Dinner time is at 8 pm, we can bring your dinner here if you prefer."

Dylan nodded, "and where is the toilet?"

The woman smiled, "This is one of the best rooms we have. It's a suite."

"Hmmm. Alright," Dylan nodded.

"If I may...I will leave."

Dylan nodded.

The woman left.

"If you allow me too...I will leave..." Theodore bowed.

Dylan nodded.

Theodore was leaving.

"Ah.. Theodore..."

Theodore turned back.

"Yes Dylan..."

"We'll want our dinner in the room."

"Understood," Theodore bowed and walked away.

Finally Dylan and Lizha entered the room.

Dylan closed the door.

"Wow....! How beautiful!" Lizha looked around.

Dylan went to the bed and threw himself.

"I'm exhausted," he said.

"The trip was long.." Lizha looked around, "but it was worth it," she concluded.

The room they had entered was large, had two single beds next to each other, two cupboards on each side, the bathtub and the toilet at the back.

"I need a shower," Dylan said.

"I'm going to prepare your bath," Lizha headed towards the bathtub, "should I order hot water?" Lizha looked at Dylan.

Dylan sighed, "It's going to take a long time. I'm going to shower with cold water."

"All right."

Lizha prepared Dylan's bath.

Lizha went to meet Dylan and began to undress him.

Dylan walked to the tub and got inside it.

"It's not that cold," Dylan sat in the tub.

Lizha approached Dylan and began to bathe him.

"So...for what reasons do you think your father ordered you to go back to Greavaria?" Lizha washed Dylan's feet.

"I don't know... it's natural for a parent to want their child back after the barrier that separated them has been crossed."

"I see...how are you feeling?"

Dylan hooked his arms over the sides of the tub and relaxed against the wall.

"Indifferent. I knew this moment would come one day. I don't know how I will be able to face my father...I say...it's been 18 years since I've seen him. I lived my childhood and adolescence far away from him...I don't know if I will be able to show my affection as his child."

"Relax Dylan...when the time comes you'll know what to do..."

"I hope so.."

-------------------------------------------------------

Dylan woke up and looked around.

What is that noise? Is it my impression?, he thought.

Dylan looked away and saw Lizha still asleep. He got up and went towards the suitcase.

"Not that I will need..."

Dylan took a sword from his suitcase, got up, put on his robe, and left the room.

This noise comes...

Suddenly Dylan turned back and pointed his sword at someone's neck and the other person pointed his sword at Dylan's waist.

"Who are you?" Dylan looked at him up and down.

The person he had aimed the sword at was a man. He was Caucasian, weard a nightshirt, pants and a pair of boots.

"Are you in a position to ask something?" he looked at the sword he wielded.

Suddenly two men appeared behind the man.

"Watch out!" Dylan pulled him of the way by his arm.

Dylan got into a sword fight with the two men.

"Huh! I won't be outdone!" yelled the man Dylan saved.

The man also joined the fight.

Suddenly Dylan's sword dropped to the ground, he turned back and looked at the sword.

Dylan's opponent attacked him with the sword, he dodged and kneed the man in the arm.

The sword dropped and Dylan kicked the man in the abdomen.

The man took a few steps back, got in a bad way and fell out of the window.

Dylan ran to the window and took a peek.

"Sorry," he saw the man on the floor writhe in pain.

Dylan's hood dropped.

The man he saved turned back and looked at him.

Is a woman! he wondered.

"Don't take your eyes off your opponent!" the opponent was attacking the man Dylan saved.

Dylan turned back and saw the man about to get hit.

"Watch out!" he shout.

The man looked straight ahead, hit his opponent's hand and the sword fell.

He kicked his opponent in the face, the opponent fell to the ground and lost consciousness.

Lizha left the room, "What is that noise?" she ran he hands over the eyes.

Suddenly other people started coming out of the rooms.

Dylan got close to Lizha, "You stay here!"

"Dylan!" Lizha looked at him up and down, "What are you doing with that sword?"

"There are others down there. You stay here."

Dylan left running.

"Hey! Lady, I'll go with you!" The man was tying the opponent's hands.

"Who are you?" Lizha looked at the man.

The man finally finished tying up his opponent.

"I'm a friend," he walked through her.

Dylan bounded up the stairs.

The man caught up with Dylan and saw her jumping down the stairs.

Seriously...is she a woman?

Dylan jumped up, grabbed a chandelier, and kicked one of the looters in the tavern's restaurant.

Dylan dropped onto a table and looked around.

The restaurant was all vandalized and the things of value had all been looted.

Suddenly two men attacked Dylan simultaneously, Dylan got into a sword fight between them.

His ally stopped in the middle of the stairs and looked around.

"But---"

"Are you going to stand there and watch?" Dylan asked him as he fought.

Suddenly the ally felt a presence of someone coming from behind and elbowed the person.

The enemy fell and rolled down the stairs.

The ally suddenly sensed the presence of more people behind him, he turned back and entered into a sword fight with the two enemies.

"How many are you anyway?" He was stepping back down the stairs.

Dylan jumped up and grabbed the chandelier and leapt onto the bar counter. His enemies followed him. He started kicking bottles at them, the man were hit.

The ally burst out laughing, "Wow!"

Suddenly the male guests of the tavern began to run down stairs.

"Oh...oh!"

Guests started attacking the intruders, they threw things and more things at them.

"Guys! Let's go!" shouted one of the enemies heading towards the main door.

All other enemies fled. Finally everyone fled.

The guests began to celebrate, hugging and shaking hands.

Dylan's ally got close to him.

"Good fight!" he cracked a smile and held out his hand.

Dylan stared at him and could see the man had green eyes, black hair and was very handsome.

"Thanks" Dylan jumped from the counter to the floor.

"Huh! But I wanted to help you," he turned back.

"Hmm...no need," Dylan pulled the hood back over his head.

"Archie," the man held out his hand.

"Dylan," he returned in greeting.

They stood there looking at each other for few seconds, suddenly they began to hear someone in the group of guests crying.

Dylan walked out of there and headed towards the group of people.

He saw a man kneeling on the floor crying.

"What is it?"

The man continued to cry.

Archie approached the huddle, "You own the tavern don't you?"

The man nodded.

"Our tavern has suffered from looters often," said one of the servants.

"I thought with the end of the war we would be free of the looters," the tavern owner sobbed, "having the tavern on the border of two enemy kingdoms is not easy, we are easy targets for looters," the man continued to cry, "no lords provide us with aid, whether the kingdom of Greavaria or the Promor Empire... no one," he ran a hand over his eyes.

Archie and Dylan looked away.

"Dylan?" Lizha looked around looking for Dylan, "Dylan...where are you?"

"I m here!" Dylan raised his arm.

Lizha found him and I gave him a hug.

"Stop getting into trouble..."

Dylan started running his hand over Lizha's head, "I'll try..."

"Now what do we do?" Lizha looked around.

Dylan got away from her.

"Gentlemen and ladies... anyone who can help join me. Let's try to organize what we can here at the Tavern."

"Miss Dylan..." Theodore entered the middle of the group.

"Theodore?" Dylan cracked a smile.

"Are you alright?"

Dylan nodded.

"And this sword?" Theodore looked at the sword Dylan held in his hand.

Dylan ran a hand over the head, "You came in a good time" Dylan dropped the subject, "give two hundred gold coins to the owner of the Tavern."

Everyone looked at Dylan.

Is she a noblewoman? Archie wondered.

"Miss..." Theodore stared at Dylan intently.

Dylan approached Theodore and whispered in his ear, "This tavern often suffers from looters because it's in the middle of Greavaria and Promor," he got away and broke into a smile.

Theodore sighed, went to where the owner of the Tavern was and gave him a bag of coins.

The man received the bag with gleams in his eyes.

"I don't know how I can thank you for your help, miss."

Dylan forced a smile, "You're welcome."

What's wrong with that woman's voice... isn't it too heavy for a woman? Archie wondered.

"So...let's help? Everyone's breakfast will be paid by me!" Dylan said excitedly.

Everyone started to celebrate.

Everyone began to clean up the mess the looters had made.

The dawn passed and at six in the morning they managed to fix the tavern.

Lizha ran a hand over her face.

Dylan got close to her, "Are you fine...? You should not try too hard."

Lizha cracked a smile, "It's nothing. I'm just not used to hard work."

"I understand..."

Suddenly the lord of the tavern got close and thanked everyone for their help. He asked the guests to return to their rooms, because after an hour they would have breakfast.

Everyone celebrated then went back to their rooms.

Dylan and Lizha returned to their room. Dylan threw himself on the bed, "Damn looters..."

Lizha started to stretch herself.

"I'm glad we are leaving this place after breakfast."

"Yes... But I have to do something about this tavern..."

Lizha looked at him, "Do not get involved in these things Dylan..."

"I can not stand to see human suffering, especially for things related to the realm I come from."

"I see! But take it easy."

Dylan cracked a smile.

"I m going to prepare your bath..."

The morning passed, Dylan and Lizha got ready and packed their things.

Finally they went down to the restaurant, both carrying their luggage. Theodore went to meet them and took their luggages.

Lizha went to a table and Dylan went to reception to return the room key.

Then she went to the table where Lizha was, pulled out a chair and sat down.

Lizha was already eating her breakfast.

Dylan poured the milk into the cup and reached for a piece of bread.

Suddenly someone appeared at the foot of their table.

"May I?"

Dylan lifted his head and saw Archie. Dylan and Lizha stared at each other.

"Yes. Please," Dylan pointed out the chair.

"Thank you!"

Archie pulled out a chair and sat down.

"So... Dylan is it your name, right?"

"Absolutely."

"I see you are on your way out..." He saw Theodore on the other side cleaning the carriage.

"Yes."

Archie grinned, "I'll go after I have breakfast too... Or at least I should," he grinned goofily.

Dylan frowned.

Archie looked at the window and suddenly got up all confused.

"Have a safe trip," he got up quickly and started walking quickly towards the stairs.

Suddenly three men entered the tavern. Everyone looked at them.

One of them was noble and two appeared to be royal knights.

They looked around.

"Archie!"

Archie stopped in the middle of the stairs and turned back slowly.

"Ian..." he cracked a smile and waved.

The man went to meet Archie.

The man was white, with black hair, wore a white tunic, black trousers, a pair of black boots and carried a sword at his waist.

The tavern owner went to meet one of the knights.

"Ian... I m so happy in seeing you," Archie forced a smile.

"What are you still doing here? You should have been back two days...two days!"

Archie looked away and ran a hand over his head.

"It's just that so many things happened, you know..." He forced a smile.

"How long will you run away from your responsibilities?" Ian stared at him.

Archie rolled his eyes.

"You found me... what else is missing?"

Ian shook his head.

"Guards!"

The guards were getting close.

"What room were you in?"

Archie looked away, "Twelve?"

Ian glared at him.

The guards came to their feet.

"Take the bag from..." Ian paused.

Archie stared at him.

"Take his luggage. Room twelve."

The men nodded and went upstairs.

"Let's go to the carriage."

"But I have not had my breakfast yet..."

Ian stared at him.

"Alright! Alright!" He started to go downstairs.

Ian followed him.

Dylan and Archie's eyes met. Archie cracked a smile and waved.

Dylan looked away.

Finally Archie and Ian left the tavern.

Archie looked around and sighed.

He got into the carriage and then Ian.

Archie sat up and looked out the window.

"How long did you think you would run away from the Empire?"

Archie sighed, "I do not really want to go back to Promor. I'm glad the war is over... but I did not want to go back... Not yet."

"I completely understand."

"Did dad at least say why he wanted me to get back to the Empire as soon as possible?"

Ian looked away, "I don't know."

Archie looked at him and saw that Ian had looked away.

"Hey! Hey! You know something do not you?"

"I do not know."

"I know you very well Ian. What do you know?

"You will know when you arrive."

Archie sighed and relaxed back against the seat.

"What a wonderful best friend you are..." he looked out the window.

Suddenly the carriage door were knocked.

"Yes," Ian replied.

The door was opened.

"Excuse me," one of the knights set Archie's luggage on the floor.

Archie turned away and saw Dylan outside, stroking her carriage's horse.

Ian looked at him, noticed that Archie was looking somewhere and he looked at the place Archie were staring.

The carriage door was closed.

"Did you sleep with her?"

Archie stared at him, "What kind of man do you think I am?"

"A heartthrob?"

Archie looked out the window again.

The carriage started to move.

"I don't even know that lady. I was just surprised by the kind of person that woman is... She's so... charismatic. She reminds me of my mother."

Ian looked away.

Dylan and Lizha entered the carriage. Dylan took out a book and began to read. The carriage started to move.

Lizha started looking out the window.

"Do you think that man was a bandit?" asked Lizha.

"What man are you talking about?" Dylan continued to read.

"That man...Archie?"

"Ahm...no. He did not look like a bandit. He wielded a good sword. To me he looked like a nobleman running away from his responsibilities. The way he is...

He must have gotten someone pregnant," he was still focused on the book.

"What an evil person you are!" Lizha continued to look out the window.

The day passed. Archie was getting back to Promor Empire and Dylan was getting back to Kingdom of Greavaria.

Archie was looking out the window. They passed through the Capital Empire gate.

"This place brings me so many memories..."

"It's been two years since you were last here."

"Yes."

They entered in the capital of the Promor Empire.

Archie looked around.

"Nothing have changed."

On the left side there was a field and on the right side the city for the clergy.

They continued, they crossed the bridge and below it was a river of crystal blue water. They continued, they reached the other side of the bridge, they passed the central square. On the sides of the central square there was the place for the residence of the nobility. They moved on, they crossed the fourth wall and finally reached the area where the cathedral and the Administration house were located. They continued onward and finally passed the fifth wall.

Archie saw the castle.

"Home sweet home," he said.

The gate was opened and they went through.

After five minutes they arrived at the main castle gate. The carriage stopped, then Archie and Ian got out of the carriage.

Archie looked around.

"Shall we go?" asked Ian.

Archie nodded.

The main entrance gate opened and they entered.

They went left, towards the throne room.

Archie and Ian walked down the hall. On the sides of the corridor were knights on duty.

Finally they reached the foot of the throne room.

The door opened and they entered.

"I announce the entry of Archie Seanford the first son of Emperor Daniel Seanford Emperor of the Promor empiEm, and the entry of his escort Ian Morris," a man announced the entry of both.

Both approached the throne and knelt.

"Father! I returned to the Empire as you ordered," Archie said.

"Stand up!"

Archie stood up and looked straight ahead.

In front of him was a middle aged white man, he had green eyes, black hair partially gray. The man was slightly handsome, with a neatly trimmed beard. He wore a red cloak over a white tunic, brown trousers and brown boots. He had a crown on his head. On the left side was an extremely beautiful lady. She was white, with red hair, covered in jewels and had a crown on her head. She was wearing a red dress a little too bold. On the emperor's right side was an empty chair and beside it sat a young red-haired boy with green eyes.

At the far end of the sides were the royal Knights.

"I'm glad you came back as soon as I ordered you to do so. Go to your chamber. Later there will be a feast to commemorate your return," said the emperor.

"Thank you father," Archie bowed.

Ian got up and bowed.

Both left the throne room

They were heading towards the royal chambers.

"How do you feel coming home?"

"I do not know..." he looked out the window.

"Well...you don't need to know how you feel about your return to the Empire. Focus on wash yourself and resting. After all, later there will be a big banquet to celebrate your return to the Empire."

Archie continued to look out the window.

Finally they reached the wing of the royal bedchambers.

"Well...see you later," Archie said.

Ian nodded and turned left where the royal escort's quarters were located.

Archie turned to the opposite side where the stairs were located. He went upstairs and reached a hallway where there were numerous doors, went to one of them and stopped in front of it. He took the doorknob, sighed and finally opened the door. He opened the door and looked around.

The furniture was luxurious and covered with fine gold. In the center was a monumental four-poster bed, half open by curtains. The top of the bed was decorated with four bouquets of white ostrich feathers, a luxury item reserved only for royalty.

On the bed was a clothes prepared. There were a pair of braies and a linen shirt. One green tunic and one short red one, and a velvet cloak edged with gold.

He looked to his left and saw that bath water had been prepared.

Suddenly someone knocked the door.

"Your Imperial Highness! It's me Bentley."

"Come in!"

The door opened and a boy in his twenties went in.

"Your Imperial Highness," the boy bowed, "I had been ordained to serve Your Highness now that you have returned."

"Lift your head..."

The boy lifted his head as Archie had ordered.

Archie grinned, "I'm glad you are fine...you grew up well over the last two years."

"I humbly thank you your imperial highness" the boy bowed.

"Fine. Come close," Archie walked over to the bed and sat up.

The boy got close and knelt down.

Archie sighed and placed his feet on the boys lap. The boy removed the first boot and then the second.

He stood there for a while, Archie was away and he hadnt even noticed that the boy had already removed his shoes.

"Your Imperial Highness..." the boy stared at him.

Archie snapped back to reality, "Ah! You've already taken off my boots," he looked down at his feet.

"Yes sir," the boy nodded.

Archie got up and opened his arms. The boy got close to him and helped him remove his clothes. When the clothes were finally removed, Archie walked over to the water basin and went inside it.

Bentley finished arranging the clothes Archie was wearing, went towards the bathtub and helped Archie wash himself.

"So Bentley... Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No, my lord... I'm still too young to have one..." the boy washed Archie's feet.

"I see..." Archie was looking out the window.

After 30 minutes Archie washed himself, Bentley helped Archie to wear his underwear, that was the pair of braies and the linen shirt. Then Bentley left to let Archie take rest.

Archie sat down on the bed and sighed, looked at the clothes set aside for the bed then he dropped himself onto the bed.

----------------------------------

Ian came to the foot of Archie's bedchamber door and knocked it.

"Archie, it's me Ian." Ian waited a few seconds and then knocked the door again, but there was no answer.

"I'm coming in..."

Ian walked in and closed the door. He looked around and saw Archie sleeping. He went to the foot of the bed and woke Archie.

"Archie...wake up..." Ian shook Archie's body.

"Hmmm..." Archie turned away.

"Wake up... The feast will begin..." Ian continued to shake his body.

Finally Archie woke up and looked around.

"Ian..." Archie looked at him.

Ian got away, "Get up and get dressed. The feast will begin."

Archie woke up and passed his hand by the face.

"Lost time..." Archie stood up.

"Let is... get dressed!" Ian started to grab Archie's clothes from the bed.

Archie moved away from the bed and Ian helped him dress.

"Where is Bentley?"

"Bentley cannot enter your quarters without your permission, have you forgotten? The two years you were out of the Empire made you forget protocol and etiquette..." Ian helped him to wear the second tunic.

Archie grabbed the robe from the bed and tied it around his neck.

Ian got away and looked him up and down.

"You look very handsome."

"Thank yoi..." Archie sat up in bed.

Ian got close to him and handed him a pair of brown boots.

Archie pulled on his boots, tied them, and stood up.

He smoothed his clothes with his hands, "Shall we go?" he looked at Ian.

Ian nodded.

Finally they left Archie's bedchamber, went downstairs and headed towards the Great Hall.

Finally they arrived at the room, walked through the door and stopped at the entrance.

"I announce the entrance of Your Imperial Highness Archie Seaford and his escort Ian Morris!" announced the herald.

Finally Archie and Ian reached the royal banquet table.

Both bowed.

"Your Imperial Majesty, forgive us for our lateness to the banquet," Archie said.

"Son... have a seat," the emperor pointed out a chair.

Archie nodded, pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Ian...have a seat," the emperor pointed out a chair beside Archie.

Ian nodded, pulled out his chair and sat down.

"Music!" the emperor clapped his hands.

Suddenly some oriental dancers came in and started to dance.

In the great Hall there was only the imperial family, the escort of the emperor's first son, Ian, the empress's attendants, the musicians, the dancers and some servants.

On the Emperor's left side was Arnold Seanford, Archie's stepbrother, and on the right side Archie, future owner of the throne, and beside him, his companion, Ian Morris.

In front of them were the dancers dancing.

On the left side, there was a table where the Empress and her attendants were, was the table reserved for the maidens.

Suddenly servants were bringing basins of water for each person present at the banquet, to wash their hands.

"So my son, did you manage to take rest?" asked Daniel Seanford, Archie's father.

Archie washed his hands, "That is what took me so long."

"Then I think you rested well," Daniel wiped his hands.

"I think so father."

"Tell me... these two years what have you been doing?" Daniel raised his wineglass for it to be poured.

"Nothing special father, I visited a lot the allied kingdoms."

"That's very good. It helps to strengthen relationships with the other kingdoms. And the maidens?"

Archie grinned, "I don't know what is father talking about," he was taking a piece of bread to his mouth.

"Well, anyway. I believe Ian told you, for a while you're going to stop playing with the damsels of the neighboring kingdoms."

"Ian did not tell me any of this," Archie looked at Ian.

Ian looked away.

"I thought about that too. It was good, otherwise you would not have got back to the Empire."

Archie chuckled slightly, "What's this all about anyway?" He took a spoonful of soup to his mouth.

"You are going to have to get married in three months..." Daniel brought his glass of wine to his mouth.

"I'm not going to lie that it's a surprise to me, I'm not going to say I'm opposed, after all it had been already decided everything," Archie brought a glass of water to the the mouth.

Ian frowned in amazement.

"You will marry the Princess of Greavaria."

Archie suddenly left the water glass fall on the floor.

Everyone looked at the royal table.

"Forgive me father, I do not think I heard perfectly..." Archie looked at Daniel.

"Before the war was over, the King of Greavaria and I decided to make peace, and for that it would be necessary for you and his daughter to marry..."

Abruptly Archie got up from the table, "HOW CAN THE FATHER ACCEPT SOMETHING LIKE THIS? THEY WERE THE PEOPLE WHO KILLED MY MOTHER! HOW DOES FATHER WANT ME TO MARRY THAT MURDERER DAUGHTER? I WON'T MARRY THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF GREAVARIA," Archie tossed his napkin on the table and started walking.

"Archie..." Daniel called him.

Archie ignored him and continued walking.

Ian stood up and bowed, "Your Imperial Highness! Please allow me to be absent to talk to Archie."

"Permission granted," said Daniel.

Ian nodded, "Excuse me," he started walking.

He walked out of the great hall and saw Archie striding toward the royal quarters.

"Archie..." Ian walked quickly behind Archie.

Archie quickly went upstairs, walked to his bedchamber, and entered. He went to the window and sat down.

"I'm coming in," Ian entered Archie's bedchamber, "Archie..."

Archie turned back and looked at him, "Why did not you tell me? Why did not you tell me I have an arranged marriage to the killer is daughter?"

Ian looked away, "Sorry Archie..." Ian tried to get closer.

Archie stopped him with his hand, "Stop right there."

Ian sighed, "Fine Archie. I did not tell you because I knew you were going to look like this."

"Whatever..." Archie looked back at the window, "how does he want me to marry the enemy is daughter...how? They killed my mother... I suffered a lot from it... "

"There is no other way to make peace, if you do not marry the princess... Look Archie, this marriage is just a diplomatic treaty. Later you can marry whoever you want..."

"Hmm..." Archie looked at him.

"What is it?"

Archie came down from the window, "I know what I'm going to do..." he flashed a scary smile.

"That face... You are up to something... Do not tell me you're going to run away..." said Ian all terrified.

"Far from it..." Archie started pacing, "I'm going to marry the princess of Greavaria..."

Ian frowned, "Will not you object?"

"As much as I object will my father listen to me?"

Ian shook his head.

"I'm going to marry her... But I'm going to break her up, I'm going to make her love me and I'm going to hurt her..."

"Archie... You were never like this..."

"Whatever Ian...whatever..."

"She is not to blame for her father is choices... Worse... I doubt she wants to marry you too."

Archie sat down on the bed, "There is no woman who does not want to marry Archie Seaford. There's no woman who does not fall for my charms... I'm going to finish her," he stood up, "I will apologize to my father."

Ian frowned.

Archie got out of the bedchamber, "Are you coming?" he was leaving.

Ian left the bedchamber and went with Archie back to the great hall.

The gate has been opened. Archie walked to the royal table and bowed.

"I'm sorry father. I acted out of emotions, but after talking to Ian I realized I was wrong and how important this marriage is to the Empire."

"Apology accepted. Sit down."

"Thank you father," Archie pulled out a chair and sat down.

Ian bowed and sat down.

Archie went back to serve food.

"I understand your feeling for the people of Greavaria, but we have no alternative."

"I understand father..."

"I sent a messenger to the Kingdom of Greavaria, tomorrow you are going on a courtesy visit to the Kingdom."

"Yes father," Archie looked at Ian.

-------------------------------------------------------

The carriage door opened, "Your highness princess Dylan..." said Theodore from the foot of the door.

Dylan and Lizha were sleeping.

"Your highness..." Theodore entered the carriage.

He walked towards Dylan and tried to touch him, "Your high---"

Dylan woke up and took his arm.

"I---- I apologize, your highness..."

"Theodore!" Dylan let go of his arm, "I'm sorry..."

"I apologize for touching your highness," he bowed.

"Fine... Why did you wake me up?" Dylan looked around.

"We have arrived in the realm of Greavaria your highness."

Dylan frowned and looked around. He saw a totally beautiful white castle.

He got up and got out of the carriage still looking around, the castle was surrounded by water. The water glistened with the reflection of the moon and stars.

How beautiful, he thought.

In front of the gate were two Knights.

"Dylan..."

Dylan turned back and saw Lizha step out of the carriage.

"Have already we arrived?" Lizha ran her hands over the eyes.

"Yes..." Dylan answered her.

Lizha looked around, totally fascinated.

Lizha ran up to Dylan "We've reached Greavaria," she hugged him.

Dylan hugged back.

Suddenly a lady came out of the castle. She was Caucasian, of middle age, her hair was black and it was tied back. She wore a long black dress that covered her entire body. Behind her came two girls in their twenties. Both wore plain woolen dresses.

The woman bowed, "Welcome to Greavaria your highness. I am Leila, the steward of the castle."

"Please lift your head."

The woman raised her head, "Your majesty is waiting for you," she cracked a smile.

"Thank you."

"Please follow me," the woman started to walk.

Dylan and Lizha went after her.

The gate was opened and they moved on.

Dylan looked around. They passed through a corridor, the sides of the walls were Knights in service.

They moved on and arrived at the great hall.

On the walls were long red curtains, a little above some medieval artifacts such as weapons and armor.

In front of them was a noble man.

"I announce the entry of Her Highness Dylan Montgomery, Princess of Greavaria and her companion," the herald made the announcement.

Dylan, Lizha and Leia bowed.

"Come close Dylan."

Dylan lifted his head and got close as thean ordered.

The man were Caucasian, blond and had a well-shaven beard. He wore a red robe with thin gold strips, a black tunic, could be seen that he was wearing a linen shirt inside, he was also wearing black trousers and a pair of black boots. On had a crown on his head.

The man stared at Dylan.

"You really did grow up beautiful and graceful. Just like your mother," he cracked a smile.

"Thank you father," Dylan bowed.

"I think the journey was long and tiring. I wanted you to rest, but the celebratory feast is almost done. So go wash up and have the feast."

"Yes father," Dylan said.

Daniel held up a hand signaling the entrance of the great hall.

Dylan nodded and left with Lizha and Leila.

"Allow me to show me your quarters," said Leila.

"Please," Dylan said.

Leila went ahead.

"Uff...I felt butterflies in my stomach when we walked into that room," Lizha said in a whisper.

"It's called the throne room... But I believe it's also the great hall..." said Dylan.

"I thought you did not take real etiquette lessons seriously."

"I knew that one day I would return to the kingdom, so I always took classes seriously."

Leila went upstairs, they arrived in a corridor full of doors.

"Your highness, this is the bedchamber reserved for you," she pointed to a door.

Dylan nodded.

"That is the room reserved for your companion," Leila pointed to the room next door.

Suddenly two girls appeared.

"They are Dorothy and Hannah," Leila pointed out to the two girls, "Dorothy will be your Highness's servant and Hannah will be your highness' companion's servant."

"Her name is Lizha," Dylan said.

"I apologize. I did not ask for the name earlier, I did not mean to be rude," Leia bowed with the hand on her chest.

"Apology accepted, but I do noy need any servants. Lizha will serve me, but leave Hannah in Lizha is care."

"Your wish in an order," Leila bowed, "your baths are prepared, if you need anything you can talk to Dorothy or Hannah. If it is something they can not do, they will call me."

Dylan nodded.

"Excuse me," Leila bowed.

Dylan nodded and Leila left.

"Hannah, I'm going to prepare her highness's bath, wait," Lizha cracked a smile.

"Yes Lady Dylan," the girl bowed.

Dylan and Lizha entered the room. They looked around.

In the left was a wooden bathtub, a fireplace in the middle and in front of it three chairs, on the opposite side was a four-posted bed. On the right side of the bed was a garderobe.

"Wow...is my bedchamber like this too?"

Dylan sat on the bed, "You will see when you go there," Dylan looked at the bed and saw an outfit on it, "I'll finally be able to reveal my true identity."