"It is not simply a relic; it maintains the balance of the Lore. With its vast power, it senses every anomaly—whether theft, murder, intrusion, or illegal deportation. It does not merely observe; it adjudicates. Its very existence ensures that no misdeed remains hidden. And when necessary, it acts—quickly and mercilessly." As I gaze upon the scepter, its golden arms emit a gentle hum, and the surrounding air vibrates with invisible energy. The polished base casts a radiant, spectral map into the air—a depiction so intricate, it seems to pulse with life. The entirety of the Lore unfolds before me, extending infinitely in every direction. Leaning in, I catch my breath as I discern movement on the map. Tiny figures, mere specks of light, traverse bustling streets, labor in fields, and transport goods. It's as if the scepter has stripped away the world's facade, granting us a view of life as it unfolds in real time.
"You can see everything," I murmur, my voice drowned out by the artifact's hum. My fingers quiver at my sides, yearning to touch but fearful of disrupting the fragile enchantment before us.
"Everything," Caeruleus affirms, his voice low yet decisive. He points to a map corner, where figures cluster in an alley's shadows. "It shows more than places. It unveils actions, intentions—patterns. The scepter perceives what many ignore." As he gestures near the artifact, the image zooms into a distant forest, where a solitary figure hastens. The clarity is remarkable; their urgency is almost palpable.
"How does it accomplish this?" I blurt out, unable to contain my curiosity.
"The Aurion Scepter is intertwined with the Lore itself," Baram responds, reverence lacing his typically stoic tone. "All life, every terrain, each choice—it's interconnected. The scepter doesn't merely display the world. It senses it." A shiver of both awe and trepidation courses through me. This small yet immensely powerful tool possesses the capacity for omniscience.
"Does it constantly observe?" I inquire, a note of caution in my voice.
Caeruleus looks at me, his lips curving into a subtle smile. "Only when necessary. The scepter honors equilibrium, Saltanat. It intervenes only when the Lore is in jeopardy." I take a deep breath, my gaze returning to the luminous map. The realization that it can discern so much is both reassuring and overwhelming. "Let's start; this is the entire Lore with five kingdoms: Dacres, Sharhan, Viresh, Quamar, and Zahkish," he begins, pointing at the map before us. "Three of these kingdoms are governed by the emperor, whom we will discuss shortly, while two have resisted his rule."
"Which ones?" I inquire. He smiles, though the joy doesn't quite reach his eyes. Caeruleus gaze intensifies as he traces his finger along the luminous map, halting at two kingdoms delineated in fiery gold.
"Zahkish and Viresh," he replies, tracing the center of Viresh with his middle and index fingers until its interior is revealed. "To grasp the history and politics of Zahkish, one must first understand Viresh. Viresh and Zahkish are akin to siblings with the same mother but different fathers; Viresh is the elder sister, while Zahkish is the younger brother. Viresh, as the elder, emerged first seasoned and nurtured by the gods' blessings and the cultivators' wisdom. Zahkish, the younger sibling, ventured down a distinct path, one strewn with both divine grace and afflictions. Their common 'mother' symbolizes a profound spiritual and historical bond, for both nations sprang from the same venerable soil, under the gods' vigilant gaze. Yet, their paths diverged due to their 'different fathers,' carving out distinct identities and legacies for each.
Viresh, the elder sibling among nations, flourished with the gods' favor, which brought prosperity to its lands and wisdom to its rulers. The cultivators in Viresh, masters of ancient arts and guardians of hallowed customs, stood as both defenders and builders of their society. With divine favor, they crafted their nation into a pillar of might and steadiness. However, Viresh's might come with challenges. The curses of rebellion—retributions from deities incensed by mortal aspirations—marked its citizens, standing as warnings of the delicate balance between authority and arrogance.
Zahkish emerged from the shadow of Viresh, bearing the weight of its wisdom and tribulations. The deities observed Zahkish with a blend of benevolence and scrutiny, granting boons laced with trials to test its fortitude. The cultivators in Zahkish, equally formidable as those in Viresh, often found their duties intertwined with survival and ingenuity, facing sterner landscapes and unpredictable acts of the gods. The essence of Zahkish was shaped by its challenge to Viresh's supremacy, fueled by an ambition to forge its own destiny while honoring the ancestral heritage of both gods and tillers.
The divine and mystical bond between the siblings profoundly influenced the politics of both nations. Viresh's stability was a stark contrast to Zahkish turbulent development, yet their fates were so closely linked that they remained inseparable. The deities, cultivators, and curses that forged their histories also carved out their disputes and partnerships, weaving a tale of competition, collaboration, and spiritual enlightenment. Comprehending Zahkish entails grasping its intertwined history with Viresh, surviving heavenly challenges, and capitalizing on its distinct fortunes to evolve into the nation it is presently." he ends with ease like he is used to explaining things like this often, he touches the center between Viresh and Zahkish and drags it for better view. it is an ocean but without the blue, green... the water is green, a green ocean.
"This is the viridescent ocean, post the Tate War—a battle for separation. Dacres, once a part of Viresh, was claimed by Sharhan as recompense for their deceased queen and her child. Subsequently, it was forcibly taken by Quamar, then by us. Eventually, the creators deemed it just to bestow this ocean upon us, allowing the people of Dacres to thrive independently, free from coercion. Today, they are recognized as the Azure Kingdom. They now face many challenges, which no longer concern us. Any questions or concerns?" he concluded with an inquiry. This method is far superior to solitary study; with it, I can not only comprehend but also visualize.
"Why Azure?" I begin, uncertain how to continue. "I mean, they are obviously closer to the ocean than other kingdoms, but..." My voice fades as I struggle to find the words. He smiles at me, leaning in closer to give me a soft kiss on my temples, and I can tell I must be flushed from the way the heat on my body rises.
"You see, when you put in some effort, you can achieve it. They are called 'Blue' because of their hair color. Initially, we named them 'Green,' but over time, as we realized their race only had blue hair, we changed it. When you look closely, the kingdom also appears blue, but that's a story for another day. Zahkish has three houses in total: the House of Carpel, the House of Gacha, and the highest-ranking, the High House. Each house has its function; the House of Carpel deals with criminals or offenders against the king or kingdom, deciding their fate. The House of Gacha is tasked with punishing or executing aristocrats, regardless of their title, and the High House is reserved for kings" I listen to him carefully and try to sink in the information
"Was the High House responsible for evicting your former queen?" I inquire. As a king, he surely has some influence over his ex-wife's actions, although the High House is reserved for kings and queens.
"It was the High House's decision. Personally, I was indifferent and lacked the time to make decisions. I had to address the catastrophe she caused with her desire for revenge against our kingdom. But if you're asking whether I had a say in the matter, I do have my confidant there assisting me. That's why she was evicted, not executed," he explains. He chose to spare her life; perhaps he still harbored affection, or her actions were not deemed grave enough. "What's on that little mind of yours?" He closes the map with a soft thud and pats his lap, gesturing for me to sit. Hesitant, I move closer and settle onto it, my movements stiff and unsure. His question catches me off guard: "How do you define love?" My mind falters, the weight of the words sinking deep. How can I explain something I've never truly felt? With William, it wasn't love—it was control, cruelty disguised as possession. He forced himself into every part of my life, treating me like the peasant he saw me as, a punching bag for his losses and drunken rages. Love shouldn't leave bruises, shouldn't feel like chains, loving him will only make me a monster. If that's what love was, I'd rather be anything but a part of it.
"I don't know," I answer simply, and it's not even a lie, but I would rather have him define it and compare his definition to William's kind of love.
"Do you want me to tell you what love is and compare it to that lowlife's version? I didn't realize you thought so little of me." I want to tell him he got it all wrong, but he continues "But then again, considering your current ignorance, who else is there to blame? Nevertheless, I too am at a loss. Perhaps we should ask your friend or that punk commander. However, I recall my mother saying her love for my father was what kept her grounded on this earth, and I know I want to stay here for you too if you call that love, then I am one of those." He concludes, his gaze fixed on me with those deep brown eyes. I've always been curious about the distinct feeling that envelops me whenever I'm near him. Our time together has been brief, yet there's a sense of familiarity with these emotions. Right now, I have an overwhelming desire to kiss him. As he looks down at me, one eyebrow raised and a smile beginning to play across his lips, it's as if he already heard my thoughts. A warmth spreads across my face, but I push it aside and turn to meet his gaze. He towers over me, his eyes tracking my every move—anticipation, perhaps? But it doesn't matter. I kneel between his legs and inch closer, pausing as our lips barely touch. Unsure of my next move, I start to pull away, but he gently stops me.
"He never kissed you before?" he asked, confusion evident on his handsome face. I nod shyly and with a sense of revulsion, turning away from him. It must be strange for him to encounter a woman three years into marriage who has yet to be kissed, and there's no plausible explanation other than revealing how repulsed my... William was by me. "At least he didn't take that right from me," he murmured. Turning back to him, I braced for disgust, but instead, I was met with sheer anger on his face—no sign of revulsion, only fury. "Let me show you," he said, leaning in closer. His hand encircled my neck, the other cradling the back of my head, drawing me towards him until we were face to face. "Part your lips" he whispers, his voice sends something down my spine causing me to squeeze my legs tight to suppress whatever that was. I do as ask; I part my lips I didn't know where this sealed before staring down at him waiting for his next move. He smiles and seals my lips with his, but I just remain there motionless not knowing what to do or say, he sucks on my bottom lip and drags it towards him biting on it before releasing it. "I want you to use your tongue" he breath next to me, I look at him confuse. "Just like playing with my own... just slide it in mine and follow my leads" it is like he was giving some sort of fun game instruction, but I can't help the heat radiating from my skin.
He resumes where he left and once again captures my mouth in his and I do as he told me to, he brushes his tongue against mine and start twirling around it, I grab onto his silk not knowing what else to do and carry my heart at hands while following what he was doing. I kiss him back not with the same intensity but with my will of not wanting it to end, he carries me without breaking the kiss and round my legs around his waist with his hands on both side of my butt cheeks pulling me into him. I dare not say he is eating my mouth like I was his dinner meal of the day but that will sound somewhat inappropriate. I circle my arm around his shoulder and unconsciously pull him closer to me and he groans in approval giving me the courage to go in deeper I try to go upward and touch his hairs but freeze when I sense his hands under my gown and inside my pants and cup my vagina rubbing up and down while slowly breaking the intense kiss. "Has he use his month on you" it takes some time to try understanding what he is trying to convey but his meaning remains elusive until he increases the pressure. "here" he murmurs using two of his fingers to drag one of my lips earning a sound I have never made before; I hurriedly try to burry with the back of my hands and thank the Lore, he doesn't stop me. I shake my head with eyes still wide open, how could his mouth be in such a dirty place? He couldn't even bear the fact that I was in the same room with him.
"Mn~~" surprise by the sudden intrusion, I bit the back of my hands when his middle finger slides into my core without any sort of a warning. I squeeze my legs around his waist tighter, a charlatan attempts to reduce whatever is building inside of me. He suddenly starts to increase the speed making me unable to suppress the sound every now and then. "What... ah~~ what are you doing?" I think I asked the wrong question because he suddenly add another finger pushing me to bite down his shoulders while he keeps his ministration on that part of my body.
"I have a question, and you will give me a nod or a shake of the head as a response" he utters his voice suddenly shifted from rough and seductive to commanding. but we would have to agree that I too can't find the voice to answer him. "Did you hear me" he ask sending his fingers deeper into me earning a louder sounder and I nod informing him I heard him. he hums and proceeds. "Did he ever make you cum before?" I stay neutral not understanding what he is asking about, and he suddenly stop, I try to squash down the sound of displeasure but completely fail. He gently pushes me away from his shoulder and look into my soul. "Did you not hear what I ask?" he snaps.
"I don't know" I tell him not recognizing the displease in my voice. he raises his hands and shows me his wet fingers.
"Has he ever made your body react like this" he shows it in full glory, but his hardened face doesn't match the so call glorious state of the two fingers. Shaking my head, I realize I've never experienced such an odd sensation before. He simply took what he desired, told me to look away, and then departed from my chambers. " I see you haven't been educated properly; how could you possibly know" he like both of his finger- the same fingers he used on my private part, I hastily gap onto his arm, but he licks it while looking at me with a raise eyebrow, he slowly retracts his hands and pushes it in my mouth. Did I made the wrong move and gave him the ideas I wanted to taste? I widen my eyes in disbelieve but before I could protest, he retracts it and wipes his hand with his tongue. "We have all the time in the world let not waste it" he lays down like nothing just happen and place my whole body on top of him. "let's rest tomorrow will be a long journey" easy to say when your body doesn't act itself again.