Chapter 35

35 Purest of Hearts

”I’m going to believe you.” Freya spoke. ”Please do not make me regret it. ”

Zavian sighed; ”You won’t. I promise. ”

Freya nodded and then left. Zavian brushed his fingers through his hair after his sister left the room, and then he walked to the mirror and overlooked the gardens; his mind filled with deep thoughts.

He did not want to believe what Eloise had told him; it would only mean that he had no chance, but Neera’s existence was more than a chance.

He was going to summon the most powerful witches in all the kingdoms to find a way. No matter what it would take, he was ready to do it.

Three days later...

”Your Majesty, the soldiers are back.” A guard walked into the king’s chambers and informed the King.

At the guard’s words, Zavian left his chambers and walked outside the Castle. His soldiers were standing outside and chatting among themselves;, when they saw the king approaching, they all knelt down in reverence.

Azriel stood up after greeting and spoke; ”Your majesty, we’re back from the battles.” He said. Zavian smiled, crossing his hands behind him.

.....

”How was the battle?” he asked, and Azriel nodded. ”It was a success, sire. We went to neighboring cities, making sure there were no other soul eaters. We have also sent messengers to other kingdoms to be sure that they have not been attacked. ”

Zavian nodded in satisfaction. ”This is good. You must be tired from your journey. Go in and freshen up, there will be a banquet for you after your rest. ” Zavian said, and the soldiers thanked him and left.

Azriel waited for the soldiers to leave, then he walked to Zavian.

”Friend, ” he spoke, and they hugged briefly. ”What have you been up to?” he asked, a smile stretching his lips.

”Holding the kingdom together, what do you think?” Zavian replied as they walked into the castle.

”I see the city is preparing for the arrival of the Dukes. I guess you’ll be finally married in about two months after five hundred years. ”

Azriel said. He had noticed the decorations in the Castle when they arrived, and they were told it was for the Dukes arrival. He had thought Zavian would postpone the ceremony because of the girl, who looked like Lilah, but he was surprised when he heard he had not disrupted the engagements.

”That is the last thing I want to talk about right now. Go in and rest. Let us talk over chess later in the evening. ” Zavian said and walked ahead, leaving Azriel behind. Azriel watched his friend’s back, then he continued to his own chambers.

That evening, after they had rested and dined, Azriel joined Zavian over a game of chess.

”What about the girl?” Azriel asked. Zavian had done well to talk about other things and avoid that topic entirely, but it had not escaped Azriel’s mind. Zavian looked at his friend, then he moved a pawn.

”What will you do with her? ” Azriel asked again;

Zavian sighed; ”Eloise, the witch says there is nothing I can do. She said she was evil, and asked that I send her away or kill her. ” He spoke with a chuckle.

Azriel was quiet. He had also sensed something off with that girl. Everyone did, it was only him that did not see anything wrong with her. Why was he so blind to the obvious signs?

”What then do you plan to do?” Although he felt the girl was evil, he would support his friend in whatever he intended to do.

”I don’t know. I plan to summon the strongest witches in all the kingdoms. Surely one would have a solution. ”

”Are you planning to do that now? The dukes are arriving in a few days; would that not enrage them?”

He asked, and Zavian was quiet; ”I plan to do it secretly, without their knowledge. I need to exhaust everything possible under the sun before I choose a bride. ”

Azriel pushed a pawn forward, and then he drank from the wooden wine cup by the side. He did not respond to Zavian, and Zavian looked at him suspiciously.

”I know you have something to say, you can speak.”

Azriel sighed; ”Zavian. I just feel that this is exactly what your father wants you to do, and you are falling right into his trap. It has been five hundred years. I’m sure if there was a way to bring her back, you would have known since. Everything was going perfectly until she appeared and now you’re back to five hundred years ago. ”

Zavian pinched the bridge of his nose, and Azriel took it as a sign to stop talking.

”I have seen millions of humans live and die, and of all the humans I have seen, this girl has the purest of hearts. She’s not capable of hurting a fly. I cannot kill her because she has done nothing, and I cannot send her away either, because I fear someone might kill her out of spite, so she would stay in the Castle. ”

Azriel was frustrated at Zavian’s reply. He had heard of the saying that whenever doom was calling someone, their ears would be shut to the warnings. He hoped that this was not the case.

”Now friend, let’s talk about something else. When will you take a wife?” Zavian asked, changing the topic.

Azriel was a totally different breed from Zavian. Although Zavian was fierce and deadly, he was one that loved only one woman. He had always loved Delilah, and never faltered till her death. But Azriel on the other hand, slept around. He was a Rake, from the beginning of time; he had never stayed with one woman.

At Zavian’s words, he burst into laughter. ”I have no kingdom to uphold, what do I need a wife for when I can get as many women as I wish? I cannot go about having feelings when I have you to protect; and besides, I have seen what love has done to you, and I sincerely don’t wish to be reduced to this state, so I would pass. ”