The King's Beloved

~ [Music Recommendation: "Dearly Beloved" by Yōko Shimomura (Orchestra version by Hikari) - available in Youtube] ~ Please listen to it in loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

Everyone in the Floating Kingdom felt the raging aura of their king, shaking the whole place. Not long after, news came via telepathy that they all needed to gather at the Coliseum within the Grand Palace - a place where most Magi go to either celebrate events… or to carry out the law and punishment of criminals. During such events, anyone was allowed to spectate and sit on the elevated seats around the Coliseum, arranged by ranks. The Royal family, Judges, Generals, and their immediate families were given the first row of seats, closest to the coliseum grounds, followed by nobles in the middle row, and common Magi at the last. And so, they gathered themselves, unaware of what it was they were going to spectate. Even the maidens from the palaces were gathered and they were given seats behind the nobles.

While everyone else was busy gathering at the Coliseum, Rania and Elliot, who also felt the wild shaking of the whole Floating Kingdom, were alerted. They just returned from the Tenth Gate and were about to go to the Forbidden Forest to practice Elliot's new found abilities while waiting for Ducis to come back. But then, they suddenly felt it. Rania was worried and asked Elliot if there was a way to check what was happening, despite the barrier of the Forbidden Chamber and Forest. Elliot was unsure but he tried creating it using the large mirror inside the chamber. Nonetheless, he succeeded and they both observed what was happening outside the chamber.

By the time Elliot successfully activated his magic, everyone was seated, and King Calum was at the north center part of the Coliseum, sitting on his throne. Nefastus stood on his left, and Servus on his right. And at the very center of the Coliseum was a woman, tied up in her wrists and feet with golden chains that were connected to the ground. Her long pink hair fluttered in the wind, and her eyes, though beautiful, lost its brilliance. She sat on the ground unharmed, but like a lifeless doll. Only the tear stains from her cheeks served as a sign that she was alive.

Rania's eyes widened in shock the moment she realized that the woman at the middle was none other than her first friend when she came to the Floating Kingdom.

"Azalea!" Rania almost screamed as she clasped on the edge of the mirror tight. Pure horror could be seen from her face. Her lips and hands trembled in fear. "W-what happened?"

Elliot patted Rania's back, trying to calm her down.

"I'm not sure. But there's something wrong with the king."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"His heart… there's this… darkness that's covering it," Elliot furrowed.

"Darkness?" Rania asked with a worried-stricken face. "I have to help her!"

Elliot nodded. Then, he immediately gathered magic in his hands as he walked towards the main door leading towards the chamber. With it, he tried to break the barrier, careful not to destroy the whole place. They still needed to go to the Eleventh and Twelfth Gate, so he couldn't unleash all his powers just to destroy the barrier or it might destroy Anguis Solum as well.

Crack! Crack! Pzzt!

Elliot's magic touched the barrier and tried to penetrate through… but it was no use. The barrier was too strong and it just bounced back his magic. He tried to use more concentrated energy but that caused the whole chambers to form cracks on its beautiful walls.

"Ugh," Elliot grunted. In his mind he weighed if he should just continue using more power. Anguis Solum shouldn't be destroyed easily was what he thought. Just as he was about to gather more spiritual energy, Rania stopped him.

"Elliot, don't. We can't risk destroying this place," Rania held his hands.

"But we need to save your friend."

Rania thought for a moment.

"There's something I want to try."

"Huh?"

"Remember when we first met at the pavilion near the Forbidden Forest? You said I wasn't supposed to be able to enter the pavilion since it was part of the forest."

Elliot's eyes widened in both surprise and worry.

"Right. Have you ever tried it before? If you could get out?"

"Weird but… No, I never even thought of it. When that should have been the first thing I thought of when I was trapped here. Maybe it's simply because it wasn't time yet."

"I see. Then, try it. But be careful or you'll be hurt."

Rania nodded and reached out her hand towards the door. As she drew near, Elliot felt a sudden tugging at his heart. Somehow, the idea of Rania leaving, didn't sit well within him.

"Rania…"

Rania halted and looked back to Elliot. As she did, Elliot caught her in his warm embrace and kissed her lips with gentle passion. Rania felt his pain. For indeed, Elliot was anxious. Lots of things could happen with Rania suddenly coming back in front of everyone. What's worse was how would she stop all of the Magi from punishing her friend all by herself? The golden chains meant that she offended the royal family. Would Rania's magic be enough to defeat them? And what of the king? What if he decided to kill her, too? He wouldn't be there for her. All these feelings, Elliot let out in his loving kiss.

"Elliot… don't worry. I'll be fine. I promise to come back."

Elliot smiled bitterly at her. Then, he raised his hands and called forth all of his Guardians.

"Everyone, please give your blessings to Rania, and protect her the way you would protect me."

As he commanded, every Guardian happily gave their blessings to Rania. A part of their spirit essence enveloped her body and combined to her spiritual core. Along with it, was Elliot's pure love. Tears wet her eyes as she basked herself in that love.

"Thank you."

"I love you," Elliot smiled.

"I love you, too."

And with a last kiss, the two bid their farewell. Rania reached out her hand once more towards the door and just as she expected, it let her through. The vines from the door opened up, and the barrier went past through her skin.

At last, Rania was outside of the Forbidden Chamber!

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Hi Beloved Readers!

It's all thanks to all of your love and support! T_T I couldn't have done it without you all. Thank you very, very much from the bottom of my heart! T_T

I'll be joining again this year and hopefully, I win again. I'm so shy but I'm gonna be shameless and ask all of your support once more. XD Please check out my new story by searching for it in the app.

Title: "A Beautiful Catastrophe"

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