▪️A L A R I C▪️

After parting ways with Kieran, I made my way towards my brother's chamber.

Letting out a sigh, I thought about Cedric while walking through the hallways, the echoes of our childhood laughter flowing through my mind. My elder brother and I were inseparable back then, our dreams woven together withthe promise of shared destinies. Being only three years apart in age, we would play for hours, imagining the day when he would be crowned King and lead our people, with me at his side as his second in command.

But then, as I prepared to face him, I could not help but wonder how we had arrived at that point. It was like a shadow cast over those cherished memories, a divide that had widened over the years. How had our once unbreakable bond fractured into such opposing beliefs?

I knew the answer all too well.

Cedric had felt cheated when the crown was placed upon my head, and honestly, I could not blame him. I never aspired to be King, but that choice was wrested from my grasp.

To make things worse, the very notion of war had never appealed to me. Yet, Cedric held an unshakable belief that it was the sole means by which the Fae could secure their dominance over the Isle of Wrobel. Our differences on this critical matter had driven a wedge between us over the last few years, a chasm of conflicting ideologies that seemed insurmountable.

I often pondered the paths our lives had taken, the twists of fate that had led me to this precipice. I, who never sought the mantle of kingship, now found myself burdened by its weight. Meanwhile, Cedric, whose desire for the crown burned fiercely, stood embittered by the turn of events.

In the silence of my contemplation, the gravity of our divided convictions hung heavy in the air. The very foundation of our shared heritage seemed to tremble under the burden of our disagreement. The question remained: could I find a way to reconcile our opposing beliefs, to steer our people toward a future untainted by the horrors of war?

Could I find a way to reach my brother, to make him understand the vision I held for our people? The weight of responsibility felt heavier than ever, knowing that I bore the burden not only of our kingdom's future, but also the hope of rekindling the closeness we once shared.

As my footsteps resonated down the hallway, I carried with me the echoes of our shared past, hoping that somewhere within those memories lay a thread of understanding that could bring us back together. It would not be easy, but for the sake of our people and the bonds we once held dear, I had to try.

"Family quarrels really are bitter things..." I mumbled.

My doubts continued to linger as I neared the door to his chamber. What if I could not convince Cedric? What if my vision for peace shattered in the face of his unwavering opposition? The thought gnawed at me, a relentless phantom of failure lurking in the shadows.

Nonetheless, I was hoping that me finding my fated mate would help him see reason.

I knew that now was not the time to let doubt consume me. I had to find the right words, the unassailable arguments that would pierce through Cedric's convictions. It was a battle of ideals, a clash of principles that threatened to define the course of our kingdom's future.

The stakes were higher than ever before. Our people looked to me for guidance, for a beacon of hope in turbulent times. To falter then, to let fear dictate my actions, was not an option. I owed it to them, and to myself, to stand resolute in the face of that monumental challenge.

As I approached the meeting with Cedric, I reminded myself that this vision for peace was worth fighting for, worth every ounce of effort and conviction. I might not have had all the answers, but I had to have faith in the righteousness of my cause. It was a battle of hearts and minds, and I would not let fear be the victor.

Upon seeing the chamber door in the distance, anticipation and trepidation mingled within me. Each step felt like a deliberate march towards an inevitable clash with my brother, Cedric.

In my mind, I replayed the countless debates and disagreements I had with Cedric over the years. His preference for violence as a solution was deeply ingrained, a product of our shared history and experiences. The thought of disappointing him, of challenging the very core of his beliefs, sat heavily in my chest.

Yet, I held fast to my conviction that there was an alternative, a path to peace that did not demand the sacrifice of lives. It was a conviction born not of naivety, but of a deep-seated belief in the potential for understanding and harmony. After all, it was no coincidence that I would find my fated mate among the orcs.

To me, Golnar was a beacon of hope, proof that unity among our people was possible. She represented a chance for a fresh start, a future where conflicts could be resolved through understanding and collaboration.

With every step, my resolve hardened. Pushing open the large chamber doors, I felt a surge of apprehension tempered by determination. This conversation with Cedric would be one of the most trying I had ever faced, a pivotal moment that could alter the course of our people's destiny. Kieran's steadfast support echoed in my mind, bolstering me as I prepared to confront the storm that awaited me within.

Upon crossing the threshold, I was greeted with a sight that was unexpected.

To my surprise, instead of the expected sternness, Cedric hastened towards me, his steps imbued with an unusual urgency. Before I could react, he engulfed me in a warm, tight embrace. It was a gesture so uncharacteristic of him, a stark deviation from his usual demeanour, that I found myself speechless.

His face lit up with a bright smile, as he exclaimed, "Alaric, my dear brother!"

Caught off guard, I froze for a moment, my body tensing instinctively. The familiarity of Cedric's embrace, so foreign in its tenderness, sent a ripple of confusion through me. I could feel the thud of his heart against mine, a rhythm that seemed to echo the unspoken sentiments between us.

Slowly, I allowed myself to relax into the hug, my own arms finding their way around Cedric in response. It was a tentative gesture, hesitant yet genuine. I could not deny the spark of hope that flickered within me, a glimmer of possibility that perhaps, just maybe, there was a chance for understanding between us.

As the seconds stretched into a heartbeat, I finally pulled back, meeting Cedric's gaze with a blend of surprise and a silent question.

My brother's eyes, a striking shade of grey, held a depth that seemed to hint at the weight of his convictions. Like the stormy sea on a cloudy day, they were both intense and enigmatic. In their cool hue, there was a resolute determination that had always been a defining feature of his. Yet, in this moment, there was something different in his gaze, a softness that I had not seen in a long time.

It left me wondering what had prompted this change, and if it signalled a shift in our relationship. However, I did not have to wait long for the answer as his next words confirmed my suspicions.

"I heard that you found your mate! Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Cedric," I replied, still trying to process his unforeseen warmth. "It was quite unexpected."

He nodded, a genuine smile gracing his features as he said, "I can imagine, come, let's have a drink." He led me towards the table where he poured a drink for us both. "Golnar, was it? I've heard she's a force to be reckoned with."

I could not help but chuckle at the accuracy of his assessment, "I forgot how fast word travels within the Fae Kingdom." We toasted and took a drink before I continued, "You've heard right. She's remarkable in more ways than I can count and unlike most, she is not afraid to speak her mind in front of me."

Cedric's eyes held a glint of curiosity, "I suppose she's the reason you stopped the war mid battle, yes? I can imagine finding her during such circumstances must have been an interesting experience."

"I definitely did not expect to find my mate among the orcs," I admitted. "But interestingly enough, we complement each other in ways I hadn't imagined. Golnar brings a perspective that's been invaluable."

He nodded thoughtfully; his gaze distant for a moment before reacting, "I can see how finding your mate would halt your progression of the war. Perhaps there's more to this than I initially thought."

I seized the opening, hoping to bridge the gap that had long divided us.

"Cedric, there's so much potential for unity with the orcs, for a future without needless bloodshed. Together, we can forge a legacy of peace that will be remembered for generations."

My brother nodded in reply, knowing that I had more to say.

"Imagine, Cedric," I began, my voice tinged with fervour, "a future where our people thrive without the spectre of war looming over them. Where children grow up without the scars of conflict etched into their hearts."

Cedric's gaze locked onto mine, his expression contemplative. "It's a compelling vision, Alaric. But we've seen the enmity between our kind and the other realms. Can such a future truly be achieved? Besides, I heard that you took on the Orc King, his general and another powerful magic user all on your own. You had the war won, Alaric; we could have ruled over the entire Isle of Wrobel had you not called for a truce."

As his words hung in the air, a palpable tension settled between us.

I could feel the weight of his displeasure, a heavy presence that bore down on the room. His eyes, once contemplative, now held a hint of scepticism, his eyes like a stormy sea, turbulent and unyielding. I met his gaze steadily, recognizing the gravity of his concerns.

Cedric's reservations echoed the doubts that had once plagued me, the fear that this vision for peace might be too lofty, too idealistic. The enmity between our kind and the orcs ran deep, a history fraught with conflicts and wounds that could not be easily forgotten.

His mention of the battle with the Orc King and his forces brought forth a pang of shame within me, knowing that he had greatly disapproved. It was a moment etched in my memory, a turning point where victory was within reach, but the cost would have been immeasurable.

The weight of that decision, to call for a truce instead of pressing the attack, still bore heavily on my conscience, but I knew that I had made the right decision.

As I sat before Cedric, I could sense the rift between our beliefs widening. His desire for dominance clashed starkly with my yearning for a more harmonious future. The air in the chamber seemed to thicken, caught in the tension of our conflicting ideals. At that moment, I knew that bridging this divide would be one of the greatest challenges I would face.

I squared my shoulders, a firm resolve coursing through me as I said, "Yes, I would have won the war, but victory at such a price would have left us vulnerable in the long run. The orcs, in their desperation, would have regrouped and retaliated. It would have perpetuated a cycle of bloodshed, Cedric."

"Not if you had burned their kingdom to ash..." Cedric's tone held an edge of defiance, his belief in a different approach evident.

Exhaling deeply, I stated, "Look, I understand that you may not agree with the path I chose, but what's done is done. I also recognise that it won't be without challenges, that much is certain. But it's a challenge worth undertaking. We have the opportunity to rewrite our history, to forge a legacy of peace and unity, just as father and mother would have wanted..."

The memory of our parents brought a bittersweet ache to my chest.

They were taken from us too soon, mere months after our magic had returned, their lives were claimed in a devastating fire that had consumed our ancestral home. The flames had raged with a merciless fury, leaving us with nothing but memories and the weight of their unfulfilled dreams.

Our parents, Oberon and Titania, had always longed for a kingdom free from strife, a realm where our people could flourish without fear. Their vision, so tragically cut short, now rested upon our shoulders. It was a responsibility I carried with solemn determination, a promise I intended to keep.

"As we rebuild and move forward," I continued, my voice steady, "let us honour their memory by striving for the very ideals they held dear. We must find a way to bring about the peace they so fervently desired, for our people and for the legacy of our family."

While speaking, I could not help but steal a glance at Cedric, my words hanging in the air.

His expression, once guarded and resolute, seemed to soften at the mention of our parents. Cedric's eyes, usually sharp and focused, took on a distant, contemplative gaze.

I noted the flicker of memories in his gaze, the weight of our shared loss etched across his features. A hint of emotion played at the corners of his eyes, a mixture of nostalgia and something deeper, perhaps a newfound understanding. His jaw, once firmly set, relaxed ever so slightly, a subtle shift that spoke volumes. It was as if a door long closed had cracked open, allowing a glimmer of vulnerability to seep through.

In that moment, I saw my brother not just as Cedric the warrior, but as Cedric the son, the one who, like me, carried the weight of our parents' legacy. After a beat that felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice carrying a resonance of sincerity I had not heard before.

Cedric sighed, a weight seeming to lift from his shoulders, "You're right, I've spent too long fixated on the old ways, on the belief that dominance could only be achieved through force."

A surge of hope swelled within me as I said, "Together we can lead our people into an era of cooperation, of mutual respect. The Fae, the orcs, the humans—all can coexist in harmony."

He extended his hand, a gesture of newfound solidarity, "Then let's do it, brother. Let's forge a future free from the shackles of war. But I must warn you, it won't be easy, Alaric. Especially where some on the council are concerned. But for the sake of our people, I'm willing to try."

Shaking his hand, I smiled, feeling for the first time in years that I had my brother back.

"Now, tell me more about your mate," Cedric asked.

"Golnar," I began, a warmth in my tone as I spoke of her, "is an amazing blend of strength and grace. Her heritage is a testament to the unity we strive for. Her skin, a luminous shade of light grey, holds echoes of both her orc and fae lineage. It's a canvas that tells the story of resilience and the beauty that can emerge from diversity."

My brother nodded, silently urging me to continue.

"Her eyes, like the frozen depths of a winter lake, shimmer with an icy blue that captures your gaze and holds it. They hold a wisdom and determination that belies her years. And her hair, a cascade of dark red, is like flames dancing in the night—a vivid reminder of her fiery spirit and unwavering resolve."

Cedric smirked as he teased, "I can tell that you're already smitten..."

Laughing, I agreed, "What can I say, there's just something about her that immediately pulled me in. Something that was more than just the mate bond, but given that I've slaughtered a large number of her people, she was not exactly thrilled when she found out that we are to be married."

"I can imagine, but Golnar sounds like an extraordinary woman and I'm sure in time the both of you can put your differences aside," Cedric commented. "I bet she was really surprised to learn that she had Fae ancestry."

"She was flabbergasted," I affirmed, a smile tugging at my lips. "Golnar's definitely an extraordinary woman. Her presence is a beacon of hope, a reminder that our differences can be our greatest strength. She embodies the potential for unity, for a future where our people stand together, bound not by blood, but by shared purpose."

As I spoke, I could feel the depth of my feelings for Golnar resonate in every word. She was not just my mate; she was a living embodiment of the future I had envisioned for our kingdom.

Deep down, I yearned for my brother to experience the profound connection I had found with Golnar. I wished for him to know the exhilarating surge of emotions, the sense of purpose that came with finding one's true mate.

If such a connection were to grace his life, perhaps then he would come to understand why peace held a greater promise than war. He would see that the unity forged through love and understanding was a strength beyond measure, a force that could reshape the course of our kingdom's history.

In the quiet depths of my heart, I held on to the hope that one day, the both of us would stand side by side, our mates by our respective sides, bound not only by love, but by a shared vision of a brighter future. It was a dream that I nurtured, a fervent belief that love held the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and pave the way for a legacy of enduring peace.

The sound of my brother's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Have you considered how our people will react to your mate being half orc?" Cedric asked, holding a note of genuine concern as he broached the topic.

"It won't be easy," I acknowledged, a hint of solemnity in my voice. "The prejudices and preconceptions are deeply ingrained, and change is never swift. But Golnar's presence challenges those very notions. Her strength, her compassion—they're a testament to the potential that lies within each of us, regardless of our lineage."

Cedric's gaze held a mixture of contemplation and concern as he replied, "Our people may need time to adjust, to see beyond the surface."

"I know, that's why our leadership, our example, is crucial. By standing beside Golnar, by showing that unity and acceptance are not just ideals, but achievable realities, we pave the way for a more inclusive future."

Reaching over, he clasped a hand on my shoulder, a silent affirmation of our shared commitment. "Then let us face this challenge together, Alaric. For Golnar, for our people, and for the legacy we aim to leave behind."

Even though I could see the sincerity in my brother's eyes, I could not help but feel that there was still a lingering shadow of doubt.

Time would tell I supposed. After all, it was the ultimate teller of truths.

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A/N: Hmmm...