Shu woke up nestled in Lui's arms, his cheek pressed against his bare chest. Last night was a blur of passion and a tangle of limbs, Lui's deep voice whispering his love against his ear. His cheeks heated up as he hugged the other tighter, a smile finding its way to his lips.

Lui moved, letting out a content sigh, "Good morning, Snowflake."

Shu hummed in response. Lui's fingers traced along his spine, drawing patterns across his bare skin. "Last night, good?"

Shu nodded, "Yes. It was nice." His voice was hoarse, Shu turned his body and he was now looking at Lui's face. They had made love for the first time, but despite it being the first, Shu found himself enjoying the gentle touch of the older male, his fingertips searching through his body, tracing every scar under the dim lights of the flickering candles. The familiarity burning in those calloused fingertips as if they had been doing this together since a long time, made him relaxed. They lied in complete silence for another few seconds before Lui spoke.

"I want to stay like this forever."

Shu smiled, pushing himself up to a sitting position. Despite the telltale throb in his legs and lower back, he felt refreshed. The cold morning air inside the hut brushed against his body, sending a shiver down his spine. "I would love to do that. But I think we should get ready to leave."

Lui groaned, "Fine." He sat down, stretching his arms over his head, fighting back a yawn. His eyes shifted to Shu's. Sometimes he found himself wondering why this person loved him. He never got an answer for his inner dilemma, but he was content. Knowing Shu's love for him is genuine, sincere.

Shu leaned in to his side, his soft lips pressing against Lui's cheek. He chuckled, "You look like you want to give up on the mission."

Lui shrugged, "I would have. It would be calming to live in a small village inside a small hut like this for the rest of our lives, don't you think?"

Shu nudged his shoulder, laughing. "Don't give me ideas. Let's get ready before Free starts throwing out his sassy comments again."

---

They stood by the outskirts of Pisces just behind the magical barrier hiding the small village from the eyes of evil. "Remember," Sasha pressed on, "you guys will have to cross a desert, it was only after that you'd meet the kingdom." She pointed to the ring resting on Free's open palm. "Show them that ring, and they will recognise you as allies."

Free nodded, "Okay." He turned, his eyes scanning the rest of the group, eager and waiting. Lui was standing beside him. "Ready?"

There was a chorus of yeses. "Thank you for everything you've done," Valt said, "We're forever grateful for your aid."

Sasha smiled in return, her chin dipping in a curt bow. "My pleasure. I wish you a successful journey ahead."

"Good luck!" Aiger and several others yelled. They waved, stepping out of the barrier. Shu shivered, instantly feeling the thrum of magic around them disappearing. The faces of Fubuki, Delta, Cuza and even Honey vanished behind them. It had been a while since it had been only them. From the moment they had stepped onto this island, one after another calamity took them down, not allowing them a space to breathe and gather as one team.

The new addition; Lunar roamed by their feet sniffing the salted air around them, a message to the sea that's not so far.

"Let the goddess of luck be with us this whole journey." Zac clapped his hands together receiving a handful of nods and smiles.

The journey itself was harder than they anticipated. They walked past a stretch of sand overlooking the sea. Shu let his eyes slide into the horizons, wondering whether the others have gotten their information. They had sent information to Moeru, it would take at least a week for the scroll to reach there.

A touch on his shoulder drove him back to the present. Shu turned to Lui who raised an eyebrow in a silent question. Shu shook his head with a reassuring smile. The pair was in the end of the group with Free and Valt leading them and the two of them behind alert of danger and Lunar trotting faithfully beside the pair. Shu aimlessly studied the back of his friends' heads. "I wonder when we will find that desert."

Lui shrugged, "Soon. I just hope it's normal."

Turns out, it was a normal desert. As normal as a desert could be in the middle of a sandstorm. Shu silently cursed at Lui's words as they shielded their faces from the onslaught of sand. "Damn it!" Silas cursed, spatting out a mouthful of sand. "Why's our timing so bad all the time?"

Wakiya patted his back with a smug smile, the blonde was sending shocks of wind around them giving them space to breath and drive the sand away. "Don't eat sand, you can tell if you're hungry."

Silas glared at him over his shoulder before continuing. All of them were hunched down, finding solace in Wakiya's momentary winds dampening the effect of the storm. But it didn't allow the whole thing to escalate. Shu sneezed. Lui faked a cough, beating back his laughter. Shu growled. "Shut up. Stop laughing."

This had been going on for the past few minutes. Every time Shu sneezed, Lui would burst into a shock of laughter for no reason and sometimes choke on sand which shut him up for the rest of the time. Lunar followed the group, her snow white fur mixing in with the sand, even the animal looked pained.

"We should take cover," Free said, blinking back tears forming in his eyes. They had taken turns on guiding the team through this horrendous sand storm and each time the ones guiding ended up coughing their lungs out or squeezing their eyes shut and crouching to soften the pain in their eyes.

Lui nodded, clearing his throat. He could feel the dust clinging to the sides of his mouth. "We should. There's no point continuing this."

Honcho was choking to their right, Wakiya ungracefully slapped his back. Lui wasn't quite sure whether the blonde was trying to earn the satisfaction from hitting Honcho or was genuinely concerned of the other. "There!" Xander said, earning all of their attention.

Lui squinted, to their right, he could make out the outline of a solitary tower. It was risky, but that was their sole chance of surviving this sand storm. Sharing a firm nod with Free they guided the team through the storm. Shu was right behind him, Lui could hear his haggard breathing. He unconsciously fell a step back, reaching his hand. Shu laced his fingers through Lui's as they made their way towards the tower.

When they closed the structure, they could see it was abandoned. The doors were half buried in sand, the dirtied walls were crumbling apart. But the ancient windows were sealed with wooden planks. Xander wrestled with the door and managed to get it open. The group filed in, grateful for the cover. The inside was gloomy save for the thin stripes of line allowed through the cracks of the sealed windows.

Shu lit up a fire, trying to take a good look at the interior. "For the love of god Snowflake, put that down."

Shu blinked, doing as he was told. As a fire wielder and a citizen of Moeru, he was not sensitive to the warmth. For the rest of them, the interior of the collapsing tower was nothing short of a hot oven. Free groaned, running his hands over his face, "Lui, do something."

The White Tyrant needn't be told twice. He placed his palm on the side of the wall and activated his power. The scorching heat was soon replaced by the comforting chill of Lui's ice. Valt and Shu shared a look, shrugging, but before they could speak, Zac put his hands up in surrender. "I still don't know how you guys in Moeru and the adjoining kingdoms live in that summer heat of your places."

"I think we're pretty much used to it." Wakiya said, passing his water holder for Honcho. The male gratefully accepted and gulped down.

"That was refreshing."

"Sasha didn't warn us about the storm." Gou was looking around the interior. As their eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, they group could make a rough outlook of the scattered furniture in the tower. From the looks of it, the tower had been abandoned for a quite while. He turned to Lui, "Is it just me, or the heat is coming back?"

Lui nodded grimly, "It is. It's hard to keep the natural conditions at bay." He looked pointedly at Shu who seemed to be unaware of the rising temperature. "And I hate you."

Shu pouted, "What did I do?"

Lui opened his mouth to reply when Orochi stood abruptly, a finger hovering over his lips as he frowned. "Someone's coming."

Everyone was silent. Orochi listened quietly for another seconds. It was hard to recognise any sound with the force of the storm around them, the wind howling in full vigour, but knowing Orochi, it was possible that someone might be coming. "From where?" Zac asked.

Orochi looked uncertain for a moment, the colour draining off his face. "I think we're surrounded."

The door burst open the next moment. Shu lurched back, falling over to Valt who was sitting a few feet away from him. Soldiers dressed in white and blue uniforms filed in, their weapons pointed towards the group who was forced for a narrow circle in the middle of the tower. Lunar growled, the soldiers flicked their attention to the massive wolf, alarmed. Despite the distraction, Shu found himself staring at the pointy end of a spear. "Who are you?" A voice billowed. The soldiers parted to let a tall man in. Only his eyes were visible through his metal helmet, but engraved to the pointy end of it was unmistakably the sign of the kingdom Aquarius.

"Are you from the kingdom Aquarius?" Zac asked, noticing the symbol in their helmets.

The eyes of the tall man narrowed, his hands went to the sword. "Who are you?" He repeated, his voice taking an edge.

Free put his hands up in surrender, but Shu noticed the ring gleaming in his hand. The accessory took the man's attention. He cautiously took a step forward and Free handed him the ring without a fight. A moment of silence followed before the man raised his palm and the soldiers lowered their spears to the ground.

A gesture of peace.

"Princess Sasha send you?" He took off his helmet, revealing a shock of dark hair, his brown eyes focused on Free. The blonde nodded, confirming the statement. "She sent us a message telling us that the allies will arrive." The hostility in his tone evaporated. He bowed, "I am general Arvin of the kingdom Aquarius. Pleasure to make acquaintances."

"Free De La Hoya," Free said, returning the bow. "Prince of Dorein."

The soldiers shifted at the mention of his royal status. Arvin simply smiled as if he was expecting this. Shu momentarily wondered what Sasha had said in her letter, all good things hopefully. His eyes shifted to Lui, the latter gave him a curt nod, "Lui Shirosagi, Prince of Hyoketsu." He looked around, "What are you guys doing out in a sand storm?"

Arvin blinked at the sudden question. He looked over his shoulder at the sand storm then turned his attention back to the team. "This is a measure of security we recently implemented. Queen Cordelia demanded our royal enchantress to keep the desert howling with a recurring stand storm to delay the attackers."

"Oh," Zac said, "That's a wise decision."

Arvin nodded. When hostility was down, he was a tall, pleasant guy. His brown eyes were expressive and kind. "We'll guide you to the kingdom. The Queen is waiting for your arrival, your highnesses."

Free waved his hand, "Just call by our names, it's fine."

Arvin hesitated, "Okay?" Shu took a better look at the man. His sharp jawline and the scar on the side of his lips defined his masculinity. His dark hair tumbled over his eyes, he kept flicking them off his face. He turned to his soldiers, "Make a protective layer around them and guide them to the Kingdom."

"Yes sir!" They chorused. Shu watched as they walked out, the storm seemed to part around them. Behind him, Wakiya grunted something under his breath about the sand as they walked out to the naked heat of the desert again.

The walk with the soldiers towards the kingdom was merciful. Their layer of protection allowed them a space to breathe and it seemed as if they had a secret technique to repel the storm assaulting them from all sides. Shu squinted at the endless horizons when the distant structure made itself prominent on the far away sand.

As they neared, the massive, black gates loomed over them. The symbol of Aquarius; the picture of a graceful woman bearing a pot, was skillfully drawn on them. The kingdom was secured with high, red-brick walls with soldiers stationed on the top verandah with spears and bows, ready to attack any intruder.

Arvin raised his arms and called out a command. The imposing gates grunted in response, opening with a prolonged moan. Arvin took a step to the side and gestured in with a smile on his lips. "Welcome to Aquarius."

The team made its way through the gates and were stunned to stillness. Shu had heard the word paradise before. He had read stories and legends, numberless myths talking about lands with divine blessings. But no matter his knowledge, no matter the stories, what lied in front of him was nothing short of heaven. He sucked in a breath, eyes wide, hungry to devour the beauty of the kingdom.

"This is," Valt gaped, "This is just beautiful."

Shu smiled, beautiful seemed to be an understatement. Arvin must've sensed their awe. He grinned, "This is the blessing of our gods."

Tall houses lie on each side, their pristine marble surface glistening under the harsh glare of the sun. Women peeked behind their light blue curtains to catch a sight of the guests. Children stood by their clean porches, decorated with rich blue velvet rags, embroidered with dragons and fairies.

Vendors were silent as they passed numerous stalls; fruits and fresh vegetables, sweets and crispy meat, still sizzling with oil. "This is unreal," Zac said.

But what impressed Shu most was the colours; the lack of it perhaps, but it added to the charm of the kingdom. Houses made with pristine white marbles, women and men, even the children wearing different shades of blue as if the goddess of sky herself has descended from her throne and coloured them in her beautiful shades.

At the end of the marbled street, there was a lake. An enormous surface of water, reflecting the blue skies above. The fragile ripples broke the unblemished exterior as the small wave crashed against the patch of white sand around it. "So, this is that famous lake," Orochi said, breaking the awed silence.

Arvin nodded, "It is." He pointed at the short stone walls built across the lake breaking it into three separate portions, ponds. "Those are there so we can preserve the water." he pointed at the left most area where the sandy patch was replaced with low marble stairs. Children swam on the clear water, splashing at each other playfully as they went. A few feet beside them sitting on the steps were women with baskets of clothes, washing. "That area is used for swimming and washing."

He pointed at the middle where lotus flowers had bloomed, both white and light pink petals floating around the sea of water. Their sphere-like leaves give out a gloomy exterior to it all. "The middle is mainly used by fishermen." He waved over one of the boats floating on the surface. "And for transport when someone wants to reach the palace." He pointed at the very end of the lake where a cluster of trees began.

"And that corner," He pointed at the right, "Water we use for daily usage and offerings for gods."

"Neat," Zac was nodding his head in approval. "This is one of the beautiest kingdoms I have ever visited." He turned and smiled at a cluster of girls staring at them. They broke into a giggle and scattered away into a smaller street.

Shu had unconsciously started tangling his fingers through Lunar's fur. The Wolf was nuzzling against his leg, yawning. She must be tired. The boat arrived at the bay and they all walked into it. There were low benches on each side made out of wood. Lunar first hesitated, Shu noticed the flick of uncertainty in the man's eyes. "She won't harm," Shu blurted out just when Lunar jumped into the boat rocking it to the side. She obediently sat beside Shu, pushing Lui far away from the male.

Lui grunted, "I hate this animal sometimes."

Free tilted his head to the side, his dark eyes were fixed on the water, "You hate everything, Lui."

Their playful banter continued until they stopped at the opposite side where a forest started just away from the patch of white sand. Shu slipped out, looking into the gloom of the trees in front of them. "Where is the palace?"

"In the middle of that forest," Arvin replied, taking the lead.

The musical call of numerous birds welcomed them as they walked in. The branches woven together, filled with lush green leaves was a natural roof above their heads, a barrier from the harsh sunlight. The smell of blueberries, mangoes and other vegetation filled their lungs alongside the fresh blooming air.

"I almost forgot this place is in the middle of a dessert." Honcho pressed his hand on the firm trunk of an old maple tree. "Is this even possible?"

Wakiya walked past him, "Considering this place exists, it is possible."

The breeze was cool against their battered skins. "I love this place already," Xander started playfully, "Let's stay."

"I wish we could," Ruway said, looking forward as the fringes of the palace arrived.

Similar to the houses and stalls, the palace was made from white marbles, the beams of sunlight filtering through the thick of the leaves danced across the pearl white walls like diamonds. The entrance was dark blue and the long windows were decorated with light blue curtains that were almost white. They crossed a small bridge made with the same material, numerous fishes swimming on the pond beneath them, varieties Shu didn't know the name of.

There were four average tall towers at each corner, the entrance decorated with an ivory white archway with flower wines, blue blossoms fluttering in the wind. They stepped through the archway after crossing the small bridge. The smell of fresh jasmine mingled in the air, Shu let his eyes wander as they walked past a pristine white hallway decorated with tapestry; women, warriors and mythical beings drawn with skilled hands.

The hallway led them to a spiral staircase. They took each step carefully arriving at the second floor. The sapphire blue rugs were soft under their boots.

In the massive balcony in front of them was a woman, dressed in light blue strapless dress, a white scars wrapped around her delicate shoulders. Her silver hair fell into her waist in steady curls. "Your highness," Arvin said, bowing. "They are here."

She turned, Shu's breath caught in his throat. The first thought crossing his mind was that she was terribly young, younger than their seventeen years. If he had to take a guess, she would be around fourteen or less. And the next thought crossed his mind was her eyes. It was the clearest blue he had ever seen in his life. It was as if they were made of a thin layer of ice, a mix of silver and blue.

She smiled, her rose petal lips forming a perfect curve. "It's a pleasure to have you all here. I am Queen Cordelia."

If the others were surprised by her age, they didn't show it. Lui and Free stepped forward as they had always done and started with the introductions.

"Princess Sasha didn't say anything about your kingdom being this majestic." Zac was already adapting to the surroundings. They were seated around a glass table, steaming cups of tea in front of them. The smell of freshly baked bread and cake brimming in the air around them.

Cordelia smiled a practised smile, her delicate fingers holding her teacup in perfect grace. "I am very grateful for the compliments." Her feather-like voice said. Shu had learned a couple of things about the queen in the past few hours. She was extremely well-suited, composed and matured for a girl her age. She talked carefully, each syllable slipping off her tongue like honey. She was one of those picture perfect royalty from story books.

"We were told your kingdom had two generals." Free's eyes slid into Arvin who stood nearby, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Ah yes. My other general had gone to settle some disputes on the border. He'd be arriving next week."

"It's bold of you to resist the demon lords out in the open." Zac leaned in on his elbows with a smile, "Count us all impressed, your highness."

Cordelia gave him a distracted smile, shaking her head. "My father used to say you need to talk when injustice is thrusted upon common people. Though cruel, it is the way of the world. Royalty and status gives your voice exposure and worth. It's our responsibility to stand for our people."

She eyed Lui sitting to her right, his finger teasing the rim of his cup. From the moment they seated around the table, her eyes kept finding their way back to him. Shu pretended not to notice, because he knew he was just looking too deep into the situation. Since they had been together, he had been sensitive when people eyed Lui in a certain way, but a small part of him knew it was inevitable. With his looks and his royal status, he always drew eyes. He shifted his crimson eyes back to his cup, a secret warmth creeping on his heart.

Sometimes it was exhilarating to think out of all those possible options, Lui chose him.

After their friendly tea, Cordelia stood. "Would you all mind a walk? There's plenty to see around here."

They agreed and soon the group was walking past the forest. It turned out that the forest was not empty after all. Cordelia owned a massive number of exotic animals. They walked past peacocks, their luminent blue skin a delight to the eye, dancing under the shade of massive trees. Monkeys peered through the thick of branches, their calls deafening. "Look!" Valt cheered, pointing to his right where a massive silver cage stood, in the middle of it was a tiger, restlessly eyeing the oncoming visitors. "It's actually a tiger."

Free smiled, "This brings back memories."

The carnivore growled, baring his teeth. Ruway blinked impressed. "Is it safe to keep all these dangerous animals here?"

Cordelia smiled where she stood beside Lui, close enough to touch their shoulders. It seemed as if the girl never left his side since they started their small walk. Shu was distracted by Lunar — who tried to leap after the butterflies — to notice.

"The citizens have grown accustomed to it and we keep a close eye on all the dangerous animals." Her eyes slid back to Lui's violet. The latter had been intently staring at the tiger. "Do you like him?"

Lui snapped off his trance, shrugging. "I can say it is impressive you keep all these dangerous animals in here. Considering the situation, who knows, they might prove useful."

Cordelia chuckled, amused. "You indeed think far, Prince Lui. But now that you've said it, I think it can be quite useful."

"Wait!" Shu's voice interrupted all the chatter. They turned in alarm to see the albino holding Lunar by the collar of her neck — Sasha's gift — as the Wolf growled, teeth baring. "They're not food."

Their eyes followed the victims which happened to be a bunch of snow-white rabbits who were out in the open with no cage to confine them. Strangely, they didn't seem to scatter away from the threat of the wolf. Cordelia sighed, "Well, there are no wolves in here. It's possible they do not know it's a threat."

"But still," Orochi pointed out, nudging his elbow against Zac who was staring at two birds not far from them. "It's surprising they didn't sense any threat."

"They had been here for a long time," Cordelia said in return.

Lunar stopped growling, suddenly aware of Shu's distress. She whined, turning around and licking Shu's palm. Lui walked past Cordelia towards the rabbit. He gently scooped one to his arms. "They look kind of like you, Snowflake."

Shu scoffed, "Oh, Shut up. Everything white doesn't look like me, Lui."

Surprisingly, Free and Valt were quick to join the White Tyrant. "They do look like you, Shu!" Valt marvelled.

"Red eyes and white hair," Wakiya grinned, "The comparison is uncanny."

Confirming Lunar had settled down, Shu carefully took the rabbit Lui offered him. Its silky fur tickled his skin, Shu buried his nose on his soft coat of fur. "It's so soft."

"Just like your hair," Lui shot back.

"Of course Lui would know," Honcho called from the back where he and Silas were making faces at the monkeys, finding great joy in the silliness.

Cordelia on the other hand, watched the banter standing a few feet away from the group. Her confused eyes shifted through them as Lui pinched Shu's cheek, wrapping an arm around him to hold him close. Since his arrival, Cordelia hadn't seen Lui smile except if it was aimed towards this particular white-haired prince. She was not exposed to many experiences in her life, Aquarius had always been a quiet kingdom — at least until the Demon Lords started to wreak havoc —

Lunar circled their feet as Lui placed a quick peck on Shu's cheek. Cordelia frowned, taking a step back, colour flooding her cheeks despite herself. Her heart burned with the infectious roots of something she hadn't felt in a while; jealousy. She knew she was probably overthinking it, considering the fact the princes were both males and heirs for their respective kingdoms, there was no possible way both of them were in love, or together. But still, she wondered what it would be like to be in Shu's position. To be the one having all that attention.

---

Shu stood on the balcony, the cold night air kissing his skin. He folded his hands over the marble railing, staring at the clear sky, glittering with stars. Lui had gone for a walk after dinner and some retired to their rooms while the others gathered in one of the rooms not far away from where he was standing. Shu could hear the distant chatter of his friends. "Shu?"

Shu turned, looking over his shoulder to see Orochi. "Oh, hello."

"What are you doing here alone?"

Shu shrugged, turning his attention back to the forest and the sky. With the darkness, the nocturnal animals had come alive. The loud chirping of cicadas penetrated the stillness in the air. "Just relaxing."

Orochi hummed, standing beside Shu. The albino leaned forward resting his chin on top of his folded arms. "What are you doing here? I thought you retired to your room."

Orochi nodded, "I did. But a sound woke me up."

Shu raised his brow. He knew Orochi was sensitive to sound, any noise. It was a blessing and a curse he inherited from his family. But it was known that their ancestral line used this keen ability to cultivate a prodigal name for themselves. And now, they had risen through all the noble families in Akarui to the position of Commander-in-chief. "Yes?"

Orochi tilted his head to the side. "Yes. The sound of a lyre."

Shu blinked, he had been standing here for a good half an hour but he was unaware of the particular sound. Maybe it was because he was distracted by the nature around him. "There." Orochi leaned against the railing, closing his eyes.

This time, Shu did hear the distant music, barely audible. But he could catch the serene expression on Orochi's face. That was the face of a man who remembered more than he wanted to. "It's been a while since I heard someone playing the lyre that skillfully."

Shu smiled. He was not much of a musician. Except for the flute, he didn't have any knowledge on other musical instruments. "I wouldn't know. I'm not well-versed in music."

"My mother used to play the lyre. She was the best the whole Akarui had."

Shu didn't ask what happened. He reached out and squeezed his elbow in a gesture of comfort. Orochi relaxed beside him. Though they had been in the same team, Orochi had always been a quiet member, supporting all the others from the shadows. "I wonder who's playing it," Shu muttered, straining to hear as the notes faded into the distance finally coming to a close.

Orochi sighed, "If we get the chance, I'd like to meet them."

"Let's ask Arvin tomorrow. Maybe he knows."

"Anyway, Shu," Orochi turned, a serious expression slipping onto his face. "I wanted to ask about the voices you've been hearing."

Shu stiffened, "Voices? Like the ones I heard when we were in Pisces?"

He nodded, "Yes. Are you still hearing them?"

Shu averted his gaze to the floor. He had tried to forget it ever happened, wanted to pretend the voices had gone away, but sometimes he found himself overwhelmed by those sudden attacks. "Sometimes."

"You know, when I was a kid, because of my family inheritance, I used to hear things I didn't want to hear." He took a step closer to Shu and placed both his hands over each of the albino's ears. Shu looked up. "Whenever that happened, I used to repeat a memory over my head, a sound, a piece of music I loved, it helped chasing away those voices."

Shu closed his eyes, feeling his long fingers against his skin. Comforting. "I'll try it next time."

"That's good advice,'' another voice joined. Both of them turned to see Gou walking over to them with two steaming cups of tea. "Thought everyone can use some refreshment. It's cold."

Orochi smiled, taking one of them from Gou, sighing in content as it warmed his fingers. Shu grinned, "Thank you."

Gou ruffled his hair, "It's been a while since we last talked."

Shu looked at the two of them, the members in the shadows, supporting them nevertheless. They were like those heroes in fairy tales, the ones whose story never gets told. Who sacrifices everything for the main protagonists. The backbone of a story. Orochi flicked his fingers over his face, "You're going to get so many wrinkles if you keep frowning like that."

Shu chukled, sipping his tea. The warmth chased away the chill of the night as they talked about everything and nothing. The notes of the lyre starting in the background mixing into the serene darkness again.

---

Lui was facing the lake coloured in silver. The mundane waves lapped at the sandy strip of beach, the reflection of the moon on the surface of water a perfect sphere. "What did you want to talk about?"

Cordelia shifted beside him. Her eyes were almost silver under the glint of the moon, her pale skin glowing in the darkness giving her an eerie supernatural aura. "I was wondering what your team's motive was?" Her voice was quiet unlike the last time where it held an authoritative quality. "It's not common of your kind to come here."

Lui shrugged. Surprisingly, Lunar had followed him here which was unlikely for the wolf who was always trotting behind Shu wherever he went. "I told you. We came here because our lands were also in danger of Demon Lords. Besides, this land holds too many secrets. Too many secrets that influence us greatly."

Cordelia hummed, she was standing close that Lui should feel the brush of her shoulder against his skin. Before he could move, she talked. "I wonder when they will attack. Our spies have informed us it will be soon. I just hope they hold off until Ben returns."

"Your other commander?"

This time, she turned to him. Her pale skin was dusted with a faint pink. She smiled. "Of course."

Lui shrugged, "It will be fine. We're here anyway. You can trust our team."

She clasped her hands behind her back, leaning forward. Her long silver locks framed her perfect small face. "Can I trust you?"

"Sure, it's your choice." Lui finally took a step back, worried about her intimacy, the way she spoke like they had known each other for a long time.

She didn't seem to get the hint. The girl took another step forward, impossibly close that Lui could feel her breathing on his skin. He cleared his throat, stepping towards the narrow path leading to the castle. "I guess I should go now. Meet you tomorrow, your highness."

Cordelia huffed to herself but her face was lit with a smile, "Cordelia, you can call me Cordelia."

Lui didn't entertain her using her name but merely nodded. "Good night."

"Good night, Lui," she said, her tongue lingering in his name a second long. Lui walked through the empty path, the occasional hoot of an owl, and the chirping of cicadas to keep his mind from the thoughts. It had been unnatural for the queen to call him alone at this hour and her way of talking confirmed his doubts.

This was going to be a problem.

A crease wrinkled his brows as he arrived at the palace, walked up the spiral staircase and took a left for the hallways where the guest rooms were. Lunar followed him close behind. Shu was standing by an empty balcony in front of the room, an empty cup of tea resting on the marble railing in front of him. The doubts and the worries dissolved in a mere second as he walked towards him. Shu turned, hearing his footsteps. A smile already painting his lips. "Lui."

Lui walked over and wrapped his arms around Shu's waist, burying his head on the crook of his neck. The familiar comforting smell of strawberries welcoming him. "Lui?"

"Yeah," his muffled voice asked.

"Did something happen?"

Lui pulled away, but didn't untangle his hands around Shu. He looked close into his eyes. "Does something have to happen for me to hug my lover?"

Shu leaned forward, pecking his lips. "No."

Lui grinned, pushing them towards the railing, Shu placed his hands behind him on the marble surface as his lips were stolen in a passionate kiss. Hands running down his back, tracing the curves of his hips.

The two figures were lit by the distant moon, their faces half darkened by the shadows of the hallway. Cordelia — crouched behind the massive vases decorating the hallway— watched, seething in anger, biting hard to her nail. Her worst nightmare had come true. The two princes were actually together. But a part of her reasoned that this couldn't possibly be love. It was not how that worked. An infatuation, perhaps. Besides, all her life she had gotten what she wanted. She didn't see why this time it had to be any different.