‘this is perfect, I’m sure my fellow king will be delighted if I tell them, my daughter, a huntress, a loveless, now gracefully performing a dance for my birthday celebration.’

‘but first, I would ask , Xerxez, since he is more respectful man, not pervert like king Vhorlandrus, and not like king Harios, who is outdated, some what, no sense of humour, hehe, sorry to mention , but I know , Xerxez is suited for that position to give a feedback about my daughter’s performance..ehh’

“What do you think of my daughter’s beautiful dance?” The king, Driother, couldn’t contain his joy, applauding enthusiastically.

The music and feast become wonderful as her eldest daughter Maviel dance on his birthday. A huntress of Thartherus now, blooming, blushes, in front of the invited kings.

“That’s my eldest, she’s inherited my talent.” His friends smiled. “What do you say, Xerxes?” Xerxes was caught off guard, directly addressed by Driother.

‘look at his face, he was nervous, I know such reaction, he is likely, enjoyed, kinda attracted— attracted? No…no, what I mean is , he is interesting…’

‘i can’t wait, his feedback, he just speechless, petrified, stunned by what he saw. Yeah, like that, he is starstruck. My daughter is super talented, her dance, is not just a dance but a dance of Virgo….’

“Hello, are you done brainstorming? Tell me, what can you , or just rate her , 1 to 10.”

“Well, you daughter, Maviel? I…I..I can say… she’s beautiful.”

“Hm? Come on, go on.”

“And I like her….dance…yeah her dance. Absolutely, 10 out of 10!” Xerxez stammered.

“haha, I know it, you have an eye of creative, you really good, and capable to appreciate , art of dance… “

“Hehe, King Driother, why don’t you ask me, I could give an enormous appreciation of her dance.” King vhalthimoos said. Reddish cheek.

Xerxes found Maviel’s face so beautiful that he was completely smitten. They met secretly behind the palace, in front of the garden. During their clandestine meetings, both Maviel and Xerxes confessed their true feelings. Their hearts beat as one, and in a response to their profound love for each other, Xerxes kissed Maviel with a kiss from the depths of his soul.

It wasn’t long before their secret was revealed. Instead of being delighted, King Driother was devastated. He was furious when he learned his daughter was marrying Xerxes, his fellow king. He complained that of all the bachelors he had hoped would marry his daughter, why did she choose the widower Xerxes? At first, he couldn’t accept the lovers’ situation, believing it was bad luck.

Driother had no choice but to guide his daughter, Maviel. He gave her hand to the enamored Xerxes because he knew Xerxes would love her more than he ever could, and that she would be completely happy.

Driother trusted Xerxes to be a good husband, and he was confident that Maviel would be happy and would have no regrets. Driother agreed to unite their love. Before long, Xerxes and Maviel were married. Driother did not regret his decision, as he saw his daughter was happy with Xerxes.

Months passed, and Maviel became pregnant. Xerxes was overjoyed when he learned the news. A father’s happiness is truly complete when he has a child with his wife, fulfilling his masculinity. However, Xerxes’s joy was a stark contrast to Pyramus’s feelings. Pyramus, Xerxes’s son from his previous marriage, was often on edge. He felt there was no longer a place for him in his father’s life, especially with Xerxes’s new world and new family.

He couldn’t accept having a half-sibling and absolutely hated that his father had remarried. He would run away and spend time alone, often going to a specific tree with lush, green leaves. The place was peaceful, with birds singing and soft grass swaying in the breeze.

Xerxes understood Pyramus’s feelings, and even Maviel was saddened by the situation, but it was difficult to reason with a child. So, they gave him space, knowing that one day, Pyramus would understand. Maviel was kind, and Xerxes was sure that she would win Pyramus’s heart and, one day, be accepted as his mother.

Maviel was so good-natured that she was certain she could ease Pyramus’s heart, if not now, then someday. Months later, Maviel gave birth to a healthy, handsome baby boy. Everyone was happy at the child’s birth. Maviel’s entire family arrived, bringing gifts. That day was different, their smiles almost involuntary whenever they saw the baby. It was a stark contrast to Pyramus’s own birth day, which had been marked by a grand celebration and tribute. With the baby’s arrival, peace reigned. As the couple gazed at the baby, their smiles deepened with an indescribable joy, perhaps because of the blessing before them. Maviel immediately thought of the name ‘Maximus,’ for it symbolized valor and peace among all.

“Maximus—that’s what I’ll name him, my love,” she told Xerxes.

Xerxes had no complaints, as he loved the name and felt it was fitting for a future king. From that day on, the baby was named Maximus, a symbol of peace, kindness, and a good heart. When they introduced the baby to the world, he was warmly recognized as the son of the king of Thallerion.

Their life was peaceful. Under Xerxez’s rule, the land of Thallerion prospered and became vast and powerful. Most of all, since the baby’s birth, the palace had been filled with prosperity and joy.

One day, Maviel asked for a small feast and celebration for their son. Because he loved his wife and child, Xerxes agreed without hesitation, but he insisted on making the occasion exceptional and special. A father will do anything to make his child and wife happy, and the joy in Xerxes’s heart was immeasurable, so if this was the way to express it, he would do everything. The next day, all the palace staff prepared, decorating with beautiful ornaments. Because Maviel loved white flowers, they were chosen to adorn the festivities, a perfect match for the clean, sparkling palace. It was a truly grand occasion, a thanksgiving for the blessing of a handsome baby boy.

Many guests attended, mostly friends and acquaintances. Others came just to celebrate, some from distant lands and some from neighboring countries. They did not expect any enemies to attend. The queen of Peronicas also didn’t come, but Xerxes knew why. He didn’t blame himself because he had been a good husband to her daughter, Pyramia. So, he just let it be.

Everyone was happy. The kings were laughing, people were dancing and playing music while others ate to their hearts’ content, savoring the delicious dishes. The most skilled chefs and cooks had united to prepare the feast.

Fresh grape wine was served to pair with the delectable food. The day was filled with lively music, making everything feel grand. People were coming and going from the palace, so the guards didn’t notice a man dressed in a long, dark cloak enter. His clothes were old and not suitable for the occasion. The cloak was so thick that it was impossible to tell if he was carrying a weapon. He was of average height but moved with an alert, hurried air. His actions, however, seemed to show no ill intent. He ate as if he were a regular guest. But what they didn’t see were his eyes, which seemed to scan every corner, every floor of the castle, looking for an opportunity, hinting at some evil plan.

A few moments later, people started to notice the man’s strange behavior; he seemed ready for a fight. Maviel had left for a moment, leaving the baby in a shiny, golden cradle, entrusting the child to her maid. She had decided to go and talk to Pyramus, as she knew he was sad and didn’t want to make friends.

She found him sitting on the side of the stairs, waiting for his father or his grandmother, Queen Pyramia. Since the queen was not there, he was alone. Maviel approached him with a greeting.

“Pyramus, come with me. Do you want to see your brother?” Maviel said softly, trying to get his attention.

“I don’t want to…” he answered shyly. Maviel had expected that response.

“Don’t be shy with me, Pyramus,” she said. “Are you scared of me?” she asked. He just nodded, meaning yes.

“Is that so? You know, Pyramus… I don’t bite. Here, hold my hand.” Pyramus took her hand, and Maviel was happy, as it seemed she was winning his heart.

“From now on, are we friends?” He nodded again. “Promise?” But he didn’t answer, and a silence grew between them, so she changed the topic to fill the quiet.

“Are you hungry?” Finally, his spirit returned. Maviel had thought his attitude had soured again, but the boy nodded and gave her his hand, agreeing to go with her.

They began to walk toward the food. But she was shocked to hear people screaming outside. She ran into a woman, a guest, with a look of fear and dread on her face. “Someone has been murdered!” the woman said, trembling with terror. She then ran away.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep