Chapter 4

Valda was used to the special ceremonies in the castle. They mostly never revolved around her. Her mother was the center of attention most of the time, but today she was. And although she knew the day would come, she couldn't push away the feeling that something extraordinary was going to happen.

The term "butterflies in the stomach" seemed like an understatement. Valda felt hordes of horses running inside her chest and stomach. She could barely breathe. Her hands itched inside the pockets of her slacks as she willed herself not to bite her nails. She wore a flowing ensemble of silks and cotton, a beautiful blend of oranges and purples, with intricate golden embroidery. She stood outside the throne room, in an adjacent room they used to get ready before walking in. The court was loud on the other side of the door. The music competed with clattering of silverware and glasses. The room was full, there was no doubt about it.

And Valda wondered if her mate was waiting for her inside the room, walking amongst the guests. Was she sipping wine, talking to one of the ladies or lords of the court? Was she having a good time, was … was she even invited to the damn thing? Valda sighed and rubbed her face. Her mother probably didn't even send an invitation to the settlers in New Agenor.

Her mother wouldn't do that. She wouldn't do anything to stop her from being with her mate, right?

Something rubbed itself against her calf. Looking down, Valda chuckled at Cerberus's aggressive display of affection. A rub to her calf, a soft nip to her pant leg, and then the slow blinking that melted her heart.

"You are going to keep me company, aren't you girl?"

The cat's loud purrs settled Valda's nervousness. She petted under Cerberus's chin, her purring getting louder.

"Stay close, all right?"

Cerberus opened her eyes, her pupils dilating before releasing a loud hiss.

Before Valda could wonder what was wrong with her, a strong slap to her shoulder tensed her muscle until she saw Kayden's blue eyes shining with mischief.

"You fucker," she mumbled before pushing his hand away.

"Happy birthday, Princess Valda." Kayden pulled her into a hug, which Valda reciprocated.

Cerberus hissed again, but Kayden shook his foot at her. "Get!"

"Kayden!" Valda snarled, watching her precious pet run into another hidden room. Kayden annoyed Valda to no end, but she could never deny that she loved him as the brother she never had. His annoying grin and brash humor always brought a smile to her face.

"You scared the shit out of me," Valda chuckled before pulling away and looking at Kayden from head to toe. She whistled and raised a coy eyebrow. "Well, hello there, Sir Kayden. I am sure you will not use your powers to get laid tonight."

"I will take that as a compliment." He laughed, while trying to hide something behind his back.

"What you got there?"

"It's a present. I wanted to be the first to give you a proper birthday gift. I know you will give it great use if things go as planned."

Valda pursed her lips just as Kayden pulled from behind him a wooden box with a simple latch. The symbol of the goddess Aphrodite was branded on top of it. Knowing Kayden, it was something she wouldn't be able to show off inside the throne room.

"I want you to open it here."

And she was right. She grabbed the proffered box, took in its weight and hesitated before opening it. "What is it, Kayden?"

"Just open it! Come on!"

Valda sighed, smoothed a hand over her uniform and undid the latch. Slowly she peeked inside the box. Before opening the entire thing, her eyes grew wide as she closed the box again. "This is a joke!"

Kayden threw his head back and laughed. "It is not!" He squeezed Valda's shoulders and pointed at the box again. "A gift from the goddess of love herself. Blessed by her! You can feel everything when you use it." He winked at Valda, and her cheeks heated up.

"Everything?"

"Everything."

Valda swallowed hard and turned back to the box as she opened it wider. The gift was a sex toy. One Valda could wear to mimic a cock, and if she used it, she could feel everything a man could. She wasn't sure of the material it was made of, but the skin-like color matched hers. She rolled her eyes. As heat warmed her ears, she closed the box.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

"Of course!" Kayden bellowed, shaking her slightly.

Valda smoothed her hand over a persistent wrinkle on her suit. Eyeing a maid, she gave her box with the instructions to take it to her room, much to Kayden's disapproval.

"Disregarding my gift so fast?"

"Kayden," Valda huffed, fixing her hair and the arms of her suit. "I can't walk into the throne room with a cock in a box. Besides, I am not going to use it now." Her stomach turned again, and she sighed. "I am sorry, Kayden I am just—"

"You are anxious as fuck, my friend." Kayden patted her back again. "She will be there; I know she will."

"What if she isn't?" Valda asked in a harsh whisper.

"Your mother sent invitations to all the kingdoms. I received an invitation, my cousin in Vulcan did. I am sure Rhea did too. Behind those doors, there is a room filled with people from different courts. I am sure your mother sent an invitation to the Sealian survivors in New Agenor."

Valda took a deep breath and nodded at her friend's words. His hand came to the nape of her neck, squeezing the tension away.

"Either way, I am sure you will make a good impression. If anything, you will find a heart mate here."

Valda grunted and fidgeted with the edge of her suit. "You sound like my mother," she mumbled, rubbing her left eye.

"What's wrong?"

Valda shook her head, but her best friend grabbed her shoulder firmly.

"Tell. me."

Valda clenched her jaw. She knew Kayden wouldn't judge her. Maybe tease her, but that was something they always did. "I don't want a heart mate."

Kayden nodded for her to continue.

"Kayden, the Fates spoke to my father in a dream that I would marry the heiress of the Sea Kingdom and that heiress was my soulmate. Here I am, hoping and praying that by some miracle she will be on the other side of these doors. It's been nine years since the Oracle said that my mate was alive. Yet my mother and Arwin have done shit to find her amongst the survivors." She sighed and turned to look at the closed doors to the throne room, her stomach filling with worry and nervousness. "What's the use? It's as if something is stopping me from getting what it's rightfully mine."

"There are twenty-four hours in a day, Valda. It's your birthday, go out and have fun. Dance, drink. Who knows," Kayden shrugged. "If nothing happens then we can always send out to get the Oracle and kill them for lying to the crown."

"If I don't meet my soulmate, they wouldn't have lied though," Valda said, pressing her lips to a thin line.

"And why is that?"

Valda sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "When I asked them, I didn't specify which mate. When the Oracle answered, they could've been talking about either my soulmate or a potential heart mate."

"I don't give a fuck. We can still kill them. What's the worst that could happen? The Fates coming to curse us?" Kayden sniffed, fixing his black suit.

"It's been a long while since a god has cursed us mortals."

"Those cowards are long gone," Kayden reassured Valda, slapping her back once more.

"I know, but—"

"Valda. If you are not supposed to find her, then you won't. Many of us go about our lives without knowing our soulmate. We just have to wait for our next life."

Valda raised her eyebrow. "That's reassuring."

Kayden chuckled, shook his head, and pulled her in for a tight hug. "You know I am here to make you feel better. Now," He pulled back, patted her shoulders, and fixed her collar. "Let's go out there and get some birthday gifts."

Laughing, Valda stood before the throne room and took a deep breath. "No gift today will topple yours, though."

"Fuck no, they won't."

As Valda pushed the door open and entered the room, the chatter and laughter of the courtiers ceased. Every eye was fixed upon her, and suddenly her title was heavy on her shoulders. As she carefully moved about, she saw fear and respect keeping the guests at bay, scared to approach her. But today, Valda didn't want to be unreachable. She tried to be open, to let others know that she was indeed happy they were part of her celebration. As she made her way to the dais, where her mother sat on her throne, Valda's smile illuminated the far dark corners of the room.

Rionach's gaze fixed upon her. She had been conversing with a maid, but upon seeing Valda, she dismissed her and smiled warmly at her daughter. The knots in her stomach tightened, her nerves jangling like the strings of a lute.

The courtiers murmured as she approached, whispers floating through the air like butterflies. Some stared at her in awe, while others simply gaped, unsure of what to make of her. Valda didn't mind the fear. People were easier to control when they were afraid. But still Valda's heart raced faster as she walked towards her mother, her footsteps echoing in the silent hall. She could feel the weight of the throne upon her, and the eyes of the court as well.

As she finally reached the throne, she curtsied to her mother, her eyes downcast. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, her body trembling with nervous energy. She had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable. But as her mother's hand rested upon her shoulder, she felt a sudden surge of strength, a warmth that spread through her.

Valda raised her head, her eyes meeting her mother's. She took a deep breath, and the tension in her body began to ease. She was not alone. Her mother was there, and Kayden was surely using his gift to seduce someone to join him in bed at the end of the night.

"Happy birthday, my dearest Valda," Rionach said, standing from the throne and wrapping her arms tightly around her before cupping her face and pulling her down to kiss her forehead."I want you to go ahead and talk to every single attendee. Not one should leave this castle without a proper hello from you."

Valda nodded. She needed to do so, if she wanted to find her mate, who hopefully was hidden among the courtiers. Still, she would rather ignore every single person who didn't sport blue hair. Maybe that way she could get to who she wanted fast enough.

Standing by her mother, Valda thanked the guests for coming to her celebration, and then descended the dais. She could make out the royalty from other kingdoms. Some of them were already sitting by the long dining table, while others were talking amongst themselves.

The first royalty Valda approached was the princess of the Vulcan Kingdom, Kenna Hagan. Kayden's cousin and a fierce warrior, much like Valda. Poised yet serious, her clothing stood out from the rest. Her plaid fabrics with animal pelt were attention grabbing. Her makeup was also something that many talked about. Valda did a double take at the shadow tones across her eyes reaching her temples, the red paint on her neck, and her long black hair pulled back into intricate braids. Intrigued, Valda saluted her by bowing and grasping her forearm in a tight grip.

Kenna did not smile. Unlike the others in the room, Kenna seemed as if she was forced to attend. Valda had no doubt in her mind that Kayden had something to do with it. The Vulcan kingdom was the most feared. Their people were fearless warriors who took death as the ultimate and honorable thing to do only if it was defending their kingdom. The descendants of Ares could manipulate fire, making them the most destructive of the elements. No one dared try anything with the Vulcanians, not when their royalty could destroy everything, and the passion of war ran through their veins.

"Happy birthday," Kenna said with her heavy Arevulcan accent and moving her pelts from her waist to rest her hand there.

Valda nodded. "I appreciate you being here."

"Do you, Your Highness?" The taunt came in a husky and teasing growl.

Valda grinned, showing her teeth, and pulling the warrior close enough to brush her lips over the curve of her ear and whisper. "Behave," she warned, not before kissing the younger woman's cheek.

They had enough familiarity for Valda to act so coy. Although completely different from Kayden's demeanor, Valda found herself drawn to Kenna, for they both enjoyed a good training session every once in a while. More than once, Kayden had tried to get them both to be together, but a woman such as Kenna was not the type Valda was interested in.

Kenna threw her head back, cackling. "I will, Valda. If you keep my cousin in check. I have seen what he is doing. I try to ignore the fact he used his gift on me."

"So, I am correct. You didn't want to come."

"I would rather eat coal than appear in these…" she waved her hand. "Things."

Valda nodded, excused herself and moved on with her tour.

The ruler of Harmonia, Leida Poyraz was next. Kayden's mother, with her fiery, breathtaking hair, white milky skin, and a smile that could light up the darkest Skylian night, laughed loudly with the men around her. Her hand, dainty and empty of a glass of wine was soon filled by a guard's callused one. Her blue eyes sparkled with lust as the guard kissed her hand. Valda wondered how her friend could go about his day knowing that his mother, the direct recipient of the gift of Aphrodite, was lusted and coveted by many. Valda couldn't deny that she was absolutely gorgeous, and she wasn't the only one who took notice of her beauty. It was no secret that Leida had the same fame as Kayden. There were rumors that Leida had an affair with Vulcan Hagan, Kenna's father, and rightful king of Vulcan kingdom.

Leida wore a simple white dress, contrasting dramatically with her fellow royal Kenna. Where Kenna oozed strength, power, and violence, Leida's presence irradiated love, peace, and serenity. As the ruler of Harmonia, her gift was the same as her son's.

As peaceful and non-confrontational as she looked, she wasn't someone to start a war with. Unlike Kayden, she could manipulate the feelings of not only one person, but an entire room. With just a flick of her wrist, a room full of happy and kind people could turn into a ravaging angry mob, or worse… A sadden throng ready to end it all, including themselves.

As Valda approached her, Leida giggled and offered her hand. Valda took it gracefully and proceeded to kiss her knuckles. "You look radiant, Queen Leida," Valda said. The term queen was used loosely, as the relationship between Vulcanians and Harmonians was as confusing as the way they governed over each other. Yet, Valda would never want to be on Leida's bad side.

Leida chuckled and moved closer to Valda, enough to place a soft hand over Valda's strong arms. "You look amazing. Formal attire suits you so well, Valda." Valda's name on Leida's lips sounded like a delicious and compliant purr. "So, different from your usual dirty and bloody garbs," Leida teased.

Valda smirked, letting the woman get closer. "I bathe regularly," she joked, raising a flirty eyebrow at Leida.

"I won't believe it until I see it…" Leida poured lust from her full lips, and Valda couldn't help but swallow and force herself to behave. An angry and cautious growl behind her warned her of Kayden's presence.

"I better get going. There are still people for me to greet."

"Of course. Forgive me for keeping you," Leida said.

"Oh, but there is absolutely nothing to forgive," Valda murmured, grabbing her hand and kissing it again.

Another growl and Valda moved away just in time for Kayden to move next to his mother, a frown on his rugged face surfaced for the first time in a while. Leida shrugged, grabbed his arm, and ushered him away.

As Valda navigated through the throne room, she felt a hand on her back. The scent of flowers and earthiness engulfed her. Turning, she found herself staring at the young king of Rhea Kingdom. Hawthorne Zinnia was younger than Valda by six years. His parents were middle aged when they had him, and just a couple of weeks back, his father the king passed away leaving Hawthorne in charge. Many saw him as an immature child, whilst Valda saw his potential. A force to be reckoned with and someone to keep happy due to all trades they could make with the kingdom. Being the kingdom with the most fertile lands, it meant they controlled most of the imports of food and medicine.

"Happy birthday, Princess Valda Aither." The young man bowed low, his green tunic draping over his dark skin contrasted dramatically and gave him an ethereal glow. "It is good to see you." Always so proper and respectful.

Valda chuckled as she breathed in and inhaled the smell of roses. "I am happy you could make it. I am sorry about King Yarrow."

"Thank you. I appreciate it." Hawthorne stood next to Valda, his blue eyes roaming the room. "I was going to decline your invitation. I always feel like this is just a bribe to get on my good side."

Valda smiled and shrugged. "You sound like your father."

"I am starting to think he was right."

"The Sky Kingdom is an ally of Rhea. We will always protect those who help us."

"Of course," Hawthorne chuckled and patted Valda's shoulder. "I made an appearance. If you forgive me, I must retire. My kingdom is still mourning my father's death, and I don't think my people will see me in good eyes if I am out here celebrating."

"Understandable," Valda agreed, gripping Hawthorne's forearm before allowing him to leave.

Alone with her thoughts, Valda turned to the party. She watched the laughter come and go as the maids waltzed in trays upon trays of food and drinks. She searched for any guests from the Sea Kingdom.

She found a couple of blue heads that she had already met before, not one of them looked pleased to be there. With a sigh, Valda turned to the throne. Her mother was casually talking to Arwin, who stood next to her as both company and maybe as protection. Her upper lip twitched in slight disapproval. She knew there was something going on with her mother and the General. If anyone denied it, they had to be blind. The General's eyes shone with an untold adoration while the queen's lips curled at the corner every time they spoke.

They were probably heart mates, and Valda couldn't blame her mother for wanting to be with someone after her father's death. But Valda couldn't comprehend how someone that once had a soulmate could be with someone else after their mate's death. Wasn't her mother supposed to feel that gaping hole in her chest?

She is still human, Valda. She needs to feel something other than pain.

Grunting, Valda picked a glass from a passing maid. Still grumbling from watching her mother close to the general, her eyes caught a shade of blue she hadn't seen before. Bright aqua blue hair…

Valda finished the drink and placed the empty glass as another maid walked by. She fixed her suit and as she was about to walk towards the owner of such blue hair, a deep red cut in front of her path.

"Kayden." Valda sighed and looked over his shoulder. The blue was gone.

"Your mother told me to look for you."

Valda inhaled deeply, her jaw tensing. "What for?"

"She has a present for you. Also, speaking of mothers. You were not hitting on my mother, right?"

"They are off limits."

"Yes, of course, they are off limits, but she was hitting on you, and I could swear you were reciprocating—Pay attention to what I am saying! What are you looking for?" Kayden asked, turning to follow Valda's gaze. "You saw something?"

"I did, but now it's gone. I swear I saw another Sealian that wasn't the one Mother invited."

"Well, I am sure they won't leave just yet." He grabbed Valda by her arm and turned her towards the dais. "Let's go."

Valda approached the throne, and the attendees quieted down as her mother took notice of her. She stood up, folded her hands in front of her while Arwin bowed low. Behind him, another guard proffered a long wooden box. The seal of the Sky kingdom was printed on top. Arwin took the box and stood next to the queen.

Valda's stomach dropped. She knew what was inside the box, and she never thought she would be the recipient of such a gift. With widened eyes and parted lips, she turned to her mother, who gathered her in her arms and hugged her tightly.

"I've been meaning to give you this for quite some time now, Valda," her mother said, pulling enough to cup her cheeks and lower her face to kiss her forehead.

"I know your father would've wanted to give this to you himself, but in his absence, I will do as I must."

Valda bit her lower lip, trying to stop its quivering. She hooked her hands together to keep them from trembling. She turned to Arwin, whose stoic fa?ade did little to appease her excitement.

"Princess Valda Aither. As the future queen and protector of the Sky Kingdom, I give you the weapon your father wielded."

Arwin took a step forward and Rionach undid the latch, opening the great oak chest. A wave of anticipation and reverence rippled through Valda. Inside, resting atop a bed of red velvet, lay the legendary Heaven Sword. Passed down from generation to generation, the unbreakable weapon had been wielded by the direct descendants of the chosen mortals.

The hilt bore the mark of Ouranos, whose power and might were said to imbue the blade with its legendary strength. It was common knowledge that only the ones that bore the mark of the gods on their forehead could wield the Heaven Sword. If anyone else tried to touch it, they would burn their hands.

Slowly, Valda approached the chest, her hand shaking with anticipation. She knew that she had been chosen by Ouranos to wield this mighty weapon because she bore the mark on her forehead since her twenty-first birthday, a day she would always remember for the reality of her responsibility and the accompanying weight.

With a deep breath, Valda reached into the chest and grasped the hilt. As her fingers closed around the grip, a surge of power coursed through her veins.

The attendees cheered as Valda raised the weapon high above her head, its blade gleaming.

Rionach clapped her hands, before reaching out to Arwin once again. The general handed her the scabbard to carry the heavy sword.

Still amazed by her gift, Valda sheathed the sword and tied it around her waist. Her warrior ensemble seemed complete.

"Today, on your twenty-fifth birthday, you, Valda, take possession of the Heaven Sword. The amulet passed from generations through generations. The wielder of the sword must always use it to protect the kingdom from inside and outside forces, putting the Sky Kingdom's wellbeing before anything else. Do you Valda Aither, take the Heaven Sword as your weapon, command its power for good and peace?"

Valda took a deep breath, her chest expanding, her shoulders squaring. She gripped the sword's hilt and nodded her answer before saying, "I swear upon my life to use the powers of the sword for good and peace."

Another surge of cheers inundated the throne room as the princess and the queen hugged. Rionach squeezed Valda's face and patted her arms before instructing her to go back to the party.

Valda couldn't believe that she was now the owner of her father's weapon. Lost in her inspection of the sword's hilt, she didn't notice a young woman standing before her. Her blue aqua hair pulled her from the buzzing sounds around her, and for a moment, everything slowed down.

"Hurry up with the drinks!" Melvian said, as she cleaned an empty tray while Maris struggled to open a bottle of wine.

"I am trying!"

"Well, if you were not sticking your head out every once in a while to have a look at the princess, maybe you would've opened a couple of more bottles." Melvian's tone was annoying, and although Maris loved her, sometimes she could be bossy.

"I wasn't staring."

"Never said you were. Thank you for confirming it." Melvian sighed as she placed the glasses filled with wine on her tray. "Keep them coming."

On the back of the throne room, inside the antechamber that led to the kitchen, the chaos of keeping up with the party was overwhelming. Maris was trying, but reloading the empty trays with filled glasses, and opening up bottles of wine was growing tiresome. She would rather be out there serving than doing all the work.

If she was out there, she could at least try to get closer to Arwin, maybe she could get him alone and talk to him when no one was looking. But going out there meant she would have to also maybe bump into the princes, which she didn't mind.

She frowned at her own thoughts as she popped another bottle of bubbling wine. She quickly emptied its content inside smaller, dainty looking glass.

Melvian had come and gone, and Maris decided it was a good time to take a breather.

Tiptoeing to make sure no one was watching her, she peeked her head through the curtains to the throne room. She searched amongst the hundreds of guests. There were many people wearing so many different outfits from different kingdoms. As her eyes roamed about, she noticed the queen sitting on the throne and next to her, Arwin.

The general's eyes were fixated somewhere other than on the queen. His hand slipped to his pocket, pulling out what appeared to be a golden sphere.

Narrowing her eyes, Maris took a step further out, trying to make out what he was holding. It wasn't until he pressed the object to his lips that she managed to see what it was.

A golden apple.

Why did he have that and why was he kissing it reverently?

A maid walked past her, making Maris take a few steps back to avoid bumping into her. When she turned back, Arwin was gone. Maris cursed under her breath, as she searched for him within the crowd. That's when she saw her.

There she was. Princess Valda, standing before… another Sealian?

Maris frowned; she had never interacted with another Sealian in her life. The woman talking to the princess was beautiful. Dark skin, light blue hair, and a smile that would dazzle anyone.

Her chest constricted, and she wanted nothing more than to go over to that woman and push her away from Valda's undivided attention.

A sudden slap to her behind shook her out of her daydream. Letting out a yelp, Maris turned to Melvian, who looked at her with an annoyed scowl. "I am sorry, did you say something?"

"Yes! I need you to take these out," Melvian gave Maris a tray of different sized glasses, all filled to the brim.

Maris's stomach turned. "You want me to go out there?" There were way to many people out there, and although she was used to serving in a tavern, serving at a royal party was something completely different. Her parents always kept her away from large groups of people such as the one in the throne room. She couldn't help growing nervous.

"I guessed you could do a better job handing out the drinks rather than filling the glasses." Melvian sighed as she took a tray herself. "Don't you dare trip or run into someone. That is instant termination of your job," Melvian warned, slipping more drinks into Maris's tray. "Keep your eyes on their hands. Check if they are empty. Smile." Melvian gave Maris a fake grin. "Like this."

"Oh, I know how to fake a smile. I did it plenty at my old job,"Maris said, trying to hide the fact that she was on the verge of hyperventilating.

"Then you know that if you are not paying attention you are doomed."

Maris opened her mouth to object, but Melvian was right. She wasn't paying much attention to what she was doing.

"I thought so." Pointing with her chin, Melvian ordered Maris to follow her through the throne room entryway. "Let's go!"

The music faded into the back of her mind as she concentrated her gaze and studied the woman's features. The woman smiled, and Valda's brows knitted together, confused.

"Happy birthday, Your Highness," the woman purred teasingly.

Valda softened her expression and cocked her head to the side as she admired the woman's beauty. A Sealian, through and through. Yet, as she looked at the woman's eyes, she took a step back, blinking as a distinctive irritation surfaced in the center of her eyes.

"The Oracle spoke. You will meet your mate today." The woman tilted her head, her smile spreading sweetly. "Have you met her, Your Highness?"

Valda kept her eyes locked with the woman's, expecting something to surge through her. She waited for fulfilment, for the spread of fire, but all she got was a feeling that something wasn't right, and that she shouldn't be standing before this stranger.There was no connection, no bond. There was nothing. This woman was not her mate.

"You are not her," Valda whispered, as the burning in her eyes increased.

"No, I am not. And I am so sorry you will never get to see her. Blessed birthday, Valda Aither. May your god heal you."

Confusion racked over Valda. Squinting, Valda moved to grab the mysterious woman, but before she could, pure liquid pain split through her head. Covering her eyes, Valda faced away as her breath hitched. Taking steps back, she bumped into someone. Glass hit the floor and a soft voice begged for forgiveness. But Valda couldn't answer back. The pain was unbearable and wouldn't be lessened by the press of her palms to her eyes.

Suddenly, a hand came to her back. Although the pain continued, the fear in her chest waned. Peeking through, she saw long red hair and caring eyes. Leida.

Valda moved her hand to the smaller woman's shoulders, struggling to speak past the pain. "Help," Valda mumbled, not wanting anyone else to hear her. "Something's wrong."

Leida frowned and moved closer. She cupped Valda's face. "I can't stop it," Leida said. "I can keep everyone calm but…"

Valda's grip grew tighter as she bared her teeth, her vision faltered as the corners darkened around her.

"Help!" Leida yelled, capturing the attention of everyone in the throne room, including Kayden and Rionach. Horrified gasps rolled through the room as people gathered to see what was wrong with Valda, yet no one dared intervene.

Valda fell to her knees. The sound of bone colliding with the marbled floor echoed throughout the throne room. She pressed the heel of her palms to her eyes, squeezing again. Howling in pain and unable to understand what was happening, Valda felt Leida's hands on her shoulders, as she tried to steady her now erratic movements.

"Help! Somebody please! We need a blessed Asclepius worshiper now!" Leida called out again.

The shooting pain tore through her face. Throwing her head back, Valda screamed at the ceiling as whiteness consumed her. She heard the gasps and shocked yells coming from the attendees. The blinding light ruptured the darkness until it dissipated into nothingness.

As the light resided, Valda pushed herself from the floor and walked aimlessly. She needed to stop the pain, she needed to get help. Where was the healer? Hands clutched her suit, holding her in place, and just like a wounded animal, Valda flailed her arms, trying to escape the unknown clutches.

"Valda!" She recognized her mother's voice, far from her."Stop!"

"It hurts so much!" Valda yelled, her hands coming to cup her eyes again. Warm liquid poured out, drenching her hands. The drops hit the marble floor and she feared the worst.

Blood?

"Valda, you need to stop!" Kayden was closer. His voice quivered with emotion. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, his powers coursing through her. But Valda wouldn't yield.

She pulled away from the embrace and slammed her fist to Kayden's jaw. He hit the ground with a pained groan.

"Valda, you need to calm down," Leida spoke and once again, the ebbing waves of comfort washed over her, but it didn't work.

Valda stood alone in the vastness of the throne room, her body wracked with agony and her mind clouded with despair. As she heard footsteps approaching, Valda gritted her teeth and braced herself. She knew that they were coming to help her, but the pain was too much to bear. She didn't want to be touched; she wanted all to stop. With a fierce cry, Valda unleashed her power. Her body became a conduit for the winds, and gusts of wind exploded from her body with a force that shook the room to its very foundations.

The wind tore at the tapestries on the walls, flung chairs and tables across the room, and sent the people who had dared to approach her reeling backwards.

Despite the distress that wracked her body, she refused to back down. She screamed with all her might, calling forth the very power of the winds themselves.

Her heart beat inside her chest like a war drum, muffling the cries of those trying to help. The power of Ouranos filtered through her vain, as tornado thickened around her. This wasn't happening, not now, not during her birthday, not when she was supposed to meet her.

As she continued to unleash her fury upon the throne room, her body convulsed with pain and her mind was consumed by a tempest of emotions. She barely registered the sound of approaching footsteps.

But then, a voice cut through the roar of the wind, sweet yet firm. "Your Highness, I am so sorry, but I have to do this."

Before she could react, Valda felt strong arms wrap around her, pulling her close. She smelled the salty tang of the ocean and felt a sudden sense of calm wash over her. It was as if the ocean itself had come to claim her.

Then, the person struck behind her knee and slammed her to the ground, flattening her to the cold marbled floor.For a moment, Valda struggled against the hold, still consumed by her emotions. But gradually, as she felt the presence of the person holding her, her breathing slowed, her muscles relaxed. The gusts of wind tearing through the room slowly abated, until there was only a gentle breeze left.

"Forgive me, Your Highness." The person said again, their hold loosening. But Valda didn't stand as unconsciousness draped around her like a dark veil.