Chapter 184: Capture the Flag: Part-4
Aerioniz Zephyra Empire
It was renowned for its lush greenery, a vibrant oasis unlike any other empire. This world blanketed in dense forests and teeming with diverse plant life, was a living testament to nature’s splendor.
The empire was predominantly inhabited by a fascinating group of beings:.. Elves, fairies, Dryads, Harpies, and other demi-humans like wolves, rabbits, foxes, etc. Their lives intertwined with the natural world, creating a harmonious and magical existence.
Aria Zephyr
Aria Zephyr was a royal woman of unparalleled grace, born into the prestigious High Elves tribe.
This tribe governed the entire Aerioniz Zephyra Empire, and Aria, with her elegance, kindness, and cultured demeanour, embodied its ideals. Her deepest desire was a life filled with love and happiness, surrounded by the natural beauty she cherished.
Above all, she found joy in hunting, a passion that connected her to the land.
She dreamed of a peaceful life with her parents, helping her tribe thrive and prosper. Her heart was pure, her intentions noble.
However,
Destiny had other plans…
Alaric, a man from the Wood Elf tribe chosen by the Arcane, ascended to become the Arcane King. During this tumultuous time, the Darkfang tribe sought to usurp power. To protect her people, Aria Zephyr was thrust into a political marriage, a pawn in a dangerous game of power and survival.
Despite her extraordinary aptitude for the rare Golden Arcane Card, people believed the Arcane King was more powerful.
She had no choice but to marry Alaric. As a royal, she had enjoyed a life of privilege, and now it was time to repay her debt. She accepted her fate with a heavy heart, hoping to build a new life with her husband.
She thought she could adapt, find contentment, and create a new path with her partner. However…
“I am sorry, but I am in love with another woman. I want her to be my Empress,” Alaric declared coldly on their wedding day, his words echoing in the grand hall.
Not just to her, but in front of everyone.
It was a big slap for not only her but also the High Elf tribe.
Aria, destined to be the Empress of Aerioniz Zephyra, saw her dreams shatter.
Now she wasn’t an Empress but rather….
She was merely the Queen of the High Elf tribe, and even this title was given for appearances’ sake and the High Elf tribe’s constant insisting…. That’s All!
Otherwise, she would have been reduced to a concubine, a role unfit for her noble birth.
Her heart broke into a million pieces.
She was broken…. It wasn’t the change in title that devastated her but Alaric’s blatant disinterest and the humiliation of his public rejection.
They had no physical relationship, and when she didn’t bear a child, others scorned her with vile names. Yet, they never blamed Alaric; he was beyond reproach as the Emperor.
And even more, he didn’t even clarify anything with others as if he didn’t care in the first place!
Her attempts to confront him were futile. She knew any misstep could lead to the downfall of her tribe. She could only cry in her parents’ embrace, feeling utterly powerless.
While Alaric immersed himself in his Arcane King duties, Aria secretly gathered her forces, seeking noble support. She refused to remain a victim.
As time passed, the woman Alaric desired didn’t even look at him, becoming a sovereign and rejecting him as a weakling.
Then, Alaric began to show some affection towards Aria though he still loved that woman, but it was too late….
Aria now ignored him.
Aria had hardened her heart.
She refused to be his consolation prize.
She wasn’t his side chick and wasn’t interested in opening her heart and legs whenever he wanted.
When she finally decided to use her newfound support to dissolve their marriage, Alaric reacted with force, imprisoning her within his palace.
“How dare you leave me!!!”
This marked the beginning of her deep-seated hatred for him. Isolated from her parents, she was cut off from anyone who dared to care for her.
Whenever Alaric tried to force her, she mentioned the Sovereign’s name, and Alaric would immediately stop.
That made him keep his sanity as well as her purity!
As time passed, One fateful day, as she gazed longingly at the sky,
“It’s been hundreds of years since I saw the outside world…” Aria murmured wistfully in the empty palace garden, a place devoid of any other souls. Despite her desire to escape, a powerful barrier kept her confined.
She looked at the garden, filled with a breathtaking variety of flowers unseen in the outside world. These flowers were her only solace.
“Will I stay here for eternity…?” she whispered sorrowfully. She longed to see her parents, to experience the world beyond, to embrace a new life. Yet, she lacked the strength to break free.
‘Drip’
Tears began to fall, “I-I… I am scared… M-Mom…” she sobbed, her voice quivering with fear and desperation.
The Arcane, who had silently witnessed her suffering, Finally granted her blessing.
“ssssshhhhhh”
Aria felt a sudden warmth in her chest as her Golden Arcane Card appeared,
“W-What’s happening?” she gasped, and then,
“SSHHHHH!!!”
A powerful beam of light descended from the sky, striking the card. When the light faded, Aria saw that her card had transformed into a Rainbow Arcane Card, and her level had reset.
Aria’s eyes widened in shock…. No, not because she was surprised, but because she was horrified.
“I-I got cursed!!” Aria mumbled in fear.
For Aria, being chosen by the Arcane was nothing but a curse… a curse that had plagued her from the beginning. And now, it was back, attached to her once again. She was paralyzed by shock and terror.
Alaric had no choice but to break the barrier and let Aria go.
From that day onwards, she vowed never to use that cursed object again. She swore she would take her revenge with her own two hands.
Now,
“-Huff-Huff-Hufff-” Aria panted heavily as she faced a menacing wolf.
“Aria, stop being an idiot! If you don’t use your Arcane card, you will die!” the werewolf snarled, its large, dangerous teeth glistening with saliva.
“L-Let’s see…” Aria murmured, gripping the two small knife-like weapons in her hands tightly, her heart pounding with fear and determination.
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