The Prince's Fiance

Chapter Twentytwo

The lid of the box was lifted quickly. It revealed a necklace which looked similar to the one Lilith received from her father and used to always wear before it's mana stone became dull and broken. "Ah-" she could tell with one glance that it wasn't just a cheap replica but well manufactured. While she was still gazing at the crystal, Solomon had already walked around her chair and reached now for the necklace. "Since I damaged your previous one, it's only fair of me to gift you a new one. Right?" He moved Lilith's long dark hair out of the way as he went to put the necklace on for her. After clicking the little chain he returned her hair and stepped back to the front to inspect it. "It looks perfect." "Thank you?" She was clearly dumbfounded to receive a new necklace. Maybe she even had preferred to receive an cut off ear. It would have felt less awkward. "Well then, I shall take my leave again." "Huh? Wait up Solomon-" the male mage turned away, ready to dematerialize but glanced once back over his shoulder. "Oh and if you look for illegal activities, you may be closer to them than you've noticed. Just open your eyes." And with that he was gone.

One day later Akito was seated in his office again as an urgent report came in. "Your Highness, we received information that at the eastern border opened a rift and monster are escaping through it" "Is this true?!" "Yes our informants are trustworthy. The monsters starts to attack the surrounding villages." The Prince clenched his hands as he heard the devastating news. Monsters were always a rare occurrence and usually products by summoning of mages. They couldn't just enter from their own dimension into the Kingdom. But a rift which was forcibly opened through magic made it possible for them to enter in large number. The last time a rift had appeared on the continent was hundreds of years ago and the casualties were fatal. The King who reigned to this time declared Magicians as thread and a witch hunt was released. Neighboring countries followed the example and soon the population of people who were able to wield mana decreased drastically. It took three generations for them to stop with the hunt on mages and the era of another much wiser King. Only through him the worth in mages was acknowledged again so they didn't had to live in fear anymore. However the people who are able to use mana is up until now only a small number.

"The rift must be caused by all the illegal magical items.." he mumbled. It seemed like the investigation on this case went to slow. 'If only Raito were in his right mind..' but he wasn't. They could have avoided it but now it was only left to deal with the damage. "Tell me if measurements were already taken." The servant hurried with the news. "Duke James Frazer has already acted and dispatched the military army to fight back the monsters without waiting for an imperial order. However the fight might continue endless if the rift won't be sealed again." Akito nodded. It was good that Raito's father already took aktion without hesitation. He only had to concern himself with sealing now and he already had the right Magican at hand for this. But he couldn't send Lilith off all by herself. Raito was still useless in his state. He had no choice but to take her to the rift himself. Akito sighed heavily while the servant was still waiting for instructions. "Tell our Palace Magican and two royal guards to prepare for departure. I will go with them too." "Yes, your Highness!" Two guards had to be enough. He couldn't take more with him since there still had to be plenty to guard the King or.. Jisoo. "Oh, also tell Lady Jisoo to come to my room." The servant nodded and left.

"Lord Akito, I've prepared for departure." Lilith was stopping by Akito's room. She looked rather downcast and as if she hadn't slept too long last night. He wondered if her state was due to the monster attack or something else. He was about to say something as another mint figure rushed down the corridor and called out for him. "You called for me?" Jisoo came to an spot next to Lilith and analyzed her worried. Since they didn't exchanged any big words they must have already talked earlier in the morning about whatever Lilith might have kept awake. "Yes, my Lady. I wanted to inform you that we have to leave for an urgent matter." "Oh, that explains your outfits." The prince and Lilith were both dressed in an uniform which looked similar to the royal Knights uniform. The only difference was that they looked more flashy and signaled a higher position. "I also have something else to say, but we better enter my room for this." Jisoo blushed and followed with a nod inside. The mage girl politely waited outside.

As soon as the door was closed, Akito began to speak. "During our absence I have an very important task. Keep an eye on Lady Peres. If she does anything stupid, don't hesitate to interfere. I made sure to give you the authority as the Prince's fiance so the servants and guards will listen to what you say." She nodded once again while listening attentively. "This does sound very important.. Is it really okay for me to do this?" "Yes, I trust you currently the most. Since Raito brought Lady Peres I can't trust him anymore. Therefore, please keep an eye on him as well." She was moved by his trust into her and took this task grateful on her. "I won't disappoint you!" "I know you won't. And please be careful. Don't do anything what could put you in danger." Aktio was holding firmly on her. "Isn't this supposed to be my line? You're the one who is leaving the palace, not me." He smiled at her remark and leaned with his forehead against hers. "I still worry for you the most.. Promise me to be save." "I promise. Please come save back to me as well." "I promise."

To seal their sweet promise their lips met in the middle. In this moment none of them felt shy and the kiss naturally happened as if they never did anything else before. They both knew that nothing could happen to either of them and that they will soon see each other again.

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-Happy end-

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Or not?