Balam: Virgo the Pure (Trials of the Zodiac Book 2)

A HAPPY FAMILY

BALAM

Going to bed after our abrupt and mostly anticlimactic wedding had been an extraordinary experience. Knowing that a battle loomed on the horizon made it even more peculiar. Zakhar had pulled me from bed early in the morning, and we strolled around the palace grounds. The ground was littered with fallen leaves, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and the crisp fragrance of autumn.

Our steps were unhurried as we savored the precious peacefulness between us. The calm wind brushed against our bodies as we listened to birds chirping. As we strolled, those we passed greeted us with deep bows and respectful nods, their voices hushed as they acknowledged the union of their rulers. The news of our union had spread like wildfire, extending far beyond our kingdom's borders, and the air was heavy with anticipation.

Even the animals seemed to sense the shift in the atmosphere, their knowing gazes following us as we walked. I would offer them friendly waves as I strode beside my husband. The word "husband" still felt somewhat strange on my lips. It carried a weight of commitment, love, and a shared destiny.

"What are we going to do with the rest of our lives, which is now eternity?" he asked. He wasn't looking at me. Instead, his eyes were on the soldiers in a field visible from our vantage point. They held wooden swords and attacked one another. I tapped his shoulder to gain his attention.

Zakhar wrapped his arm around my shoulders, the coarse mammoth hair of his cape tickling my cheeks as I snuggled closer. "Maybe," I began, considering our future once the battle with The Lost One had been won. "We could start a family and explore the countless worlds within The Universe."

He turned his head to me, his gray eyes filled with curiosity. "What's your ultimate goal after we defeat The Lost One? What would you be doing if he never turned on your family?" he asked.

I allowed my gaze to drift upward, examining the swirling clouds that obscured the sun, my mind drifting to a time long past. "I was once a protector of nature," I confessed, my voice tinged with the weight of my failure. "I've let that responsibility slip through my fingers. If we have the time, I want to restore the world's wildernesses."

Zakhar's voice held a note of reassurance as he corrected me, "When we have the time." As we stood together, the serenity of our moment was interrupted by the heavy, resonating steps of two giants clad in scouts' armor, steel helmets with leather padding. They were a young male and female duo, standing only ten feet in height with short bows, a quiver on their backs, and hand axes at their side.

They bowed their heads at both of us and took a knee only a foot away from my feet. I was not fond of the practice but would wait to mention it. "Kings, there are frost giants at the gates asking to see their Blessed Kings. They are pledging their allegiance."

Zakhar and I exchanged a look. He spoke with authority, "Young man, escort us to the gates immediately, and young lady, send word to the generals that there is a disturbance at the gate. Tell them not to come in violently. I want to hear these giants out. This bonding was partially to gain their support, so attacking them won't do us any good."

The woman sprinted away, and the man stood to escort us to the gates. We only made it to the courtyard before Alvis appeared. Behind him were two of his disciples, women in cream robes that touched the ground, holding sets of armor.

"Kings, you must present a powerful image to these giants," Priest Alvis explained, his words carrying the weight of his deep conviction. With utmost reverence, his disciples began to outfit us in armor, befitting our statuses. The golden breastplates we donned bore the likeness of an angry sabretooth tiger, its fierce visage symbolizing the might of our kingdom. Each piece of armor, from the arm to the knee guards, was meticulously crafted and adorned with intricate engravings that told the story of our people's resilience and strength. I watched as they replaced Zakhar's cape with pristine white fur while I received a black cloak.