Hearts at War (AlanxJeff) VI

3

Once upon a time, there was a prosperous kingdom known for its vast green fields, crystal-clear rivers that flowed into a beautiful blue sea, and a happy, hardworking population. King Aldric ruled with justice and wisdom, and under his leadership, the kingdom of Eldoria flourished. The inhabitants lived in harmony, celebrating festivals and abundant harvests, and the kingdom was renowned for its hospitality and generosity.

However, peace would not last. In the shadows, the royal advisor, Mordred, watched with concern as King Aldric began making decisions that favored a few powerful nobles while the people suffered. Mordred, known for his integrity and loyalty to the people, tried to warn the king, but his words were ignored.

Over time, Mordred discovered that King Aldric planned to strip several nobles of their lands to consolidate his power. With cunning and bravery, Mordred convinced several nobles to join him in protecting their rights and those of the people. Mordred whispered truths into the ears of the nobles, sowing seeds of justice and hope. The resistance was born in silence, and one night, Mordred and his followers attacked the castle to stop the tyrant.

King Aldric was deposed, and the kingdom fell into chaos. The king's loyalists clashed with the defenders of justice, and the kingdom plunged into a civil war that lasted decades. The battles were fierce, and the losses, incalculable. The fertile lands turned into battlefields, and the rivers ran red. Villages were razed, and families were divided, with brothers fighting on opposite sides.

Finally, exhausted and with no hope of victory, the leaders of both sides decided to divide the kingdom in two. Thus were born North Eldoria, ruled by Aldric's descendants, and South Eldoria, under the command of Mordred's followers. The division brought a temporary respite, but not peace. The borders became constant conflict zones, and each kingdom blamed the other for the endless war.

The inhabitants of the North grew up hating those of the South, and vice versa. Stories of betrayal and revenge were passed down from generation to generation, fueling resentment. Children played at being warriors, dreaming of avenging the injustices of their ancestors.

Alan 

Generally, I didn't like attending balls or social events, especially if they involved leaving the kingdom. But this was a special occasion. My dear friend Pete was to be crowned king. And although I wasn't very eager to go, he had sent the invitation with special emphasis that both Babe and I should attend. Especially me. My mother, the queen, no longer attended these events due to health issues, so I thought the urgency of the invitation was because I was representing her.

The palace had been decorated with the kingdom's colors: gold and green, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The walls were adorned with tapestries narrating the history of his dynasty, and crystal lamps hung from the ceiling, reflecting the light in a thousand sparkles.

After the ceremony, the banquet began. The tables were filled with exquisite delicacies: fresh fruits, roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and all kinds of sweets. The music became more cheerful, and people began to dance and celebrate. Babe, as always, became the life of the party, the most popular and sought-after dance partner. In my case, a few people approached me, but after a while of idle conversations and superficial smiles, I couldn't take it anymore.

I was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. On one hand, I felt deep gratitude and pride for my friend Pete, who had been crowned king. His ascension was a testament to his bravery and leadership, and I was glad to be there to support him.

However, I also felt overwhelmed and out of place. Social events had always made me uncomfortable, and being surrounded by so many people, with their laughter and lively conversations, made me feel like a fish out of water.