THE FORTUNIST

23. Rayton

“The Winter Solstice is a cryfix of House Alban.”

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Thirteen years ago, Rayton made his first trip outside the territories under Alban House. He had been sneaking out way long before that, but he extended his boundaries for love.

Since his father died, the security around him was amped to an appalling degree. But Rayton was an epitome of responsibility so that over a span of two years, the watchful eyes around him had lapsed. Rayton made his first trip outside the palace and the awful brush he had with armed robbers could not compare with how swiftly he fell in love with a servant girl seven years his senior. He loved and admired Thwein so much that he took all necessary precautions to make sure his real identity would not be found out by anyone outside the Albenian Palace. He told her he was a servant working there.

She, on her part, humoured him. Smiled whenever she saw him. Gave him a kiss on the cheek when no one was looking. One time, she had even asked him if he knew how the royal princes looked like. He said no.

But a year later, Thwein was to be married into a house all the way in Xri. She was to be taken away from him forever. She told him she loved him but she had no say in who she was to marry. She left Alban for good.

In a surprising twist of events, the Winter Solstice was to be finally conveyed to the Bureau after five years. It should not have been in the palace after the death of King Meghren but Queen Eim had exercised her discretionary powers to make it stay.

Rayton made the first mad decision of his life. He would steal the ring before it got to its resting place at the Bureau. He would pursue Thwein all the way to Xri. He would stop her from getting married. He would make her his queen. He would confess his true status to her and win every aspect of her life.

The wedding was in progress when he arrived and he had never been more happy when he interrupted before Thwein could speak her final vows. He had never been more hurt when Thwein introduced him as a message boy she had worked with back in Alban. She had dragged him outside looking agitated.

"My father in law is a captain in the City's Watch," she said.

"He's not your father in law," Rayton had retorted.

"He was certain and is still certain to be just as soon as you are gone. Whether it's by leaving on your own two legs or being thrown into a dank cell, it wouldn't matter to anybody here and I wouldn't be able to do anything to help you."

"But… but I love you."

Thwein's eyes softened. She might have caressed his lips or kissed his cheeks but for watchful eyes on her ceremonial dress.

"I do as well," she said sadly. She wouldn't say 'I love you too' for fear of her lips being accurately read. "But you will find someone better."

"I've found you. I want you." He grabbed her wrists.

"Hey!" A burly man bellowed. The crowd was more alert now as Thwein tried to wrench her hands away from Rayton's tenacious grip.

"Come away with me."

"Hey!" The burly man was barrelling towards them. He was way heavier than Rayton and he had murderous intent in his eyes.

"That's my husband Chivaryz. Let me go please. I'm only trying to protect you," Thwein implored with panicked eyes.

"I'm the only one who can truly protect you!" Rayton yelled stubbornly.

"How? By making me look like a whore on my wedding day? You insult me." Thwein had seethed, her sadness somehow replaced with rage. Rayton was disconcerted by the sudden negativity. His grip loosened and Thwein finally pulled away.