Fire and ice

Even roses have thorns

Queen Zulhi is sitting near the window of her chambers staring at the kingdom of X'hikini. She was not only enjoying her tea made from the herbs of their fields, but she was also enjoying her small victory. The queen's chambers were filled with euphoria. Prince Ryanair walked into the queen's chambers.

–Mother–

–Prince Ryanair, do you smell that?– asked the queen smiling.

–Smell what mother?–

–Victory, prince Ryanair. Victory, I can feel it is near– The queen stood up and walked towards prince Ryanair.

–I don't think we're near victory mother, because we have a problem–

–What kind?–

–She went out again last night–

–Oh dear, that is no problem at all–

–What do you mean mother? She can be seen–

–She's smart. Stop stressing yourself prince Ryanair. Enjoy this victory we have, because after this, things will get messy– said the queen walking back to the window with her tea.

–We will rule this kingdom–

Prince Varylm is in the woods hunting with his horse. All of the sudden, he felt the sensation he keeps on having whenever a dark entity is near. He then started looking around with great unease. He kept on screaming –Who's there?– as he was looking around. The penanggalan disguised as the most innocent, and beautiful girl came out wearing the same black cloak she wore when she met prince Varylm in the woods. She then took off the hood of the cloak.

–You, I've seen you before– said prince Varylm, absolutely drowning in the beauty the penanggalan possessed. He could feel his knees going weak, words escaping from his head and his face lighting up. The penanggalan didn't say anything but just stared at prince Varylm with glassy eyes filled with innocence.

–Who are you?–

–Amarath–

–Nice to meet you Amarath, I'm prince Varylm of X'hikini–

–Good to make your acquaintances my prince– bowed the penanggalan.

–I have never seen you in X'hikini, which kingdom are you from Amarath?–

–My father and I just moved down the river– answered the penanggalan.

–Does your father know you're out in the woods alone?– asked prince Varylm out of concern.

–I should probably return before he notices– said penanggalan with an innocent smile.

–I can accompany you, make sure you arrive safe. It's dangerous out here for a woman– said the prince climbing his horse.

–No, thank you, prince Varylm. I shall manage on my own– answered the penanggalan.

–Oright then Amarath, I shall see you soon– said prince Varylm ready to depart to the kingdom of X'hikini.

The penanggalan nodded and they both exchanged smiles. Prince Varylm then rode away from the penanggalan. The penanggalan changed and took it's original form. She then covered her head with the hood of the cloak and made her way back to the palace of X'hikini.

In the kingdom of Unthra, princess Mya is in the garden picking up vegetables. As she was picking the veggies, prince Aquero came to her.

–Greetings princess Mya–

–Prince Aquero. How can I help you?–

–Nothing, I just came to greet you, seeing that you're not usually not home. One must steal every chance they get to talk to you–