Warrior Love

Chapter 12

In the grand hall of their illusionary palace, Zephyr sat slumped on a velvet chair, his head in his hands. Aether was pacing dramatically, his arms flailing as he listed out their growing problems. Dylan stood with his arms crossed, looking unimpressed.

“This is your mess, Zephyr,” Aether said, pointing an accusing finger at his brother. “You’re the one who promised to show the princess a kingdom that doesn’t even exist. What were you thinking?”

Zephyr groaned. “It slipped out, alright? I panicked! What was I supposed to do—admit we’re gods and blow our cover?”

Dylan rolled his eyes. “You could’ve said literally anything else. But no, you decided to invent a whole kingdom on the spot.”

“Aurelis,” Aether added with a mocking flourish. “A name so fake it might as well mean ‘oops’ in some forgotten tongue.”

“Enough!” Zephyr snapped, though his face was red with guilt. “I know it was my fault. But instead of reminding me, why don’t you both help me fix it?”

Aether stopped pacing and leaned against a column, grinning. “Oh, we’re helping. But that doesn’t mean we’re letting you off the hook. This is your mess, little brother, so you’re taking the lead.”

Zephyr groaned again. “I’ll need a carriage, guards, and maids. Something believable but grand enough for a princess. Any ideas?”

Aether smirked. “Leave the carriage and entourage to me. I’ll conjure something divine. Think gold trim, white horses—”

“No!” Dylan interrupted, frowning. “Not divine. Humble but elegant. Something believable. We can’t risk her noticing anything too perfect.”

“Fine,” Aether grumbled. “I’ll tone it down.”

“And who’s playing the guards and maids?” Dylan asked, narrowing his eyes at Zephyr. “Because conjured figures won’t cut it. They’ll need personality, presence.”

Zephyr sighed, slumping further into his chair. “I don’t know. I didn’t think this far ahead.”

At that moment, Marlia strolled into the room with little Triton following close behind. She surveyed the scene with raised eyebrows, her hands on her hips. “What now?” she asked.

“Zephyr promised to take the princess to a nonexistent kingdom,” Aether said gleefully. “And now we’re scrambling to make it believable.”

Marlia’s lips twitched, clearly holding back laughter. “Why am I not surprised? What’s the plan?”

“There isn’t one,” Dylan muttered.

Marlia rolled her eyes. “Then let me help. I can be the head maid or a royal advisor. Triton can play a page. He’s been dying to help his uncles with something important.”

“No,” Dylan said firmly, glaring at her. “We’re not dragging our son into this madness.”

But Triton’s eyes lit up. “Can I really help, Uncle Zephyr?”

Zephyr smiled faintly, kneeling down to ruffle the boy’s hair. “I appreciate it, Triton, but this isn’t something you should worry about.”

Marlia crossed her arms. “Suit yourselves. But if you don’t want my help, stop whining and figure it out on your own.”

Aether grinned. “Actually, having Marlia involved might not be a bad idea. She’s far more convincing than anything you could conjure, Zephyr.”

Dylan groaned. “This is spiraling out of control.”

“Welcome to my world,” Zephyr muttered. Then, after a long pause, he stood up and squared his shoulders. “Alright, fine. Marlia, you’re in. But keep it subtle. No divine theatrics.”