FIRE

FIRE 03

"Crown Prince! Welcome home! What a marvelous return as always!"

"Mother Queen." Kneeling in front of his mother, Yunho merely nodded and said nothing more.

The Mother Queen of Bakura chuckled. Her son's show of silence had been going on for more than a year now. It's rather amusing to watch.

"I heard you almost lost your arm in the battle. Is everything healed now?"

"Mostly."

To anyone present, nothing is amiss. The Crown Prince had always been a man of few words and fewer emotion. To them, his study in the Academy made him even more cold and ruthless although he's never disrespectful to whom respect is due. However she is the Mother Queen and Yunho is her son first, Crown Prince second. She understood from the moment he returned without wearing his necklace. Her son's no longer a child. Her son had grown to a fine young man with a mission.

"Leave us." She ordered elegantly, smiling as one by one her lady-in-waiting filed out her chamber followed by the guards.

"With Palit under us, we are now among the strongest kingdom in the world. Are you not satisfied yet, my son?"

"No."

She chuckled, fondly looking at her son. "Then, may I know now the reason for your sudden thirst of power?"

"..."

"You should not worry. I am your mother and you will always have my support. Confess now my son, to whom had you given your precious chain to? For whom is all this wars for?"

Her son finally looked up and with contemplative eyes, watched her intently. She realized with a startling clarity that she does not own his trust for this matter. No longer smiling, she rose and walked to him. "What is it, Yunho? Why can't you tell me who is it that had taken your heart captive? Is it a Princess from a great kingdom?" There was nothing in his eyes so she pressed on, curious. "Is it... a King's concubine? Or his Queen? Is that why you need the power?"

"Mother, perhaps it is best you remain sitting and I will be honest with you."

She found herself wondering harder as she went back to her throne. What can be worse than wanting another powerful King's Queen?

"Mother, your son had given his promise to another man." He boldly stared at her as she gasped loudly and not even once did her son looked away in shame or blinked in hesitation. "It is only him, the guardian of my heart, that I will soon claim for marriage. Please Mother, I beseech for your favour to bless us. I will not forsake my love. Even if I must destroy this world to have him in my arms, I will have him. It is best, Mother, if you allow our love be." He dropped his head again and politely took his leave afterwards but she was no fool. It is clear to her the subtle threat he left behind. Despite her disbelief and fear, she was even more curious and in awe. Who is this man that could possibly aspire her son to mold the world to his liking?

During the old times, Bakura used to be so feared and respected that the mere mention of Bakura was enough to send men kneeling fright but it was such a long time ago. In truth, Bakura had always been a strong and blessed kingdom with their vast fertile land. Their people are also gifted with massive build and tenacious will but over the years, they lack unity and strategy. It was with great effort that the current King, her husband and Yunho's father, somehow managed to keep their kingdom theirs despite all the internal  fraction and outside meddling. Yet Yunho, barely 23 years old, took only a few full moon to unite the people and lead them to victorious wars. She's baffled herself how such a young man could possibly had it in him to plan and execute such massive invasion. Nonetheless, his brilliant mind coupled with his lack of mercy undoubtedly brought back Bakura's honour and supremacy. Their people who'd once scorned and doubted him now worshipped even the ground he walked on. And all this... All he'd done is for a mere man? She shuddered and thought of the ailing King. My King, wake up soon and lead your Queen to wisdom for it seemed I cannot win against the Crown Prince should I try...