Queen Of Adis

Citizens from all walks of life were having a field day as they were all anticipating the visit from the future queen of Umbra. All the streets were buzzing of different activities and decorations. From peasants to nobles, they all wore their best clothing to look presentable.

As everyone was busy and being cheerful, those who have ill intentions were also occupied with their own preparations against the celebrated spring maiden. In one of the mansions in Zephyr, an intense discussion was being held.

"I heard the King of Umbra is not with the spring maiden while she's in Atlantis. Even so, I'm sure her security was equivalent to the Demon King's. We must act with great prudence."

"Why do we have to act now? I thought we have agreed to gain her trust first. Whatever happened to the proposal of her anointment as the goddess of spring?"

A *s.u.c.c.u.b.u.s who was seductively sitting on an elegant bergère chair gracefully tapped the ash of her long and slim lady tobacco pipe on the ashtray beside her. Her every move spoke of wealth and finesse, catching the attention of all the men around.

She flipped her long, silky blonde hair, revealing her slender neck and b.a.r.e shoulders. Her sharp eyes were decorated with thick lashes, shading her tantalizing yellow demon orbs. Her small pointed nose matched her full lips tainted in bloody red lipstick. And her skimpy dress could barely cover her huge b.r.e.a.s.ts and highlighted her delicate curves. When she provocatively crossed her legs, the men in front drooled upon seeing that she wasn't wearing any u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r.

The s.u.c.c.u.b.u.s spoke in her sultry voice, enthralling the audience to obey her command. "I will pay a large sum of money for those who can capture that impostor queen and bring her to me. I want it to be done today before the pope proclaims her new title. Should you fail..." she trailed off and curved her lips into a dangerous smirk. "...I shall bring you all to hell to experience an excruciating death!"

The men's complexions paled as they looked at one another. They all trembled in fear by the intimidating presence of the demoness. After all, she was the infamous spoiled and ruthless daughter of the Grand Duke of Umbra.

Meanwhile, three suspicious individuals wearing dark winter cloaks were roaming around Nepri. Their movements were in sync and fast as they maneuver through the crowded streets. One of them discreetly touched the edge of the stone well. The frost around it instantly melted and the warmth crawled down onto the ground, causing the snow to melt and bed of flowers to bloom around it.

Seconds after the three cloaked beings disappeared, an old lady noticed the well and suddenly screamed in surprise.

"Aahh! The spring maiden has arrived! Look, everyone, the frozen water in the well has melted. We now have fresh water that we can use!"

Before the onlookers could react from the sudden miracle, another scream was heard nearby.

"Kyaaa! Everyone, everyone, come! The lake in front of the church is melting. Quick! Bring the weakened merfolks here, as well as those baby dolphins!"

"Oh, spring maiden, thank you for touching our farmland with your sacred hands!"

The Atlantis was filled with screams and cries as some places and villages across the realm had seen the melting of ice and snow for the first time in many years. However, no one had a glimpse of the elusive maiden of spring that they were waiting to see.

Haru and the two Kings had arrived in front of the small river located in the southern part of Atlantis where poor creatures were prevalent. The three simultaneously pulled down the hood of their cloaks and rested for a while from their sneaky stunts.

Zen was laughing as he sprawled on the still snowy ground and gazed up into the sky. "Hahaha, this is so fun! I knew being with you, sister-in-law is entertaining. Have you seen the citizens' faces? They were all screaming and singing your name. The land and our people started to laugh again since you came."

He pulled himself up and suddenly knelt in front of Haru. With a grateful smile, he emotionally exclaimed, "On behalf of the entire Trium and from the bottom of my heart... Thank you."

"Eww, stop it! You're creeping me out." She teased him while ruffling his unruly golden hair. "Thank you is unnecessary between family. If you really want to thank me, then make sure to help your workaholic big brother so we can have more time to be love-dovey."

Zen mimicked her reaction and even acted like he was puking. "Eww, stop it! Dog food alert!"

Their cheerful laughter filled the isolated river with warmth. Even without the touch of the spring maiden, patches of soil showed as the snow melted and flowers bloomed one after the other. Nature fairies also appeared and drifted in the air, some sat on the trees and on the ground just to listen to Haru's sweet laughter.

"So, uhm... I-I... heard from Elior about your... late fiancé." Haru awkwardly started while she placed her palms on the surface of the frozen river.

Her hands gave out a golden light and faint l.u.s.ter flashed across the river repeatedly, slowly making dents and cracks on the solid surface.

"So you already found the truth behind your discerning eyes." It was more of a statement rather than a question from Aquarius. Then he nodded softly as his gentle eyes became shrouded in sorrow.

"She was from a noble house and an ordinary mortal. When she was born, flowers rained throughout the realms and the sky was at its brightest. It dawned on everyone that she was blessed by the gods. Just like you, she had command over the crops. And due to her radiance, she was named, *Áine."

Aquarius had to stop his introduction and swallowed the lump that formed in his throat.

Zen revealed a widely known belief. "Those with eyes of golden hues are meant to change this cruel world into something none of us have seen before. However, they are also meant to experience hardship that none of us could endure. Such is the fate of the gifted ones."

Haru's eyes dilated and her lips trembled upon hearing the familiar statement. "So that's the reason why Freya told me the same thing in the Atlantis woods. It's all because of my amber eyes?"

Zen opened her mouth to reply, but he quickly closed it again.

In a flash, the two Kings stood and shielded her while their scarlet orbs glowed dangerously. She could hear several footsteps approaching them, as well as the crackings of knuckles and joints from the two demon beside her.

"Heh! I never thought someone would be bold to attack the spring maiden while in the presence of this great king. You must all have guts made of steel." Zen made a sarcastic remark as his distinct demon marks slowly appeared on his face.

Aquarius shrugged his folding fan open and swiftly waved it towards the abandoned house nearby, calling forth a destructive gust of wind and instantly turned the structure into a pile of rubble.

Haru's body jolted when Aquarius spoke in a loud, chilling voice she never thought he was capable of making.

"There is a tremendous consequence for angering this king. Show yourselves at once!"