The doors parted with a quiet sigh, and two figures entered: MorisaArthurJames
It is a curious and fearful truth of the Mable Disguise ArtifactArthurClement
The three gathered at Jai’s bedside, a tableau of reunion. Morisa, ever the one to break the solemn silence, spoke first, her voice a gentle balm: “Big Brother Arthur
Jai, with a weary but reassuring smile, replied, “Indeed, I am well, little sister. But what of the QueenKing Borin
Morisa’s brow furrowed slightly, a shadow of concern touching her exquisite features. “Worry not for them, my brother. Our Father and Mother are safeguarded by a powerful healing artifact
Little Arthur, his eyes shimmering with the tears of relief, a pure joy after three days of relentless worry while Jai remained unconscious, crept close. He took Jai's right hand in his own small, white grasp, holding on as if to an anchor in a storm.
Just then, the physiciantake your leave
James, the cautious shadow, advised, “Do not rush, my sworn brother. Rest for a few more days, gather your vitality until your spirit is completely whole.”
But Jai, his eyes alight with a fierce, restless energy, shook his head. “No, I cannot abide a moment longer. I must leave this place, return to the PalaceZayn
James and the others bowed to his will, understanding the urgency of his heart. Yet, little Arthur refused to relinquish his hand. Jai, a profound tenderness in his gaze, gently lifted the boy. He held the little one close and asked, “Were you so afraid, my little one? Did you truly fear that your Big Brother
Soon, the well-wishers departed, leaving Jai and James as the sole occupants of the chamber. They moved with quiet purpose, stepping out into the cool, tranquil air of the hospital’s garden. Jai sought out the very black wooden chairman in blue garments
Under the silent, watchful sky, Jai recounted the entire, terrifying encounter. James, listening to the tale of the man who had called Jai by his true name
“He... he truly uttered your true, hidden name
Jai’s gaze turned sharp, tinged with a righteous anger, a fire that could burn away all doubt. “Do you believe I have lost my mind’s clarity, that my spirit has fractured from the tribulations?” His retort was a shield of steel.
Seeing the truth reflected in Jai’s unwavering eyes, James’s spirit settled. Both men, now united in purpose and fear, realized the dire necessity of immediate action. They must journey to the PalaceZayn
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They left the quiet sanctuary of the hospital behind and made their way toward the towering, majestic form of the Royal PalaceDining Hall
His heart swelled with warmth—a rare and precious feeling—as he saw Arthurclapping
Jai descended from the raised dais and took his appointed seat. A solemn silence fell as King Borinshame and sorrowKing Borin, a sovereign of his realm, bowed low
Zayn and Morisa watched their father, the King, perform this unprecedented act of humility—a gesture of such weight that it sent ripples of shock through the hall. Yet, Jai, the youth whose body had endured the fiercest assault, felt no pity, no commiseration for the King. In Jai’s heart, a cold, hard truth resided: the King’s own lineage, his own failure to govern the treacherous currents within the palace, was the root cause
“Father, please rise!” Zayn and Morisa urged in a chorus of earnest respect.
The King slowly righted himself, settling back onto his throne. He turned his attention to Jai, a different light in his eyes. “Your Minister Position Ceremonycomplete and thorough repair
Jai merely nodded, a gesture of quiet acceptance, his expression revealing little. The King, a man not without political acumen, understood the silence. Jai was not in a disposition for pleasantries; his own body was a tapestry of recovering injuries, and both his true brother and the child he protected had also suffered. Therefore, the King wisely refrained from further words. They broke their fast in a heavy silence
Then, in a move that shocked the court, the King made a sudden, baffling announcement: he was to embark on a journey to the Human KingdomJai and Jamestrump cardsNecklaces of ProtectionBeatrice"
Immediately after the meal, the two young men sought out Zayn
Zayn, a man of acute perception, understood at once the purpose of their visit. They sought answers
Jai, wasting no time on pleasantries, cut to the heart of the matter. “Tell me the truth of the Principal
A shadow crossed Zayn’s face. “Yes, I know his true identity. His name is Vystan
At the utterance of that name, a name that echoed with treachery and past malice, both Jai and James were struck dumb with profound shock
“He is the same villain who kidnapped Morisa
Zayn’s face immediately paled, shame and self-recrimination flooding his features. He felt the sting of his own terrible misjudgment. “Why did you not reveal this truth sooner?” he demanded, his own fury rising.
Jai released his grip, his expression shifting to one of grim necessity. “At that time, the plight of the hostages
The truth of this argument was undeniable. Zayn's inner turmoil subsided, replaced by a quiet, steely resolve. “Indeed. I harbored deep suspicionteachers
Jai, his mind clearing, finally grasped the true depth of Zayn's political maneuvering. He then recounted the chilling encounter with the man in the blue dress
A palpable tensionpowerful and cunninggreat storm was brewing
The three young men, the weight of a dawning, terrible truth upon their shoulders, exchanged a solemn, silent vow. They would be ready. The long road of vigilance and preparation stretched out before them, a path they knew they must walk together.