Arin Helev spent the next few days working on the missing cases of homeless children together with Officer Dillon. As the cases already started a few months ago, it was even harder than the one which Arin solved before.
Brushing the whole kingdom to find them wasn't easy but the King already issued an order for that. Private armies will carry out the task in each province.
It was evening when Iria was informed about the arrival of a messenger from Cedore. She wondered what must be going on in Cedore.
Did something bad happen?
Arin was out with Officer Dillon and Iria quickly told Elian to let the messenger in.
It's been six months since she left Cedore but whenever a messenger came, she can't help but worry.
Her family members in Cedore meant so much to her..
The former Commander was taken aback when she realized who the messenger was.
She abruptly rose from her seat and walked towards him. "Zire."
The General got down on his knees to greet his former Commander who was now the Queen of the Qalagons. "Greetings, Your Majesty. How have you been?"
Iria fastened her pace and quickly helped Zire up. "How long has it been? You were not there when I came for the Emperor's birthday. You even missed Orius's wedding."
It's her first time seeing him again since her marriage to Arin Helev and Iria was so happy. With Rion gone, Zire was the only one who was still alive among her trusted Generals during her time as the Masked Commander.
A little more than a year ago, she never thought that one day, it will just be the two of them.
"I apologize," the General replied. "I was out for some mission and it took me longer than I thought. When I arrived, you were already back to Qalagon." He observed his former Commander and asked, "Is everything alright?"
Iria nodded and they both took a seat. "You're the messenger. What news did you bring?"
Orius took out a letter and handed it to Iria. "This is from His Majesty. He wants you and the King to attend the Crown Prince's wedding which will be held in ten days."
Though the journey from Cedore to Qalagon often took a week. Zire was in a hurry to meet his former Commander and he only took 5 days.
The Queen was stupefied by the news!
Marriage? Why so soon?
She read the letter and raised a brow. Looking at Orius, she asked, "Princess Ophelia of Aederin?"
The most powerful empire of the continent... that Aederin?!
Zire nodded. "Emperor Lucius proposed an alliance marriage and the Crown Prince accepted. The Princess of Aederin must also be on her way to Cedore now. I heard that Crown Prince Augustus and the Emperor himself will also be present at the wedding."
Though it's common for royals of two empires to visit each other after the alliance marriage, the woman's side rarely participated in the wedding ceremony but Iria wasn't that surprised.
The whole continent knew how the two men doted on the Princess.
"Didn't Emperor Lucius cherished his daughter a lot? Why must he sent her for the alliance marriage?" Iria muttered. "Aederin is so strong now and it's not like they need the alliance marriage. Besides, why must it be with Cedore?"
"I also find it strange, Your Majesty. But the envoy said that we will get the answer once the Emperor and the Princess arrive."
The Queen thought of her cousin who will be married soon.
Was Andres really okay with this?
What if he just force himself for the sake of the empire?
However, her attention was soon focused on Zire who was very calm and quiet. "You change so much since we went to Cedore. I often thought about it and at times, it scared me."
Zire slightly smiled at her words. "You don't have to worry, Your Majesty. I won't change, at least towards you." He paused and said, "For me, you're still my Commander. I'm still willing to do anything for you. Please know that."
Iria quietly stared at him for a while and asked, "Do you want to visit Rion's grave?"
Zire shook his head, surprising her. He only visited the grave once and it was before they went to Cedore. It's been more than a year!
"When I visited his grave that day, I already promised that I won't go there again until I see the downfall of the Jerivian King. I will hold on to that promise." He looked at her and added, "Commander."
Through that, Iria clearly sensed the pain Zire buried in his heart. She wanted to comfort him but... she was no different. She still lived in that day herself.
"Leave everything to me, Commander," Zire continued. "I don't want you to be in danger again."
"You know that it's a very dangerous task, Zire. I can't let you do that alone. What if I lose you too?"
"I'm not reckless anymore," he said, hinting at how reckless and childish he used to be.
"I know," she muttered. "But it's too risky."
Zire narrowed his eyes and when he looked up again, his gaze was on her shoulder. "Then what about that, Commander? You can't afford to use that much anymore."
Briefly glancing at her shoulder, Iria blinked in surprise. "You knew?"
Zire nodded with a bit of reluctance. "I already served you for years. I know you well just like you know me well, Commander. Ever since we reach Cedore, you always refrain from using that. I'm sure that the Commander I knew will train like crazy to get back on her enemies after such incident but that wasn't the case a year ago."
"You don't mention anything to me," she pointed out.
"I know how much your skills and abilities mean to you. That's why I can't bring myself to bring it up."
Staring at his former Commander who was very quiet, Zire added, "I know you won't give up on avenging Rion just because of your shoulder, Commander. So, I will help you in whatever way necessary. Just tell me what you need and I will do it no matter what."
Pausing, he briefly glanced around the chamber and said, "Your brother chose me to be the messenger because he wants me to escort you to Cedore. So, I will stay here and then leave with you."
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