r, at the stro

within one of Lumea's grandest

ernness untouched by fear or uncertainty. He was about fifty-two, and though illness had dulled the fire in his once-brillia

his brow, and the ruthless coldness carved into his entire countenance. His expression didn't scowl, but

stood by t

obe clung at the waist, subtly revealing the elegant shape of her tall, graceful frame. Her beauty was commanding: large, blazing eyes; a finely cut aquiline nose; lips red, fu

offer flattery to Antheia, the deaf and mu

circumstances. The trauma nearly claimed her life. And when she recovered, the

with rage at the slightest misstep from a servant. Her lips trembled with fury over any small offense. She showed no restraint, even with her father, and often res

ther's harshness. Where the count was cold and cruel, Theseus was warm-hearted, open, and kind. His soft blue e

im, protected him, and delighted in his happiness. To offend Theseus was to provoke her wrath. Any

ered in that room of shad

had told him death was close. The nobleman requested to see his children

the bed, Antheia on the other. T

ak briefly, but what I say is of great importan

s, father-it is the symbol of the fait

ear-swear to obey my

ix. "I swear, father. I will fulfill your wis

without hesitation, or receive my

d in anguish. "I swear

d the cr

m with a blazing gaze. "This key,"-he pulled i

corner of the room. "The

that?" Lord

d the serv

day of your marriage-no matter when that may be-you must open that door. Take only your bride. No one else. Do it the very hour after the cer

ust remain secret. Your sister must not know. She cannot hear me, and you must never reveal my words-not by wr

whelmed, "I swear. Whatever lies

nd placed it safe

ludes provisions for Antheia-only if, by some miracle, she r

Theseus replied. "She

Exhausted by the effort, he c

d up and saw her father's condition. She motioned urgentl

e answered with a slow, sorrowful shake of her head. The doctor's eyes narrowed with co

poken understanding, lasted only

too late. The nobleman slipped into a deep stu

s, embraced each other tightly.

r eyes-not grief, not joy, but

to her: "You have lost a father, but

our happiness is

n stepped forward, gently

cing back at the room. "It's hard to lose a father-

Orion. "But a strong heart and honest purpose will always guide you. Rem

f their hands, the doc

reated to their rooms-each now carrying t