The streets of Bloodburn Kingdom were awash in vivid colors, the dark hues contrasting against the darkening sky that signaled the approaching celestial event ‘Eye of the Seven Hells’.

It was said that during this event, the energy from the Seven Hells momentarily makes contact with Zalthor, enriching it and bringing other benefits.

Whispers of the queen’s Sacred Union with her recently returned consort spread through the kingdom like wildfire, igniting the passion and fervor of the kingdom’s subjects.

This was one of the most anticipated events they had been waiting for since it would surely determine the future of this kingdom.

And since it was already a well-known fact that the queen and her consort were unparalleled geniuses, they couldn’t wait to see how powerful their progeny would be.

In the central square, an effigy of the Blood Moon and Crimson Sun stood tall, reminding the realm of the rarity of the celestial event and the added significance of the queen’s union.

“Can you believe our luck? The queen’s Sacred Union during the Eve of the Seven Hells,” an elderly woman, her fingers adorned with various rings, exclaimed to a young vendor selling mystical incense.

“It’s as if the devils themselves are in favor of our queen’s union,” replied the vendor, carefully placing a stick of incense in a customer’s hand.

All around, families gathered, children ran with glee, and elders chanted ancient hymns to mark the week of double celebrations.

The distant echo of bells signaled the beginning of various rituals to ensure the prosperity of the kingdom and the success of the Sacred Union.

At the castle, the atmosphere was even more electric, “We cannot afford any disturbances. Nobody will sleep for a second for the entire week. It will be upon this to make sure we fulfill her work until she returns,” Seron ordered, his brow creased with the weight of responsibility.

Minister Irana, one of the kingdom’s eldest and wisest, added, “Advisor Seron is right. The union under such a celestial event is both a blessing and a challenge. We must ensure that the queen and the consort’s connection with the Seven Hells is pure and beneficial.”

–

The drafty corridors of the castle echoed with a cacophony of shrill pleas and indignant retorts.

A scene of chaos unfurled, with the distinct figure of a young man with red skin and a pointy nose being the center of attention.

His dark blue eyes shimmered with panic and desperation as they bulged almost from their sockets.

“Sister! Please, for the love of the Eye, let me go!” Kookus wailed dramatically, his clawed hands firmly gripping Ceti’s leg as she dragged him with exasperated determination, “If I miss this event with my girlfriend, you’re basically preventing the birth of a prodigy! A once in a million years prodigy!” He blinked away the tears forming in his eyes, making his case even more dramatic.

Ceti halted abruptly, almost causing Kookus to bump into her, “Stupid Kookus, you think begging will make me grant you mercy?” Saying so, she lifted her leg in a feigned attempt to stomp him.

He quickly shielded his face, screaming in a high-pitched voice, “Ahhhh, don’t kill your poor brother!”

She snorted with disdain, “You knew about Mother and Asher! You made me look like a complete fool!” Ceti winced as she remembered the number of times Asher indirectly hinted that he was sleeping with her mother. Still, despite all the signs, she chose to ignore it because she didn’t want to believe it and felt her mother would have showed signs of anger and discomfort even if he ordered her to sleep with him.

However, only later she was shocked to realize that her mother actually was in love with him.

But what pissed her off was that Kookus was well aware the entire time, and yet he kept watching everything silently.

Kookus’ eyes darted nervously around as he wined, “I thought you knew, but…uh…you know…maybe you had…um… designs on the royal consort? Either way, I am happy to be a stepson or a step-brother or maybe…both?” Kookus mumbled with a contemplative expression, wondering how that would work out.

He shook his head since his head was getting fuzzy with such deep thinking and felt that either way, he would rise up to be a noble in this kingdom and fulfill his dreams finally.

He surely needs to learn Asher’s secrets to seducing women, especially if he succeeded in seducing this brash and short-fused sister of his.

Ceti’s face turned a shade redder than Kookus’ skin, “Are you implying I’m jealous of our mother?!”

Kookus, never one to read the room or know when to stop, chuckled nervously, “Well, getting jealous over the queen is fine, but over our mother? That’s a bit—Ayooo!!” But he never got to finish that sentence. A swift, powerful kick from Ceti sent him flying across the corridor, his yelp echoing through the halls.

Ceti’s expression became pensive as she felt anxious, wondering how the queen would react since Asher told her everything.

She never expected Asher to have taken such a risk to tell her right after they returned.

She smiled, feeling that this showed how serious he was about her and how much he wanted to let her be with him.

Still, she had no idea what the queen really felt about it.

She sighed and thought that she would have to wait until they got back and pray the queen would go easy on her.

—

The dark crimson sky was painted with the silhouette of a huge dragon, its wings casting huge shadows below.

Atop Flaralis, Asher, and Rowena glided, their hair dancing with the wind, while five distinct shadowy figures followed closely behind – the Bloodborn Guards, ensuring the safety of the royal couple.

As the party approached the edge of a dense and daunting forest, Flaralis began a gradual descent. Asher easily recognized the hidden jewel of nature that awaited them below, the Crimson Grove.

He had only come here once, during the quest where Rachel and her team were about to destroy this place and steal the treasure.

He was glad to see that the grove had regained its former beauty after the destruction that was caused during the quest.

It was still an enigmatic beauty, starkly contrasting the surrounding forest’s eerie vibes.

Shielded by nature’s tall guardians, the entrance to this grove was a narrow path, giving a hint of the secrecy and exclusivity that lay within.

Flaralis’ wings whooshed gently as they touched down, allowing Asher and Rowena to dismount.

The Bloodborn Guards took positions around the grove’s perimeter, respecting their need for privacy but not without taking measures to ensure their protection.

The moment they got down, a beautiful sight entered their vision. A riot of colors burst forth from flowers of every imaginable hue, their fragrances melding in a way that enchanted the senses.

The centerpiece was a tranquil pond, its serene waters acting as a mirror to the garden’s vibrant look.

Overlooking the pond was a quaint gazebo, an inviting sanctuary to sit and spend time without feeling tired.

Asher, taking in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings, grinned at Rowena, “I had a feeling you might choose to spend the week in this place.”

Rowena’s eyes, reflecting the soft hues around them, met Asher’s, “You already know how special this grove is to me,” she replied gently, “I couldn’t think of a better place to spend this week with you.”

Her expression became deadly cold briefly as she said, “I had to do some reconstruction after those Hunters tried to destroy this place. So I…” Pointing at a distance, Rowena added as her expression softened, “I built a small house to stay as well in case we ever plan to spend some time here in the future.”

Asher followed the direction she was pointing at, and at a stone’s throw away was a small, elegant house, adding to the grove’s allure.

“You really thought ahead, huh?” Asher asked with a teasing smile, making Rowena shift her gaze to the side with a faint reddish hue on her pale cheeks, “I only built it thinking we might enjoy painting here. There are so many beautiful things around us to take inspiration from.”

Asher placed his arm around Rowena’s shoulder as he pulled her closer to him and said with a warm look, “You are right. We still have a few days until the Eye reveals itself. Let’s enjoy our time here,” Asher never thought he would be spending his first honeymoon like this. It surely wouldn’t have happened in his wildest dreams in his past life.

Within the sanctuary of the Crimson Grove, the days unfurled in a serene dance. Each moment was a canvas, and Asher and Rowena painted memories upon it.

Brushes swayed, capturing the beauty of flowers, the ethereal shimmer of the pond, and the playful dance of the dark sunlight filtering through the trees.

One afternoon, the aroma of spices and meat filled the grove, accompanied by warm conversations.

Asher, somewhat skilled in the culinary arts, was teaching Rowena the delicate aspects of cooking. They had decided to eat the food they cooked here.

Pots and pans clinked, ingredients sizzled, and the pair basked in the joy of creation.

Asher grinned, handing Rowena a spatula, “Remember, the key is to let the flavors meld together.”

Rowena winced, attempting to flip a pancake, but ended up creating a somewhat artistic splatter on the pan.

She cleared her throat as she said with a stiff face, “Perhaps my skills are more suited for combat than cooking.”

Asher had his laughs at moments like these where she showed such a vulnerable and mundane side of hers, allowing him to learn more about her.

While they relished the meals they crafted, Asher was well aware of Rowena’s unique dietary requirements.

One evening, as Rowena reached for her usual flask of blood, Asher gently held her hand, looking deep into her eyes, “Rona, you can always take from me. I know you think it’s bad to ask. But there’s no need for you to feel shy.”

Rowena’s crimson eyes widened, the depth of his offer evident. She bit her lip, caught between desire and restraint, “Ash, are you certain? Your blood…it’s too intoxicating,” She remembered losing control the first time and had ever since felt more worried about doing it again.

He chuckled softly, raising his wrist slightly, “Trust me, you won’t. And to be honest, the idea doesn’t sound too bad. Whenever you suck my blood, it feels hot.”

“Ash…” Rowena’s cheeks reddened upon hearing him say it with a smoldering expression. 𝑶𝐕𝒩𝐞xt.𝒸𝗈𝑚

She hesitated for a moment, then leaned in, her fangs grazing his neck gently, drawing the sweet nectar she craved.

As they continued to bond, Rowena felt a flood of emotions; love, gratitude, and a tinge of sadness, knowing their time in this haven was fleeting. There was no telling when they could spend time here like this again, and for some reason, she was feeling anxious about the future.

It only made her feel even more determined to cherish every moment that passed here and the moments that were left.

And on the third last day of the week, the crimson sun was finally getting eclipsed by the blood moon completely.