Chapter 21: Whispers Before the Storm
By Joy Daud
The moonlight filtered softly into Prince Kimo's chamber, casting shadows across the floor like ripples on water. Oki stood with her back to him, her green aura faint but pulsing like a heartbeat.
"You have to stop chasing me for answers," she said quietly. "Please."
Kimo took a step closer, eyes narrowing. "Why? You know something about me, about my mother—why would you keep that from me?"
Oki turned, her expression unreadable but her eyes glinting with deep sorrow. "Because knowing it now would destroy you."
Kimo froze.
Oki's voice softened. "You are not ready, Kimo. There is a reason fate brought me here, but you must trust me. And…" she hesitated, then added, "Your father… he's not evil. He's just—so foolish. He thinks wearing a cold mask will make him strong. But strength isn't about cruelty, it's about protecting what matters."
Silence settled between them, heavy with things unsaid.
The prince's chest rose and fell as he stared at her. "Then tell me one thing—can I trust you?"
Oki stepped forward, her hand grazing his. "You already do."
Their eyes locked.
Kimo leaned in slowly, and Oki didn't move. His lips brushed hers, soft, lingering—searching for something in her calm. She kissed him back, gently, letting the moment last just long enough to be real… then pulled away, resting her forehead against his.
"No more questions tonight," she whispered.
---
Elsewhere, the queen sat in her private chamber, hands clenched around a wine glass. Her lips curled with irritation.
"He dares to kiss her," she hissed, watching them from her enchanted mirror. "Let's see how long your heart can stay warm, little prince."
Her spell circled above her hand like smoke ready to strike.
---
That same night, the king tossed in his sleep. His dream was different this time.
He stood in a desolate field under blood-red skies. Elira was there—fierce, eyes blazing.
"You let them turn him into this," she spat, pointing at an image of young Kimo standing alone in the snow. "You let our son believe he is a monster!"
"I didn't know," the king murmured.
"You chose not to know," Elira said coldly. "You wanted a throne, not a family."
The king jolted awake, drenched in sweat.
"Elira…" he whispered into the silence. "Please… don't leave again."
Outside his chamber, a dark wind stirred.
---
In the outer regions of the kingdom, torches flickered in hidden camps. Foreigners clad in dark armor moved in silence, gathering, preparing.
Their leader turned to the fire. "The prince is distracted. The king is blind. It's almost time."
---
To be continued…