The Crown's Entrapment

Darius was talking to his peers when he noticed his mother walking towards the balcony of the great hall. From there, he saw Freya following behind her. Something was up then…

"Hmm, if you'll excuse me, gentlemen," he politely told Elder Handi and the rest before breaking off the conversation and walking towards the balcony himself.

Reaching his destination, Darius saw his mother standing out in the open, her arms enveloping Freya in a warm hug. Walking to the other side, he said, "How about another hug from someone with broader shoulders?"

His mother chuckled before giving him a nod. Taking it as permission, Darius hugged his mother from the other side.

"Your father got the justice he deserved today, and I feel relieved," Savannah whispered as she stared up at the full moon shining brightly in the night sky. "I wonder how he's feeling right now…"

"I can see him frowning, scoffing at why it took us so long to put Nasser down," Darius commented in jest.

"Well, I beg to disagree. Your father is a very understanding man, so I believe he's proud of us all right now," his mother retorted.

"We all stood firm and strong, especially you, my son. You, who solely carried that burden about his death for so many years... I'm sure Lucian is a very proud father right now after having witnessed how you held yourself back until now just so you can show justice in the proper way without tarnishing your hand with Nasser's blood."

Darius didn't respond, letting the silence descend upon them as they held each other in comfort. His mother was crying with Freya, and the latter took a look up to the sky as she whispered, "Be at peace now, Father. Wherever you are…"

His eyes welled up as his tears gradually rolled down his cheeks the moment he closed his eyes. They were tears of joy, brought about by finally receiving the justice that his father deserved.

For so many years, he kept on apologizing on his father's grave due to his incapability… But now, he could finally smile whenever he would visit him … Giving him a triumphant smile instead of clouding him with disappointment because of how angry and furious he was towards the man responsible for his father's death.

"Ah, we should be having a joyous celebration, and yet here we are crying for something we should all move on from," Savannah chuckled as she broke free from the hug. "You and Freya should go back inside the great hall now. I'll follow up shortly. I still want to enjoy the fresh air out here…"

She then turned to Darius and said, "Go, Son. You still have to entertain your in-laws well. Your wife is a blessing in disguise to us all, and it would be great if her family would know that as well."

"That's true, Big Brother. Ah, you're really very fortunate to have a highly capable mate… And a Nephilim on top of that too," Freya remarked, her admiration apparent from her eyes alone.

"Really, I still can't believe it even after I saw it with my own eyes. My Sister-in-law's wings are so magnificent! She's a blessing from above, and there are so many theories about their race in myths both positive and negative. It could be that their race is either an abomination or a blessing… Well, to us, Sister-in-law is definitely a blessing!"

"Hmm, I believe they only become an abomination if the Nephilim chooses to be one…" Savannah commented. "It's always a matter of choice."

Darius nodded in agreement. There was always a choice, after all.

"So it's her mother, the Queen, who's the real angel… A fallen angel…" Freya noted with an awkward grin. "Ah, I'm so curious to know more, but I should keep my mouth shut since it's a private matter, right? It would be rude to ask Sister-in-law about it. Or can I?"

"No, don't do that. Let her tell you when she wants to. That's what I did, Freya. They've kept this a secret for this long, but my wife had no choice but to show it just so she can protect herself and win this ridiculous tournament, all so she can secure me all to herself…"

Freya deliberately coughed, and Darius knew exactly why she did.

"You look so happy… Errr… stating that she secured you," Freya teased. "Ah, look at that smile… It's almost reached your ears!"

"What? I'm just stating a fact. That's my worth, my dear sister…" Darius arrogantly added with a satisfied smirk.

His mother chuckled and added, "You two should leave me to my lonesome now. Continue that banter inside with our peers."

Darius chuckled before signaling Freya to leave alongside him. His sister then joyfully hugged one of his arms and said, "Let's go now, Brother."

Nodding at each other, the two of them walked back inside with wide smiles on their respective faces. Reaching the great hall, Freya halted in her tracks to greet Elder Handi, making Darius stop as well.

"Oh, Elder Handi, Mother asked me to bring her some snacks and wine, but would you please do it instead if it's alright with you?" Freya asked, a hint of playfulness coming into her tone. "She's out on the balcony alone, and I would like to go straight to having a good conversation with my brother's in-laws, so…"

Darius raised an eyebrow at his sister's blatant lie, but he decided to let things play out as it did.

"Sure, Your Highness. Rest assured that I'll bring those things to the Queen Mother," Elder Handi quickly agreed with his usual warm smile before immediately excusing himself to do what Freya asked.

As soon as the older man was out of sight, Darius turned to Freya and asked, "And what are you doing this time?"

Freya chuckled. "Helping Mother have her happy ending. What else?" she scoffed. "Didn't you notice that Elder Handi has been in love with our mother for very a long time now? Do you truly believe that there's nothing between him and Mother except for pure friendship?"

Darius didn't refute her statements. He had also noticed how the Elder had always been there for their mother. And not only for her but also for him and Freya. He's his Godfather who has always supported their family… especially when their father died.

"Do you have anything against him? Or against Mother having another man in her life?" Freya murmured, her eyes closely and intently staring at his.

"No… Mother has every right to decide for herself," Darius sighed. "It's just that I'm not sure if she'll be alright with what you have in mind."

"Well, we'll see…" Freya shrugged. She then excitedly said, "Anyway, come now. Bring me to your in-laws."