?|THE LAST PIECE|?{Wmmap}

Ashaya stirred from her slumber, a sense of urgency compelling her to seek out the king, as the envoy would soon depart for the empire.

She had to create the alliance before evening.

Using magic, she endeavored to discern his whereabouts, only to be met with an unexpected barrier—the protective enchantments surrounding the royal palace.

Despite the potential repercussions, she resolutely focused her energy, casting a formidable spell that consumed a significant portion of her mana, leaving her in a state of weariness.

To her surprise, the king was not within the palace walls but rather in the nearby graveyard.

'Who is he visiting.....'
Ashaya pondered, her mind racing back to a vivid portrait she had encountered while wandering the halls, an image that had left a lasting impression.

The painting depicted a woman of extraordinary beauty, with shimmering blue hair, captivating black eyes, and porcelain skin.

This was none other than the late Princess Cicilia, a figure shrouded in both admiration and tragedy.

Compelled by her insatiable curiosity, she summoned her powers and transported herself to the graveyard.

The world around her shifted dramatically, leaving her momentarily disoriented as she expended a significant portion of her mana.

She found herself in the royal burial grounds, where she diligently searched for several minutes until she discovered her intended destination.

"I knew it"
She declared, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Before her lay two graves, adorned with both fresh and withered blooms, a testament to the enduring love of those who frequently paid their respects.

These graves belonged to the late princess and her child.

Though their remains had not been returned to their family, the graves had been lovingly established.

In that moment, King Heron was making his way back to the palace after visiting his daughter's final resting place when he detected a significant concentration of mana in the vicinity.

With a sense of purpose, he pivoted and began to stride toward the source of the magical energy, unperturbed by the possibility of an ambush, for he was a formidable mage in his own right.

Ashaya, adorned in her Knightly attire, became instantly recognizable to the king..

Kneeling before two graves, Ashaya conjured a delicate bouquet of flowers and placed them reverently at the foot of the stones.

King Heron approached her, a storm of fury brewing within him; how dare a mere guard trespass in the royal graveyard? His footsteps resonated with commanding authority.

"What is the meaning of this!?"
He bellowed, his expression a portrait of rage and bewilderment.

"I am here to pay my respects to my elder brother and stepmother."
Ashaya replied, her gaze shifting to meet the king's, a subtle smile gracing her lips.

Her ruby red eyes transformed into mesmerizing blue, resembling exquisite jewels.