The Land of Fire and Ice

01

Year XX, war began between two kingdoms which have been battling for centuries. Opposites of power, climate, everything. When and why it all started remains a mystery to many who doesn't want it to continue further.

In the kingdom of Ice, the caretaker of the castle hurriedly rushes and enters through a ginormous ice door leading to a room with luxurious furniture. In the middle, she kneels on the blue carpet. "My king, a message from your father."

The 12th generation prince, and soon to be the next king, turns his back and faces the kneeling servant. "What does he need now?"

"I believe he has something important to tell you and wishes you to come by his room to talk with you." She stood up and waits for an answer.

"Fine. I'll go in a few." He turns back around and stares out the window, watching guards looking out for assassins or anything that looks threatening.

He started walking towards his father's room. Looking every nook and cranny of the place, he tries to dust off the places he can reach. He stopped as he reached the door.

A servant knocks on the door, "His majesty is here," she said as she unlocks the door in front of her.

As soon as he enters the room, "Ah, my son." his father greeted him with his weak voice. That voice hinting his old age, close to his last breath but still deep and husky.

"What is it that you're about to tell me?" He sat on a chair right across his father's bed.

"Obviously, I'm nearing my last hours. Who knows when I'll die?" He jokes about a serious matter which makes his son roll his eyes.

"Not funny, at all." He said as his father smiles at him.

"Asher, you're the next in line for the throne. Don't you think... you should look for-" he cut off the king with a loud sigh, "No, we've talked about this. And don't call me Asher."

His father chuckles and coughs, "I'm only kidding. But, you know, rumors might spread out if you don't get married."

"I don't care if they start spreading false rumors. They believe in what they want to believe and we can't change that. I don't want to meddle with their lives which can make the situation worse than it is."

His father, shocked with his words, just gave him a smile. A reassuring one.

"Don't worry, Ash." he said, closing his eyes, "You never know who'll be the right person for you."

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