Chapter 4: About the engagement
Ethan touched the cool, damp moss on the wall of the temple; his expression was stern; he knew Mason was right; the longer they kept the secret, the more dangerous it became. But Ethan knew that the time had come when everyone would know everything.
However, the one they needed, the one who could save them from the chaos, would show his presence soon. Ethan took a deep breath and said in a steady voice, "On this selection day, we will reveal the truth."
"Chief!" Mason became concerned; his brows narrowed. The truth could shatter the balance of power they had held for so long.
"Let's go; Dimitri will be back," Ethan said in a stern tone. There would be no more arguments. His decision was final; he ended the conversation by changing the topic.
Mason took a deep breath, and without further discussion, he accepted what Ethan said. He followed Ethan down the path away from the temple.
The scenario changed to the realm of Draconis.
The atmosphere of Draconis was noticeably different.
The marriage was done; everyone started returning home after wishing Hiro and Anna a new life.
The next morning, everyone gathered around the breakfast table. Sadi looked at everyone and broke the silence at the table.
"I have something important to say."
Hiro, ever the impudent brother, chuckled as he heard Sadi. Sadi knew he was mocking him, but he still stayed calm.
Before Sadi could say anything, Antonio gave a hard look to Hiro and sternly said, "What happened to you?"
He expressed disappointment in his voice.
"Father, our Sadi also has something important to say."
Hiro tilted his head, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Yes, can't he say?" Antonio snapped in anger.
"He is your younger brother; if you make him feel lowly, what will other people do? Unity is strength; don't forget the rules."
Hiro sighed, but Luca, who was seated beside him, hit Hiro with his elbow to stop right there. So, Hiro did not make any sound and concentrated on his meal.
"Yes, Sadi, what do you want to say?" Antonio asked in a measured tone.
"Father, I want to say I don't want to marry Sophia."
Sadi said while remaining calm.
Antonio became shocked as he heard him; he asked in a disdainful tone, "What happened, Sadi?"
"Did you guys fight?"
Hiro smiled; he could not stop himself from taunting Sadi. Before Sadi could say anything, he sneered, "What?"
"Sadi, you have a splendid opportunity; why are you kicking it out?"
"Hiro, stop it." Antonio became irritated with Hiro. He had never liked Hiro's behavior, unnecessary talks, or the tendency to needle someone else's business. Hiro made fun in the middle of any important discussion.
Hiro raised his brows and said, "Father, do you think Sadi should explain it properly? Does he know he will not get a better option than Sophia?"
Antonio suddenly raised his voice in rage, "Hiro, I told you to stop!"
Antonio could not hold his temper and finally snapped it out.
Hiro tightened his jaw and lowered his gaze.
Sadi stayed calm and stood up. "Father, I am not worthy enough for her. She deserves better, so I thought breaking the engagement would be the best decision."
Sadi made his way out of there quietly. He did not wait for any response from anyone.
Antonio did not ask anything; he only watched him leaving the chamber.
Hiro gave a sidelong glance and concentrated on his meal, saying, "Father, you should not have dreamed of his success."
The atmosphere in the dining hall had turned more serious and tense. Antonio answered calmly to Hiro, "Hiro, there is something that you do not understand, so it will be best if you do not comment."
"Stay in your limits."
Suddenly, Hiro also became angry; he did not expect his father to say it. He had always noticed his father supported Sadi in anything; he shielded Sadi.
Sadi was the weakest one among them, but his father and mother loved him the most.
Hiro snapped firmly, "Father, why do you always support him?"
"He is the least powerful in our realm, but you always protect him, like he is a gem or something. Why, father?"
Hiro stood up. Antonio stared down at his plate and said in a firm tone, "Lower your voice."
Hiro lowered his gaze; he respected his father, but his father's partiality could not be tolerated anymore.
"And if he is a gem or what, it will be clear soon. So, stop pointing fingers at Sadi. Yes, he is someone who is precious to me."
Antonio got up and walked out of the chamber. Hiro became silent after hearing his father.
Sadi was practicing his sword skills in the house's backyard. The sharp sword cut through the air with a dangerous grace. It seemed each stroke of the sword could cut the thinnest part, and the power of his moves was splendid.
It would be difficult to trust anyone who watched and claimed that Sadi was a failure. It was impossible to resist being entranced by his mesmerizing rhythm. Sadi was so focused, his gaze unwavering, muscles controlled.
It seemed he mastered the sword and knew every move. There was no hesitation in saying he had the skill and the potential to pass everything.
In the crisp breeze, Sadi's soggy, long hair swayed. It gave him a wild appearance, which was as beautiful as dangerous. Sadi straightened his back after a final blow and spoke out as he gasped.
"Nowshin, come out!"
Nowshin observed Sadi's practice while sitting under a tree in the far corner of the yard. She stepped out from behind the tree with a solemn face, as if caught while stealing something. She had been enjoying his practice, but she did not mean to be caught.
"You are again watching my practice."
Nowshin nodded. "I did not mean to disturb you. I just came to know how your preparation is going."