The journey towards the Queendom of Sunny Drop was full of tension mainly because of the prince whose frustration was growing. Luna was not oblivious to it having to sit across him with little distance between them. To say that she was not anxious was a lie. The prophesied savior is finally in front of her in flesh after all these years of waiting.

Studying his face, Luna could not help but notice how attractive his face is with big doe eyes that would've looked cute if he wasn't glaring daggers at nothing in particular. Despite the cuts and bruises, even with dirt decorating his face, he still made her feel nervous. No man has ever intimidated her as Gilbert did, nor did she let any.

Probably because he had been in my vision, Luna reasoned in her head.

Clearing her thoughts, Luna focused on the cuts and bruises that covered Gilbert's fair skin. Healing had always been second nature to Luna due to the thousands of injuries she healed. With her God-given ability to heal and her ability to see the future, people had started to call her the blessed daughter of the seven gods. The same gods whom people believe to be dwelling on the seven crystals and created the sword.

Reaching out, Luna planted a hand on the prince's face, gently tracing each wound with her delicate hand. Though his eyes visibly widened in confusion, Gilbert did not dare slap her soothing touch.

All thoughts of revenge and hatred towards the Evil Lord vanished as he felt warmth flooding throughout his whole body. Gilbert couldn't help but lean onto the gentle touch as he remembered how his mother does this often when he was upset. He was embarrassed before, but now he'd do everything just to feel her loving touch again.

All traces of cuts and bruises vanished, only dried blood and dirt remained. It was as if the prince had not been exiled and only went out to hunt wild animals.

"You," Gilbert started as Luna moved away. Gilbert slowly reached out to touch his face in surprise. "You healed me," he muttered to himself, dumbfounded.

Luna let out a snort before her eyes widened in embarrassment. Covering her mouth, Luna still couldn't stop the little giggles that escaped her mouth. The prince furrowed his brows, unconsciously pouting due to the thought of Luna possibly making fun of him.

He looked weird, she thought, and apologized to him in her head. Not everyone comes across a healing woman so she understood his reaction.

"Yes," the girl answered after the laughter she felt bubbling ceased. "I've mentioned before that you are the hero of this land. It was thanks to my vision that I knew."

As she spoke, Gilbert swore he'd seen her azure eyes glow. Seeing as to how he will not be responding anytime now, Luna continued to share things pertaining to herself to ease the prince.

"Not only can I heal, but I've been having visions given as dreams about future events."

"...And in your visions, I am a hero?"

The boy was so lost, but he seemed to believe Luna by the way he leaned closer to listen intently. Those who saw Gilbert in his current state might not believe when told of his future heroic deeds. To Luna, however, he was just a boy who lost everything with a destiny forcing him down a rocky path.

"Yes, you've achieved great things."

With heavy silence blanketing upon the carriage's two occupants, Gilbert let the information sink. Now that he remembered, before, it was the talk all over the seven lands that a princess was born with the blessing of the Gods. The princess was not publicly shown often due to the Queen's orders, so not many have seen what the blessed daughter looked like.

With eyes bright with wonder, Gilbert slowly raised his head to look at the young girl in front of him. He noticed her visibly gulp but didn't look away. Her eyes stared back at him with equal wonder, and the prince knew that it was only due to the fact that he was a hero in her visions.

"The sword," he began. "Where is the sword?"

The question was left unanswered as both felt the carriage come to a sudden halt. The window's curtain was moved to the side and one of Luna's escorts came to view, informing them they'd arrived.

"Worry not, we'll tell you everything," Luna assured before stepping out to which GIlbert followed.

The moment he stepped foot out of the carriage, the young prince couldn't help but gape at the vast and resplendent castle that was standing tall and proud.

Feeling plenty of eyes on him, Gilbert was unnerved. Even more so when whispers erupted among servants and knights as he followed the princess and her escort towards who knows where. Gilbert unconsciously walked closer to Luna who did not fail to detect his discomfort.

"That's His Highness, Prince Gilbert!"

"Is he the hero in milady's visions?"

Among the irritating murmurs, Luna's voice stood out, "I apologize for their tactlessness, I'll make sure to give them my word."

"Yes," came his timid response for he truly has no inkling of what to say. Thankfully, Luna had been nothing but patient with him.

Distracting himself from the attractive lady beside him and the whispers around, Gilbert let his doe eyes wander around the intricate design of the castle walls like a lost child. Enormous tapestries containing historical events adorned the walls.

If it were not for Luna's escort gently gripping on his arm, Gilbert would've already bumped onto the said girl.

Facing them was a medium-sized double door coated in red and gold. Engraved and split in the middle was sunny drop's notable symbol, a golden sun.

"Pay respect for you will have an audience with Her Royal Majesty, the Queen!" the knight stationed at the entrance declared before bowing to the princess. Luna acknowledged him with a nod and the doors were opened.

"Your grace," Luna greeted as she curtsied. Gilbert hastily kneeled on one knee before the queen.

Queen Fey rose on her seat, "Rise."

The queen nodded at Luna's escort, indicating to leave them alone. When the doors closed, Fey beamed at Luna and they exchanged hugs.

"Greetings dear sister. I'm glad you're well." Luna couldn't help but let out a huge grin. Now that they were alone, no one may judge them for not acting like proper ladies.

Gilbert was fidgeting as he watched the scene unfold before him. The sudden grip he had on his clasped hands tightened the instant Fey's eyes landed on him. He was unkempt and probably looked similar to a beggar. What do I do? He thought, disappointed in himself for acting like he wasn’t royalty.

Fey only laughed before ushering the two to sit on the sofa placed at the center. Fey sat opposite of the two before calling out to a servant to prepare tea, sweets, and a bath for the prince after their talk. Gilbert almost fell asleep due to the softness of the sofa and the soothing voices of the siblings as they chit chat. It had been weeks since he had a decent resting place after all.

The prince let the two catch up whilst he inspected the room. Opposite the door was the Queen's desk. Mountains of paperwork were perched on the table and it concerned him thinking that the Queen must've been busy. Nonetheless, she entertained them. The walls were lined with tall bookshelves containing thick books. Some Gilbert made out were records pertaining to the united lands’ history.

Once tea was served, the discussion began.

"His Royal Highness, Prince Gilbert of Wyvern," Fey started. Gilbert noted how her voice was somehow similar to Luna but deeper and more authoritative.

"I offer my condolences for the tragic events you've experienced."

In response, Gilbert merely nodded as he tightly squeezed his thighs. He was reminded again of his misfortunes. However, Gilbert was aware of the Queen's sincerity. He had also noticed the worried glances Luna kept giving him. Heaving in a deep sigh, Gilbert felt himself slowly unwinding. He offered a smile to reassure Luna, making the said girl embarrassed for she was found out.

"Thank you,"

Tea was offered to help him calm down before they proceeded.

"As you may know, the Lord of the dead is rising and those under him had been on the move for the past years but the sword is missing," Fey began. The boy almost choked on his tea, alarming Luna beside him.

"The sword is missing?" he queried, completely ignoring the gentle pats Luna was planting on his broad back.

"The previous generations—our forefathers, have been discussing this matter. Luna was not yet born, nor was I. " Fey paused, taking time to sip her now cold tea before continuing, "They were, and I apologize for this, foolish to think that there is no need for the sword to be kept."

"Before they knew it, the sword was gone along with its seven crystals. Now our land is vulnerable."

Luna picked up, "That sword is the only weapon that took down the Evil Lord countless times in the past. Each generation should have kept it close, but they assumed peace would last forever."

"By the time Luna got her vision, the search for the sword immediately began but countless have failed."

Gilbert could only imagine what happened to those who sacrificed themselves to retrieve the sword. It was due to the prior royal

bloodline that their generation is now in peril—his own flesh and blood.

"In my vision, you were the one that succeeded. You are the hero who will triumph over darkness!" In desperation, Luna clutched the boy's hands. The action resulted in Gilbert reddening as he was not used to being touched due to growing up in a strict household.

"Luna, don't overwhelm His Highness," Fey scolded. The younger sister instantly withdrew her hold on Gilbert's hand and stuttered out an apology. Fey only shook her head in disapproval while Gilbert—also in a stuttering mess—assured her that no offense was taken.

"But like what Queen Fey said, we need you to recover the sword." Gilbert shuddered as the smile plastered on the Queen's face vanished, and in replacement was an icy cold stare. "And now I'll ask you, are you willing to fulfill your role?"

Thinking back to his ruined life, he already lost his family, he can't lose his home too. The opportunity to avenge his family is laid out in front of him.

Steeling himself, Gilbert returned Fey's stare with a newfound determination.

"What must I do?"