The Demon Lord and his Hero

"It's not worth it," Rowan immediately told Syryn after hearing what he had to say. "It's just a matter of time before you remember the past so there's no sense in putting yourself at risk for it." 

"You are sure about that?" 

"Believe me, Ryn, it's not worth it. If the Sage says that he doesn't really know how long you'll sleep then you shouldn't do this." 

"I guess you're right."

The anti mage was even more worried about the future now. There was no method he knew of to eject the Sage from Syryn's mind. But he wouldn't have to worry about the matter for a long time because the winds of change were shifting. 

___

A month slowly rolled by and word on the street was that Rowan was getting married to the princess very soon. The ceremony had been approved by the delighted elders who had been waiting for a very long time. It was no secret that they all believed without a doubt it would be Lillith winning the big trophy that was Rowan. After all, she, like Rowan, was born with the blessings of Eos. Her special silver eyes were a testament to that. Ever since she was a little girl, the priests treated her with extra care and were expecting her to become the priestess. Even so, many staunchly hopeful young women sent in their entries to be a part of the choosing ceremony. 

A celebratory atmosphere had settled over Elysium one week before the important day. The temple of Eos was blooming with a thousand lantern flowers that were sold for a crown each. The money that the flowers brought in was used to buy food and clothing for the poor and homeless all around the city. Every lantern flower was considered a blessing from Eos sure to bring good luck to families that kept the flower at home. Women who couldn't bear children also bought the flower because Eos was also a goddess of fertility. 

All while this was happening, Rowan stopped going to work. There wasn't a minute of the day that he didn't find himself overwhelmed by the number of people trying to talk to him for one reason or the other. Complete strangers would bless him in the name of Eos, or ask for him to say a prayer for their sick loved one. Rowan had the grace to be kind to these strangers but he was no priest. He doubted Eos would bless anyone if he asked for it. Rowan was after all a prodigal son of the goddess.

In the palace, the king and queen were entertaining more guests and well-wishers. Lillith was the centre of activity and she was always present, a wonderful host to the nobles who paid her their respects. The princess had been patiently waiting for years, pining, her heart aching for the man who kept a formal distance between them. It upset her that Rowan acted with respectful restraint when in her presence. Why couldn't he simply call her Lillith? It was always princess Lillith. Why wouldn't Rowan write back to her when she sent him letters and invitations? The anti mage had always given his replies to the messenger who was delivering the invitation. Lillith just couldn't understand why he wouldn't love her back. Was she not beautiful enough? Smart enough? A part of her suspected that Rowan's sexual orientation tended towards men. But what of it? He had his duty and she had hers. Rowan was Lillith's because Eos had decided it so. Knowing this, the princess fearlessly pursued the blond who she believed had only one path set for him to tread - towards her. 

"Lillith, you look happy," Drake observed when he met his older sister at the royal gardens. The princess had just held court with a group of young noblewomen who had come to meet her. 

Spirits high, the princess smiled at her handsome younger brother who was heading off to the stables. "I feel blessed," she replied. "And the weather is beautiful today. What's not to be happy about?

Drake smiled back. "It is, isn't it? I'm going horseriding. Would you like to come along?" 

"No," Lillith said, twirling the stem of a lantern flower she had been holding behind her back. One of the noblewomen had gifted it to her. 

Noticing the flower, Drake's smile faded. He of all people knew just how much Rowan cared about Syryn. After the almost kiss with Syryn, Drake had done a little snooping around and found out about Rowan and Syryn's relationship. Nothing about it boded well for his sister. She looked so radiant, so happy, but the man she was hoping to marry had given his heart to another. 

"Lillith, what if you don't get chosen?" He asked his sister. 

Lillith's smile dimmed a little bit. "Drake, don't be ridiculous. Has there been anyone in this kingdom born with eyes like mine?" 

"No, you're Eos' daughter," Drake replied. Lillith was right. Syryn had nothing to do with the temple of light or with the goddess. Lillith was the chosen bride and priestess. 

"And the goddess' will is revealed in my eyes and Rowan's birth sign. There is no doubt that I will be chosen." 

Eos hadn't said that, Drake thought. Just because Lillith had special eyes, what did it have to do with marrying Rowan? Even so, he kept his mouth shut. It was best to stay out of his sister's affairs so that when worse came to worst, nobody could blame him for cursing his own sister and causing her to miss out on marrying Rowan.

"I just want what's best for you," he said to the blissfully happy Lillith. The lantern flower had lost its light after being plucked. She held it up to her nose and smelled it all the while smiling. 

"I know, Drake. Don't worry about it." 

As Drake opened his mouth to say he was leaving, Lillith asked him an unexpected question. 

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Yes?" Drake replied.

"I didn't know who else to ask about this. It's... been a while now that I've wondered if Rowan only prefers men." 

Drake blinked, taken by surprise at his sister's line of questioning. If Lillith suspected that Rowan preferred men, why was she so happy to marry him?

"I don't know," he answered truthfully. "Before Syryn, Rowan had never showed any interest in men nor women. It's hard to tell where his interests lie. All I know is that I'm straight and I would still say yes if Syryn made a move on me."