"No, Your Highness, we haven't detected any unusual activity from the Clan Mistress of the Gemheart Clan," the leader of the Runeblade Reavers responded.

Queen Selene nodded in acknowledgement. "Very well, if she doesn't respond or take any actions to indicate her willingness to cooperate by the end of tomorrow, you may proceed with his execution," she instructed.

"I understand your highness."

"Furthermore, ensure that nothing disrupts the events scheduled for tomorrow. Everything must proceed seamlessly, as it concerns the future of the kingdom," Queen Selene added.

"Of course, Your Highness, I will ensure it," the cloaked figure responded. Suddenly, it appeared as if an invisible force was stretching and pulling its form from every direction.

Then, the figure disintegrated within the room, its cloak dispersing as if ripped apart, before completely vanishing into thin air.

........

"Is this how it's done?" Orion asked, his posture lowered as he knelt on the bed between Merida's widely parted legs.

His gaze was fixed on the beauty before him, as Merida nodded in response. He shifted his attention downward to the shimmering silvery gem nestled just above her crotch.

Inhaling deeply, Orion pressed his bleeding thumb upon her jewel and only withdrew it once the entire surface had been bathed in his blood.

A radiant burst of light erupted from it, casting a fascinating phenomenon. Orion was entranced as he watched his blood flow deep into the gem.

Merida couldn't help but release a soft moan before she squeezed her thighs together, sensually rubbing them against each other.

Gradually, the intense light emanating from the gem diminished until it vanished suddenly, leaving behind only a tiny drop of blood deeply ensconced within the jewel.

Orion couldn't resist the temptation to extend his hand, letting his fingers gently graze the surface of the gem. His touch prompted another alluring moan from Merida, forcing her to bite her lip to stifle her desires.

"Don't touch it; it's still sensitive," Merida softly warned as she gazed at Orion.

"It's my turn," Maya immediately chimed in, her words causing Merida to cast a sidelong glance at her while inwardly releasing a deep sigh. Throughout the day, she had tried to convince her sister to reconsider, but the more she attempted, the more Maya seemed determined to honour her part of the agreement.

In their current situation, Merida realized there was little she could do to change the course of events. Once Orion's blood touched her gem, the marriage was sealed, unless Maya herself decided to intervene. However, it seemed unlikely that Maya would take such a step.

Observing Maya's eager demeanour, Orion nodded. He then shifted to position himself between Maya's legs, crossing over their legs.

With a bloodied thumb, he pressed it against Maya's gem, staining it with his blood.

Maya's gem reacted similarly, emitting a bright light that vanished abruptly, leaving Orion's blood embedded deep within it. A soft, involuntary moan escaped her lips.

Observing the two girls, who now gazed at him with dazed expressions, Orion finally decided to ask, "So, are you finally going to tell me why we have to perform this ritual?"

"It's to bind us to one another and identify as husband and wife, normally," Maya explained. "Normally, I would have done the same for you if you had a gem, but I don't think there should be any problems as long as either of our gems is stained with our blood."

Orion nodded, understanding that it was similar to traditional marriage vows. Turning his head to look at Merida, he noticed the defeated expression on her face. Inwardly, he gestured for them to make space for him in the centre. He then collapsed face-first, lying down with his back between the two of them. Stretching his arms wide, he hugged them tightly. He watched as they snuggled between his arms and closed their eyes, eventually drifting off to sleep himself, resting his body for the trial at the Garden tomorrow.

...........

As the streets of the Prismerian Kingdom began to fill with more and more people awakening from their sleep, preparing for their daily routines and trade, a significant increase in the number of guards patrolling the area caught the attention of the citizens.

"Hey, aren't those the royal guards?"

"Yes, they are. But what's going on? I can't recall the last time I saw them patrolling the streets in such force. Did something occur?"

"Shhh! Haven't you heard about the recent incident?"

"What incident?"

A flurry of gossip spread like wildfire as the crowd paused to observe the growing presence of royal guards stationed at every street corner. People craned their necks and strained their ears, eager to discern the reason behind this unusual situation.

The volume of the various speculations grew louder and more distinct as a larger crowd assembled to witness the unfolding scene.

"I heard that the descendants of forgotten clans ambushed the royal carriages on their way back to the castle. Not only that, they managed to slay every last royal guard protecting the convoy. The Gemheart Clan seized the opportunity to attack as well, almost claiming the lives of the queen and her family. Thankfully, the royal family's secret warriors intervened and wiped out the attackers," revealed an elderly man who had traversed the battle-scarred road on his journey from the Quaztrwraith clan.

He had overheard fragments of information and, now, with narrowed eyes, he recounted the grim details to the crowd. "It seems the royal family and the Crystalforge Clan are gearing up for war," he concluded, prompting gasps of shock from the gathered onlookers.

War! When was the last time the Prismerian Kingdom witnessed such a thing?

A war between the two major clans doesn't that imply the other major clans will be involuntarily dragged into this conflict?

Were they about to be caught in the crossfire between the major clans?

As the thoughts of passersby glanced from one conclusion to another and some began questioning the credibility of the news they'd heard, a loud noise suddenly pierced the air, seizing everyone's attention.