Daphne (whispering to herself):
"Marshmallows, isn't this wonderful? Adonis succeeded in his mission. It's going to be a special day!"
(Daphne gets up and starts preparing. Her features are filled with enthusiasm as she carefully arranges the table, adding her simple touches to make the place feel warm. Her eyes shine with longing to see Adonis.)
"He must be so tired... We'll prepare something delicious for him!"
(In the castle courtyard, Adonis stands before his soldiers. His eyes scan the faces that fought beside him. His voice rises, full of pride and appreciation.)
Adonis:
"Soldiers, today you have proven that you are the strength of this empire. Nothing can defeat us when we are united. I thank you for your courage and your trust. Without you, this victory would not have been achieved."
(He pauses, takes a deep breath, then adds in a warmer tone):
"Now, return to your families. Enjoy these moments with your loved ones. Victory is yours, and this world owes you peace."
(Loud applause fills the courtyard. The soldiers bow respectfully before dispersing, smiles filling their faces. Adonis watches them, a ghost of a smile appearing on his lips.)
The morning had dawned slowly, a scene of pale colors heralding the arrival of another day of challenges. In the vast royal hall, where lights danced between walls crowned with golden inscriptions, stood Adonis, his heart pounding strongly despite the weariness visible in his eyes. Subtle signs of fatigue crept into his features, but his sharp eyes reflected an iron resolve. The Emperor, seated behind a large table covered with maps and papers, looked at Adonis as if he could foresee the entire future in that moment.
"Adonis, the situation in the city of Fania is deteriorating rapidly. The plague is ravaging the people mercilessly. We cannot wait any longer. I need you to move, to take a group of the best soldiers with you and investigate the matter. I want a comprehensive report, nothing left to chance."
Adonis bows his head respectfully, a silence charged with seriousness enveloping him, then he raises his burning eyes and replies in a calm but firm voice, like one whispering a fateful decision:
"Under your command, Sire. I will go immediately."
With those words, calm returns to the hall. But the Emperor's eyes, still watching Adonis with a look not devoid of concern, follow his steps as he leaves the place.
As Adonis crosses the long corridors of the castle, Hyacinth follows him with her gaze, her features expectant. The calls of the soldiers intertwine with his quick steps, and every moment that passes seems to push him towards an unknown fate. And Hyacinth, who was standing by the window overlooking the castle courtyard, felt something in her heart that boded ill.
"Adonis! Are you alright?" Hyacinth cried out in a voice full of worry, hurrying towards him as she saw him sway in his steps.
Adonis paused for a moment, then smiled gently, that smile that usually hid a mountain of unspoken emotions. "There's no need to worry, Miss Hyacinth. It was just a passing dizziness."
"Dizziness?!" she repeated the word as if it echoed in her ear, for she knew things were not limited to that. In his eyes, she read exhaustion, she read what he did not say aloud, for she saw him almost on the verge of collapse. "Don't neglect your health, Adonis. You almost lost consciousness."
Adonis takes a deep breath, then replies in a more serious voice, but deliberately reassuring:
"I know I should take care of myself, but this mission... it's bigger than just fatigue."
Hyacinth's eyes narrow slightly with anger as she says, "You shouldn't always be alone in this, Adonis. It's not easy to see someone pushing themselves beyond their limits."
"I am grateful to you," he said, walking away to face his destiny.
Hyacinth: "I think he's under a lot of pressure. He almost fainted."
Helibor, with a confident, wry smile: "And you, that angel who always has to worry about him, isn't that right?"
Hyacinth, with a light sigh and a steady gaze: "At least, he's different from you."
At that moment, Helibor took a step forward, his eyes focusing sharply on her face. He stood before her, then forcefully placed his hand on the wall beside her head, trapping her between him and the wall. He leaned his body slightly towards her, until their breaths mingled, and the rapid beating of her heart could almost be heard.
His eyes gleamed with a mixture of anger and challenge, while Hyacinth raised her face steadily, despite a slight tremor in her fingertips.
Helibor, in a low, deep voice that broke the silence between them: "Why don't you worry a little about your husband instead?"
Hyacinth, with eyes that stared steadily and without hesitation, but in a low voice full of bitterness: "My husband? Who? I don't even know when he comes back and when he goes out. Every day I hear those whispers about how much he loves girls and spending time in taverns."
Her words were harsh as whips, making Helibor pause for a moment, but his hand remained firm on the wall. He lowered his head slightly, until he was very close to her, as if searching for the right words to reply.
Hyacinth, in a voice filled with deadly calm, while her eyes gleamed with defiance: "No comment, do you, Helibor?"
Helibor slowly raised his head, and his eyes reflected something deeper, a mixture of admiration and mystery. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but he stopped abruptly.
Helibor, with a slight smile: "I admire your strength, Hyacinth. You always have been."
He slowly moved away from her, as if leaving behind a space of unresolved tension. He turned and took steps away, but before leaving, he paused for a moment and gave her a final look, deep and full of hidden meanings.
Helibor: "I'll go now. Farewell."
Hyacinth, after being left alone, placed her hand on her chest, feeling a mixture of conflicting emotions. She knew she loved Helibor, but that love