The Crown's Entrapment

Back at the shrine, everyone watching the events unfold gasped at the Princess of Ebodia's heartfelt words. It was evident that the Princess was winning the hearts of every Cordonian watching her with how straightforward and genuine she was with her words.

"No wonder our King made his point clear that he wouldn't acknowledge anyone being his Queen except for the Princess of Ebodia, his wife and mate," a random teary-eyed Cordonian woman burst out. "The Mate Bond between them is too strong, and we should all respect it for the sacred blessing that it is."

Once again, murmurs filled the open shrine, and Darius could no longer contain the emotions building up within his heart. The smile on his face was getting wider by the second, and his eyes were also starting to well up with tears.

[Look at you soaring with joy. I already can't wait to meet my sister-in-law in person now,] Calypso telepathically commented. [She's one of a kind. No wonder you fell head over heels for her.]

Darius couldn't help but chuckle as he wiped the tears from his face. "I can't believe how she can still manage to throw a joke like that. But she's right though… The king will definitely tear that forest apart just so he can bring her back if these guardians won't let her out," he grunted.

"Hmph… Why would the King even do that? Is he out of his mind? Can't he see how the Princess is handling herself well enough inside the forest? She already come that far, so the King shouldn't jeopardize her progress," an elderly man who heard Darius's words harrumphed.

"As soon as he tries to meddle, these trials will be quickly considered as a failure for the Princess. That would be such a waste. That's how tradition and laws should go, and even the King should honor that, or else, how could our King expect his people to honor him when he himself can't honor the tradition and laws of his kingdom?"

Darius heard Calypso chuckle and said, "That's right, old man. I'm sure our king will control himself and not do any reckless moves. Right, Dar?"

Darius could only frowned at his cousin before he promptly darted his eyes back to the vision of Xen and the Sphinx, waiting patiently on how the latter would take Xen's answer. There was silence, and he remained as focused as he could while feeling for Xen's emotions. Surprisingly, she was way too calm despite the situation she was in.

[I'm so proud of her!] Zeus cheered from the sidelines, and this time Darius's lips stretched up into a wide smile at what he was seeing.

.....

"Hmm, look at you… Truly impressive," Devas musingly wondered. "What should I do to you, Princess? I'm hesitant to let you go, but you've already passed my trial, so I have no choice but to let you free."

Xenia's jaw dropped at his words. She didn't expect the trial to end this way. She was honestly waiting for him to make her suffer, or maybe ask her some riddles and…

Her eyes widened as she stared at Devas and gasped. "That's the riddle?"

"Indeed," Devas laughed. "I asked you how would you face those deadly sins, and surprisingly, you gave me the answers that I wanted by mentioning the heavenly virtues that could counter them."

Devas then looked at the lake, waving at it for Xenia to see a vision of past female humans or other creatures encountered by Devas. It was exactly like how it was written in the books, except the visions of them were far more overwhelming than simply reading it happening.

Devas had thrown random riddles and questions, and she could only agree with how lacking some of their answers were for each question. She wasn't that knowledgeable herself, but her parents had taught her enough to be a functional adult.

"They were easily swayed for a chance to have a perfect life. I guess not all of them were as knowledgeable and dedicated as you. On that note, I couldn't help but wonder why they even bothered to enter this forest to prove themselves," Devas chuckled with a smile.

"You're the first woman in the history of Cordon who passed my trial. Mostly, the women who pass by Saha's and Helena's territory would succeed, but they would instantly fail as soon as they get to either my or Polo's trial."

He then turned to her and said, "Although, my offer stands firm and genuine to you, Princess. For now, I'll let you pass my territory. From there, you'll face the guardian of the waters, Polo."

Devas chuckled. "Remember, if things get too hard and you feel like you're about to fail, you can always call my name. I'll take that as you accepting my offer to be my woman and rescue you. From there, I'll make you the happiest woman in this world and give you a good life inside this realm. A perfect life that any woman would dream of."

....

"That lion should be roasted alive for blabbering out his nonsense!!!" Darius barked out, making all eyes around them turn to him. Seeing the people looking at him, he scoffed, "What?!! Don't you agree with how cunning he was for still trying to coax and sway your future Queen?!"

Osman let out an awkward laugh as he pointed his finger at the vision and said, "Look, the Princess shook her head. Let's hear her answer!"

Fortunately, everyone's attention went back to the vision, where Xen had shook her head and said, "I can be very stubborn, milord. Whenever I've already set my mind and eyes on a goal, I never back down. So again, I'm sorry, but please don't expect me to call your name."

"That's a pity then, but I respect your decision," Devas understandably nodded. "Now, off you go, Princess, and I wish you good luck in Polo's territory."

Before Xen could thank the guardian, Devas had already held Xenia by the shoulders. And before she knew it, he already pushed her into the lake, causing her to fall into the water.

Below the depths, Xenia stared at Devas as she let her body be swallowed wholly by the water.

"Remember to call my name if ever you need help," Devas reminded with a wink before his visage became blurry in her eyes.

...….

From there the vision of Xenia disappeared from the shrine. Knowing that their time was up, every Cordonian started leaving, all except for some of the guards assigned in the area.

"Let's go for now and celebrate this good news of Princess Xenia passing the trial by earth," Calypso suggested. "The guards will inform us if the vision will start playing again, so there's no need to stay."

Darius let Osman and his cousin pull him out of the shrine as they made their way to a good place to celebrate. Two more trials… most likely just one, and Xen would finally be safe. Darius sighed in relief, hoping that Xen wouldn't suffer too much. Right now, he could feel her calm and content emotions swirling in his chest, so he wasn't too worried.