Chroma and Achromos

Chapter 25: The Wounded Heart

"WHY DIDN'T YOU SEE HIM???"

Achromos' voice rang out in the middle of his study. Several royal guards and knights stood with their heads bowed before the wrathful king.

"I'm sorry, Achromos. We were completely unaware of Miss Chroma's departure. Miss Chroma is indeed worthy of being called a fox because it can waltz away undetected." Said Ruu trying to defend her men.

Achromos only responded to Ruu's words by kicking his desk. He feels so frustrated. He barely sleeps because he has to take care of his abandoned job because he went to save Chroma and take care of the mourning week that is still ongoing because of Chlari's departure. Plus he couldn't get his mind off Chroma either. What else he is not helped by Cain who is now always locked himself in his room.

"Go you! Find Chroma see you!" Call Achromos with a tone of voice that begins to decrease.

The guards and knights then saluted and left the room immediately.

Achromos rushed to slam his body onto the sofa and let out a long sigh. He rubbed his two temples that felt dizzy while closing his eyes. His body felt weak and helpless. He felt so desperate. He thought after the business with Schatten was finished, then everything would be better. But the reality is just the opposite.

"Oi, lazy king."

A voice made Achromos open his eyes and immediately furrowed his brows in annoyance.

"Have you satisfied with the holidays?" Sindir Achromus's.

Braz chuckled and walked over to Achromos who seemed so reluctant to deal with him.

"However you didn't tell me Chlari died." Braz.

"What do you care?" Reply Achromos.

"Hey, Chlari is my son who I saved his life from that rotten woman! You think I wouldn't care?"

Achromos immediately got up and looked at Braz in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I never told you, did I? Your mother was a cunning woman who wanted to eliminate Chlari by drinking her poison until the child was sickly. Finally the boy must give up his throne to a foolish king like you." Braz just shook his head then sat on Achromos' desk brutally— making almost all the documents located up there scattered on the floor.

"Don't joke!" Achromos is furious. His eyes were full of anger. "Where might you bloodthirsty save Chlari's life!"

"Hm.. Whether you believe it or not, I don't care." Braz wiggled his legs which he casually crossed. "But, why do you suddenly care about Chlari? What happened while I was gone?"

"Your own fault just left!" Hiss Achromos. If only his body did not feel weak he would have kicked Braz as hard as he could.

"Well, there's a point too. But honey, I thought I could watch this heartwarming drama that made you not hate Chlari anymore."

Achromos instantly gritted his teeth furiously and threw his fist at Braz's face as fast as lightning, but Braz easily held the fist with one hand.

"Don't be rude, Braz!!!" Achromos.

"Achromos, you're too naive. If it continues like this Chraz will be smashed to pieces in your hands. Just because Chlari died and she left, you immediately lost your composure." Braz looked at Achromos with a very serious and cold gaze. His heavy voice echoed in Achromos' ear.

"You think, how can I be okay knowing that my own wife is trying to kill my son? How can I be okay knowing that my wife is having an affair with a spy for the Kingdom of Armea, our arch-enemy long ago? How can I be okay killing my own wife with this hand? Huh?!?!?!" Braz punched Achromos hard in the face until he fell to the floor. Achromos spurted a little blood from his mouth and looked at Braz in surprise. He never saw Braz lose control. Just this time he saw Braz looking so hurt and full of anger.

"What are you—" Achromos' throat was unable to continue. He could only stare at Braz whose expression had returned to normal.

"You must be able to lead Chraz, Achromos. What do you think I gave my throne to you for? Of course not to see you whining about the woman's passing and Chlari's death!" Excited Braz as he stepped outside the room, leaving Achromos still unable to speak.

As soon as his foot stepped on the hallway and his hand closed the door, Braz immediately stepped unsteadily. He squeezed his left chest tightly and breathed heavily. From the corner of his lips blood flowed red.

"Damn! Goddamn you, Arlen! How dare you use my wife to kill me and Chlari! I swear I'll kill you, Arlen!" Braz whispered.

In his brain, it turned back to how Chlari was as a child. How he wished he could save his firstborn.

"Chlari, I'm sorry.."

At that time, the former king shed tears that he never showed anyone. Only he himself should know that Braz, the notoriously ruthless and unforgiving king, actually has such a fragile heart and body.

•••

"Pristin.."

"Chro.. ma?"

As soon as Aram disappears, Chroma meets Juna. He looks surprised to see the sudden arrival of Chroma.

"Why are you here??" Ask.

"June.. Help me.." Chroma was no longer able to hold back her stuffing. He now cries bitterly, making Jona and Fen appear because they hear his cry.

"Chroma??" Jona Seru.

"I'm sorry.kan.." Isak Chroma's. He continued to apologize to the three people so bitterly.

Juna held onto Chroma's shoulder tightly and pulled her in. "Sit down."

"Why are you here??" Ask Jona. He looks unhappy with Chroma's arrival and seems to want to say something if Fen doesn't stop him.

"I can't live.." Chroma. "I don't. know how.."

"Chroma, I understand how you feel," said Juna. "but you shouldn't be here. You should be on Achromos' side."

Chroma immediately shook her head strongly. "I can't.. Aram's face.The memory of Aram always appears.."

"Then, how about you come with us?" Fen's proposal suddenly.

"Fen?? What did you say??" Jona was shocked.

"In a moment we will leave Xan Island. We're going to find the members of the Artemis Clan that Aram saved. Do you want to come?" Fen asked without caring about Jona who seemed so disapproving.

"themis? Clansmen.. Artemis?" Chroma said slowly.

"We want to protect what Aram wants to protect, including the Artemis Clan and you, Chroma." Fen approached Chroma and wiped the tears on her cheek. "How's it?"

Chroma was silent for a moment before then nodding slowly.

"Then let's go."

•••

Cain stared at the portrait painting of Chlari's face which he took from the palace hall with a blank look. I don't know how many hours he sat in his room, just observing Chlari's face that looks sad in the painting in the middle of darkness. Without talking, without doing anything.

Then, the old wall clock in the corner of the hall of his room clanged loudly up to twelve times indicating that the day had changed.

"I'm sorry, Brother Chlar.." Whisper Cain in the silence of the night. Tears dripped from his eyes that looked like that lifeless person.

"I'm sorry.. Brother Chlar.."

"I'm sorry.."

"I'm sorry.."

"I'm sorry.."

"I'm sorry.."

"What shall I do to atone for my sins?"

Cain clenched his hands and punched the floor he was sitting on. He then saw the curtain fluttering in the wind because the window he had left was wide open. Inside his brain came a crazy idea.

"Sister.. Chlar. wait for me.."

———