The Destiny Of Solaris(Book 2 of "The Planets In Exile")

A Ray Of Hope

Klaus resumed his journey to the Prime after the interaction with Calliope. He hoped that she would accept the invitation and go to the Thunder and have a peaceful life thereafter. 

While he was strolling, he then pondered over the way this world worked, the place outside his home seemed like an alien planet,  he was disappointed at how the world had turned into. As he was walking, some of the Kingsman came his way, and the moment they spotted Klaus, they recognized him and came to halt.

Soldier 1: Lord Klaus, we are the soldiers of the Prime. We didn't know that you would be coming on foot. Otherwise, we would have escorted you to Solaris Prime in a palanquin. Our apologies, lord.

Klaus: I wanted to travel on foot. It is alright.

Soldier 2: We respect your wish, lord. but if the Emperor finds out that we let you walk all the way to the kingdom, he'll have our heads. So if you can please let us escort you.

                                " People only obey you if they either admire you or fear you. "

Klaus agreed and got upon the extra horse that the soldiers had brought along with them. 

Klaus: What are your names, soldiers?

Soldier 1: I am 378 and he is 413.

Klaus: What?

Soldier 2: It is Prince Draven's orders, lord. He made us relinquish our birth names and gave us these new names. 

Klaus: I am not going to call you with these names. What are your real names? 

Soldier 2: We'll get persecuted for uttering our real names, my lord. We beg your pardon. Please don't ask.

Klaus didn't want to push them into telling their real names because it was evident in their eyes, the fear of Draven.

Klaus: So, what are your opinions on Prince Draven? 

Soldiers exchanged glances between them and were hesitant to answer the question Klaus asked.

Klaus: I give you my word. This conversation stays between the three of us.

Soldier 2: We don't want to talk ill of him but Prince Draven did not turn out as how we imagined him. We thought he would inherit all the wisdom and humbleness of his father, Emperor Aldrich, but the opposite had happened. He doesn't see us all as equal. His laws are strict and unlawful. Emperor tried to change him but failed. One who disappoints him must face his wrath, which is terrible than death. You need to be careful, my lord. He gets intimidated by people like you. It is better not to provoke him. 

Klaus: Thanks for the heads-up, soldiers. 

Finally, Klaus reached Solaris Prime and he was grandly welcomed by the Emperor and Prince Draven. 

Klaus: Greetings, Emperor Aldrich Mackentyre and Prince Draven Mackentyre, my name is Klaus Knightstar. Also, I deliver the best wishes from my father, Edgar Knightstar, and all of the Thunder.

Aldrich: You almost look like your father, except he is broader and taller than you. But, you are your father's son. 

Draven: So they sent the little one to my birthday this time.

Klaus: I bring with me all the blessings though. 

Draven: Whatever. 

Aldrich: Let's get you inside, Klaus. You must have been tired from the journey. 

Klaus was accompanied by many of the beautiful servants. This was the first time Klaus could see how the kingdom of Solaris Prime really looked like. The Palace was astronomical, approximately 10 times bigger than the one in the Thunder. It was illuminated with a plethora of colorful lights, which was a sight of wonder. After Calliope, the castle was the most beautiful thing Klaus had witnessed. He admired its beauty but kept it within himself. When he entered the royal hall, Klaus was fascinated even more. The hall was all glittery as if magic is floating in the air around them, which made him feel like he wasn't in Solaris anymore. The Throne of the Emperor was located at the very far end of the hall, which was high above the ground level. Everyone in the hall greeted Klaus as he entered and he exchanged pleasantries. Klaus was not a kind of person who is easily surprised or tempted, but ambience of the place surely overwhelmed him. 

Aldrich: Klaus, the maids would guide you to the place where you would be resting, and I'd like to have a conversation with you before the celebration begins and might even give you a tour of the palace. 

Klaus: I'm looking forward to it, Emperor.

Draven: Father, you don't need to roam around with this man. I'll have some of my mistresses to give him a tour and maybe I'll even allow them to satisfy his desires. Klaus, would you want an old man to keep you company or one of my caretakers to quench your thirst and all. Come on now, isn't that what you want. 

Klaus: I appreciate your effort, prince, but I would be delighted if the Emperor himself would like to accompany me. No offense.

Draven scoffed and left the hall abruptly. Klaus could see the look of disappointment in the face of Aldrich but chose to remain silent because no matter how bad Draven appeared to be, he is after all the Emperor's son and no father would like to hear or say negative about his son.

                                        " Often love blinds you to notice the evident reality. "  

As Prince Draven said, the maids who guided Klaus to his dorm were extremely attractive, as if only beautiful women were handpicked for this role. Klaus maintained limited eye contact with them as he followed them. They led him into a room, which was sufficiently large, adorned with exotic gems, and famous portraits were hung on the walls. Klaus thoroughly glanced at the entire room and was mesmerized by its interior. Unknowingly, he smiled in awe, and when he realized it, the faint smile vanished. 

After admiring the beauty of the room, he turned his attention towards the servants, and only then he realized that they were in minimal clothes, the private portion of the body was covered with transparent clothing, which made it partially visible. The moment Klaus realized this, he thought of the most unexpected thing Calliope did. He assumed the maids were here for the same thing. So before they could ask him anything, he thanked them for guiding him to his dorm and asked them to leave him.

Servant 1: If you ever need anything, my lord, please order us, we'd be staying in a corner of the room. You can ask anything you want, my lord. We are here for you.

Klaus couldn't understand why everyone was hellbent on having i*********e, and then her trembling voice made him realize that this wasn't their own choice, but they were being forced. They were afraid of what the Prince would do if I am dissatisfied with their service. 

Klaus: Ladies, you have been wonderful till now. I would definitely ask you if I need anything. You can return to your places, you don't need to stay here. And don't be afraid, I won't be saying anything negative about you all. 

The maids flashed a comforting smile and Klaus could understand that they were relieved by his statement. 

Klaus laid on the royal teak wood bed and pondered over how he is going to survive the celebration tomorrow. The best he could do is exchange pleasantries, but initializing and actively participating in a conversation was not his cup of tea except with the people he admires. On the contrary, he can hear people talking for hours. Besides, the celebration was not his primary purpose, he was tasked with something wondrous as if he was born to play the role of assisting the Chosen one and saving his world. While he was mixed up in his thoughts, a maid came by to his room. 

' My lord, Emperor wishes to have a word with you, ' she says and combs her brown hair and flashes a seductive smile. Klaus could instantly understand that she liked him, but why? Even though he was skilled in fighting, affection and love were chapters that were mysterious and confusing to him. 

' Why do you like me? ' Klaus ask her explicitly. 

She was shocked after being posed with such a question. No one had ever asked her such type of questions, they take what they want without any consent, they weren't treated as equals, moreover they were looked at as objects of pleasure and over time they got used to it, like it is their duty to keep their masters happy or face punishments of their cruel prince.

' My lord, you are unlike anyone we had ever met. You are a good person from what I can see. And you respect people even when they don't belong to your standard. Anyone in this world would instantly fall in love with a man like you. You looking at us as a human alone was the best thing that any of us experienced in a long time. '

' I am thankful that you think so highly of me. I really am. But respecting people is a common virtue that everyone must possess, but the world outside Thunder is corrupted by l**t and much more toxic qualities.  I wish to change it someday if it is possible. '

' I have heard so much about you, my lord. Your greatness, your warrior-like skills, but believe me, you have a good heart and people need a king like you if they want things to change. It is hell out here, my lord. People who are suffering outside the palace think we are lucky ones to earn a spot in the palace, but the truth is we are just things for the royal people. A tool for entertainment, an object for satisfying their violent physical desires and fantasies. People believe that we do it because we like it, but we don't have a choice. One of us raised her voice for free will and it did not end well for her. The prince did some horrible things to her and presented her as an example of what will happen to those who try to revolt. As long as individuals like you don't step up, the world keeps burning, my lord. '

                         " As long as good people stay silent, atrocities continue to prevail. "  

Klaus didn't know what to say to comfort her. For the first time in his life, he was not able to answer. He wanted to stay there and change how things were, but he had high priority task at hand which can neither be abandoned nor be halted. 

After a few seconds, she began to talk again, ' I am sorry, my lord, for troubling you with all this nonsense. The Emperor must be waiting. Let me guide you. ' 

' It is alright. '

Klaus wanted to ask her, her name but he recalled the incident when he asked the soldiers their names. He didn't want to put her in the same position as that of the soldiers.

Klaus followed the maid and she took him to an even grander room and she left. The Emperor was occupying a chair of a long dining table. Klaus thought of occupying the very last table, which was directly opposite to the Emperor. As he began to sit, Aldrich asked him to sit closer to him. 

As soon as Klaus sat, a few of the maids appeared and served the dinner and they vanished again. 

Aldrich: I assumed that you might be starving. So I thought we could eat and talk simultaneously.

Klaus: Yes, indeed, my king. 

Aldrich: You don't need to address me as king or Emperor in every sentence, Klaus.

Klaus nodded.

Aldrich: I also hope you liked the arrangements that were made for you.

Klaus: Everything looks beautiful. Thank you for your hospitality. 

Aldrich: How is your father, Klaus. It's been years since I had last met him.

Klaus: He's the same. And can I ask you something?

Aldrich: You can ask me anything.

Klaus: You look worried. May I know the reason?

Aldrich: I thought you already knew about it. Isn't that obvious?

Klaus: Is it about the prince?

Aldrich: Alas! He didn't turn out to be as...   

Klaus: as you hoped?

Aldrich: As he intended to be. I am afraid of what would happen after I am gone. He is not yet crowned but behaves in that way. I thought he would be better than I ever was, but he is not. He is addicted to the royal pleasures, became a prisoner of physical desire and l**t. He possesses everything that a true king shouldn't. In the beginning, I was worried about my son would survive, but now I am worried about how the people of Solaris would survive in his reign. I even wonder if he is waiting for me to die.

Klaus: You may be old, but you are the Emperor, and the people here, respect and obey you. If there is anyone who can change him and put his atrocities to an end once and for all, it is you, my king. He needs to be stopped. The power is driving him into the wrong path and before it is too late, he needs to be brought back. I have observed enough to say that no one is happy in your kingdom. And your people, they may look lively, but they are dead inside. I wouldn't have said this, but someone changed my mind so I am putting this before you. If Solaris wants to thrive, it requires an Emperor like you to bind people together, not break them. 

Aldrich: You are like your father, Klaus. I Wish I had a son like you. A wise and patient and a skilled warrior. I do not know how the future would turn out to be, but as long as the Knightstar clan is alive, I know for certain that they will restore order and peace if things ever go out of hand. 

Klaus: The aim of Knightstar is not only to assist the Prime but also to make sure that peace exists on the land of Solaris. And we intend to carry out that responsibility as long as we breathe. But we hope things don't go that far and all the kingdoms would be united rather than plot against each others neck's.

Aldrich: I trust in your clan, Klaus. But I will warn you about one thing, Draven hates your clan. He loathes you because he believes that I love you all more than I love him. And deep down, I believe it is true. So be careful, he might attempt to do terrible things to your clan once after I am gone.  

Klaus: Do not worry, my lord. We were confined to our territories for so long that we were shielded from the barbarities of the outside world, but now we are free. We will not let him do anything that would harm the people. If we had known that about the conditions here, we would have arrived here long ago. We'll resume this conversation again. It is late, my lord. I think you need to rest so you can actively participate in your son's celebrations tomorrow. 

Aldrich nodded and caressed Klaus's hair. Klaus smiled faintly and left for his room. Klaus doesn't usually open up and speak of his feelings so fast, but he believed that Emperor was telling the truth and that made him express his notions. And when he was walking towards his room, he could see the maid who accompanied him to the Emperor, smiling at him. He returned the smile and left. The other reason why Klaus expressed his ideas was because he wanted to see the reactions of the Emperor and wanted to be sure if he genuinely cares about his people. After the conversation, Klaus was certain that Aldrich was really a noble king.

After arriving to his room, Klaus started to think about how the celebrations were going to be and he knew that in order to survive the horrors of the celebrations the next day, he requires a good night's sleep. So he focused his brain on his breathing, thereby fading all the other thoughts with which he was preoccupied earlier and drifted into sleep.

                                                                                    ----*----

It is really frustrating to wake up early in the morning in an alien place. Klaus was in a dilemma, whether to stay inside till the celebration starts or to wander and explore the premises of the kingdom. In order to kill the time, Klaus had a bath and wore a fresh set of clothes. He approached the entrance of his room and slowly peaked into the hallway. He couldn't find anybody. As he turned and started moving towards his bed, he could hear someone approaching his room. 

Servant: Can I help you, my lord?

Klaus heard the voice and realized that she was the same girl from yesterday's night. He was astonished at how attentive she was.

Klaus: You are up, early.

Servant: It is our duty to be ready before the Prince wakes up. It would infuriate him if we are not around him by the time he wakes up, my lord. So we wake up early and await his orders.

Klaus: Sounds hectic and irritating. 

Servant: We are used to this, my lord. Anyways, can I interest your lordship in a tour around the palace?

Klaus was astounded at her. It's as if she could read his mind.

Klaus: Yes, but on one condition. You have to tell me your name. I heard it is not allowed, but I'll keep it a secret.

Servant: It has been a long time since someone had asked me my name. I always thought, what if one day, I wake up and don't remember my name anymore. My name is Rohesia.

Klaus: That is a unique name and deserves to be heard, Rohesia.

Rohesia's cheeks turned red and a smile appeared on her face and for that instant, she looked like an innocent, beautiful, peasant girl, not a slave who had to endure the madness of a wicked Prince. It' had been ages since anyone had called her by her name. Klaus wanted to make that smile permanent. At that moment, he promised her that one day he would free her and all of the people who are suffering under his regime. 

This would sound impossible if the words came out of any person other than Klaus. Rohesia felt that she could believe him and he is capable to deliver what is promised. Hope which was lost started to find its way back. The seed of hope now germinated into a tree and Rohesia felt a wave of faith refreshing her. 

They walked side by side while they were strolling along the streets and Rohesia told Klaus about each and everything. Even though most of them were irrelevant, he listened to them with deep interest. They spent more than an hour outside the palace. Klaus could now sense an atmosphere of tension between them. 

Rohesia: As much as I love to accompany you, my lord. I'm afraid that we need to return to the palace. 

The girl who was having a great time, enjoying even minute details, now reverted into the slave who is terrified of her master. 

Klaus agreed, and they returned to the castle.   

As soon as they entered the royal hall, they could see Draven, who was having a conversation with one of his ministers. He appeared to be grave as if something deeply hurt him and was about to take some serious counter measures. The moment Draven's eyes laid on Klaus and Rohesia, a sinister smile appeared on his face, which was a clear attempt to mask his anger, he abruptly ended the little meeting and walked in their direction. 

Draven: Oh, there's my little w***e. I couldn't find you in the morning, dear. Where were you?

Klaus: Apologies, prince. I insisted her to be a tour guide for me and that's the reason why she wasn't able to be at your service. 

Rohesia remained silent with her face bowed down as if she was guilty of something while appearing utterly terrified.    

Draven: Oh. I was thinking of special treatments for her and now you are saying it isn't her fault. Fine then, we'll schedule those for another time. Why don't you come with me, you little hustler. 

Rohesia simply escorted Draven without even seeing Klaus at least once. Klaus wanted to do something, but anything he does would lead to a consequence that Rohesia would suffer. Her life was already like an organism trapped in a spider web and he didn't want to make it any worse.

They returned exactly moments before the celebration had started and God knows what had happened after he took her inside. Royal members from many kingdoms had arrived to wish the prince on his special day. Most of them only visited as they didn't want to be on the bad side of him. Many of the princes joined in the royal hall, some of them were Daggfin Northcot, Harald Garcia, and Darrius Sterling. These were the same age as Draven and Klaus. They greeted Draven but he wasn't returning the interest, his eyes were fixed on the dance being performed by his mistresses. Klaus was waiting for all this to be over so he can be on his way to begin his quest, but it seemed like a never-ending performance. Rohesia was also performing, and that provided Klaus with something to focus on. The princes from other kingdoms were pleased to meet Klaus. Since Klaus was confined to the territories, the other princes never really got a chance to meet him properly. They focused on him more than that on Draven. Also, Draven didn't like the bond, Klaus and Rohesia developed in the short span of time, he wanted to humiliate him in some kind of way. While the performance was going on, Draven initiated a conversation with Klaus which could be heard by the princes too.

Draven: So, Klaus. I am thinking about getting married. What do you think?

Klaus: Good choice, prince. 

Draven: Do you know anyone who is worthy to be my wife?

Klaus: I'm afraid, I don't know anyone.

Harald: Well, what are you looking for in your wife, Draven?

Draven: It's simple. She must do all the things that my mistresses do, but the difference is she would be a queen.

Harald: Who doesn't want to be the queen of Solaris Prime, huh.

Draven: Klaus, you have a sister, right? What was her name? Ah, Sylvia. I heard she is beautiful and smart. What do you think, will she be a match for me?

Klaus wanted to sever his head from the body the second after he finished that sentence, but that would lead to chaos. Everyone who heard it was triggered and eagerly waiting for the reaction of Klaus. Knightstars are someone who shouldn't be messed with, even if it is the King himself. 

Klaus took a few seconds before replying because it was important that he controls himself and speak in a polite way. 

Klaus: Yes, you have heard it right, Draven. She is smart and beautiful. The thing is she isn't a caretaker, she is a warrior and a healer, and I don't think she is interested in power and ruling. She likes a simple life and if you will excuse me, I think it is time for me to return. I wish you great success, Prince Draven, and hope you walk in your father's footsteps and rule the Prime in a glorious way.   

Klaus uttered these words and left immediately without waiting for Draven's reply. Outside the Royal hall, Aldrich obstructed his way and apologized for his son's behavior. 

Klaus: Violence is the last method that I would opt for, Emperor. But I am certain of one thing, when the time comes, I would protect the prince with my life if he is on the right side, and I would kill him if he is on the wrong side. I imagined the world in a different way, but nothing is how I envisioned it to be. Things need to change, things will change, if not, I will change them, by hook or crook. I want you to know that this is not something that I am doing because of my thirst for power. I don't expect or dream to be a king, I only care about the people.

Aldrich: I expect nothing less from a Knightstar and I would have been disappointed if you had just left without sharing what you really felt.

                                    " Change is an idea that begins with a single person,

                                                       and then turns into a revolution. ''

As Klaus rode away, a tear rolled down the eye of the Emperor. Klaus was everything that he wanted his son to be and seeing him leave the kingdom felt like his own son was abandoning his father and the kingdom. But Aldrich knew in his heart that Klaus is a committed and a man of sheer f*****g will and when he says that he will take care of the Prime, then he will surely do. And when the times comes, Aldrich can peacefully leave this world knowing that there is an entire clan whose priority is the well being of the people of the Solaris.

There are two people who are counting on Klaus now. One is Rohesia to whom Klaus had promised to free everyone from the Draven's rule and the other was Emperor himself to whom Klaus had given his word that the Knightstar clan would protect the humanity.