Chapter 2

The Start of the Seach

“Minho…” Dhara can’t believe her eyes when she saw Minho by the window...his neck with the shining mark of her bloodline.

Minho did not notice Dhara. The pain is slowly subsiding from his neck…Why has his neck been hurting the past hours?

Dhara touched Minho’s arm and it made Minho surprised…

“You are never a person to get caught off guard.” Said Dhara

That is true…Minho has very keen senses…he can hear…feel things even if they are meters away from him…it was surprising that he did not notice the Princess when she approached him.

“I…was distracted.” Said Minho

“By the mark on your neck?” asked Dhara

Minho’s hand immediately went to the painful part of his neck…and felt something like lines embossed…

“You haven’t seen it?” asked Dhara

Minho looked at his hand touching his neck…it has a strange blue light coming from his neck.

Dhara looked at the window.

“It only means one thing, Minho….You are being called …to join the Circle of Diamond…” said Dhara

No…

“That is a mistake, Princess.” Said Minho “I am not part of the Circle.”

“The mark…is evident…You cannot hide it.” Said Dhara

“You know that it is impossible for me to join the Circle…” said Minho

“You believe what the people say about you?” asked Dhara taking a few steps away

"I have sworn my allegiance and loyalty to you, Princess Dhara. And I will not leave you here alone when you need me the most." said Minho kneeling in front of Princess Dhara.

Dhara walked towards Minho again and helped him up. 

"I do need you the most now Minho...more than ever...I cannot imagine that you will be away from me when I have forever had you by my side...but the Kingdom needs you too. How can I deprive the Kingdom of the next bloodline? How can I let the Kingdom be destroyed because of my selfishness? " said Dhara

Minho closed his eyes...

Dhara lifted Minho’s face to look at her.

“I have always been wondering why my Father brought you here…I have always known that you staying by my side forever is not his reason…I have wondered and thought about it a lot…but the question never had an answer…maybe…this is it…maybe he brought you here because of the circle.” Said Dhara

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Dhara and Minho entered the chamber. The shock in the scholar and Kris’ eyes are apparent when they saw the shining mark on Minho’s neck.

“He….is part of the circle?” asked the scholar.

“I think ‘the call’ made the mark finally appear.” Said Dhara

The Seer nodded.

The scholar looks agitated.

“My Princess…can I talk to you please…in private…for a moment?” asked the scholar

Dhara nodded.

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“We cannot allow him to be part of the Circle, Princess….it is absolutely dangerous.” Said the scholar

“Gab…we are not the one to tell if they are allowed to be part of the circle or not. “ said Dhara

“But Princess….he is of the Dark.” Said the scholar

“That is a heresay.” Said Dhara

“I am a scholar, My Princess…please do not doubt my ability for I am one of the best you have in the Kingdom.” Said Gab “Throughout history…creatures of the dark either betray the Kingdom or become overly loyal to their evil Lords. They bring destruction and devastation to the Kingdom….how can we allow someone like that to be part of the circle?”

“Minho was brought to the palace by my own father, the King. My father will never bring a threat to his own home. Minho has shown me deep sense of loyalty. I ask you to give him the same trust you give Kris, the Knight.” Said Dhara

Gab shook his head.

“This bothers me greatly, your Majesty…A creature of the Dark that we do not know yet is going to be part of the circle…We do not know what he is capable of doing …How can a creature of the dark help find the next bloodline? It is absolutely like the Moon finding the Sun!” said the scholar

“The mark is evident…He is part of the circle whether we like it or not.” Said Dhara “We have no other option but to let him join the search.”

Gab took a deep breath and looked beyond the window where the peaceful Kingdom lies.

“I have the best of intentions for Zaruum, Princess. You know that very well. I have served your family since I was a young scholar…I have studied the texts…the history and the prophesies and I have given all that I learned to your father and you…” said Gab

“Now that the bloodline has ended…I will still serve you until the next one is determined. I will trust your judgment…” said Gab

Dhara took a deep breath…the old scholar has been instrumental to a lot of her father’s decision in the past…but he is never one to seek fame…he is a good man.

“Thank you…Gab…your trust means a lot to me…especially now.” Said Dhara

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Kris has been staring at Minho…The Princess’ right hand is part of the circle….Seriously?

A lot of gossips had been roaming around the palace since Minho was brought in. He had never changed since he was brought in. He looked exactly the same throughout the past 15 years.

Some says he’s a socerrer…that he has a spell to fight aging…some says he’s a shapeshifter…but to what kind of animal nobody can say…

He is also known to be very strong…but nobody dared fighting him to prove it.

But one thing is for sure…the past years… he exudes that aura of gloom…that frightening feeling…that only the Princess can stand.

People say…he is of the Dark…

But one can only guess why the bloodline will keep a creature of the Dark within its own palace…

Minho noticed the Knight. He’s been looking at him for a while now. And it’s getting to his nerves.

“I have never wanted to be part of your Circle.” Said Minho

“Huh?” Kris realized Minho talked but could not remember what was just said

“What did you say?” asked Kris

“He said he