Galaxy On Fire Chapter 17: 17. The proclamation

The Zarathian capital shimmered beneath the twin suns, its crystalline spires reflecting hues of violet and gold. The royal castle stood at the heart of the city, an imposing structure carved from black obsidian that seemed to drink in the light. As Kai and Maya stepped out of the resistance craft, the weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on both of them.

Maya adjusted her footing, feeling oddly lightheaded. Her green-tinged skin was a constant reminder of how much her life had changed. This alien world was now hers too, for better or worse. Kai's grip on her arm was steady, grounding her as they approached the castle gates.

The guards at the entrance, clad in shimmering armor, immediately stiffened at the sight of Kai. One stepped forward, bowing low. "Prince Kai, your return was unexpected. The Council has been—"

Kai cut him off sharply. "Summon them to the throne room. All of them. Now."

The guard hesitated but obeyed, gesturing to his companion to carry out the command. The towering gates creaked open, revealing the vast interior of the castle. Maya’s breath hitched as they entered. The grandeur was overwhelming: the walls glowed faintly, lined with intricate carvings that seemed to pulse with life, and the floor beneath them was a polished onyx that mirrored their every step.

"Stay close to me," Kai murmured, his voice low but firm.

She nodded, her fingers brushing against his. Despite her nerves, his presence gave her strength.

\---

By the time they reached the throne room, the Council members had gathered. The chamber was as imposing as the rest of the castle, with its high ceilings and an enormous circular table at its center. Twelve members of the Council stood waiting, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disapproval.

At the head of the table sat Councilor Zareth, an elder whose silver hair and piercing golden eyes radiated authority. He rose as Kai entered, his gaze shifting immediately to Maya. His lips curled into a sneer.

"So, the prodigal prince returns," Zareth said, his voice dripping with disdain. "And with a human, no less."

Kai ignored the barb, guiding Maya to stand beside him. "This human is under my protection. No one in this kingdom—no one in this galaxy—will harm her."

Zareth arched a brow. "And why should the Council honor such a decree? She is a threat to our purity, a symbol of defiance against our laws."

Kai stepped forward, his voice resonating through the chamber. "Because she is my wife."

The room erupted into chaos. Voices overlapped, shouting protests and disbelief. Maya's heart raced as the weight of Kai's declaration sank in. Wife. She hadn’t expected him to declare it so boldly, so soon.

Zareth raised a hand, silencing the room. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Kai. "You dare defy our traditions and bring this… this outsider into the royal bloodline?"

"I dare," Kai said coldly. "And I stand by it. Maya is no outsider. She has faced trials that would break even the strongest Zarathians. She has earned her place here."

Zareth’s gaze shifted to Maya, his eyes narrowing. "What place? She’s not one of us, no matter what you claim."

Maya, feeling the sting of his words, stepped forward before Kai could respond. "I may not be Zarathian by birth, but I’ve bled and fought alongside Kai. I’ve faced your world’s cruelty and survived. If that’s not enough to prove my worth, then maybe your traditions aren’t as noble as you think."

The room fell silent, her words hanging in the air.

Kai’s chest swelled with pride as he glanced at her. "You see? She speaks with more courage and honor than many of you."

Zareth’s expression darkened. "And yet, courage does not change the fact that she weakens us. Your choice jeopardizes the stability of Zarathia. What message does this send to our people?"

Kai’s voice was like steel. "The message that strength comes not from bloodlines but from unity. Zarathia’s greatest threat is not Maya but the arrogance of those who refuse to adapt. If we do not evolve, we will crumble."

Zareth’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing. The tension in the room was palpable.

"Enough," Kai said, his tone final. "Maya is my wife. That is the end of this discussion. Anyone who dares to defy me will face the consequences."

\---

After what felt like an eternity, the Council reluctantly dispersed, leaving Kai and Maya alone in the throne room. Maya let out a shaky breath, her body tense from the confrontation.

"You didn’t have to do that," she said softly.

Kai turned to her, his expression gentle. "Yes, I did. They needed to understand that you are not to be trifled with."

She met his gaze, searching for answers. "And what about you? Do you really believe everything you said back there?"

Kai stepped closer, his hands brushing against hers. "Every word. You belong here, Maya. With me."

Her cheeks warmed under his intense gaze, but before she could respond, a loud crash echoed from the hallway.

Kai’s instincts kicked in immediately. He moved in front of Maya, his body tense as the doors burst open. A young guard stumbled in, his face pale.

"My prince," he gasped, "there’s been an attack in the lower districts. It’s the Council’s elite enforcers—they’re rounding up dissenters."

Kai’s eyes darkened. "Zareth. He’s testing me."

Maya touched his arm. "What do we do?"

"We fight back," Kai said without hesitation. He turned to the guard. "Gather my loyalists and meet me at the gates."

The guard nodded and rushed out.

Kai turned to Maya, his expression softening. "You stay here. It’s safer."

Maya crossed her arms, her chin lifting defiantly. "Not a chance. If you’re going out there, so am I."

Kai sighed, knowing there was no point arguing. "Fine. But stay close to me."

\---

As they stepped out into the city, chaos greeted them. Smoke billowed from the lower districts, and the cries of frightened civilians echoed in the air. The elite enforcers moved in coordinated formations, their obsidian armor glinting as they rounded up groups of Zarathians.

Kai’s loyalists, a ragtag group of warriors and rebels, gathered at the gates, their faces set with determination.

"Listen up," Kai said, his voice commanding. "Our people are under attack. The Council wants to remind us of their power, but we will show them that Zarathia belongs to all of us, not just a privileged few."

The warriors cheered, their resolve unshaken.

Maya stood beside him, her heart pounding. She might not have had their strength or experience, but she had something just as powerful—her unyielding will to fight for what was right.

As Kai led the charge into the fray, Maya couldn’t help but marvel at his strength and courage. But even as they fought side by side, she knew their battle was far from over.

Zareth wouldn’t give up so easily, and the challenges ahead would test not only their strength but their bond as well. But together, they were ready to face whatever came next.