The Evil Emperor's Fragile Heart

Back in the summer palace, Mana was super excited and wanted to do too many things – there were delicious desserts to be made using chocolate and vanilla, and she also wanted to craft the rings right away. Mana had never really thought of herself as a possessive person before, but somehow, she wanted to see her ring on Raven's finger as soon as possible. Perhaps, she thought to herself, she was a little more disturbed by all the shy and flirtatious glances that had been sent Raven's way by kids in the age range of six to sixteen. And this was when he was only twelve…what would happen a few years later…?!

Mana was a little unsettled, she had to admit. She had imagined that since she and Raven were only children now – not even teenagers – they had plenty of time to let their relationship develop, and by the time they were adults, they would know whether they were suited to marry each other or remain as close friends. She remembered the oath she had made on a whim, and she remembered Raven's solemn little face as he had sworn to love her – only her – for the rest of his life. Mana blushed furiously.

They also needed to visit Fox tomorrow…which meant, even more eyes directed at Raven.

Mana sighed. The desserts would have to wait, she decided. The rings took priority.

So, she went to consult Raven, who was all too happy to accompany her to King Jaren and beg him to teach them how to craft the rings.

Mana wasn't the only one who had been disturbed by other people's glances – Raven, too, had noticed how many heads had turned at Mana's young, but pretty face and charming smile. There were no marriage taboos in the Emerald Kingdom – any commoner could marry into the royal family – unless they were convicted criminals. It gave Raven a massive headache, because it meant that many more suitors for Mana! Princess Astra's relationship with Prince Mars of the Amber Kingdom was more or less known and accepted all over – so Mana was the only one left for those ambitious people who wanted to gain access to the royal family. And even for those not fuelled by ambition, Mana was a very attractive child, and it was easy to see that she would grow up into a charming beauty in a few years!

King Jaren was quite amused the two children's determined little faces, but he was also happy. The three of them sat in a workroom and worked diligently on the rings, until, three hours later, two beautiful matching rings – one with the bloodstone set in entwined gold and copper and another with the opal set in entwined gold and black metal – emerged. Both had a gold inner lining with a running inscription on it in the ancient language. None of them knew how or when the inscription had appeared – and none of them could read the ancient language. They could only see that the inscription was identical on both the rings.

"You two are fated to be together, it seems," King Jaren said, hugging Mana and Raven. "Congratulations, my children." He gave them a formal blessing with his magic and warmth washed over both of them.

Mana and Raven put the rings on each other and grinned. They were both tired and extremely satisfied.

"I will announce your engagement publicly along with Jules's identity as my son and heir. The banquet will be arranged later," the king told them. "I can only apologise that I am unable to do so immediately."

"No need to apologise, Papa," Mana said. "We know there's a lot going on in the capital city."

Raven nodded in agreement.

"Do we need to hide the rings for now?" Mana asked, her voice tinged with disappointment. She was very happy with the rings they had made, and couldn't wait to show it off. She was delighted that magical rings grew on their own as their owner's fingers grew – and even more importantly, they were self-cleaning. So there was no need for them to take it off, ever.

Raven was disappointed, too, but remained silent. He began to think about the cloaking spells he had read about…perhaps they could wear the rings and use a cloaking spell to hide it…?

King Jaren sighed, his heart aching at the disappointment in the two children's faces, and hugged them again. "You don't need to hide your rings or relationship from anyone, though," he said firmly. "Even if your old Papa is afraid that certain parties in the capital city may seek to harm you, I will never want you to hide your relationship. I am very, very proud of you and you should in no way think that there's anything to be ashamed about!" He clenched his fists. "And Papa promises that you are safe here. Never again will I allow any harm to befall my children."

"We know, Papa," Mana said, and kissed her bear of a father on his cheek. Raven hesitated for a moment, completely unused to parental affection, but then copied Mana's action as kissed King Jaren's cheek as well.

King Jaren was utterly delighted. Mana smiled, too, and gave Raven a proud thumbs up.

"All right, it's gotten quite late and it's time for bed now," King Jaren declared. He kissed each child on the brow and then scooped them up, carrying one in each arm with ease.

Mana giggled happily while Raven was disoriented for a moment. He had never been carried by either of his parents, so this sensation was completely foreign to him. But then, a warm feeling poured into him, and he didn't realise that his eyes glowed softly, the rainbow hues resplendent. Mana and King Jaren saw it, though, and the father daughter pair exchanged a pleased glance.

King Jaren went to Mana's room first. He put her into her bed, tucked her in and placed a good night kiss on her brow.

"It's been ages since you tucked me in," Mana accused sleepily.

King Jaren raised an eyebrow. "Which little brat told this old Papa that she was a big girl now and didn't need to be tucked in anymore? Even chased me out!"

"Wasn't me," Mana said innocently. "I want my Papa to tuck me in every day."

King Jaren sighed helplessly. "Little brat," he murmured affectionately. "All right, then, your poor Papa will tuck you in every day while I'm here," he promised.

"Also back in the imperial palace," Mana insisted, her eyes drooping.

"Yes, yes, dear little brat, back in the imperial palace as well," King Jaren said with a small smile. "And if you dare chase me again, I'll ban desserts for you for a whole week!"

"Not fair, Papa," Mana murmured with her eyes closed. Her breath evened out in seconds.

King Jaren chuckled. "Look what a spoilt brat your future wife is, son," he told Raven.

Raven's cheeks turned red. "I think she's adorable," he mumbled.

King Jaren laughed. "You both are," he said, and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Mana smiled to herself. Mission half accomplished, she thought. She'd do the rest tomorrow.

King Jaren, unaware of his daughter's ploys, took Raven to his room. He deposited the little boy on his bed, tucked him in and kissed his brow, just like he'd done for Mana.

He noticed the hesitation on Raven's face when he was about to leave, so he stroked the boy's hair with gentle fingers and asked him what was wrong.

Raven flushed.

And that was when King Jaren understood Mana's actions just now and how shed extracted a promise out of him.

"My dear child, you can tell your old Papa anything you want, you know?" King Jaren spoke softly. "If you don't want to speak now, don't force yourself. You can tell me when I come to tuck you in tomorrow night," he said.

From Raven's startled reaction, King Jaren knew that he'd got it right.

"Papa…you…you'd tuck me in every day as well?" Raven asked dreamily.

"Of course I will," King Jaren said immediately. "Aren't you one of my kids now?" He paused. "Unless you don't want me to…"

"No, no!" Raven said hastily. "I'd love it if you do."

"Excellent," King Jaren said, and kissed the little boy's brow again. "Good night and sweet dreams, my dear child."

"Good night, Papa," Raven said shyly.

King Jaren stroked they boy's hair with a gentle smile on his face for a short while until Raven fell asleep. Then he left quietly, closing the door behind him.

The next morning, Mana somehow conned Jules and King Jaren both into this tucking into bed business. Jules was convinced that King Jaren loved tucking all his children into bed and was hesitant to ask Jules in case he found it too annoying, and King Jaren laboured under the belief that Jules held a long standing dream of being tucked into bed every day by his own father but was too embarrassed to speak about it to his Papa.

And thus, King Jaren ended up with the additional duty of tucking Jules, Raven and Mana into bed every single day until the three children grew old enough to be married.. And years later, he was charged with the duty of doing so for all his grandchildren as well, much to his delight.