The ballad of snow and blood

Daren gave orders to begin preparations for the tea party right away. Candace had suggested to him that, since it was a party to celebrate the arrival of the goddess’ incarnation, he should have ordered to set up food and drink stalls in the main square of the city, so that the party would also involve the citizens.

Since he was young, Daren had always hated the behavior of the aristocrats towards those without a noble title and had sworn to himself that he would become a fair emperor, who would treat everyone with respect and would try to make his people live in the best possible conditions.

Over time, however, he had isolated himself from everything and everyone, and had forgotten that purpose. It almost seemed that Candace's arrival in his life was not accidental, that she was destined to awaken in him old intentions and memories and to make him overcome everything, moving towards something new. A new season.

Her every word, every gesture and smile, made him think she cared about him. But the doubts continued to torment him, and he still felt the need to talk to her.

One afternoon he found her sitting on the porch swing, watching Dia play in the flowery meadow.

He approached Candace and sat next to her.

"We should talk," he said, looking at her. His eyes widened in surprise after a while.

Candace was crying.

She didn't bat an eyelid and just stared at Dia, giving life to a cry as silent as beautiful.

"About what?" she asked as another tear ran down her cheek.

"Why are you crying?"

"Did you think demons didn't cry?"

Daren sighed. "Enough of this demon thing. Candace, what happened?" He couldn't hide the concern in his tone.

"I did something no one should do," she replied. "I got lost in memories. When people recall the past, they often become trapped in it, and it is more difficult for them to return to focus on the present."

Daren looked down, unsure of what to answer.

"What's in your past, Candace?" he decided to ask.

She glanced at him, and for the first time Daren saw in her eyes a chasm of deep and utter despair mixed with loneliness.

"In my past?" she repeated, as if she were talking about something so distant that it didn’t even concern her.

Daren continued to watch the girl without wavering. "Yes," he said. "Did something happen to you during the time you were with the Roliands? Or maybe something happened before, when you were with your real parents?"

Eldan had done some research and told him in detail about Candace, and Daren had discovered that she was the daughter of the twin brother of the count. Her mother and father had died when Candace was just ten, and she had grown up with her paternal uncle.

"My parents? No, they were good people. I have no negative memories of them," she said in a detached tone. "As for the Roliands... everyone will get what they deserve sooner or later, it's a truth of life."

"Is it their fault that you came here? To escape their harassment? Is it them who called you a demon and made you believe you were one?"

Dia approached them at that moment and brought a flower crown to Candace. The girl bent down and let the child place it on her head.

"Lady Candace is beautiful. Like an angel or a goddess!" Dia exclaimed.

Candace patted Dia's head, then placed the flower crown on her head. "You are the goddess, Dia. And you are beautiful too."

Dia blushed slightly and went back to picking more flowers.

"It's not because of the Roliands that I’m here," Candace said, resuming their conversation. "It's because of you."

"Me?"

"I always tell you that, don't I? You're the only person I would never hurt. The only person I want to protect."

"But why? You and I never met before the party, we never talked or anything like that. Why do you care about me so much?"

Candace went silent for a while. "A long time ago, I knew someone who looked a lot like you. He was the only person who showed me what true kindness was."

Daren waited a moment before answering her, and remained to reflect on those words, seized by a sudden and unexpected surge of jealousy.

"And what happened to this person? It was the same one who told you that true beauty is not corrupted even by suffering, right?" He had noticed her fond expression when she spoke of that mysterious person since the first time she had mentioned him, and he could no longer ignore it.

"He died. In front of my eyes. I thought I could accept his death, but I didn't. The human heart is scary, Daren, and it can turn even the purest soul into a corrupt and cruel one."

"Candace, that person and I are not the same. If you're staying with me just for that, I…"

"No, not just for that reason,” she interrupted him. “I couldn't save him, but I want to save you."

"Save me? And from what? I’m the dreaded emperor of Intial, no one would ever dare stand against me."

"My dear dreaded emperor, you promised to trust me, didn't you? Soon I will be able to tell you everything. But, until then, I would like you to follow what I tell you."

Candace's hand went to his. It was so small and cold that for a moment Daren feared he could hurt her with just that simple touch.

"You came to talk to me because you have doubts, didn't you? Then, know that I am not really interested in becoming empress, nor I’m interested in power or a prestigious position. There's only one thing I want... a much more precious thing."

Dia returned to them, bringing them both a flower crown and placing it on their heads.

"Now we match" she exclaimed, pointing to her crown.

"Thanks, Dia," Daren smiled at her, and the little girl smiled back.

Dia then came a little closer and looked into his eyes.

"Daren, is it true that there will be a party?"

"You mean the tea party? If Candace won't change her mind, of course there will be."

Dia hugged him, taking him by surprise. "Thank you! I'm happy… It's the first time I've attended a party..."

Daren picked her up. He had no experience with children, and he had never even wanted them, but Dia was so innocent and good that she aroused a hint of tenderness in him. "We have to pick a nice dress for you to wear to the party, this afternoon we could go and choose it together with Candace, what do you think?"

Dia brightened. "Yes!"

Daren turned to look at Candace and bent down to deposit a small box beside her. It was something he had personally chosen when he went to buy the bouquet of roses two days ago.

"I'm probably wrong," he told her. "I'm throwing away everything I've conquered and fought so desperately for… But that’s fine, you've won, Candace. Despite my doubts and the danger I'm in by trusting you like this… I will keep my promise. "

Marcel's words still throbbed in his mind, as well as anxiety about a possible betrayal by Candace. There were too many unknowns, too many risks...

Still, Daren wanted to believe her words, he wanted to do something he'd never been able to in his life.

To trust.

Candace opened the small box and let her lips stretch into a smile. A victorious smile.

And Daren realized he had lost to her, across the board.

"I will reward your trust, my dear emperor."

* * *

The evening before the party, Daren retired in front of the fireplace in the living room and stared for a long time at his father's painting.

Suddenly, instead of hatred towards that figure, a deep compassion had blossomed in him. He was looking at the portrait of an empty man, a man who had destroyed his family, a man who had died alone, without even his own son reaching out to save him.

I won't be like you, he suddenly thought. I will make Candace the empress she deserves to be, I will respect her and not alienate her like you did to my mother. You and I are different.

Realizing the importance of that last thought of his, Daren realized that this was the thing he had always feared: becoming like his father. He'd spent his life escaping his shadow, swallowing it with his own. But things had changed, now he knew he would never become like him. He was sure of it.

And it was thanks to Candace.

Marcel appeared next to him at that moment and asked him: "Are you okay?"

Daren nodded.

"Have you thought about what I told you?"

"Yes," Daren replied. "And I chose to believe in Candace."

Marcel shook his head in obvious disappointment. "I thought you were smarter, Daren..."

"And I thought you were more understanding."

"There is nothing to understand. That woman will bring you to ruin. I warned you..."

Daren sighed and stared at his cousin. He noticed that he was holding a letter in his hands. "News from Balsia?" he asked.

"Yes, but nothing major," Marcel scoffed, tucking the letter into the inside pocket of his jacket.

"It's not long until the wedding… Soon you’ll be able to go home."

"Yes, Erika is also starting to miss our land." Marcel raised a hand. "Good night, Daren. May the goddess protect you."

"Goodnight Marcel, may she protect you too."

The emperor was left alone to listen to the crackling of the flames in the fireplace.

When he moved his gaze, he saw the silhouette of Galiel who was crossing the corridor on which the room overlooked.

“Galiel,” he called.

The butler appeared in the doorway shortly after. "Do you need anything, your majesty?"

Daren motioned him to enter, then stared back at his father's painting.

"Do you miss your father?" the butler asked, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

Daren gave him an amused look. "How can you think such nonsense?"

"I can't believe there is anyone in this kingdom who doesn't miss him."

Daren was well aware that between his father and Galiel there was a deep relationship of trust, and he also knew that Galiel had been one of the few who truly lamented the previous ruler.

"You served my father with absolute devotion and held him in higher esteem, didn't you?"

Galiel nodded without changing his expression in the slightest.

"To you, he was probably a proud and powerful man, someone who could always make the right decision, with a cold and unreachable heart… But to me he was nothing but a monster," Daren confessed.

"And is it because you don't want to be like him that you're behaving in such a contradictory way?"

"Contradictory?" Daren asked. Initially he simply wanted to ask the butler some details about the upcoming party, but Galiel had piqued his curiosity with his words.

"You have closed yourself in a cocoon for years, governing these lands almost listlessly, keeping everything and everyone away. And now, instead, you have chosen a bride and you are even willing to organize social events."

"Do you find it so wrong that I'm changing?"

"Only immutability gives stability. And this realm needs stability."

"And the least stable element right now is Candace's presence, isn't it?"

Galiel bowed his head. "I would never allow myself to insinuate such a thing. Just know that I respect his majesty and his choices. I only spoke because you questioned me, but my opinion is worthless."

Daren stood up. "That's not true. You are a cornerstone of this castle. Your family has been with mine for generations." He approached the fireplace, remaining mesmerized by the dance of the flames. "I've already made my choice and I won't change it. I want Candace to be by my side."

"If I may, I don't think it’s a wise choice. It’s true that everyone likes Lady Candace here at the castle, but outside..." Galiel shook his head.

"Keep going," Daren urged.

"Many citizens murmur that she has dark forces on her side, and that she has thus won your heart."

"Dark forces?" Daren barely held back a laugh. He knew better than anyone how dangerous Candace could be, how dangerous those "dark forces" were when used for blackmail purposes.

Yet he had managed to pass over even this, to forget the snake that wrapped around the apple held in the hands of Candace. And he had bitten that fruit so beautiful and juicy, falling prey to her spell.

"Do you also think Candace is similar to a demon?" he asked Galiel with a hint of defiance in his tone.

The butler stared at him for a while, then slightly twirled his mustache with his fingertips. "A demon you say? Maybe. But she reminds me more of a fallen goddess."

Daren was momentarily speechless.

"A fallen goddess?" he repeated.

Galiel approached him and stared at the painting of the previous emperor. "There is an old ballad about it. Your father liked it very much. He hated to see men depending on the gods, he wanted human beings to be the only masters of themselves."

Daren stiffened. "This is blasphemy."

"No, it's love for one's kind. Your father wanted the best for human beings."

Daren had never even suspected that his father could harbor such extreme ideas.

"And who decides that it is best for men to face everything alone?"

He himself had experienced what it meant to go on without anyone's help, to have immense power but to be alone.

And yet, now that he had opened his eyes to those around him, now that he considered Jared and Eldan as true friends, now that Candace and little Dia were with him, now that he was no longer alone, he felt so much stronger than before.

"You need a broad view of things to understand that," Galiel said.

"And do you think my father had it?”

"Without any doubt."

Daren looked at the butler with a cold gaze. "Why do you say Candace reminds you of a fallen goddess?"

"Oh, because she is similar to the goddess described in the ballad. A girl with bloody eyes and a tormented look. More dangerous than any demon."

"What's the title of this ballad?"

"If I remember correctly, it was 'the ballad of snow and blood'. It’s very old... if you like I will get you the complete text."

The emperor shook his head. "No thanks," he replied. "If you see Candace as a fallen goddess, more dangerous than anything else, you must be very concerned about the fate of the kingdom..."

"I didn't say that," Galiel answered. "Your majesty, you are interpreting my words as you please. I have sworn allegiance to you and to this castle. And if there are problems in the future, you will have me at your side to solve them."

Daren sighed. "I know you are reliable, and I am counting on you. Sorry to keep you up, you can go."

Galiel bowed and walked out of the room, while Daren stood by the fire for a while longer. When he finally decided to leave the living room, it was already late at night. He walked towards his rooms, stopping in front of Candace's, intrigued by the half-open door and by the soft light that came from it.

Inside this, Daren saw Candace lying on the bed, singing a lullaby for Dia, sleeping next to her.

Candace stopped singing almost instantly and turned to him to wave a hand.

Daren then walked in and stared at her palm.

"Did you cut yourself again?"

"Oh... this?" she whispered, staring at the cut on her hand. "I'm not good with the letter opener," she said with a smile. "But it's nothing serious, don't worry."

Daren sat next to her. Lately, one way or another, he always ended up gravitating towards her at any time of day or night. But he didn't mind, he had found that he felt incredibly comfortable in her company.

"Are all demons so careless?" he provoked her.

Candace laughed softly. "Who knows..."

"You and Dia are never apart..." Daren murmured, as he looked at the child's sleeping face.

"You're jealous?"

"Who knows..."

"Then stay with us. I don't really mind."

Daren lay down next to her. "If so..." He closed his eyes. "Candace..."

"What?"

"Are you a fallen goddess?"

Silence fell between them for a while.

Daren opened his eyes and stared at hers, bright as ever.

"Why do you think that?"

The emperor reached out to her face and ran his fingertips over it. "No reason in particular. Maybe because I've never really believed you're a demon."

Candace smiled a bit. "Didn't I prove it to you enough?"

Daren chuckled. "Yes, yes. You convinced me already for a while."

"Besides... it's better for you that I’m a demon, fallen goddesses are much more terrible..."

"Why do you say that?”

Candace placed her hand on his. “Because their desire for vengeance must be strong enough to corrupt even a sacred creature. A desire that goes beyond anything…" A spark gleamed in her eyes. "In that case you should be scared to stay with me.”

Daren closed his eyes again and smiled back. "The only thing I'm afraid of, is you disappearing from my life," he admitted.

Silence reigned between them again, until the emperor broke it with a request: "Can you sing that song? The one you sang when I came to Villa Roliand and when you arrived at the castle with Dia... What’s the title?"

"You mean the ballad of snow and blood?”

His eyes widened and he sat up just to look at her.

"What did you say?"

"It’s the title of the song... You don’t like it?"

"No, it's not that…. ” Daren couldn't find the words to explain his surprise. He had just heard about that ballad from Galiel, and he couldn't believe it was the same ballad that Candace sang. “I've heard of the ballad of snow and blood, but I didn't think it was the song you were singing..." He was even more intrigued now that he had discovered that detail. "Please, can you sing it again?"

“You sure? But it’s a very sad song…”

Daren laid down again. "Beauty is also in sadness sometimes."

Candace said nothing more, and he waited to hear the melancholy notes leave her lips.

“She was surrounded by roses and danced,

she was happy and she didn't know it.

But the snake came and bit her, and darkness was born in her heart.

Now she dances with demons with grudge as her companion,

now she weeps and despairs as she piles skulls under her feet.

She is the maiden of light with the darkest heart of all.

She's the maiden of light, fallen from heaven."

Candace paused, and Daren drifted off to sleep, lulled by a new verse that invaded his heart and dug into his soul. Until it reminded him of the face of a girl who cried and despaired. For him.

"She loved someone with all her heart.

Someone who’s lost in the darkness of death.

Someone whose soul was like snow.

Someone who didn't belong to her.

But her white spirit is now black, and what is lost she brings back.

She took the halo on her head and broke the bonds of time.

She took the wings she wore and ripped them apart to weave new threads.

Now she walks on the clear snow she loved so much, leaving footprints of her hostile blood.

Reaching out to the one she once loved.

In the eternal, crazy ballad.

The ballad of snow and blood.”