A Fog-Drenched Midnight of the Year 1100
It was a deep, fog-soaked night in the year 1100. While the entire palace lay wrapped in heavy sleep, Nikita could not rest. Lifting the hem of her royal skirt slightly, she walked alone through the garden behind the palace. The surroundings were utterly silent, broken only by the occasional chirping of crickets.
Suddenly, Nikita noticed two tiny white sparks glowing in the darkness. As she cautiously stepped closer, she saw a pure white cat sitting there. The cat stared at her with translucent, pale eyes—eyes exactly like King Kairen's. As Nikita bent down to gently stroke the cat's head, something strange happened.
A cold wind swept down from above. Nikita looked up—and froze in shock.
Floating in the air directly above her was a blue serpent… but it was no ordinary snake. It looked like a small dragon. Its scales shone the same radiant blue as her locket.
Instead of screaming, Nikita stared in astonishment. The little dragon slowly descended, perched on her shoulder, and rubbed its tiny head against her cheek.
Nikita (whispering in amazement):
"Hey… you? How did you get here? You're my old friend… the dragon from my 2026 story—the one I imagined every single day!"
She remembered how, while writing her book, she had often thought about this blue dragon. It had been her imaginary companion—now made real in this magical realm.
At that moment, a deep voice emerged from the shadows.
King Kairen:
"Who are you talking to so late at night, Nikita? And what is that strange creature on your shoulder?"
King Kairen approached slowly. His expression showed surprise—and a hint of jealousy. He had never seen that blue dragon allow anyone near it, yet it was playing so freely with Nikita.
Nikita (smiling brightly):
"Kairen, look! This is my old friend. He's not a snake—he's a blue dragon. Maybe he came from my world to check on me!"
When Kairen reached out his hand, the dragon hissed softly, clearly displeased.
King Kairen:
"This tiny creature dares threaten me? I'm the Six-Winged King, and it's hissing at me?"
Nikita stroked the dragon and laughed.
"He knows how foolish you are—that's why he's mad. Don't be scared, buddy. This is just the stupid king of this realm!"
The garden fell silent.
Kairen, leaning against a tree, froze. His carved staff stopped mid-motion. His pale, catlike eyes shimmered mysteriously in the moonlight.
Nikita fluttered her four blue wings and stepped closer. The small blue dragon curled its tail, staring curiously at the king.
Nikita (grinning mischievously):
"King, may I say something? I know you're 600 years old! You act all young and energetic, but you're ancient, aren't you? Is that the secret behind your wings and eyes?"
Kairen paused, then sighed deeply. He brushed his long silky white hair back and met her gaze.
King Kairen:
"So you figured it out… Even though you're from 2026, your rebirth power has uncovered all my secrets. Yes, Nikita—when the first snow fell in this realm six centuries ago, I was born. I am a fusion of ancient magic and a curse."
He stepped closer and gently touched one of her blue feathers.
King Kairen:
"I have seen wars, bloodshed, and destruction across these six hundred years. But I have never seen a girl like you—bold enough to call an ancient king 'stupid.' I may be old, but before the magic of your blue wings, I feel new."
Nikita (winking):
"Oh wow! Looks like Grandpa King is quite poetic! So tell me, Grandpa—how do you stay so energetic at this age? Cherry juice?"
Kairen burst into laughter. He spread his six massive white wings, and together with Nikita's four blue wings, the garden lit up like a dream.
King Kairen:
"Grandpa? Do you even have the strength to handle this 'grandpa,' Queen? Come—race me through the sky!"
Laughing, Nikita took off into the air, followed by the ancient yet ever-youthful King Kairen, both vanishing into the clouds.
The Crimson Kingdom
As they raced through the clouds, thick fog suddenly engulfed the sky.
"Kairen! Where are you?" Nikita called.
"No response."
She found herself alone.
Below her stretched a strange garden filled with dark red flowers. At its end stood a massive blood-red palace.
Descending cautiously, Nikita noticed everyone—guards and servants alike—had glowing red eyes. She realized she had crossed into a forbidden realm.
She quickly hid her four wings and adjusted her clothing, slipping quietly inside.
In the grand hall, a strikingly handsome man descended the stairs, dressed in black royal attire. His presence radiated authority.
He stopped before her and smiled mysteriously.
Unknown King:
"I've never seen a winged fairy enter my forbidden crimson palace. You're clearly no ordinary being. What do you seek here, beautiful one?"
Nikita:
"I lost my way. And whether I'm a fairy or not is none of your concern. Who are you?"
The king stepped closer.
King Zein:
"I rule the Crimson Empire. Those who enter rarely leave—especially sky-haired enchantresses like you."
The blue dragon on Nikita's shoulder hissed in warning.
King Zein — The Rival
Zein was Kairen's ancient rival—the Dragon-Human ruler of the Crimson Empire. His people worshipped fire, their eyes glowing red. Where Kairen commanded air and sky, Zein ruled fire and the underworld.
Cunning and charming, Zein was a master manipulator. The moment he saw Nikita, he sensed her ancient power—and realized that stealing her from Kairen could grant him dominion over the world.
He reached for her hair.
King Zein:
"Did Kairen never tell you about me? Stay here—my palace offers far more pleasure than his cloudy kingdom."
Nikita shoved his hand away.
Nikita:
"Your palace may be beautiful, but your eyes are unsettling. Let me go."
Zein smiled.
"I will. But not alone. Let Kairen come. When he sees his greatest treasure in my palace, I'll enjoy watching his six wings tear in rage."
A crimson magical barrier formed around Nikita. Her strength drained. Her dragon companion fell asleep.
King Zein (whispering):
"This is not just magic—it's desire itself. Once trapped, forgetting the outside world is easy."
Weak, Nikita collapsed.
"Kairen… will you find me?"
Turning Point
Zein carried her gently through the palace. Ministers whispered in awe.
As he attempted to absorb her power, Nikita's locket burst into blue light. Zein froze.
Something changed.
He realized—not power—but love had claimed him.
When Kairen finally crashed through the palace roof in fury, sword raised—
Nikita stood between them, wings spread.
Nikita:
"Stop, Kairen. He changed. He spared me."
Zein lowered his head.
And the war between sky and fire paused…
for her
When Nikita stopped Kairen and spoke in Zain's favor, a strange silence fell over the palace, lit by the moonlight streaming through the broken ceiling. King Kairen folded his six wings, though his jaw remained clenched in anger.
Meanwhile, King Zain stood with his head bowed. He knew that for a mighty king like him, showing mercy to an enemy like this was shameful—but his innate pull toward Nikita had completely changed him.
King Kairen: (in a scolding tone toward Nikita) "Nikita! You don't understand how dangerous he is! He tried to steal your ancient powers. Have you gone mad?"
Nikita: (calmly, looking at Kairen) "I'm not mad, Kairen. I'm a girl from 2026—I understand human hearts better than you. Zain could have killed me, but instead, he chose to protect me. Can 600 years of enmity truly vanish in a single moment?"
Nikita then turned to Zain. He lifted his red eyes to look at her. There was no more malice there, only a deep, burning longing.
King Zain: (in a low voice) "Kairen, you have won. Not against your sword, but against me, by the love of this queen. From today, I am no longer your enemy. But Nikita… forgetting you may be impossible for me."
Nikita said nothing. She realized a love triangle had begun here. Kairen was willing to put aside six centuries of pride for her, and Zain was ready to leave his shadowed kingdom for the light—all for this blue-winged enchantress.
Nikita: "Alright then! No more battles. From now on, friendship. Zain, your crimson palace is beautiful, but a bit gloomy. Shall we go to our Blue Cloud Palace? I'm sure Arian has made cherry juice for us."
King Kairen let out a long sigh. He realized that even his ultimate enemy was now subdued by Nikita's 'silly' charm. He extended a hand to Zain and said:
King Kairen: "Fine, if Nikita says so, I won't touch you. But remember, Zain, she is my queen. My six wings will always protect her."
Zain gave a faint smile. "And my fire will provide her shade."
Arian's reaction to all this was priceless! Arian, Kairen's youngest and most loyal royal assistant, had always been ready to serve the king—but since Nikita arrived, he had grown more devoted to her than to Kairen.
Standing on the palace balcony, binoculars in hand, Arian was watching the sky, expecting Kairen to return with Nikita alone. But when he saw six white wings, four blue wings, and a fiery red aura descending together, he nearly dropped the glass of cherry juice in his hands.
Arian: (eyes wide) "Oh my! Handling one king is already terrifying enough, and now the queen brings along another red-eyed danger! This is a catastrophe!"
As Nikita landed gracefully on the palace floor, Arian ran up. But just behind her, the tall and handsome King Zain towered, and Arian froze in fear.
Arian: (trembling) "M-Maharaj Kairen! Who is this? Why did you bring him along? His eyes… they're like fireballs! Will he incinerate my cherry juice?"
Nikita: (laughing, tapping Arian's cheek) "Don't worry, Arian! This is Zain. He's our friend now. Go fetch a glass of cherry juice for him too. And remember, dinner is double tonight!"
Arian looked helplessly between Kairen and Zain—Kairen glaring, Zain admiring Nikita's words.
Arian: (muttering to himself) "I see now! Queen Nikita isn't just magical—she's started a love market too. Poor Kairen Maharaj! Will I spend my life stopping two kings from fighting?"
Carrying the tray of juice, he gave Zain a quirky salute, which made Zain chuckle.
The cherry juice was barely sipped before the real drama began. On the palace balcony, Kairen and Zain faced off, while Nikita sat in the middle, enjoying her juice. Arian shivered at the scene.
King Kairen: (squinting at Zain) "Nikita, does this red-eyed dragon really need to be here? He's staring at the glass like he'll burn it!"
King Zain: (with a hint of mockery) "Kairen, you may be 600 years old, but you've never learned hospitality. Don't be jealous of my red eyes— not everyone is born with dull, cat-like eyes like yours."
King Kairen: (slamming the table) "Cat eyes? These are Celestial Eyes! And your fire eyes are just good for night-lighting!"
Nikita saw that the quarrel had escalated. She tucked her four blue wings in closer.
Nikita: "Enough! Kairen, stop whining like an old man. And Zain, you're no better—coming as a guest and critiquing the host's eyes? You two look like kindergarteners fighting!"
King Zain: (to Nikita, softly) "I was calm, Nikita. But this six-winged old man cannot bear me."
King Kairen: "Who's the old man? My six wings are stronger than your fiery palace!"
King Zain: "Stronger? Come fly in the sky and see whose wings carry more power!"
Arian, bringing the tray, almost dropped it at their shouting. Whispering to Nikita:
Arian: "Queen… if they start fighting here, the palace will collapse like a house of cards! You must do something!"
Nikita slammed her juice on the table and unfurled her four blue wings, looming over the kings.
Nikita: "One more word and I'll return to 2026 with my wings spread. You two can fight, but I'm leaving!"
Both kings fell silent. They looked at each other, then at Nikita.
King Kairen: (calmly) "No, no, Nikita! I was just joking."
King Zain: "Yes, we were… just discussing, weren't we Kairen?"
Nikita decided to use her mischievous wit. She spread her wings wide, looking stern.
Nikita: "Since your powers are so great and your quarrels won't stop, from now on, you'll follow my orders. No more king stuff—you're my ordinary staff!"
First, she pointed at King Zain:
Nikita: "Zain, your fiery eyes won't help you now. Go to the garden. Use your fire to burn the weeds and dig the soil for new plants. Now!"
Zain was stunned. "Me? The ruler of this crimson empire, reduced to a gardener?" But Nikita's stern gaze left him no choice. He headed to the garden.
Then Nikita turned to 600-year-old King Kairen. Smiling inwardly at seeing Zain in the garden, she said:
Nikita: "And you, Kairen! You flap those wings a lot, I know. You're going to clean all the palace washrooms! Make every tile shine as white as your wings. A single speck of dirt and no dinner for you tonight!"
Kairen's face went pale. Arian, standing behind, nearly collapsed laughing while handing Kairen a bucket and brush.
Soon, an unusual sight: Zain sweating in the garden, digging, while inside, Kairen scrubbed the washrooms.
Nikita kicked back on the sofa, sipping cherry juice. "There! Peace restored. Arian, see? That's how you keep a king in line!"
Arian was flabbergasted. But when he got emotional, he impulsively kissed Nikita's cheek!
Nikita: (shocked, holding her cheek) "Oh my! Arian! What did you do? You're 19, and you…! Did you drink too much cherry juice?"
Arian froze.
Arian: "Q-Queen! Forgive me! You were so magnificent commanding the kings, I couldn't contain my devotion. I love you like my own elder sister!"
Meanwhile, from the bathroom, Kairen's six wings trembled with rage.
King Kairen: "Arian! Such boldness? I've never let anyone touch her cheek for 600 years! Today you'll pay—bucket and brush!"
Zain, leaving the garden, his fiery eyes blazing, shouted:
King Zain: "Move, Kairen! I'll incinerate this boy first. Nikita has a place in my heart, and he touched her?"
Arian hid behind Nikita. "Queen! Save me! Will I be left to the two fierce kings?"
Nikita laughed and glared, spreading her wings to block the kings.
Nikita: "Listen! The boy made a mistake. Kairen, finish your washroom chores. Zain, the garden still needs tending. I'll personally punish Arian—he'll proofread my 2026 stories all night!"
Arian sighed in relief. Kairen and Zain glared at each other. The 19-year-old had made the two mighty kings lose sleep!
But Zain suddenly stopped, gazing at Arian with those fiery eyes. A mysterious, playful smile spread across his face.
King Zain: (lifting Arian's chin) "Arian… why do you look so cute? Seeing your courage makes me envious. Do you always have this mischievous sweetness?"
Arian quickly turned to Nikita and replied with her famous line:
Arian: (wrinkling his nose) "No, Maharaj! Not a chance. You're just like Kairen—trying to call me cute to get me to work in the garden? Nope. Queen Nikita said it—garden for you, washrooms for Kairen!"
"Foolish," Kairen roared from the bathroom, laughing.
King Kairen: "Ha ha ha! Zain, see? You also got your 2026 'foolish' certificate. Now grab your hoe, brother!"
Zain laughed heartily. He realized being a king here was easy, but keeping up with Nikita and Arian was impossible.
King Zain: "Alright, Arian, I admit I'm foolish. But remember, your 19-year-old courage might play a bigger game in the future, Nikita!"
Nikita, relaxed on the sofa, flicked Arian lightly with her blue wings.
Nikita: "Arian, you did great! You even made Zain smile! Now go get that special cherry juice again—after the garden and washrooms, they'll need energy."