The atmosphere in the Aqua tribe’s capital was calm but tense — a quiet reflection of the ongoing war beyond their borders.
The palace, a grand structure made of flowing water and coral-like stone, stood tall at the heart of the territory. Soldiers guarded every entrance, alert despite the relative peace at home.
But the peace didn’t last long.
Two hooded figures emerged approaching the palace gates. One figure wore a dark black cloak, his stance firm, his presence radiating a quiet but dangerous confidence. Beside him, the other figure wore a white cloak, moving carefully — almost protectively — as she cradled something small and delicate: two newborn babies, a boy and a girl, both with striking green hair.
The black-hooded figure kept a firm hand on the white-hooded figure's arm, guiding her gently but with purpose. As they reached the palace gates, the Aqua soldiers crossed their spears, blocking their path.
“State your business,” one soldier commanded.
The black-hooded figure’s voice was calm but sharp:
“Let us in.”
The guards didn’t budge.
“Queen Veyra is not here. She’s fighting in the Sand territory.”
Silence. Then, the black-hooded figure’s voice dropped lower — a warning.
“Let us in. Or I’ll enter by force.”
When the guards refused again, the figure raised his hand, and with a swift motion, a powerful surge of water erupted from his palm — a wave so strong it knocked the guards back, forcing them to the ground.
Before they could recover, the pair had already stepped past them, heading straight for the palace entrance.
Alarmed, the palace guards at the doors drew their weapons.
“Who are you?” one of them demanded.
“Queen Veyra will hear of this —”
The black-hooded figure pulled back his hood, revealing his unmistakable blue hair and intense gaze.
“She doesn’t need to,” he said coolly.
“I’m her brother.”
The guards froze.
“Prince Kairo?”
One guard stammered, “But… you’re wanted in the Sand territory… for—”
Kairo cut him off:
“I know.” His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
“I didn’t come here to cause trouble.”
Then, with a gentle hand, he pulled back the white-hooded figure’s hood — revealing Yuki.
The guards exchanged nervous glances.
“She’s from the Sand tribe,” one whispered. “The blind girl… the one Dune declared a traitor.”
Kairo’s jaw tightened.
“She’s not just from the Sand tribe.”
He stepped closer. “She’s my wife.”
The soldiers were stunned. Before they could respond, their eyes fell on the two newborns in Yuki’s arms.
“Are… are those your children?” one guard asked.
Kairo nodded.
“Our biological children,” he said without hesitation.
The mention of the babies caused a stir. The guards couldn’t help but notice the children’s green hair — a clear blend of both Sand and Aqua elements.
“They have… Sand powers?” one soldier muttered.
Kairo’s expression darkened.
“Yes. Their mother is from the Sand tribe.”
It was clear the guards recognized Yuki — the blind girl labeled a traitor, wanted by her own people.
One guard, voice cautious, finally asked:
“Why are you here?”
Kairo’s gaze sharpened.
“We’re on a secret mission connected to the battle.”
The guards exchanged wary glances but said nothing.
Kairo continued:
“We’ll be staying here for a while. Queen Veyra isn’t here, so you will provide a safe place for my children.”
One of the guards hesitated, then gave a small bow.
“If they’re Prince Kairo’s children… we’ll protect them.”
Kairo gave a short nod of approval.
“Good.”
He gently placed his hand on Yuki’s back, guiding her and the twins into the palace.
Yuki, though blind, could feel the shift in the air — the difference between the dry sands of her homeland and the fluid, serene atmosphere of Kairo’s world.
She clutched the twins a little tighter, leaning into Kairo’s presence.
“It feels… different,” she whispered softly.
Kairo's voice, unusually gentle, replied:
“This is my home.”
The grand halls of the Aqua palace were quiet, the sound of flowing water echoing softly through the walls — a sharp contrast to the war raging in distant territories. Kairo led Yuki through the corridors, his hand never leaving hers. The twins, cradled in Yuki's arms, remained still, their soft breaths barely audible.
The palace staff — a handful of butlers and maids — stared with wide eyes, murmuring among themselves about Prince Kairo's sudden return. His reputation was as fierce as the ocean during a storm — a ruthless leader of the Aqua tribe’s war faction, a man who defied Queen Veyra’s peaceful rule, and a wanted figure in the Sand territory.
But now, he wasn’t the war-hardened prince they had heard about. His steps, though firm, seemed lighter — his usual glare softened by the presence of Yuki and their newborns.
Finally, they entered Kairo’s old room — a large yet simple room adorned with flowing water streams along the walls and a massive window overlooking the ocean. The air smelled of salt and mist.
Kairo turned to the butlers.
"Prepare the room."
The head butler hesitated.
"For you and… the lady?" He glanced at Yuki, unsure whether to address her formally.
Kairo’s jaw tightened.
"For my wife."
That single word cut through the air like a blade. Kairo had made it clear — Yuki was not just some guest or lover. She was his equal, his family.
Yuki’s lips parted, surprised by the firmness in his voice. She wasn’t used to being acknowledged so boldly — not after how the Sand tribe had treated her for years.
The butler gave a swift bow.
"Of course, Prince Kairo."
He ordered the maids to prepare a soft resting area for the twins, using silk blankets and water-infused pillows designed to keep the babies cool and comfortable.
As the staff worked, Kairo guided Yuki to sit on the edge of the bed, his hand still resting lightly on her shoulder.
"Are you tired?" he asked softly.
Yuki nodded.
"A little." She adjusted the twins carefully in her arms. "They’ve been quiet… but I worry."
Kairo’s gaze shifted to his children — the boy and girl with green hair, a clear blend of Sand and Aqua elements. Their tiny hands twitched in their sleep, the faint glow of their elemental auras flickering subtly — droplets of water forming around their fingers, while small grains of sand stirred on their skin.
"They’re strong," Kairo muttered. "They have to be."
Before Yuki could respond, the head butler spoke again.
"Prince Kairo… should we inform Queen Veyra of your arrival once she returns?"
Kairo’s expression darkened.
"No."
The butler flinched.
"But—"
Kairo’s voice dropped, colder than the ocean depths.
"She doesn’t need to know yet. If anyone speaks of my presence or my children’s existence…" His blue eyes narrowed. "You will regret it."
The butler swallowed hard and nodded.
"Understood, Prince Kairo."
The other staff hurriedly finished preparing the room, then left without another word.
Silence fell again. Only the soft bubbling of water along the walls remained.
Yuki finally spoke.
"You didn’t have to threaten them."
Kairo crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on the twins.
"I did."
Yuki's brow furrowed.
"They seemed loyal to your family… why the secrecy?"
Kairo’s jaw clenched.
"Because if word spreads that the Aqua prince’s ‘traitorous’ wife and their mixed-blood children are here, Dune will come."
Yuki’s fingers tightened around the babies.
Kairo stepped closer, his voice softer now.
"I won’t let him take you… or them."
She tilted her head slightly, her blind eyes searching for his presence.
"I trust you."
For a brief moment, Kairo’s hardened exterior cracked. His hand reached out, brushing a stray lock of Yuki’s golden hair behind her ear.
Then, a tiny whimper broke the moment.
The baby girl stirred, her small hand glowing faintly as water droplets danced in the air above her palm. The boy, meanwhile, clenched his fist, causing small particles of sand to swirl from his fingertips.
Yuki smiled softly.
"They’re already using their powers…"
Kairo knelt beside her, his finger gently touching the girl’s hand, causing the water droplets to merge into a single, shimmering sphere.
"Yes."
His voice held a rare softness.
"They’re ours."
And in that quiet room — hidden from the world — Kairo, Yuki, and their children remained safe, if only for a fleeting moment.