Cyrus had never held a gold coin before. As he examined it in his hand, it felt weighty, different from the silver and copper coins that he was accustomed to using when he lived with his father. He looked over the various grooves and designs marked across both sides, running his thumb across it. So much of the world was governed by gold, by men who had it and those who desired it. Much of his life he fell into the latter camp. Always wondering what it would be like to have the power to purchase whatever it was one wanted, free from the constraints of poverty and helplessness. Now for the first time in his life he moved over to the other side. In his hand he held gold, in fact no ordinary golden coin. But one that held the power to alter the very fate of people's lives. He felt sickened by the realization of it.

The death's head coin burned a warm sensation as though it wished to remind him that this was indeed all real. Sunlight hit the coin at a captivating angle and the skull engraved on it glowed a brilliant color. The boy had not slept since his encounter with Xenon the night before. How could he, knowing what was expected of him? What was demanded. For days he had pleaded to be given his trial, and now he held it in his hand. A simple task, all things considered: hand the coin to another. Condemn someone to death, and he would be one step closer to his desires. Was this the power he so desperately craved, that he promised his father he would attain? His thoughts piled on one after another, each one trying to justify what he would do. He missed Antares, he missed Cirella and the comfort of Castle Xerxes, they would know the right thing to do. For the first time since he arrived at Eirdu, Cyrus wanted to go home.

He sat up, pushing away the thoughts that had gathered around him, rose to his feet and dressed himself. It would do him no good to wallow in his own pity. For the briefest of moments he studied himself in the mirror, his eyes were heavy and his freckles looked to be more pronounced today. It would be midday soon and time was not on his side. He made his way to the door and as he opened it, he was startled by Adam's appearance.

"Adam?" he stepped back, "What are you doing here?"

"Lord Cyrus forgive me!" the boy bowed, he had been caught unprepared. "I was told you would be journeying into the city today and Lord Aster said I should accompany you for as long as you need." He offered a kind smile.

Cyrus's expression softened and he nodded in thanks. He did not want to be alone and was gladdened that someone would be coming along with him. He ventured into a new city and among his fears of what he had to do, one of them was also traversing a foreign capital by himself. He did not know if Eirdu was anything like Akkad and did not want to find out alone.

With that both boys were on their way, first passing by Xenon's chambers and the familiar sounds of pleasure rang out. Adam blushed, never quite getting used to the routine activities of the Lord of Eirdu, he turned to Cyrus ready to comment but saw the boy had a solemn look on his face. Concern washed over the young servant but he knew it was not his place to address such a lord. Despite how quickly he had grown fond of Cyrus and how close they were in age. The boy was a Stygian, and that carried weight and reverence. A human, especially a human servant, had no right to address any of his concerns. Nevertheless Adam still cared for his new found friend.

"L- I mean, Cyrus?"

He turned to look at him, "Yeah?"

"What did you think of the celebrations last night? It was amazing wasn't it!" Adam smiled deeply.

Cyrus shrugged, "They were okay."

The boy servant hesitated and then lightly pushed his friend. "'Okay'?" he repeated, shocked by the reaction. "I saw you from where I was sitting with my family and you looked like you enjoyed it more than I did." He teased.

The king's ward blushed and looked away, "I guess it was more fun than I expected."

"Lord Xenon is truly the greatest fighter there is!" Adam declared triumphantly.

"No way I've seen better." Cyrus lied, folding his arms.

Adam raised an eyebrow, he would defend his lord's prowess without fail. "Oh yeah? Like who?"

Back and forth both boys went as they discussed the previous nights celebrations. For every counter argument that Cyrus raised to discredit Xenon's abilities, Adam responded with a plethora of examples from not just last night but from past celebrations he attended. The air around Cyrus had begun to lighten and the familiar casual smile he had slowly returned. Adam was happy that his friend was so easily riled up into arguments and distracted. They continued like that for some time as they made their way down towards the entrance. A budding friendship seemed to breathe life into the sleepy and quiet palace.

Much of the inhabitants would not rise for some time, when Cyrus had chosen to return to his chambers after his row with Xenon, the party had only seemed to commence in full earnest. Celebrations carried on for much of the night and through their journey across the palace, remnants of it could be seen discarded across the floors and the many rooms. Men and women, Stygian and human curled together in warm embraces allowing their dreams to mix and coalesce together into a pleasant symphony of peace and quiet. They finally reached the entrance and as Adam opened the door, Cyrus was hit with a cool morning breeze. Eirdu in the distance looked as majestic as ever.

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"Cyrus!"

He turned to see Persephone calling after him. Now that he could have a proper look at her he did not realize how attractive and just how much taller she was than everyone else. She towered in the same realm as Xenon, her black hair flowing ever so softly in the wind and her sunset eyes burning with desire and playful mischief. She was still adorned in her scantily clad dress and her large breasts were far more noticeable now. The air around her was utterly breathtaking. Both Cyrus and Adam turned a deep youthful red.

"Persephone?" Cyrus waved back. "I didn't think you would be awake."

"Who said I slept?" She bent down to embrace him, "I missed you at the celebrations you should have stayed to keep me company." She fussed over his decision to leave so soon after his confrontation with Xenon.

"I thought you would be busy," He tried to maintain his composure.

"Nonsense! For you, I am always free." She offered a teasing smirk. "However speaking of last night. I have something for you."

She pulled a pouch from behind her and handed it to him.

Admittedly Persephone was somewhat glad Cyrus had not remained to witness her brazen tirade aimed at Xenon, as they nearly came to blows. She knew him to be reckless and often inconsiderate of those around him. Yet this was a step too far for the Lord of Eirdu. No matter what he thought, Cyrus was just a boy and what Xenon asked of him–demanded–was not something so easily done. Nevertheless the noblewoman could not entirely deny that she too was intrigued by how the king's ward would handle the trial. This was someone Antares was willing to make a student of his. Although she knew Cyrus did not understand it, to her and to many Stygians that meant a great deal. Antares may be king but first and foremost he was a Lord of War. For a being like that to take on a pupil, would not be so easily accepted without proof of worthiness.

She studied his childish expression, she hated to agree with Xenon but she too could not see what Antares saw in the boy. There was nothing spectacular about him, no doubt Antares' Akashic Eyes revealed more than they could possibly understand. However Persephone also had keen eyes herself, eyes that had never failed her. They told her this trial was a farce, a way for Xenon to shun his responsibilities of looking after the boy. Even still, she was resigned to trust Antares, and most importantly of all trusting Cyrus would succeed and do what needed to be done.

"What's this for?" Cyrus asked, holding the pouch, it felt heavy in his hand.

"Some coin to enjoy yourself in the city below, along with your friend." She winked at Adam who turned a brighter red than Cyrus. "Your trial only ends at sunset, it does not mean you cannot enjoy yourself a little bit."

He nodded with a thankful smile.

"Oh one last thing!"

"What?" he asked curiously.

Persephone leaned in and kissed him on the forehead. The sweetest of aroma's lingered on her.

"What was that for?" This time the red hue of his complexion surpassed Adam's. He was caught off guard, but not all displeased.

"Good luck!" she beamed with a loving grin. "Would you like one too?" Persephone turned to Adam.

Cyrus pushed his friend along before he could answer. He was eager to leave the enchanting presence of a woman whose beauty rivaled Cirella's and Melina's. They were losing daylight. Although he was very thankful that she had come to see him. Her warmth and kindness was a welcomed change of the helplessness that he was feeling. Cyrus could not afford to feel the way he did with so many wanting him to succeed. He would have to find the strength and resolve within himself to prevail . This is not where his story ended, nor would it be where he would allow it to end.

"Cyrus, I lied! There was one more thing," Persephone called out. "If you see my little brother tell him I am cross with him and that he should come back to the palace immediately! Lest I go looking for him!"

"I will!" he answered back, forgetting he did not know what Lyrik Xerxes looked like.

"You are more amazing than I thought." Adam was in awe of his friend. "To think you would know thee Lady Persephone Xerxes herself." He would not believe it had he not seen it.

Cyrus shrugged, "I don't know her, we only met last night. She's nice." He wanted to brag, but knew better than to do so. Though he allowed the coy smile to escape his lips.

"You really don't know anything." Adam let out a laugh, more convinced than ever that Cyrus truly had not lived among Stygians for not to know who Lady Persephone was.

"Hey I know stuff!" Cyrus declared!

"I'll be the judge of that."

"Oh yeah? Well I know I'm not sharing any of the sweets I buy with you!" Cyrus stuck his tongue out and ran ahead.

Adam called out apologizing and ran after him. Both boys allowed their laughter to carry their hearts as they made their way deep into Eirdu, the sun illuminating their path ahead.

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