Crown Of Exile - Chapter 7 Release

Crown of Exile - Chapter 7 Release

Play the newest chapter here.

Please restart the game as new variables were added and bugs in previous chapters were fixed.

New to this chapter:

The entirety of chapter 7,

Meet Danzor and Rana OR read some of Ahlf's letters to Salyra,

Spend some time on your own to reflect on life, pray or write to your Vinia family,

Learn more about the divine blessings from Anu,

Unlock your divinity, get hurt trying or refuse it altogether,

Recover in Salyra's private chambers and possibly learn the reason for your birth,

Spend some time with a companion of your choice or choose to rest alone with the aid of a healer,

Smooch one of the four ROs, and

Learn about the plans to visit the Southern Islands.

Other things to note:

Relationship stats have been changed from numerical/bar stats to text stats.

The chapter still needs a bit more fleshing out for certain scenes.

Please note that chapter 8 will likely be the last update for the public demo.

If you find any bugs, it's best to report them here. The form lets me find them easily when I do fix them.

Chapter Word Count: 57K + words.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCEL!~Short Story

MARCELLUS'S BACKSTORY SPOILERS BELOW!!!

The sun glistened on the Sarno River, where ships floated aimlessly while others were anchored at port. People were all about enjoying the sunny morning, not even minding sailors ordering their men to get the nets drawn so they could get to work selling their fresh scores of fish down at the market.

 Further north, crisp hills rolled from a large mountain to the crowded city to the west. The streets were bustling as people shopped, visited relatives, and even children drew on the walls of a big arch with speckles of paint that their guardians let them buy when the merchants came into town only a few days ago.

Although people were walking down one street in the center of the city, heads turned as shouts bounced off the stone walls covered in floral motifs.

"Thief!" 

"Stop him, you fools!"

A man, or more accurately, a teen dressed in a cloak, ran down the busy street, bumping into people as he ran from city guards.

"Sorry!" The teen said this as he jumped through a fountain, splashing water on an older woman who was resting.

“Es stercus!” A man yelled, helping the woman up.

"I said sorry!" The teen yelled over his shoulder; his feet burned from the hot cobblestone marked by the sun.

Need to lose the old dogs.

Looking to his right, he smiled like a lemer and ran towards the narrow alleyway, knowing full well that the guards would not be able to follow him with the bulk of armor they torture themselves with.

  Marcel held his breath as the guards ran past the alleyway, not noticing the hunched figure of the sixteen-year-old boy.

  Letting out a chuckle, he held the bag full of his precious cargo closer to his body, making sure none of it was smashed.

  Looking up at the sun, he knew he should be getting back and quickly climbed the wall of the building next to him with the help of a few boxes and overgrown vines.

  Balancing on the roof, he leapt from house to house, gracefully and practically dancing in the warm sun.

  It only took a few minutes, and knowing the city like the back of his hand made it easier to navigate even while he was on rooftops.

  Finally arriving at his destination, he easily jumped on a balcony and swung to a tree branch hanging by until his feet hit the ground.

  "At last....home." Marcel said, looking at the old torn-down villa built with tan bricks and red pine wooden decorations that hung in the front to ward off evil spirits.

  The closer he got, the more he could hear the sounds of laughter and crying from children. Through short, wide windows, if he narrowed his eyes and focused, he could see heads of hair run past.

 Marcel let out a smirk and opened the front door.

 "Mars!" A small girl squealed and threw herself into his arms, which spined her around.

"Oh, Cassia! It's been forever since I saw you!"

  "You saw me this morning, Mars!" Cassia giggled and hung onto the taller boy.

Marcel grinned. "Did I? Well, you've grown since then!"

  Cassia blushed and stood on her tiptoes. "You really think so?"

  "Well, of course."

  "Is that Marcellus?! Oh, I have a word to pick with you."

  From down the hallway a young woman appeared with black hair all the way down to the floor in a braid and the most stunning blue eyes that seemed to distract people from her dark bags that were under them.

  "Decima! It's good to see you."

"I don't want to hear it, Marcellus." Decima spoke with narrowed eyes, then turned to Cassia.

  "Little Shurb, how about you go play outside with the twins?"

  Cassia wrinkled her small button nose. "But they always want to play Terni lapilli."

  Decima frowned. "What's wrong with Terni lapilli?"

  Cassia crossed her arms. "Nothing; they just always lose the marbles, and it takes us till sundown to find them." She pouted. 

  Marcel got down on his knees and booped her nose. "How about this? You play with your brothers, and I'll get you new marbles tomorrow."

  Cassia's eyes widened. "Shiny ones?" 

Marcel nodded, the small girl's smile being infectious. "They will be as shiny as Sol's chariot."

  Cassia nodded her little head. "Deal!" The small girl ran out of the arched, cracked doorway.

Decima sighed as she rubbed at a stain on her lavender stola.

"Marcellus, what have you done this time?"

Marcel lips pressed together, knowing full well a lecture was coming.

"Please, on Astraeus's stars, do not start pestering me, Decima. 

   "Oh, shall I not, Marcellus? If the sweat on your forehead and the dirt on your feet are any indication, you have been participating in Mercury's sinful tricks." 

   "Don't pretend that his sinful tricks do not keep us from drowning." 

Decima glared. "They may keep our heads above the tide, but for how much longer? Once the guards catch you, that's it!" She slammed her hand down on the table, and Marcel was surprised her copper wedding band on her finger didn't crack. 

  Marcel's brows furrowed. "Don't you see I am doing what I must? With Octavian gone—" Decima's eyes closed as if in pain at the mention of the name. "—we are all at risk even with our union. If we don't manage to keep up with our debt, then our ruse would have been for nothing, not to mention what Rufus would do." 

  Decima looked away, and Marcel took the older girl by the shoulders, making her look him in the eye. "You are my truest friend... I am doing what is right for all of us. For the children. For you as well." 

  Marcel and Decima stared into each other's eyes for what felt like minutes. They knew everything about the other—what stalked their dreams, what pushed them to keep going—but they never judged, for they completely trusted the other.

  Decima nodded at her friend. "May Juno be with you." 

  Marcel smiled, a little bitterly. "No gods are with me."

  Before Decima could utter a sound, Marcel walked down the hall. "Cerdis is in the children's room, I'm guessing."

  Decima called back, wiping her hands on the front of her stola. "Yes, you know he has been waiting for you." 

Happiness surged through him, suppressing the fear that was slowly creeping into his mind.

Marcel smiled and opened the door to the largest room in the very small, cracked domus where they lay their heads each night.

Candles lit the room where no windows let their light in. Two dark wooden cribs were in the corner, while there was a small bed on the other side of the room, which kept two growing children resting their heads, although there was barely any room for one child, much less two.

  Although right then there was only one child, whose hair was raven and nappy, even under the covers, anyone could see the boy was small—too small. Most considered the boy to be cursed by Asclepius and wanted him put out of his misery, although Marcel knew better.

Marcel sat on the bed, making sure not to startle the sleeping figure.

  Gently, Marcel uncovered the face of the small boy to reveal sunken eyes and paste-like skin that seemed to be coated with sweat; however, there was a small smile that played on the sleeping boy's lips.

  The older boy spoke softly. "Cerdis, it is time to wake; Sol's chariot has already passed."

  Eyes slowly opened, blinking before the little boy grinned from ear to ear; his brightness could put a smile on anyone's face.

  "Mars!" A raspy voice came from Cerdis as he sat up, wrapping his small arms around the older boy.

  Marcel softly kissed the boy on the top of the head. "Ah! Finally, you wake from your slumber." He held the raven-haired boy close. "Are you feeling blessed this morning by the gods?"

Cerdis nodded his head, looking confident. "Yes, because it is my day of birth!"

 Marcel smiled. "Yes, it's not everyday that someone survives five winters."

  Cerdis frowned. "I am still not as tall as Cassia."

  The older boy laughed. "No, but maybe with the help of Juno, you will catch up." He said it, hoping that the bitterness would be kept out of his tone.

Cerdis gave him a toothy grin. "You really think so? I won't only be older than her, but taller as well!"

Ah yes, Cassia does hold her height over Cerdis very often, although it is probably due to the fact that Cerdis was the only one who questioned her when picking games. Hmm. I wonder what Cassia will do when Cerdis comes into manhood. I'm sure Cassia will find something else to hang over the poor boy's head.

Marcel patted Cerdis's head. "Well...I have you a present."

  Cerdis shook with excitement and, with almost lightning speed, reached for Marcel's satchel but with speed was snatched back. "Now, now, Cerdis, I have a few other things in here."

  Cerdis crinkled his nose, although the comment didn't make his smile waver. "I cannot wait any longer! Please Mars! What have you brought me?"

  Without a second thought, Marcel opened the bag, minding the trinkets that were valuable, however small enough that their owners would not even notice they were gone until it was too late.

  Cerdis's eyes widened as Marcel pulled something oval-shaped and quite small into his palm and wrapped it in cloth.

The raven-haired boy smelled the sweet aroma, and his mouth watered. "Is that-?" 

  Marcel uncovered the item to reveal the room-temperature sweet bun, smashed a little on one side, which made the honey sweetness drip over until the cloth was covered with the sticky substance.

"It was no trouble." Marcel once again kissed Cerdis head.

  "A maritozzi!" Cerbis, not minding the stick, grabbed the sweet treat with full hands and took a bite. Marcel tried not to cringe at the mess on the boy's face.

  But it was quite easy, with the happiness shining through. "Mmm." 

 "I see you are quite enjoying my present."

Cerdis showed his dimples through his smile, licking his fingers. "Thank you, Mars!"

Marcel smiled in a moment of weakness, asking the gods to bless his little brother with many more winters.

PSA Regarding Hateful Anons

Tumblr recently made it a requirement for you to be logged in to send asks anonymously. If you receive a hateful ask, don’t publish it - report it to Tumblr. It can be traced back to the user that sent it and with enough reports that person’s account will be suspended.

Share to raise awareness but also to make the clowns who think this behaviour is acceptable think twice before acting brave behind the guise of invisibility.

@someoneverypretty-world is such an amazing writer, and I love all the characters. The plot of the story is just amazing, and I can't wait for an update. They are such a natural storyteller. 

Hello author! I am just in love with your writing and cannot wait for more! 💗 Going off the breakup question, if the MC broke up with the RO for an unknown reason, what if the RO found out that it was to keep them safe? Someone threatened the MC (like an assassin) to break up with them, or the thug would kill or ruin the RO's life? What RO would stay away from the MC, and which RO would try to get back together with the MC, who is still deeply in love with them?

This is a mix between both of the asks!

Micah/Mia:

It’s hard for them to make sense of where they are.

The nightmare that held its grip so tightly onto them moments before has ended, but the feelings that came with it are still lingering.

When they realize they have awaken, they search for you, finding you in their arms already.

Around you, their arms tighten, pulling you closer, the warmth giving them comfort they definitely need.

Worries from the day before fill their head, but they remind themselves that you have returned to them, how sorrowful the days without you have been.

It was agreed you and the rest of Haven would both be finding the one responsible for this tomorrow, yet the fear that they would take you away again haunts them.

Distractions are what they need, so they focus on you, nothing else.

Elwin/Elaine:

They weren’t worried when they went to bed, but they are when they awake abruptly in the middle of the night.

Around their silk sheets they lay, shaky and drenched with sweat as cold as ice.

Soon though, they calm themselves down, scooting closer to your from, pressing soft kisses to your shoulder.

The man who threatened you is no more, they made sure of it, but the quiet terror that he somehow got away whispers to them ever so slightly.

They remind themselves that you’re here with them and this is something that will pass.

They sleep once more, thought the hold on you is tighter than it was before.

Leofric/Leona:

Without thinking, they stand, but soft enough so as not to wake you.

They walk out the room where two guards stand opposite each other, stiff and rigid.

“Everything well out here?” they ask with a smile they know looks all too strained.

“Yes, your highness,” one of the guards answers still with the same ungiving composer.

“You’re too stiff, I was just asking!” They chuckle. “How is it standing here with no rest?”

“It’s boring as hell—“

“Don’t talk like that,” the same guard as before interrupts.

“Sorry, it’s very fun your highness.”

They stand here talking to the guards for shorter than they hoped, because when they return to their room, the moon is still shining bright in the night sky.

With nothing to distract them, they return to bed, silently hoping you’d wake.

Saryn/Saralyn:

They awake with a startle, sheets of paper flying from the dimly lighten desk they had just laid their head on seconds prior.

First, they replay the nightmare, trying to decipher the meaning behind it, though it doesn’t take long.

Second, they try to calm down, softly reaching for the stray papers with a shaky hand.

You aren’t here, that’s why it worries them.

They had snuck out from your grasp to look for someone who might be the person you described the day before, the one who made you say such terrible things that hurt them more than they thought it could.

Though, no luck, they keep trying.

Even though they are shaking with worry, they won’t let it stop them.

They will do whatever it takes to be of use.

Hann/Hanna:

The lids of their eyes stick to each other every time they go to blink, only reminding them of how long they’ve been sitting here for.

They’re awake now, but they weren’t just moments before.

Though their actions are slowed, a sense of panic forces them to act quickly.

They look to you, their heart slowing when they notice you’re still here, safe.

As much as it hurts, they can’t tear their eyes from you.

The dryness only getting worse as they take in the way you hug the sheets around you and the way your lips part ever so slightly.

You’re safe and so are they.

When you told them the reason for the sudden distance, they were relieved at first, but it didn’t last long the more you explained.

They promised they would protect you and so here they are, doing their best, even though you argued against it, trying everything in you power to get them into bed with you.

Safe.

You’re safe.

Justus/Justina:

They hadn’t slept, they couldn’t.

Anger kept them from sleeping, the scalding heat igniting every time they think back to the cause of the separation between you.

In their arms, they pull you closer, scared that if they let go, you wouldn’t come back.

They need to sleep, they know, but their thoughts don’t give them the break they need.

Right now, all they can do is wait, wait until the night sky turns from a dark black to colorful pink.

Hi, your IF seems very interesting...but I was wondering how the ROs would react it the MC would out of the blue just grab their hand 🫣🫣🫣

Thank you so much for the kind words! It is really exciting to be sharing this world I created with you! 

And as for you ask....well....

💛 Marcel:

Relationship Stage: Crush

When he feels your hand in his, the whole world seems to stop. How could he focus when you were all he wanted to look at? Keeping his blush under control, he squeezes your hand to comfort you. That's what this was, right? Maybe you are scared; it's not like anyone could blame you, especially with what's going on.

Don't worry.... I'm not letting you go through this alone. Not ever.

Relationship Stage: Couple

When your hand slips into his, Marcel gives you a bright smile, his perfect straight teeth blinding you.

Marcel's body feels hot as if Venus struck him, but he doesn't question or fear the feeling; he lets himself drown in it. In slow motion,giving you time to back away, he leans forward and kisses your cheek.

🧡 Margaret:

Relationship Stage: Crush

Margaret doesn't even notice at first; her eyes are too occupied looking from display window to display window, but when she does notice, her body jitters like she drank ten cups of coffee.

You point to a store, talking, but she doesn't hear you; her focus is on your hand entwined with hers. But she doesn't dare say anything; she doesn't want to ruin the moment. Everything is better. Her vision is clearer. The sky is more blue. Are birds chirping? She basically radiates sunshine. 

I never want this to end. 

Relationship Stage: Couple

Honestly? She would be the one to put her hand in yours; she loves physical affection. So your days will be filled with walking arm in arm (even if it is just in the other room), small kisses, and cuddles. But if you are someone who is not overly affectionate and you place your hand in hers, get ready for a happy dance even if you're out in public.

♥️ Owen:

Relationship Stage: Crush

You gently slide your hand into his as he chows down on his food.

With his fighter instincts, he quickly notices your hand, although... *deep sigh* Owen is the most oblivious when it comes to his feelings or anything really that doesn't deal with fighting.

So he scrunches his eyebrows and squeezes your hand. 

"What is it?" 

You frown. "What?" 

"You're trying to get my attention, right? Where is the threat?" He licks his lips, looking from person to person almost as if imagining their faces under his fist. 

You let out a small sigh. "Oh, never mind." 

Relationship Stage: Couple

You gently slide your hand into his and like a loyal dog his body perks up. With almost fearful eyes, he looks you over to make sure you're alright, checking boxes in his head. No broken bones. You don't have a headache. Your not tense. 

Pulling you closer to him, he looks around the room once. "Everything all right?" He whispers and squeezes your hand, never taking his eyes off you.

When you tell him you just wanted to hold his hand, he nods his head, although with an arrogant smile on his lips, he pulls you closer and gets back to what he was doing.

💙 Rosie:

Relationship Stage: Crush

With a small smile, Rosie puts down the car's sun visor, checking her flawless makeup.

When she feels your hand in hers, she pauses. She knows lust like the back of her hand. The pleasant aching between her legs wasn't the only thing she was feeling, but the pleasant flutter in her pulse was something she hadn't felt since...him. 

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she turns to look at you with a sly smile.

"Oh, Sweetheart, you are making me blush."

You look at her confused, and she smiles like a cheshire cat.

"Our hands, love? Are you trying to tell me something?" She says, explaining her comment.

"W-what?" 

"Why don't you pull over?" She licks her lips.

Relationship Stage: Couple

Her pulse quickens even now after being together romantically for so long. She smiles to herself before letting go of your hand and pulling you close to her.

She kisses you with as much tenderness as she can muster, not letting you go until you come up for air with swollen lips.

With a content sigh, she rests her forehead on yours and stays there as long as you let her, not wanting to let you go

🩵 Tai:

Relationship Stage: Crush

Usually, Tai could feel when people were near; it came with the territory of being him. Either because people found his behavior odd or because most were perplexed at seeing such a cranky smart individual, their stares always put him on edge. But with you? No. He didn't feel the need to put his mask on all the time. You are like soothing wind, blowing away the stress.

So he doesn't feel you sitting next to him on the couch while he rests his eyes. Nor does he see you give him that memorizing annoying smile. But.. he feels that when you put your hand In his, his eyes bulge open like he is jolted by electricity.

"What the HELL are you doing?" He sits up, snapping his hand away. The force of his anger pushes you back. 

All you do is blink and let out a stuttering excuse. "I thought-" 

Tai could only pray that you took his red face as anger. "You thought?! Well, let me give you something to THINK about! Did you know that over three thousand germs live on your hands alone?!" 

"I mean-" 

"I have no idea where you have been! Knowing you, you covered every disease imaginable from your glucose-covered clients." 

"Hey!" You say in outrage. 

Tai walks away. "So think before you infect others with those things you call hands." 

Tai's heart beats faster and faster, only calming down when he locks himself in his office. 

What is happening to me?

Relationship Stage: Couple

Your presence instantly soothes him. Tai feels himself relax and lets out a small sigh, even more so when you absently put your hand in his.

For only a short second, he feels himself stiffen, which makes you realize what you have done.

Biting your lip, you let out a small apology before you start to slip out of his grasp.

Tai frowns and grabs your hand, ignoring your confused looks before bringing your hand to his mouth and kissing the tips of your fingers to the palm, until finally he looks at you. 

"Don't apologize." 

💚 Zane:

Relationship Stage: Crush

Hate. Zane sees you as, for lack of better terms, his nemesis. The child of the mirror throne is the thing his master wants the most. Sure, he can feel attraction for you, but he doesn't actually see it as a crush until he is so deeply in love that all he can do is try not to drown. So if you were to put his hand in his neutral ground...

Zane snaps his hand away. "What....?" He looks at you confused, like you're some sort of puzzle, before scoffing and turning away. "Don't push it, Little Lion."

Relationship Stage: Couple

Much like Margaret, he wouldn't be able to keep his hands off you; however, his is a little less wholesome and a little more PG-13 (as far as your willingness to go to be naughty in public, or if not, he will just have to imagine in his head). So if you just innocently put your hand in his, he is throwing you over his shoulder and taking you to the bedroom.

"Don't look so shocked, Little Lion." 

Progress/Personal Update: 6/8/2023

Hello everyone! Just a little personal update. I have been dealing with some family health issues, and on top of that, I have gotten my wisdom teeth out, so I am taking a small break so I can get all healed up. However, don't worry, I am still writing, just more on the weekends than weekdays. I am hoping to get the demo out sometime next month, which will be chapters one through three, so wish me luck! It is taking a little longer due to the large amount of coding that happens in Chapter 3, but I am still so excited! Thank you for listening. Have a nice day and drink some water.