Over the centuries, Karam hardened his heart more and more, for he feared getting close to anybeast and feeling his heart break at the loss of another loved one.
At first he was lonely, but he was determined to be viewed as strong and fierce, and not weak. Surely if he could prove he was the rightful king, nobeast would ever question it. Whenever he wasn’t doing any sort of diplomatic work, he trained his body, pushing his limits more and more each day.
Training both magic and body, he became stronger and more confident in his own abilities to defend himself and his nation. Initially, training magic was a shock to him because of the boost he got from Daud’s magic, but he was flexible as the wind and a quick learner. In time, he was revered by all for his strength and magic, as well as his wisdom in leadership and delegation. Unfortunately, he was also feared for his temper, though he was also known for his generous heart and genuine care for his people.
As for the Collar of Water and the Halter of Fire, he replaced the Water Collar in the great River-Breather mechanism, and cleverly hid the Fire Halter within some ceremonial garb. He vowed to never use them in battle again unless absolutely necessary, and prayed that day would never come.
About a thousand years after the end of the war....
“Sire? We would like to speak with you a moment,” One of Karam’s advisors asked.
Turning his head from the book he was reading, Karam asked, “What now?”
The group of advisors bowed respectfully. They knew that Karam hated being interrupted, but this truly was something they needed to discuss.
It was an average day where Karam finished early with his paperwork and was reclining by the palace pool and gardens. The wind that was always in his favor blew through the ornate carved holes in the outer wall, sending a beautiful noise through the leaves of the trees that reached up to the glass ceiling. Unfortunately, the idyllic sight was marred by Karam’s fierce scowl.
“We have debated this for quite some time, and we feel that now in this era of peace, you… you should… take a wife, to continue the royal line,” The bravest advisor said calmly as he bowed again.
“I don’t need an heir. If I die, you all know which advisor I want to replace me,” Karam remarked as he continued reading.
“Yes, yes, Your Greatness, we understand that, but a biological heir would be more suitable, and live much longer--AND marrying someone to create an alliance would be an excellent political move,” The advisor in front said as he shuffled his wings at his sides.
“...and who do you propose I marry?” Karam scoffed as he used his magic to shut the book he was reading.
The “THWOP” noise the book made echoed across the pool and gardens, and all the wind instantly halted.
“Well, actually, we have a few possible choices!” Another advisor, who was a pale camel, piped up in a cheery voice, “Would you c-care to hear?”
“...Very well,” Karam sighed as he tucked his front feet under his body.
Truly, he hated speaking of getting married because he knew he’d outlive anyone he married, and he didn’t feel like being tied down to anyone at all.
Of course, he knew that he really should produce an heir sooner or later, for the sake of his father’s memory.
“Sire, after much deliberation, we have determined that you could either marry one of the princesses from the lesser tribes of Saddle-Arabia to promote goodwill among your own nation, OR you could form an alliance with one of the other nations by marrying one of the female Alicorn leaders,” A Pegasus horse suggested as he adjusted his folded wings nervously.
“...and which one should I marry?” Karam sighed as he raised one of his eyebrow ridges calmly.
Really, there weren’t many choices. Sure, plenty of nations, but not many single leaders out there.
“Now that Equestria has two princesses leading it, we suggest marrying the elder one, Princess Celestia,” The Camel remarked with a bow of his long neck, “And, if not her, Grand Princess Winter Breeze of Konlya is another very suitable choice. Both nations are quite strong, and both would lead to positive alliances.”
The other advisors nodded their heads in agreement, knowing how much Karam liked options that had no possible downside.
Karam considered it for a moment. Indeed, he did understand how wonderful it would be to have ties to one of the other great superpower nations on the planet. Nevertheless, he didn’t like the idea. Family left a bad taste in his mouth.
Hmmm… Winter Breeze… well, according to reports, she was well-admired, and reasonable, but could she handle moving all the way here and being in a totally different land?
Celestia had ruled Equestria for at least a thousand years by herself, so clearly she was prepared for any political, economical, or social problem. Since Equestria was so enormous, with many cultures wrapped up in it, Celestia would probably not mind coming here.
Something was off, though.
Karam looked up again and narrowed his eyes at his advisors.
“Why Celestia? Isn’t she the more needed? What of the younger sister of Equestria?” Karam demanded, though he was calm on the outside.
“Well, Sire, the younger sister was imprisoned in the moon for a millenium, and we aren’t certain if she is entirely emotionally stable just yet,” Some Unicorn Pony explained with a wave of his hoof, “But besides those two princesses they also have a younger, newer princess working on more… uhm… diplomatic affairs, and… there is much talk that she will one day be given more authority, and that the elder princesses wish to retire their thrones over to her when the time is right. Hence, the eldest princess, who is perfectly suited to being a queen alongside you, should be the best choice, and is available.”
The more he talked, the more the Unicorn Pony looked worried, and he nervously smiled at Karam.
For a bit, Karam debated it.
Well… that did make sense… the eldest would be most prepared for life as a queen… the other two could probably be equipped to lead a nation on their own… well…
What about the Grand Princess of Konlya?
Of course, Konlya and Saddle-Arabia weren't exactly friends but they were on pretty good terms. Being such different places on different sides of the map did make it awkward to send any delegates either way.
Although the Grand Princess might be an excellent choice, her father may not agree.
...Father.
Karam had a father, once.
No, he wouldn't think of that now.
He had to weigh his options for an alliance.
Is that all I am now? A pawn in a chess game with no enemy? Karam thought to himself,
Who are they to tell me what to do?
I am perfectly content being single, and the nation is perfectly fine.
I am fulfilling my duties. I don't need anybeast getting in my way or threatening my status.
On the other hoof, I really should think of the big picture and... get married. A living heir from my own blood would be much more accepted by the nation and a good alliance would be good for everybeast.
I'm nobeast's pawn. I won't sell myself like I'm---
A door slammed open, halting Karam's thoughts.
“SIRE! NEWS FROM THE EAST!” A messenger Pegasus Horse suddenly burst into the room, landed and then bowed to Karam before using a wing to hand Karam a scroll.
As soon as Karam stood up, all his advisors bowed again, and Karam used his golden magic to open the scroll and read it.
“RIKUMA HAS OPENED ITS BORDERS!?” Karam shouted in amazement as his eyes and wings flew open.
All the Advisors and the messenger looked up quickly.
“Yes, Sire!” The messenger announced with another bow and a courteous arc of his wings.
“ALL OF YOU! Make plans to head there. We must establish a meeting with Rikuma. Five hundred years of isolation may make them very open to trading and alliances, or it could make them skeptical. We must make an excellent impression on them and see what they have to offer, and show them our best,” Karam rapdily declared as he nodded to his advisors, who all bowed again and then ran off to begin yet another meeting.
Phew, Karam did NOT have to think about getting married just yet.
Once the others were gone, Karam walked over to the far side of the gardens, looking out the carvings in the wall at the city far below.
Slowly, his eyes lifted up to the heavens, where he noted the position of the sun.
Ever since that day long ago, Karam had felt that the sun was watching over him like an old friend.
Under his rule, the sun became a symbol of hope, and the wind became a symbol of prosperity, protection, and peacekeeping.
After all, though he did have a temper as fierce as the wind, Karam was a creature who genuinely cared for his people, and wished only for them to have peace and feel safe. Thanks to his determination, that is how they felt.
Under his rule, Saddle-Arabia grew and strengthened, becoming an international powerhouse in many fields, including inventors, musicians, and soldiers. However… on many days Karam didn’t feel worthy of it.
Deep in his heart, he still hated himself.
When he truly felt angry or depressed, he’d write it all out in his journals, and he’d feel relieved once more. He didn’t know how to confide in others anymore, but he did know how to write.
There were other things that helped him de-stress, though.
One thing was spreading his wings, closing his eyes, and feeling the warmth of the sun’s embrace.
Ever since that one day, it felt like the sun was his comforter, assuring him that everything would be all right somehow.
Gradually opening his eyes, Karam thought about the mare who ruled the sun, far, far away across the sea.
One mare controlling the sun? Just one? Such a thing sounded insane, and yet it was true. She even controlled the moon for ages as well.
...perhaps…
perhaps she… would understand him.
If she’d been alone for so long, like he’d been alone, maybe…
Maybe everything would be all right after all.
Or maybe he'd just stay single and rule his nation alone.
Yes.
Perfect idea.
Certainly, Saddle-Arabia and Equestria were on good enough terms now and had no need to form an alliance.
Definitely not.
Karam hardened his heart, but… his heart was still there.
Of course, he didn’t have time for emotional foolishness.
He had a trading arrangement to plan out in advance.
Ah, but he had so much more to plan out in the future.
There was always a calm before a storm.