Guilty Crown (The Darkstorm Legacies Book 1)

by Bree De'leon

  “Whatever do you speak of majesty?” She recoiled, turning herself away from his gaze, watching the calm ocean below.

  “I am no fool, do not treat me as such.” He continued, turning her to face him, she stared down, avoiding his eyes. “Your soul tells me so.” He whispered, brushing a piece of her hair behind her ear. The tips of his fingers brushing lightly against her. Inside a loud crash had silenced the room.

  “Filthy miserable klutz, I should have you flogged.” Dymitris voiced roared through the throne room. He stood above Amelia, yanking her wrists above her head, he watched her wince in pain. Bracing herself for the slap, Amelia had closed her eyes, but there was none. Rena had appeared suddenly in the blink of an eye taking her maid and shielding her friend from her brother’s wrath.

  “Brother, please calm yourself, we have guests here,” she said, her voice stern as she pleaded with her older brother. Her eyes yearning for him to calm himself. The banquet hall was silent, all eyes watching, anticipating Dymitris response. Gathering himself, he brushed his hair back, his eyes on the crowd, then his father.

  “My apologies, let us continue the celebration.” He laughed darkly, his fangs clenched, his pale face hardening beneath the embarrassment, Rena took her friend by the hand, leading her away from her brother. Amelia sighed, unsure of what to make of the mess.

  “Amelia, are you hurt?” Rena asked, checking her maid for any bruises. Amelia shook her head, taking her hand in hers.

  “Princess, you will get scolded if you help me right now. Please, I am fine.” Amelia replied, bowing her head, her eyes focused on the ground as Anjou appeared behind her granddaughter.

  “Morena, you mustn’t keep King Alexander waiting, he is wishing for your company,” Anjou announced, taking her granddaughter by the hand leaving the servant girl alone to clean the blood stains from her dress.

  “I just could not bear to have you away princess, we never were able to finish our talk,” Alexander smirked, kissing her hand.

  “I believe we did finish our talk, Majesty.” Rena replied, her smile plastered onto her face. “Perhaps you have had too much ale to remember.” She giggled, turning her attention to her grandfather, slumped over in his throne, drunk. “If you’ll excuse me, I must attend to my grandfather.” Rena curtsied, gathering her dress as she approached Grygori.

  Alexander was left with only the company of Drake and Sebastian, both discussing the agreements that were to be announced.

  “I have a proposal, Your Highness.” Alexander smirked, moving swiftly passed Drake, ignoring his presence. Sebastian motioned him to continue, he waved for a servant to bring him another glass. “Since, your daughter is not yet betrothed, I believe to solidify this treaty of peace between our nations, I marry her.” He continued. Watching both vampyres stop in thought.

  “That would be ideal for you I’m sure, however, we do things differently in Arisite, King Lothbrok. My daughter is to marry the strongest vampyre in this kingdom by means of the Kingstrial.”

  “Then I will enter the Kingstrial as well.” Alexander announced, the entire ballroom falling silent as the vampyres turned their attention towards the three men. Drake immediately stepped in, his fangs bared dripping with saliva.

  “It is only for those of vampyric birth, you have no right too—”

  “I believe I do have right. After all, if the rumors are true, she is only half vampyre, meaning anyone may participate in these trials, is that correct Sebastian?” Alexander interrupted, his emerald eyes glowing.

  “He is correct, Drake. Alexander does have a right to enter in the contest. However, he must understand that if he were to die, we would gain his lands and kingdom since he has no successor.” Sebastian, agreed, folding his arms across his chest. Victoria sat in her throne, sneering at the thought of these men fighting for her stepdaughter’s hand, what of their son, he is older and needs bride of his own.

  She watched the party continue, Rena was nursing her drunken fool of a grandfather, while Dymitri was documenting some form of treaty of his own, she was sure. Her son baffled her, all these beautiful young women, and none had seemed to interest him. He’s more concerned with gaining his father’s approval no doubt. She thought, feeling her thirst rise, her cat-like eyes narrowed searching for her victim. A whisper in the wind, as the air blew a honey scent towards her, she flashed her eyes towards her stepdaughter, half human. Her blood fresh, tempting. Victoria caught her attention, motioning the young girl towards her.

  “Yes, stepmother?” Rena asked, curtsying in respect to her father’s bride.

  “You truly have grown into a beautiful young woman, Rena.” Victoria responded, her voice velvet, she brushed her hand against the young girl’s cheek.

  “Thank you,” Rena replied, her eyes cast downward avoiding her stepmother’s eyes, she could sense the thirst within her growing, and she had wanted to back away, and nurse her grandfather’s unconscious body.

  “Come closer, child. I want to take a better look at you.” Victoria cooed, pulling Rena closer to her, she could smell the honey, the sweet smell tempting her further. Her fangs bared, her grip tightening on her stepdaughter, the room began to fill with smoke and incense as the servants began to cut their skins allowing the vampyres to begin their feast.

  It smelled of sweat, and iron, the blood staining the carpets and the marble floor. Rena stiffened, she was about to be marked, and she had no one to look to for protection. Sebastian, had been moved off into a dark corner of the room with his mistress, Dymitri would enjoy the sight of her suffering and Lucille, he knew not to interfere with the royal’s thirst, she could feel the fangs close to her neck, she frantically searched the room for help, hoping to grab anyone’s attention. Her eyes met Alexanders, he was surrounded by beautiful women, all itching to be with him just for the night, but he shoved them aside, and taking the floor.

  “Everyone, if I may.” He paused. “I am happy to announce that I will be participating in the Kingstrial for the hand of Princess Morena Darkstorm.” Victoria released the girl, her eyes widening with disgust. He glanced over to Rena who had rushed out of the ballroom, her maid close behind her. The women continued to swoon at his feet, no one had noticed the princess disappearance from the feast, each one occupied with their lust.

  Amelia followed close behind her mistress’s heels, the closer they got to Rena’s room the more tearing of clothing she could hear in front of her. Finally, they entered the room, her face red with anger, she had torn off her dress, and was left in just her corset and skirt, she paced furiously back and forth before falling onto her bed, the tears burning her pillow. The moonlight barely visible through the curtains, Amelia could feel the drops of moonlight as she watched her dearest friend. A smoke of purple and black emerging from her, her soul in a constant battle, Amelia turned her eyes away. She could not bear to look at the darkness that danced around Rena’s light, her soul tearing at itself trying to break away.

  7

  7

  Month: Trais-25th—Year: 1511 AF

  THREE DAYS PASSED SINCE the feast, the halls of the palace were empty, the curtains were closed preventing the sunlight from leaking in. Awake in his study, Sebastian sat, reading over the treaty, across him stood Alexander, analyzing the dark room. Black curtains, with shelves of books and scattered paper, the room was a mess, unorganized with only the small table where Sebastian sat, with a barely lit candle, the wax dripping and staining the wooden top. The documents that were of importance: agreements on farmlands, exchanging grain for mining rights. It now awaited approval from the council.

  Sebastian stopped, lifting his eyes towards Alexander, a barrier blocking any access to penetrate his mind. Frustrated, the prince sealed the treaty in royal blue wax stamping it with the royal crest. Alexander stretched, exhausted from the night before, he had taken some pretty servant girl to his chambers, fooling around throughout the night. A sly smile crossing his lips as he remembered his evening with the young girl.

  �
��What are you smiling about?” Sebastian broke the silence, annoyed at the stupid grin across Alexander’s face.

  “Just remembering a pretty little servant girl that entertained me these last three nights.” He answered truthfully. Rolling his eyes Sebastian went back to his readings. Alexander stepped across the wooden floor, tracing his fingers along the bookshelf, his green eyes reading each one’s name. His fingers stopped at a specific book—A leather-bound, old tattered book, barely held together with brown leather strings. It’s letters a faded gold written in arisitian. Sebastian was distracted, not noticing his book disappear.

  “So, tell me, prince Darkstorm, how are these meetings held with your council?” Alexander asked, the calm in his voice raising an eyebrow from the prince.

  “The meetings are dealt through Drake Trinity and myself, usually. However, since your arrival the king will be joining. We hold them at midnight, to prevent any casualties with the older vampyres; they are not immune to the sunlight as the younger vampyres, our bloodlines evolve with each generation. Making us stronger.” Sebastian advised, shuffling the documents. “However, we may gain strength with our resistance to the sun, but our blood cravings become worse until we mature. For example, when Victoria and I had Dymitri he was in confinement for thirty years, to control his bloodlust.” Sebastian finished, tucking the documents under his arm as he escorted the king out into the hallway.

  Quiet; their footsteps echoed through the halls, another set of footsteps followed by giggles turned the corner, a little girl was running, her eyes glimmered with joy as Rena and Amelia chased her through the halls.

  “Mary come here now.” Amelia laughed, the girl continued, running—smack into Sebastian.

  “Oh, sorry sir.” The young girl choked, his eyes burrowing deep into hers, tears began to swell.

  “Mary, come here child are you hurt?” Rena lifted the girl up, placing her gently on her hip. She nodded, her eyes not leaving the prince.

  “Father, what are you—”

  “Showing our guest, the halls, I thought now would be the best time, as no one is around. But seeing as you are here, please show him the entire palace before this evening’s meeting. Let Amelia take the girl and play with her in the garden.” His tone firm as he glanced over to Amelia, who quickly took the girl from the princess.

  “Yes of course father, it would be my honor to show King Alexander the Palace. Come, sir, please.” She replied, placing her arm in Alexander’s, leaving Amelia and Sebastian alone, with just the little girl.

  “Amelia.”

  “Sire, I...”

  “You can go.” He chuckled, stepping aside to let the maid pass. His eyes analyzing the girl as she stumbled through the hall with the orphan in her arms. Amelia could smell the fresh pine from his aftershave, it reminded her of autumn and spring coming together.

  __________

  Rena led Alexander through the palace, skipping the ballroom all together, she showed him the kitchens, the library, taking the grand staircases that twisted around, spiraling downward in black stone.

  “This palace is quite beautiful, is there a place that you enjoy going to, that’s not known to anyone?” Alexander questioned, stopping and pulling her into a dark passage beneath the stairs. His eyes glowed as he pressed against her,

  “Sire, what do you think—”

  “Shh, I hear a snake.” He covered her mouth, watching Drake pass, not taking note of the two. “There, now we may speak freely, can we not?” He asked, his deep voice resonating deep within her, she could feel her cheeks turn red.

  “Uh, let me continue the tour, sire.” She insisted, breaking away from his grip, and escaping through the throne room. “This is the throne room, and just beyond is the garden, come.” She insisted, walking fast in front, keeping a safe distance.

  She could not help but think of the king in a more informal manner, he was handsome and kind. She hadn’t realized that she had been without a touch of a man since Juda had escaped into the forest—Juda. She wiped a tear, shaking the thought of the past. Exiting the throne room into the sunlit garden, Alexander stepped beside her, taking in the fresh air and smell of the ocean just below.

  “This is the garden, I come here to think and clear my thoughts.” She smiled, lifting her grey gown with pink embroidery above her ankles and ran through the open maze. “Come on majesty. I must show you someone.” She giggled, ignoring all the edict that she had learned from Lucille. She felt free in the garden, it was her place of comfort, looking behind her, Alexander followed, grinning from ear to ear, trying to catch her. Her soul dancing beneath her skin, he watched entranced at its aurora the hollow feeling gone from within her even just for this moment.

  Rena had hidden behind a large bush covered in pink roses, his hands brushed against hers quickly trying to take hold before she vanished again, her laughter echoing through the garden enticing him to chase her further into the maze. Finally reaching the center, she stood, her shoulders held high, her hair curled in at her shoulders, the pink jewels dripping across her hair. He moved in closer, taking his hand on her waist and pulling her into him. He pressed his lips down, only to feel her disappear in his arms. He blinked once, spying her sitting, playing with a large reptile. He had allowed his imagination to run off again. Shaking the thought from his head, he stepped forward.

  “This is Slifer, I rescued him when I was a girl. He has been loyal to me since, he only comes out of his swampy hole when I come in the garden. Are you alright your highness?” she asked, looking concerned as she continued to pet the large beast.

  “I am well, thank you, just a strange thought. May I ask what he is?” He approached cautiously, towards the strange creature, unsure of what creature this could be.

  “He is a crocodile, native to our southern regions of Arisite. They are all nearly extinct now. His mother was hunted and killed, so I took him in. I could never live with myself if I had let the little precious perish.” She smiled, kissing the crocodile’s snout

  “Ever the savior, princess. May I?” He asked, slowly opening his palm to the beast. The crocodile stared, its reptilian eye ever watchful before he allowed the king to pet him. Rena brought her hands to her lips, her eyes wide with happiness.

  “He never lets anyone touch him besides myself. You must have some magic to animals.” She giggled, sitting beside them, enjoying the warm rays of the sunset wrap around her. He grinned, breathing in the fresh air, closing his eyes. They sat beside each other in silence, with only the ocean waves singing through the sky.

  __________

  The sun was set when they left the garden. The night sky sparkled with stars, the halls were now crowded as the two set out for the council chambers. He couldn’t keep from staring at her, he was surprised that a vampyre royal could harbor such a kind heart and soul for those weaker than her. Turning the corner, they approached the tall black doors.

  “Well, we are here.” She shrugged, thanking the Druids each as they held the heavy metal doors open for them.

  Sitting at the head of the table, Grygori, his eyes sunken, his hair tangled, slouching in his seat, beside him Sebastian, dressed in his grey doublet embroidered with black patterns, around his neck silver chains decorated the vest, his hair perfectly combed back, showing his strong jaw, the opposite of his father. The nobles all saw Sebastian as their true king, their sovereign lord. Grygori stood, escorting the King of Kindred to sit beside him, across from the prince and beside the young princess.

  “Let us begin this meeting so we may feast and drink.” Grygori growled. Drake stood, his lean figure standing tall, a document in his thin fingers.

  “We shall begin this meeting with introductions of the noble house: Lord Ethan Solomere, first of his name and regent of prince Dymitri in Aieulle and heir to the Solomere manor. Next, we have Lord Salazar Blackmond, beside him are the Lords Claud and Kingsley Slyverman and finally Lord Titano Tassaly.” Drake announced, each nobleman bowing in respect to their new alliance.

>   Grygori cleared his throat before he began, struggling to read the newly written documents, Kingstrial. Sebastian sighed with frustration, rubbing his temples while he watched the king struggle to grasp the written text.

  “To begin, we will be discussing the terms of the Kingstrial.” He finally started, looking to Rena before he continued, she nodded a gentle smile crossing her lips. “The terms are simple, there will be a trial of strength, intelligence and willpower to win this tournament. The first trial will consist of traveling through the Arisite desert to get to the city of Aiuelle, with nothing but the clothes on the competitor’s backs. Once in Aiuelle the true test begins, they must escape through the swamplands of the black forest, facing off against ancient creatures, some will die. Once they have made it through they will be greeted at our watchtowers gates where they will be fed and rest, for the final tests. Battling against one another in physical combat.” He continued, Sebastian watched the bachelor nobles beginning to shake at the thought of crossing through the Aiuelle swamps and deserts.

  Alexander sat stoic, his emotions hidden beneath a strong exterior. His confidence beaming from within him, rolling his eyes the prince continued to analyze the room. Kingsley before was so forward, filled with confidence, now reduced to a sniveling child.

  “We will begin the Kingstrial on the 21st day of Zukeut. Are there any questions?” He asked, waiting for a moment, Alexander stood, bowing towards the king.

  “Majesty, I was hoping you would allow me to partake in these trials, it would please me greatly to prove myself worthy of a true alliance with Arisite, by showing my true and honest affections towards princess Morena.” A smirk crossing his lips, his emerald eyes glowing. Grygori formally agreed.

  The meeting continued, the nobles bickering amongst each other, Sebastian stood, silencing them, so they could continue. “We must proceed, the Islands of Fleus have been requesting to send an ambassador on their kingdoms behalf to represent King Theodore. I believe we should accept this proposal, to help us gain another alliance instead of an enemy.” Grygori initiated, waving for a servant boy to bring him a glass of blood.