Guilty Crown (The Darkstorm Legacies Book 1)

by Bree De'leon

  Anjou frantically searched the smoke, spotting for a moment a pair of familiar eyes, Alexis? No, he can’t be here, he’s dead. Her thoughts were racing, defending her city and citizens, in the distance, Sebastian rushing to his mother’s aid, behind him, Alexander, Rena and Amelia close at his heels all slicing any enemy in their way. Taking the front, Anjou and Sebastian, the queen with ungodly speed canceled the silvers ability, her piercing eyes stopping their shifting, and turning them back into their feeble human form; their heads rolling at her feet. Sebastian opened his palm, sending a ray of sickness and diseases to his enemies, his haunting eyes watching them drop like flies and shrivel into dust.

  Rena and Amelia headed to the allies, finding any victims they could and get them to safety, the Druids were blocking any attacks they could, cutting down the weaker creatures. Alexander charged through a group of silvers and lycans, swinging his massive sword, cutting them in half, he searched the area, taking notice of the blocked exits and the crucial spots for an attack. Trapped in a small ally with a group of civilians. Amelia had created a white shield around them, the monsters burning while they gnawed and clawed at the girls. Hearing their screams, Alexander with one swing of his sword sent a thousand shards of light from his blade, cutting down the entire group of silvers and lycans in one foul swoop. Rena’s eyes changed hues once more the purple pulse, emanating from her body as she sent a shadow of darkness to cover the remaining beasts. Falling to her knees she felt unfamiliar hands holding her.

  “Are you alright princess?” His voice was soft, Rena nodded, allowing Alexander to hold her with one hand and lead the way to safety swinging his powerful weapon to clear the path, Amelia kept her composure, never leaving the side of her princess. Her feelings cautious with the Kindred king so close; there was something about him that she could not figure out, something that she could not trust, his eyes held dark secrets.

  The dawn approached, the fires and smoke began to decrease as the royals fought back the remaining creatures of Thanos, the sunlight boiling some beasts alive, while others quickly ran to the forest for shelter. Lucille looked at the devastation of Casai, both humans, lycans, and silvers massacred, children lay in their mother’s blood, tears and smoke covering their small bodies. He felt a sudden sickness fall over him, the smell of burning flesh, clogged his nose, as he felt the vomit escape him, his throat burning from the acid being released from his insides. Each step he took towards the palace; towards his princess, he felt the flesh beneath his feet sink deeper into the cracked stone. He held his breath, not able to handle the stench of death all around him, his hands covered in blood, the silvers flesh beneath his fingernails.

  He dragged his heavy feet closer to the palace, at the gates injured soldiers, his body damaged, and scared. The Druids blocked his entrance, cautious of all silver that attempted to seek passage to the palace.

  “Be gone filth, before we have you killed.” One demanded, his fangs bared. Lucille rose his hands above his head, exposing his mark of servitude, upon his wrist. “Our apologies Lucille, please come through. Hurry.” They quickly pulled the exhausted silver through, his legs like cement stone, he continued to drag them through the halls.

  He watched the panic-stricken nobles and merchants, all huddled together alert, cautious. In the east wing, of the medical bay, he could hear the echoes of screams bouncing off the walls. His thoughts racing to Rena, needing to know if she was hurt. Moving quicker, more anxious, he turned the corner, his pale hands shaking uncontrollably, he pushed against her marble door. Tears falling down his cheeks, his eyes found her, sitting on her bed, her hair tangled, covered in ash, beside her Amelia her guard up and behind them, Alexander, his sword unsheathed, and aimed at the silver. His vision blurred, as he felt himself fall to the ground, Rena’s cries distant, she kneeled beside him, blackness took over.

  Alexander watched the girls move quick to Lucille’s side, lifting his head from the solid ground and into Rena lap, Amelia closed her eyes, her hands over his heart, and stomach, a light emanating from within her as she began to heal the wounded man. His cuts, closing with a white stitch, the blood receding back into his body, and a surge of power entering back into his self. The girls smiled, when his breath came back, his eyes opened slightly, a weak smile on his lips, they looked at each other, before they both embraced the man they held dear. The room was filled with a small joy, relief of life. Alexander stepped forward, bending down beside the girls, his hand placed over Rena’s, he held her gaze for a moment. He moved closer to her, enticed with how sweet she smelled, she was frozen, her hands on the unconscious butler’s temples.

  “Princess, may I kiss you?” His words were forward, she looked over to Amelia, blush filling her cheeks, she turned her attention back to the king. She was still as the surface of the sea, unable to say yes or no. He moved closer to her, his thumb rubbing her bottom lip, pulling her gently into his world. His lips were soft, softer than Judas, he smelled of springtime and flowers. She pulled away first, taking in his scent, before he pressed his lips to hers a second time. Amelia, looked away, uncomfortable with the king’s forwardness towards the princess. Standing, she checked the door, assuring no one would walk in and discover their infidelity.

  “You should leave now, your highness.” Rena stumbled, biting the inside of her cheek, turning her attention back to her servant, aware of the air that changed. Her heart was pounding, and she could not stop herself from kissing him once again. “I must care for Lucille now.” She stated, with more control.

  “Very well, princess. I will see you soon I hope.” He bowed, standing and turning away from the girl. His eyes darted toward Amelia, a glare and sense of loathing shot her way. She shuddered, her head down, and her eyes to the ground. “Take care to stay clear of my path, maid.” He whispered, his words haunting, a cold chill being sent down her spine as she nodded.

  __________

  The sun was high in the sky, Rena, Amelia and Alexander were out in the streets, helping the citizens in cleaning and rebuilding, the younger merchants and vampyres who were able to resist the pain of the sun were out assisting with all heavy objects, and rebuilding houses. The girls were setting up stands for soup and bread, handing out rations to the hungry. Liliana and her medical servants were tending the wounded, and marking off those who had passed. The smoke covered the sky, causing everything to be dark, the ash fell down like rain, covering buildings. It took the vampyres and other creatures, a month to rebuild the citizen’s houses of straws and brick. The green leaves of the trees began to change to orange and yellow, seasons of summer swept away into autumn.

  Month: Tleusp-13th—Year: 1511 AF

  The citizens, guarded, began to construct a border around the dark forest, fairies enchanting the borders with magical barriers, to help prevent the smaller beasts from entering.

  Victoria stomped through the halls, anger rising in her chest, she searched for her husband. Finding him in the middle of the throne room, entertaining servants, she rushed to his side, her hand coming down onto his cheek.

  “Not one single visit to your son?” Her words were poisoned, her perfect jaw clenched. “Our son was injured, and you do nothing but sit and flirt with the servants.” She screamed, “How could you be so damn cold to your flesh and blood?”

  “You wound me, wife, I care for my flesh and blood. However, I cannot acknowledge a son so ignorant and reckless in his actions. Besides, he has been healed for some time now, I need not waste my time on the boy.” His voice was hauntingly calm, a familiar sickness forming around her. “However, if you raise your hand to me again, you will rue the day you stepped foot in this court.”

  “I already do, Sebastian.” Her words stabbing him, he watched her turn on her heels and vanish from his sight.

  A chuckle escaped him, he continued through the throne room, ignoring her fuss. The servant girl at his side, exposed her neck, wincing at the pain as he drank from her veins. His eyes never closing, always watching the room. He stop
ped for a moment, seeing the councilman enter the room. Drakes skin pale, sweat beading down his cheeks, he emerged from the shadows.

  “Your majesty, we should be preparing you for the coronation on the twentieth day of Tleusp.” His black hair combed back, his robes dragged against the floor. He had become reclusive since the attack on the nobles. He had sent carriages from Gaita to receive his belongings for the weeks of his absence.

  “I understand, Drake. How are you feeling? You were missed at the council meetings, for these four weeks, my daughter has been saddened by your absence.” His voice was cool, his eyes were not.

  “I am deeply sorry, your highness. I will never—”

  “Gods be damned, Naivee. You sir, are lucky that I do not rip your throat from your body. I should strip the honor of marrying into my blood. Just by your cowardice alone.” Sebastian roared, his veins popping beneath the skin, he moved with ungodly speed, pinning Drake to the marble wall, his nails digging into his porcelain skin and saliva dripping from his fangs. The noble’s whimpers fueled the prince’s rage as his crushed down on his windpipe. Drakes skin beginning to peel apart and deteriorate beneath Sebastian’s claws, with the blood beginning to spill from his wounds. The nobleman began to cough, blood spilling from his mouth, with a sickening feeling.

  “I am amazed you showed your dishonorable face to me after that disappearance act you pulled when my daughter was in trouble. You filthy ignorant—”

  “Sebastian, let him go.” Anjou’s calm voice swept the room, her heels clicking against the marble. Her hair tied up, two loose strands on each side, her rusted pendant dangling from her long neck. “We will deal with him later, we must prepare you for the vows. Drake, might I suggest, the next time you wish to counsel my son, do so in the comfort of the council meeting.” She warned, showing no empathy nor sympathy for the weakened noble. Turning on her heel, she took her son’s arm in hers leading him out of the throne room, and into the hallway and down towards the tailors. His new attire was perfect, soft fabric of royal blue, with gold tassels on each side, his broad shoulders made broader with the armor pieces upon his shoulders, shimmering gold. His britches matching his coat, of royal blue, his silk black leather boots. A small knock came from the wooden door, he motioned for the servant to open the door.

  “Sebastian, I heard that you threatened Victoria?”

  “What of it?” He asked.

  “She is your wife, you must show her the proper respect as a husband to a wife.” Her words falling on deaf ears.

  “Mother, it was an arranged marriage to a woman who is a power-hungry viper, if she were intelligent there may be things to love and respect; but she is not. I allow her to dilly away, while I get important matters handled. She is there for appearance purposes, if I had my way I would have divorced her years ago and—”

  “Marry that human girl, I presume.” Anjou looked at her son, watching his reaction, he felt his jaw clenched, he nodded unable to say another word. “I thought as much. But humans are fragile and mortal, they do not live like we do. You could never have married her.”

  “And what of you and that Lilith girl? I saw your past, how you watched her, how you felt towards her, the feelings were no different than mine towards Sonja.” He protested, watching his mother still her emotions, her face expressionless, hollow, except her throat, it moved ever slightly giving away her fear.

  “She died because I was weak, and let my emotions weaken my strength. You have a strong wife beside you. Stronger than any human girl.” Anjou avoiding his question, she held onto her pendant, squeezing it until her knuckles went white.

  “Papa, you look marvelous.” Rena’s sing-song voice rang in his ears as he turned toward her, her arms wrapping around his waist. “Everyone will be awed by your kingly appearance.” She smiled, staring back at her grandmother. “Nana, you look beautiful as usual.” Another smile.

  “Rena, you should be with the tailor as well; they need your measurements before tomorrow,” Anjou replied, taking her hand. Moving out of her grandmother’s grip, she was at her father’s side, a serious look in her eyes.

  “Papa, I must ask you to reconsider my engagement to Drake.” She blurted out, holding her breath while her father stood still, adjusting his jackets arm. The room fell silent, the servant and Anjou stared at the princess, then back to her son.

  “I will consider it, my d’eraim. Talk no more of this engagement.” His replied, his voice warm, he kissed her forehead, turning her away with his mother. Leaving him in the room with the servants. The girls left down the hall, and to a proper tailor for Rena’s formal dress, for her father’s coronation in just two nights.

  15

  ANJOU SAT IN THE DARKNESS of the large library, books surrounded her, pages torn from family trees, she found a small purple book, bond with silver and wings holding it together. She took a deep sigh, gently opening the book and reading its texts. Its pages fragile to the touch, breaking at the smallest of bends, the ancient words in the soulkeepers tongue, Dalphine. A langue Anjou had not spoken in nearly two hundred years. Struggling through the text, she sat alone until the evening, a candlelit, remembering each name from Kindreds monarchy:

  The Senate: Year 388AF

  Afriel first head of the Senate of the New Kingdom, Kindred

  Cassiel second Senate of the New Kingdom, Kindred

  Gavreel third Senate of the New Kingdom, Kindred

  Uriel fourth Senate of the New Kingdom, Kindred

  Tabbris fifth Senate of the New Kingdom, Kindred

  Zadkiel sixth Senate of the New Kingdom, Kindred

  Sariel seventh Senate of the New Kingdom, Kindred

  The Royals: Year 388AF

  Aurelius Reinhardt, first ruler of New Kingdom, Kindred

  Aya Reinhardt, first queen of New Kingdom, Kindred

  Reanna Reinhardt, sister to the king; her husband Ramiel Lothbrok, crown princess and prince of New Kingdom, Kindred.

  Amelia born of King Aurelius and Queen Aya Reinhardt, first of her name and heir to the Soulkeeper throne.

  Born: Year 1492 AF

  Alexander born of Prince Ramiel and Princess Reanna Lothbrok, first of his name,

  Born: 408AF

  Razeil second son of Prince Ramiel and Princess Reanna Lothbrok,

  Born: 410AF

  Anjou’s face went white, her eyes reading each name, stopping at Amelia Reinhardt, born 1492—The maid? Anjou’s thoughts hazy, recalling the girl’s features, and abilities of the moonlight and souls. The Hollow King’s daughter is here. The library door opened, appearing from behind the door, Simon, he watched the vampyre read before he appeared behind her.

  “So, you have finally started to research the girl?” He asked, a smirk crossing his lips. “How will you handle this, Anjou?”

  “I will figure it out, she will be dealt with soon, once we have crowned my son. Our options are limited right now.” She replied, her fingers marking the page. The fire burning yellow, orange and red.

  “Understood, shall I leave you then?”

  “You’ve come for a reason, what is it?”

  “Alexis is alive.” He whispered in her ear, feeling the fear wash over her, her eyes hollow and her pale skin now white as a ghost. The fire snuffed out, leaving them in utter darkness. His eyes the only light she could see, white and purple.

  “Alexis is dead. I killed him myself.” Anjou retorted, standing abruptly, the chair crashing to the ground. Her fists clenched tight, her sharp nails piercing her skin.

  “He is alive, do not let your guard down so easily. Your husband did and he was murdered.” He warned, opening the curtains letting the half moon shine through, the city in the distance bustling to rebuild a stronger city. “Warn your son, prepare him for the danger Alexis brings, the power he holds even without Nite.” His words haunted her, repeating around in her skull.

  __________

  Month: Tleusp-15th—Year: 1511 AF

  The cathedral bells rang, the streets crowded, the fall
leaves danced in the winds falling gently to the ground. The tragic events becoming a distant memory to the people of Arisite, burials, and pyres falling to the wayside. The stars were high in the sky, the announcer and soldiers continued to usher the civilians into their seats, the smell of incense and burning wood filled their noses, the crystal glass dangling from the ceiling reflecting from the array of colors from the stain windows. The choir’s voice angelic, the organs soft melody calming the minds, standing in on the chapel, Sebastian, his shoulders held high, his eyes glowing as the archdeacon placed the crown upon his head. Pure gold, laced with sapphire, a serpent ornament standing tall, the blue velvet headpiece fitting perfectly on his head. In his right hand a pure gold rod, decorated in silver and blue.

  Beside him sat Victoria, a curtain of brown hair, violently straight over one shoulder, a small matching crown, her shoulders decorated in gold jewels, shimmering in the reflection, her yellow cat eyes filled with joy, she placed her hand over her husbands. They were pronounced, King and Queen of Arisite, their children, heirs to the throne. The crowds clapped, their cheers echoing throughout the country, each city received the news one by one, a messenger ran swiftly. The bells rang loudly, torches burned bright, signaling the birth of a new age—a new king. The Darkstorm Dynasty stronger than before. Walking past the mass, his head held high, Sebastian marched down in perfect unison to the drums, his power, his strength filling the life of his subjects. He was a lion among men, protector of the realm. Everyone he marched passed was beguiled by him; standing from their seats, Dymitri and Rena followed behind their parents, hand in hand, any loathing that they had buried deep inside, for today was a happy day.