Guilty Crown (The Darkstorm Legacies Book 1)

by Bree De'leon

  The night air was crisp and thick with wind and musk. The pines filling the air with their sweet smell, pumpkins ripening and being carved in delicacies for the fall festival. The royals were greeted by each subject, human, goblin, sirens, and vampyres alike, the smiles pasted on their faces. The streets were lit end to end with fairy light, and candles.

  The gardens were decorated with orange and yellow decorations of fall, the canopy reaching the sky, as the white lights danced around the legs, of the sheer sheets. The throne was placed in the middle, decorated in royal blue, and gold gems, with silver and purple lace wrapped around the arms and legs, Sebastian lead Victoria to sit first, beside him in a similar throne on his right, on his left, Dymitri led his sister to sit on a smaller throne of similarities of his parents. Last, he sat at his mother’s side. The new king and queen smiled at the crowd, waving for the musicians and entertainment to begin for the festival.

  The servants began serving small meals, the nobles sat perfectly together, Alexander sat beside Drake, his eyes never waving from Rena, the night filled with celebration, the musicians played soft melodies, the cakes and small pastries brought forth from the bakeries. Each one themed with pumpkins and strawberries.

  A blacksmith and his apprentice brought forth a magnificent sword made of pure silver and black diamond, the hilt was pure gold decorated with beautiful designs, the sheath was made of a royal blue velvet embedded with white crystals and sapphires, Sebastian smiled, his fangs sharp as he took the sword and handled it with grace and precision.

  “No lycan, nor silver will stand before it.” The blacksmith stated, his head bowed and eyes to the ground. Sebastian nodded.

  “Good, it is a beauty, blacksmith. And my regards to your young apprentice.” He acknowledged, placing a hand on the shoulder of the maker. Amelia stood in the background, waiting to be called for another drink or more food. Her eyes darted towards the bustling bushes, or the black trees in the distance. Her guard up, prepared for another attack. Beside her Lucille stood his back straight, healed from battle, and just as cautious as his subordinate. Both waited in the shadows, patient and discrete.

  Alexander stood with a toast, his laugh contagious as he gave his congratulations to the new king. “Long live the King.” His words echoed and soon the subjects alike all began to chant. Long live the King. “May our two kingdoms be fully united this night,” he continued, a slight slur, as he stumbled back into his seat.

  Looking at him with disgust, Drake quickly was beside his betrothed. She felt herself holding her composure, and swallowing her pride as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

  “Milady, may I have this dance?” He asked, his fingers tapping impatiently on her puffed sleeve.

  “Yes, milord.” She clenched her jaw, allowing Drake to lead her to the dance floor. Sharply, he pulled her into him, his breath stale and smelled of eggs. “What is it you want Drake?” She hissed, her eyes not looking at him.

  “Why have you requested our betrothal to be called off?” He hissed, his fingers tightening around her.

  “How did you find this out?”

  “I have spies everywhere princess, do not think you are safe with secrets with me.” He confessed, the foul stench of swine reaching her nose.

  “You smell like a swine’s ass, did my father have you clean the pens?” she remarked, unable to hold in her loathing. She felt his nails dig into her arm, twirling her in a circle then ramming his chest into hers. His eyes burning with anger. “Or perhaps it’s the fact that you are nothing but a swine yourself?” She hissed, the venom dripping from her words, she continued, “yes, to answer your question, I did ask papa to call our wedding off.” The knife twisting deeper, her words stung. It would be an insult to allow you into our royal blood, you, a miserable excuse for a vampyre. Her thoughts were harsh, words she dare not say out loud.

  He snarled, biting his tongue, the words he wanted to say, the things he wanted to do, he composed himself, a smile crossing his lips and his fangs visible, a threat.

  “Take care what you say to me princess, I control more than you are aware. And soon you will be my wife. And thus, you should begin to act as such,” he hissed, feeling the sting seep into his skin, her insults like poison.

  “I would sooner die than begin to act like the wife of a naivee, a trickster and master manipulator of a man, such as yourself, sir,” she retorted, a twitch in her fingers and spine, she felt her powers cracking through her illusion of a pure princess.

  Alexander appeared behind her, sweeping her effortlessly away from Drakes clutches, the soulkeepers hands gentle, holding her with warmth and care, he pulled her close to him, ignoring the protests from the vampyre. Her eyes lit up, her smile wide as she turned her head away, trying to fight off the blush.

  “You are too bold, soulkeeper.” She whispered, a giggle escaping her lips.

  “You are too soft, really, letting that filth threaten you in front of your father?” Alexander’s eyes hardened, glaring towards the councilmember. “I will demand Sebastian to break off your engagement, and propose you and I marry at once.” He promised, kissing her cheek with no detection, she sighed, knowing how her father and family would react.

  “Don’t. Leave it be, we will figure something out.” She plead, placing her soft hands on his shoulders. He could not resist her, he bent down, his nose touching hers. Her heart skipped a beat, feeling her cheeks burning, she gazed into his emerald eyes. “You mustn’t...” she whispered, her breath sharp, his lips so close to hers, the room of people disappeared around them.

  He only saw her before him, no one else mattered. Let them see our love. His thoughts echoed, his urge to kiss her stronger than before. He pressed his lips to hers, tasting the honey and sugar, his hands tangled in her hair. The wind increased around the party, the orange and red leaves dancing around them.

  The room fell silent watching them, her arms wrapped around his neck, embracing his kiss, the wind blowing around them, as he lifted her from the ground, his gaze only on her and her alone. Sebastian, and Victoria both stood, astounded at the sight, shouting orders for them to separate, the words fell on deaf ears. Sebastian felt his jaw twitch. Anjou appeared beside her son, her hands gentle, holding him back.

  “My son, there is important news I must share with you.” She whispered, taking advantage of the situation before them.

  “Can it not wait mother; my daughter is being—”

  “Young and in love as you once were, and no it cannot wait. It has to do with him.” Her blue eyes darting at Alexander. “Do not let this upset you, my son.” He nodded, turning on his heel, he walked in unison with his mother.

  “What is the news?” He demanded, his foot tapping impatiently, his arms crossed.

  “Amelia, the maid, she is the daughter of the Hollow King.” Anjou’s words echoed in his ears, his eyes widened with disbelief.

  “Clearly you jest, mother. The girl is simple and uneducated.” He rebutted, watching Anjou roll her eyes.

  “She is educated and is far from simple. You really never paid attention to what your daughter was doing for all these years? You have witnessed the light bursting from within her, she is his heir to Kindreds throne.” Anjou’s voice was strong, befitted for a true queen.

  “I understand, mother. What do you suggest we do?” He asked, his voice low.

  “I’m not sure quite yet, keep this between us for now. We will figure out a proper way to bring light to Kindreds true heir.”

  “How do you know she is his true heir?”

  “Years ago, queen Aya sent me a letter, informing me of her husband’s illness. She is an old friend, I promised her that if I were to ever come in contact with any of her kin, I would protect them as my own. But hush now, we must return before it is noticed that the king is gone.” Anjou answered truthfully, her eyes still focused on the celebration, and her granddaughter in the arms of a king.

  Sebastian agreed, returning to the festival, the scene before him, romantic, rem
inding him of a time with his beloved. He stepped between the two. His arms around his daughter, protective and stern.

  “You both act to forward in the presence of the king, Morena. Be mindful soulkeeper, she is engaged to another.” He warned, looking down at his blushing daughter, silent. “Amelia, take my daughter to her quarters, she is tired and requires rest.” He commanded, straightening his coat, watching the meek maid approach, her eyes fierce, she escorted her friend to her bedchambers.

  Sebastian watched her, her hair glowing white in the starlight, a radiance illuminating from her. He turned his attention back to Alexander.

  “Do not think me a fool, Alexander, I know what you plan,” Sebastian warned, narrowing his eyes at his guest.

  “I only plan to marry your daughter, and shower her in praise and love for eternity.” He replied, his jaw clenched and his fists tight. “I won’t allow her to marry that cretin on my life, I won’t allow it.” He whispered.

  “You won’t have a choice, soulkeeper. She is mine to do with as I see fit.” His words fueled Alexanders anger, jaw clenching tighter. “Now, please sit, and I will have another servant pour you more ale.” He motioned for him to take a seat, a smug smile crossing Sebastian’s lips as he turned his back away from his visitor. “Oh, and before I sit, Alexander, we must discuss you allowing an ambassador into my court. To speak on your behalf, as I will be picking mine shortly.” He remembered, chuckling once more, sitting beside his wife.

  Drake watched unsatisfied with the results, his jealousy sparking more flame, he stomped through the crowd. Made a fool of by his fiancée, his hatred burning.

  16

  DRAKE SLAMMED HIS DOOR, the glass table shattering from the force of his fists, the candle cracking in the half as he chucked it across his room, his screams chilling, he ripped his linen to shreds and his mattress apart. The servants moved in quickly once his screams died, moving with speed, they replaced everything in minutes; the vampyre slumped in his chair, his hair a mess, and sweat beading down his pale face. Exhausted, he motioned with one finger for a young servant girl of siren decent to approach him, taking her neck, he bit down hard, draining the green liquid from her body, her scream like a song as she fell silent, her eyes hollow, the life drained from her body. Wiping his lips with his arm, he requested twenty girls to his room, the room smelling of sweat and sex.

  __________

  Amelia sat beside Rena, her lavender eyes focused and unsure, she leaned her head against her friend’s shoulder, finally able to close her eyes. “Rena, be careful of him.” She sighed, praying that she would heed her warning. “Amelia, what’s wrong?” Rena asked, brushing her fingers through Amelia’s hair.

  “This power, and the King of Kindred. They both frighten me.” She mumbled, opening her eyes and gazing at the window.

  “I promised to keep you safe, no matter what, even if it takes my life,” Rena assured, lifting up Amelia’s chin, staring at her. She sighed. “There is a reason for your power, and it’s a reason that I am scared to tell you.”

  “Tell me, please. It’s only fair that I am made aware of this magic.” She insisted her hands on her shoulders. The princess nodded, agreeing to tell her. From the shadows, Simon emerged, his eyes shifting colors watching them.

  “Morena, mind your tongue, she must learn of her magic on her own. Just like you must learn as well. You both possess powers of great and destructive nature. Power that can rip the dimensions apart or keep the world safe.” His words powerful and filled with authority.

  “But Simon, she must know her—”

  “Silence. These walls have ears and unwanted spies that lurk in the shadows of the cracks. You wish to protect her. Fine, do so, but do not be a fool.” He pulled them off the bed, each on either side of him.

  __________

  The room began to shift, the sun and moon moving with such speed that neither could see clear, in an instance they stopped. Standing in a cold stone covered room, water pouring from the walls, in the middle a large statue of a woman made of blue-white opal stone and marble, her eyes lavender crystals, the woman stood tall, a sword in hand with a shield, her wings spread wide. Below her name carved in a language the girls could not read.

  Amelia walked forward, her hands reaching for the statue, she felt her eyes swell with tears, she recognized the woman. Mama? Her memory of the woman sitting at the piano, singing to her daughter, she sat patiently on her knee her tiny fingers mimicking her mother’s elegant long fingers. Turning around she looked at Rena and Simon, confused and scared as the moonlight started to center around her, her hands began to shake uncontrollably. She fell to her knees, the radiance exploding out of her, Simon lifted up his right hand, canceling out the power with one swift motion of his hand.

  “Control your emotions Amelia. Your mother, and her mother before you possessed, and controlled this same power.”

  “What is this power?” she cried, clutching her heart.

  “This is the power from the ancient Guardians—the power to control the moon. The Blessing of the Guardians.” His voice resonated within her, another surge of light exploding, again he canceled the power. The ground began to rumble, the pebbles shacking, the stone cracking beneath their feet. “You have managed to control and wield this power as a weapon, but it is much more than that. It is protection and emotions barriers and guardian of light, destroyer of darkness,” he continued, shouting, his footsteps moving closer to her, her screams canceling out. The pure white light continued to surge from her body.

  “I can’t, I can’t control this power. I don’t want it.” She screamed, digging her nails into the gravel. He got on his knees, putting his hands on her cheeks. His eyes white, peering into her soul.

  “It’s okay, to be frightened, Amelia. Look at Rena, focus. She needs you to focus, her soul depends on it.” He whispered, pointing at the unconscious girl, her soul slowly being pulled from her body, Amelia reached out towards her friend, trying to save her.

  “It’s no use, she is beyond words, you need to control your emotions and thoughts. Otherwise, she dies.” His eyes held no emotions, realizing her predicament she sat up, closing her eyes tightly, her palms open, and fingers spread. She continued to focus with all her energy and emotions. She refused to let her true friend die, by her hands. She could not face the world alone, not anymore, she remembered the sun shining down as Rena reached out her hand to her. “You don’t have much time before her entire soul is sucked out of her body. Control your emotions, discipline your mind.” The words distant in her head.

  Clearing her mind, she saw a sphere of light, bouncing chaotically. Approaching it carefully, she cupped it in her palms, pulling it towards her, the ball of light stopped, moving with her, synchronizing its form with her own. Opening her eyes, she continued to focus, commanding the soul to return to its host. Rena gasped for life, coughing and breathing in heavily, she looked up towards Amelia, her light circling around her in perfect harmony and peace.

  “You did it, Amelia.” She smiled, crawling over to her friend. Rena placed her hand over Amelia’s, squeezing tight, assuring her of their future. Simon smiled standing up and preparing for another loop.

  “Come, I have one more place I must show you,” Simon demanded, his face serious. The girls nodded, both taking his hands for support. Once again, they were watching the speed of stairs and clouds move with velocity, in moments time they stopped. Setting foot into a crypt, a stone statue crumbling from age, it was chipped, covered in vines and dirt. The stairs cracked and covered with bones and pieces of broken statues. The room was cold to the bone, the roof crushed in, the ripped tapestries blowing in the wind. He moved away from the girls, blending with the shadows.

  “This is where your ancestors fought a great battle.” He stated. “Once, great soulkeepers and humans fought to defend the lands from the creatures of Thanos. Recruiting the vampyres as guards to the weak and feeble.” He continued. “That statue was once of Lilith Familiar; the purest human in hist
ory, her powers to strip those of sin and take it as her own.” His voice filled with sorrow.

  “Why did you bring us here?” Rena questioned, cautious of where she stepped, moving swiftly to the left of Amelia, tugging her away from the enormous hole beside them.

  “She is your ancestor, and you have taken on her role in the world Morena, do you ever wonder why creatures of Thanos take to you with no hostility?” He asked, still hidden in the shadows.

  “I have once wondered, yes.” She responded, tracing the statue, cold to the touch, she pulled her hand away.

  “You not only possess the power of pure darkness, you also possess purity. You can cure those of sin, but you cannot absorb the sin.” He explained. Stepping from the shadows, his eyes purple, his skin turning black, as his wing expanded. Covering the room eternal darkness blinding them. “Now, show me what you are cable of, dark princess?” He laughed.

  Rena quieted herself, feeling her heart and chest constrict, the air being ripped from her lungs. A voice calling to her in her head. Memories of saving Lucille, and Amelia both, their warm smiles and embraces when she fell ill. A shadow-like figure embracing her, its claws wrapping around her entire body. Relaxing and giving into death, her eyes snapped open, no longer blue but black and purple, smoke spreading from her eyes and mouth. She heard Simons voice in her head. Control your emotions, Morena. Breathing, she cleared her heart and mind, thinking of nothing but the steady ocean, the waves kissing the shore, the sun shining high in the sky. Rena commanded the darkness into her hand, no longer blinded by the gas wall, but now a small tornado of darkness danced in her palm. “Good.” Was all he said, snapping his fingers sending them back to Casai.