by Bree De'leon
“Very well, we will do it your way.” He agreed, grinding his teeth together. “I will write to Theodore of the plans.”
“Good.” She responded, leaving her son alone once more to write the letter. He dipped the feathered pen in the black ink and began to write.
Dear Theodore,
I write with news of my daughter’s engagement to the King of Kindred, Alexander Lothbrok. We will be celebrating the engagement in Kindred; in three months’ time. We humbly invite you to the royal coupling, of two warring kingdoms now at peace. It is with great honor, and pride that we meet face to face in terms of our treaty with one another with for our trades and lands.
Sebastian A. Darkstorm R.
Sebastian sealed the letter with blue wax and his sigil, tying it neatly with a gold ribbon. He motioned for his messenger to take the letter with haste.
“Go boy, with haste assure that this letter gets in King Theodores hands yourself.” He demanded, giving the boy the sea voyage papers, allowing him to pass the borders into Fleurs. He stepped out of his study, unaware of the silver haired maid was walking past at the exact moment. Crashing into her, she fell backward, the porcelain tea set crashing and shattering against the stone floor. He bent down immediately to assist with the mess.
Realizing it was Amelia, he stopped for a moment before he spoke. “You are my daughter’s friend, are you not?” He asked, clearing his throat, and taking the small glass shards into his hand.
“Aye, your majesty. I am.” She replied, moving quickly to clean the mess, assuring that no one stepped in the glass, nor stained their shoes and clothes.
“Leave it to me, I will clean the rest. Go help my daughter with her clothes, she must be presented in her finest gown, for I am announcing her engagement tonight.”
“Aye Your Highness.” She complied, bowing her head before she scurried around the corner. He stared off at her, his gaze lingering longer than he had wanted. Shaking his head, he continued to pick up the pieces of the glass—the glass disintegrated in his palm.
__________
Amelia turned the corner, stumbling into Alexander and Rena holding each other in the open. She narrowed her eyes, stomping up to her friend, she took Rena by the arm, and dragged her away from the soulkeeper. Her lips in a pout, she slammed the door behind them and silently glared at Rena.
“Amelia?” Rena questioned, a worried chuckle escaping her lips.
“You truly are careless, Morena. What if your father were to see you two just fornicating in the hall like two rabbits.” Amelia held in a shout, but not a flick on the nose.
“Ow. Alright, I am sorry, I cannot help myself when I am around him. He brings out this excitement that was dormant in me for so long. Besides we are to be married.” She smirked.
“It’s called lust Rena, we have all been there. It’s just that he challenges you and it’s no surprise you would fall for him, he is a people’s king, and you are a people’s princess. It’s only natural.” Amelia replied a shrugging her shoulders, stopping a moment to realize what the princess had just said.
“Wait, your father approved your engagement to Alexander?” Amelia stopped for a moment, taking the news. Rena nodded her smile ear to ear, she blushed. “Well that is news to me, no wonder he rushed me over to you, he told me to make sure you were dressed in your finest gown for the engagement announcement,” Amelia recalled, looking through the closet of dresses and picked out a royal purple dress, opening down the middle with royal blue, the edges laced with silver linen. She turned to Rena with a suspicious look. “Did you have Lucille commission this dress before the engagement?” Amelia asked.
“Is this an interrogation?” Rena retorted, with her tongue exposed and a raise of a single eyebrow, and folding her arms across her chest. Sighing, Amelia laid the dress against the mattress pulling out matching slippers.
“It was a simple question, but I have the answer with your stubbornness.” She snapped back mockingly, a smile breaking her lips. Getting the princess into her dress and makeup Amelia felt happiness for her friend, it had been a long time since she saw Rena truly smiled. Even Lucille could not bring forth this smile, it was brighter than the stars in the sky. Bright as the day that she saved her from the well, and the sun broke through the clouds so many years ago.
19
THE BALLROOM WAS CROWDED, familiar faces, and unfamiliar faces. The guards stood tall against the walls, their eyes open for criminal activity. At the top of the balcony sat the king and queen, in matching attire of blue, and sat upon the gold thrones decorated in pearls and diamonds. Beside them princess Rena and king Alexander sat beside each other, their fingers interlocked with one another’s. Sebastian stood, quieting the room as he held out his hand to the couple. Clearing his throat, he began,
“I wish to announce my daughter’s engagement to our true ally, king Alexander Lothbrok. We tie our families together to create everlasting peace within our kingdoms.” He announced, the cheers echoing off the walls, Alexander stood first, leading the way to the center with Rena beside him.
“I must thank my gracious host for these many months that I have visited, for if it were not for our treaty,” He paused, gazing down at Rena. “I would never have found my soulmate, my one true love.” He finished, kissing her softly. The silent tears of noble women as they disappoint their fathers by not attracting the king—a noble prize.
“I must also give my condolences for the loss of so many during the silvers uprising. And the late king’s departure from this world, he was a great loss to myself as well, for he was a noble and just man.” He lied, captivating the audience.
“Thank you, your highness, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you into my home, as it gives great pleasure for my daughter to love you.” Sebastian complimented, standing beside the two. His crown sharp and digging into his skull. He kissed his daughter’s cheeks, pulling her into a warm embrace.
“I forever wish you to be happy my d’eraim.” He whispered, a tear stinging her cheeks.
“Oh papa, with your kindness and blessing, I will forever be happy. I love you.” She whispered back, feeling her eyes swell. Pulling away, she turned to Victoria—poised and elegant in her movements, she took Rena’s hands in her own. Squeezing gently, she embraced her.
“Do well to keep him happy girl, for you will hate him soon enough.” She warned, quietly, only her stepdaughter could hear. Holding her composure, she nodded in agreement, unable to speak another word. Victoria swiftly approached Alexander with the same elegance and grace, taking his cheeks in her hands, kissing him twice. “It is a pleasure to have you part of our family, majesty.” She purred, her cat eyes holding warnings.
Amelia sat in the shadows, watching the party light up with entertainments and foods from all over Arisite, she smiled at the happiness within her friend’s soul, she danced with her future husband. Peering into Alexanders soul, Amelia could see a chain, moving slowly around him, holding him tightly—A sense of dread came forth from him, and she could not trust it. He looked up, catching her eyes, she held her breath, watching him, watch her, no warmth sprung from him. He was cold, colder than the touch of a vampyres hand.
“You worry too much, Amelia.” Lucille’s voice came from the shadows beside her, his arms behind him back.
“I just don’t trust that man. He is hiding something, I just cannot figure out what.” She snapped, tapping her heel impatiently. Lucille analyzed her movements, sensing the dread she was feeling.
“Very well, I shall look into any suspicious matters, that could be rendered with simple explanation.” He whispered. She looked up at him a smile of appreciation crossing her lips.
“Thank you, Lucille.”
“Do not breathe a word of this to anyone, including Rena. She would stop me in an instant, if she were to find out our plans.” He warned, disappearing once more into the shadows. She agreed, her eyes still sharp and focused.
Rena danced her way to Amelia, taking her hands in her own, she pulled her to the dance
floor. Blushing, the silver haired maid, attempted to pull away, only to be overrun by her friend’s strength.
“Dance with me,” Rena giggled, twirling Amelia in a circle. The nobles stared in awe—Shocked that the princess would include a servant girl.
“Princess, they are staring at us,” Amelia whispered, her cheeks turning bright red. Laughing, Rena ignored her concern spinning around the room.
“Let them stare, we are going to Kindred in just one weeks’ time. Moreover, there is news I need to share with you,” Rena stopped, taking the girl outside, onto the balcony.
“Amelia, you remember what I told you in the Isolation tower?” she asked, her smile gone. Amelia nodded. “Good, and you remember the statue Simon showed you?” another nod. “Kindred is your home, Amelia, and I hope you will understand soon what these messages mean.”
“Why won’t you just tell me?” Amelia questioned, feeling a sharp pain in her heart. Rena turned to her, cupping her cheek in her hand.
“It’s not something I can say so lightly, there is dangers in the words and I promise to tell you outside this city. No matter how much my heart yearns to do so sooner.” She replied, kissing her cheek.
“Come, we must head back into the party before my fiancée gets worried.” Rena giggled, leading the way back into the ballroom with Amelia close behind, saddened by the secrecy.
The room fell silent as the grand doors opened, entering with her elite guards, Anjou stood elegant and stoic. Her hair straight falling over her shoulder, she approached both Alexander and Rena. She was dressed in a golden armor top with a black dress layered beneath it.
“Granddaughter.” She bowed her head, the gems in her white hair sparkling in the chandelier light.
“Nana.” Rena curtsied, smiling at her grandmother.
“Congratulations are an order. You seem to be happy with your betrothal.” She acknowledged, bowing her head towards Alexander.
“I am, and he is grateful as well, aren’t you my darling?” Rena cooed, pulling Alexander in front of her. He straightened his uniform of purple and silver laces.
“Yes, I am, she makes me the happiest in the world and my kingdom will be joyed that they will be receiving a queen. And one as beautiful and as kind as Morena could not have been best suited.” He smiled, gazing into her eyes.
“Good, I am happy that she is happy. And majesty, I do ask that you care for her in your kingdom as we have here. She is a precious jewel that we cherish and care for with all of our hearts.” Anjou smiled, kissing both of them on the cheeks. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must congratulate my son, on his new son in law to be.” She chuckled, walking off with grace. Approaching her son, she sat beside him, enjoying the feast.
“You showed up, it pleases me greatly,” Sebastian said quietly, his hand still over Victoria’s.
“I would not miss my grandchild’s engagement ceremony, even if it is to a man I deem unworthy of her.” Anjou retorted, a sneer crossing her ruby lips.
“Any man that had taken her hand would be deemed unworthy by you mother. It is a miracle that Victoria won your favor when she and I were betrothed. Do you remember?” He laughed darkly, moving his hand away from his wife’s.
“You do have a point, so long as long as she is happy, I can ask no more than that.” Anjou sighed, exhaustion still filling her entire body. “Well, let us enjoy the evening, shall we?” Her calm demeanor sending a strange chill down his spine.
The music changed, to a slow, soft piano. Sebastian stood, holding his hand out to his mother. “Mother, would you care to join me in a dance?” She smiled, taking his hand, following him to the middle of the room. Leading her in the waltz, they spun this way and that, the lights changing hues as the tempo increased.
__________
The night was filled with fun and enjoyment, the laughter’s spreading throughout the castle walls. Drake looked at himself in the mirror, dressed in his finest velvet red uniform, his hair tied back into its proper ribbon. He swung his cloak on, leaving his chambers, and heading towards the ballroom. He would make his grand appearance once more, and his favor to the court restored.
Entering through the large stone doors, everyone stopped, staring at the council member march in. He bowed, one arm in front of his chest, the other behind his back, his ember eyes found Renas—regret from a few nights before. “Your majesties, my apologies for my late arrival.” His eyes moved away from hers, finding Sebastian’s ice-cold stare.
“Drake, you’ve finally made it. Please sit, and enjoy yourself. We insist.” Alexander mocked, pulling Rena close to him, his hands wrapped around her petite waist.
“I must congratulate you, King Lothbrok, you prove to be a better rival than I had anticipated,” Drake replied, his eyes narrowing, biting his lower lip, and tasting the metallic iron drip down his throat. Alexander laughed, mocking him further.
“You are no rival of mine. We are all to be allies, and countryman.” Alexander raised a mug of ale. Drake smirked, not allowing himself to relax.
The party continued until dawn, the sun rising above the cliffs, the maids and butlers moving with haste and silence, to not wake the castle. The curtains were closed, keeping the sun from entering, some vampyres hid in the darkness of their rooms.
Sleeping, Alexander and Rena laid next to each other, their bodies tangled in one another. Alexander was the first to wake, his emerald eyes staring up at the ceiling, he felt her nuzzle closer to him. To her, he smelled of a summer breeze beneath a willow tree and wood. The comfort in his arms, as she pressed her naked body closer to his. His hands moved around her, his fingertips rubbing softly against her honey colored back.
He shuffled out of the bed, not to wake her, he sat on a chair, watching her sleep. The sunlight barely leaking through his curtains. One of his guards opened his chamber door, with a message from the kingdom. He moved his hand up, silencing the large orc—taking notice, he placed the letter in the king’s hand, leaving the room with no noise.
Alexander stood up, wrapping the sheets around his waist, he opened the letter. His head guard Gustov had written to him with haste.
King Alexander,
The lycans in the northern forest have been attacking the smaller villages; also, Reanna city has been under attack of creature’s unknown. We urge your return to the kingdom; the people are beginning to lose their hope with your absence.
Your loyal servant, Gustov.
Taking a deep breath, he brushed his fingers through his hair and sat back down, concern filling his soul. He looked back at his sleeping bride to be, her features soft, at peace. Soon to be disrupted by his sudden hurry back to his kingdom. “We will have to hold on our wedding announcement.” He whispered to himself, a loathing inching slowly up his body.
20
Month: Tleusp-23rd—Year:1511 AF
THE COUNCIL ROOM WAS crowded, the guards of Kindred, surrounded their King as he stood at the end of the table. Beside him a new face, a man dressed in robes of yellow and orange—Familiars colors. He was tall, and large, his skin ebony with red and blue markings. Sebastian and Anjou entered last, motioning for everyone to sit.
“First gentlemen, let us introduce you to Potlemere of Fleurs; he is their ambassador speaking on their King’s behalf. He has just arrived this morning.” Sebastian began, skipping the formalities. “Now, King Lothbrok has some announcements as well. Go on.” He motioned, giving his attention to the soulkeeper.
“As we are aware, that the dark forest also known as the cursed lands, have become more active as of late. It is no different in Kindred, my general of my guards and army, has sent me a letter of information. Informing me of the destruction of three of my cities by the lycans and now an unknown creature. It could be a creature in which has just evolved, or one that has not surfaced in many centuries. I plead with you, to send me aid in pushing these creatures back to their home.” His palms were sweating, faced firmly down on the mahogany table, splinters sticking into his flesh as he crushed t
he table with no notice.
“I see. Yes, I will offer some of my army to send aid with you. I take it that you must leave at once, is this correct?” Sebastian asked, lifting his pen from his paper, then back down.
“Yes, I have told my men to start packing for our voyage tonight, I wish to keep Morena here in Arisite, to give me time to assure that she is not harmed in any way.”
“I agree, we will postpone my daughter’s voyage to Kindred for two months, that should be enough time to settle the rebellion in your cities, correct?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
“Perfect amount of time. I will inform her of my early departure, so she is not concerned.” He announced, straightening his coat.
Sebastian raised his hand to prevent him from leaving, standing and motioning for his mother to speak. “Before you go, King Lothbrok, there is news my mother wishes to bestow upon you. And we fill it is necessary that the entire room be present. We wouldn’t want any unwanted surprises to arise causing further disconnect between our two kingdoms.” He explained, sitting back down in his chair.
“My son and I have just discovered something rare and great importance to your kingdom.” Pausing, she waited until Simon entered the room, beside him both Rena and Amelia stood on each side of him. Confused and still dressed in their nightgowns, they looked at each other for support. “My lords and ladies, I am proud to announce that we have found the lost Princess to Kindred, Amelia Aerie Reinhardt, daughter of Aya and Aurelius, better known as The Hollow King.” She announced sending a sudden shock through the room.
Amelia looked across the room, everything blending and blurring together. She quickly looked to Rena for support—her head was hanging low, her shoulders sunk, her eyes closed, unable to look her friend in the eyes. She tried to speak on her behalf, to protest the thought she could be a princess of any kind. But one look at Rena told her otherwise. Rena, please look at me. Amelia’s thoughts were swimming, the shock of it all, her emotions becoming unsteady, she felt the radiance begin to emerge from within her. Simon taking notice, went to stop her but his voice could not break through. Turning to Rena, his commands falling on deaf ears, the girls were of the same mind; Rena would not interfere with Amelia’s eruption. With his ability, he quickly covered Anjou, saving her from the blast.