Guilty Crown (The Darkstorm Legacies Book 1)
Page 20
The brightness of the light blinded everyone in the room, shattering the glass into millions of pieces. Alexander quickly leaped to his betrothals defense, shielding her from harm. Sebastian sat still, his eyes closed as he listened to her breaths, following them, he was in front of Amelia, his hand gently upon her back, his lips brushing against her ear, she stopped screaming. Her light residing back into her once more.
She looked up, her lavender eyes meeting Sebastian’s, he wore a soft gentle face. One of concern and peace. She fell to her knees, crying, he kneeled beside her, holding her in his arms and smoothing out her hair.
“Why are you afraid?” He whispered, gentle still. Simon and Anjou entering back into the room, the remaining vampyres on defense, Alexander sharp, holding the hilt of his sword in defense of his bride.
“Amelia, look at me.” His voice was gentle, like his eyes the color of the clear blue ocean—waves of emotions that are uncontrolled by anyone or anything.
“Rena, tell me you did not know.” She begged, still searching for the truth.
“I knew.” Her voice cracked, feeling Alexander’s fingers grip tighter to her shoulder—a bruise forming.
“Why would you keep this from me?” Amelia cried, shoving away from Sebastian and clinging to Rena’s dress. “You knew, and yet you lied to me all these years. You swore you would protect me—”
“I did protect you,” She retorted, taking her hands from her gown, “I kept you safe here. I cleaned your wounds, and healed your bruises. I never wanted you to be harmed. Like how you were in that well, I could not bear to see you go through that pain ever again, and if I had told anyone.” Rena wept, her words trailing in the distance, feeling everyone’s eyes fall to them. Amelia stopped suddenly, realizing the true danger around her, her memories flooding her mind once more. Morena her rock and virtue, intelligent and her protector. Amelia kneeled beside her, their eyes meeting, an unspoken bond, one that Rena knew she was forgiven.
“I never wanted to keep it from you,” she whispered.
“I know, and understand. I remember now.” She smiled, still guarded with the creatures that circled them.
Surprised, Anjou stood abruptly, glaring at her granddaughter.
“Morena, you knew the princess of Kindred was within these walls and you did not speak of this or inform me of this?” Anjou asked, pulling Amelia away from Rena. Matching her glare, Rena moved her grandmother’s hand from her.
“I did not tell you, because you would do harm to her, and I would see you all burned before she suffered another scratch,” Rena snapped, her teeth clenched tightly, her vision contorting, her fangs began to grow sharp, the blue in her eyes shifted purple—the darkness emerged from her body, another figure, a demon of legend and lore, Thanos, he took her hand in his, disappearing into her skin. Opening her palm, she formed a black spike, aimed at Anjou. “Dare touch her and I will have no qualms with spearing you to the wall, grandmother.” She warned, the venom dripping from her teeth. Simon stood in front of Anjou, his body shifting, calming the situation.
Amelia gazed at Rena, keeping her composure as her friend began to lose control of her powers.
“Rena, calm down.” Her words sent a sudden light through her, stopping the darkness from taking over. “Thank you, for protecting me.” Amelia smiled, taking her hands in her own. “I think I would have preferred this life you have given me, a simple girl with a wonderful friend that I could trust and protect. I don’t know how I will handle being a princess. I am not as composed and poised as you are.” She continued, embracing her tightly, both girl’s eyes filled with tears as they refused to release one another.
“How did you figure out she was of Reinhardt decent?” Alexander asked, breaking the emotions in the room, his face unreadable.
“I remembered a book a friend of mine gave me once, with the names of all the royals; after her powers had awakened, I did some research and figured it out. It was not hard.” Anjou snapped, frustrated at the outcome of the events.
“Well, I must write to my general, and court that we will be welcoming two beautiful princesses into our beloved city. And I am reunited with my dear cousin.” He lifted her chin up, his eyes peering into hers, both glaring at each other with loathing. “It appears, Amelia that you will need travel clothes, you will be leaving to Kindred with me tonight.” His words held no remorse or emotions, the fear crept up her spine once more.
“Wait, why are you leaving tonight?” Rena asked, her eyes shooting to her fiancée.
“I am sorry you had to find out this way, my love. But my country is in need of me right away, I must return to bring peace once again. Your father and I both agreed that once the commotion was to subside, you would join us.” He confirmed, she bit her lower lip.
“Can I leave with Rena, when she is to come to Kindred?” Amelia pleaded, hoping they would do as she asked. Sebastian looked with curiosity, his blue eyes wide.
“It depends on your new guardian, Alexander.” Sebastian chimed in, moving between the tense creatures. “I see no reason she could not join on the voyage with Rena. My daughter could teach her the proper edict, and manners to prepare her for life at court, and Victoria could teach her the proper way to walk and sit, as needed of a princess.” He suggested. Amelia bit her top lip, hoping that Alexander would agree.
“I will think of it, I’ll give you my answer before our departure.” He sighed, turning his back on the council. “Come Rena, I need to speak with you.” He demanded, his voice low. Following him, they left the council chamber. Leaving Amelia with the vampyres.
__________
Sebastian led Amelia out of the council room, and into the open hallway; she was shaking uncontrollably, her nerves out of her control.
“Thank you, your majesty,” Amelia said, blush forming at her cheeks.
“Do not thank me, I was only doing what was logical. You are a princess, it makes no sense for you to be treated like dirt..” He replied, his form stoic. Amelia’s eyes kept moving back and forth from him to her feet, nervous from the closeness of him. He smelled of sweet vanilla and butterscotch—It calmed her heart.
__________
The sun was still high in the clouds, Alexander and Rena walked across the beach, the stress of the morning had drained them. He looked at her, a sense of warmth calming him once more. Stopping for a moment, he looked out into the sea, the ocean calm as the waves kissed the sand at their feet. He looked over toward his beloved, the sunset overhead, overwhelmed, he felt himself surrender, giving himself to her fully as he saw her face. Captured by her beauty, and her unassuming grace. He held her hand, feeling his heart falling into place.
“What is it Alex?” She purred, her small hand shaping his.
“I told you, I cannot be without you, and I meant it. I loathe that I must leave you alone without my protection and security.” He spoke, his words soft.
“Do not fret, we will be together soon. The time will pass so fast you will barely notice.” She cupped his cheek. They walked hand in hand, back to the palace; towards the docks. She wore a simple pink gown, one he had adored when he saw her in the garden.
Sebastian approached the docks, beside him Amelia, dressed in a simple fashioned purple and silver gown—her colors. “So, your highness, will Amelia be staying with us as royal guest, to learn the proper ways of a princess?”
“I am afraid not, who better to teach her than a fellow soulkeeper, and cousin. After all, if I am not mistaken, Morena already taught her the proper edict in secret, is that correct girls?” He asked, motioning for Amelia’s luggage to be brought aboard. The sky was dim, the sun fully set with only the stars lighting the sky. Rena and Amelia looked at each other, then back to Sebastian.
“Very well, there is nothing more we can do. Say your farewells Morena.” Sebastian begrudgingly agreed. Taking Amelia’s hand in his, “Have a safe journey.” He kissed her hand, pulling her hand away, she felt a parchment of paper between her fingers, his eyes told her to stay
quiet.
“Thank you, majesty. Morena, I will miss you so much.” She cried, embracing her closest friend.
“And I you. Please take Lucille with you, to guard you when I am not around.” Rena advised, moving aside to allow Lucille to step between them, his bow proper. Amelia smiled, a piece of her friend still beside her.
“I will see you soon, Rena. I promise you that.” Amelia replied, tears swelling her eyes and blurring her vision. They embraced one final time, before both Amelia and Lucille docked the ship.
The ship sailed out into the sea, the sails ivory as the wind lifted them up, catching the wind moving the ship forward. North to Kindred.
EPILOGUE
Month: Tleusp-26th—Year: 1511 AF
IN THE VASTNESS OF the clear blue liquid, Amelia stared out at the horizon; the sun sitting in the east. The taste of salt on her tongue and the smell of the sea tangled in her skin. She sailed further away from her home. The palace impossible to see, no wisp of land in sight, just a stretch of blue as far as the eye could see. Lucille stood beside her, his hand on her sunburnt shoulder. She looked up, a smile cracking her lips. They had been at sea now for three days—three days left, until they reached Kindred shores.
The sound of the waves crashing against the ship soothed her, her heart skipping a beat as they inched closer to their destination. The clouds were grey, greyer than she had seen in months, but it kept her thoughts and emotions under control. Alexander had ignored her since they were out of eyesight. Locking himself in his quarters, while she roamed the boat. Lucille took notice of her loneliness, he did his best to keep her company, with games of cards and spying creatures of the deep. They stood at the starboard side of the ship, pointing at the dolphins and sea creatures that impressed them. Her laughter honest for the first time since she left Casai. He smiled at her, his eyes filled with sorrow. She looked down, focusing her vision within the clear waters beneath.
The crewmen began to shout orders and commands as they approached land, in the distance, Amelia could see the capital of Kindred—Aegeus. Reaching the clouds, the palace stacked in hundreds of layers built within the mountain. The city circled itself, creating a wall of protection for the main castle. She turned her attention to Lucille, her lips pressed together, “This is home now, isn’t it Lucille?” she asked, feeling his uneasy form nod in agreement.
Alexander stepped out of his quarters, dressed in his kingly uniform of pure black velvet and decorated with purple beads and silver lace. His emerald eyes glistening at the sight of his city.
“Welcome, to my city—Aegeus.” His smirk haunted her, as his eyes met hers, a dangerous threat behind them.
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Did you love Guilty Crown (The Darkstorm Legacies Book 1)? Then you should read Kingdom of Ash and Soot by C. S. Johnson!
"I want to be free." The words came rushing out of me before I could think through their implications and consequences."There are two things you need to know about yourself if you want to be free—what you stand for, and what you stand against." Lady Penelope held up her hands, brandishing a pair of daggers that had been hidden in her skirts. "This world lives enslaved to its destruction, and so long as you are living, as long as you are fighting, you will be free."I gazed at the daggers, transfixed. Each blade was clothed in a leather scabbard, but the silver and obsidian of the daggers' hilts winked at me, as though it was calling for me.Prague, 1870.For the last ten years, nineteen-year-old Eleanora Svobodová has worked as a servant in her stepmother's household. Along with her older brother, she dreams of the day they will be free to live life on their own terms.But everything changes when their estranged grandmother comes to Prague on behalf of Queen Victoria. Throughout Bohemia, a string of murders and secret whispers hint at a larger coup, and Lady Penelope, as the leader of the Order of the Crystal Daggers, an ancient order of spies and soldiers that protect kingdoms and their rulers, is determined to mete out the perpetrators. When their paths unexpectedly cross, Eleanora must make the choice between a life of intrigue and the lives of others.Can Eleanora find a way to be free and still do the right thing?
About the Author
Bree De’leon grew up in Phoenix AZ, always imagining adventures of fantasy worlds. She performed in many plays growing up and enjoys video games on her spare time. Her love of history and reading bloomed into creative writing, she is currently living alone with her cat, Esmeralda in their home in Phoenix Arizona.
Read more at Bree De'leon’s site.
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