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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.
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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.
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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.
Sipping the substance, the black stone doors burst opened, Dymitri stormed in, his face pale, his eyes filled with fire.
“Why was I not told of this meeting?” He demanded, slamming a fist down beside his grandfather and father, both remained unaffected and stoic. “I am to be present for these matters if I am to be a proper Duke.” He shouted, his eyes darting towards his sister fueling his flame. “And yet she is present, this sickly half breed.” The jealousy showing more as he approached her, she felt a gentle hand clutch tightly around her fingers, looking up Alexander smiled down at her, releasing her hand, he stood between Dymitri and Rena.
“Your Highness, perhaps, we may continue discussing our matters now, we were waiting patiently for your arrival,” Alexander suggested his tone a threat. The young duke spat at the floor. His flesh draining of what little color he had in his cheeks. Sebastian with ungodly speed, lifted his son off the ground, throwing him against the pillars, standing before him, he scowled down at his heir.
“You were not needed in this meeting, you are my son, not a common whore’s brat. Do I make myself clear?” Sebastian snarled, the threat ominous and disturbing. “Now sit down and do not say another word.” He continued, motioning for his father to continue the meeting.
“As we were, we will be receiving an ambassador of Fleurs, to help with our ocean trades, along with partaking in our meetings.”
“Your Highness, these are the complete documents that need to be signed for the peace treaty.” Drake announced, passing the pages down to the kings. Grygori nodded, reaching out a hand towards Alexander.
“Come, we must now solidify our alliance, between Arisite and Kindred.” He announced, the room falling silent as the King of Kindred approached, both signing their signatures:
Grygori Darkstorm and Alexander Lothbrok
The council chambers cleared, Rena was the first to leave, kissing her father and grandfather on the cheeks.
“I will see you for tonight’s feast, I must properly dress before I am to be seen in front of the contestants.” She smiled, curtsying before the king and prince.
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Her room was decorated in white candles, and pearls, Amelia sleeping on her bed, the girl smiled as she snuggled up to her.
“Rena?” Amelia mumbled, her eyes still heavy with sleep.
“Yes, Amelia, it’s me. You must wake up though, we are to be present at the feast this evening.” Rena laughed, poking her peach nose. Amelia rolled over, pulling the blankets above her head. Sighing she sat up, giving her maid a few moments more of rest. She stood from her bed, and sat at her vanity, brushing her thick curls to ease her annoyance at her brother’s outburst. She knew he was always jealous of her, but she would not think he would make a fool of himself in front of the great king, twice.
In that moment, he burst through her chamber doors, his fangs sharp, dripping with saliva he reached out for his sister, yanking her hair and lifting her from her chair. She screamed out in pain as she held tight onto his wrist to ease the pain. Amelia was quick to her mistress’s defense. She reached out towards the infuriated vampyre, demanding him to release his sister. With his free hand, he took Amelia by the throat and tossed her with little strength across the room.
Pulling his sister close to him, she felt the tip of his fangs began to sink into her throat, Dymitri smirked at the sheer terror in his sister’s eyes breathing life into him. Suddenly he felt his grip loosen as he smashed into the floor, standing between his sister and him Amelia, her angelic eyes fierce with rage.
“I will not let you harm her.” She shouted, a sudden shake to the palace, Amelia peered into Dymitris bloodlust eyes.
“Ha. What can you do? A simple slave girl, are you her whore? You must be if you think you are my equal. You are nothing and will always be nothing. I will be damned if I let this pest of a sister take my birthright from me.” He mocked, his laughter filling the room. Amelia stood her ground, her fear no longer present, but her will to protect her closest friend and savior.
Rena stood—her legs buckling at the knees, as she stood firm beside her maid, an anger plunged through her, a purple gas pulsating out of her, her eyes glowing a demonic purple, as she raised a single hand towards her brother. Her injuries disappearing instantly.
“How dare you, insult my dearest friend.” She demanded, her voice distorting as the smoke circled around Dymitri.
“How dare you lay your filthy hands on my possession? You, an insolent, arrogant child?” Her voice deepening, echoing throughout the room. The smoke sharpened, slicing through his clothing, and cutting into his skin, the blood dripped slowly, steaming as it touched the gas. His eyes widened with fear.
He ran towards the door, pushing with all his strength with no luck, the gas was encasing him, driving him to panic. He turned slowly, a crackle in the darkness that surrounded him a pair of demonic eyes peered through him, it began to choke him, the figure of his sister disappearing into a giant horned figure. Falling to the ground, he reached for help, the creature continued to mock him, it’s twisted figure clutching tightly onto his chest. In the distance, he could hear Amelia crying for Rena to stop.
“Rena you’re killing him. Stop it please.” Amelia pleaded, holding onto her mistress, her words falling on deaf ears. The Druids started pounding the door, orders being shouted as panic rose outside the chamber walls. Amelia pulled Rena into her arms, tears streaming down her face. “Rena please come back to me.” She begged, a burst of light tearing through the gas, blinding the entire room, she could feel Rena fall limp into her arms, she cradled her close. Brushing the hair from her face. “You’re safe, my sister. I am here for you always.” Amelia cooed, her lavender eyes solely focused on the unconscious girl, unaware the room was filled with Druids.
Gasping for air, Dymitri reached out towards a familiar gown, his mother kneeling beside him, her cat-like eyes glaring towards her stepdaughter.
“What in the name of the Guardians is she?” She hissed, cradling her son close, sharply watching, her back arched, ready for an attack. Amelia ignored her, the moon in the sky dripping, white lights down around her.
In moments, Sebastian was in the room, shoving passed his wife and to the maid that held tight onto his daughter. He moved quickly, feeling the light burn his skin, it was holy, a light that had not been seen since Aya and Aurelius. Amelia moved quicker, her pale skin radiating power so strong that Anjou and Grygori could not approach.
“Give her to me, now.” He hissed, taking his daughter by force and tossing her to a group of Druids. Her screams stirring Rena to reach out her hand to her maid.
“Amelia...” She whispered, falling back into sleep.
“Druids, take the maid to the Isolation tower, now. And see to it that she does not leave your sight.” He ordered, the authority in his voice leaving the room silent, Dymitri dropped his head in shame, unable to look his father in the eyes.
“What of that thing, that harmed your son and heir, Sebastian?” Victoria challenged, her instinct to protect her son, overwhelming her senses.
“You will take care to whom you are referring to Victoria, she is my daughter and not of your concern. I will have her cared for in a separate room of the isolation tower, it appears her powers have awoken and thus, she needs to train.” He snapped, his power sending a sickening feeling through his wife. “Take care my son learns his emotions and strengths, otherwise he will be stripped of my name.”
Among all the chaos, Alexander stood in the shadows, his concern with the maid that had just unleashed an ancient power, one only the soulkeepers were able to possess. His curiosity hacked him, but he would have to wait. Until the time was right before he could interrogate the girl. Disappearing back into the hallway, he motioned his personal guards to gather information, discreetly. The night was still young, the moment Anjou was able, she hurried to her granddaughter’s side, her personal servants failing to keep up.
The isolation tower stood nearly three hundred feet, it’s dark grey stone, cracking as it grew taller into the clouds. There were no windows, except for two, the first was located on the East, and the second on the West. Rena lay unconscious in the West room, the power within her uncontrolled, as it hardened into sharp spears, attempting to break free of the room. It circled her like a lion protecting its cubs. It would not allow anyone near. Sebastian stood on the other side of the doors, sweat dripping down his face, unsure of what to do to control this power. In a moment his mother was by his side. She calmed her nerves, watching the power grow more anxious and frightened; much like when he was young and unaware of his powers potential.
“Open the door.” She demanded, squaring her shoulders as the metal doors opened. Stepping closer, the gas calmed itself, slowly dissipating as the queen approached, her power silencing the gas. She waved her hand across her granddaughter, ridding the remains of the uncontrolled darkness. Kneeling beside her, she kissed her cheek. “There, my d’eraim. Grandmother is here for you, always.”
Lavenders blue dilly, dilly. Lavenders green. Anjou sang, her soft song, waking the young girl. Opening her eyes, clouded with purple she winced at the pain.
“Nana, this pain, it feels as though my insides are ripping open.” She cried, clutching her heart a separate pulse twisting inside her.
“I know, sweetling. Your father was the same when his powers awoke. We will tend to you hand and foot.” Anjou assured, her eyes kind, and her soft voice assuring. “Sebastian, we will need to fetch Simon, inform him her powers have awakened. He will know what to do.” Anjou demanded, her eyes hardening at the thought of Simon entering her kingdom.
“Very well mother.” Sebastian obeyed, bowing respectfully before turning on his heel and moving with ungodly speed through the tower. Alexander waiting outside the tower, his arms crossed and surrounded by his guards, he smirked.
“Where are you off to Sebastian?”
“I am getting an old friend, to assist with my daughter’s powers.”
“Well, I guess we best hurry.” He laughed, sending his guards away. Sebastian growled, accepting the king’s self-invitation.
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Dymitri slammed through Drake’s chamber, his blood boiling as he shattered the glass table in front of him. The nobleman looked up, his blood colored eyes calm, as he closed his book and stepped away from the bookshelf. He approached the livid prince, cautiously, his hands placed gently on Dymitris shoulders. He changed the mood in the air, a scent of sweet lavender and fresh picked roses tickled the prince’s nose, allowing him to calm down.
“Tell me, young prince, what brings you here?” Drake hissed, the tone in his voice silk.
“I want to rule. No, I need to rule. You told me you would help take care of the girl?” He sighed, accusing the nobleman of his falsehood. “She possesses this immense power, one that I have never faced? How could a half breed possess such power?” He bit his lip, tasting the iron on his tongue.
“Drink this, it should calm your nerves.” Drake handed the young prince a crystal glass of pure blood. “I heard of the incident regarding your sister. Her power is truly fascinating, one of which I myself have not seen since Anjou’s father—General Uther, possessed the darkness. However, come closer young prince, there is something I must show you.” His voice a warning, as he pulled a black leather book from his dark black oak shelves, its pages blank.
He slit his palm, letting the blood drip onto the pages, Dymitri waited, holding his breath as he witnessed in awe words appear from the blood.
The darkness rises with the age of the black moon.