| |
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.
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, reminding 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.