"We are spinning our own fates, good or evil, never to be undone."
- William James
Berestrie Sea, near the territory of Rabanastre | Year 1297, the Regal Era of Io
When I was younger, my mother often told me stories about the Old Age. She said that long ago, the gods walked among the people. The gods were merciful as they lived with the humans, sharing their knowledge and stories with the people. What I most remember of the stories is that there is a god that governs fate. It is said that when a person is conceived, his or her fate is already set. No matter what a person do, he will not be able to change his fate. he continues to live according to the fate that was set for him.
Of course, I never believed on it. Why is it that fate is already set before on can even think? If it is true, then is it fate that my kingdom will fall? Is it my fate to have everything and then lose it all at once? Of course not. Humans make their own fate. Fate does not create nor destroy a kingdom. It is the humans and their unending thirst for power that makes and destroys a kingdom. I make my own fate. Like how I am sailing the seas to seek a person that may or may not help me.
It has been six days since we have sailed from Belgevin. Tomorrow, we will finally arrive at Merriport. These past six days have been uncomfortable for me. I have spent the days coped up in a small room that I was able to rent. Akoni has brought me food and water as I could not leave my room. The sea sickness was so strong that I could not even stand on my own feet without my stomach churning. Since I could not go on deck, I just spent these days thinking and planning for my next move.
I have thought of the different possibilities that might occur . King Lukas might not agree to my terms or he might not even be willing to hear them. But the worst possibility is that he may hand me over to the Ybbierians without even allowing me an audience. As those thought popped up inside my head, I could not help but shiver. The Ybbierians are known for being cruel, a trait that their king possess. There are rumors that has even reached Nydecia, it is said that the king of Ybbieria is cruel and bloodthirsty, his reign is marked by terror. Even his people is afraid of him. He reigns over his people with much cruelty.
I thought of my people that was not able to fled Proham. They have either died or become slaves, slaves in their own lands. Although I have never really been able to bond with the people, I was taught since young that I should always value them, treat them good as they are my own people. I was their future queen. Now, I do not know if I will still become their queen but even if I won't, I need to save them from the Ybbierians.
A knock on the door snapped me off my thoughts. I immediately know who it was, only Akoni knows that I am occupying this room. I stood up, feeling better than the past days, and opened the door. Akoni was standing outside, holding some food that he probably bought from the merchants on board.
"Dinner, Your Highness," he said, his voice low so that no one can hear it.
"Thank you. Come in, let us talk about the plans for when we dock on shore tomorrow," I said. He stood still, not moving an inch. I smiled at his actions. "We are not on Nydecia, you do not have to worry about the customs. And besides, I trust that you will not do things that are inappropriate."
He maintained some distance when he came in the room. I sat on the chair and faced him.
"What have you heard from the people on board? Any news about Proham?" I asked.
"I have not heard much, Your Highness. But some said that they saw Proham burning, that is why they knew that the castle was attacked. There are no news about the King or the Queen," he bowed his head as he said those words.
I have already know what probably happened to my parents. I do not think that the Ybbierians will spare them. They must have already been killed. To think of their death pained me. I have not even been able to say good bye to them, or even hug them for the last time. The only thing that is keeping me going now is my people, they need me. I will mourn my parent's death in my own, not letting Akoni be burdened with seeing me in pain.
"I know. What about the people?"
"Most of them were killed, You Highness. But some were able to survive and leave the city. But there are also those who were taken as prisoners and slaves."
I took a deep breath, calming myself down. "I will save them."
I hope I can.
Merriport, Ailica, autonomous kingdom of the Empire of Rabanastre
The Empire of Rabanastre consists of twelve kingdoms and its royal capital, Nabrasca, where the High King resides. Rabanastre has their share of bloodshed and coups as the thirteen kingdoms engaged on wars with each other. The history books says that a hundred years ago, King Ivanov of the then small kingdom of Rabanastre, conquered and united the twelve neighboring kingdoms and established the Empire of Rabanastre and he became the the first High King of the Empire. High King Ivanov hails from the House of Grimaldi, and from then on, his descendants became the rulers of the Empire.
With its vast territories, the Empire has been feared by the unconquered kingdoms. Although the Empire has been round for hundred of years, they have not tried to conquer more lands. There has been wars but it was over disputes with the border territories and it did not reach to a point wherein the Empire will go on a full-blown attack.
With thirteen united kingdoms, it is expected that Rabanastre's ports would be crowded. There were people with different diversities. If it wasn't for Akoni, I would have been swept by the sea of people. As I have planned, we decided to stay for the night in Merriport before we head on to Nabrasca.
Surprisingly, the Inn that we chose was clean, and they even have a decent bathroom. When I came in the room, there was already a wooden tub full with warm water on it. Without any second thought, I have submerged myself in it, the warm water soothing my weary body. There were no scented roses but it was better than nothing. When it came to putting on my clothes, I struggled, like the past few weeks. It was hard to put on the clothes without assistance. It took me quite some time to figure it out on my own but still, but I figured out how to do it. It was a good thing that it was only a night dress, I did not struggle that much.
I stayed at my room for the rest of the day, with Akoni delivering my dinner at my room. That night, I did not sleep well. With Nabrasca getting closer, I began to feel more and more nervous. The uncertainty of things are making me anxious. I tossed and turned for a long time before finally falling asleep.
The next morning, we left right after having breakfast. For the next three days, we rode again. When we finally reached the gates of Nabrasca, there were guards who checked on the people who were going inside the royal city. With only a few clothing and some gil, they did not suspect us. We safely entered the city without any commotions.
"Should we stay at another inn, Your Highness? You might want to get dressed more appropriately," Akoni said as we entered the city center.
The city was very large and booming with people. It was cleaner that the other city that we have passed by. It seems like the High King really put effort into cleanliness.
"It is fine. We have rested a few hours ago, and I think I am dressed decently," I said, looking at my dress. It was a dark green gown, the design were commonly seen on nobles as to not draw any more unnecessary attention from people.
Akoni just nodded and we continued our way towards the castle. We passed by different building, like the church, some inns and pubs, and the market before we were out of the city center and crossed the bridge towards the castle. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as we get closer and closer. The horses' hooves sounded far away, and I could only hear by beating heart.
"Halt!"
We stopped at our tracks when a guard ordered it. He approached us and squinted his eyes.
"Lady, may I ask for your name and your business in entering the palace?" He asked, his voice was not domineering nor soft, just enough to make the other party feel like they are not some kind of an intruder.
"I am Alvina Zenovia Krasimir, Princess of Nydecia. I have come to seek an audience with the High King," As I said those words, I took out the medallion, bearing the insignia of the House of Krasimir, and showed it to the guard.
"Please wait here, Your Majesty, I will seek the Commander to affirm your medallion," the guard said.
I nodded at him. He bowed before walking back towards the palace. I know that the appearance of a foreign princess might baffle them, and the normal guards might not even know of the different medallions and the insignia of foreign houses and royalties.
It did not take long before the guard came back, along with a knight wearing a chain mail and a sash that has a particular design, probably to signify his rank.
"Your Highness," the Commander made a small bow, to give a greeting. "May I see your medallion to affirm your identity, Your Highness?" He asked.
I handed it to him. He looked at it for a short while before giving it back to me.
"Please follow me, Your Highness. I will escort you to the palace to seek an audience."
As we went through the gate, I could see the gigantic castle in all its glory. Rabanastre is indeed one of the most powerful empire in all of Io. As we reached the main doors of the central building, the commander asked me to get off the horse. I signaled Akoni to stay as I know that he will not be allowed to go in further.
We walked through the grand hallway, passing by several rooms before we reached the throne room.
"Please do wait, Your Highness. I will need to seek the chancellor before you could be granted an audience," The commander said as he walked in the room, leaving me outside.
As I waited, I could not help but get nervous again. I looked at the royal guards on both side of the door, with their full armor, not minding how much I stared at them. The silence on the hallway has only made my heart pound and my palms sweaty. I did not know how much time it took before I saw the commander, along with I believe, the chancellor, to come out. He was probably the same age as my father, with a clean look and a welcoming smile on his face, which made my stomach churn. It felt like the smile was so calculating, like he has known why I have come. I felt uncomfortable.
"Princess Alvina of Nydecia, this visit is certainly a surprise. You could have sent a letter before you came, so that we could have prepared a feast for your visit," he said.
I tried to give him a small smile, trying to control my emotions.
"Forgive me, but this visit is urgent and I need to seek an audience to the High King," I said, trying to hold back the tremble in my voice.
Snap out of it, Alvina!
I calmed myself down as he conversed me with small talks, which I answered with politeness.
"Chancellor, is it possible for me to see the High King, or is this not an appropriate time?" I asked, losing some of my patience.
The chancellor smiled when he heard my words. It seemed like he was engaging me in small talks to make me lose some of my temper, to see how much urgency my situation is.
"How can it be, you certainly came at the right time, your Highness. The High King will see you," He ushered me towards the door.
As I entered the room, I was greeted by a long pathway, leading to the King. There were officials in the room, discussing things, but when they saw me, they stared at me like I was a meat on a pantry. Although I minded their stare, I made sure that it did not reflect on my face. I walked with my head held high.
The pathway was long, and as I got nearer and nearer, I felt like I was walking on death's door. I stopped below the stairs leading to the throne and bowed my head, not looking at the ruler in front of me.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." I made a proper curtsy.
"You may rise," the King said, his voice was low, and a little husky, it made the small hair on my back stand and my ears itch.
I rose and slowly lifted my head. I found myself staring at the King. I wanted to gasp but I stopped myself. The King looked exquisite! A pale complexion, dark, thick eyebrows, pointed nose, sharp jawline, reddish lips, and his eyes, they were steel-grey. He looked beautiful that I was in awe.
I have heard that the High King was known not only for his achievements but also his looks, but I did not expect him to be this good-looking! I thought that the rumors were untrue!
"What does a foreign princess doing at my empire? Not only that, you have also not sent any letters to state your arrival and with only a single guard with you."
I snapped out of my reverie when I heard him speak up.
I took a deep, calming breath, before I answered.
"My presence certainly came unannounced, Your Majesty. But I have come in urgency. Nydecia, my kingdom, has been sieged by the Ybbierians," I said. The officials started murmuring. "I have come to seek your aid, Your Majesty," I continued.
The murmurs and whispers became louder but none dared to speak up without the King's consent.
I stared at the king, making my stand. He stared back at me, his eyes piercing into mine, trying to read my thoughts. I saw a sliver of smile on his face that was gone as soon as I noticed it.
"You certainly are straightforward, Princess."
"I know that it is a surprise, but I have come with my own bargains, Your Majesty."
"Then let me hear them, so as to not waste your time in travelling for so long just to come and seek and audience with me," he said.
I gave him a smile and said, "I would like to tell them in private, without your subjects, Your Majesty."
"Preposterous!" One of his subject said out loud.
The King gave him a sharp look, not liking that someone has raised their voice. The subject cowered back. The King looked back at me, now with interest in his eyes.
"You surely have guts, Princess. Not many can say that they want to bargain with me on private. Is that what you really are or are you just desperate?" He asked, with a tone that I could not say if it was deprecating or amused.
I certainly am not like this. He is right. I am desperate. I have been backed into a corner with nowhere to run or retreat into. I can only cling to this chance, this certain King to help me.
"I have said my purpose in seeking your audience, Your Majesty. It is up to you if you will entertain this princess," I gave him another smile.
We stared at each other before he gave a small laugh. The room was silent and his laugh rang through the large room. He then stopped and looked at me again, now with certain amusement in his eyes before he spoke up.
"Guards! Accompany Princess Alvina to the chamber next to my room. And make sure that the servants will serve her well." The King ordered. He then stared through my eyes and said, "I will entertain you for now, Princess. I certainly hope that it won't be a waste of my time."
His words did not fully register to me even as I found myself out of the room, and into the chambers where I will be staying. I guess it went good? He did not shut out my request right?
As the door of the chamber closed, I finally snapped out of my thoughts. He has certainly agreed for now. I just need to make sure that he will agree to my terms. This certain good news has came too quickly but who am I to decline it? I felt like the weight on my shoulders lessened. I sat at the edge of the large bed.
Even with the good news, I still felt like I jumped from the frying pan and into the fire.
I just hope that the fire will not burn me into ashes.