Chapter Six
Everything inside you is dark and twisted.
~*~
Just as Lyma expected the rumors regarding her having a secret relationship with Vanus grew. As what Lily have reported to her more and more people have suspected their 'relationship' to sail further because of how frequent the two have been together. But the truth is that Lyma already started her special training with the prince thus making their time together to increase. Another thing that fueled the rumor is the location of their special training. During the meeting they had, the king decided to open the ballroom hall in the first floor of the Opalus Palace as their training room. It also did not help that Vanus decided to use plants and flowers during their first few training sessions as Lyma's practice models. Many servants thought that they're gifts from the prince because Vanus insisted for him to cover the expenses for the training. He reasoned that the palace would be questioned because of these expenses and will have to disclose the special training. And so, Vanus decided to cover for the expenses.
The first exercise Vanus made her do is to control her emotions. On the first day Vanus ordered a lot of rose plants. And then one by one he cut and destroyed them in front of Lyma.
'He's just cutting the stem and peeling the petals?' Lyma thought that it was ridiculous to see a prince doing that. "What are you doing?" She inquired.
"Stirring your memory." He replied cutting the stems of a white rose. Her eyes squinted. 'Stirring my memory? What does cutting flowers do to stir my memory?'
She stared blankly at him still wondering what cutting flowers does to stir her memory. Almost two baskets of white and pink roses have already scattered by his feet. The different colors of the flower petals are creating a beautiful scene. Lyma is still staring at him waiting for something to happen. And when he pick up a red rose she later realized that flowers are Pandora's weakness. "No." She whispered. As soon as the word left her lips she immediately cover them. It was an unconscious response, she realized. As she watched him cutting the stem of the red rose, her chest started to tighten. And when Vanus pulled the petals apart something snapped inside Lyma's head. Like a single thin thread holding something and it finally broke. 'What is happening?' She thought looking away.
"Look at me Pandora." Vanus ordered in an authoritative voice that made Lyma flinch and turn her gaze back at him. And when Lyma saw him cutting again yet another flower her shoulders began to tremble.
It came like a flash inside Lyma's head, the memory of Pandora with the late queen. The reason why Pandora love and treasure flowers is because that is the most beautiful memory she have of her mother. "Mother. Stop. Stop!" She chanted as she walked closer at him. She can no longer stay still and grabbed the flower Vanus was holding but he just grabbed another one. She tried to reach it but he held it up making advantage of their height difference. The disassemble petals fall down on her face. It was like time stood still as one by on the red petals touched her face and fall to the ground.
She grasped for air. "Help." That was the last straw. It was like a string snapped again and something was freed. And the next thing she knew is that her chest is in so much pain she screamed in pain. Then she felt it. It was warm like you put on a thick coat. The warmth enveloped her body and slowly as if being called the warmth flowed from her entire body towards her hands. She felt tingling sensation in her fingertips. And when she look down she saw black flames coating her hands. "NO!!" Her screamed echoed inside the hall. 'Black flames.' And as if on que, images of what happened on her coming of age flash inside her mind.
~
"Please welcome the Princess of Cockaigne Kingdom, Pandora Cygni Ytopia!"
Claps echoed through the hall as Pandora entered with the king as her escort. She smiled as she walk through the red carpet to the podium.
"We greet the royal family! The sun and the stars of the kingdom. Glory to the kingdom of Cockaigne! May blessings shower upon thy throne!" Everyone recited as the royal family stood on the podium.
"Thank you everyone for giving time to attend my special day. This will not be a success without your presence. The kingdom have been blessed to have you. And as the princess, celebrating my coming of age with all of you is my way of showing gratitude. May you enjoy-…"
"Long live Throndsen!" Someone shouted. Then arrows went flying from the outside of the hall. The crowd immediately panicked. The arrows are only directed towards the royal family. Knights are instantly ordered to stand guard and shield them. Lyma in particular was being covered by her personal guard Samael.
"What is going on, Samael?" She asked as he guide her towards the nearest door. The knight did not respond instead he ushered her to fasten her steps. "Samael." Shouts and cries can be heard as the crowd fights over the way to the exits. Pandora cannot see much because the knight is blocking her view but she can feel the sense of panic and fear from them. And then Pandora smelled the unmissable stench of blood. It was so thick that she immediately knew it's from someone near her. And when looked around she saw several arrow tails peeking on Samael's shoulders.
"Samael!" Panic. She started to feel real panic. "You are hurt!"
"It does not matter your highness. We need to move you to a safe place."
Pandora wanted to protest but she was grabbed and was pulled into the hallway. They walked through series of hallways but in their second turn they met three armed men, two of which are holding bows with prepared arrows. They are clearly the cause of the chaos.
"Long live Throndsen!" One of them shouted and then the two started to fire while the third one who is holding a sword charged forward. Immediately, Samael blocked the man with the sword and pierce through him with his sword. But in doing so he was hit by the two arrows fired. Pandora saw this and instinctively ran forward and grabbed the fallen man's sword. Then she quickly cut one of the men on the throat making a faucet of blood out of him. The blood gushed out that it stained her white dress. The other man attempted to stab her with a dagger but she quickly block it and Samael stabbed him on the chest. It was a bloody scene with three dead bodies lying on the floor.
"Samael." Pandora called worriedly. She watched as the knight reached for the arrows and snapped its heads. He was not wearing any beast plate because of the occasion. And that made it easy for the arrows to penetrate him.
"I am fine, your highness. I must bring you to the king immediately." Then he grabbed Pandora's wrist again and pulled her. Pandora wanted to argue back but seeing how pale his face is and his lips are turning purple she followed. After two more turns they stopped in front of a door.
"Pandora!" It was the king who immediately hugged her upon entering. "You are safe."
"Yes. But…but Samael is hurt!" When Pandora pulled from the hug she straightaway turn back and saw how Samael's body fell forward on the floor. "Samael!" She shouted and instantly let go of her father. She went towards the fallen knight. "Samael?" She called.
"Y-Yes…your highness."
Pandora started to cry as she knelt beside him. "Don't die." She looked over the back of the knight that is drenched with so much blood.
"Y-Yes…your highness." But as soon as he said those words his eyes slowly closed.
By the length of the remaining body of the arrow, the arrowhead must have gone through almost halfway of the knight's body.
"Samael?" There was no response to her call. "No. No!" Her scream echoed inside the room. "No. No. He's not dead yet. Please call a healer! Call the healer!"
No one moved. It is already too late. So much blood have been spilled and even if a healer would be called he can no longer do anything except if he can reverse death. Pandora continued to cry as her chest tightened. Then suddenly black flames coated her hands. Even in the middle of her current state she was still surprise at what happened. 'What's happening?' She tried to look to her side for help but all she got was surprise faces as well. Pandora was about to ask for help when the body near her moved.
"Y-Your…h-highness."
Everything happened so fast that the next thing Pandora saw was the knight is writhing in pain as his body begins to decay starting from his skin. Then her eyes landed on her hands on the knight's shoulders that is still engulfed with black flames. 'I touched him.' She instinctively touched his shoulders when he called for her. "I…" His body convulses as his body decayed.
The room was silent. Everyone is in state of shock. They witnessed how the knight's body corroded until it was only bones was left in just a couple of minutes. 'I killed him.' The words kept on repeating inside her head. 'I killed him.' Then she look towards her stunned father. "I…kill…" But before Pandora finished her sentence a severe pain swept through her head and she screamed in agony. "Ahh!!!" Her body fall to the floor as she screamed because of too much pain. Still no one dared to make a move until she went unconscious and the black flames slowly dispersed from her hands.
"Hold it in." She whispered. The flower in Lyma's hands have already withered and is turning into dust. 'No. No.' She begged as the dust in her palms are slowly being swept by the wind. "No!"
"Hold it in Pandora!" His voice exploded inside the hall. Vanus knew the dangers of Pandora's ability. One wrong touch and it can cause him his own life. But he knew he needed to do this. He was there when Pandora's curse manifested. He witnessed everything and he felt sympathy. He knew firsthand how hard it is to handle such abnormality. He also got surprised and experienced the internal pain. And he knew she suffered far worse. "Pandora, you have to control your emotions. Calm down!" He instructed. He is tempted to go near her but the fear of falling victim to her curse made him maintained their distance.
It was easier said than done. Emotions are raging inside her that it was like trying to swim against the current. 'Hold it in.' Lyma chanted. 'Hold it in.' But she did not have much energy to spare and so she fainted and the flames instantly dispersed.
This happened for the next three sessions they had. And the change only happened when Vanus asked her come up with a countermeasure to help her calm herself. "Think of something that calms you. A memory of something perhaps." A memory that can counter her negative emotions. It was a trial and error before Lyma settled on the most effective memory she had. It was a memory of a warm hug. Lyma don't know who gave her the hug for the memory itself is hazy. But though it was hazy, Lyma can evidently sense the warmth of that person's embrace and the feeling of comfort. And that was enough.
After that change, Vanus no longer use flowers and plants to trigger Lyma. Instead he used a simpler way. Both of them would sit across each other while Vanus will try to provoke her using words. And when the black flames started to appear he would instruct Lyma to think of her countermeasure memory. Their goal is to lessen the time Lyma took to extinguish the flames.
"You are improving quiet fast. If you continue this we can move on to the next phase of the training earlier than expected."
"That would be great." She commented as she nodded. "And regarding my swordsmanship training. Once the crown prince is back he will be the one to oversee it."
"Will that be beneficial? We can continue as it is since it acts as a cover for this special training."
"I did thought about that. But I don't think it will give more concerns than benefits if we continue to be seen together. I know you already heard the rumor and don't think much about it. But Vanus, it might create conflict in the future." She reasoned.
"Why would it create conflict? Cockaigne and Eunis have a good relationship. And if we consider to strengthen our alliance it would be more beneficial to have you as my wife." He countered in a matter of fact tone. Lyma almost choked on her own spit when he mentioned the word wife. And she was surprised at how casually he said those words. 'Really now? Your wife?'
"I don't do political marriage, Prince Vanus. I would rather live as a commoner with someone I truly love than to live a politically arranged life. And the king knew about this." She defended.
"That's a pity. Cockaigne would greatly benefit to have outside relations through your marriage. And as the princess shouldn't you bear this responsibility?" He retorted.
And it irked Lyma how casual he sounded. Like they are just talking about something as trivial as what is the current weather outside. 'I want to punch him. He can be brute with his words sometimes.' Lyma sigh and shake off the feeling of annoyance. 'If I continue to let him provoke me the flames might appear and I might unconsciously strangle him. That would mean war.'
"What can I do? I'm not the most responsible person in the family. I am quite a selfish princess. And being the only princess has its gains." She countered playfully. Then Lyma turn to her side where the direction of the window is. The sun is starting to set and dinner will be served soon. Then she turn back to the person in front of her. "I still need to prepare. See you at dinner, Vanus." She excused. Then she walked towards the door. But just as she was a few steps away from the door, Vanus spoke up.
"Is there something wrong with me? That you cannot even consider me as a love interest?" He questioned. And Lyma almost laughed out loud. 'Yes. Because you're stiff as steel and I can't bend you even if I use heat.' She turn her head with a smile on her face.
"We both step with the right and wrong foot, Vanus." She answered. Then she quickly reach the door and went out. 'Is he out of his mind? A love interest that clearly shows that his motive is not love?' Lyma shook her head. "You don't even have an ounce of romance in you and you're talking about being a love interest." She complained as she marched her way through the halls.
For the next couple of days Lyma juggle between her two trainings and preparing for the Domingo Ball. And so the day before the ball arrived and is also the day Guerrier is coming back. Lyma is standing in front of the Main Palace together with the king on her right and the second prince on the king's right. The members of Beta Battaglia are behind them. A couple of servants are also present.
After her talk about marriage with Vanus, there is a significant change in the atmosphere whenever the both of them are alone together. Though Lyma don't mind it much but it was not the same with the other party. Vanus was not able to sleep properly that night. He constantly thought about the princess' conviction about the matter of political marriage. He knew beforehand that she is against about that kind of marriage but it still surprised him to hear it firsthand. The both of them are not in a close relationship rather they are still considered acquaintances. And what bothered him more than her stand about political marriage is the fact that she is free to have such stand. She is not chained to her responsibilities. She is free to choose. And that made him envy her. Freedom.
"Brother!" Lyma called as she waved her right hand. Smiling brightly as she saw the crown prince up front riding his horse.
The prince unmounted from his horse and then kneeled in front of the king. "I have safely returned, my king."
"Welcome back crown prince." The king replied. "Arise."
"I will send the report first thing tomorrow morning."
"There's no need. Tomorrow is the beginning of the festival and I am sure you still need to make preparations."
"As you wish your majesty." Then Guerrier look to his right, in Lyma's direction. "Padin."
"Welcome back, brother." Then Lyma gave him a hugged. At first Guerrier was taken aback. He is still feeling remorseful because of what happened before he departed from the capital. "You got a lot thinner with just being away for a couple of days, brother." She complained.
"It's because I miss you." He teased her as he patted her head. A warm feeling swarm him. "I missed you, Padin." He repeated.
The welcome meal for the return of the crown prince was held at the Main Palace Garden Pavilion. It was only the royal family and the Beta Battaglia who is present for the meal. Afterwards, Lyma proceeded to her palace to continue preparing for the opening day of the festival the next day.
"These are the dresses for tomorrow's events, your highness." Lily held two dresses in front of Lyma.
The first one is a white linen dress. It has a square neck design with a cape sleeve made of chiffon fabric. "The dress will be paired with white flat sandals and a headdress made of white lace of rose design. This ensemble is for the visit to the temple of the royal family." Lily explained as she presented the white dress on her left. Then she laid it on the backrest of the sofa. Then she presented the second one which is made of silk material. The dress is color red with gold embroidery. It is an off-shoulder dress with a fit top and large pleated skirt. "The dress will be paired with long sleeve white satin gloves and red low hilled shoe." Lily presented everything to Lyma and explained that three other maids will help them tomorrow. She also presented Lyma the schedule for the three-day festival. "On the first day is the visit to the temple in the morning. And in the evening will be the Domingo Ball. On the second day is the hunting event that will last the whole day and in the evening will be the celebratory party. For the celebratory party the dress that the king gifted will be used."
"Which one?" Lyma inquired.
"The gold one, your highness. The blue one will be use on the third day. And speaking of third day, the only schedule you have is the closing party. It will be a garden party and will be held in the Temple's garden." Lily finished.
Lyma nodded. "So that means I am free tomorrow afternoon and the whole day on the third day?" Lyma confirmed resting her back on the backrest of the sofa.
"Yes, your highness. Do you have plans to visit the plaza on those times?"
"I don't have plans yet. Besides, if I do have one I'll spent it without someone guarding me."
"Your highness!" Lily sounded alarmed. "Please get one guard at least. It would be disastrous if the king found out about you having no guards outside the palace."
"Fine, I'll think about it. By the way, do you have any news regarding that errand I asked you previously?" Lily shook her head. "I see. Continue to ask around."
"Yes, your highness."
'Lily would have news by now. Even if I somehow from the place outside the capital, news would have reached here after four days. But if I was not from this kingdom…then that would be a different matter.'
"Lily, can your scope of search reach other kingdoms?"
"Outside the kingdom? I apologize, your highness. I don't have much connection outside the borders. But I will try my best. Which kingdom are you referring to, your highness?"
"All of them?"
Lily was taken aback. "All of them, your highness?" She clarified.
"Yes, if possible."
"I understand. Then please excuse me, your highness. I will need to take my leave now."
'Oh. Did she remember an acquaintance that can help?'
"You're dismissed."
"I'll be back before dinner preparations, your highness." Then Lily bowed then brought the two dresses to her closet. Afterwards she excused herself and existed the room.
Now alone, Lyma pondered more about the possibility that she might be from the other kingdoms. 'If I'm from the other kingdoms, which one would it be? Nothing really sparks an interest for me so I have no clue. It would have been better if I happen to love plants because I truly care for it and not because it's Pandora's memories. Then I would certainly be from the Reafian. And my swordsmanship is also from Pandora's so I don't know if I'm from Vultre. Then if I have a preference in weapons then it would be Ital. If trade it would be Eunis. And of course if it's magic it would be…wait…of course! The fact that I got transferred to a different body means it is through magic! How would I miss that obvious information? Then the place I should be searching too would be Krefja. And the best way to know more about that place is to talk it out with someone who came from there. Then there is no better choice than the crown prince himself, Avarus.' Lyma smiled inwardly.
Just then a knock echoed. "Pandora." It was the crown prince.
"Come in, brother."
The door opened and a stiff looking Guerrier went in. He sat beside Lyma. "I heard a rumor."
'Wait. That line's familiar.' She thought. 'Oh! Right.'
"Are you having an inappropriate relationship with that stone face prince?" Guerrier almost shouted. His face is showing his emotion very clearly.
Lyma wanted to laugh but she thought that would be rude and so she opted to just smile. "That is not true, brother. We are just training together."
"I also heard that. But people seemed to find you with him almost all the time. And that is even you both are not in training." He said accusingly. "And he would walk you back to your palace every time! If you're not having a relationship with him then that is even a bigger problem. How dare he try to woo you!?" His voice raised a pitch higher and it echoed around the room so the sound amplified. Lyma can't help but to flinch at the sudden outburst.
'It really requires much energy to have this kind of conversation with him' Lyma sigh and massage her temples. 'And how did he come up with such conclusion? Vanus courting? It's like he's saying pigs can fly now.' She sigh for a second time before looking back to her brother. "He's not. I don't know why he is walking me back but I can assure you he is not wooing me. It's a platonic relationship between an instructor and his trainee." She tried to reassure him. But the crown prince did not buy any of it.
"Wooing or not he must stop doing so! It would be bad for your appearance as a young lady!" His voice is loud enough that Lyma assumed that even the knights outside the door have heard him.
'But would it be good since Vanus is a prince?' Lyma wanted to counter but decided not to. "Then I'll reprimand him." She coaxed him.
"You better be." He leaned back to the sofa. "Let's talk about other things. Who will escort you tomorrow? I heard second prince will be attending with one of the minister of commerce's daughters."
"Is it not father?" She's bewildered. Every year she would go to the ball with the king as her escort.
"That is before your coming of age. Now that you have presented yourself to society it will be different." He explained.
'Why didn't they say so? I don't have anyone…right…this is a chance.' Lyma cannot help but grin at the huge coincidence.
"What are you grinning for?" The crown prince has his scrutinizing look on his face.
"Who? Me? Nothing! I just thought of something good."
"Is it a boy? Are you thinking about asking that stone face to be your escort? Absolutely not!" He shouted.
'What? Are we starting again?' Lyma wanted to pull her hair out of frustration. 'He's not going to let this go, will he?'
"Of course not! I will ask someone else." She declared still grinning.
"And who would that be?" He asked brow knitting together.
"Secret." Then she smiled playfully which made the Guerrier's face dimmed. But Lyma just ignore him. "Now, I think you have other things to do than to chat idly with me. I believe you still need to visit your fiancé."
Guerrier sigh and shook his head. "I will go now but I'm not letting this go. Whoever you will ask better not be that stone face." He reminded her.
"Want me to swear it with my sacred name?" Lyma offered.
Guerrier paused for a moment as if considering that option. "No. No need. I'll trust you with this."
'He gave in.' Lyma smiled. "Good. Now off you go, brother. Say may regards to Marionette."
"Yes."
Then Guerrier was out of the room. As soon as she was alone Lyma let out a huge smile. "Now. I just need Avarus to say yes."