Dreadful screams can be heard throughout the throne room followed by desperate footsteps of ministers urging for yet another pointless meeting. Finally, the last minister left and silence filled the room.
"How distasteful, pitiful really and you call yourself honorable citizens of Albelon", emerald eyes stare down to the quivering snot-covered child, "silence boy, fetch me Sir Granger," the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the throne room. The gorgeous 5'7 woman walked towards the young boy quivering holding a much younger child in his arms. Her dark blue gown resembling the quiet night sky flowed as she walked with simple yet majestic golden jewels and embroidery that seemed to flow from her pale skin glistening under the moonlight. Her slender neck is adorned with a simple emerald locket that shines ever so bright resembling her eyes. No one during her centuries of reign has ever come close to understanding why a being like her having everything under her power, wears such a simple trinket, well none who had come to know the truth and lived, apart from her most trusted ally sir Granger and his sister.
"Empress Albelon, please don't harm my sister, she is the only family I have left" came out a small cry from the trembling boy gathering all his strength to crawl towards the goddess-like woman.
"Oh, so you can talk after all," her lips curled into a small smile as her magic coursed through her veins and struck the boy, who screamed as the electrocuting pain shot up through his fragile body. "Don't worry about her boy as long as you prove to be useful she lives." The boy being thrown against the wall bleeding out nodded with the last of his strength before the world blacked out.
"Glory to the empire and our empress," rang out a deep voice that belonged to a 6'0 man in Armour, as he kneeled to the ground with a clank bowing signifying respect and loyalty" to what do I owe the summon my empress," he says keeping his head low his eyes shifting from the young girl to the blood-covered boy passed out in front of the 5th great Albelon pillar.
"You know why I had you summoned Granger it's time, everything needs to go perfectly." amber eyes glowing with desire as her magic puts the little girl to sleep. " bring in the traitors Granger." silence fills the room yet again as the amber eyes shift its gaze into the hesitant knight in front of her. With a slight curl of her red lips, a sword appears pointing towards sir Granger's neck.
"Forgive me, your highness, I shall bring them in immediately" the sword drawing a tiny droplet of blood causing the curse mark to send excruciating shots of heat through his veins. Her lips curled up to a broader smile as she walked to the marble cushioned throne and gracefully sat down.
"Oh my Grangy, I never thought of you as an emotional type, why the sudden love for your baby girl and her husband. Those bastards deserve a punishment for being naughty." Laughter echoes through the walls " Oh I know Grangy why don't we show everyone what is in store for them for going against their god." Her magic fills the air making it hard to breathe.
" Wake the boy up" amber eyes stare down at the knight kneeling in front of her, who wouldn't dare to raise his head up.
" Your majesty, please don't" pleaded the large man on his knees, I beg for your forgiveness my loyalty and my life belongs to you I plead you to not harm the children" the empress hums in content as the door opens revealing a small trembling couple beaten and bruised, covered with snot, blood and their fear-stricken eyes red from tears and lack of sleep, their throats raw from screams and cries as they continue to sob and plead for forgiveness.
"For your loyalty, I shall listen to your request, the boy will be sentenced to banishment. Travel arrangements shall be made in a week, be sure to say your farewells" screams of disbelief continued to come out from the traitor begging her father to save her child." it is getting late let us get this over with sir Granger" going back to her stoic face as she sips her wine and watches as the knight unsheathes his sword.
"Father please don't do this my babies are right there" the woman who had been ever so enchanting brought to the level of a mere slave for going against the god of this empire continued to sob louder as she clung to his leg begging for mercy" the screaming had been cut short as her body drops down dead followed by her husband. The blood dripped off the sword and the knight fell on his knees sobbing as the grief and the sight of his daughter's cold body engulfed him
"I shall return to my chambers then, tidy up Grangy" the empress soon placed a kiss on the knight's head as she walked off to her chambers signaling the end of the day.
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Those were the last of the records found in my grandfather's study, it seems strange who were those children, those traitors, what have they done to have been killed. The record later gently returned to the bookshelf as the slow creaking of the old wooden floorboard filled the room.
"Princess Castredas, the Duke and Duchess have summoned you for lunch" came out a voice from the redwood door frame. Then revealed a young woman age 19 with a strong build, fiery red locks which seemed to match the bold yet polite look in her glittering emerald eyes.
"Such passion," thought the Lady Castredas, with her diametric contradicting looks from her fragile frame, her raven hair and eyes ever so blue that resembled the great Albelon oceans. "I could've made her mine," although they had grown up together, Lady Castredas knew she couldn't have her for their status has been much too different and she is soon to receive her crest blessed by god. A lingering hope that her knight would receive one matching hers flickered deep within as she pushed those thoughts away.
"Alright I shall leave immediately," said the lady walking away with the night lamp close to her, "oh and Kiera I've told you to call me Valerie we are friends aren't we," she said with a small smile as she walked through the dark corridors of her home, the knight responded with a small bow following her after locking up.
"oh, how I loathe how deep and dark this castle is if only my dear mother hadn't contracted that awful curse." mumbled the lady under her breath, yet she couldn't do anything but recall all the memories she had spent with her brother under the warm sunlight. I guess it's about time I've sent him a letter i wonder how he is holding up.
"Lady Valerie Castredas has arrived" announced a manservant as he pushes the two dark wood doors with gold decor open revealing a dimly lit dining room with velvet tableware, gorgeous violet wallpapers, and deep blue heavy curtains hung tightly keeping the ever so bright sunlight away from entering the room. Her azure eyes soon fell upon the guest who had been seated right next to her father, the Duke.
"ZANE! you made it, oh this coming of age ceremony is indeed going to be the best." Lady Castredas smiled she leaped gracefully for a hug from her current suitor and told from several rumors, her soon-to-be fiance. He is the person said to most likely share her crest which will be soon revealed the next day for the great Dukedom of Castredas has hoisted their very first ball for their only princess. The opportunity for all young girls who had come of age to enter the high society, to flaunt their gowns, family and to make connections and most importantly to receive the crest of god sealing their life partners.
"My darling Rie, you look as enchanting as ever" Zane smiled warmly as he placed a loving kiss on the lady's forehead. Zane Thomson a son of count located in the far corner towards the borders of the dukedom. Here stood a 6'1 man in his 20's light greenish blond hair with brown eyes, broad shoulders and a strong body, a clear descendant of the earth mana users. From his clothing to his manners as he lead the lady by her hand to be seated. Dame Reynolds stays silent as she proceeds to pour out the wine and serve her lady her lunch.
"Dear child your father and I have something to announce," the Duchess Castredas, a sickly woman kept up a weak smile as she nudged her stern husband
"yes Valerie right after the ball Dame Reynolds will escort you to your grandfather, you have been summoned." his deep blue eyes shifted to Kiera. "Kiera, you are excused, sir Reynolds is looking for you by the training grounds." with a slight bow Kiera leaves the room as the door closes behind her she walks over to her uncle ignoring the pain brought by the silence causing her thoughts to flow her and eyes flickering shades.
"Ilya calms yourself, you must stay strong" came out a voice revealing an older 6'0 man with neat grey hair with a smile and stretched his arms out to which Kiera jumped into.
"uncle do I truly have to attend tomorrow," came out a quiet voice as Sir Hayden Reynold stroked her fiery red hair with a smile.
"yes child, tomorrow might as well be the last of our peaceful days. She's on a move we will have to move as well" he smiles hiding the fear for his beloved niece. "Here take this" he revealed a small teal pendant. "Keep this with you at all times " a simple pendant that seems to have a simple protection charm to it but nothing special " you will understand its significance when you grow older." Kiera slightly nodded as she wipes away her tears. " shall we duel then, the winner makes dinner"
"you're on" smirked Kiera as she drew her sword.
The sunsets as the clicking of heels had been heard, revealing a disheveled Lady with her arms locked against a young man. Emerald's eyes flicker yet again as she draws mana in her sword and charges towards Sir Reynold, swords clanking with mana-infused air making it harder to breathe yet none seem to be affected as they continued to dance with their swords.
"I've missed this thrill" smiled Kiera as she launched forward defending against her uncle's attack.
"KIERA! we need to talk" came out a voice halting Kiera's attack as she nodded to her uncle before walking towards her lady. "Kiera we have much to do for tomorrow, we shall go buy a few gowns and jewels" as she goes on rambling
"My lady we had gone shopping just yesterday it's getting late why don't we return to your chambers, tomorrow is a big day." she smiles offering her hand which Valerie accepts.
The pair walks to Lady Valerie's room as they bid their farewell the door is gently shut. yet none of them moved away from the door frame. at last, the gentle footsteps and the sound of the faucet seemed to have signaled that the lady has left to prepare for her slumber.
As Valerie stripped from the last of her garments and dipped in her quiet warm bath her thoughts wandering over the excitement of tomorrow occasionally the flickering hope that she would be blessed to remain forever with the redhead resurfaces but she continues to push it aside as she thinks about her first dance with her beloved Zane. Oh to run her hands over his red hair to stare at his emerald green eyes. Blood flushed to her cheeks as the realization hit. She hurried out of the bath, putting on her nightgown and slipping in her velvet bed sheets eyes shut tight as she begins to flush out the blood that had made its way to her face, finally calming herself down she falls into slumber awaiting the next day.
"That's the end of the day" Kiera sighs as she leaps off the castle walls into the forest for her nightly training. She darts over the large rock arriving at an archway of old twigs and roses made by her a decade ago. 'Ah, good times' she thought as she recalled the time young master Castredas had left the castle, how she had left the castle to spend time alone by arc built by them, Kiera walks over to the pond and leaps over a tree staring at the sky in silent bliss.
"What is the great Dame Reynolds doing past her bedtime" came out a deep sarcastic voice "last time I checked ladies require their beauty sleep. Though you don't seem to require it" the rustling of the bushes revealed a tall 7'0 man with ebony hair and silver eyes, from his caramel-colored skin to his kissable perfect lips. The man proceeds towards Kiera with a slight smirk not breaking eye contact. Kiera froze in trance her eyes not leaving the man. She has never seen a man so breathtaking. She might be interested in the lady but that doesn't mean she can't appreciate a good man. Gender really doesn't bother her.
"Don't come to any closer, state who you are?" said Kiera throwing her needles at this unknown man who seemed to vanish from her field of vision. With the clicking of her tongue, she leaped from the tree "stupid swordsmen and their agility" she found herself slammed against the very tree.
"Aren't you a swordsman too," says the man with his silver eyes glowing with content seeing how the younger woman had been pinned under him. Her fiery red hair tousled with a few strands stuck to the tree, oh how even the strands look lovely he thought smiling as he dodged the needles thrown at him "Easy there kitten, it's time to cut your claws" he said as he pinned her hands above her head.
"what are you." Kiera struggles out of his grip. Strange, strength had never been a factor I had trouble against, who is this man. " As she struggles, the man proceeds to remove her sword and bag and toss it over his shoulder.
"Calm down kitten I won't hurt you," says the man kissing her nose and letting go of her hand. " sit down Dame Reynolds I've waited all year for this day and I don't plan on letting you go.
"it's not like I wanted to, I could have run if I could, this bastard must've used a spell" she mumbled as she did what he said. " what do you mean by waiting all year you creep who are you"
"Oh did I forget to introduce myself," said the man on one knee taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. " I am Sir Damien Huxley I used to work for the royal guards until last year, I've been captivated by your beauty allow me to escort you for tomorrow's ball. I hear you require one as well." smirked the man as he lifted his head and brought it closer to Kiera.
"How kind of you to offer, but how about you drop dead" snarls the redhead sticking out her tongue. "why in the world would I do that now."
"Now now would you like to accept my offer here or" the black-haired man opened his palm revealing a peaceful Valerie Castredas in her light blue silk nightwear sleeping with little to no care in the world.
"No don't hurt her."
"Bingo, right answer" smirked the man
"coward" glared the redhead as she held out her hand
" I would've taken plan A if you weren't so feisty me-ow" chuckled Sir Huxley, as he took her hand tieing his ribbon on her wrist, "well now" pulling her closer to him "isn't this nice us together under the night sky" smiled the man as he stared down to the gorgeous woman in his arms.
"No," said Kiera as she bit his hand and leapt out of him the second she felt the magic wear off "you should really try harder to restrain me Sir Pervley" continued Kiera as she disappeared along the winding road back to the castle.
"Ah that woman, so unladylike leaving without saying goodbye," smirked Damien as he kissed the cut his little kitten had ever so lovingly given him.
Kiera entered the large walls of the castle just how she left, as she ran to her chambers her face flushed and her heart pounding against her chest " what was that" her thoughts rambling against her head as she stare down at the black ribbon tied to her wrist with the words Damien magically engraved in grey.
"what was that," she thought yet again as she looked up at the night sky filled with twinkling stars and the sweet silence of the night filled her room. " just forget it, time to turn in" as she walked over to her bed a sharp pain shot up to her ankle.
"son of a-" she flinched as she rolled up her pants. noticing the strange mark on her ankle, wait it looked like words, I can't read it, it's foggy. thought the lady,
'"magic" she mumbled with the last of her energy as her world darkened and passed out on the cold floor.