15 Hours Ago:
Cleonatra Gremis-
The dawn is serene, quiet; and the gentle wind flowing through my hair is crisp, yet the essence is undeniably clear.
Currently, I stood in the middle of this broad training ground made in the palace, incased with turquoise grass.
I took a deep breath of the fresh air, closed my eyes, then swung my long sword. Horizontally, vertically, diagonally, I leapt off the ground and quickly spun, swinging my sword as the heavy gusts of wind caused the grass to ripple like waves.
When I landed, I extended my left hand and made my sword fade away in darkness, like water evaporating.
I created two falchion swords on my palms, and slashed simultaneously, casting sharp tempests to surface under me and around the area.
As I resumed my training, I noticed a presence. Ceasing any further movement, I glanced to my left, identifying Devail behind short golden gates.
Devail is my older sister, only a year older than me. She's eight. Although I had recently turned the same age as her, my birthday was only a few days ago.
Devail has big, dazzling emerald green eyes with thick lashes. Her long hair fell to her lower back, being the color of amethyst, just like a pretty flower. Devail has most of her bangs brushed to the sides of her face, allowing a singular strand to fall past her nose. Devail's skin is smooth, being a warm tone of peach.
My older sister opened the door and walked to me. She wore a sleeveless black linen dress that hung over her knees. Gold bracelets on her arms and wrists that had two sheer red capes connected to her ornaments. A golden belt swaddled on her waist, along with a pair of black slip-on shoes.
"Hey Cleo, you still wanted to do something today, right? I kinda forgot..." Devail asked, giving a nervous chuckle.
I sighed, this girl always forgets something, "...Yes, let me get ready real quick Devail," I answered, dashing out of the training grounds and went to my room to bathe.
After I was cleaned and dressed, I looked at my tall mirror to make sure I was presentable. My cat-like, crimson red eyes examining my entire outfit.
My sleek skin is that of honey, having a soft golden tone to it. My pearly pink hair is bundled in a bun, with two strands of hair falling over either side of my face.
On my shoulders; a golden collar that sat atop my white shirt. Golden bracelets on my arms and wrists with sheer turquoise capes latched to them. The golden belt on my waist enveloped the top section of my short skirt that fell to my knees. Along with golden sandals on my feet.
I heard a vague purr on my left, coming to see my fluffy black kitten with sky blue eyes and a gold bell wrapped around her neck, laying on my pink bed.
Her name is Bastet; she's also my nexus too, whom I had since I was an infant. As for what type of beast she is, we have no idea.
We searched for her breed in many books but couldn't find it, however, it's not that big of a deal.
I rubbed her soft head, "are you ready to go, Bastet?" She lightly meowed and hopped onto my shoulder, rubbing her small head on my cheek. I gave a small chuckle, then headed outside where Devail was waiting.
Father, Devail, and four guards were all standing by the staircase near the river.
"Ah, girls, just to let you know; be home before dark, your mother is out right now handling some business. And Cleo, your master will be here soon later today. Your mother should be back around night as well," father stated
Me, Devail and Bastet nodded in unison, "ok father." Devail and I replied.
"Be careful too, I'll see you all later," father added giving us both a hug. Thus, me, Devail and the guards walked over to a giant, elegant golden carriage, preparing to travel further into the city.
While Bastet was napping on my lap, the civilians witnessed me and Devail through the windows of our carriage, all taking a bow and showed their respect as we passed. We smiled and waved to our lovely people while getting closer to our destination.
A few minutes later, the carriage stopped at a large shop that was known for selling expensive clothing.
Exiting our transportation with Bastet on my shoulder and the guards trailing behind us, a few noble boys around our age were seen standing along the entrance.
Advancing to the door, one of the three boys with long, light brown hair and blue eyes approached us. When he did, one of the guards raised their weapon, stopping any further movement.
"It's fine," I affirmed waving my hand.
With him standing before us, me and Devail's eyes met his own. He blushed, "h-hi princesses Cleonatra and Devail Gremis. I just wanted to say that you two look magnificent today..." He tensely bowed, then fumbled on his own footing.
How cute, he's nervous.
I chortled in my thoughts, making an effort not to laugh. Creating an awkward smile as my lips began to abnormally wriggle. But I came to feel a pinch on my waist, noticing Devail's slender fingers firmly squeezing my skin.
With a smile remaining on Devail's pretty face, "thank you for your complement. I hope you - along with your friends have a good day," Devail replied in a calm tone.
His face flourished in rose and moved out the way thanking her.
After he did, a few military officers appeared, rushing past us from my left.
"There was just a fight between an unknown child and the noble boy apart of the Omari family, I think Michael is unconscious as well," one of the guards briefed.
"I can't believe this... who in their right mind would pick a fight with a child like him?!" The other exclaimed.
Just when they passed us, a heavy gust of freezing wind was cast from the opposite direction, making everything blow rapidly. Causing mine and Devail's dresses and hair to uncontrollably flutter as Bastet held onto my shoulder.
"Wh-what was that?" Devail quickly asked.
I glanced to my left, gazing at a child around my age with golden hair in a small ponytail, walking a few feet away from us. Wearing a dark green collar jacket, baggy black pants over his black shoes, his hands placed in his pockets, whistling a simple tune as he leisurely strolled.
However, his back was facing me, so I couldn't get a glimpse of his face.
I could only ponder to myself, putting both instances together.
Was he the one who fought?
"Hey Cleo, let's head inside, I got the shivers from that wind," Devail remarked, clenching her arms.
I nodded, but despite that, my thoughts were on that peculiar child. It was truly inexplicable; I wasn't capable of sensing the boy when he ran past us. I can't lie, it did make me fairly interested in him.
Entering the shop, many civilians had bowed and greeted us. In the store, there were metal racks stocked with fancy apparel all-round the place. The tile floor was polished to the point that you could see a clear reflection of yourself. Including long rectangular mirrors across the building, connected to the ground and ceiling above.
A lanky man wearing a black tuxedo with black slicked back hair and small glasses over his brown eyes appeared, "ah, if it isn't my two favorite customers. What are you two young ladies looking for today?" He joyfully questioned.
"Nothing in particular at the moment, if we find anything - I'll be sure to let you know, Ballad," I replied with a smile.
Ballad bowed, "of course, my wife had recently ordered new arrivals as well. I hope they catch your interest." He stated with a wink.
Ballad walked away, flirting with middle-aged woman who were searching for clothing.
"It seems mother was right about most men," I claimed in an uncertain tone, walking with Devail to a section that featured more lavish clothing.
The guards all stared at each other with a puzzled face for a second, then followed behind.
After finding a good amount of attire, the guards all had to sheathe their swords, just to assist with the clothes me and Devail bought.
One of the men had tripped, smacking their face on the carriage wheels...
"Pfft..." I covered my mouth, trying to restrain my laughter from the random juncture.
After the guards had got all our clothing inside the carriage, I turned to my sister, "I'm getting hungry... let's get some food Devail."
Devail sighed, looking at me with those green eyes, she made a deadpan expression, "why're you always hungry?? Didn't you eat at the palace?"
I held onto my older sister's arm, shaking her as I pouted, "pleaseee?? I haven't eaten yet Vail, I wanna eat!"
Devail had cringed, smacking her face, "fine... let's try to find a place after we're done shopping," Devail replied as we entered the carriage.
While on the road searching for a spot, I began pondering about that mysterious boy. It absolutely fascinated me how he moved at such incredible speeds.
I wonder what he looks like...?
*****
While the evening was drawing closer, Devail pointed at a huge fancy restaurant, "what about this place?"
I turned around, eyeing the board, reading, 'Gyasi Exquisites'.
I told the driver to stop here, and we all advanced to the restaurant. When we entered, it's an ok-looking place… at least to me.
The restaurant had circular tables in a vertical line all throughout the floor, there were about six walking lanes. So, the waiters and waitresses, including the customers could walk by without the concern of running into others. Further in the back, the chefs could be viewed cooking food and placing the orders onto a golden counter for the stewards.
A large oval shaped aquarium was displayed on the right, filled with all types of colorful fish, big and small, swimming at a relaxed pace. Plus, purple and red gemstones were perfectly placed in between the wall and ceiling, flushing a dim light onto the customers while they ate.
We had caught the attention of many people, practically the entire restaurant.
"It's Princess Devail and Cleonatra!"
"What're they doing here? Isn't there better restaurants for royalty??"
"Maybe they wanted to try something new?"
A man with short brown hair and green eyes sheathed in a fully golden tuxedo had approached us, keeping a bright smile on his face, "hello, I'm Kasam, it's an honor to have royalty such as yourselves come to my restaurant. I have other areas for people just as yourselves. Please, follow me." He stated, pointing to a stairwell on the left of us.
We all followed the man while he escorted us upstairs to the second floor, after walking through a wide corridor, he brought us into a giant room. Four round tables with white table clothes covering them. Gold chairs, and golden eating utensils too.
This guy is more infatuated with gold than my own parents...
I couldn't help but observe the gaudy area.
Also, there were burgundy leather couches along the side of the walls and had yellow gemstones in the ceiling to create light.
"Please, take your time and look at the menu. I'll be back soon to personally take your orders," Kasam announced before departing the room.
"Are you all hungry by chance? If so… it's fine to eat as well," I stated, looking at the four guards, who were basically drooling from the delicious aroma of food.
All their mouths gaped open from my suggestion, then bowed almost like a chicken pecking food, "thank you for your gracefulness, my lady." They expressed with a livid grin.
After telling Kasam our orders, a few waiters had hastily, yet precisely entered the room, giving us each a bowl of soup before the feast.
"The soup is made with chicken and pork; all of our customers tell us about how much they enjoy it. Please have some while your food is being prepared," Kasam gleefully insisted, then bowed with the waiters exiting the room.
I grabbed a spoon and took a little sip of the heated soup, "mm, this is good!"
They all took my word, and everyone decided to dig in.
A few minutes had passed, and I started to feel extremely fatigued. I quickly glanced to my right, only to notice the guards on the other table were unconscious.
All slumped onto the table or lying back on the chairs. I promptly looked at Devail, who came to be slumbering as well.
Dammit, these bastards tricked us. I have to get us out of here.
I cursed in my head, trying to withstand these sleeping chemicals. I attempted to stand, but I was losing strength at a fast rate, and I could barely move a finger.
Bastet anxiously meowed, activating her aura to assist me. Yet, it was too late, "go… my father… Bastet." I muttered, slowly drifting away.
*****
"-eo."
"Cleo!"
I opened my eyes to see Devail before me, apprehension all over her face, having black shackles on her wrists and ankles, disabling her from movement.
I noticed I was laying on the rough dirt floor, then observed our surroundings.
We're in a large cellar; the walls were made of old, rugged bricks. A singular rusted metal door for an entrance and exit, kept on the opposite side from us. Behind me; two compact window-like openings parallel from each other, allowing the moon to be the only source of light. Sadly, they are too small for us to squeeze through.
We're certainly in quite the predicament now...
"Cleo, are you ok? Can you think straight?" Devail asked inspecting me.
"Yes, I'm fine Devail. How are you feeling?" I questioned, noting her angered state.
"I'm fine, but if we get out of here… no, when we escape. I'll make that man Kasam pay with more than just his life..." Devail spoke in a calm, yet furious tone.
I attempted to shroud myself in aura, but nothing appeared, "...looks like we'll have to devise a plan. We can't use our aura or kinetics due to the shackles though, they seem to absorb our energy."
"Right… we could try to trick who ever captured us. But I'm positive there's more of them," Devail specified with unease, gazing at the rustic door.
A few minutes had passed while we tried to devise a plan, and the door harshly creaked opened as it scraped across the gnarled dirt covered ground.
A fat, burly man with beady brown eyes, a buzzcut and long unkept beard entered. Wearing a white tank top - which was obviously tight on him, revealing the lower section of his belly. Plus, a pair of black pants tucked in leather boots.
He entered with a smug grin, "...it seems the two princesses have awakened from their beauty sleep. We have some great plans for the two of you, heh- "could you possibly put me down now, mister… I can't… breathe…"
An odd chirpy voice had abruptly interrupted him.
The man scoffed and pulled out another kid from the shadows. Holding the back of her collar, causing the zipper to stifle her.
"Shut up little girl. Anyways, I brought you girls a new playdate, try not to fight, ok?" The fat pig chuckled maliciously.
He slung the golden-haired girl onto the ground with a loud thump, then closed the door and continued to cackle away as his voice gradually disappeared.
"Ughh... thank Malerenz he's gone... His jokes made me wanna kill myself..." Her voice had become a tad lower, then it hit me.
She's a boy??
That golden hair, dark green collar jacket, baggy black pants.
He's that boy from earlier?!
He lifted his head and our eyes met; his face is inconceivably beautiful. Thin eyebrows, long feminine eyelashes, and divine violet eyes, just like a glamorous galaxy. His skin is cool and sleek, a tone like milky marble. His golden hair is wild, yet still has a wavy nature as well, only allowing two strands of hair to fall over his forehead.
The boy had grinned, making a devious chuckle, "finally, I found you. Now, I'm gonna get some cash."