So," Niran asked them, still puzzled, "Where exactly is Darkailyht?"
"This is the capital city of our empire, adjacent to Ravenoire." Ayk said in baritone voice with a hint of pride.
"I mean, where is it on Earth?"
"Earth? What's that?"
Niran clutched her heart in shock while the other two just blinked.
"You people don't know EARTH?!"
"Is it that important to be known?" Ayk scoffed.
"Look- Never mind, I want to go home. Send me back! Now!"
"Did I bring you here?" Ayk shot a glare at Niran, "Go back the way you came." He turned to Rhys, "Deal with her." and strided out of the room, leaving the two alone
"Shit." Niran kicked the floor.
"Beg your pardon, Miss....."
"Niran...Niran Williams."
"Miss Niran, don't take him in the wrong way. he's just....a bit off."
"I don't give a damn about him!" Niran scoffed, "Well, maybe a little, but can't he just send me home? Like using those magic, open portal and push me to my bed?"
"Er...he can't do that."
"Why?
"Because you're summoned by someone else."
"Okay, wait, atleast can you enlighten me on what's going on here? Why your Queen summoned me? For what purpose?"
"Well, our kingdom is in a deadlock and we are trying our best to end it up peacefully. Her Majesty took our Shaman's word to heart, which is, a person from another realm is born to end our misery. So she started to look out for people who could help us beyond our world."
"Okay....what help can I be? I don't even know how to spar"
"I doubt that too." Rhys said smiling lightly.
"So the Queen- no, Her Majesty can send me home right? Can you take me to her, please?"
Rhys hung his head down, his voice faltering, "I can't..."
"Wait, what? Look my dad would be worrying about me, it's already late! Take me to her!"
"She's dead."
Niran froze, contemplating what Rhys said, "Wha..."
Rhys looked Niran, his eyes misty, "We lost Our King and Queen, 3 months ago."
"Then...how did she summon me?"
"It's her soul....She's wandering to different worlds to find the person to help us but she didn't get any. We thought she left to her afterlife. Seeing you here now.....I think she left after summoning you."
Niran flopped back on the bed, "How am I going to go home now?....."
Rhys came near Niran, "Miss Niran-"
"Please...." Niran sighed, "just Niran."
"Okay. Don't worry. I'll make sure you go back home-"
They were interrupted by a strange drumming sound that resonated throughout the palace.
Rhys stiffened hearing it and stood straight
"What's that?"
"The royal court is being summoned now. I have to be there. Please stay-"
"I'll come with you."Niran sprang up from the bed, excited, "I'll be discreet and awake no suspicions. Please let me go with you."
Rhys looked at her and sighed, "Fine, but your attire....." he looked her from head to toe.
"Does my Pjs bother him that much?" Niran thought and looked down at her Tata-printed limited edition sleeping pajamas, "maybe it does."
Rhys grabbed a nearby Velvet table cloth and threw it over Niran which almost drowned her. "This will do. Just...don't ghost on anybody like this."
"Atleast one knows how to crack jokes." Niran laughed. Rhys smiled,
"Let's move now."
They slowly walked into the long corridor which looked dull and dimly lit, with few ornate fire light torches hanging here and there. It was awfully quiet, the only sound heard is of Rhys' armour clacking as he walked.
Soon they reached a big entrance, guarded by two knights, who were letting in noble people inside.
They bowed as Rhys went near them and eyed Niran suspiciously
"She's with me." He gave a curt nod to those knights and turned to her, "I can't take you inside. Stay here with them. I'll escort you to your room afterwards."
"Okay."
With that Rhys went inside. The knights glared at Niran as she peeked inside.
Slim braziers enclosing each of the twelve marmoreal columns light up the lower levels of the throne hall and allow shadows to play and dance where light cannot reach. Sculptures and carved images look down upon the mahogany floor of the elegant hall. Tall gold stained glass windows with designs similar to the crescent moon took up the little light and iluminated the room like a firefly
A Silver, magnificent throne, made of some unearthly element, with long spokes afixed at its back like rays of sunlight, gleamed under the moonlight, stood at the center of a small platform and is adjoined by smaller seats for esteemed guests.
The throne is covered in symbolic carvings and each rear leg had a sparkling latern. The broad pillows are a dark blue beryl and these too have been adorned with embellished edges.
Gorgeous balconies for other guests to witness the happenings encircle the room with knights stationed at every nook of the room, armed with long pointed spears.
"Woah-"
"Move aside, intruder! His Majesty's here! Move out of the way!"
A guard dragged Niran and pushed her in a dark corner beside the throne hall.
"What the- How dare-"
"Raise all! For the ruler of Darkailyht! The Glory of Fallons!-"
"Fallons?" Niran raised her brows, "I remember seeing that name in Dad's Research book. What's going-"
"HIS MAJESTY! AYTIGIN LUCIUS FALLON!"
Niran peeked from the column to look at the king, her impatient hands trying to hold the pillar.
With a Silver velvet cloak over his royal attire, a crown adorned with finest gemstones on his head, Niran's eyes widened as she saw the guy striding into the hall, head high and stone gazed.
"Ayk?!"