***
Although the forest would have been dark and ominous were she venturing on her own, calliope felt a sense of security as she walked the path towards what she assumed was a portal made by the man walking beside her to his Realm. The prospect of travelling through a portal to another realm for the first time was daunting but exciting for the young Princess.
She could sense the unique energy signature she had been taught to look out for when it came to inter-dimensional jumps- which was essentially what travelling through realms was. It was crazy to think that her life had shifted so much and so had she to the very core of her being.
She knew she was not the greatest at magic casting but the mere fact that she could sense it was a wonder even to her trainers- her grandmother more specifically. Memories of the time they had spent together ran through her mind, giving her the strength to put her best foot forward and continue on towards the clearing where, sure enough, a portal awaited them.
She had seen the wondrous spell before. Kelsey had shown her the basics and asked her to keep training until she could be able to summon one herself. It was not a trait many people possessed, which as why they used portal designated areas in each of the realms. Kelsey was, however, sure that Calliope could do it- just like her grandmother and mother before her.
Her magical energy was sufficient. All that was left was the application of true skill which would have to be learnt over time. Risking a portal conjuration without practice could have very fatal consequences. She admired the fact that her husband to be could easily perform the spell. Not that she doubted it. He was, after all, one of the strongest beings in all the realms. His knowledge was extensive with the years he had walked this world.
I wish we had met under different circumstances. He could have been a really good teacher...
Calliope mused presently as she and him stopped in front of the white, glowing magical circle.
"Have you done portal travel before?"
His voice was smooth, deep and broke through the calm silence of the forest. She had expected the question and yet he still found a way to unsettle her to the very core of her being- simply because of his proximity. She could not understand her emotions all too well- her affinity to want to lean in and listen to him talk all night.
Get your shit together, Calli, and answer a simple damn question...
She reminded herself of her position and the fact that Lucien's gaze was now on her and waiting expectantly for her answer.
"Yes. During training but never to another realm. I was told it can be a bit...unsettling at first."
Calli responded, thanking all her guardians and her lucky stars for the strength in her voice that was anything but what she truly felt inside. Lucien nodded in agreement to her words before turning to look at her fully.
"Yes, it can be overwhelming but the more you travel through the realms, the easier it shall become. Unlike the more stable, controlled and slower Portal Gates at the designated areas, this is one I conjured up myself. Its faster and better but the energy signature is different and can feel weird. Also, due to your own unique energy signature melding with mine, it is possible to get separated during the jump but if you stay calm, center your mind and hold onto me tight, there should not be any issues. The effects of the travel won't last long and should disappear as soon as we arrive. Are we good?"
Lucien's explanation proved to Calliope further that if the situation were truly different, he could have been a great teacher. Instead, she nodded in understanding whilst trying and failing to jeep her heart steady. It was hard to, though, when the breathtakingly handsome man in front of her wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into him.
Once he was sure that she was ready, he began to chant in another language- one that sounded like the old tongue in which Kelsey had mentioned was common with the Immortals. She could not understand a word he said but she didn't have to because the portal came to life, shining bright as it responded to his own powers.
Calli tightened her grip on his arms as she felt the familiar pull of magic and energy begin to surround them. Space was being distorted and she could feel her body respond in kind as they were plunged into momentary darkness. It, however, disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, alerting her of their arrival in another realm.
"We're here. How do you feel?"
Lucien was being kinder than Calliope anticipated, especially now that she was no longer in Earth realm but somewhere else entirely. She knew she was judging him based on what she had been told- which wasn't usually how she liked to operate- but this was new territory and usually, where there is smoke, there is fire.
That had not been the case so far, however, as she looked up and met his gaze that was truly inquisitive and attentively waiting her response.
"A bit of nausea and dizziness but its quickly fading, thanks."
Lucien simply nodded in understanding but did not let her go even as she turned to look upon where they had appeared and the landscape that spanned far and wide before her. She was speechless, admiring the new realm in which she had found herself in. For one, it was nighttime here too but that seemed to be the end of its similarity to Earth realm.
Two moons and a plethora of fantasy world type stars shone down on the green landscape before her. The sky was familiar, a replica of the dreams she had had for so many years. Dreams she had no idea were leading her to the true place of their origin. She had, however, never seen the Castle from the vantage point they were now in and neither had she ever seen the Grand City that spanned before it.
"Welcome to the Natus Kingdom, your new home. We are currently in the Capital City and Centre of the Realm, SteelCrest. We are on the outskirts of the city. I wanted you to see it before we teleport again to the Castle."
Lucien stated, earning a radiant and genuine thankful smile from Calliope before she turned back and took in the city once more. The King of Natus didn't know how to respond to her genuine emotion or why it had sent a wave of warmth through him. They were foreign emotions, feelings he refused to acknowledge. Instead, he watched his bride take in his home in almost childlike wonder and excitement. He remembered her words the first time they met. She had been in SteelCrest before but never had she seein it from this angle.
It was still a remarkable sight, even for him despite all the years he had walked this world. He had seen it all and yet the progress that Natus had made over the years never failed to impress him.
"It's incredible. Never could I have imagined that it was this big."
Calli responded, taking in the modern looking buildings that melded well with old architecture. It looked a lot like Italy but way bigger and with no sort of serious modernization or industrialization. It was not tainted by the inventions of modern day living on Earth Realm but was more of a fantasy type of City that still seemed way ahead of its time. Calli homed in on what seemed like a Lake or Ocean spanning miles and shimmering under the light of the gorgeous stars and moon.
"Oh, believe me, this is a tip of the iceberg. This is the Royal Capital but there are eleven other cities and even more towns. We are not as large as Earth Realm but are certainly more advanced in our living. Magic has ousted the need for technology like in your realm. We already went through that phase and didn't find it as useful as magic. Travel is through carriages on modernized roads or Portal Gates depending on your preference and reason for travel. The air is cleaner, fresher and the people are happy. It is simple living but still great in its own right. You'll learn and see more as time goes by but, for now, we must return to the Castle. I'm afraid I have kept people waiting for a little too long."
Calli took in all of Lucien's words, excitement coursing through her at the prospect of learning more about this wondrous world that truly seemed more advanced than Earth Realm. Part of her was still reeling from the mere fact that this was her new reality, so much so that she didn't even register his words, or the quick portal jump they did into the Castle.
Nausea and Dizziness forgotten; Calliope tightened her grip on Lucien's hand as she registered that they were now standing outside the entrance that would lead them into the Castle. That was not the problem as much as was the staff who bowed low at the sight of them and proffered a greeting in unison.
"Your Majesty. Your Highness. We welcome your return to Castle SteelCrest."
Calliope tried and failed to hide her nervousness, a sight that amused Lucien who was pleased to see yet another true emotion on her, He was learning to slowly read and understand her. That would be integral in what was to come. He would not share a home with someone he didn't now, even if he planned to let her live her own life as long as he got what he wanted.
Calliope, on the other hand, was learning just how real her position was. This was a foreign reaction; one she had not yet experienced in such a setting and before so many people. Her mother had warned her of the constraints that came with being Royalty and the culture shocks she may go through but experiencing it was a whole other ball game altogether.
"This is your new life, Xotiko mou. I suggest you get used to it. Otherwise, the Aristocrats may eat you alive. Both literally and figuratively."
Calliope stared at Lucien, waiting for a laugh or even a chuckle to signal that he was joking but, alas, he was unperturbed and chose instead to keep walking towards the stairs, hands still entwined which had the young princess following as if on autopilot. She mulled over his words, choosing not to dismiss them despite the anxiety it gave her.
Whether or not that was a joke or a warning, Calliope, you must remember grandma's rules of engagement with the people here. Gaining that one Aristocratic friend might end up being your literal saving grace...
Calliope mused inwardly, allowing her husband to be to lead her up the brown, marble steps and towards the grand mahogany double doors that were being manned by two very large and bulky guards.
"Wait, where are we going?"
She now registered the fact that neither one of the staff had moved from their bowed positions and neither one of them was making an effort to stop them. Lucien glanced back at her once they stood before the grand doors that were being opened by the two men.
"Where else, my bride, but to our chambers. This is our first of seven nights we shall spend together during the Marking Nexus. You will stay by my side as we begin our life together."
For a moment, as their gazes held each other and as Lucien brushed a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, there seemed to be some sort of harmony. Almost as if it was meant to be between them. They could each feel it, the anticipation of having time together with no interruptions. That is what the Marking Nexus was.
Calliope was dazed by his admission and the buzz of power that seemed to course through her at his simple touch. They were magnetic, their connection was definitely there but the Young Elven Princess knew better than to fall for the Natus King's mind addling words.
His gaze burned bright with the prospect...but only for a moment before the light was snuffed out and the scorching gray became dark, gloomy and dead once more. He is planning something...but what?
Calliope mused silently, allowing him to pull her through the threshold and into her new home. She was alert, however, and read for whatever was to come.
This was her chance to employ her training and see whether the Beast King Immortal was everything they said he was and more...
***