Ionia I need to talk to you.
What is it Adryll, as you can see I am waiting here just like everyone else for our training to start. And believe me i'm not in the least interested in whatever it is you have to say.
You've changed Ionia, is there something you are not telling us.
Are you for real right now Adryll?
I owe you all no explanation whatsoever.
Please stop bothering me will you.
I am honestly tired of doing this with you people.
Ionia right?
I turned to see the princess of Rania walking towards me, the same princess Lucien and I met at the market.
Princess I greeted.
Where is your friend?
My friend?
Yes the one I saw you with at the market.
Oh that friend, I'm sorry my princess but he is not here.
Ionia come here for a second said Illaesa.
Excuse me my princess, Illaesa is calling for me.
Princess Adeline you saw her with a friend?
Yes Adryll.
A male friend?
Yes I saw them yesterday at the market.
If you don't mind me asking can you describe this friend?
Of cause he is, hmmm he is.
I can't seem to remember his face but I'm sure I saw her with someone yesterday and it is so unlike me to forget a face especially one that left an impression.
It's fine princess thank you for your time.
Illaesa you called.
Yes Ionia I'm happy to see you here today.
The pleasure is mine my lady.
Today you will learn different combat techniques hope you are ready?
I am.
Good.
After hours of intense combat practice, I was feeling sore all over. Whatever their issue with Lucien, they really mean business.
Ionia where have you been I've been looking for you all day questioned Celeste as I was about entering my room.
Celeste come in.
I've been practicing with the others.
I did not see you at training today, or do you mean the other one she asked in a whisper.
Yes.
I was there when you refused them or didn't you?
I did but Illaesa persuaded the king to allow me train with them.
You seem to be in the spotlight a lot recently Ionia.
I know right, trust me I don't want to be but the spotlight don't want to leave me.
Are you feeling better I asked.
Yes I am, thank you for yesterday.
Don't mention it was nothing.
I should leave you to rest I can't dare to imagine what you must have gone through in the name of training.
You have no idea Celeste.
I called Lucien after Celeste left.
You look terrible.
Thanks Lucien that really warms my heart.
You should rest, why did you call for me?
I haven't seen you today, i've been busy you can't imagine the day I've had Lucien.
You look all drained out.
That's because I am.
Now take me with you, let's go continue our training.
You must be joking.
What do you mean, we train daily remember?
Ionia you are exhausted you need food and rest not more training.
Are you abandoning me?
I'm not abandoning you but you are in no form to practice.
I don't know what you are saying Lucien, whether you like it or not you are taking me with you I said holding his arm tightly.
How can you tell me to eat and rest with what's going on?
Do you know how lonely I feel with you not around especially with everything that is going on?
See you don't know how serious these people are taking your matter and here you are pushing me away.
Let me tell you, I'm not letting go of you.
If you think I will leave you I'm sorry for you. I'm like a bone stuck in your throat the faster and sooner you realize this the better for all of us.
Better think of a way to deal with this situation and see let me tell you if the pressure of the training get's too much i will quit after all I'm not going to join them in their death wish so I don't see why I have to kill myself in training.
I'm warning you nothing better happen to you.
You can't allow me get use to having someone look out for me and care for me and expect me to let you go just like that.
You are not even allowed to die if you die I will look for a way to bring you back or your spirit will know no peace I said sounding and acting dramatic.
How can he tell me to go sleep, the only thing that gave me strength to go through that hellish training was the thought of seeing him and here he is telling me to go to sleep.
Imagine!
He brought me to my room in his home and gave me food, after eating I went to wash up.
I climbed the bed after washing up and decided to wait for him, I quickly fell asleep.
Looking at the beautiful face looking so calm and innocent I couldn't help but chuckle. We both knew she is tired yet she stubbornly refuse to admit it.
Who knew she had a cute side.
Remembering her little act earlier I smiled.
However, this complicates things.
It is obvious she's grown attached to me and despite my indifference I too I've grown attached to her.
I too want her to be with me all the time, but I don't think it's fair to her.
My father has started his move already and I might have underestimated him.
I don't lie, ever.
My mom made sure of that, so lying to her about what's going on is not an option.
I wonder how she will take it.
She has a right to know seeing how attached she is to me, she should be aware of the dangers.
For now I should let her sleep.
I cast a healing spell on her to help replenish her strength.
I woke up the next day to find myself still in Lucien's home.
I saw a new set of clothes by the side and decided to wash up and change into them.
I feel energized.
Good morning Lucien I greeted joining him in his dining area.
That smells heavenly.
Sit and have breakfast with me, I will drop you off after.
Thanks, I was surprised to wake up here though.
Why didn't you take me back as usual?
I wanted to, but I decided not to because I have something to tell you.
Okay, what is it?
Eat first talk later.
The food as usual was delicious.
Now tell me what is it?
I might have underestimated my father.
What do you mean?
I mean you are right, they really do mean to kill me.
Lucien what are you trying to tell me.
Yesterday after I left you I went into the woods to see how the animals were doing as usual, when I encountered three men.
Now normally I happen to be invisible when I go on this patrols just in case anyone is around. Though this people could not see me they can sense me and most of the spells I used on them they can defend.
Okay so since you know this it's just for you to try a different approach right?
The thing is, Ionia these spells where taught to me by my mom you can say it belongs to her people they are not known in Ataraxia or the surrounding kingdoms I know for a fact.
So what are you saying.
These people came from the same place as my mom.
Meaning with their help, you all are evenly matched I completed.
Precisely.
It was quiet for some time with both of us not saying a word.
Now you know how dangerous it is being with me they might come look for me here, I don't know to what extent is their ability and I don t want you here when that happens.
Lucien if you think that's how you protect me you are mistaken.
And if you think just because you are in trouble that's reason enough for me to leave you then you don't know me well enough.
Ionia this is serious.
And you think I'm joking?
Lucien instead of this banter we should be focused more on how to deal with this problem.
Me still training will be to our advantage after all. If these people are as good as you say, then they will definitely be among those teaching us. I will just have to be vigilant and report to you if I find anything.
Ionia this people are not to be trifled with.
I know but who will suspect me? and for now I think you have to pass a message to your animal friends just in case they know anything.
I can't lose you Lucien I refuse to lose you.
Now we have a mission, take me back it will soon be time for my training.
Lucien brought me to the palace close to the room we use for training and thankfully the passage was empty.
Are you invisible I asked?
Yes
Good.
I saw Lucien looking around with a strange expression.
This must be your first time here I said softly.
Since you are invisible why don't you walk around, you can practically go anywhere without being seen. Who knows you might just learn something important.
Ionia is that you?
I turned around to see prince Daryl walking towards me.
My prince, I bowed in greeting.
What were you saying to yourself?
Oh just something I do whenever I'm feeling down.
You look beautiful, love your attire.
Thank you my prince.
No need for the formalities you can call me Daryl.
My prince I don't think that's proper.
Why not? Your family are dear friends of mine and your siblings are good friends of ours. I don't see any reason for you to be formal.
I turned to look at Lucien who was still standing beside me and who only I can see. I wonder how he's feeling seeing this brother of his.
I wish I could see his face without the mask.
Is anything the matter Ionia? asked Daryl.
No my prince.
Are you going to the training room?
Yes
Let's go together.
I was about going with him when Lucien grabbed my hand leaned close to me and whispered in my ear for me to stay.
I controlled my expression and turned to Daryl.
My prince,
Daryl he corrected.
Daryl i said.
Go on ahead I need to gather my thoughts I will be with you shortly.
If you say so, I will be inside.
You did not tell me you where close to the prince Lucien asked after Daryl left.
I'm not, this is the first time he's talking to me after the competition.
How long does this your training last?
I don't know it lasted all through the day yesterday.
You practiced all day?
Well we go on breaks where we eat and rest a little before continuing.
When you are done come here and call me.
Why don't we go snooping around together?
Really I asked excitedly
Yes
Okay.
I entered the room to find almost everyone present.
I ignored all the stares and went to sit in a quiet corner.
I saw Adryll, Leticia and Isobel laughing and chatting together with prince Emmett and Daryl looking at them with smiles on their faces.
The two princes and princess together with my siblings are not part of the soul shadow sect however they do join us when the need arises.
I call it privilege rights.
Ionia are you feeling better now asked Daryl coming to sit beside me snapping me from my thoughts.
My prince I'm better thank you for your concern.
Daryl he corrected once again.
I gave him a little smile not wanting to be rude.
You don't like me that much do you?
My prince, I mean Daryl I corrected. Please don't get me wrong, I have no reason not to like you and you are our beloved prince after all. It's just that I'm not used to people talking to me that's all.
Well if you would allow me Ionia I would like to be your friend.
My prince, I mean Daryl I corrected once again.
I don't think that's a wise thing to do. I could already feel everyone's eyes on me, it's bad enough i am being hated for the way I look if you add being friends with the prince to the mix I can't imagine the consequence.
We continued where we left off with our combat training yesterday.
After another hellish training session we all dispersed.
I immediately left the room not wanting prince Daryl to initiate another conversation.
Lucien I called.
Quick make me invisible I said the moment he appeared.
Done, what is it?
It's prince Daryl, suddenly he wants to be friends I told him whispering.
You don't have to whisper they won't be able to hear us.
Oh okay I said sounding normal.
We saw the others coming out of the room one after the other.
Why don't we follow the princes I suggested.
Okay Lucien agreed.
Daryl we heard Adryll say while we closely walked behind them.
I saw you talking to Ionia earlier, are you close?
We are okay I guess, I was just trying to be friends with her.
You must be joking asked Isobel and Emmett together.
No I'm not, she's not a bad person and I don't see any reason why I shouldn't be friends with her.
Don't tell me you've fallen for that pretty face of hers Daryl questioned Isobel.
I do admit she is beautiful but I only see her as a friend.
That better be it Daryl.
Girls like her are only good to warm your bed that's all. They are dangerous and cunning not to mention she is famous for her ill manner you are a prince and you shouldn't get yourself involved with someone like her admonished Emmett.
But brother she has not done anything to me for me to question her character.
Daryl began Leticia.
Your siblings are just worried that's all. Like Emmett said my sister is different don't be caught up in her web.
Daryl are you by chance the person the princess of Rania saw her with at the market?
No, she said she saw her with somebody?
Yes but she can't seem to recall what the person looks like however she seems to be interested in whoever it is for she said the person left an impression.
You really mean that?
Yes Isobel.
Adeline is very peculiar whoever this person is he must be special for him to leave an impression.
That's strange though my sister does not have any friends apart from Celeste and suddenly there is this interesting boy with no name or face in the picture?
There is something strange about this said Leticia.
Are you friends already Daryl asked Emmett.
Not really she does not seem to be interested in being friends with me.
Can you imagine! exclaimed Isobel. Someone like her not wanting to be friends with my brother the nerve of her wait till Elise hears of this.
She will be hopping mad, laughed Emmett.
We quietly listened and followed them. I practically ignored everything they were saying that is not my concern right now. We need to find clue as to whoever this people with powers like Lucien are.
We followed them into the kings quarters where we met not just the king and queen but princess Elise, my father, Irene and some council members including Jasper and Frances.
Princess Elise is the twin sister of Isobel though they look nothing alike.
Princess Elise is known for her temper and powers. She is known to keep to herself and interact with only close friends and family.
You are all here said the king.
Any news from anyone?
No father no one has seen or heard anything.
Now we must not let the remaining kingdoms find out that the demon is related to this family.
As much as it pains me to admit it, this is a secret we have to keep. If they know of it, it will be to our disadvantage.
My king why not summon this demon and trap him?
Caius have you forgotten our powerful he is?
But Alaric we now have people from his wretched mother's side and even they want him gone said the queen.
I do have to admit until he dies we all won't be at peace so the sooner we come up with a way to end him the better for us.
Father if I may ask said Daryl.
What wrong has he done? to the best of my knowledge he has done everything you've ask of him. And he has never entered into our kingdom despite him protecting it. Why kill someone who has done you no harm?
Daryl how can you say that? questioned Elise.
He is a monstrous demon with enough power to wipe us all.
Do you really want to have someone like that out there?
How can you sleep at night knowing that there is a monster out there capable of taking everything from you?
I agree with father we better put an end to this now before it gets out of hand.
Father these people that have similar powers like him, are they to be trusted?
No I don't trust them not one bit. However they have something against his mother and it seems he inherited her problem and they want him dead before his twentieth birthday.
Why father asked Elise?
I don't know but whatever it is they seem to be afraid of it.
His birthday is a few weeks from now so you all must train hard.
Even after her death she continues to cause us problems.
It's okay my queen it will soon be over said the king to his queen.
Elders.
Yes my king
You all know what's at stake, the only people who knows of the demons through origin are all here.
I don't need to tell you that this must not leave this room.
We know your highness the elders said in unison.
Everyone be cautious our very lives depend on it.
My king if I may speak.
You may Leticia.
Thank you my king.
This demon, can he be charmed by someone's beauty?
Well he hasn't left the forest and I believe he is not use to seeing beautiful things or people so there is a high chance he might.
Why child! I think I like where you are going said the queen with a laugh.
Me too agreed Irene.
What's going on asked the king?
Father I think what Leticia is suggesting is a beauty trap answered Elise.
A beauty trap?
Yes father, to let someone beautiful seduce him and trap him.
That might work.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah, Caius your daughter is wonderful.
Of cause it will work all we need is someone beautiful to mesmerize him.
With his hideous look I'm sure he will be thrilled to find a beauty waiting for him.
But who?
My king I have the perfect person.
You do Caius, who?
Ionia.
You can't shouted Daryl.
Excuse me? hissed Elise, Daryl have you lost it?
Sister she is my friend you can't possibly sacrifice her to the demon.
Silence Daryl said the queen with a commanding tone.
I raised you to be better.
Caius
Yes my queen
Your daughter will she agree?
If it is from me, she won't. But if the king asked it of her she definitely will not turn him down.
Leticia.
Yes my Queen.
You've made me proud today.
Thank you my queen.
Now everyone listen said the king. We are to make a prison so strong he won't be able to break through and we are to come up with a poison strong enough to render him powerless.
Now tomorrow I will talk to ionia and arrange for her to meet him
She has to do this.
This is the best solution ever.
She's beautiful I'm sure he will be taken by her.
Finally that hideous beast will soon be nothing but a distant memory.
Lucien I can't breath I gasped.
You are having a panic attack.
He apparated us to his home.
Breath, breath ionia and calm down I'm here.
After getting my self together I sat down on the floor hugging my legs
It's okay everything will be fine he said rubbing my back.
How can you say that, they want us dead how can they be so cruel I asked in between sobs.
I cried for sometime and Lucien just held me through it.
I'm sorry for my outburst I told him after I stopped crying.
It's okay
What are we to do Lucien.
You are to befriend Daryl, he means well and I'm sure he will protect you just in case something happens to me at least you have someone to look out for you.
What are you saying Lucien I asked not liking it one bit.
Ionia you heard them, we both know I will never hurt you and we also know you will say yes to the king to buy us some time to make them feel their plan is working at least till I know what it is that will happen on my twentieth birthday.
What does that have to do with Daryl.
Ionia Lucien said touching my cheeks.
You are so beautiful and strong, stronger than you know.
You are amazing and you deserve everything good.
I'm happy to have met you, you've been a source of joy and strength to me.
Lucien what are you saying I asked panic in my tone.
I don't know what's going to happen Ionia. There is a chance they might succeed in killing me and if that happens I will be at peace knowing you have someone looking out for you.
No matter what happens you need to live.
What!?
Lucien you can't be serious I yelled.
I am Ionia, I'm sorry all I've brought you is pain, blood and death.
You deserve better.
Are you planning on dying?
Ionia please don't do this I beg of you, please don't cry I can't stand it.
Leave me alone and please don't come near me I shouted walking to my room and slamming the door.
How dare he?
He wants me to live but he deserves to die?
Why am I feeling this way, I can't possibly be in love with Lucien right?
It broke my heart hearing him speak that way.
I know he thinks he's bad and all but to me he's the opposite how can he do this to me.
I know he means well and all he wants is for me to be safe but I will not accept his crazy idea.
I quickly took my bath and sat on my bed.
Ionia you have to eat something please let me come in I heard him say from the door.
Come in.
He entered with a plate of food giving it to me.
If you want me to leave you better kill me because that's the only way I will leave you I told him collecting the food.
Ionia.
Don't ionia me, I've told you all I have to say.
Now we have to know what it is that will happen before your twentieth birthday.
You may go I need some me time I told him.
After he left I hate the food he brought me and slept off.