When Xavier and his father entered the throne room all the blood drained from his face.
The floor was covered in crimson puddles and King Kojo was face down in one. A woman with golden skin was sprawled on the ground, she'd been slashed and cut open. Her heart was missing.
His father raced to get help.
In the corner, a small figure was curled up in a ball their shoulders were shaking. Xavier went to check on the king healing minor wounds. When he found a pulse he went to check on the figure in the corner.
"Hey are you alright?" he crouched in the red puddle. He rolled them over and blinked. "Emily?!"
Emily's hair seemed to have gone through a rough time, as if it had been mercilessly hacked away with a sharp blade. Her locks cascaded down to her chin in a haphazard array of unruly curls, each one looking different from the next, giving her an edgy and odd look.
One of her eyes blinked up at him but she had the other covered with her hand that was red, blood trailing done her arm.
"Emily, what happened?"
Xavier gently pulled her hand away and his stomach churned, threatening to release the breakfast he'd eaten. Her eye was gone.
He couldn't believe his eyes - a dark pit that seemed to go on forever, right in the middle of her face. It was like staring into a black hole, and he couldn't help but wonder who on earth would do such a thing. It was insane.
The throne room door burst open and guards stormed in to assist their king and remove the body.
Maids scurried around cleaning up the blood and choking Xavier with many cleaners and fragrances.
"Son what-?
His dad skidded to a stop and stared down at Emily with an open mouth. "Who did this? You poor child, how did this happen?"
Emily started sobbing.
"Xavier what are you waiting for?" his dad demanded.
"I-I can't!"
Emily cried harder.
His dad frowned. "You can't or you wouldn't?
"The most I can do is seal it completely. She-she-"
"Well then seal it! This child has been through enough hell." his dad gestured.
Xavier gently placed his hands on Emily's face, feeling the warmth emanating from her skin. As his fingers touched the wound, he could sense the subtle movement of the skin as it slowly began to heal and knit back together. Emily's body responded to his touch, and he felt her muscles relax as the healing energy flowed through her.
"It's alright," he murmured. "Everything will be ok."
Once it was sealed he removed his hand and covered the area with a piece of cloth from his shirt. Emily locked her arms around his neck and Xavier scooped her up.
"Eli, what happened? Where's Eli?" Xavier asked. "Is he alright?"
She buried her face in his shoulder and soaked his shirt with her tears.
King Davis shook his head. "Give her time to breathe, son." he rubbed her back. "Princess Kaya is missing as well. I'm going to check on King Kojo, then ask his guards to begin a search for his daughter." he sighs. "Find this child's parents then take them to my kingdom."
Xavier nodded and held Emily tighter.
"Come on, let's go find your mom."
...
Luca stood on the balcony with the king of the Dragon Rider Kingdom.
King Davis was a towering figure, stretching well over six feet tall. His broad shoulders and muscular build suggested that he was no stranger to physical labor.
A short, neatly trimmed beard adorned his chiseled jawline, giving him a ruggedly handsome appearance. His thick brown hair was tousled by the wind, framing his face in a way that accentuated his strong features.
His skin was a rich shade of caramel, smooth and unblemished, with a healthy glow that spoke of a disciplined lifestyle. All in all, he cut an impressive figure that commanded respect and admiration.
The palace courtyard was packed with citizens both young and old. They spotted King Davis and gasped.
"I'm King Davis of the Dragon Rider Kingdom. I've called you here today to inform you that there was an attack at the palace last night. It resulted in Princess Kaya getting kidnapped again and King Kojo receiving some serious injuries." King Davis paused to let the words sink in.
The crowd began murmuring and collectively moved forward to hear what else King Davis had to say.
The sun was blocked by thick clouds and light fog, which Luca was entirely grateful for. The fabric he was wearing was hot and itchy. In some places the armor was the cloth beneath stuck to his skin.
Luca wiped the sweat from his brow.
"This attack is an offense to King Kojo. Anyone who was involved in this will face horrible consequences. In my kingdom traitors and criminals receive death by fire."
A massive dragon flew overhead causing many to duck and scream.
"This is Silvertail. Like me she doesn't take crimes lightly." King Davis cleared his throat. "There is no reason to be frightened. She'll only shoot out fire on my command. Now, those of you who may know something you need to alert the soldiers. Starting today everyone will be in their homes before sundown. Failure to do as instructed will result in you receiving consequences. Guards will report any suspicious behavior to me. That is all."
King Davis gave a slight nod then left the balcony. The second guard moved to follow but Luca put a hand on his chest.
"Oshen! Xaiver asked me to keep an eye on you." Luca huffed.
Oshen shoved his hand away. "I'm well aware. I'm not a baby."
"True but if anyone finds out that you're..well..just a creation."
"A creation!" Osehn snapped.
Luca sighed. "Forget I said anything. Just stay with me got it?"
"Yeah. Sure."
Luca turned and chased after King Davis. "Your Highness!"
King Davis turned and raised a brow.
"I know you assigned us as bodyguards but my friend here is new and needs different armor." Luca clicked his tongue. "He can hardly keep up!"
Oshen came to stop beside them wheezing.
"That's not good." King Davis chuckled. "Go get him changed. I'll be alright for a little while."
Luca thanked him and dragged Oshen down a different hallway, pushing him in an empty room.
"What are you thinking." Oshen exploded. "You know Xavier doesn't want us to leave his father unattended!"
He wants us to join him in a search. It's important." Luca snapped. "it has something to do with the attack."
Luca pushed open a door into an empty room and shoved Oshen inside.
"I know you're upset that Eli might-"
"Might?!" Oshen hissed. "There isn't a might it's a when. He's in danger and we're just sitting here twidling our thumbs, we should do something!"
Luca snapped. "Ok, then, smart guy. You tell me what we should do. Are you suggesting going in headfirst into something we know nothing about?" he felt heat rise on his cheeks.
Oshen swallowed.
"I understand you're scared, but that's not a reason to go crazy.": Luca massaged his brow. "We're all going through stuff. Just breathe we'll find Eli."
"Relationship problems?" Oshen scoffs.
Luca flinched and glowered at the ground. "If you're finished being a dick are you ready to go and meet Xavier?"
"How-?"
"Fine. You can go back to guarding King Davis." Luca growled. "I'll go meet him."
"Wait..what-?"
Luca marched toward the door, threw it open and slammed the door behind him.