Chapter 1:Cerdonia
Monisha stood in front of the mirror, her wet hair spread round her body. Her eyes were damp and her lashes wet.
"What a waste" she smiled warmly at the person she was looking at. "Still look as hideous as ever". Her red eyes were a little bit lighter than before. Her lips pressed against each other.
"Come on let's sleep, wallowing won't do anything" she consoled herself and walked out of her bathroom. Her room was decorated in velvet red, magenta and hue of white. Monisha found peace in these colors and it helped her rest and ease her burden.
There was a knock on her door. "Who is it?" She asked, making her way to the door.
"A letter arrived this hour milady, it's from the King" Monisha's brow twitched and her eyes narrowed. She collected the letter from the maid and dismissed her.
She gently pulled out the seal on the envelope and read the letter slowly. "Would he ever not give up on letting me be?" She scoffed and walked to her bed. The letter burnt to ash while she gripped it. She looked at her palm and watched the ash disappear.
Monisha gently let her black towel fall off her body and drop on the floor. Crawling into bed with her dripping hair she spreads herself freely. "Tomorrow is another hectic day, why does he always stress me?"
"Infuriating" Monisha snuggled into bed and closed her eyes to sleep.
Cerdonia is a kingdom inhabited by seventy percent of the continent's population. It's also home to only humans. The rulers of cerdonia have been in peace with the Moralé family. They have established so many treaties and contract that secures the present peace in the continent.
The present king of cerdonia has been on seat for forty years and counting.
In Cerdonia
Cerdonia's walls stood high and tall by the mountain plains. This fifty meters thick wall has protected his natives from the rouge for sixth years. At the center of the kingdom stood the home of the ever peaceful and loved king.
The tallest tower is the Kingdom braced it's flag of liberty. The picture of dove holding an olive in it's beak.
The sun peeked through the dark clouds that covered the kingdom.
"Through this arrangement we'll be able to breach the war between the vampires and our kind"
"Yes sirya"
"Finally we will have the Moralé's Fortune in our hands" a fat minster smoothen his neatly shaved thin moustache. His vixen eyes narrowed into a thin line with wrinkled lines underneath them. His fattened skin looked more like a pig's hide than human.
A few ministers were also present in the room, they all had their attention on the man sitted on the throne. He wore a sliver russet adorned with golden threads and badges. His grey blond hair was neatly waxed and styled with a golden crown on his head.
"King Sirius, there is still no guarantee that she would agree to the idea" a slim minister raised his hand to oppose the idea. "Remember her status is crucial in the country, a single mistake could trigger an opposition from the vampires" the man spoke wisely.
The fat minister was enraged by the idea of his colleague. "Are you trying to say the King's idea is a mistake?" He was quick to point a finger. "Sirya, this man calls your idea callous and wrong"
The king cupped his chin gently and closed his eyes, buried in his thought. "You might be right Minister Johan, the idea has a lot of loop holes in it"
Johan bowed gently, his brown eyes glimmered lightly. "Thank you milord for considering my opinion"
"But sirya, I don't find the idea impulsive. The heir of the Moralé's Fortune is a lenient woman, she could easily tackle any possible misunderstanding. Isn't it better we go on with the idea and claim the fortune" the fat minister looked desperate.
"Do you ever think about anything else apart from your pocket and gluttonous belly?" A voice echoed in the throne room. A tall slim man walked in slowly, letting the heels of his heavy boots click against the marble floor.
"General Storm" the king heaved with a glint of joy.
"My Lord" the general bowed deeply to the king, the thin wrinkled lines on his face squeezed together as he smiled. "The journey was well and safe" he stretched his hand to the entrance hall and two men walked in. A blondie and a brownie.
"Leif!!" The king stood from his throne and embraced his son. Leif's golden blonde hair glimmered gently under the dimly lit room. They exchanged a few words and hugged for the last time before the king parted and turned to the young man behind Leif. "Magnus"
"Long live my father" Magnus was a little bit taller then Leif, unlike Leif who had bright capturing features, he had a dim and sullen appearance. He's nice build was buried under the large brown jacket he wore.
"Thank you" the atmosphere was most unpleasant and almost suffocating.
"Welcome back prince Leif" the fat minister was quick to join in on the conversation. Other ministers bowed to the princes. "It is most wonderful to have you present"
"Uncle Jasper, I see you haven't lost a pound since we left" Leif smiled warmly while keeping a safe distance away from his round shaped uncle.
"I'd like to rest my head hurts" Magnus bowed slightly, he noticed his father and the ministers weren't paying attention to him. He used the initiative to leave the throne room. General Storm watched the young boy whose smile was once as blonde as the sun turned depressed and forgotten.
Chapter 2:The forgotten heir
MAGNUS POV
My fingers gently brushed the tall pillars that held up my home. Faint memories of the past walked back to me, beside it the joy and behind it the pain it left.
I was never the brightest, never the calmest, never seen, never loved. At first I believed I was hated by my family but then I grew up realizing no one hated me, they just don't care.
"Welcome Milord" i turned to the maid who bowed to me. She looked nothing more than a fifteen year old, not like i can tell her age. That's just the vibe I got.
"Thank you" I smiled calmly. She looked weak, pale, starved, maltreated. I could clearly see her legs shaking underneath her gown. "Are you alright?" I asked.
A faint smile washed up her face, a farce. "Yes Milord" she hurriedly walked away. I stared at a version of myself that no one else knew about except my mirror.
My father never loved his wife, the tragedy all women should anticipate for in a betrothal. Even after she bored him beautiful daughters, even after she bored him an heir, even after she starved herself of sleep for years, plundering on how to gain a drop of his affection.
My eyes trailed round the garden where I spent my childhood in solitude. I never knew my siblings or what they looked like. I think I should have four elder sisters and a younger sister as well. Their names, faint in my memory.
My mother had so much admiration for her husband, she forgot her children, no she ignored her children. It was either the King's love or nothing.
Marisa, the very first day I saw her, I ogled at her beauty and kind heart. I was four, sitting on the same grassy field my feet stood on. Sketching on some old paper I found in the library and coal I got from the kitchen. She was the first, the very first woman who noticed the tears behind my smile.
A few weeks, Leif came. I had never seen cerdonia as bright as the sun ever since his birth. That was the very first time I saw the corners of my father's lips curve and his eyes narrow. Was I jealous? No I didn't even care, at that moment I was engrossed by the decorations, the food, the guests.
"Mama!!" There it is, I bent down and gently brushed aside the grasses covering a flattened tomb. A smile creeped on my face and a calm, serene feeling in my heart. I was so engrossed in the decorations, the food, the guests, i hadn't noticed my mother had taken her own life.
At a point I despised my mother, I swore to forget about her just like she forgot about me, but we get wiser the more we grow. Marisa died in an attack by rogues. Having been pampered and loved by her, I swore to protect Leif. The only star I had on earth. A star that I adored to an extent I didn't noticed that it overshadowed me.
That's when I finally understood why my mom killed herself. She couldn't bare the pain. The pain that no matter how many times she bare an heir, no matter how much she served and worshipped the ground my father walks on, he would never love her.
Shame on her though, she wasted her years watering a dead flower while letting a young seed to wither. "Rest well Mama" I brushed the name carved on the tomb gently. 'Marisa Sirius' the only mother I had.
"I knew I would find you here" Leif sounds happy as usual. He must be excited he's finally home. I wished I was back over seas engrossed in carving an object with my small finger length knife. "Is something wrong?"
I turned to him and smiled reassuringly "I feel nauseous that's all, I'll be fine after I receive some fresh air" Leif's blue eyes narrowed down, he noticed the tomb I stood beside and nodded.
I could never bring myself to hate him though. He was the only person who reminds me of the woman even though died earlier than expected. She gave me a little and fragile sense of love. "Hey Leif, I'd like to walk around the city"
A glint appeared in his eyes. "Don't worry, I won't get into trouble" I stood up and dusted my pants. Outstretching my hands over his shoulders I pulled him in and ruffled his head.
"I told you I'm too old for those things" he complained as I pulled him out of the garden. Even though I never got a life I wanted, I still have a few smiles in the misery I live in. That's enough for me.
THE NEXT DAY
The sun gradually got covered by the thick grey clouds that hovered above cerdonia. The continent was never blessed with flourishing light. The natives of cerdonia spend weeks or months without a single glance of the sun. The only assurance they had was the gloomy light that emitted from the grey clouds.
"Captain"
My eyes were glued to the huge gates that distinguished the palace from the entire kingdom. "Come on let's get going before the general arrives"
I turned back to find my elite group of brave men and women waiting for me. Having been through thick and thin with them, I considered them as family. A smile creeped on my face, adjusting my uniform I walked away from the gate and towards the inner parts of the palace.
Chapter 3:The Moralé's heir
Monisha stared at the trees they passed by, the horses hooves galloped quickly in the forest. Rustling leaves, dust and dirt flew past them as they hurried through the path.
"You seem dull today milady" Albert sat opposite her in the carriage, he was dressed elegantly in a black suit and his hair was perfectly waxed to the back.
Monisha stared at the window bluntly, her lips pressed in a straight line and her eyes closed. "Nervous?" Albert asked calmly.
"No, irritated" she denied with a passive tone. Opening her red peachy eyes, a slight smile stretched on Albert's face. He loved it whenever Monisha's eyes were calm and peachy in color.
"Irritated it is" he hummed while adjusting his collar. His eyes travelled round Monisha ensuring she was properly dressed in her blood red ball gown. The collar was button with a beautifully laced black tie around her neck. Her corset was tied in front like a jacket, holding up her upper body gracefully.
Her full skirt occupied the entire seat. There were black threading, sewn in flowery patterns. Her crimson hair was braided and styled like a crown with a lacy black net falling over her face. She looked beautiful in her attire. Her amethyst lips were painted with some red glossy liquid Eliana used.
Monisha stared at Albert from the corner of her eyes. She noticed his warm smile and calm demeanor around her. Though she found it annoying sometimes, this time was a lot different, she felt warm in her chest and her cheeks were stained with hue of red.
She couldn't help but feel like a little girl around him.
CERDONIA
Many men stood at attention facing the entrance of the castle. They were all dressed in dusty brown uniforms. Most wore normal uniforms that has no badges or fine threads. A few had.
Below the elevated staircase that led to the entrance door stood the general and behind him were a few soldiers as well.
"What do you think the heir would look like?"
A pretty lady whispered to the man beside her. Her brown hair was packed in a ponytail. Her sun kissed skin radiated her bright blue eyes and her pink lips. Her uniform fitted her curvy figure perfectly.
The soldier beside her narrowed his golden eyes. He was way taller than the lady, his figure was almost towering. Though he wasn't the tallest amongst the men standing, his appearance still made him stand out.
He had straight full black hair that hugged the corners of his neck that wasn't covered by his uniform. His sculptured jaw and perfect body build. He looked like a being from an unearthly world. His caramel toned skin brought out the beauty in his hunter eyes. Eyes which looked unreal.
He stared at the back of the soldier infront of him blankly. Both soldiers had three golden stars on their shoulders. "Might be old" he started calmly. "That doesn't matter though, our job is to protect the heir at all cost"
"I heard his residence is deep in the forest" the lady continued. "Pretty brave to live in such a place, being neighbors with those beasts"
"Ruth!" Amongst the Three soldiers standing in front of them, the soldier who stood in front of her cautioned. "Be quiet" he growled.
"Oh please, Commander Fraden" she rolled her eyes lazily. "I'm just sharing my thoughts about this heir. Don't tell me you aren't curious about her"
Fraden's eyes twitched angrily, he had a crismon curly hair that was cut low and neatly. Unlike Ruth and her colleague, he had four golden stars on his shoulders. "Let her be"
He turned to the man standing beside him. "I am curious as well"
"Oh commander Nicholas, you never fail to side the opposite sex" Fraden rolled his green eyes.
Nicholas gently brushed off a loose strand of his blonde hair and smiled. His brown eyes glimmered under the light of the hidden sun. He was quite good looking. He was a little bit taller than all others standing there. "What can I say? I love them"
Ruth's face reddened and her voice squealed in excitement. "Can you believe I got complimented by Commander Nicholas, hey Lawrence" she whispered to the man beside her.
Lawrence shook his head and rolled his eyes. "You don't say" he hummed sarcastically.
"Attention " the General shouted and all stood straight and ready to receive the king, who was stepping out of the castle.
The King stood tall and proud as he smiled at his subjects. He turned to the general and nodded.
All soldiers turned to the gate that was being pulled in. A huge black carriage rode in slowly, it finally packed in front of the palace, a few miles away from where the King and the general stood.
"It's show time" Ruth tried her best to hold in her excitement. Her eyes immensely glued to the door of the carriage. All four of them stood behind the king and the general. Their hands on their weapons in case of any emergency.
The coachman stepped down from his seat and adjusted his black coat. He wore a fancy top hat and a portion of his face was covered by his inner wear. He walked to the door and held the handle. Bowing deeply as he opened the door, a feet landed on the first step on the carriage. Right after an elderly man stepped down.
"He's so old" Ruth gasped under her breath. Right after the man bowed to the king before turning to the door. He stretched out his hand and a lady held it and stepped down as well.
Everyone was shocked by her appearance and demeanor. This time, the king and the general bowed to her, all soldiers present did same before she bowed slightly to the king.
Her face was barely seen underneath the net, the man who stood beside her brought out an umbrella to shield them from the dim sunlight. She took a step forward, causing her heels to click loudly on the brick floor.
Her presence caused a pin drop silence amongst the soldiers, they felt their throats run dry and weak. Nicholas stared at her in shock. He never expected such a being to exist, she carried an aura that could trample on anyone's zeal or ego. It was too easy to know who was the boss.
Sirius walked towards Monisha calmly, he looked angry and annoyed. Well that's what everyone thought. Everyone held their breath when the king was a feet away from her. He knelt on a knee and stretched out his hand towards the girl. Monisha stretched out her hand and gazed down on the king.
Sirius will kiss her hand.
"Impossible" Fraden had bulging eyes, he could hardly believe what he saw. Ruth looked dumbfounded, a king kneeling and kissing the hand of a girl who is the same age as her younger brother.
"Welcome Monisha Moralé" Sirius stood gently while holding her hand gently. "Shall we?" He pulled her close to his side and both walked in while Albert held up the umbrella for Monisha, he wore a big top hat to cover his exposed face.
When they approached General Storm, he bowed to her and kissed her hand as well. All the soldiers who stood behind him bowed and cleared way for them both. Monisha took a step and halted. Sirius turned to her confused, Albert was confused as well.
'Interesting' she thought, her lips curved upward slowly. "Very interesting" she walked in with Sirius. All soldiers had their eyes on her till she disappeared into the palace. Ruth squealed out.
"Was that real or was I dreaming?" She turned to Lawrence who looked surprised as well. "That girl looks nothing more than a cheeky teenager, eighteen years old at most"
Nicholas shook his head while laughing. "Don't say that Ruth, she might be older than your grandfather" Fraden snapped his head towards Nicholas.
"A vampire" Lawrence stated, his hands were balled behind his back. His golden eyes were brighter than usual, he turned to the door while clenching his jaw against each other.