For the first time this week I was eager to wake up.
More so, I was awake even before Alice came into the room, and the look she gave me was priceless.
"Your highness, I must say I'm surprised" she said, utter shock written on her face.
"Get used to it," I told her as I stood from bed "I'll not be wearing a gown today. Get me my riding attire" I commanded.
"At once, my lady" she answered.
I almost made the terrible mistake of leaving my room without eating, but decided against it as I would regret it later.
This time I ate alone, I wished to process my thoughts.
In the space of one week, I've experienced what I would refer as the worst time in my adult life.
And to make it worse, my mortal enemy would become queen, and there was nothing I could do about it. Oh, joy.
I wanted to go alone, but Amenadiel insisted, "Wherever you go, I go princess," he said, "You can't stop me."
"I couldn't even if I tried, I'd just get knocked to the ground" I quipped, making him laugh.
We were about to make it to the main gate, when a serving girl approached us and bowed low.
"Your highness, the king has asked to see you" she said.
Instant irritation is exactly what I felt, but I suppressed it. "Ready the horses Amenadiel, I'll be out soon."
I really didn't want to see Ramiel, but I tend to find myself in situations I can't do anything about so…
As I reached the double doors that would take me to my brother's study, a man in silver armor stood before me, his hair black as night, and eyes blue as the ocean. All those features I overlooked because I knew exactly who he was.
There are a great many people I hate in this castle, and Robert Bane is one of them. Captain of my father's elite guard, nothing elite there if you ask me, and now captain of my brother's guard.
"Your highness" he greeted. The smirk on his face told me everything, he was mocking.
"Robert," I deadpanned "I'm here to see the king"
"I know" he answered.
I rolled my eyes in annoyance "Then why are you standing in my way?"
He chuckled, somehow amused by my annoyance "I wanted to take a good look at you," he said "I haven't done that properly since… you know, everything"
"Would you like another broken rib Robert?" I asked, remembering when I 'accidentally' hit the pommel of my sword to his ribs.
"I suppose not" he said.
"Good. Now Move!"
My brother was alone, which was honestly a surprise because he's always followed around by my mother or duke Herbert, who were trying to twist him to their will. And he twisted, the gullible fool.
The king's study is a sumptuous sanctuary, reflecting the refined taste and royal status.
The room is adorned with lavish furnishings, including a dark-wood desk, adorned with the royal crest.
Plush, velvet armchairs and a matching sofa are arranged around a roaring fireplace, casting a warm glow across the room.
Tapestries depicting the kingdom's history hang from the walls, while shelves lined with leather-bound tomes and glittering, gemstone-encrusted artifacts add to the room's opulence.
The air is thick with the scent of old parchment, wood polish, and a hint of Ramiel's signature cologne.
Ugh!
I bowed low "You wished to see me your majesty?" my voice came out softer than I intended, and it gave me chills. My brother did not look at me, his focus was on his quill and paper, scribbling away whatever he was writing.
The silence stretched, thick with tension. I could feel Ramiel's gaze on me, even though he hadn't looked up. I shifted my weight, my hand on the hilt of my sword.
"Put the pen down Ramiel, we both know you're not writing anything" I told him. His glare was a welcome sight because I knew I had hit a nerve, and I would love to watch him explode.
Finally, Ramiel spoke, his voice dripping with condescension. "You plan to ride to Sundara?"
I nodded, my jaw clenched. "I do." I answered, though I did not see how that was any of his business.
Ramiel's eyes narrowed "Without my permission?" He looked at me. I mean properly looked at me, and it irritated me.
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I didn't think I needed it."
Ramiel's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. He stood, towering over me, and I could feel the weight of his disapproval.
"What is your business there?" he spat, his voice low and menacing.
I met his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. I stared at him, contemplating the many ways I could give him an idiot answer because he asked an idiot question. After a few seconds, I fetched the least insulting response and gave it to him. "I'm going there to do what you or your court are too lazy to do. Assess the situation"
Ramiel's face turned red with rage. He didn't like that response, he didn't like it one bit.
He balled his hands into fists and clenched his jaw.
"You really need to learn to respect your king," he sneered "I could make your life a living hell big sister"
I didn't doubt it one bit, between him, my mother and duke Herbert, I know they could make my life very miserable.
I decided to do the wisest thing and back down, because at the end of the day, caution does not mean standing fast. "I apologize, your majesty. I would humbly request your permission to ride to Sundara"
He smiled satisfied, he had won this battle and thought I had cowered before him.
Ramiel's smile grew wider, and he nodded, clearly pleased with himself. "Isn't that better? A little respect could get you a long way. Permission granted."
I bowed, my heart seething with anger. "Thank you, your majesty." I said, then left.
As I turned to leave, I caught sight of Robert Bane standing in the doorway, a smirk on his face. My heart sank, and I felt a wave of unease wash over me.
As I walked out of the study, I was intercepted by duke Herbert. He was a man of average height, with a muscular build and silky blonde hair. The way he walked exuded an aura of confidence, around his neck a very peculiar golden pendant, and at its center lay a stone which had very distinct shade of red. It gleamed in the sunlight.
"Princess," he said, his voice smooth as silk.
I nodded curtly, my eyes narrowing. "Your grace."
Herbert's smile was charming, but I wasn't fooled. I knew he was a master manipulator, and I was wary of his intentions.
I tried to walk past him, but he stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "I see you're planning a trip to Sundara," he said, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
I raised an eyebrow, "What business is it of yours?" I asked, my tone neutral.
Herbert chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "It is my business princess, as hand to the king" he answered, reminding me of his position. "I must say, I'm intrigued by your interest in Sundara."
I felt a surge of unease, but I refused to back down. "I'm going to assess the situation," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Herbert's smile grew wider, and he leaned in close. "I think you'll find it's more complicated than that, princess."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he straightened up and bowed. "Until next time, princess."
As he walked away, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in over my head.
Amenadiel waited beside a tree, holding the reins of two horses.
One gift Erynis left me before she died was her black war stallion Tyrant, he is larger and faster than the other horses, and when it comes to strength, no one beats Tyrant.
I walked past Amenadiel and rubbed tyrant's head, he stomped in response, making me smile.
"What did he want?" asked Amenadiel.
"I don't want to talk about it" I answered.
As we mounted our horses, the sun cast a golden glow over the landscape. Amenadiel and I exchanged a nod, and with a gentle kick, our stallions began their steady gait. The rhythmic thud of hooves on dirt filled the air, accompanied by the occasional snort of our mounts.
Hours passed, the scenery shifting from rolling hills to denser forests. Finally, the trees parted, and Sundara unfolded before us.
I reined in my stallion, taking in the sprawling town. It was slightly larger than Temeria, with more buildings and a town square. Yet, despite its size, Sundara looked…. worn.
The buildings seemed to lean against each other, as if sharing the weight of their own neglect. The streets were dirty, littered with debris and overgrown weeds, which was probably why the air smelled like shit. I heard no sounds, but the rustle of leaves and the occasional bark of a dog who sounded like it wanted to die.
People milled about, their faces gaunt and weary. Some cast suspicious glances our way, while others barely acknowledged our presence. I frowned, my mind racing with thoughts. This is worse that I imagined, how could people live like this?
I dismounted Tyrant, and Amenadiel did the same with his horse "Find somewhere safe to keep them" I commanded.
As I walked through the narrow streets of Sundara, the silence was oppressive. The only sounds were the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet and the occasional distant bark of a dog. I felt like I was being watched, but every time I turned around, there was no one there.
I walked further and that's when I saw her. A woman lay on the ground, her ragged clothes dirty and torn. She was pale, her skin almost translucent in the fading light. I felt a pang of concern. My instincts flared, and I rushed towards her.
I crouched beside her, raised her head and fixed her in a sitting position. Her skin was pale, her hair was black, and when she tried to speak her voice rose barely above a whisper.
I quickly removed my waterskin and emptied half of the contents into her mouth, she drank greedily. Her eyes opened, and they were the most beautiful golden eyes I had ever seen in my life, they shone like the sun, they held a fire inside of them, I could tell.
As she finished drinking, our eyes met. I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body, like a spark had been lit. Suddenly, she reached out and grasped my arm, her grip surprisingly strong. She pulled me close and whispered something in my ear. I could not hear it at first, but she pulled me closer and muttered "High priestess"
I felt fear like no other at the mention of those two words, I didn't know what they meant, but they made me feel like I was plunged into an ice bath. I wrenched my hand free from hers and ran back in the direction in which I came. I bumped into Amenadiel's hard chest, and almost fell if not for his intervention.
"Is all amiss princess?" he asked, his hand at the hilt of his sword and his eyes scanning the area. I could not put into words what had happened, and in all honesty, I didn't wish to.
"Get the horses, we're leaving. Now!"