Fidelis of Coribus checked his appearance in the mirror. His pale blond hair made his colorless skin look almost translucent. His sky-blue eyes held a hint of weariness. The news of the upcoming battle had already reached his ears. Also, the priests' stipulation that he had to be part of it bothered him. Though he was a general, he didn't always fight every battle. There were fifteen other generals in his father's army. He was the youngest but had proven his worth over the last few years.
For ten years he had joined his father on the battlefield, first as a page, and later as a soldier. Now at the age of sixteen, he was tired. All the fighting and loss of lives were wearing on him. He wanted it all to stop. Even his dreams at night called for peace.
Unfortunately, his desire was unrealistic. It also was dangerous. War was all his people knew. To try and change that would take years. His father had started by doing things such as encouraging the arts and also technology that wasn't war-based. Fidelis backed these policies whenever possible.
This caused support for him to be split. He had to work to gain more backing because he was not the only possible heir to the throne. Though he loved his two younger brothers, their mothers would do anything to ensure he didn't inherit the throne.
The only thing protecting his position as Crown Prince was his ruthless maternal grandmother. All the nobles feared her. It was her will that Fidelis obeyed. She had been his rock since the death of his mother when he was five.
He followed the plan she set down and managed to secure his spot as Crown Prince. It also helped that his brothers were too young to compete with him for his position. That didn't stop their mothers from trying to assassinate him. He was always walking a tightrope of political intrigue and danger.
Still lost in thought, he went to the dining room. He wasn't surprised to be the last to arrive except for his father.
The servants bowed, while his brothers and their mothers rose and bowed. Fidelis went to his chair and remained standing.
A few seconds later the doors opened and in strode his father. Everyone bowed. Once the king sat down, so did everyone else.
"Father, good evening."
"Fidelis, my son. How was your day?"
"I trained with the knights for several hours. I heard we have a battle in two weeks?"
"Yes, we do. Tomorrow, come to my study so we can discuss the details."
"Yes, father."
For the next hour, Fidelis endured the family's boring chatter. Finally, the meal was over and he headed for his room.
~***~
Serenah stood before the mirror and checked over her appearance. Her tan skin, inherited from her mother, glowed with the subtle light of her magic. Her violet eyes made the royal blue strapless gown stand out. Her dark black curls were twined into a pretty updo, with some curls flowing over her left shoulder.
Her maid, Lael, finished putting on the accessories and makeup before stepping back.
Serenah slowly turned around to look at the back of the gown. She hated dressing up but her father commanded that the royal family's wealth be displayed at all times and could not be disobeyed.
"Your Highness, Alastar is waiting."
Serenah smiled. Her personal guard, Alastar Luxnatus, was a close friend and a decorated warrior. She, Amanah, and Alastar had grown up together. They had trained together, though Alastar and her sister were better at the sword than her.
She walked out to the foyer, a playful grin on her face.
"How do I look?"
Alastar glanced at her and answered matter-of-factly, "You look amazing."
"You say that every time," she teased.
"I speak nothing but the truth."
Serenah liked that about Alastar. His honesty was refreshing in a court full of intrigue and lies.
"Shall we go?" Serenah asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, my lady." Alastar offered his arm.
She took it and let him escort her to the royal dining hall. The closer they got, the more reluctant Serenah became. She hated dining with the greedy nobles. They all catered to her father's and Amanah's will. And, they only regarded her as a secondary prize in their political games. She truly detested it but was powerless to change anything. A sigh escaped her lips and she hastily covered her mouth. She had to be careful that no one heard.
They arrived at the door and the page opened it and announced her arrival. Serenah let go of Alastar's arm and went to her seat. She wanted to hide from all the appraising looks of the seated nobles. She sat in her chair that was placed to the left of her father's spot. Amanah smirked at her and she chose to ignore it.
The gong signaling the king's arrival rang twice and everyone rose. Her father entered, took his place at the head of the table, and surveyed all in attendance. Everyone bowed, waited for him to sit, and then sat down.
Serenah steeled herself. Let the intrigue battles begin.