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Exiled, please :)
Dawn
A bath – that was what she needed – a warm bath with fragrant oils. She would soak herself in water until her skin was pruned, until every trace of contact with the Necromancer was scrubbed clean. Dawn walked with hurried steps along the dark corridors of the castle, her footsteps echoing along the deserted corridors.
At least he had promised to do something to get her to join the hunting party. It was not her first time, though. She trained in the woods, as much as she trained in practice rooms, to track a prey and eliminate it. The crossbow was her favorite weapon. Tracking people was different from tracking down animals and shooting them down, though, and she always pitied the animals she killed even if it was for her next meal.
It would be over soon.
Dawn entered her room feeling tired yet excited for the morning to come. It would be one small victory for Galorien, one step towards freedom. First the heir, then the Necromancer, until finally the Emperor.
Sighart
Risey’s face was easy to read, Sig thought smiling. When he told her the summary of his secret plan, the poor woman’s eyes went wide and her face paled. He said nothing to either reassure her or explain his purpose further. She was needed only to help him get out of the castle. What he would do once he was outside the walls was not for her to know. Sig was not used to being questioned, except by his father.
“Who is this someone special? Is he – or she – a servant as well?” Sig asked. He was the one who always asked the questions. “I assure you that everyone who works in the palace is being fed generously,” he added, then realized how sure he sounded when she was the one who must have known better. The prince paused to study the expression on her face before he continued with a gentle apology. “You may take whatever you want. Does this mean that you are not being fed well? Tell me the truth, Risey.”
But before their conversation on that topic progressed, she was already tugging on the piece of cloth that was wrapped around her neck. He had never seen her take it off before she did in front of him.
Three parallel scars marked her for life. It must be an injury that had damaged her and made her almost mute. Jan and the Empress had no problem communicating with her, but Sig was leaning forward, straining his hearing to catch what she was saying. He also watched the movement of her lips closely, though he was perhaps not as good as Jan in reading lips. There was no need to be good at it as he always had any help he would require, until that moment when his plan required utmost secrecy.
He kept his face blank, as if he didn’t notice the scars that she was hiding from everyone else. Judging by the stubborn set of her jaw and the sudden confidence in her eyes, he understood that pity was the least that she needed. He would very much want to know the story behind the scars, but perhaps there was time for that later on after his plan was put to motion.
"I hope...you...do not....mind..." she whispered.
Sig shook his head and took a sip from his wine. “No, not at all. I would like you to feel comfortable,” he answered with one of his charming smiles. Then she was looking around the room, maybe for a secret passage that he didn’t know was there. His hopes soared. If there was a secret exit from his room, then this would be easier than expected. But she tugged at her clothes and he realized that she was referring to his disguise.
“Do you mean if I would wear a disguise to blend in?” His brows furrowed. This will not be easy. Perhaps he needed to involve Jan after all. “Do you want to dress me up as a woman? I…” Would he go that far? Dressing up as a woman would throw off any suspicious guard if he would pass for a woman. Sighart may have taken after his mother, but his build and the angles of his face were too masculine to pass as a woman. He would look ridiculous. Seriously ridiculous. “I would rather dress as a man. Can you help me then? Bring me something that will help me blend in with the common people and meet me again tomorrow night. I was planning to slip out of the castle tonight, but I cannot appear tired in front of my father’s peers.”
A bath – that was what she needed – a warm bath with fragrant oils. She would soak herself in water until her skin was pruned, until every trace of contact with the Necromancer was scrubbed clean. Dawn walked with hurried steps along the dark corridors of the castle, her footsteps echoing along the deserted corridors.
At least he had promised to do something to get her to join the hunting party. It was not her first time, though. She trained in the woods, as much as she trained in practice rooms, to track a prey and eliminate it. The crossbow was her favorite weapon. Tracking people was different from tracking down animals and shooting them down, though, and she always pitied the animals she killed even if it was for her next meal.
It would be over soon.
Dawn entered her room feeling tired yet excited for the morning to come. It would be one small victory for Galorien, one step towards freedom. First the heir, then the Necromancer, until finally the Emperor.
Sighart
Risey’s face was easy to read, Sig thought smiling. When he told her the summary of his secret plan, the poor woman’s eyes went wide and her face paled. He said nothing to either reassure her or explain his purpose further. She was needed only to help him get out of the castle. What he would do once he was outside the walls was not for her to know. Sig was not used to being questioned, except by his father.
“Who is this someone special? Is he – or she – a servant as well?” Sig asked. He was the one who always asked the questions. “I assure you that everyone who works in the palace is being fed generously,” he added, then realized how sure he sounded when she was the one who must have known better. The prince paused to study the expression on her face before he continued with a gentle apology. “You may take whatever you want. Does this mean that you are not being fed well? Tell me the truth, Risey.”
But before their conversation on that topic progressed, she was already tugging on the piece of cloth that was wrapped around her neck. He had never seen her take it off before she did in front of him.
Three parallel scars marked her for life. It must be an injury that had damaged her and made her almost mute. Jan and the Empress had no problem communicating with her, but Sig was leaning forward, straining his hearing to catch what she was saying. He also watched the movement of her lips closely, though he was perhaps not as good as Jan in reading lips. There was no need to be good at it as he always had any help he would require, until that moment when his plan required utmost secrecy.
He kept his face blank, as if he didn’t notice the scars that she was hiding from everyone else. Judging by the stubborn set of her jaw and the sudden confidence in her eyes, he understood that pity was the least that she needed. He would very much want to know the story behind the scars, but perhaps there was time for that later on after his plan was put to motion.
"I hope...you...do not....mind..." she whispered.
Sig shook his head and took a sip from his wine. “No, not at all. I would like you to feel comfortable,” he answered with one of his charming smiles. Then she was looking around the room, maybe for a secret passage that he didn’t know was there. His hopes soared. If there was a secret exit from his room, then this would be easier than expected. But she tugged at her clothes and he realized that she was referring to his disguise.
“Do you mean if I would wear a disguise to blend in?” His brows furrowed. This will not be easy. Perhaps he needed to involve Jan after all. “Do you want to dress me up as a woman? I…” Would he go that far? Dressing up as a woman would throw off any suspicious guard if he would pass for a woman. Sighart may have taken after his mother, but his build and the angles of his face were too masculine to pass as a woman. He would look ridiculous. Seriously ridiculous. “I would rather dress as a man. Can you help me then? Bring me something that will help me blend in with the common people and meet me again tomorrow night. I was planning to slip out of the castle tonight, but I cannot appear tired in front of my father’s peers.”
Dawn
Dawn didn’t really believe that Jan Leon would accept her offer to assist him. She had always thought that the man whose voice the dead and the undead heeded was a soulless man filled to the brim with pride. Why wouldn’t he when he almost single-handedly wiped out the opposing forces of Galorien? Getting back to his room, even when he’d had a few glasses of wine, shouldn’t be a problem. Then again, there he was with an arm around her shoulder, leaning ever so slightly against her for support. Dawn, on the other hand, placed her arm on his back for support.
“I have seen bigger men got drunk on cheaper wine. Not that I consider you small,” she answered, smiling. It was the opposite, actually. Prince Jan, though not as thoroughly built as some of the men she knew, was tall and lean. Dawn, wearing heels and all, stood only up to his chin. She guessed that if he was to completely slump against her, she would not be able to stand. “What I mean to say is that the wine served to the royals and their elite circle is supposed to be stronger than the wine one will find in a commoner’s tavern and inn.”
They were already out of the dining hall, away from the curious eyes of servants, and were walking the hallway to the side exit of the castle. She spotted Galorien servants side by side others from nations that Nicaea had invaded. Odd enough, there was no light-haired servant, which would suggest to being Nicaean. This was what the other nationalities were to the Nicaea – servants and slaves forced to labor for the comfort of the Imperial lords and ladies.
It won’t be long, she thought. They were, most of them, were stealing glances at the prince and her. She didn’t need to get in their minds to know that rumors were about to circulate. Dawn had no plan to be a center of such rumor, she was merely planning to use Jan Leon to get closer to his brother, but she decided that rumors were inevitable.
“I find Nicaea beautiful,” she lied when he asked what she thought about his country. How could she see beauty in the tyrant’s land? “I would love to see more of it too, but my time here is short. Once Prince Sighart’s betrothal ball is over, the Duke and the Duchess will be heading back to Galorien, and I with them.” She chanced a look up his face. The expression was unreadable, but she was one who need not rely on facial expressions to know what was on someone else’s mind. Dawn was a mind mage, she needed to just gently reach out into his mind and find answers she needed. Then again, he was Jan Leon. There was never a mage who was like him in skill and power, perhaps he would feel her intrusion and execute her on the spot. Dawn couldn’t risk that, not when she was so close to fulfilling what she was trained to do. And yet she was very much tempted.
The rest of the way to his apartment was spent in a comfortable silence. “If I will be permitted, I would like to join tomorrow’s hunting trip,” she said with a sigh. Sighart would most likely be there, where accidents were not impossible to happen. “And you, your highness, should have known better than not to heed your father’s advice about drinking too much wine tonight. A hunting trip is not for someone who was sick from drinking too much wine.” They stopped in front of his door, where two guards were stationed.
Sighart
What was taking her so long? Hadn’t she left before the dinner was ended? He saw her mother call for her favorite servant, whispered something in Risey’s ear that sent the servant hurrying out the dining hall. Did she ask her to go to town at night for an urgent business? It was taking too long for her to come knocking at his door. Or was she perhaps shy?
Sighart was pacing around his sitting room. It was a spacious room with high ceiling and white walls with gold trimmings. Another door leading to his bedroom was at the wall opposite the fireplace. Tall windows, which would have invited the sunlight in during the morning, were then covered by cream colored curtains. It was not as spacious as Jan’s private apartment in terms of floor area, but it was styled to house a royal.
A book that he was patiently reading a few moments ago was faced down on a side table, while a covered meal was placed on a dining table at one side of the room. He had yet to change from the clothes he wore to dinner, except for his jacket that he got rid of as soon as he was in his rooms.
A knock on the door lit up his eyes with hope. The crown prince rushed to the door and yanked it open and he was not disappointed. “Risey,” he breathed a sigh of relief. “I was about to give up waiting. Had my mother asked for the impossible again? Shall I speak to her about it?” He stepped aside and gestured for her to come in.
“Please do sit. Oh, not in front of the fire, please,” he mentioned, gesturing to the table that had been set near the door to his bedroom. The candles on the table were half melted. He lifted the silver dome covering the food revealing a full course meal, same as the one served for dinner. He had asked of it from the kitchen before he went to his room, telling the kitchen staff that he hadn’t eaten well during the dinner. “I am assuming you have not yet had dinner. Please help yourself.” Sig poured wine for her, then for himself before allowing himself to sit opposite her.
“Consider this as my initial bribe, Risey, for that favor I would ask of you,” he smiled a little lopsided smile that made him look rougish as he raised his glass to her honor and drank to his little scheme. "My mother and brother trusts you enough. I hope that I am not mistaken for trusting you too. I need you to help me leave the palace grounds unnoticed. I am going into the city disguised as a commoner to personally inspect the level of security. Nobody knows this, not even Jan."
Dawn didn’t really believe that Jan Leon would accept her offer to assist him. She had always thought that the man whose voice the dead and the undead heeded was a soulless man filled to the brim with pride. Why wouldn’t he when he almost single-handedly wiped out the opposing forces of Galorien? Getting back to his room, even when he’d had a few glasses of wine, shouldn’t be a problem. Then again, there he was with an arm around her shoulder, leaning ever so slightly against her for support. Dawn, on the other hand, placed her arm on his back for support.
“I have seen bigger men got drunk on cheaper wine. Not that I consider you small,” she answered, smiling. It was the opposite, actually. Prince Jan, though not as thoroughly built as some of the men she knew, was tall and lean. Dawn, wearing heels and all, stood only up to his chin. She guessed that if he was to completely slump against her, she would not be able to stand. “What I mean to say is that the wine served to the royals and their elite circle is supposed to be stronger than the wine one will find in a commoner’s tavern and inn.”
They were already out of the dining hall, away from the curious eyes of servants, and were walking the hallway to the side exit of the castle. She spotted Galorien servants side by side others from nations that Nicaea had invaded. Odd enough, there was no light-haired servant, which would suggest to being Nicaean. This was what the other nationalities were to the Nicaea – servants and slaves forced to labor for the comfort of the Imperial lords and ladies.
It won’t be long, she thought. They were, most of them, were stealing glances at the prince and her. She didn’t need to get in their minds to know that rumors were about to circulate. Dawn had no plan to be a center of such rumor, she was merely planning to use Jan Leon to get closer to his brother, but she decided that rumors were inevitable.
“I find Nicaea beautiful,” she lied when he asked what she thought about his country. How could she see beauty in the tyrant’s land? “I would love to see more of it too, but my time here is short. Once Prince Sighart’s betrothal ball is over, the Duke and the Duchess will be heading back to Galorien, and I with them.” She chanced a look up his face. The expression was unreadable, but she was one who need not rely on facial expressions to know what was on someone else’s mind. Dawn was a mind mage, she needed to just gently reach out into his mind and find answers she needed. Then again, he was Jan Leon. There was never a mage who was like him in skill and power, perhaps he would feel her intrusion and execute her on the spot. Dawn couldn’t risk that, not when she was so close to fulfilling what she was trained to do. And yet she was very much tempted.
The rest of the way to his apartment was spent in a comfortable silence. “If I will be permitted, I would like to join tomorrow’s hunting trip,” she said with a sigh. Sighart would most likely be there, where accidents were not impossible to happen. “And you, your highness, should have known better than not to heed your father’s advice about drinking too much wine tonight. A hunting trip is not for someone who was sick from drinking too much wine.” They stopped in front of his door, where two guards were stationed.
Sighart
What was taking her so long? Hadn’t she left before the dinner was ended? He saw her mother call for her favorite servant, whispered something in Risey’s ear that sent the servant hurrying out the dining hall. Did she ask her to go to town at night for an urgent business? It was taking too long for her to come knocking at his door. Or was she perhaps shy?
Sighart was pacing around his sitting room. It was a spacious room with high ceiling and white walls with gold trimmings. Another door leading to his bedroom was at the wall opposite the fireplace. Tall windows, which would have invited the sunlight in during the morning, were then covered by cream colored curtains. It was not as spacious as Jan’s private apartment in terms of floor area, but it was styled to house a royal.
A book that he was patiently reading a few moments ago was faced down on a side table, while a covered meal was placed on a dining table at one side of the room. He had yet to change from the clothes he wore to dinner, except for his jacket that he got rid of as soon as he was in his rooms.
A knock on the door lit up his eyes with hope. The crown prince rushed to the door and yanked it open and he was not disappointed. “Risey,” he breathed a sigh of relief. “I was about to give up waiting. Had my mother asked for the impossible again? Shall I speak to her about it?” He stepped aside and gestured for her to come in.
“Please do sit. Oh, not in front of the fire, please,” he mentioned, gesturing to the table that had been set near the door to his bedroom. The candles on the table were half melted. He lifted the silver dome covering the food revealing a full course meal, same as the one served for dinner. He had asked of it from the kitchen before he went to his room, telling the kitchen staff that he hadn’t eaten well during the dinner. “I am assuming you have not yet had dinner. Please help yourself.” Sig poured wine for her, then for himself before allowing himself to sit opposite her.
“Consider this as my initial bribe, Risey, for that favor I would ask of you,” he smiled a little lopsided smile that made him look rougish as he raised his glass to her honor and drank to his little scheme. "My mother and brother trusts you enough. I hope that I am not mistaken for trusting you too. I need you to help me leave the palace grounds unnoticed. I am going into the city disguised as a commoner to personally inspect the level of security. Nobody knows this, not even Jan."
Sighart
The advantage of being promised to wed a woman was the almost instant retreat of ambitious mothers parading their daughters in front of him like lovely flowers he could pick. He used to enjoy the attention when he was younger, but faking a smile and polite gestures were tiring. Now that the day he was to wed a stranger draws closer, he wondered what it would be like to have picked a lovely flower on his own accord, and not accepted one that his father had chosen for him.
Voices of his father’s guests filled the room. Some were cheering while others were laughing at the little people performing their practiced routine. Sig just sat there, watching with a lazy smile on his face. He was lucky to be seated between the Emperor and Jan Leon, not being in direct contact with his father’s guests. He listens to conversations around the room now and then, and responded accordingly to some congratulations remarks. He even caught the particular conversation between his brother and a nobleman who was asking for the prince’s help to speak to a deceased relative, but as the night went on he listened less and thought more about the favor that he would like to ask from Risey.
Sometime during the course of the dinner, the Emperor announced that he had organized a little entertainment for his guests for the following morning. The men, sober or otherwise, sat in attention. Everyone knew that the Emperor enjoyed hunting. The woods were dense around the capital, perfect for unleashing the hunters within them. Therefore, the Emperor mentioned, it would be wise not to drown in the spirits of alcohol. The lords were, of course, more excited than the ladies, although women were known to participate in these activities as well. And yet, by the end of the night, many of the men spoke in slurred syllables, needing help just to get to their feet.
“I’m glad both my sons have enough sense not to get drunk tonight,” he heard the Emperor mumble as he rose from his seat. The Empress did the same and so did Sig. From the other end of the table, his already red-faced uncle seemed to have encountered no trouble getting up to his feet. His children, Sebastian and Elys, were long sent up to their chambers to rest, leaving the Duke, the Duchess, and their guest. It was a pity that the woman did not sing for them that night, Sig thought, for he adored her singing voice. It was as if magic was at work whenever she sang for it tugged at his heart and made him feel the words come to life.
Dawn
She noticed the crown prince studying her and she raised her gaze up to his. How could she establish contact with this man? It was impossible to carry out her task without at least a conversation with him. Her magic worked that way. She had to say out loud what she wanted her target to do or believe or see. Shouting it from across the room was an option, but it was one that would surely cost her head. She could take the risk and do it, except that she was ordered to make it look like an accident or a suicide. The goal was to slowly destabilize the Empire from within and her role was to eliminate key people.
The dinner came to a close with the Emperor leaving the table. Sighart nodded in her direction as if acknowledging her presence, then went off after his mother and father. He would most likely retire in his luxurious suites to rest that pretty head of his in preparation for tomorrow’s hunting trip. She was so distracted in watching the retreating backs of the royal family that Dawn failed to notice that the fourth member was missing.
“I wanted to thank you...for singing to us earlier,” said the youngest prince. It took Dawn a few moments to realize that the voice was talking to her, and that the thank you was meant for her as well. Actually, it took Lady Cecilia’s elbow on Dawn’s arm. The younger woman looked up at the lady, who curtseyed to the prince who was apparently standing there.
“I shall rest tonight and catch the biggest game tomorrow,” declared the Duke. He clapped his nephew’s shoulder with uncontrolled force then gestured for his wife to come with him, but before they left, he added, “A bear perhaps, and without magic. I shall see you in the morning, Jan.”
Lady Cecilia squeezed Dawn’s upper arm. “I apologize, but I have to leave you. He’s not his proper self and look how he’s walking away without me,” she whispered urgently. The duke may have been able to get to his feet on his own, but he swayed here and there. “Prince Jan, would you care to walk our Dawn back to her room?” She didn’t wait for an answer though and hurried after the Duke leaving Dawn and Jan behind.
“I do not require an escort, your highness,” she said. His cheeks were flushed – though perhaps just a light tint of red – she noticed. Was he drunk? Perhaps she should be the one escorting him back to his rooms. “I thank you for…” thanking me, she thought, but didn’t say it out loud, because it just sounded foolish. Instead she smiled. “I’m glad you appreciated the song. Elys loves it when I sing to her, insists it even. So you can tell that I’ve had enough practice.”
The room was clearing up, leaving only her and Jan, plus the servants. She noticed that the black-haired servant who tackled Jan Leon was missing. “Did you need help getting to your apartments, your highness? I think I remember the way. Just please promise not to throw up along the way.” She started to move closer to his side to better support him if he was unstable on his feet just as an idea started to take shape in her mind. “You may lean on me, if you want to.” And perhaps she had found a way to be closer to Sighart after all.
The advantage of being promised to wed a woman was the almost instant retreat of ambitious mothers parading their daughters in front of him like lovely flowers he could pick. He used to enjoy the attention when he was younger, but faking a smile and polite gestures were tiring. Now that the day he was to wed a stranger draws closer, he wondered what it would be like to have picked a lovely flower on his own accord, and not accepted one that his father had chosen for him.
Voices of his father’s guests filled the room. Some were cheering while others were laughing at the little people performing their practiced routine. Sig just sat there, watching with a lazy smile on his face. He was lucky to be seated between the Emperor and Jan Leon, not being in direct contact with his father’s guests. He listens to conversations around the room now and then, and responded accordingly to some congratulations remarks. He even caught the particular conversation between his brother and a nobleman who was asking for the prince’s help to speak to a deceased relative, but as the night went on he listened less and thought more about the favor that he would like to ask from Risey.
Sometime during the course of the dinner, the Emperor announced that he had organized a little entertainment for his guests for the following morning. The men, sober or otherwise, sat in attention. Everyone knew that the Emperor enjoyed hunting. The woods were dense around the capital, perfect for unleashing the hunters within them. Therefore, the Emperor mentioned, it would be wise not to drown in the spirits of alcohol. The lords were, of course, more excited than the ladies, although women were known to participate in these activities as well. And yet, by the end of the night, many of the men spoke in slurred syllables, needing help just to get to their feet.
“I’m glad both my sons have enough sense not to get drunk tonight,” he heard the Emperor mumble as he rose from his seat. The Empress did the same and so did Sig. From the other end of the table, his already red-faced uncle seemed to have encountered no trouble getting up to his feet. His children, Sebastian and Elys, were long sent up to their chambers to rest, leaving the Duke, the Duchess, and their guest. It was a pity that the woman did not sing for them that night, Sig thought, for he adored her singing voice. It was as if magic was at work whenever she sang for it tugged at his heart and made him feel the words come to life.
Dawn
She noticed the crown prince studying her and she raised her gaze up to his. How could she establish contact with this man? It was impossible to carry out her task without at least a conversation with him. Her magic worked that way. She had to say out loud what she wanted her target to do or believe or see. Shouting it from across the room was an option, but it was one that would surely cost her head. She could take the risk and do it, except that she was ordered to make it look like an accident or a suicide. The goal was to slowly destabilize the Empire from within and her role was to eliminate key people.
The dinner came to a close with the Emperor leaving the table. Sighart nodded in her direction as if acknowledging her presence, then went off after his mother and father. He would most likely retire in his luxurious suites to rest that pretty head of his in preparation for tomorrow’s hunting trip. She was so distracted in watching the retreating backs of the royal family that Dawn failed to notice that the fourth member was missing.
“I wanted to thank you...for singing to us earlier,” said the youngest prince. It took Dawn a few moments to realize that the voice was talking to her, and that the thank you was meant for her as well. Actually, it took Lady Cecilia’s elbow on Dawn’s arm. The younger woman looked up at the lady, who curtseyed to the prince who was apparently standing there.
“I shall rest tonight and catch the biggest game tomorrow,” declared the Duke. He clapped his nephew’s shoulder with uncontrolled force then gestured for his wife to come with him, but before they left, he added, “A bear perhaps, and without magic. I shall see you in the morning, Jan.”
Lady Cecilia squeezed Dawn’s upper arm. “I apologize, but I have to leave you. He’s not his proper self and look how he’s walking away without me,” she whispered urgently. The duke may have been able to get to his feet on his own, but he swayed here and there. “Prince Jan, would you care to walk our Dawn back to her room?” She didn’t wait for an answer though and hurried after the Duke leaving Dawn and Jan behind.
“I do not require an escort, your highness,” she said. His cheeks were flushed – though perhaps just a light tint of red – she noticed. Was he drunk? Perhaps she should be the one escorting him back to his rooms. “I thank you for…” thanking me, she thought, but didn’t say it out loud, because it just sounded foolish. Instead she smiled. “I’m glad you appreciated the song. Elys loves it when I sing to her, insists it even. So you can tell that I’ve had enough practice.”
The room was clearing up, leaving only her and Jan, plus the servants. She noticed that the black-haired servant who tackled Jan Leon was missing. “Did you need help getting to your apartments, your highness? I think I remember the way. Just please promise not to throw up along the way.” She started to move closer to his side to better support him if he was unstable on his feet just as an idea started to take shape in her mind. “You may lean on me, if you want to.” And perhaps she had found a way to be closer to Sighart after all.
When she was but a little girl in Galorien, before it fell into the clutches of Nicaea, she lived a life befitting a princess. Her father was an important advisor of the king and her mother was of noble birth. There was nothing she asked that could not be given to her, but then again, she didn’t want a lot of things. She had beautiful dresses, colorful ribbons, and the finest shoes – all of which she couldn’t appreciate back then. Their house was big, not as grand as the palace, but it was something not everyone can afford. However, just like the faces of her dead family members, the memory was barely clinging at the edge of her mind. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to be free.
“Just relax, Dawn,” reminded Lady Cecilia softly. The lady was responsible for Dawn’s simple blue dress. It was not adorned with any precious stone. To compensate for it, Lady Cecilia made Dawn wear weaved golden necklace accented by a sapphire that rested on the creamy complexion of her chest. Smaller stones were weaved with the gold thread in a symmetrical semi circle around the blue gem stone. The gown was cut low on the chest, more revealing that what she would otherwise wear. Lace made up the sleeves of the dress as well as its back. The duchess was too excited for Dawn to wear the gown that the younger woman said nothing about her discomfort wearing it.
“Yes, my lady,” she answered quietly. Elys was at the other side of Lady Cecilia as they entered the dining hall. She had forgotten what it was like to be free.
The dining hall was busy with interaction between highborn lords and ladies. It screamed extravagance, from the thick curtains to the gold accents painted on the wall. There was no fault to be seen at first glance, it was perfect, except that Dawn saw every person in the room as an imperfection that needed to be eliminated. The bright colored dresses of the lords and ladies, their perfectly arranged hair, every pearl and precious stone strung into the ladies’ hairs – all of these were stolen riches. Nicaea was a plague that bled every nation it conquered dry. Dawn forced a smile.
Elys was a well-behaved girl, acting like the lady she had said she didn’t want to be. Dawn thought the girl just couldn’t help be the person she was born to be. The duchess introduced both girls to the other guests and both acted the part they were supposed to play.
Not too long after, the food was brought in. Sighart came in with it. Not usually late for his appointments, but he had just come from a brief discussion with the captain of the palace guards. Nevertheless, the crown prince entered with an air of command, but before his presence was noticed by his father, he caught sight of Risey standing among the servants. He thought twice about his next move, and decided to take his chances.
Sig motioned for Risey to come closer and when she was close enough, he leaned in closer so he could whisper, “I hope you have not forgotten. Tonight after dinner, I wish to speak with you.” It was not a request. Of course, with Sighart, it was never a request even if he punctuated it with a polite smile.
Dawn saw the interaction from where she was seated. It was curious what he told the servant that couldn’t wait until the dinner was over. If only she could get closer to him, then she could reach into his mind and read his thoughts. What could he be hiding behind that careless smile?
She looked away, but found his brother, Jan Leon watching her. Not meaning to be seen as a rude person, she acknowledged his attention with a small smile before turning her attention to the Emperor as he spoke. His voice boomed like a thunder in the dining hall. He thanked his guests for their presence then acknowledged the presence of his younger brother, the Duke of Masseria. After which, he managed the expectations of everyone present with regards to the activities in the coming days, until finally, and to Dawn’s relief, he offered the food for everyone in the table.
It was a feast, one that she had not have the pleasure partaking with since she was little. A part of her felt guilty that she should be enjoying herself while her people suffered the tyranny of these people. The food was good, but it tasted bitter on her tongue. She placed only a small amount on her plate and very slowly consumed it.
“Are you not feeling well?” the duchess asked, noticing Dawn.
“Perhaps it is just the long journey, my lady,” she answered. “I truly am not used to travelling.”
Lady Cecilia nodded and sympathetically placed a gloved hand over hers. “I understand. I shall send you early into your rooms then.”
“No, I am perfectly fine. A bit tired, but I am fine. Besides, this is a rare opportunity for me.” Because she had to get closer to her target. She could use the connection with the duke’s family and she would exploit it tonight.
“Just relax, Dawn,” reminded Lady Cecilia softly. The lady was responsible for Dawn’s simple blue dress. It was not adorned with any precious stone. To compensate for it, Lady Cecilia made Dawn wear weaved golden necklace accented by a sapphire that rested on the creamy complexion of her chest. Smaller stones were weaved with the gold thread in a symmetrical semi circle around the blue gem stone. The gown was cut low on the chest, more revealing that what she would otherwise wear. Lace made up the sleeves of the dress as well as its back. The duchess was too excited for Dawn to wear the gown that the younger woman said nothing about her discomfort wearing it.
“Yes, my lady,” she answered quietly. Elys was at the other side of Lady Cecilia as they entered the dining hall. She had forgotten what it was like to be free.
The dining hall was busy with interaction between highborn lords and ladies. It screamed extravagance, from the thick curtains to the gold accents painted on the wall. There was no fault to be seen at first glance, it was perfect, except that Dawn saw every person in the room as an imperfection that needed to be eliminated. The bright colored dresses of the lords and ladies, their perfectly arranged hair, every pearl and precious stone strung into the ladies’ hairs – all of these were stolen riches. Nicaea was a plague that bled every nation it conquered dry. Dawn forced a smile.
Elys was a well-behaved girl, acting like the lady she had said she didn’t want to be. Dawn thought the girl just couldn’t help be the person she was born to be. The duchess introduced both girls to the other guests and both acted the part they were supposed to play.
Not too long after, the food was brought in. Sighart came in with it. Not usually late for his appointments, but he had just come from a brief discussion with the captain of the palace guards. Nevertheless, the crown prince entered with an air of command, but before his presence was noticed by his father, he caught sight of Risey standing among the servants. He thought twice about his next move, and decided to take his chances.
Sig motioned for Risey to come closer and when she was close enough, he leaned in closer so he could whisper, “I hope you have not forgotten. Tonight after dinner, I wish to speak with you.” It was not a request. Of course, with Sighart, it was never a request even if he punctuated it with a polite smile.
Dawn saw the interaction from where she was seated. It was curious what he told the servant that couldn’t wait until the dinner was over. If only she could get closer to him, then she could reach into his mind and read his thoughts. What could he be hiding behind that careless smile?
She looked away, but found his brother, Jan Leon watching her. Not meaning to be seen as a rude person, she acknowledged his attention with a small smile before turning her attention to the Emperor as he spoke. His voice boomed like a thunder in the dining hall. He thanked his guests for their presence then acknowledged the presence of his younger brother, the Duke of Masseria. After which, he managed the expectations of everyone present with regards to the activities in the coming days, until finally, and to Dawn’s relief, he offered the food for everyone in the table.
It was a feast, one that she had not have the pleasure partaking with since she was little. A part of her felt guilty that she should be enjoying herself while her people suffered the tyranny of these people. The food was good, but it tasted bitter on her tongue. She placed only a small amount on her plate and very slowly consumed it.
“Are you not feeling well?” the duchess asked, noticing Dawn.
“Perhaps it is just the long journey, my lady,” she answered. “I truly am not used to travelling.”
Lady Cecilia nodded and sympathetically placed a gloved hand over hers. “I understand. I shall send you early into your rooms then.”
“No, I am perfectly fine. A bit tired, but I am fine. Besides, this is a rare opportunity for me.” Because she had to get closer to her target. She could use the connection with the duke’s family and she would exploit it tonight.
Possible interest :)
Elys may have taken after most of the manners of his three older brother, she might have said aloud that she did not want to be a lady, but underneath the influence of the four older boys was a little girl with a soft spot for everything pretty and shiny. Dawn watched the pale eyes of the child light up in anticipation and wonder as Elys opened the box from her cousin.
“This is for me?” she asked almost voiceless, which was testament of how surprised she was of the gift. Dawn doubted that the prince heard the little girl as he was just in the act of tossing a stool at the servant girl who tackled him earlier. Just like the black-haired girl, Dawn was quietly observing. She was considered a friend of the Duke and his family, but she will always be a servant to them – an object for their entertainment. She did not belong in the palace, or in the presence of these royal children. Therefore, just like Risey, she stood at the background to observe, though unlike her, she had a mission to carry out.
The Galorian was still watching the young girl as she slowly held up the necklace in her tiny fingers when the door to Prince Jan’s apartment opened. Out of curiosity, Dawn, a small smile still on her face, looked up to the opposite side of the room where a man stood at the threshold carrying a rectangular box. Even from the distance, she could see that his eyes were of the palest blue, like icicles. And though he was smiling, she felt chills down her spine as those eyes found her gaze.
“Have I missed anything?” he asked, still not letting go, as if the question was meant for her. This man was her target. Dawn tore her gaze away, forced her thoughts aside before her real intent was detected. Mind mages did have the ability to not be detected by the wards of the castle, but she had to be careful not to let strong emotion take her over or she might just trigger a ward.
His voice seemed to have woken Elys from a trance, though, for the girl came back to life and ran to him with the necklace clutched to her chest. Sighart dropped to one knee and set his box on the floor as he welcomed the girl in an embrace.
“Siggy!” the girl squealed, wrapping her arms around the crown prince, while he laughed and hugged her back. She kissed his cheek once then pulled away so she can show him the present that his brother gave her. “Isn’t it lovely? Jan made this just for me.” Then having realized that she had not yet thanked him, she ran back to Jan Leon and hugged him too. “Thank you, Jan. This is very lovely. Will you put it on me?”
“Well, I also have something for you, Elys,” Sig said, closing the door behind him. He paused and acknowledged Risey’s presence with a nod at her direction, then walked up to Elys and Jan to hand over his present to the girl. “Happy birthday, princess.”
It might be because they never had a sister and that Uncle Cassius had only boys until Elys that the two princes were very fond of the girl. She would grow up a spoiled princess, Sig thought, but he didn’t care. He liked seeing the smile on her face and he liked the sound of her high-pitched little laugh.
“It’s a dress!” the girl declared.
Sig nodded. “I thought that my brother will give you a stunning jewelry piece, so I had a dress made for you. Beautiful piece, Jan. You should seriously reconsider your career path.”
“I have a present for you too, Siggy,” said Elys. “I brought Dawn with me.”
“Dawn?”
The woman in question curtseyed when Sig looked her way. “Your highness, I am Dawn Layton,” she kept her eyes on the ground and let Elys continued the introduction.
“Yes, Dawn. She is my friend from Galorien. Mother says she will sing for your ball. And I will wear this dress and this necklace when I go to your ball.”
“And you will be the prettiest girl in the party,“ reassured Sighart, but his attention was elsewhere. He was curious to meet the woman the court had been whispering about since news of her voice reached the capital. They said she had a voice that could make the gods weep. He walked up to her, but she seemed to have fixed her attention to her feet.
Dawn could not really tell why her heart was hammering in her chest at that moment. Perhaps she was struck by the presence of the very men that she had despised these past ten years, or perhaps she was excited at the prospect of finally being a step closer to revenge and freedom. She could end it. She could end it then and there if not for Elys.
A gloved hand touched her chin and gently guided her face up to again meet those cold blue eyes. She pushed back her thoughts of murder and softened her features, but her hands balled to fists at her side. “Don’t be shy now, Lady Layton,” the crown prince smiled at her. “Will you sing for us?”
“But… I have nothing prepared, my lord.”
“Just a tiny bit of sample will do, my lady. I have been wanting to hear you sing ever since I heard rumors about you.”
Dawn took a deep breath. “Very well then.”
The crown prince stepped back and sat on one of the stools near his brother, then gestured for him to do the same, while Elys cheered and sat on the floor. “You better speak with mother and father. Not in that particular order, but I strongly advise that you do speak with them soon,” he whispered to Jan before Dawn opened her mouth and let out a string of words and notes that carried them with her on a journey across the sea and back to Galorien. She sang of love and loss and hope of a girl who had met her heart’s other half at the wrong place at the wrong time. Her voice was light and soft as silk, chilling as an autumn night, but it brought warmth to Sig’s heart. He wondered what it would be like to fall in love, and to be free to marry for love.
When she finished, the whole room was silent. Four pairs of eyes were on her. Dawn panicked. What if they didn’t like her singing? What if they were disappointed?
Sighart got up to his feet and clapped for her. “The rumors do not do your voice justice, Lady Layton. You sound better than they describe,” he said, then he turned to Elys. “Thank you for bringing your friend along with you.”
"I told you!" beamed Elys. Her smile was broad, saying how proud she was of Dawn. "Wait until she is well rested."
“This is for me?” she asked almost voiceless, which was testament of how surprised she was of the gift. Dawn doubted that the prince heard the little girl as he was just in the act of tossing a stool at the servant girl who tackled him earlier. Just like the black-haired girl, Dawn was quietly observing. She was considered a friend of the Duke and his family, but she will always be a servant to them – an object for their entertainment. She did not belong in the palace, or in the presence of these royal children. Therefore, just like Risey, she stood at the background to observe, though unlike her, she had a mission to carry out.
The Galorian was still watching the young girl as she slowly held up the necklace in her tiny fingers when the door to Prince Jan’s apartment opened. Out of curiosity, Dawn, a small smile still on her face, looked up to the opposite side of the room where a man stood at the threshold carrying a rectangular box. Even from the distance, she could see that his eyes were of the palest blue, like icicles. And though he was smiling, she felt chills down her spine as those eyes found her gaze.
“Have I missed anything?” he asked, still not letting go, as if the question was meant for her. This man was her target. Dawn tore her gaze away, forced her thoughts aside before her real intent was detected. Mind mages did have the ability to not be detected by the wards of the castle, but she had to be careful not to let strong emotion take her over or she might just trigger a ward.
His voice seemed to have woken Elys from a trance, though, for the girl came back to life and ran to him with the necklace clutched to her chest. Sighart dropped to one knee and set his box on the floor as he welcomed the girl in an embrace.
“Siggy!” the girl squealed, wrapping her arms around the crown prince, while he laughed and hugged her back. She kissed his cheek once then pulled away so she can show him the present that his brother gave her. “Isn’t it lovely? Jan made this just for me.” Then having realized that she had not yet thanked him, she ran back to Jan Leon and hugged him too. “Thank you, Jan. This is very lovely. Will you put it on me?”
“Well, I also have something for you, Elys,” Sig said, closing the door behind him. He paused and acknowledged Risey’s presence with a nod at her direction, then walked up to Elys and Jan to hand over his present to the girl. “Happy birthday, princess.”
It might be because they never had a sister and that Uncle Cassius had only boys until Elys that the two princes were very fond of the girl. She would grow up a spoiled princess, Sig thought, but he didn’t care. He liked seeing the smile on her face and he liked the sound of her high-pitched little laugh.
“It’s a dress!” the girl declared.
Sig nodded. “I thought that my brother will give you a stunning jewelry piece, so I had a dress made for you. Beautiful piece, Jan. You should seriously reconsider your career path.”
“I have a present for you too, Siggy,” said Elys. “I brought Dawn with me.”
“Dawn?”
The woman in question curtseyed when Sig looked her way. “Your highness, I am Dawn Layton,” she kept her eyes on the ground and let Elys continued the introduction.
“Yes, Dawn. She is my friend from Galorien. Mother says she will sing for your ball. And I will wear this dress and this necklace when I go to your ball.”
“And you will be the prettiest girl in the party,“ reassured Sighart, but his attention was elsewhere. He was curious to meet the woman the court had been whispering about since news of her voice reached the capital. They said she had a voice that could make the gods weep. He walked up to her, but she seemed to have fixed her attention to her feet.
Dawn could not really tell why her heart was hammering in her chest at that moment. Perhaps she was struck by the presence of the very men that she had despised these past ten years, or perhaps she was excited at the prospect of finally being a step closer to revenge and freedom. She could end it. She could end it then and there if not for Elys.
A gloved hand touched her chin and gently guided her face up to again meet those cold blue eyes. She pushed back her thoughts of murder and softened her features, but her hands balled to fists at her side. “Don’t be shy now, Lady Layton,” the crown prince smiled at her. “Will you sing for us?”
“But… I have nothing prepared, my lord.”
“Just a tiny bit of sample will do, my lady. I have been wanting to hear you sing ever since I heard rumors about you.”
Dawn took a deep breath. “Very well then.”
The crown prince stepped back and sat on one of the stools near his brother, then gestured for him to do the same, while Elys cheered and sat on the floor. “You better speak with mother and father. Not in that particular order, but I strongly advise that you do speak with them soon,” he whispered to Jan before Dawn opened her mouth and let out a string of words and notes that carried them with her on a journey across the sea and back to Galorien. She sang of love and loss and hope of a girl who had met her heart’s other half at the wrong place at the wrong time. Her voice was light and soft as silk, chilling as an autumn night, but it brought warmth to Sig’s heart. He wondered what it would be like to fall in love, and to be free to marry for love.
When she finished, the whole room was silent. Four pairs of eyes were on her. Dawn panicked. What if they didn’t like her singing? What if they were disappointed?
Sighart got up to his feet and clapped for her. “The rumors do not do your voice justice, Lady Layton. You sound better than they describe,” he said, then he turned to Elys. “Thank you for bringing your friend along with you.”
"I told you!" beamed Elys. Her smile was broad, saying how proud she was of Dawn. "Wait until she is well rested."
“Jan!”
Dawn would have stopped the girl from running, except that little Elys did stop herself halfway. She squealed and giggled and caught the attention of her parents, her brother, and of course Dawn. At least five pairs of eyes turned to a rather comical scene, which involved a man named Jan and a woman who had knocked him down very effectively. The duchess hid her amusement behind a cough, but the duke and Elys’ older brother did not bother. Dawn thought it wise to follow the duchess’ example, and fought against her natural urge to laugh only to keep a straight face.
Dressed in finery and with a face that probably made countless women weep, he must be the second son of the Emperor – Jan Leon Le Roux. Elys did call him Jan. This was the man who, at a young age, was partially responsible for the fall of Galorien. He was the Necromancer, the man who could summon and command legions of undead to do his bidding. Finding him in that specific situation destroyed the mental image of Jan Leon Le Roux that she had conjured in her mind. Because he possessed a terribly dark gift, she imagined him to be grim, introverted, and most of all heartless. Perhaps he was all of that. Perhaps he was just good at pretending to be otherwise, but beneath the veil of his smile, she imagined a darkness so dark that it sucked the light out of anybody that came near enough. He was, after all, one of the reasons that her countrymen were now slaves, that she had lost the life she once knew, the father that once loved her, and those countless faces she used to know.
Before her rage took over her, Dawn dragged her attention from his face and turned instead to the woman who was staring down at him with much contempt, but nevertheless helped him back to his feet. She wore plain clothing, which told Dawn that this woman must be a servant, though a special one, seeing that the prince tolerated her behavior. He introduced the woman as Risey. Lord Cassius advanced from behind Dawn and she was soon followed by Lady Cecilia. The duke bowed while the lady curtsied, while one of the duke’s son, Sebastian, stepped up beside Dawn and Elys.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Risey,” greeted the duke. “Please do inform my brother and the queen that we have arrived safely.”
"Tell mother and Sig that I call dibs to Elys first! I have a gift for her," said the prince and Elys could barely contain herself. "Her birthday was not long ago...It is a shame that we missed it."
Upon hearing it, the girl twisted her hand free from Dawn then squeezed in between her mother and father. The prince mentioned something that sounded like a complement for Risey. To which the duke answered with a solemn nod and a brief, “I am not allowed to speak ill of her majesty,” although he was smiling as he said it.
“Jan! Jan!” Elys cut in.
Dawn and Sebastian took a step forward, but Lady Cecilia was taking the matter of her daughter into her hands. Very gently she told Elys, “Softly now, my darling. It is very unlike a lady to be shouting. Apologize to Jan.”
“Mother, I want to see Jan’s present. You have it, Jan? What is it? I want to see.” But upon seeing the look that her mother gave her, Elys looked down and lowered her voice. The duchess was a soft-spoken woman, but like all mothers, she possessed a look that could silence her children. Elys was no exception. “I’m sorry, your highness,” she muttered.
But Dawn was not a mother, and she could not pass off an opportunity to get to know this man. “I can accompany Elys, my lady,” volunteered Dawn. She stole a quick glance at the prince then turned her attention back to the duchess.
Meanwhile, the young girl’s pale eyes shone with hope. “Thank you, Dawn!” she cried with excitement and ran back to the Galorian to hug her. “We will be back soon that there is plenty of time to rest,” she reassured softly.
“I shall make sure of it,” added Dawn.
Lord Cassius sighed. “Darling, looks like our little princess will not behave unless she gets what she wants.”
“There you go again, spoiling Elys.”
“You do the same with Sebastian, dear.”
The boy in question spoke for the first time. “Mother does not spoil me, father. Can we now please retire to our rooms? I truly am tired.”
“Alright,” answered Lady Cecilia. “I apologize for my daughter’s whims, Dawn. Please take care of Elys and make sure she behaves herself.”
After that, they left Dawn and Elys with Price Jan. The girl was smiling broadly, from the little victory she won that afternoon. She let go of Dawn and ran to the prince to hug him instead. “I missed you. Why have you not visited us in a long time? I’ve wanted to tell you about my new friend, Dawn.”
“Your highness,” she curtsied, finally.
“This is Dawn. She sings like nobody you have ever heard before,” the child boasted, running back to the older woman, and grabbing her gloved hand.
Dawn smiled. “Don’t set your expectations too high, sire. I can sing, but I am not the best there is. Come now. The sooner she gets what she want, the sooner we can both return to our own duties.”
“Come now, your highness,” Elys imitated Dawn’s tone. She raised her little hand – the one that was still free – and waited for Jan to take it.
*********
The royal suite was silent when Sig entered. Neither his father nor his mother was talking. Both the emperor and the empress were busy sipping on their respective cups, although the emperor’s brows were knit together in a frown as he read what appeared to be a letter. The crown prince found them this way in the sitting room of the royal suite. None of his mother’s hand maidens were present at the moment, which was a rare moment for her.
“Mother,” he said. “Risey told me that you wished to discuss something with me.” He didn’t think that his father would also be involved in the discussion. Hopefully he was not and was just reading through his letters in his room.
The queen looked from her tea cup. Her blue eyes were much like his, only a shade darker. Quietly, she set the tea cup on a porcelain saucer, then down on the side table. “Do sit, darling. This may take a while. Where is your brother?”
“Risey might be looking for him as we speak,” he answered, but upon noticing the slight movement in her mother’s brows, he quickly added, “I did ask her to accompany me, so she might not have had the time to look for Jan. Please don’t get mad at her.”
“There is no need to defend a servant, my son,” said the emperor, but his eyes didn’t leave the pages he was reading. The empress, though, sighed and rolled her eyes.
“Anyway, I called for you to inform you that the arrival of your future bride might be earlier than expected. Lady Leila and her parents have sent note that they will be three days earlier than schedule, which is a week from now. Are you not excited?”
“You know how I feel about this, mother,” he answered gently as he took a seat opposite her parents. They were separated by a coffee table that was made of ivory, which rested atop an expensive carpet.
“Lady Leila is the most beautiful lady you will ever meet. She has exceptional manners and is quite witty. I believe you two are the perfect match. She will make a good wife, but you need to cooperate and show her all the proper manners befitting a future emperor,” the empress reassured, but Sig had heard of this more than a hundred times. He had not always been agreeable to the idea of marrying for political gain, but this was always the fate of a highborn like him. The emperor and the empress had gone through the same arranged marriage, but everything turned out well. He hoped it will be the same for him and his future wife. “Jan will be next,” his mother added, smiling proudly. “Your father and I have discussed that he…”
“Jan will not marry, darling. I have already made that clear,” the emperor butted in. “I still need him unattached to anybody but me, his emperor.”
The empress’ blue eyes widened. “Lucius, don’t be cruel to your son. Haven’t he done enough for you?”
“Mother, perhaps Jan would not want to marry. We both know how he is, perhaps he would agree more with father’s plan.”
The emperor nodded in agreement and finally placed the letter he was reading down. “Precisely my point. I need Jan to be in Galorien soon. Perhaps he can travel back with Cassius and his family.”
Sig’s mother gasped. She lifted a hand to her heart and stared at the emperor as if he was a ghost of a stranger. “You cannot be serious, Lucius. Galorien is a dangerous place even for somebody like him. You cannot place my child’s life in danger once more.”
“He’s not a child anymore.”
“This is a decision that Jan will have to make on his own,” interrupted Sighart. He was trying to placate the situation, knowing that if it escalated, his parents were going to be shouting at each other again. Although at the end of the day, he knew that they would make up and act as if nothing had happened, he did not like to be in the middle of the cross-fire that was about to happen.
However, the emperor barked a laugh at his son’s statement. “I make the decisions, Sighart. I am Jan Leon’s superior officer. I shall make decisions for him, no matter how trivial.”
“I will not allow it!” The empress answered back. “Jan will stay in the capital and marry.”
“My son will have more use in Galorien than he would be hiding behind your skirt.”
“The boy has suffered enough, Lucien and you know it.” She shot up to her feet.
“Sit down, Eleonora.”
But the empress refused to back down. Sig got to his feet and started to put an arm around his mother’s shoulder, but the empress shrugged him away. “Stay out of this, Sighart.” She turned her attention back at the emperor. “The kind of power he wields does not come without a price and you know it. You have dozens of other mages at your disposal. Deploy them all for all I care, just leave my boy out of this scheme of yours.”
“Jan Leon is not a boy, Eleonora,” boomed the emperor’s deep voice. When Sig was a child, he thought his father’s voice was like the thunder. That voice still had an effect on him, but the empress could very well handle it. She stood with her back straight and her eyes burning with the same intensity of the emperor’s. “Jan is not anymore your boy. He is my mage, and he shall obey my will. And--”
A knock quickly silenced the emperor, but just one look at him says that he was not at all pleased with the interruption. Had it been any other servant that came out of the servant’s secret door, he would have surely ordered the person flogged. Nevertheless, he was wise enough to know that his wife would never forgive him for it.
The emperor held his tongue until his wife started discussing state matters to a commoner who needed not hear the details of his son’s engagement. Sig looked apologetically at Risey and waited for his father to leave the room. To his mother, he offered affirmation that he would indeed want to greet his uncle and his family, besides he was also curious to meet the Galorian woman who everyone was talking about.
“I apologize for my father’s behavior, Risey,” he said, opening the door for her and the empress.
********
As was customary, the Duke and his family headed straight to the throne room to meet with the rulers of Nicaea. They arrived at a well illuminated, vast empty room with a high roof and towering white pillars. It was not uncommon to wait for the emperor, and none showed their displeasure for doing so.
Emperor Lucius didn’t let them wait long, though. He arrived soon and so did his wife and Sighart. The formalities were made and they were all about to go back into their proper businesses when finally Sig walked beside Sebastian and asked, “Where is Elys?”
“She went with your brother. Jan claims to have prepared a present for her.” Sebastian answered quietly. He did not have the energy of his younger sister and would rather sit alone with his scrolls and books than interact with people.
“Thank you.” The younger gentleman nodded then followed his parents together with the emperor and empress. Sig, on the other hand, turned on his heels and walked the other way. He would look for his brother and their favorite cousin.
Dawn would have stopped the girl from running, except that little Elys did stop herself halfway. She squealed and giggled and caught the attention of her parents, her brother, and of course Dawn. At least five pairs of eyes turned to a rather comical scene, which involved a man named Jan and a woman who had knocked him down very effectively. The duchess hid her amusement behind a cough, but the duke and Elys’ older brother did not bother. Dawn thought it wise to follow the duchess’ example, and fought against her natural urge to laugh only to keep a straight face.
Dressed in finery and with a face that probably made countless women weep, he must be the second son of the Emperor – Jan Leon Le Roux. Elys did call him Jan. This was the man who, at a young age, was partially responsible for the fall of Galorien. He was the Necromancer, the man who could summon and command legions of undead to do his bidding. Finding him in that specific situation destroyed the mental image of Jan Leon Le Roux that she had conjured in her mind. Because he possessed a terribly dark gift, she imagined him to be grim, introverted, and most of all heartless. Perhaps he was all of that. Perhaps he was just good at pretending to be otherwise, but beneath the veil of his smile, she imagined a darkness so dark that it sucked the light out of anybody that came near enough. He was, after all, one of the reasons that her countrymen were now slaves, that she had lost the life she once knew, the father that once loved her, and those countless faces she used to know.
Before her rage took over her, Dawn dragged her attention from his face and turned instead to the woman who was staring down at him with much contempt, but nevertheless helped him back to his feet. She wore plain clothing, which told Dawn that this woman must be a servant, though a special one, seeing that the prince tolerated her behavior. He introduced the woman as Risey. Lord Cassius advanced from behind Dawn and she was soon followed by Lady Cecilia. The duke bowed while the lady curtsied, while one of the duke’s son, Sebastian, stepped up beside Dawn and Elys.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Risey,” greeted the duke. “Please do inform my brother and the queen that we have arrived safely.”
"Tell mother and Sig that I call dibs to Elys first! I have a gift for her," said the prince and Elys could barely contain herself. "Her birthday was not long ago...It is a shame that we missed it."
Upon hearing it, the girl twisted her hand free from Dawn then squeezed in between her mother and father. The prince mentioned something that sounded like a complement for Risey. To which the duke answered with a solemn nod and a brief, “I am not allowed to speak ill of her majesty,” although he was smiling as he said it.
“Jan! Jan!” Elys cut in.
Dawn and Sebastian took a step forward, but Lady Cecilia was taking the matter of her daughter into her hands. Very gently she told Elys, “Softly now, my darling. It is very unlike a lady to be shouting. Apologize to Jan.”
“Mother, I want to see Jan’s present. You have it, Jan? What is it? I want to see.” But upon seeing the look that her mother gave her, Elys looked down and lowered her voice. The duchess was a soft-spoken woman, but like all mothers, she possessed a look that could silence her children. Elys was no exception. “I’m sorry, your highness,” she muttered.
But Dawn was not a mother, and she could not pass off an opportunity to get to know this man. “I can accompany Elys, my lady,” volunteered Dawn. She stole a quick glance at the prince then turned her attention back to the duchess.
Meanwhile, the young girl’s pale eyes shone with hope. “Thank you, Dawn!” she cried with excitement and ran back to the Galorian to hug her. “We will be back soon that there is plenty of time to rest,” she reassured softly.
“I shall make sure of it,” added Dawn.
Lord Cassius sighed. “Darling, looks like our little princess will not behave unless she gets what she wants.”
“There you go again, spoiling Elys.”
“You do the same with Sebastian, dear.”
The boy in question spoke for the first time. “Mother does not spoil me, father. Can we now please retire to our rooms? I truly am tired.”
“Alright,” answered Lady Cecilia. “I apologize for my daughter’s whims, Dawn. Please take care of Elys and make sure she behaves herself.”
After that, they left Dawn and Elys with Price Jan. The girl was smiling broadly, from the little victory she won that afternoon. She let go of Dawn and ran to the prince to hug him instead. “I missed you. Why have you not visited us in a long time? I’ve wanted to tell you about my new friend, Dawn.”
“Your highness,” she curtsied, finally.
“This is Dawn. She sings like nobody you have ever heard before,” the child boasted, running back to the older woman, and grabbing her gloved hand.
Dawn smiled. “Don’t set your expectations too high, sire. I can sing, but I am not the best there is. Come now. The sooner she gets what she want, the sooner we can both return to our own duties.”
“Come now, your highness,” Elys imitated Dawn’s tone. She raised her little hand – the one that was still free – and waited for Jan to take it.
*********
The royal suite was silent when Sig entered. Neither his father nor his mother was talking. Both the emperor and the empress were busy sipping on their respective cups, although the emperor’s brows were knit together in a frown as he read what appeared to be a letter. The crown prince found them this way in the sitting room of the royal suite. None of his mother’s hand maidens were present at the moment, which was a rare moment for her.
“Mother,” he said. “Risey told me that you wished to discuss something with me.” He didn’t think that his father would also be involved in the discussion. Hopefully he was not and was just reading through his letters in his room.
The queen looked from her tea cup. Her blue eyes were much like his, only a shade darker. Quietly, she set the tea cup on a porcelain saucer, then down on the side table. “Do sit, darling. This may take a while. Where is your brother?”
“Risey might be looking for him as we speak,” he answered, but upon noticing the slight movement in her mother’s brows, he quickly added, “I did ask her to accompany me, so she might not have had the time to look for Jan. Please don’t get mad at her.”
“There is no need to defend a servant, my son,” said the emperor, but his eyes didn’t leave the pages he was reading. The empress, though, sighed and rolled her eyes.
“Anyway, I called for you to inform you that the arrival of your future bride might be earlier than expected. Lady Leila and her parents have sent note that they will be three days earlier than schedule, which is a week from now. Are you not excited?”
“You know how I feel about this, mother,” he answered gently as he took a seat opposite her parents. They were separated by a coffee table that was made of ivory, which rested atop an expensive carpet.
“Lady Leila is the most beautiful lady you will ever meet. She has exceptional manners and is quite witty. I believe you two are the perfect match. She will make a good wife, but you need to cooperate and show her all the proper manners befitting a future emperor,” the empress reassured, but Sig had heard of this more than a hundred times. He had not always been agreeable to the idea of marrying for political gain, but this was always the fate of a highborn like him. The emperor and the empress had gone through the same arranged marriage, but everything turned out well. He hoped it will be the same for him and his future wife. “Jan will be next,” his mother added, smiling proudly. “Your father and I have discussed that he…”
“Jan will not marry, darling. I have already made that clear,” the emperor butted in. “I still need him unattached to anybody but me, his emperor.”
The empress’ blue eyes widened. “Lucius, don’t be cruel to your son. Haven’t he done enough for you?”
“Mother, perhaps Jan would not want to marry. We both know how he is, perhaps he would agree more with father’s plan.”
The emperor nodded in agreement and finally placed the letter he was reading down. “Precisely my point. I need Jan to be in Galorien soon. Perhaps he can travel back with Cassius and his family.”
Sig’s mother gasped. She lifted a hand to her heart and stared at the emperor as if he was a ghost of a stranger. “You cannot be serious, Lucius. Galorien is a dangerous place even for somebody like him. You cannot place my child’s life in danger once more.”
“He’s not a child anymore.”
“This is a decision that Jan will have to make on his own,” interrupted Sighart. He was trying to placate the situation, knowing that if it escalated, his parents were going to be shouting at each other again. Although at the end of the day, he knew that they would make up and act as if nothing had happened, he did not like to be in the middle of the cross-fire that was about to happen.
However, the emperor barked a laugh at his son’s statement. “I make the decisions, Sighart. I am Jan Leon’s superior officer. I shall make decisions for him, no matter how trivial.”
“I will not allow it!” The empress answered back. “Jan will stay in the capital and marry.”
“My son will have more use in Galorien than he would be hiding behind your skirt.”
“The boy has suffered enough, Lucien and you know it.” She shot up to her feet.
“Sit down, Eleonora.”
But the empress refused to back down. Sig got to his feet and started to put an arm around his mother’s shoulder, but the empress shrugged him away. “Stay out of this, Sighart.” She turned her attention back at the emperor. “The kind of power he wields does not come without a price and you know it. You have dozens of other mages at your disposal. Deploy them all for all I care, just leave my boy out of this scheme of yours.”
“Jan Leon is not a boy, Eleonora,” boomed the emperor’s deep voice. When Sig was a child, he thought his father’s voice was like the thunder. That voice still had an effect on him, but the empress could very well handle it. She stood with her back straight and her eyes burning with the same intensity of the emperor’s. “Jan is not anymore your boy. He is my mage, and he shall obey my will. And--”
A knock quickly silenced the emperor, but just one look at him says that he was not at all pleased with the interruption. Had it been any other servant that came out of the servant’s secret door, he would have surely ordered the person flogged. Nevertheless, he was wise enough to know that his wife would never forgive him for it.
The emperor held his tongue until his wife started discussing state matters to a commoner who needed not hear the details of his son’s engagement. Sig looked apologetically at Risey and waited for his father to leave the room. To his mother, he offered affirmation that he would indeed want to greet his uncle and his family, besides he was also curious to meet the Galorian woman who everyone was talking about.
“I apologize for my father’s behavior, Risey,” he said, opening the door for her and the empress.
********
As was customary, the Duke and his family headed straight to the throne room to meet with the rulers of Nicaea. They arrived at a well illuminated, vast empty room with a high roof and towering white pillars. It was not uncommon to wait for the emperor, and none showed their displeasure for doing so.
Emperor Lucius didn’t let them wait long, though. He arrived soon and so did his wife and Sighart. The formalities were made and they were all about to go back into their proper businesses when finally Sig walked beside Sebastian and asked, “Where is Elys?”
“She went with your brother. Jan claims to have prepared a present for her.” Sebastian answered quietly. He did not have the energy of his younger sister and would rather sit alone with his scrolls and books than interact with people.
“Thank you.” The younger gentleman nodded then followed his parents together with the emperor and empress. Sig, on the other hand, turned on his heels and walked the other way. He would look for his brother and their favorite cousin.
Ok. No problem :)
Galorien was once known for its unmatched power at sea. Its people had been seafarers as far as written history was concerned. They were known to build the sturdiest ships and navigate storms as if guided by the gods of the open seas. Their warships were years ahead of its neighbors that it was utterly foolish to face the kingdom’s naval fleet head on. Dawn’s father was once a general of the Royal Naval Fleet. However, despite her people being known to be great sailors, the woman was relieved to be on dry land again.
The Maiden’s Gem had safely docked. Its passengers, the entourage of Lord Caius Le Roux, Duke of Masseria, Overseer of Galorien, were escorted to the castle. Nissius, though, was more than a day’s ride from the nearest port and if sitting in a ship was tiring, riding on horseback was more so. Not that she was not used to travelling on horseback, she just didn’t like travelling much. The duke, the duchess, together with Elys and one of her older brothers rode inside a carriage. Of course she was given invitation to ride with them, but she had to politely decline. Unlike them, Dawn didn’t come all the way to Nissius for a vacation. She had a purpose, and to complete it, she needed every ounce of information she could absorb, like perhaps the main road and other possible escape routes. Although she hoped it would not come to the point where she had to run for her life. If all goes well, she would be riding home with the Lord Caius’ family.
The city built on the mountains was already visible on their second day on land, and by the fourth, they were entering through the gates. It was her first time in the capital, she told Elys on that day in the ship, but she never mentioned that it might also be her last. The walls that protected Nissius had stood for centuries, but it was the least of her concerns. The towers that were maintained by the Arcana were what she had to worry about. None of her so called friends dared infiltrate the capital for fear of losing their life for something obviously foolish, because none of them were like her.
Dawn had a beautiful gift of the mind. It was an ability so rare that it was a legend in some parts of the empire. The emperor had under his control every known mind mage in the empire, and there were only three of them. Three, plus there was Dawn. It was a gift so subtle that it would take another trained mage to figure out that one is using the magic to shape other people’s perception of the world around them, just as she could shape her own thoughts to protect the secrets inside.
The entourage had long passed the gate and was now welcomed into the castle grounds. She smiled and quietly thanked the soldier who helped her down her horse. The palace was as grand as the descriptions she heard from the duke and his wife. Had it not been housing the very people who took her freedom and the freedom of her countrymen, the lives of fathers, mothers, and children, she would have been in awe.
The little girl, though, was obviously thrilled. She hopped off the carriage and stood with her neck craned back, looking up at the looming structure of white and gold and glass. She was awfully quiet, which meant quite a lot. Her brother came down next, then her mother and father. Dawn stayed behind them, and quickly curtseyed when the duchess looked over her shoulder to check on her.
“Come with us,” she invited.
Dawn complied without question, walking beside Elys and talking to her in a gentle tone as the child’s high-pitched voice escalated whenever she would point out something that excited her. “Can I stay in your room?” Elys asked Dawn.
“Elys darling,” the duchess bent down and guided the girl’s shoulder away from Dawn. “She is tired, let her rest this afternoon.”
“But mother…”
“It’s alright, my lady. Elys can stay with me, I’m not that tired afterall.”
The duchess shook her head. “None sense, dear. We will be dining with the king and his sons tonight. It is most advisable for every one of us to look our best. I advise you, therefore to rest.” She turned her attention to her daughter. “You as well, Elys.”
**************
Her voice was barely audible, but Sig heard it well. He was not born with the gift like his brother was, but he surely had a good sense of hearing. This, he though, must be because of all the eavesdropping he did as a child. He was a very curious child, and he grew up all the more thirsty for knowledge and information.
The crown prince turned to the source of the voice, but he knew the face in his mind before he actually saw her standing there. “Thank you, Risey,” he answered.
Today, she was dressed simply, wearing what most of the servants would. He studied her a moment, disguising it with indecision whether or not to honor their mother’s request, wondering what was it with this girl that his brother liked. Sig did not consider himself a snob, but he had never had the connection that Jan had with servants. He did not dislike them, but he also did not prefer to be spending time with them. In fact, he was very capable of living on his own without servants.
Nevertheless, frowning, the crown prince asked of the woman, “Did she lost something of her possession again and would ask me to order the knights to scour the city?” Or perhaps she had news regarding his future bride – a woman she had never even seen. “Lead me to her, then.”
Sig walked to the servant girl and waited for her to walk and lead the way. The castle was one big maze if one was not familiar with its alley ways and secret passages, but surely Risey had mastered all of it. Perhaps she even knew of other passages that he wasn’t aware of. The queen was not a very patient woman, even with her sons. She was fierce in protecting and loving them, but she was easily disappointed by how his boys ignored her more and more as they grew up.
He sighed, looking sideways at his quiet companion. “I do admire you,” he started as they rounded a corner and enter another long deserted hallway. “Neither I nor my brother has the patience to put up with our mother on an hourly basis. You must have a lot of patience. She can be insufferable, but we do love our queen. I just sometimes…” The prince sighed again. “Never mind.”
She was not on his “to worry about” list at the moment. He was still not convinced about the security around the castle and in the city. Perhaps he should test it himself. Perhaps…
The pair stopped in front of a pair of doors, which was clearly the royal apartment. He thanked Risey for her help then pushed open the door. He closed it again and turned to the servant. Looking left and right to check if anybody was close enough to hear what he was about to say, he leaned close and whispered something before turning back and entering his parents’ room.
“I need your help,” he had said. “Go to my room tonight, after dinner.”
The Maiden’s Gem had safely docked. Its passengers, the entourage of Lord Caius Le Roux, Duke of Masseria, Overseer of Galorien, were escorted to the castle. Nissius, though, was more than a day’s ride from the nearest port and if sitting in a ship was tiring, riding on horseback was more so. Not that she was not used to travelling on horseback, she just didn’t like travelling much. The duke, the duchess, together with Elys and one of her older brothers rode inside a carriage. Of course she was given invitation to ride with them, but she had to politely decline. Unlike them, Dawn didn’t come all the way to Nissius for a vacation. She had a purpose, and to complete it, she needed every ounce of information she could absorb, like perhaps the main road and other possible escape routes. Although she hoped it would not come to the point where she had to run for her life. If all goes well, she would be riding home with the Lord Caius’ family.
The city built on the mountains was already visible on their second day on land, and by the fourth, they were entering through the gates. It was her first time in the capital, she told Elys on that day in the ship, but she never mentioned that it might also be her last. The walls that protected Nissius had stood for centuries, but it was the least of her concerns. The towers that were maintained by the Arcana were what she had to worry about. None of her so called friends dared infiltrate the capital for fear of losing their life for something obviously foolish, because none of them were like her.
Dawn had a beautiful gift of the mind. It was an ability so rare that it was a legend in some parts of the empire. The emperor had under his control every known mind mage in the empire, and there were only three of them. Three, plus there was Dawn. It was a gift so subtle that it would take another trained mage to figure out that one is using the magic to shape other people’s perception of the world around them, just as she could shape her own thoughts to protect the secrets inside.
The entourage had long passed the gate and was now welcomed into the castle grounds. She smiled and quietly thanked the soldier who helped her down her horse. The palace was as grand as the descriptions she heard from the duke and his wife. Had it not been housing the very people who took her freedom and the freedom of her countrymen, the lives of fathers, mothers, and children, she would have been in awe.
The little girl, though, was obviously thrilled. She hopped off the carriage and stood with her neck craned back, looking up at the looming structure of white and gold and glass. She was awfully quiet, which meant quite a lot. Her brother came down next, then her mother and father. Dawn stayed behind them, and quickly curtseyed when the duchess looked over her shoulder to check on her.
“Come with us,” she invited.
Dawn complied without question, walking beside Elys and talking to her in a gentle tone as the child’s high-pitched voice escalated whenever she would point out something that excited her. “Can I stay in your room?” Elys asked Dawn.
“Elys darling,” the duchess bent down and guided the girl’s shoulder away from Dawn. “She is tired, let her rest this afternoon.”
“But mother…”
“It’s alright, my lady. Elys can stay with me, I’m not that tired afterall.”
The duchess shook her head. “None sense, dear. We will be dining with the king and his sons tonight. It is most advisable for every one of us to look our best. I advise you, therefore to rest.” She turned her attention to her daughter. “You as well, Elys.”
**************
Her voice was barely audible, but Sig heard it well. He was not born with the gift like his brother was, but he surely had a good sense of hearing. This, he though, must be because of all the eavesdropping he did as a child. He was a very curious child, and he grew up all the more thirsty for knowledge and information.
The crown prince turned to the source of the voice, but he knew the face in his mind before he actually saw her standing there. “Thank you, Risey,” he answered.
Today, she was dressed simply, wearing what most of the servants would. He studied her a moment, disguising it with indecision whether or not to honor their mother’s request, wondering what was it with this girl that his brother liked. Sig did not consider himself a snob, but he had never had the connection that Jan had with servants. He did not dislike them, but he also did not prefer to be spending time with them. In fact, he was very capable of living on his own without servants.
Nevertheless, frowning, the crown prince asked of the woman, “Did she lost something of her possession again and would ask me to order the knights to scour the city?” Or perhaps she had news regarding his future bride – a woman she had never even seen. “Lead me to her, then.”
Sig walked to the servant girl and waited for her to walk and lead the way. The castle was one big maze if one was not familiar with its alley ways and secret passages, but surely Risey had mastered all of it. Perhaps she even knew of other passages that he wasn’t aware of. The queen was not a very patient woman, even with her sons. She was fierce in protecting and loving them, but she was easily disappointed by how his boys ignored her more and more as they grew up.
He sighed, looking sideways at his quiet companion. “I do admire you,” he started as they rounded a corner and enter another long deserted hallway. “Neither I nor my brother has the patience to put up with our mother on an hourly basis. You must have a lot of patience. She can be insufferable, but we do love our queen. I just sometimes…” The prince sighed again. “Never mind.”
She was not on his “to worry about” list at the moment. He was still not convinced about the security around the castle and in the city. Perhaps he should test it himself. Perhaps…
The pair stopped in front of a pair of doors, which was clearly the royal apartment. He thanked Risey for her help then pushed open the door. He closed it again and turned to the servant. Looking left and right to check if anybody was close enough to hear what he was about to say, he leaned close and whispered something before turning back and entering his parents’ room.
“I need your help,” he had said. “Go to my room tonight, after dinner.”
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