“Ignite!” she whispered, feeling the coldness envelop her despite it being a warm night. Deep in the stone walls of the palace she felt cold. “Ignite!” she felt frustrated with the stone that remained dark in her hand. “It won't work, these passageways are probably made so no magic can work here,” Declan's voice came “Then how are we supposed to see ?” she replied trying to feel for the walls when her hand touched something warm, she froze realising she was touching Declan's chest and made to pull away “sorry!” “I'm beginning to wonder if you simply just wanted to get me alone,” he said mockingly gripping her wrist, something about her touch awakened something inside of him. “You wish,” she retorted jerking her hand free from his hold “Don’t think so highly of yourself princess, you are not my type,” he replied, thinking if he had a type she would be it. “Good, and you are not mine either,” she shot back not knowing why his blatant refusal irked her. “Well, since we’ve clarifie
It had been over a week since Layana had retrieved the book for Cordelia. Over a week since she had seen Declan. And over a week since she learned that war was nearing. It had hit her like a cold bucket of ice, once the initial shock had worn off, she pondered over the woman's words over and over trying to make sense of what she had meant. Finding barely anything, she started to find information on the dark lord, but all she found was short stories told to scare children. She rarely saw her father and to her relief queen Myra. Her father was busy in meetings for most of the day or stuck in his office attending to his work. The palace was becoming busier with more knights and nobles visiting whether it was for the meetings or other reasons. Her sisters placed it down Terania’s engagement that was coming closer, but Layana knew the truth, a truth she could tell no one about. She had noticed guards were thickening, and training for the knights had been lengthened and had been raised sev
“I ask for a wager, if I win, you will grant me my wish,” Layana said now looking at her father seriously, Evaan narrowed his eyes, “Very well, continue,” he said “For my eighteenth birthday, I wish to train to fight, then to challenge you in a duel, if I win you will allow me to ride into battle in your stead,” Layana said, her soft voice loud and clear in the garden. Evaans’ eyes widened in shock, of all the assumptions he had, this was one he did not even consider. “No! Layana this is not a joke, it takes years to train and to reach a calibre to lead and organise an army!” the king snapped at her incredulous request, “I do not need to lead. We have generals for that, I only need to be at the head of the battle-” “Never! You are a princess Layana! I will never allow my daughter to ride into battle whilst I sit at home like a coward” Evaan snapped “You gave me your word father,” she said quietly. Evaan frowned knowing he couldn't go back on his words, and it was not like she c
“You wanted to see me,” Declan said once he had entered the king’s office not caring to bow, the anger that rolled off him filled the air of the circular room thickly. Through the bars, the window was cracked open, the sound of distant sounds in the palace courtyards filtered into the otherwise silent office. The king looked at him wondering if now was the best time to put the proposal forward. But perhaps the offer would calm the man down... “Ah yes take a seat Declan,” Evaan said, it had been just over an hour since he spoke to Layana and had finally calmed himself down. Having sent the word that no one was to train the princess at any cost. He had then had a drink of wine before summoning Declan knowing he would be taking a break from training around now. Declan looked at the seat “I'm fine standing,” he said directly disobeying the king. Evaan frowned slightly but said nothing. If it was anyone else he would be punished. It was clear the Storm bloodline ran through the man befor
It was almost midnight and Layana was sitting on the floor, leaning against the open door of the balcony, her eyes trained on the night sky. The night was humid, and the air felt heavy, after the hot day the sky looked as if it may rain. The palace was almost fully silent, apart from the stray bark or meow of the palace pets. She scanned the starless blanket above her despite the turmoil of emotions going through her. She had sent one of her guards, Kilian to ask the general and a few of the captains about training, but apparently, they refused. Wondering why she had then demanded Kilian to train her it was only then he bowed and said the king had commanded no one was allowed to train the princess. Layana was beyond furious. That had been her condition to be allowed to train. When she said this to Kilian, he said she is allowed to, but the king had found a flaw in her request. He mockingly gave his word without keeping it. She had almost felt like she had a purpose, an aim, sure fema
She looked breath-taking, the colours she wore suited her, the way her hair was pinned back, her make-up only enhancing her beauty rather than consuming it. The bold red on her lips only making them look even more tempting. Her dress was not the most extravagant in attendance, but it stood out from all the others, hugging the goddess-like body she possessed, complimenting her creamy smooth skin. Nor was she wearing the most jewels, yet princess Layana made a statement above every other woman in the room. Declan's eyes did not leave her, something about her drew him in... She looked up suddenly as if sensing his gaze upon her, their eyes met, and Layana felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach at the intense burning gaze with which he was looking at her. Her heart hammered, her chest rising and falling noticeably. His face changed into a frown as he now glared at her, hating the way his heart raced, hating the way he appreciated the way she filled out that dress, hating the way
The evening passed by in a pleasant blur of music, chatter, and laughter. Layana returned to the gathering where Declan receded to standing in the corner with a glass of wine, and Layana joined Aurelia at the buffet chatting to a few women from high-rank noble houses.“Layana you really do set the trend for every season,” Angela of House Freymin said, a smile on her lips, she was a pretty woman with soft blue eyes and strawberry blond hair.“I don’t intend to, I guess it just happens,” Layana said smiling at the young woman who she did not mind, knowing she was rather genuine.“Come let us sit, my feet are hurting in these heels,” Aurelia said, the women laughed and headed to a nearby table, the four women taking their seats gracefully.“There are so many handsome faces around, has anyone caught your eyes Princess Layana? Father was saying his majesty wishes to see you and princess Cordelia betrothed,” Jameela of House Gardain said, she was another genuine woman who had a thirst for g
Layana did not sleep well, she was not able to rest knowing her sister was angry at her and she had no idea why. It upset her that she had hurt her and was ignorant of the cause, and when sleep did come, her dreams were consumed with shadows lurking in the darkness, whispering voices, and horrors of what may come. She had awoken early after informing Rina to wake her before dawn. Once she had washed her face and brushed her hair into a high ponytail, donning a pair of cuffed loose black pants, and a high neck sleeveless top, she headed towards the west side courtyard. Two of her guards escorting her through the luxurious palace halls. “The princess is up bright and early today,” Halian the eldest of her personal guards spoke, he was a handsome man in his late thirties, married and had two adorable children. He was also the most vocal of Layana’s guards “Yes, I am starting my training today,” she replied smirking slightly as the elder man almost stumbled staring at her in shock, both
FIVE YEARS LATER…. “Aryan!” a woman's voice came, a child's laughter echoed in the halls of the palace. The boy who was not even five yet giggled as he hurried out through the open doors, past the guards who looked startled to see the young prince rushing through the halls. “Your majesty,” they said bowing to the young woman who was running after the prince. “The crown prince…” “Yes…” Layana said shaking her head, none of the guards could approach him without him zapping them with lightning. Like his father, he had inherited the bloodline of House Storm. “Aryan,” Layana said again her own eyes flashing as she stepped into the front courtyard, her pale pink dress billowing softly in the wind. The little boy froze from where he had been trying to escape, sensing his mother’s eyes on him. “I did not hear you calling me mother,” he said his large grey eyes looking innocent, an innocence Layana knew was not real, his dark brown hair fell in his eyes. “I am sure you didn’t,” Layana sai
A month had passed since then, winter had arrived and life in Ehlesaar was returning to normal. Layana and Declan had chosen their council together consisting of 20 men and a few women. A mix of nobles, mages and even a bloodline user, Layla. The palace had been rebuilt and the dragons were a common spectacle flying around above the palace. Layana had visited Halian and Rina’s families personally apologising for their loss and promising to take care of their families and always be there for them. Halian’s wife had not held her accountable and told her, he had died doing his duty. It still hurt remembering all those they had lost, but with time it was becoming easier to handle. Layana had made changes in certain laws and they had been approved by the council. She knew with the power she and Declan held, they were the strongest around and no one would defy them. But she wanted to rule with a fair reign, although perhaps in the future she knew their neighbours may begin to feel unrest w
“We wish for Her royal majesty Layana of Ehlesaar to be our Queen but with a condition,” Gabriel said with a small smile on his face, it was a rare sight and Layana almost stared in shock, yet the weight of his words kept her serious and focused. “What is the condition?” she asked, Declan frowned he didn’t really agree with her letting the people decide on whether she should be queen or not. Yet he knew how the people loved her and knew she would be chosen. “The condition is for our supreme commander to rule by your side as King,” Elian said smiling at his student. Declan raised an eyebrow despite feeling shocked at that. He kept it hidden, did they really want him to be king? Layana smiled, “That would be a given,” she said looking up at Declan, feeling proud, from being a man who was hated and looked down on, he was being chosen as king, not even settling for prince consort. “Then, to our new king and queen!” Gabriel said, everyone, stood and bowed to the couple “Long live her m
Five days had passed and most bodies were accounted for, however, those who had fought for The Dark Lord had not been identified within the charred bodies of Orcs, Dagorath’s and other beasts of darkness. Therefore many families had been told their loved one was unaccounted for, although they sided The Dark Lord, it was partially by the influence of darkness more than their own will that only bought the evillest part of a human to their forefront. Funerals had taken place and three days of mourning had taken place for the kingdom to honour their fallen soldiers and knights. To remember those innocent victims of a war that had riddled the kingdom. Today was the day Layana would address the high-rank nobles and after this, if all the powerhouses of the kingdom approved of her rule, she would take up the role. The sun shone through the windows of Layana’s bedroom and her eyes fluttered open when the light hit her eyes. She smiled softly at the rays of coloured light that sent pretty pat
From far behind them, Kayden’s eyes widened in shock as he watched them fearing what may come upon them. Layana rushed to Declan, his eyes were closed a deep frown on his forehead. “Fight it!” she said cupping his face, her hands were shaking from fear, not even wanting to think about what could happen, the darkness grew, its putrid stench of evil and death filled the air, weighing down and cutting off the very air one needed to breathe. Layana staggered back as she heard the manic laugh of The Dark Lord. Layana stood up she needed to reach him! This couldn't be it; this was not the end- she refused to believe it! She fought against the blasts of power that were rolling off Declan as The Dark Lord tried to take over, she had seen something similar happen to Declan’s father in the vision. But he had allowed it, to sacrifice himself for his kingdom, but Declan would fight for the kingdom, for her and for their baby. She shielded her face as she pushed forward using a shield around he
The Dark Lord looked at them coldly “I have lived far longer than any of you, what do you think? That you can defeat me, you are simply exactly where I wanted.” He hissed. “Think what you want but you will die by my hand,” Layana said softly her eyes blazing as she readied to fight, Declan raised his hand “Layana… let me handle him until he’s within an inch of his life,” he said coldly, Layana frowned sensing the anger that was radiating off him, something had happened… “Declan…” “I can handle the scumbag,” Declan said his eyes crackling as he raised his hand drawing his sword that now sizzled with electricity. He rushed forward not even waiting for Layana as he struck out at The Dark Lord, “Come, let the anger take over, how did his death feel?” he hissed, Layana wondered who he meant as Declan rushed forth, running with ease despite the rubble of the destroyed palace littering the ground. “Don’t you dare even talk about him!” Declan shouted coldly, sending a bolt of lightning
“Let’s do this Dragina,” Layana said softly stroking the scales of her dragon’s neck. She saw Myra raise her arms - the darkness spreading like smoke from her, bolts of pure darkness were shot at Layana who blasted them all aside as the sky illuminated with her dazzling power. Layla looked up at the sky seeing Layana facing off against The Dark Lord himself, where were the others who were needed for this plan? The plan was to isolate and trap him. She just hoped everything went smoothly as she used her own power killing orc after orc. Suddenly the darkness seemed to grow, the ground erupted beneath them and she tumbled back, their army looked ahead seeing the riders of The Dark Lord now coming to the forefront as the strong darkness that rolled off them only grew. Beasts of all shapes and sizes jumped out from the cracked earth attacking anything in their wake… Declan motioned for them to fall back, letting the mages and bloodline users now step to the forefront. Magic and power were
“When will my coronation take place,” Cordelia asked Myra who was standing on the highest balcony at the front of the palace seeming to be looking far off into the distance. Cordelia had felt her anger over the last two days, ever since Aurelia and the Fire Mage had escaped. It was a move they hadn't anticipated, but the fire mage turned out to be smarter than they had predicted. The Dark Lord now wished he had killed the man when he had the chance. “In time, they are coming.” Myra said quietly “How do you know that? you said I will be queen, I demand to sit on my throne,” Cordelia said. Myra turned her eyes flashing dangerously, Cordelia felt her blood run cold seeing the red glowing embers that now looked back at her from Myra’s beautiful face. “I know a lot, daughter of Ehlesaar… if you ever wish to see that throne, I would be very careful with how I speak,” she hissed the darkness emanating around her. Cordelia’s heart thumped, so this was the truth… The Dark Lord was within Myr
They had set out early the following day, moving faster, Kaloran had called to the animals around and they had been able to retrieve some horses. Although Layana knew Declan had hoped to find Pedro so far it seemed that it was a futile wish, they were long past the point they had left him. However not once did Declan mention it. He now rode upon Drakayaan, a dragon that refused to let anyone else take control of him apart from Layana and Declan. Something that had made Aren pout like a child, Layla and Marilda rode behind her on Dragina. “Slow down…” Declan called motioning to Layana, they had been flying for a while, slightly ahead of the rest scouting out the area.“I sense it too,” Layla said, the smell of smoke, burning flesh and the putrid smell of something rotten. It took Layana a second longer to catch the smell that made her stomach churn. She looked at Declan who motioned her for to say up in the air, whilst he went lower his eyes scanning the ground spread below them. He f