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17. The Shadow Of Darkness
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
Moonlight MuseThankyou for reading do leave a comment if you enjoyed and vote, follow me on *** for character images and more at author.sarah.muse
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His Caged Princess 18. Training
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
His Caged Princess 19. Layana's Progress
Four days had passed since Layana had begun her training, and her father had been more than angry, but to her surprise, it did not bother Declan. When the king had threatened him for defying him, Declan had suggested he would stop training the army too. Something that had not sat well with the monarch. One thing that was becoming ever clearer was there was some reason the king was not outright punishing Declan for his disobedience. The latter knowing it was because of the hidden truth, the king was most likely feeling some guilt because of it and Declan was determined to push the man till his resolve snapped. As for Layana, Declan was more than impressed with her determination and progress. Everything he said she took it in, coming back the next day to show him that she had remembered it all. Every morning she was making three rounds around the palace whereas he had told her two. She never mentioned it but he had seen it, accompanied by a mix of guards who took turns to complete the
His Caged Princess 20. Shattered Glass
The morning had gone by like most, with Layana bathing and getting ready for the day, she had breakfast in the princesses drawing-room, Cordelia once again not present. Terania had left to attend to matters with Zephyr, it was clear she was becoming accustomed to the man, much to Layana’s relief. She and Aurelia had lunch with Queen Azalea in her quarters, discussing and studying for the upcoming engagement. With many nobles and even royals from neighbouring kingdoms arriving, the princesses needed to be sure to greet each one according to their status. The queen gave the girls several large handbooks to study the guest list from. Currently her and Aurelia were sitting on the balcony outside the drawing-room, the sun shining down on them. the hustle and bustle of palace life filled the air, and it felt pleasant. The table between them held the large handbooks containing all the guests who would be attending, many with a small but detailed portrait added to their information. These
His Caged Princess 21. Midnight Visitor
“She’s lost consciousness…” Declan said approaching the king, he knew she had the moment the energy pulsating in the room vanished. The king did not seem to hear until Declan placed a hand on his shoulder jerking him back to reality. He stiffened looking at the guards and princesses. He had to hide the truth, no one must know it was Layana’s doing. “It is clear this was an attempt to harm the princess, speak of this to none or I will have your heads, now leave us,” he barked, the men bowed and stepped away, knowing an un-refusable order with no space for arguing. They left the room leaving Declan, the king and the princesses in the room, Declan scanned the surrounding, his gaze lingering on the shattered diamonds as if they had been made of glass…. Crouching down he picked up a piece, diamonds were one of the strongest materials on the planet… and she had shattered them with ease. Could he even crack a diamond with his lightning? He doubted it… Aurelia and Cordelia looked around wit
His Caged Princess 22. A Forgotten Bloodline
“I have my ways, and besides, you should be grateful I'm here, I came to get the book you wanted me to return,” he said smoothly satisfied with his excuse. “Oh… thank you,” she said “But if my father finds out you’re in my room…” “I already carried you into this room princess right in front of your father,” he said as he walked into the bedroom making her eyes widen before she looked away “So you were there earlier…” she said quietly “Hmm yeah,” he said as he dropped onto the bed making Layana blush again, rushing over she stopped by the bed “Get off the bed!” she hissed as he leaned back against the headboard crossing his ankles. “What if I don’t want to?” he said raising an eyebrow, “It’s not proper,” Layana said pouting, Declan smirked “Well since nothing about me being here is proper who cares,” he said looking at her. Becoming serious he frowned as he looked into her eyes, sitting up letting one of his legs slide to the floor “What happened earlier?” She looked down the
His Caged Princess 23. Expectations
Layana had awoken bright and early ready for training even before the sun was rising, dressed in blue fitted pants, and a white tunic that stopped above her knees, she was wrapping her hair up into a bun when there was a knock on her door, she paused was that her father? Standing up from her vanity table she entered the bedroom and opened the door to her bedroom feeling rather nervous, sure enough, her father stood there, his face serious and emotionless, “Father,” Layana said curtsying to her father, the king entered closing the door behind him, walking towards the open balcony window he looked out at the dark skies. It was clear to Layana her father knew what time she was waking every day for training. “How do you feel,” the king said now turning away from the dark skies, that even now did not dull the beauty of the city of Odairo. “Perfectly well,” Layana said standing a few metres away from her father. The king looked at her, he had tried all night to think of what to tell her
His Caged Princess 24. Stop Calling Me Princess
“You’re late,” Declan said without turning to face her, the sun had already risen shining down on the courtyard, to her surprise there were no spectators today, she wondered if Declan had sent them away. “I'm sorry but father came to see me,” she said quietly looking at his strong muscular back. Noticing how he filled it out nicely, the fabric of his dark brown tunic stretching around his biceps, her father's words returned to her, blushing lightly she looked away quickly, “Excuses aren't allowed, princess… I would make you run four laps but I’ll let it slide this time,” he said “Because I'm here to spar with you,” a bright confident voice said and Layana knew who it was before he even came into view. Dressed in a forest green tunic and chocolate brown pants, Aren of Silver Mountain stood out brightly against the stark contrast of his dark-haired dark-eyed friend. But to Layana Declan somehow demanded all the attention, his dark mysterious allure only made him look more attractive
His Caged Princess 25. The Darkness In The Library
The rest of the day had gone by in a blur, with the preparations, last-minute dress fittings and going over the main rules and expectations by Lady Miranda who had been the one assisting the younger three princesses. It seemed even Cordelia came out of the confinement of her room. Layana was not sure if this was her fathers’ doing or not. But she was grateful to see her sister again although the latter did not even look her way. It was after dinner and Layana had gone to the library, it was pleasantly empty, seeming everyone was busier with the approaching wedding, her guard kept a distance, knowing she did not like to be followed closely and they respected that but made sure she was in their line of sight. Especially with the increase in guests residing in the palace. Layana now skimmed the shelves, she had come for some answers. There were a few things that had been on her mind, and although she was not sure she would find the answers here, it was worth a try if not then she would
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His Caged Princess 88. Epilogue
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
His Caged Princess 87. A New Day
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
His Caged Princess 86. Goodbyes
“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
His Caged Princess 85. A New Era
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
His Caged Princess 84. The Light
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
His Caged Princess 83. The Darkness
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
His Caged Princess 82. The Fallen Hero
“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
His Caged Princess 81. The Battleground
“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
His Caged Princess 80. The Himaria Pass
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
