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
Layana stood the moment the door opened, and Declan slid inside shutting it swiftly, locking it before he turned and looked at her. She ran over to him, for a moment it was as if a woman was running to meet her secret lover, but the look in her eyes was not of love or desire, her eyes were full of worry and fear. Her hands gripped his muscular arms tightly, instinctively he gripped her hips, his thumbs massaging her through her deep purple gown. “Zephyr, there’s something wrong with him,” she whispered urgently and went on to explain everything that had occurred in the library. Declan listened quietly a frown on his face. “Then there’s a chance he has seen your ability too…” Declan said quietly both stood rather close, Layana too worried to notice, and although Declan was very aware of her breasts brushing his chest now and then he did not move back. Aren had left for the night, heading into the capital for some fun and had invited Declan who refused, something about bedding a rand
It was the following evening, and the princesses were all getting ready for the engagement party. They had gathered in the princesses drawing-room, as their personal maids attended to them. Cordelia remained polite albeit quieter than normal, remembering her father’s warning. Terania was feeling rather nervous, as she kept on smoothening out non-existent creases in her three-layer gown. Layana had not been able to stop herself from keeping a smile off her lips, wanting to tell her sisters about finding someone she loved, and after all her father approved of him too. Although she was yet to tell him of course. She had chosen one of her new gowns that were in the colours of House Storm, black, silver and red. She hoped Declan noticed the subtle gesture, even if House Storm was a forgotten house, she would not... she smiled sadly hoping she could ease the pain in his heart and help him find the closure he needed, be it in the form of the truth. The strapless gown was a shimmering black
“What was that?” Declan asked bringing Layana from her dark thoughts, she looked around to realise he had led her out of the ballroom and out to the side courtyard, she looked at him, unable to tell him the truth. Would he look at her the same way? or would he be disgusted with her? “N-nothing,” she whispered her voice sounding weak even to her. The night was hot and humid, and it only made Layana feel more suffocated. “Layana,” Declan said warningly, now taking hold of her shoulders, feeling her flinch again, his frown only deepened as a sinking feeling began to grow inside him. “What did he do to you?” His tone was dangerous and dark, an underlying urgency laced into it. “N-nothing, we should return inside, they will exchange rings… we need to be there,” she said not able to look up at the man she loved so deeply, but right now her heart was thudding and she felt terrified. “No. You’re fucking hiding something from me, tell me or I shall ask him, I have my ways to get answers
The Courtroom was filled with tension, hostility, and unrest. The white marble walls felt cold and empty, this was one of the rare rooms that held no adornments on the walls. The King's Council consisted of twelve men from the Major houses of the kingdom and the five High Mages of the king also sat around the oval table, Aren and Zephyr were also present. The king at its head sitting in his silver throne-like chair. All eyes were trained on the dark-haired man who stood at the end of the table, not at all intimidated by the court nor the king. It had been two hours since he had killed Carter, since the engagement party had been cut short, followed by hushed whispers, rumours, and fear. Despite having ended the man’s life, he still felt rage and anger consuming him, his one regret, that he did not torture the man before ending his life. It was still thundering and lightning outside, which he made sure was kept going not wanting it too to look more suspicious than it already did. He ha
The words rang in Layana’s head, her heart thumped as so many questions swirled in her mind, was Cordelia ok? what happened? What pushed her to take such a step? Her father had left swiftly but it took Layana a little longer to comprehend what was happening. She looked up at Declan worry clear in her eyes “Relax she’ll be fine,” he said not bothered at all, although he didn’t like to see his angel look worried, cupping her face he kissed her forehead aware of the guards standing by the open door. “I hope so, I need to go,” she said tugging away. He gave a curt nod watching her leave the room quickly yet gracefully, holding the skirt of her shimmering black dress. She had looked breath-taking tonight, and he wished he had got to spend a little more time with her and simply have been able to enjoy the time... ----- Layana reached Cordelia’s quarters to see queen Azalea step out of Cordelia’s room coughing lightly into a napkin, she smiled warily at the Layana, as Aurelia and Terania
The City of Odairo was bustling with life, glowing brightly, the sound of music, laughter and chatter filled the air, the delicious smells of freshly cooked food wafted by one’s nose. Lanterns hung from the carts of the vendors. Strings of fairy lights and lanterns crossed between the buildings, illuminating the night sky. The Ehlesaar flag in its colours of white, silver, and charcoal grey hung proudly, streamers in the same colours mixed among the lanterns in celebration of the royal wedding decorated the city square . The storm from earlier had cooled the humid weather down considerably and the moon shone brightly in the now clear skies. Vendors selling all kinds of food and drink were scattered around, tables spread outside with men and women of all ages sitting around. The Inns were alive, the doors wide open, the sound of roaring laughter and drunk men filled the air. Other vendors sold clothes, jewellery, or souvenirs with the Ehlesaar crests or small figurines of the newly
They strolled along passing by more stalls and even a puppet show before the sound of a rather rhythmic song getting louder caught Layana’s attention along with another food stall. “I want to try those fritters,” she said pointing to another stall, after all, she did not have dinner and with all the commotion she had forgotten to eat. “I really don’t think you should eat anymore,” Declan said, earning a frown as she stood there, hands on hips “My reason is because your stomach is not used to such heavy or spicy food princess nothing more, no matter what size you are or become I would still love you,” “Oh…” she said blushing that she had misunderstood him, then waved him off “Doesn't matter I have a very strong stomach, do you not know, I rarely get ill, and I can eat like a pig and a horse put together,” He chuckled lightly, placing a hand on her stomach, “Ok Angel, as long as you don’t get ill,” he said not able to say no, he hadn't seen this side to her before and he enjoyed it.
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