“My lady!” Halian one of her guards said seeing the princess stumble from her bedroom, dressed in a rather revealing nightgown. He glared at the younger guard James whose eyes had fallen to the princess’s well-endowed chest. Zamira exited the room behind the princess, draping a dressing gown around Layana’s shoulders. “I need to go to my father, now,” she said urgently wrapping the gown around herself “We cannot cause a scene… the coronation has probably started,” Zamira said curtly not forgetting the way the princess’s eyes had changed. Layana’s eyes flashed dangerously glaring at the woman, she really did prefer Melody… “Halian, this is a matter of life and death, my father is in danger, please,” she pleaded turning to the one she hoped would understand. Zamira’s eyes deepened, a dark aura surrounded her and Layana turned towards her in surprise, was she under The Dark Lords influence? The feel was different from the pure evil that emanated from Zephyr in the library but it was
The queen stood close to Zephyr but it didn’t look intimate, her hands tied in front of her, but Layana was sure they had heard the commotion from outside. Zephyr turned his gaze upon the princess, curiosity flashing in his eyes. He had been tense, for the last two days ever since he had felt the glowing powerful presence within Myra’s bed chambers. Someone had seen them together, and although he hadn't seen their face he had seen the immense power radiating off them and had been reminded of the child of prophecy. Now looking at the princess, seeing the rage clear in her eyes, he wondered why she was here. He had been glad to hear she was in a coma-like state. “Layana it's good to see you are awake… but you look horrifying… go change for the ceremony,” Myra said icily not missing the fact the princess did not bow to her. “I know the plan you two have hatched, to poison father?” Layana said ignoring Myra’s comment. Seeing the queen’s eyes widen in shock and realisation settling wi
Layana did not know how long they had been riding for, she felt weak and tired, the use of her powers and lack of food was catching up with her, it was pure adrenaline and determination that kept her going. The rain had stopped giving way to warm rays of sunshine, only making her feel sticky and uncomfortable, her bottom ached from all the riding. She had learned to ride a horse as a child but never had she ridden for so long. She did not complain, grateful that there were at least two promising companions to help her. Knowing that without them she would have surely been lost. “I don’t trust you,” Aren called out to Kayden, none had talked much - each lost in their own thoughts. The thunder of galloping hooves was all that had accompanied them for the last few hours as they had ridden away from Odairo and deep into the forest. A place where Kayden would be undefeated with nature at its strongest. “You don’t need to… If I wanted you dead, you would have been captured the moment you
It was the following night and the trio had finally found a small village; however, security was tight thanks to Declan, and they had no way of entering without passing the guards. Kayden and Aren had both attempted to find an opening, but both had failed. Surprisingly they had managed to get along for the last two days, although Layana was not sure if it was due to fatigue that the men did not argue or simply because they were beginning to accept each other’s company, she highly doubted it was the latter. They were huddled behind some trees, at a higher terrain than the village that was sprawled beneath them, looking at the wall that had been resurrected around it. Made of iron and stone and at least 7 metres high it was sturdy. The dim glow of lights that peeked over the walls were welcoming, the sound of some chattering and activity could be heard faintly. “There is no way to sneak in,” Kayden murmured his eyes glowing a dark green as he searched the ground for a way in. “You
Layana felt as if she had just been slapped, she averted her gaze, feeling her powers surge up, she closed her eyes taking a deep breath. Bella raised her arched brow sceptically. “Anyway, he was incredible, honestly the two nights he stayed here were nothing short of a dream,” she said taking out a ring of keys and unlocking a door. They entered a small bedroom with a small archway leading off to another room. “Did he… did any of the women get lucky?” she asked trying to phrase the question in a way that looked like she was simply curious. Bella’s face fell. “No. Many of us tried, but it seemed the princess really has done a number on him, it's not like we would have gone and told her we tried to seduce her man,” Bella huffed, “I even came to give him tea in nothing but a gown, but he slammed the door in my face!” A smile crossed Layana’s lips, a blush gracing her dirt-stained cheeks, she hid her face from Bella who looked very disheartened. “That’s a shame,” Layana said although
“Sir Eldran… I hope you are not harassing the young woman,” Liam’s deep imposing voice came, Eldran moved back and Layana closed her eyes relieved. “I was just a little concerned why she was all covered up in this heat, does she have something to hide?” “She is not an entertainment piece… she can wear what she wants,” Liam said curtly, turning his gaze on Layana who had her head down. He frowned slightly, something about this girl wasn’t normal, but he didn’t know what it was… “Come with me, Anna,” Layana bowed her head and walked over to the man swiftly, he gave Eldran a final scalding look and led her into one of the buildings, it took Layana a moment to peer out and realise she was in some sort of barracks. Liam led her through a side door and closed it after her and motioned her to take a seat, they were in what looked like a small office with many books lying around, a quick glance at one or two showed her they were spell books. Layana sat down slipping her hood back ever
Night had fallen, the air was oddly chilly as a bitter cold wind swept past them. Even the animals of the night were oddly silent as if taking shelter from the sudden coldness that had settled around them. “Something isn't right…” Kayden murmured, their horses were moving at a trot, the fields were vast and empty. “I agree,” Aren said looking around, it was too cold for a summer night, and it had come upon them suddenly “Stay close, let's speed up,” Kayden said, Layana nodded as they all urged their horses into a brisk walk. The lower parts of her legs that were exposed felt numb from the growing cold. Only a few minutes had passed, when she felt the hair at the back of her neck rise, making her tense in her saddle. The creepy feeling of being watched hitting her strongly. She glanced around, her eyes sharpening as she observed the darkness. “What is it Layana?” Aren asked, after being asked several times by her to stop addressing her formally, he had dropped the princess. She di
Its body lurched towards her so fast it was a blur, she raised her shield as Aren shouted “Layana! That’s a Crawler!” Kayden looked at him, his eyes shocked, those were beasts that were said to roam the forbidden lands - however, he had never ever seen one in person. “We’ll handle the crawler, Layana you focus on the riders,” he said furtively, right now their best chance was for them to focus on the Crawler. Layana nodded as Aren spun his sword, “Now this is something I can add to my ever-growing heroic quests,” Aren said loudly, Layana smiled although her gaze was fixed on the riders. “Well at least someone's enjoying this!” she called back “Make sure it doesn't get its pincers in you!” Aren shouted. The glow of Kayden’s power, the flash of Aren’s sword and the Crawler’s violent attacks was all that could be seen and heard for a few moments. Layana closed her eyes, taking a deep breath readying herself to face the riders. Focusing all her emotions towards destroying them, h
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