░ The Royal Castle, Hornsey, the Vassethier Kingdom, Edios
░ Friday, July 30, 1255
░ At 3:00 pm
THETIA KESTLE
The large door opened and immediately the guards stood in prostration. The guests stopped talking, and only the music could be heard. The whole crowd held its breath, impatient. Footsteps appeared and the crowd was dazzled. Dazzled by the beauty reflected by those who ruled them. The color of the Vassethier family was blue and the whole family was dressed in it. The dress of the princess was simple in appearance, but in the light, it shone, it sparkled thanks to the many inlaid gems. She also wore a crystal and gold tiara, with a blue sapphire in the center, and a small, discreet ring on the index finger of her right hand, also made of gold with a sapphire. The King, Archie and the Crown Prince wore a very similar blue ensemble. The only difference was that the King had to hang his military medals on the
░ The Royal Castle, Hornsey, the Vassethier Kingdom, Edios░ Friday, July 30, 1255░ At 3:30 pmTHETIA KESLTEThe front doors of the ballroom opened for the last time. The four members of the Kestle Duchy stood proudly in the midst of the guests and other dignitaries. Dressed in the official color, red, they stood out from the other guests. It was a sublime and perfect picture that they represented, everything was harmonious, nothing was superfluous. They almost overshadowed the royal family. From the moment their feet touched the red carpet, the gossip was overwhelming. Since the Kestles were the second most important family on Edios, getting their favor or even their attention was the sole purpose of the visit of some nobles and bourgeois. Many were the heads of families who wanted to have them in their family. However, their fate had already been decided long ago.On Edios, and even beyond its borders,
░ The Royal Castle, Hornsey, the Vassethier Kingdom, Edios ░ Friday, July 30, 1255 ░ At 6:00 pm THETIA KESTLE After three hours, the guests gradually stopped dancing. Thetia had been able to dance with many people, sons of nobles and bourgeois, the Crown Prince of Edios and Duaples, as well as her older brother and her friends. New friendships were formed among the teenagers present. Thetia got closer to François Alexandre and Marie Anastasie, and even asked Rafael De Arteaga's permission to exchange letters with his eldest daughter, Bianca. Obviously, he did not mind and gave him permission. During his break, Elias had rushed to ask Thetia and her friends for a dance. Thetia accepted under the wary eye of her brother. Lowis already imagined that his friend wanted the hand of his little sister, and that, he would never tolerate it! Over his dead body! During their dance, Harlan VII and Thetia had lit
░ The Imperial Castle, Hornsey, Vassethier Kingdom, Edios░ Thursday, January 18, 1257░ At 1:15 pmTHETIA KESTLENowadays, the situation had largely calmed down. Since the Empress' birthday, the conflicts and fighting in the Empire had subsided to the point where we could count them on one hand. Sure, we still had to be on guard when we went out, but we could finally breathe and enjoy the outdoors. Angela and Keith had once again taken me to the Peak Library in Breddon. The director of the library had welcomed me once, and invited me to have tea with her. She thanked me for mentioning the name of the library to people around me, because more and more people were interested in the books, and its popularity had soared. As a reward, she gave me permission to access certain sections of the library, normally allowed only to scientists, scholars, etc. I was more than honored to be allowed access and to receive this a
░ The Annagrazia Castle, Larmerelli, Di Angelli Kingdom, Edios░Thursday, January 18, 1257░ At 1:15 pmTHETIA KESTLEOn top of a mountain covered with a thick layer of snow, stood the Castle Annagrazia, the royal palace and residence of the Di Angelli family on Edios. Built after the victory of conquest of the Di Angelli Kingdom, north of the capital Larmerelli, it almost blended with the landscape. In the center of the capital, the famous Cattedrale Bianca had been built, which is a replica of the one in Carrassina, the capital of Hiviro, right next to the Biblioteca Bianca, where the holy books were kept.The Di Angelli religion was based on the prophet Menelao Di Angelli. Thus, as her family name indicates, Fabiana and her children were the direct descendants of a prophet, and therefore their influence was not to be taken lightly. They were the voice of the Divine and they carried out his wishes
░ The Azure Castle, Ashton, Kestle Kingdom, Edios░Saturday, January 20, 1257░ At 3:15 pmTHETIA KESTLEI was over the moon since my return from Hornsey. No sooner had I set foot in my own home than I bombarded my parents with requests to enter the Imperial Academy. To my surprise, they agreed. However, even if the situation had calmed down, I would still have to be accompanied by soldiers, which was one of their many conditions. In addition, my mother was going to ask the Empress if Archie could take care of me when I arrived. I was so happy! I was going to be able to spend more time with my friends who were already at the Academy, and I was going to be able to learn lots of new things about this world and its history.-"Hello Keith!"I called out to him as I entered the library of our castle. I must have snapped him out of his thoughts, because I saw his shoulders twitch a lit
░ The Imperial Academy, Hornsey, The Vassethier Kingdom, Edios░ Wednesday, January 24,1257░ At 12:30 pmTHETIA KESTLEIt had been three hours now since the youngest Kestle had been in the office of the Headmaster of the Imperial Academy, Count Patrick Jones-Rutherwan. His family had been vassals of the Imperial family for generations now. Before he was the Headmaster, he had studied at this school, and had started as a teacher. Then, he was hired by important families to become the tutor of their children. He worked as a tutor for twenty years before returning to the Academy as a teacher. Eventually, he rose through the ranks and ended his career as the Headmaster of the most prestigious school in Edios.He, who had taught many children of various intellectual abilities, was surprised to learn through his assistant that the young Thetia Kestle, the one who is at the heart of the gossip of the King's cou
░ The Imperial Academy, Hornsey, Kingdom of Vassethier, Edios░ Friday, February 9, 1257░ At 4:00 pmTHETIA KESTLETime was flying by so fast! I had been at the Imperial Academy for less than three weeks now. After the treasurer of the Student Council gave me a tour of the girls' dorms and explained how it worked, I went on my own to meet all my teachers. It seemed normal to greet them, it was common courtesy. They were surprised to see me, but they appreciated my initiative. I shared my room with Oriane, who before my arrival was all alone. She had told me that her father, as a security measure, did not want the Princess to share her room, because one could never know the real intentions of people. So when Oriane told me at lunch that I would be staying with her, I was particularly surprised. This implied that the Emperor and Empress had great confidence in me, and I was very flattered.Every Friday I h
░ The Azure Castle, Ashton, The Kestle Kingdom, Edios░ Monday, February 19, 1257░ At 9:20 amTHETIA KESTLEThese last few years were difficult for me. Despite my alliance with my uncle Hezekiah, Thetia's popularity was still intact, as if all the effort I had put into destroying her had done nothing. For example, I had tried to make her out to be a thief, a liar and a bully on the lower class, but nothing worked. On the contrary, a year ago, a wave of hatred was unleashed on me and for a long time, I couldn't even attend the balls, the cake party. I had to stay cooped up within four walls all day, while my sister was having fun. I felt like she didn't even realize what I was doing to her. No matter what I did to her, I felt like fate would protect her forever. It wasn't fair... why could anything good happen to me? What did I do to deserve all this? Even the behavior of my so-called friends had changed drastic
░ The Azure Harbour, The Kestle Kingdom, Edios ░ Unknown date ░ Around 12 am THETIA KESTLE I was standing on the docks of the Azure port, located in the south of the Kestle Kingdom. This port was one of the busiest parts of the southern Kingdom. Ships of all shapes and sizes were moored at the docks, and the sound of shouting sailors and passers-by filled the air. As I approached, I could see the masts of the ships reaching for the sky, proudly waving the flags of various nations. The cargo ships were the most numerous, carrying goods such as spices, cloth, precious metals and prisoners. The docks were crowded with busy people, carts and crates. Merchants bustled around their ships, supervising the loading and unloading of their goods. Peddlers, craftsmen and thieves tried to sell their wares and services as well, while fishermen came to trade their freshly caught fish. The smell of sea salt, fish and ship's oil permeated the air. The cries of seagulls and the sound of the wav
░ The Kestle Kingdom, Edios ░ September 1259 ░ During the afternoon THETIA KESTLE The two lovers ran through the narrow streets of the villages and the dense forests around them, pursued by the soldiers of the imperial army. Their short breaths mingled with the sound of their footsteps, and their hearts beat faster and faster as they felt the soldiers getting closer. Andrew held his beloved's hand, fearing he would never see her again. His survival instinct had taken over. He had to survive! They were both exhausted and scared, but they knew they had to keep running if they wanted to stay alive. Who knows what would happen if they were captured. Andrew knew he would surely be executed, but what about Thetia? Perhaps the public would forgive her, perhaps she would be disowned by her own family and friends? However, he was sure she would stay alive. She was far too important to Edios and the imperial family. They had tried to escape from Hornsey to safety, but soon they were surro
░ The Imperial Castle, Hornsey, The Vassethier Kingdom, Edios ░ Wednesday, September 17, 1259 ░ At 3:00 pm THETIA KESTLE Angela could not believe her ears. Jane Kestle had just revealed to the Imperial family, her family and the entire court of the Emperor, that Thetia, the perfect young girl, had a lover and had no feelings for the Crown Prince. Harlan VII looked lost, sad and gloomy. He felt betrayed by the person he cherished, whom he admired every day and with whom he wanted to share his life. The tutor took advantage of the hubbub to go and warn Thetia and Andrew. She ran as fast as she could. It reminded her of a certain period in her life. She had to keep running to survive so as not to be killed. Without waiting for an answer to enter, she broke down the door and closed it with a loud bang. Both lovers gasped, anxious to have been caught in each other's arms. As Thetia was about to speak, Angela cut her off. "You must flee Edios! There's not a minute to lose!" the usual
░ The Imperial Castle, Hornsey, The Vassethier Kingdom, Edios ░ Wednesday, September 17, 1259 ░ At 2:15 pm THETIA KESTLE In a large room of the castle, Emperor Harlan VI was patiently waiting for his court to arrive. He had summoned the most important members of his kingdom to make an important announcement. All his allies had come, longing to hear what the Emperor was going to tell them. For a fortnight, Harlan VI had been preparing a grandiose reception for the occasion. He had commissioned the best musicians, the best cooks and had even recruited twice as many servants in order to finish in time. Everything had to be impeccable, he had no choice. Oriane and Lydia had taken care of the decoration and had carefully chosen the lunch menu. His family knew what he was going to say in a few hours. One of his children was much more excited and cheerful than the others. Nevertheless, he would have preferred to do it in a more intimate atmosphere and not in front of hundreds of people
░ The Azure Castle, Ashton, The Kingdom of Kestle, Edios ░ Sunday, June 25, 1259 ░ At 8:15 pm THETIA KESTLE All the nobility of the allied nations had come: the royal family of Duaples and the ducal family of De Guignes. The imperial family of Acora with all the children without exception. The imperial family of Dracoris who had accompanied Lowis and of course, the imperial family of Edios and all the great families of this same nation. The guests numbered in the hundreds. The streets of the capital were vibrant, festive and the mood was bright. The citizens had decorated the cobbled streets in the colours of the younger Kestle, to show their support for this new young woman coming of age. Thetia looked beautiful on her coming-of-age day. Her long dress was a fiery red and sparkled in the candlelight that decorated the castle's great hall. The puffed sleeves of the dress were made of light red satin, decorated with gold embroidery, pearls and precious stones. Her long hair had
░ The Kingdom Kestle, Edios ░ Monday, February 11, 1258 ░ At 10:20 am THETIA KESTLE Four whole days without news of my daughter. Last Friday, her soldier Andrew and Angela returned to the castle wounded and without a carriage. As I sat at my desk, reviewing important documents, I heard quick footsteps approaching the door. Without waiting to be summoned, a panicked servant opened the door wide and rushed into the room. "Your Majesty! Your daughter, Miss Thetia, has been kidnapped!" she cried breathlessly. Shocked, I rose abruptly from my chair and looked at the servant in disbelief. "How? When? Where is she?" I asked in a trembling voice. The servant, who had caught her breath, explained that a group of bandits had attacked the convoy in which Thetia, Andrew and Angela were travelling. I clenched my fists in rage. "How dare they do that!" I exclaimed angrily. "We must find them now!" I immediately sprang into action, giving precise orders to my soldiers and dispatching mess
░ The Kingdom Kestle, Edios ░ Saturday, February 09, 1258 ░ Unknown hour THETIA KESTLE I didn't know how long it had been since the attack on my carriage. The last thing I remembered was a pain in my abdomen before I passed out. It was a brutal return to reality. I woke up violently and it took several minutes before I could breathe again. I tried to get up and move my arms, but I was tied up. The room I was in was dark and gloomy. There was a small window, but the amount of bars prevented the light from getting in. I heard droplets of water falling on a surface that was probably metal. The repetitive noise was beginning to get on my nerves. Honestly, it was the first time in my life that I was so scared. I was in an unfamiliar place, with strangers and the reason for my kidnapping was unknown to me. Although because of the situation with the Di Angelli's and Hezekiah, I assumed that this was the reason for my kidnapping. Hezekiah would demand a ransom from my family, but not in
░ The Library of the Peak, Beddon, The Kingdom Kestle, Edios ░ Friday, February 08, 1258 ░ At 5:00 pm THETIA KESTLE Four days had passed since my return from Duaples. The conversation with Olivier De Guignes had affected me. In fact, I had nightmares that night about finding myself in the shoes of my grandmother Marie, imprisoned between stone walls, where her only friends were dust and insects. And to think that she had lived this punishment almost all her life... Her tormentor was punished in some way. He died at the hands of his own flesh, which hated him for the treatment he had given his mother. It was far from a judgment, it was an execution. My grandfather Harlan V had never been judged with the dignity of the criminal and tyrant that he was. Very few people knew the truth that Marie De Guignes was locked in a dungeon and threw herself from the top, giving herself death as the only way to escape. I now realized why my parents had never told me about their parents. On both
░ The Azure Castle, Ashton, The Kestle Kingdom, Edios░ Unknown date░ Around 10:00 pmTHETIA KESTLEOne night when the full moon was watching the residents of the Azure Castle, two mysterious figures had crept into the garden. Only the light of the moon allowed them to see where they were going. They had arranged to meet in secret. No one knew about it, not the owners of the castle, not the soldiers making their daily rounds and not the servants who were in their personal quarters resting.A young boy was walking cautiously on the freshly cut grass of this morning. He had shed his soldier's garb for clothes that were less restrictive and much lighter to wear. Nevertheless, he still had his sword at his side in case things got out of hand. This boy, only a few years older than Thetia, was what could be described as a promising swordsmanship talent. The term prodigy did not fit his current abilities, especially since for a person specializing in swordplay to be called a prodigy meant t