The Falling Of Day

IX

Fonnayus rushed towards the voice, it was from his cousin Flora who came from one of the most prominent families in the Spring Province.

In that moment Saskia cursed her long gown and heels she had been subjected to wearing for the night. She reached down and threw off her heels, before rushing to the girl.

"It burned me! That goddess damned scroll burned me!" She screamed clutching her hand.

Sure enough her hand was littered in blisters, the sight was gruesome, her skin bubbled and her sources festered.

"What scroll?" Gavril asked, drawing through the crowd of people behind Saskia and Flora. He found himself next to the princess, their proximity didn't go unnoticed by anyone in the crowd behind them.

However they tuned out the whispers, both focusing on Flora who at the age of sixteen had no idea why the old scroll was even laying on the floor, she had innocently reached out to pick it up and return it to wherever it belonged, but the scroll had other plans.

It was searing hot to the touch, scalding her hand.

"What scroll?" Gavril asked again this time his impatience did not go unnoticed by Flora, she slightly nodded her head to the shimmering golden scroll with pristine white paper wrapped around it.

She shouldn't have touched me, sang the voice Saskia had been hearing.

But this time, Gavril heard it too.

Saskia froze when she heard it echoing in her head, the scroll.

That was the voice speaking to her, beckoning Saskia to it.

Gavril stiffened at the realization that she too could hear it.

The princess was panicking, but she didn't let anyone see it.

"Bring me the coldest pitcher of water and bandage from the infirmary, now please." She politely managed to speak, the servants of the party wasted no time, and as she waited for them she opened her mouth the call out for her court, but Gavril beat her to it.

"I would like my court to come forward," His voice sounded to the crowd and within a second they managed their way up front and to stand with their prince.

She turned to call on hers but noticed that they were already standing behind her, all waiting for their princess to explain what was happening.

"Here your highness," a maid's voice broke Saskia from her thoughts, as she handed her the pitcher of water that was colder than the normal water in the palace, as well as the bandages.

"Ok darling," she gently said to the poor girl, "I am going to pour some water on your hand to help cool it down, is that ok?" she asked, using the same voice she spoke in when she was at the orphanage. Flora simply nodded, slightly trying to move her arm but instead whimpered in pain.

"Ena would you happen to have a ribbon with you," Saskia asked her Lady. Ena quickly nodded, drawing it from a hidden pocket in her dress and handing it to the princess.

Saskia took the blue ribbon and tied her dark locks back and out of her way.

Without thinking she began tending to Flora, pouring the water slowly to avoid any additional pain, and once the water was coating her hand, she wrapped it. Taking the ribbon out of her hair and using it to secure the bandaging clothes over Flora's wounds

"Thank you, Princess Saskia," she spoke with a bow and Saskia quickly lifted the girl.

"You should never thank anyone for doing things that are right, it is what anyone should have done." Saskia corrected her.

Now that that is over, would you two like to open me? The scroll spoke again, this time sounding more annoyed and bored than before.

Saskia and Gavril looked at each other, then the scroll. Their eyes meeting each other under a tense gaze. They both knew no one heard the scroll speaking to them.

They couldn't possibly open it and talk to it in everyone's presence. Gavril's expression changed, almost as if to say, what in infrainums name are we going to do?

The sense of confidence and courage she had been feeling all night struck again as Saskia raised her voice over the entire room and called out.

"It is my mother and I's deepest apologies for the events of tonight, however at this time it is imperative that the Moon's prince and I, with our courts have a diplomatic discussion, I request you all leave at once," Queen Ambriel herself was shocked to see her daughter take on such authority, however the people did not move. Perhaps they were frozen, or they could not hear.

"She said to get out you sun dwelling bastards," Gavril roared, the people listened. They all scurried away and Umbranos and Nixya couldn't control their laughter.

Ena and Havraya walked up to their princess, faces showing their distaste for the blatant disrespect shown by their guest.

"You'd think being the visitors you would have more respect for the place that welcomed you with open arms,¨ Havraya snapped at them from behind Saskia.

Saskia then realized that feeling that died, it was back.

She felt secure, standing with her court, and the moon's.

And Saskia knew, things would never be the same.

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A/N
I finished 9 early so here's a early update!

Happy New Year's Eve, what's something you want out of 2021.