Rose's Thorns: The Wolf's Prophecy

20

King Aris's pov

"Guests of the Meadow's castle, welcome to our home!" A wave of applause hit Aris like a train. Faces he could not recognize, and some he could not even see, stared up at him. He loved the feeling. The adoration. It was a great feeling. He looked to his guards, and his advisor, all in their places. It was time to act.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am so happy to have you, I can taste the excitement. For the next month, the castle doors will be open to you, and I hope you enjoy your time." He paused for a couple of minutes as the buzz wore off. "But you must know, there are certain parts that are unopened to the public, and if anyone disobeys the signs, it may result in punishment. Please don't do that."

He looked out at the crowd and called on his gift, the call of a phoenix, and he watched those whose hearts were with his own stand up straight and smile happily. But some, he noticed, shrank away into the shadows, as the feeling of fear latched on into their hearts. It was a beautiful thing, and he loved the power with all his soul. With just a breath, his comrades and allies felt invincible, and his enemies felt weakened with terror.
Art.
Art at its finest.
"I hope this makes up for the ever so busy week we will be having in a months' time, for as you know, foreigners will be walking amongst us. The kingdoms of Tobias will be under one roof and it is up to us to keep the peace. That is why it is most important that the citizens of the Meadow stay within our territory. When the time comes, you may meet one of the other associations, and I believe it is in our best interest to keep any and all activity with the foreigners to a minimum, should you meet them in the streets. I can promise you that you are all safe here, and I will always put my people first. Always.

"Our guests are unpredictable, and some may lead to threats, which is why we are attempting such an open event. Your next ruler and I, we feel that this is the smartest move in such a time as this. Please do remember that my kingdom is the most important thing in my eyes, and I will allow no harm to befall my people, you have no need to fear. The guests will only be here a week, and hopefully, in that time, we may uncover any threat that may be attempting any ill on us."

His speech was finished, and loud cheers rang through the vast room. Adoring faces and approving hollers filled his ears. He smiled and waved, as if he were a war hero, returning to his loving country. He nodded his head in conclusion and turned his back, but not before saying "if you have any questions, please feel free to ask my daughters, for they prove to be most helpful when even I forget things." A deep chuckle, and then he was gone.

The large crowd rushed towards the three girls standing quietly in waiting. The group seemed to split in way of age, as the younger children flocked around Syline, and the older civilians were standing around Josephine. The children who must've ranged from the age 12 to 15 had formed a line around Rose, and though she was happy to not have the elders asking her complicated questions, it was also stressful seeing so many children her age struggling to get closer and closer to her. They grabbed her dress and shouted questions. And she could not make anything out. A guard said something distantly, but they were so close.
Too close.