Tales of Darkness and Light (Book 1 Complete)

Chapter 2: Of Explanations and Childhood Flames

Chapter 2: Explanations and Childhood Flames

Madison Gardner

She had had a plan. A carefully crafted, master plan to convince her rightful queen (who was training her in swordplay, and Maddy would never-not be excited about that) to take back the throne of Alura.

Of course, the surprise of finding out that Abigail Valadon possessed light magic - and her own big mouth - had promptly shot that plan several ways to hell.

Abigail's eyes met hers, a bright, purple-blue colour that almost glowed in the dim light. They were Valadon eyes, every Alurian school child would know that.

She watched as Abigail noticeably exahaled, composing her features. The shock that had been visible second's before was only a distant memory. "What did you just call me?"

Madison glanced at her hands as she felt her face heat up. She had blown every plan that she had. She only had one option now. She had to tell the truth. "I-I know who you are. I know that you're Abigail Valadon," she lowered her voice to a whisper when she said the name. "I know everyone was told that you died six years ago, but that's clearly not true. And other than that? I've got nothing."

"Your majesty." She hastily added, remembering she was in the presence of royalty. She had once met a minor lord - the eight in line for the throne of Vosson, and from her limited experience, using titles around important people was important. Her mentor didn't seem like the kind of person who would mind informality, but she didn't want to accidentally offend her or anything.

Abigail glanced at her, her gaze long and searching. Whatever she was looking for, she seemed to find it, because she shook her head, smiling softly. "You don't need to call me that, Maddy. I'm not a princess. At least, not anymore."

"I knew it! Alright, I wasn't one hundred percent certain, but it was a solid ninety-five percent. And, I could have sworn that-"

The royal leaned forward, cutting her off by grabbing Madison's arm gently. "I need you to promise me that you won't tell anyone else. Knowing this is dangerous, and I just want to keep you and the rest of the group safe. I can't let my secret get out."

"I'm pretty sure that I legally can't disobey you, considering your family is the law. Still, If I agree to not tell anyone, will you tell me why I need to keep this a secret? And why you're here instead of back home? I've spent the last six years in Moonlight City, and trust me, we need a Queen that's not your sister. No offense."

She did mean a lot of offense, but she wasn't sure how truthful the rumours were that Abigail and Luna hated each other. Better safe than sorry.

Abigail sighed. "That's a long story, Madison, and one that's dangerous to tell. All you need to know is that my father disinherited me, stripped me of my titles before he died. I'm not a princess anymore. And I deserved it. I did some... bad things."

Madison felt her heart sink. "You didn't really kill the King like they said you did, did you?"

"No, I didn't kill my father. I was framed, I ran."

"Then I don't see what the problem is. Whatever you did, the Queen has probably done far worse than you. Why should you have to run, while she runs the largest kingdom on the continent? It's not fair to you, or all of us who have to live under her rule."

Abigail seemed to hesitate. "I am truly sorry for what has happened to people you know back home - I mean, back in Alura. I will do everything in my power, as a civilian to make the world a better place, and to push Mordan back. But I'm not a princess anymore."