The Heiress

Chapter 8 - The Illusion

 – Who can it be? Murmured the Prince, feeling the Queen's worry.

– It is-...

She did not even have time to speak; the figure began to move towards them, as if sliding above the ground, and when it was close enough that they could see it properly, a shiver ran through them. It was a humanoid mass of thick black smoke, slowly approaching, extending a threatening hand in their direction. Ashen felt fear take hold of her, and in a cry of astonishment, she took a step back, clinging to the young man's arm, trembling. The latter nevertheless kept his calm, shifting in front of her to protect her from the creature.

– Above all, don't move, my Queen, he whispered to her. This is just an illusion.

– I-I see her as I see you...! It is very real!

– Trust me. This is just an illusion.

The words he repeated did little to reassure her, and instinctively she hugged him, closing his eyes. It seemed to her that a strange crackling echoed in her ears, and when, out of that thud, a whisper emerged, she thought she had given in to madness. The whisper turned to words, then screams and howls, and she still could not understand it. The louder the sound the more her head turned, and she had to hold on to the Prince to keep herself from falling.

– My Queen!

She barely heard his voice, as the one in her head grew louder, making her moan in pain. She could not make out what the creature was telling her, and barely felt that she was being lifted. This torment was starting to become unbearable, and the mere act of breathing made her chest ache. But as she began to think that the creature would get the better of her, the young man spoke a sentence in a language since lost forgotten by most, and when he was done, the screams and the pain immediately stopped:

– Dûr nu kashihi ark golôn !

Breathless, she opened her eyes painfully, feeling weak, but when she found herself face to face with the Elf of Wran, her strength suddenly returned, as did the colors on her face.

– My Queen, is everything all right? He cried out, worriedly.

– What happened? She exclaimed back, blushing at their proximity.

– Someone has created, or invoked, an illusion of black magic in order to reach and harm you. Please tell me you are alright!

He hugged her tightly, and she couldn't doubt the fear he feared for her condition, as her own fear slowly slipped away. She glanced quickly in the direction of the corridor, and, realizing that the black mass had indeed disappeared, she heaved a sigh of relief. She finally nodded and gave him a slight smile, resting her head on his shoulder.

– I am fine, she sighed, and it is thanks to you, Prince Wranarhea. I believe I owe you my life.

– I only did my duty. But that creature wasn't there to kill you, Your Majesty. Whoever threw it at you did this in order to... In order to make you suffer, I'm afraid.

After what she had just experienced, this dark and cruel goal didn't surprise her more than that, and she nodded. She knew very well who had sent her this illusion, and why. He put her down gently on the ground, without letting go of her completely, and looking at her, annoyed.

– I am so sorry that such a thing happened to you, he told her, keeping her close to him. Can you walk at all?

– Yes, I can. And don't apologize, Prince, on the contrary. I only have a few mages in the castle, so without you I would have suffered much longer.

She looked up at him, having regained her composure as well as her spirits.

– What can I do to thank you? She asked him, softly.

– Let me escort you back to your quarters, he replied simply, you need to rest.

– That will be fine, Prince, thank you. I would rather take my mind off things by dining in your company.

– Are you sure everything will be alright for you?

– Certain.

In fact, she absolutely did not want to be alone tonight, she had been way too shaken by this event. It was the first time she had felt this dread, and she probably would not forget the torture the creature had inflicted on her. Just as she would not forget what he had done for her that night, and as they set out – cautiously – for the Queen's private dining room, the Queen was considering a way to show him her gratitude.

As they walked through the castle, she hung onto his arm and looked around anxiously. Cyran saw it, and put his hand over hers, delicately, as if to show her that he was there, and that he would not hesitate to protect her again if he did. His presence reassured her greatly, and the smile she gave him proved it. They paused when they reached the door to the hall, looking at each other.

– I-...

– My Queen!

It was Hannah's cry, as she ran over to the duo, barely holding her skirts and nearly slipping into them. She scarcely caught up to the wall, and approached more slowly, a worried expression on her face.

– My Queen, I was coming to meet you and I heard screams!

Ashen and Cyran looked at each other again, before returning to the maid: the Queen did not want this story to spread panic among Bôrn. She smiled, letting go of the Prince to come and take her friend's hands.

– It is all right, Hannah. I was just late, and just like you, I almost tripped. Fortunately, Prince Wranarhea caught me.

She absolutely disliked lying, let alone to Hannah, but reassured herself that she would explain the truth to her later, when she was sure there would only be the two of them. The latter huffed, easily believing what the Sovereign said to her, and leaned respectfully in front of them.

– In that case, you have all my gratitude, Your Highness, she said to the young man.

– Well, you're welcome.

She left without further delay, knowing that her sudden intrusion might be frowned upon, and not wishing for any repercussions on her mistress's image. Ashen smiled at the Prince.

– Thanks for not saying anything, she said.

– Do not thank me, my Queen, this is only normal. So should we go to dinner?

– With pleasure.