Rowan's hand slipped to Astoria's waist, and both of her hands moved onto his shoulder, he lifted her in the air doing a half spin before setting her gently back onto the dance floor. The stunt seemed to attract the audience's attention because most of them began to gather in a wide circle surrounding them. Once again Rowan's hand went back to her waist, this time twisting her in circles, like a ballerina, she twirled around, her dress rotating majestically about her with each spin. Twice more Rowan spun her before he let go so she could go a few more rounds solo. She twisted gracefully, her arms raised above her head, creating a beautiful, elegant and regal appearance, her red hair contrasting with her striking black silk dress as it seemed to fly around the ballroom carrying Astoria with it. It was an unforgettable sight, she looked like a dazzling black flower, deep in the forest meadows, rare and unique, with pollen red as fire and petals black as night.
Once the music stopped, she was back into Rowan's arms. They danced a few more rounds along with the court before separating, but they were never far away from each other. Astoria smiled and thanked the people who congratulated her on their new 'arrangement', but the smile never reached her eyes. They told her wonderful stories and tales about the great King Bricriu. She realized that because King Bricriu had no known heir to carry on the bloodline, the Morgan bloodline had perished with him, at least, until they had found Astoria, King Asmodeus had taken his place following a vote by the nobles at court.
The more Astoria thought about the less she liked the prospect of ruling Tartarus. She was trained to be a warrior, not a courtier, she was not disciplined and educated like her sister, she did not know the first rule of leadership and certainly, she had no interest in politics. She was certain that some of the lords would object to her being queen. She had overheard conversations where she was spoken of being 'a nasty halfbreed who should go back to where she belongs.' But where did she belong? If she went back to Elysium, would they welcome her back with open arms? Or would they throw her back to Tartarus like a useless ragdoll?
After hours of dancing and participating in awkward conversations, the ball had finally ended.
"How could you do this father?!" Rowan yelled, taking off his coat as he violently threw it to the floor, Lilith flinched at his action, but Asmodeus just continued to read the documents that were placed on his wooden desk.
"I know you don't care about Astoria's life, but it's also my life, you know that I don't want to get married and you still pulled a stunt like that!" he shouted, as Astoria gently lowered Lilith down onto the brown leather couch just in front of the desk, she grabbed her a glass of water,
"Thank you, dear," she said silently, it was obvious that she was getting weaker every waking hour, Lilith looks paler than usual, her body had become so frail and fragile, the dark circles under her bright eyes had become much darker Not even the heavy makeup that was painted onto her face could cover it up. She just smiled and pretended that everything was fine, but it was not, she was visibility suffering, she had a hard time walking and moving around, even some of the lords and ladies had begun to be suspicious, and Rowan had been so oblivious about all of this, how could he have not noticed the change in her?
"I did this for your own good, for the whole realm's good, when you are King you have to make sacrifices when you become King you will understand," Asmodeus replied,
"Don't tell me how to be king!" Rowan snapped,
"Watch your tone, boy!" he snapped back.
"Since when do you know what's good for me?" Rowan said back.
"Since I am your father," Asmodeus clarified.
"Then you have been doing a pretty poor job of that!" he laughed but without any humour in his voice.
"Rowan! Please don't talk to your father like that," Lilith snapped.
"I can talk to him how I like," he fired back, Lilith stared at him blankly shocked at his remark.
"ROWAN!" That's enough," Astoria warned. "When did you find out about my father?" she demanded, looking towards the king.
" A few weeks ago," he replied immediately.
"And you didn't think to tell me then?" she questioned, he opened his mouth as if to speak, then shut it again. Astoria took that as a 'No'.
"Rowan," Lilith said calmly, as she stood up one hand on the armrest of the chair for balance, "If you and Astoria get married, I would be overjoyed, I already see her as my daughter, but if you two decide against it, I wouldn't object," she said staring into his eyes. "And Asmodeus you should have at least given them a warning, before making a public announcement like that. Think about that next time."
"Oh, there will be no, next time," Rowan said, and the king nodded a silent apology.
"Excuse me," Astoria said walking out of the room, she walked through the familiar corridor. It was peaceful, but she knew she was not alone, she was never alone, spies and shadows were always lurking in the shadows, waiting, watching, and reporting.
She went into her chaotic room to gather her thoughts. Books, clothes and weapons were scattered everywhere. Astoria let out a long sigh, flopping onto the bed, staring up at the empty white ceiling. Out of nowhere, there was a small purple lightning bolt, then a small piece of paper appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, gracefully gliding through the air then landing onto Astoria's palm. She shot up and ran to her desk, she knew exactly what had magically been sent to her, it was a message from her sister. When they were younger, Diane and Astoria would send secret notes that were encrypted with a special code only the two of them knew, she swore they had made up a new language. She grabbed a pen and scribbled over the paper with ink, the message revealed itself. She read through the paper as quickly as possible and then held it in her hand and let it burst into flames. She was stunned at the message she had received from her sister. It was both horrifying and traitorous. It had said that she and their father had found out that she was the heir of Tartarus, and they wanted her to come back home, but in order for that to happen, she must kill the next presumptive heir, who was Rowan. Because in order for the border to open for Astoria to fly through it must weaken, and since she is the daughter of the late King, she has his blood coursing through her veins, but that's still not enough to pass, she needs to kill the person who was next in line to guard the borders and Tartarus, and that person was Rowan.
If killing Rowan was her only option could she do it? Why was this being asked of her? How could she even consider it? If she even dared to do such a vile thing. 'If' she hated that word.
I already see her as my daughter.
Those words rang in her head, Astoria saw Lilith as the mother she had never had, she felt partly responsible for Lilith's illness, if only she could heal her with a touch. Lilith would be heartbroken if she killed Rowan.
YOU ARE READING
Forbidden
Fantasy"Aww, pretty prince can't stand a little cut," she cooed, making a pouty face. She knew she wasn't going to slit his throat, but he did not know that, and he did not need to know that. ---- Astoria, the forgotten princess, always overshadowed by her...
