Celestial Royal Sisters (Guardian of Nirvana)

Prologue

    Attack on the Tahan Kingdom, 10 years ago…

      “Charge!” The reverberating voice of their commander pierces through the air as the thundering footsteps of Klan’s dark knights approach the castle through the pelting rainstorm.

       “Make sure you get all of them, not a single royal Tahan must be left alive!”

       In response, Klan’s dark knights roar in excitement as they barge through the palace gates, their swords raised and slashing through the bodies of the guards protecting the castle.

         Breathing in heavily, I race through the halls of the castle, looking for my parents and siblings in a state of desperation.

       How the knights of the Klan managed to infiltrate our impenetrable forces is beyond my imagination... but that isn’t what’s important right now.

        I ignore the panicked faces of the palace servants running to and fro the long halls as I head towards the secret chamber, where my parents are most likely hiding with my younger siblings.

       Charlton, my older brother is probably fighting downstairs with the palace guards so I’m the only royal left without a charge protecting me. I’d ditched my guards and maid a while ago and I’m sure they’re either dead, are looking for me, or have escaped.

       I turn down a corner and barge into the first door I see, racing into my father’s study. Quickly crawling underneath his mahogany desk, I press the red button attached to the side of the desk to open the secret passage leading to the tunnels.

       Crawling back out, a narrow section of the wall across the room slides open with a scratchy sound and I quickly race into the passage, thanking the heavens for the lit torches illuminating the darkened path. Which just means they are here.

       Coming to a curve, I turn right and stop short at the sight of the chamber door being wide open.

       Breathing in softly, I ignore the feeling of dread and unease coiling in the pit of my stomach and slowly move towards the door with deem lighting filtering through.

        Softly tiptoeing closer, I press my back against the cool wall so I can blend into the shadows and lean forward to peek inside to see two dark knights hurdled in a corner.

        Standing as still as a statue, they limply held swords dripping with blood. My breathing seized, my wide eyes roaming around the room in a panic until they finally rest on the bleeding bodies of my dead family.

        I can’t help but let out a shocked gasp as I stare at the horrific sight, a turmoil of emotions slamming into me. I don’t want to believe the bodies I’m staring at belongs to my family, but no matter how much I deny it, the still bodies are proof enough that they are.

        I stifle a scream when a hand suddenly wraps around my mouth and someone grabs me from behind by the collar of my dress. I struggled, ready to fight when a familiar voice whispers harshly in my ear. “Yasmine, calm down, it’s me!”

        Relaxing immediately, I let out a shaky sigh and turn to gaze up at my 17-year-old brother. His clothes are stained with blood and there’s a small splatter of the crimson liquid on his face, staring at his dishevelled sight I wrestle with nausea threatening to come up.

       Putting a finger to his lips, he motions for me to be quiet and turns, grabbing my hand to lead the way away from our dead family.

        We rush out of the tunnel without a word and Charlton quickly carries me into his arms as he races out of the study, past the empty halls, and down the palace stairs. I silently cry on his shoulder, seeking comfort despite the strong metallic smell of blood on his clothes.

        The cool evening air pulls me from my thoughts and I raise my head to see we’re racing through the forest behind the palace. I want to ask Charlton where he’s headed but he rushes out of the forest at that particular moment and we stumble into a clearing.

         Turning my head so I’m looking over my shoulder, I frown at the sight of a black car waiting ahead. The car doors drew open as we walked closer and my bodyguards stepped out. Eyes wide, I suddenly understand what is going on and start struggling in my brother's arms. “No, no Charlton I am not going!”

       He lets my struggling body drop to the ground and then crouches down to my level, his similar honey-brown eyes glaring at me. “Yasmine, stop this nonsense and look at me!” He growls in anger, shocking me into silence as tears trail down my face.

        His glare softens at the sight of my tears and he pulls me into a tight hug. “Little Yassy, don’t cry, you know I hate it when you cry.”

       “Then don’t leave me, our parents and the twins are dead Charl. I saw their bodies, those vile Klan’s killed them!”

        Sighing, he caresses my face gently. “I was hoping you never saw that, but it’s too late now. Look Yassy, you and I are the only survivors left of the royal family, that is why we need to protect ourselves.”
 
      “I know that, but what about you?”
    
       “I can’t come to Yassy, our armies have been defeated and most of our people have been captured. Since our-”

        Hesitating, he takes in a deep breath and smiles weakly, his lips trembling as he held back his tears. “Since our parents and the twins are dead, the next thing they’ll do is look for us. I’m going to stay behind so I can give you a running start and make them think you and I are together so they won’t have a cause to search for you.”

     “But why can’t I go with you?”

      “Because it dangerous Yassy, I can’t-”
 
       “I could learn to fight like you Charl, you know am good with a sword.” I plead desperately, clenching his biceps, but he just shakes his head sadly.
    
      “No. Even if I die, I need to ensure you are safe.”

       “Don’t say that!” I cry in anger, stomping my feet to show my displeasure, and he smiles.
 
       “Yes ma’am.” He mocks, chuckling.

         Running a hand through my hair, he fixes a serious expression back on his face and sighs. “Look, the guards will drive you to the airport where I have prepared a private chopper to take you to Agrippa, I have friends there who will provide a new identity for you and they will keep you safe.”
    
       “But-”

       “No more arguing Yassy." He groans pleadingly and I quiet down.

      Standing slowly he walks me towards the car and the guard's bow in respect when we drew closer. I let him settle me inside, fixing my seat belt while I stare at him through teary eyes.

        With a soft kiss to my forehead, he mumbles softly in my ear. “Stay safe, I will come back for you.”

         And with that final promise he stands and steps back, closing my door when all the guards slip into the vehicle.

        I made sure I never once lost sight of my brother until we drove further into the forest, grabbing hold of the pink bracelet around my wrist I close my eyes and silently promise to avenge my family.

       The Klan’s will pay for messing with the Tahan kingdom.