The Red Moon Chronicles Book 1: The Crown Of Xenthos

A Day of Peace, Preparation

The days that followed Elizabeth's downfall were hard, not just for Keenio, but Zalpa and Veronica too.

Keenio helped change the medical gaus around her forehead, left shoulder, and right for arm. He put the wraps in a special ointment that helped speed up her healing. Zalpa also used his advanced healing magic to help further her recovery. Elizabeth wasn't going to die in their watch.

Keenio sat in the chair next to her bed.

"I'm glad you are going to be okay, Elizabeth.." his calm voice masked his weakness.

"I told you you don't have to worry about me Keenio. I'm as tough as you are. Maybe even a little tougher" she mocked him playfully.

Keenio nodded.

"So where's Veronica? Normally she is joint at the hip with you."

"..oh... right... well, she's helping decorate Athens for the Red Heart Festival..."

"..oh that's right! I completely forgot. It was that time of the year..."

"....yeah...." his face went blank.

"So... are you going to keep your promise to her?"

"What promise?"

"The promise you made on the Athena, on our way back from Sparta."

"....oh... yeah... I guess I forgot..."

"Prince Keenio Shadowspire of Xenthos" she took a serious demanding tone, "How Dare you forget about your promise to that girl!!"

Even in her condition, she still scolded him as if he were a child. She sat up in her bed and gave an intimidating glare. Even with her forehead wrapped she still managed to be intimidating.

"...It just hasn't been on my mind is all..."

Elizabeth huffed, and crossed her arms. Those emerald eyes tore through Keenio's soul.

"... you better make good on your promise!..."

".. I guess I can go..."

Keenio stood up and shrugged.

"You ARE going!! And you better not wear that golden armor of yours.. it's pretty, but not the right clothes to wear.. understand?.."

"But I don't have any other clothes.. this armor is all I have.."

"..you got a full coin purse... go and get an outfit made.. so you can impress the princess! This is an important night for Athenian women, and she only wants to go with you..."

Keenio went silent as he made his way to the door, and huffed.

"...fine..."

"Good!!"

Keenio shook his head and stopped in the doorway.

"..And be sure you let Veronica pick out your clothes for the festival... understand?"

Keenio rolled his eyes.

"Sure... whatever you say.. Elizabeth..."

He left her room, and made his way downstairs to the main hall. Veronica had just entered the palace in front of him.

She was wearing a blue sleeveless dress, it didn't look too expensive or too flashy, it had dirt and dust all over it, likely from helping the citizens to decorate the city for the festival.

"..hey... princess.. wait." He stopped her.

"Oh.. Keenio.." she smiled, blushing slightly, "what do you need?"