War of the Heart

Sabrina

The big cross on everybody's calender approached. The weather grew warm, as if if wished to enhance the wedding by luring out flowers and buds. The court filled up again, including some guests that were allies of both kingdoms. It didn't affect Sabrina's rooming arrangements, although she heard many a noble whine about having been returned to their old lodgings.

The reduction in court size was noticed by the guests. While full, it was nowhere near as full as it had been on Udi's birthday. To be fair, Sutoku had been sparing with the invitations. With the lingering threat of Detruienn, he didn't want to risk revealing their weakness to too many outside parties. After all, those that knew about her true nature feared an attack on the wedding day. A rigid schedule was given to the guards, some retired candidates were even asked to don their uniform again.

The Minkas arrived a day after their field trip with Arcane. Merari was disappointed that Arcane hadn't joined them. Sabrina comforted her best she could, but was secretly glad. When Arcane returned, she should be able to ease into things slowly. The wedding might thrust her straight back into the spotlight and that would be counterintuitive.

The morning before the wedding was somewhat chaotic. Merari and Sabrina's room was filled with a giant soap that Merari had insisted on carving forcthe happy couple as a gift from them both. Sabrina had pointed out the impracticalities of a soapbar that size, yet Merari never wavered.

'They are royals. They can afford luxuries like giant soap.'

She regretted it, of course, because she had yet to finish it when they needed to get ready for lunch the day before the wedding. Most of the court was dining with Sutoku in anticipation, but Indra had invited the Eseterrians and Voire for a private lunch. Sabrina pitied her because her family had yet to arrive. They'd refused to share lodgings with the entire Cinean court and so would only be arriving on the day of the happy occasion.

In the end, the girls were ready for lunch early. Merari sat on the bed in her puffy babydoll dress, staring at the soap. 'Maybe I should add "Love you, nerds".'

Meanwhile Sabrina was distracted by Merari's outfit. 'Are you sure that's part of the dress code?'

'Trust me, Sabrina, a babydoll dress is always part of any dress code.'

Reluctant to idly sit around for much longer, the two headed for Indra's chambers. When they reached the door, they knocked.

'I know we're early but can we come in?'

A wide-eyed servant peeked through the door and shook her head. 'Not yet. Režniša still needs to finish preparing.'

They couldn't be bothered to return downstairs, so instead they decided to wait. They strolled down the corridor and stopped in front of the window. It gave a beautiful view of the gardens that were beginning to thrive.

'Urgh, there goes my plan for a post-lunch stroll. Look at those clouds.'

Above the castle were dark clouds, suggesting that downpour was due. Unfortunately, it was common to get at least one devastating hailstorm a year in that season. Except... Sabrina watched the clouds closely.

'Oh no...'

Cold trickled down her spine and dread settled itself within her. These clouds weren't acting like they should. The dark mass grew, new clouds seemingly appearing out of thin air.

As if on cue, the warning bell began to chime. The courtiers ambling in the garden frantically searched for an explanation. Before they could figure it out, a bolt of lightning came crashing down, setting a tree on fire. Dark creatures appeared where lightning had struck, shaped like beasts and malformed men. Even before they started approaching, the strollers ran for their life in hysterics.