One Eternal Ember

Chapter 8

   When you act like you are the most powerful person on the planet, you really start to believe you are. Being escorted by two Fae into The Capital like some war prize? Not so empowering. The castle is exactly as I expected it to be. Solid cobblestone towers in all four corners, leading twenty stories high. Walls, with gates leading to the innermost doors of the Palace, a courtyard holding the most beautiful, and deadly plants to exist. Fountains, Trees, and roses surround the vast space. The greenest of grass runs along side the cobblestone pathways, it really is a beautiful sight.

    I would say the most embarrassing part of the entire situation, was the Court Ladies strolling the Courtyard, trying not to act like they were eavesdropping. I glance to them and admire their pristine gowns, of the brightest spring colors. Light blues and purples, with swirls of silver and gold, flowers, and lace adorn their skirts. My mouth twists to the side in a frown, and I avert my gaze to the back of Captain Delano's head. I used to adore dresses in a way similar to those Court Ladies. I suppose leaving home in a complete disaster the way I did will ruin the thought of gowns for someone like me.

   We finally reach the inner gates, the guards at all entrances nodding to Zenna subtly. I catch up to Lilith, and nudge her gently with an elbow. She looks to me and smiles. Damn her. Isn't she even the slightest bit worried about why the hell we were even brought here? She nudges me back, and gives me a look that says "stop worrying so much", and charges ahead of me. Great. I should definitely be worried then.

   The ascent up the large stairwell in the entrance of the castle is short, as we're lead down multiple corridors, and finally to a large hall with statues upon statues. All of them are different creatures, Gargoyles, Trolls, Giants, Taureans, and the last one...A dragon. I begin to study them as a black blindfold is pulled over my eyes. I quickly fling back an elbow, and a grunt sounds as it connects with someone's gut.

"Will you stop fighting me?" A rough voice sounds in my ear. "This is protocol. You aren't allowed to see the rest of the Castle until this meeting with the Royals is over, so just relax." Delano snaps in my ear, irritated that I elbowed him.

"Okay." I rasp, my voice barely recognizable to my own ears. I return my arm back to my side, as Delano takes my arm, and leads me down more hallways, up two flights of stairs, and through multiple rooms. At last we finally come to a stop, and the sound of large wooden doors opening fills my ears. Delano keeps hold of my arm, causing heat to radiate there. I try not to think of it as I'm led down a hall, our feet sounding on soft carpet. One more door opens, and the sound of music blasts in my ears. People chat all around us, and the sounds of dishes clank along with laughter.

  Delano continues, then finally stops. A shuffle along side me let's me know that Zenna and Lilith are next to us. A few curse words are exchanged, and finally my blindfold is removed. I turn to Lilith to see hers being pulled off, as Zenna grins in her face smugly. She then hisses to Lilith, "Show some respect."

  "Your Majesties, my companion and I present to you Queen's Eternal; Lilith Lordanou, and The Kingslayer." Delano's voice rumbles across the room, as I turn to where he faces. Tension builds as I realize we are standing at the foot of the Dais, where the thrones of the Royals are perched. I study the thrones, all lined in gold, silver, and obsidian. Each different from the last. There are five total. All four are accompanied by a Royal....Wait. My gaze snaps to the throne next to the Queen as I realize it is the only throne empty. A rough hand appears on the back of my neck, forcing me into a bow. I glare, but it does no use.

"Ahhh Captain. I see you and Zenna have found the miscreants I was indeed looking for. A job well done." A deep voice rumbles from the largest throne, with the most gold. The King. King Alastir Rousopollus The Second. Delano's hand moves from my neck and I rise slowly. Despite all the commotion, and our arrival the party hasn't ceased. No one has even acknowledged us. I guess that's a blessing.

"Please Please! I'm only kidding" The King wheezes, "Kingslayer, welcome to my Kingdom! You may look around freely, and go anywhere you wish at this event. Please Please! I emplore you! We only do the whole blind folding thing because Captain is so persistent with security." Another wheeze. "I assure you, he is only doing his job. Now. I will speak with you and Lilith after the party, so do enjoy yourselves. Go! Go!"  

   I lift my eyes to King Alastir with a polite smile, but can't help feeling on edge. Something about his demeanor sets me off and I can't quite put a finger on it. He is a brown haired man, with rich brown eyes. High cheek bones, yet a rounded face. A full beard, and slightly arched eyebrows. He smiles at me with pearly white teeth, which looks genuine. The Queen, Calanthe, sits on her throne eyeing me and Lilith with only disregard. Her hair is snow white, and she adorns piercing blue eyes. Her skin is fair, which is surprising considering the heat in this Kingdom. She is tall, with slender arms, and legs. She is beautiful, as all Fae are. Her high cheekbones compliment her dark brows, and full lips. She would be breathtaking if she smiled, by looking at the creases in her brows, I can tell she doesn't do much of that.

  "Thank you, your Majesty." I respond carefully. "It is an honor to be in your presences." I glance to the Princesses, and take note of their brown hair, brown eyes, and tanned skin. Just like King Alastir. I begin to turn on my heel, and gaze to the only empty throne. I cant help but wonder, who it might belong too.