The Game of Monarchies "Sanguis Rosa"

Chapter XIII

A crown shows status; a dagger shows a killer. In the games, lines have started to blur. Who is the killer with cold hands; who is the artist with no canvas; who is of dirty blood; who is the angel? Four people, one plan. And this plan needs to be executed today, during the ball. Yet, won't this plan be the beginning of the downfall?

No matter how many times Zea looked in the mirror, her reflection didn't seem real. The black satin dress hugged all of her curves perfectly, the diamond necklace sparkled once the late sun rays hit it. The woman's wavy hair was braided, decorated with the most astonishing accessories, with only a few hairs let loose on purpose. On a table was placed a crown. It was simple, but very elegant. Zea had always prefered a minimalistic design, believing that the crown wasn't a sign of how good a ruler was, only a symbol of their arrogance. But this is not the time for over thinking what crowns mean, this was a time to wear one.

The Princess wanted to punch the mirror, all she saw was a fake. Suddenly someone else appeared in the mirror, a man with a bloody suit, but just as fast as he had emerged, he had disappeared. But the red eyes of the unknown man scared Zea, in a second she turned around, but nothing was there. Maybe it was simply a worry? Or maybe her eyes were playing tricks on her?

It all seemed too much, the plan, the escape... Yet this was life, running away from it was simply impossible. With a deep breath Zea took the dagger and hid it in her hair. The case was secured with a leather strap on her thigh. With one last look she prepared herself. No one was going to get in her way. If they did, they wouldn't see another day.

The Princess of Aggeris was walking down the halls with the royal guards once she saw The Princess of Collis, Evanora. The light pink, fluffy dress with embroidery looked amazing on Eve. Her hair was down, framing her face. Evanora truly looked like a star, even the crown resembled a star. It had spikes that looked like rays of sun, made of gold. Zea was simply lost for words. She bowed down and Eve did the same. The smiles on their faces could light up the deepest and darkest parts of the ocean it seemed.

"Guards, could you leave us for a bit?" Came the question from Zea.

The guards hesitantly left, but both girls knew they weren't too far away. They stayed silent for a bit, taking in how both of them looked.

"If I could, I would have the greatest painter draw you, so I could always look at you." Zea stepped closer and caressed Eve's cheek.

"The greatest painter is your mind, for it will always remember the image of love." Evanora had always been taught that if you love someone, you will never forget how they look. One could only hope it was true...

"Mind if I steal a kiss, Lady Evanora?"

A small giggle left her mouth, "Of course not, Lady Zea."

The kiss was sweet, full of love. The kind of kiss that could give life to the coldest of people...

The ballroom was full of people and noise. Lords, most noble Guards, everyone of high status was there. After all, it had been years since the last time all three rulers of Aggeris, Collis and Veatus were in the same place. The celebration would be one to remember.

Suddenly the horns started playing. Everyone calmed down, the room fell silent and only the ringing could be heard. When the horns finally stopped, a loud voice, on the top of the staircase, announced :

"Welcome everyone the Rulers of the three Greatest Nations! The royalty of Collis, Aggeris and Veatus!"

The huge doors opened and the first to walk were the family of Collis. The celebration was in their palace, it would only seem right to let them go first. The next were the royal family of Aggeris. And lastly but not least, the royal family of Veatus. Everyone bowed out of respect.