The Beginning of the End

Chapter 1 (Dextrius)

I entered the throne room nervously, not knowing what my father had prepared. He would probably start bragging about how many magic users he had sent to the mines and how many new prisioners he had from the new empire or some bullshit like that. Suddenly, I realiced why Edel could only keep my secret til the following day: The Purge. That's how the church called the day all the people in the mines were executed and new magic users were sent there. It was celebrated once a year, and thousands of people, including women, men or children were burnt alive under the poor excuse that the fire "purified the souls", or that it was following Sephyr's (the god of light) will. The church called all magic users demons created by the goddess of darkness, Rena, to spread chaos among the world.

I dismissed those thoughts from my head and faced my father, bowing before him as it was requested.
-Father, I heard you requested my presence -I said avoiding direct eye contact with him

My father's eyes are ice blue, just like my own, and my hair is black with some indigo strikes on it. Father always said I got this hair color from mom, I'm happy to have something that reminds me of her, since she died when I was very young.

-Yes, indeed -my father replied in a cold voice, as always- I believe you've been informed we conquered Serelen
-Yes, father, that's some great news -I replied forcing up a smile, that totally wasn't good news, but one has to pretend to keep their head on their shoulders around here.

My father smiled and made a sign to a soldier who brought in a prisioner. By his appearence, I could tell he was from Serelen, that tanned skin with golden and black tattoes were unmistakable, plus the small sun tattoes next to his eyes were quite obvious. And those golden eyes were really characteristic. He had long black hair that grew right above his shoulders with orange strikes at the end of it. I could've sworn I've seen him before but I didn't remember from where.

-Who's this father? -I asked already fearing the answer, as the prisioners eyes filled with hatred and disgust
-That my son, is Lucien. The heir to the Serelen empire -my father replied

I opened my eyes in surprise
Lucien? As in the boy who always avoided me and the other heirs in the meetings? The one who could easily kill all of us if he wanted to?

-We weren't able to catch the twins from Yrestrum empire, but we were capable of catching him. This idiot stayed back protecting a child who could use magic....-my father started as a insane grin started to grow in his face- Of course the child died on the spot...But we had to give our guest a "special treatment"

Despite the situation, Lucien kept his head high and looked at my father without any fear, all you could see in his posture and look was anger, hatred and revenge

-You are planning on killing him at the Purge? -I asked retorically
-Yes, it's a stupid move to send someone as powerful as this man is to the mines, he could start a rebellion we have to execute him as soon as posible, but again, we have to teach the people I don't make exceptions on who to kill. -My father replied looking at me judgefully

That look and sentence reminded me the urgent the situation was for me and for Lucien too. I had to escape, yes but I wasn't going to leave him here to die either...A new plan started forming in my head

-That's a wonderful idea, father -I replied trying to hold back the hatred and rebellion in my eyes
To everyone's surprise Lucien's serious expression, turned to a smile and he bursted out laughing

-And what do you find so funny, demon? -my father asked despectfully looking at Lucien

-How am I the demon when you are murdering innocent people for having a gift they didn't ask to have? Even if you kill me tomorrow, someone else will do that rebellion you are so afraid of, lord Alpheus -Lucien answered with a mischievous grin on his usually serious face

I refrained the impulse to say I agreed with him, he had a really good point. That would've been a good question some of my father's advisors should have asked him before this shit started

-Take him away -my father ordered with bitterness on his voice- His words mean nothing to the new world we are creating

-You mean the old world? Shall I remind you, lord Alpheus, that you are chasing the world as it was before? A world without magic? -Lucien argued

My father's anger was noticeable as the soldier's hurried in his task to take Lucien away to the dungeons.

-You are dismissed -my father said trying to control the anger in his tone- Everyone out!

I wasn't going to wait for him to say it twice, I bowed quickly and left the room, going straight to the gardens. It was time for my training with Edel, maybe I could get him to help me sneak into the dungeons. When I arrived at the garden I saw Edel holding hands with one of the maids, I smiled gently, he was such a nice guy, he deserved to be happy. He saw me and grew pale. That's when I remembered my father prohibited the relationships between the servants and/or soldiers. Another stupid rule. He quickly let go of the maid's hand and discretely moved his head towards me, the girl grew pale too and quickly ran into the castle. Edel ran towards me.

-Sorry for the lateness, milord -he bowed nervously
-It's quite alright, Edel -I replied, to lighten the mood, I added in a whisper- So you and Zoya huh?
He blushed slightly
-Please milord, don't tell your majesty...-he begged, looking at me
-I won't Edel, I'm not a snitch, plus you are already keeping my secret -I replied
-Thank you, my lord....Is there anything you need before we start the training?
-Actually, yeah -I replied
-What is it, milord? -he asked
-I need you to help me sneak in the dungeons and free sir Lucien -I answered
I saw how his face went through five different emotions in around 15 seconds
-Alright milord -he agreed- But, if you allow me I have one condition
-Of course Edel -I was a bit surprised by his response, I didn't think he'd agree that quickly
-Can you...perhaps allow Zoya and I to go with you? It's dangerous for us to stay here....Because apart from dating....-he looked around to make sure no one was near- We have magic too...We already resigned to be sent to the mines..But if we have a chance...
-Of course you can come with us Edel, just tell her to be ready by midnight -I replied smiling gently. I had to save as many people as I could.
-I think I'll be able to sneak you inside around 11 pm milord, is that alright? -he asked
-Yes, it's great -I replied
-Good, now, shall we begin the training? -he asked pulling out his sword
I nodded pulling my sword out too
-We shall
And so, the training started. We spent training until there were only a few hours left for our plan to begin. In three hours, everything will have started