Red Skies

Prologue

Laughter could be heard floating through the air, it filled the garden with a warm and joyous atmosphere.

  The source of this wondrous sound was none other than a trio of children. The three gathered in the royal garden while the older members of their families all prepared for the upcoming tourney.

  It was a rare occasion in which the group of friends could gather in peace, to merely enjoy each other's company without the supervision of uptight adults or the whining of annoying teenagers.

   Diana Baratheon, Simon Sothory and Felix Lee could finally enjoy one another's company in peace.

  Unfortunately, the peace they found themselves so comfortable in did not last long.

  "Felix!" The oldest of the three was summoned, by none other than his brother, Samuel. Sam was the embodiment of what the trio of mischievous nobles would label as annoying. Although he was a mere two years older than them, Sam often wielded his self-established authority over them as though he were their ruler.

  "Be quiet and don't move, perhaps he'll not notice us." Felix whispered to his friends while they all hid behind the bushes.

  Unfortunately, Simon, possessing the terrible balance he does, leaned towards the bush and fell to the ground. Sam immediately heard the loud rustle followed by the soft thump of the boy hitting the grass.

  "Felix! Mother and father are looking for you, the tournament is to start soon!" Sam shouted as he walked towards where the three were hiding.

  "And you two!" He pointed at Diana who was helping Simon off from the floor, "You best hurry off to your parents as well, I'm sure they've searched half the palace for you by now."

  Although Felix stood still and looked down at his feet, Diana glared as sharply as she could for a child of ten and two. Simon however was inspecting himself to find if he'd sullied his clothing at all, fearing what his mother might do to him if he'd ruined his carefully planned outfit for the special day.

  "What gives you the right to boss us around?" Diana asked as she remained firmly rooted to where she stood, determined not to move an inch.

  "Well then, I suppose you want to miss your brother's joust then?" Sam replied with angrily furrowed brows, sarcasm lacing his voice as he was getting annoyed by having to deal with the group of what he deemed undisciplined children.

  Diana's entire face changed, she had been anxious in her wait for her brother's jousting match. The two smaller boys looked at each other, both having concerned expressions painted over their faces, they knew that Diana had been worried about her brother.

  Felix had already experienced having family in such events, being the third born son, he was almost used to watching his oldest brother fight to the near death against opponents in such tournaments.

  "Very well then, I best be off. See you lot later then," Diana smiled slightly and waved at her friends, walking briskly to her parents chambers.

  Moving as quickly as her legs could carry her, Diana paid little mind to the nobles and servants scurrying about the palace. Everyone seemed to be hurrying, finishing off last minute preparations before the first event commenced.

  Finally reaching her parents temporary chambers, which were graciously provided by King Aenari, she stormed through the double wooden doors and found her mother. Lady Olivia Baratheon.

  Olivia Baratheon was a tall and full figured woman. With stormy eyes and a cold face, many often believed she was quite frigid. That was, until she opened her mouth. Lady Baratheon was short tempered and could be quite petty. However, she was a warm and welcoming woman, doing all she could to help others until they crossed her or her family. She cared deeply for her husband and her children, always putting their well being before her own.