Sinful

999

The dark green trees swayed in a soothing rhythm while the wind hummed along the clear sky, keeping the creatures of the air company as they watched the mage travel through the dense forestry. The horses carrying Silas and the two guards huffed loudly with each stride, cutting between the compact woodland, eager to get to the destination. The King gave the Silas a list of guests that require an invitation to Thana's suiters ball, the mage noticed the Kingdom of Vandenberg was starred of importance. The relationship between the two royal territories had been rough ever since the late King of Vandenberg was murdered on Rowan soil. Despite being a normal outcome of war, Vandenberg did not take the death lightly and they cut all ties with Rowan, refusing to become allies. Thana's father has been hoping to rekindle the ally ship between the two Kingdoms for quite some time as it would benefit both for both the royal families and the land they rule. Silas noted the importance of convincing the second born prince to come to the ball, it would be a sure way to reconnect the monarchies, but convincing a stubborn royal family built off of hatred and revenge would be a difficult task. 

Silas arrived at his first destination, the Kingdom of Lye. The three approached the large archway that was guarded by six men in traditional chainmail and silver armor. "Attention!" A loud yell was heard from the man furthest to the right, the group quickly brought their swords and shields up for defense, clearly wary about the sudden appearance of Rowan citizens. The mage put his hand up, commanding the two guards behind him to stop. He slowly got off his horse as the soldiers remained at attention, terrified and curious at the sight of Silas. "I am here on behalf of King Lucien of Rowan, I am sent to pass along an important message the King of Lye." Silas spoke confidently with an assertive tone, his demeaner was quite terrifying to guards who were not familiar with Rowan or its people. A guard with a green mark on his arm stomped twice, indicating to the others that they could lower their weapons. Despite the action of ease, the guards still remained tense and nervous, eyeing the Rowan caravan suspiciously as the head guard lead them into the Kingdom. The group silently walked through the town that was covered in lush greenery and beautiful flowers, the scene was refreshing for the Rowans as they have stayed within their land since the war that put King Lucien into power. They enjoyed the change of scenery despite the looks they received from the citizens they passed. 

Lye was known to be a "farmer" kingdom, most citizens were hardworking and peaceful farmers which their attire showed for. The usually carefree town folk stared upon the group in fear, they were intimidated and shocked by their presence. Silas was not surprised by the response they saw from the town of Lye, even he could admit that his appearance was somewhat threatening. His bright red cloak draped over his 6'1" muscular body that was covered with leather attire studded with rubies, if his choice in clothing didn't intimidate onlookers, then his devilish red eyes would. The stares continued till the group reached the castle, the guard leading the three opened the large doors to the beautiful building, ushering them inside a grand hall. Vines coated the muraled walls, hiding the delicate imagery while the strong smell of pine filled their senses. At the end of the big space sat four royal individuals sitting on giant, brown thrones, pairing nicely with the green garments they wore. The group stopped in front of the royals, bowing slightly in greeting. 

"What brings you to my Kingdom?" The King of Lye stared coldly at the visitors, eyeing them suspiciously, opposing the other royals that looked at the visitors with awe and excitement.  

Being a peaceful farm country must get boring for them. Silas thought as he studied their expressions.

"King Lucien of Rowan will be hosting a Suiters Ball for his daughter," The mage looked at the two princes sitting beside the king, unsure of which one is younger. "He is extending his invitation to all second born princes who are eligible to wed the Princess of Rowan, Princess Thana." The King of Lye reached to his chin, as if he was seriously debating whether to accept the invitation but to Silas the answer was obvious. Anyone itched at the chance to be involved with Rowan, when there's fear, there's curiosity and with curiosity comes obsession. Rowan was an enigma that people were desperate to figure out, an untouched gold mine. The King of Lye relaxed his hand from his chin, nodding slightly at the Rowan caravan. "I accept the invitation on behalf of my second born son, Prince Jerimiah."