(Completed) Seraphina [The Lost Queen Series: Book #1]

Chapter 17

"Friend or food?"
~°~•~°~•~°~•

The night air felt crisp as the scent of roses wafted around us. Gazing around I noticed patches of roses near the path. "How did all theses roses grow near the path?", bat's began to fly overhead as the moon approached.

"I had these planted when I was 15. Though these don't live as long as the original roses. Every generation plants new roses when they are named as the crowned prince or princess."

"Wait you have originally roses? Like the crimson rose?"

"Yes, though we named it the Rosa Gallica. To celebrate its life we placed it in a cathedral where it has grown and spread around the structure. You can see it tomorrow if we get the chance." Rosa Gallica, the crimson rose... If it really exists then the crown must hold some sort of secret as well... I don't believe that it has any powers like in the folklore but there is something strange about it. It seems like Quincy and Snape are obsessed with it. Maybe it drove them insane somehow... "What's wrong?", Looking up I noticed Caspian riding beside me.

For a moment I contemplated telling him my thoughts. "...I think the golden crown makes people obsessed with it... Quincy and Snape seemed very keen on getting there hands on it to keep it away from me... They also appeared to go insane when you were at the festival and I had arrived. Then again the whole crowd appeared to go insane once I arrived... I think my presence and the crown being in the same area made some sort of odd dark force happen. I know it doesn't make any sense but..."

"No I feel as if you are onto something. I have an amazing priest who might be able to help. If you felt a dark connection then we need to make sure you are safe. Don't worry to much...", Caspian grabbed my hand gently. "I will do anything to make sure that you are safe." His gaze was sincere as the sky lightened a little around us as the full moon glared down over the land.

"Love birds! Let's go! You have time to confess later!", Erron roared from far ahead as he continued to widen the gap. I shook my head as Caspian let go of my hand. We shared a look before attempting to catch up with Erron. It didn't work despite Shade trying his hardest. It was to be expected considering that he is a clydesdale. His stamina is amazing but speed is his enemy when he us faced against two war horses.

"It's ok, Shade. Don't tire yourself out by trying to catch up." He snorted in frustration before continuing to run at a steady pace. Erron and Caspian had already gotten far enough ahead for me to lose sight of them. "When you get tired just slow down and rest. They can wait for us if they want to." The moon sat on the trees as we finally broke out of the forest. The land around us smelled of water as a large lake sat on the right side other the trees. It stretched out as across the lands until it met mountains.

Shade snorted as he slowed down. His back was wet with sweat. I quickly climbed off his back as he began to walk down the slope towards the lake. Laughing I followed him as my sword bumped against me. The slope had some exposed rocks and a few boulders. A fresh breeze danced across the lake just as Shade finished drinking. Despite the peaceful surroundings I couldn't bring myself to relax. Something kept swirling in my head but I couldn't catch it. It felt like I forgetting something very important...

Wait... The folded note, papa's message, and my mother's name! As I pulled the note from my dirty pants I read it again until I found,
"In the spring flowers lay bare,
Taking in the fresh air..."
This must be about the Albertine Kingdom...
"Peace will follow like a dream,
Sounds of wind flowing free..."
Right now it feels like a peaceful dream and the air is dancing freely over the water.
"Return the land of Barletta for all to see,
We are not enemies"
This is the challenging part... How can I return something that I've no control over? Why is my mother's name written on the bottom? How is she involved in this? After a moment I tucked the paper into my pants.