Soul Of A Lion Face Of A Dove

Welcome To Arcadia

I can feel the carriage wheels nearly give out as we hit yet another pothole. The driver seems to be used to it while I'm on the carriage floor gripping onto the think velvet cushions. If this is my demise I blame my parents.

I'm from the westlands, aka Delphina. A beautiful kingdom placed directly on the mountains edge. My castle is built into the mountain peak and it hangs off slightly, we're able to see our beautiful city from above. Filled with joyous laughter, white walls, and pillars with gold accents. Full of love and tranquility.

The place I'm heading on the other hand, is said to be filled with nothing but blood shed and agony. With thick obsidian walls blocking all entrances. There are tales of poeple who have ventured there. How they end, no one knows. For they have yet to come back. Arcadia is the name of the kingdom. Sounds quite beautiful for such a horrid place.

Arcadia is north of my kingdom. It's ruled currently by King Arcturus and Queen Giovanna. They have only two sons. Their eldest is said to be the cruelest of the kingdom. For he has taken down armies single handedly. How much of that story is true? I have no idea. Personally I think he's spreading these stories himself. Has to be compensating for something if you know what I mean. His name is yet to be discovered. But his younger brother on the other hand is Prince Amenadiel. Amenadiel is said to be the only light within the kingdom. How that fairs with his family, I couldn't tell ya. Hopefully I get to meet Amenadiel during my stay.

I have yet to introduce myself, my name is Sorelia Rose Delphia. Title, Princess of Delphina. My parents, King Orpheus and Queen Acalia are the current rulers. As the Eldest child I am to take the throne. Which is why I'm heading where I'm headed. My parents thought the best way for our kingdoms to finally unite and halt the blood shed was if we come together in the most powerful way possible. Marriage. So yes. I'm being sent to my possible execution so our kingdoms can find "peace". I have to marry a man no one's seen the face of. Oh God what if he's ugly. Or worse, what if he's hot.

I'm pulled out of my train of thought with a knock on the carriage door. I guess we've arrived. I dust myself off and fix my tiara that has somehow made its way half way off my head. I open the door and I'm met with one of my soldiers who traveled with us.

I take his hand as he helps me down. The soil beneath my shoes is dead and dried up entirely. I look around and see nothing but dead trees and wilting flowers. Truly the stuff of nightmares. In contrast with my land, which has plenty of sparkling rivers and beautiful lush gardens this is almost like staring into the eyes of death. No wonder this place is full of despair.

In the distance I see a thick cloud of fog, when I look closer I can almost make out big black walls with an eerily beautiful castle sticking out from the fog.

I think I'm going to like it here. My soldiers flank me as we continue the rest of our path on foot. Which is much preferred compared to that God awful death trap on wheels. As we reach the gates over fifty soldiers dressed in armor darker than night and swords already out of their halters start creating a circle around us. To say I'm a little offended by this warm welcoming would be an understatement.

My soldiers all reach for their swords, I stick my hand out to signal for them to stand down. I will not be the cause of more death for my kingdom. Especially not those of my best guards.

"Step away from the princess!" I hear a deep voice boom In the distance. The guards automatically put their swords back in their halters and retreat back inside the gates. A semi old man steps forward, whom of which I'm guessing the voice belonged to. He has raven black hair slicked back with a single silver streak on top, a small beard and a very jagged nose. I'm going to assume this is the king. Please be the king.