The Past

The Storm Prince

The internalised panic attack Kinheal is having definitely represents me irl all the time

My name is Kinheal and I am the daughter of Queen Zalta of the Motherland. My father is Ethon, god of wisdom and creation.

My name is Kinheal, daughter of Queen Zalta and Ethon, god of wisdom and creation.

My name is Kinheal-

"Princess Kinheal, what a pleasure to meet you."

"My name is Kinheal- oh you already know that." My face prickled with heat. "It's a pleasure to meet you, too, er Lord..."

"We don't use such titles here. Well, the gods do not, only half breeds." The disdain in his voice was not hidden.

I had never been to a ball and it was a bit intimidating, if I were entirely honest.

"I'm a half breed, sir, if you would recall."

"And I am Athern." He pretended as though there had been no offence in his words. Of course he did, he was a god, and not a minor one, at that. Why would he be speaking to me?

"Well, if you'd please, I am meant to be here to find a suitor. You will most certainly deter them."

"And who's to say I'm not one of them?" He offered his hand as the band started a new song.

"Common sense and your dislike for us half-breeds," I answered, taking the hand out of obligation.

We twirled in silence for a few minutes and I couldn't help but feel incredibly self-conscious. These were literal gods. He wasn't terribly tall, but one couldn't help but notice that each person in that room was flawless. No dots marred their skin, their teeth perfectly straight and white. Athern himself had brown hair down to his chin, half tied up in a bun with a golden bow as a pin.

"So, Kinheal, who do you intend on marrying?" He asked me to diffuse the tension as we danced.

"No one." I missed a step and sighed. "I don't know. I suppose I must marry someone, but I am determined it will be someone of my liking."

"Yes, I suppose it should be."

The dance ended and it was time to switch partners. I found myself dancing with Teirr, who seemed equally as perplexed as I was. He looked almost exactly like his father, as godly 'genetics' don't transfer, leaving him no similarities from Zetha. The same applied to me with my mother, I was a copy of her.

"Nervous?" I asked him.

"Only as much as you are," he said. Then, randomly, he asked, "Why don't you like me?"

"You really can't remember? I adored you once, Teirr." I caught Hathe's eye as he looked down at us all from his throne. "Every year, when we celebrated Crossing Day, I only wanted your attention. You preferred Selin. And then you grew rather cruel towards me."

"I never meant to be cruel, I just thought you hated me."

"I suppose I did, in a way."

The dancing again came to a pause and this time, everyone retreated to their tables along the walls as servants brought out food. I had no clue where to sit, so I began to follow Teirr.

"Kinheal," a voice boomed. "You will sit at my table, with my son."

Aeremordus, god of storms. He wasn't a primary god, but he was as powerful as any. Mortals feared him, gods respected him, animals ran from him. A light tan blessed his skin, contrasting bright green eyes and dirty blonde hair. He didn't need to speak for you to see his ego, though. Or maybe it was just confidence.

"You're lucky for the honour," he said as I took the seat beside him.

No, it was most certainly arrogance.

"Remor, be polite."

"Yes, Father. I was only joking."

The servants brought roast duck breast with orange sauce, on fine china plates. I had only read about some of the things here, such as plates not made of wood or iron, and I had not been prepared for the extravagance of court.

"Well, Kinheal, what are your hobbies?"

"I read and I quite like horse riding and archery." The wine here was much better than back home. "I also love baking."

"A princess who bakes?" He laughed gently. "Perhaps you'll have to teach me."

"Perhaps I will."

And perhaps he was not that bad after all.

After the meal, we returned to dancing, and this time Aeremordus was my partner, though he preferred to be called Remor.

"You dance quite well for someone who has never attended a ball."

"My little brother helps me practise," I admitted.

"Now I would like to take that role." He spun me a bit too hard and I stumbled, even in my flat shoes. "My apologies."

"Would you like to go for a walk after this dance?" His eyes widened greatly, as though he weren't expecting me to actually enjoy his presence.

"I very much would, princess."

"Call me Kinheal, please."

"Very well, Kinheal."