the crown of blood and betrayal || a ya fiction

chapter 2

Writer's pov

“Isolde, this is not the right time to argue about this.” Aodhan says calmly, maintaining his tight lipped smile. 

“Your Highness, this is important!” She raises her voice but after looking at her father’s raised brows, she looks over and beyond his shoulders. “This is about you risking it all by sending the crown princess on a mission with the person who killed your wife, for god’s sake.” She says, still not daring to look into the King’s eyes. 

Aodhan lets out a controlled chuckle and says, “Your mother was not killed by Aerilene Liu-Nesaie, Isolde. If anything, she tried to save her.” He says and Isolde, smiles, nods ironically and looks at the ground. 

“Dad, you're hearing yourself, right? Aerilene has Liu to her name. How can you trust her? How can you trust her mother? They are literally our enemies. We’re being naive once again by trusting them.” She reaches out to hold his hand but he turns his back on her. 

“Isolde, enough! You’ve spoken enough. You should be grateful Althea is not present here to listen to your. . . your baseless allegations. Aerilene might have Liu attached to her name but she is nothing like her scumbag father.” He turns to face her again. Isolde is taken aback by how colloquial her royally trained father sounds. Aodhan is taken aback as well. “My apologies for that kind of language but give Aerilene a chance.”

“Dad, I do not have a mother partly because of her. I do not want to go with her for obvious reasons.” She pleads.

“Not one more word from you. You are going to Lancaster with chief Liu-Nesaie. No arguments.” He says and turns to face the glass window through which he could see his army getting prepared for a possible Amiliu attack.

“Dad,” Isolde starts but she shuts up when her father raises his index finger and gestures to her to leave the room. She huffs, turns and leaves the grand office of her grand dad who happens to run a grand kingdom but does not have even an ounce of a grand brain to think this through.

Isolde had been set up to go to Lancaster with Aerilene for a stakeout because apparently there is news about ‘weird water accidents’ and ‘anonymous cryptic messages’ on the walls of Lancaster Castle. Lancaster Castle was a significant part of Amiliu. Before humans had acquired the castle, most Amiliu meetings had been conducted in the courts of the Castle. And Alabaster knew Amiliu was notoriously straightforward yet twisted in leaving messages about their presence and it was their biggest strength whilst for Alabaster, it was their biggest weakness.

Isolde was to say the least, angry about multiple things. The biggest one was being sent on a very important and sensitive mission with Aerilene Liu-Nesaie. Another problem, the last time she was in Lancaster, she violated a few laws. Other small problems included, going undercover, choosing the attire and personality of someone who has died and making new friends. 

But there was nothing she could do now. Once her father had made up his mind, no one had the bravery to steer it into making a more rational decision. Not even his own daughter. Especially not his daughter. 

She bumps into Aerilene on her way to her room to get her things packed. The look on her face ensured that Aerilene also knew about the mission. And her usually glum face was even more glumer, with hints of anger and condemnation. Her jaw was locked and it brought out her already sharp jawline. Both of them were not happy about this. 

"You know even though we hate each other, " Isolde starts but Aerilene interrupts. 

"No, YOU hate ME. I have no hate towards you, your highness. Just strong dislike. " She points her finger at Isoldes chest and then points at herself. Isolde rolls her eyes. 

"Yeah whatever. Anyway, even though I hate you and you strongly dislike me, it's safe to say we both don't like Amiliu and its people, right? " Isolde asks and grabs the handle of her door. 

"I guess?" Aerilene replies, not knowing how else she could reply. 

"Well then, come on in. Help me get packed." She opens the door and steps into her grand bedroom. Aerilene follows her at her heels. She looks around and realizes that Isolde's got her room decorated. It was different from the last time she'd visited the room, 6 years ago. Back when they were friends. Back when they were the most powerful duo in the whole of Alabaster. 

"This doesn't feel right," Aerilene comments on Isolde's sudden friendliness. Isolde lets out a laugh and sits on her bed. She pats at the seat beside her and Aerilene joins her. 

"When have you ever felt right? You're always wrong, Aerilene. But hear me out," She says and shifts closer to Aerilene until her lips are inches away from her ear. A chill runs down Aerilene's spine and she isn't sure if it's because of Isolde's icy breath or the small distance between them. "I do not trust you. I do not trust your mother and I absolutely do not want to go on this mission with you. But it's about the safety of my kingdom and I will do anything to keep it safe. Even if it means to partner up with you or kill you."

"Same here." She replies shortly and stands up, moving away from Isolde. If she'd stayed closer, she'd have either killed her or done something even worse. Isolde smirks. 

"Very well then, open up my closet and help me choose dresses and other things which will look flattering on me." Isolde jumps from her bed and claps excitedly. 

Aerilene obeys and Isolde likes it. She obsessively likes it when people below her obey her. It's an ego boost. A way of living for her. Aerilene had always hated it and she still hates it.