Veridia

Chapter 1

Terramore, present

Geneva Kiselev was a warrior. The best of the best, graduating the best military academy in all of Terramore. She wasn't just any soldier, either. She was an assassin, employed to the king to do the dirty work that needed to be done. She new every nook and cranny of the kingdom. It was because of her that King Romanov ruled Terramore with absolute power.

At five years old, little Geneva's family perished in a housefire, origins of which were never detected. King Nikolai had rescued her, and sent her to Valorborne Military Academy, which was the best school in the kingdom. She was the youngest to ever be admitted. Most people had to be at least thirteen to apply to the school, but she was sponsered by the king. To Geneva, Romanov was like a father, the one who supported her when all was lost. She would fight for him with her life. Geneva had a debt to repay, and she would do all in her power to serve the king.

Geneva learned quickly, and soon enough grew to be the top of her class. When she was fifteen, she was already one of the most gifted swordsmen the world had ever seen. 

Romanov recruited her into his ranks. He gave her food and let her live in the palace in return for her services. Geneva never questioned it. Romanov was the knight in shining armor from a fairytale, and she loved him with all her heart. 

So when the King asked her to remove the troublesome nobles, she did. 

Marquess Mikhaylov, Duke and Duchess Dmitriev, Countess Borizov. One after another, the dissenters to King Romanov's rule mysteriously disappeared in the dead of night, never to be seen again. 

Twelve years into his reign and not a single peep could be heard against him. 

Now, at sixteen, Geneva was part of the king's Elite Guard, the shadow that everyone feared but could never touch. She was called The Phantom for a reason.

Geneva's little flat in the palace could barely be called a room. It had just enough space for a cot, a tiny bathroom and a rack for her weapons. Geneva stood by the window, her long black hair tumbling loose around her shoulders, emerald eyes gazing out into the open landscape.

See, the thing about being the best was that no one could ever compare. Geneva worked alone; she never had any friends or even acquaintances. But one gets lonely sometimes. 

Geneva shook her head, and gritted her teeth. "I am Geneva Kiselev." she whispered quietly to herself. "I have no heart."

A knock came from her door, and Geneva jumped, startled. 

She walked over and opened the door, masking her face in a cold glare. 

"Yes?"

The maid outside looked visibly terrified, white as a sheet and trembling. She looked as if she would pass out at any moment.

"T-t-the king w-wants to see you" she stammered out.

Geneva nodded and dismissed the maid with a wave of her hand.

The maid scrambled away, eager to be out of the presence of the King's most gifted assassin.

Geneva took her sword from its sheath. It was a beautiful weapon, with a double-edged tempered steel blade and a large diamond set in its base. Smaller emeralds were embedded around it, glinting dangerously. The blade itself had dragon etched upon it, teeth bared and ready to attack. It was a gift from King Nikolai, a reward for joining the Elite Guard. It was perfectly balanced in her hands, and slid smoothly into her grip. 

Geneva held her sword for a second, relishing the comforting feel.

She then sheathed her weapon again hooked it to her belt so that it was clipped firmly to her side. She then grabbed her black cloak from where it hung by the door. Quickly, she braided her hair and tied it with an emerald ring. She surveyed the room, checking to make sure everything was in it's rightful place before she walked out the door.