Destiny Written

Chapter 22

Half of the day had gone. As Arden and Ten were escorted through the pristine walls of Aridia, the ember glow of sunset shone against the walls. They went through corridor after corridor, bridge over bridge, and door after door until they arrived at the throne room.

The judge, the jury, and the executioner sat on a throne made of marble and gold. Arches curved upward behind him, the balcony extending forward, his kingdom at his back. Drapes of gold and silver hung with the emblem of Aridia woven proudly into the fabric.

The king was young compared to Arden's grandfather. His hair was still brown though a few silver ones streaked it. His face was clean, sharp and angled, a warrior's face pasted on it. He was sturdy, he was stoic. He was king.

Both he and Ten were pushed to their knees. Arden stared at the floor. The marble was so stark, he could see his reflection within it. Not having seen himself in forever, Arden saw a face he didn't recognize. His face wasn't the same face he remembered back in the palace. This was someone else. Someone he wasn't sure who it was, yet.

The soldiers stationed themselves into a stance with their weapons pointed at their back in case they tried to run. Arden wondered if he would be able to. If the Frossian bindings weren't shackled onto him, he could turn and fly.

There was a scrape of shuffling feet and Corvera was led beside them. She walked forward forlornly, but was not shackled like he and Ten were. In fact, she was freshly bathed, hair fixed and a new dress and shoes fitted on her. Her hands wrung in front of her and her eyes remained on the ground apprehensively.

"Welcome to Aridia," said the king with no warmness in his voice. It was as cold as the bindings on his arms.

"Thanks," mumbled Ten beneath his breath.

The king moved on his chair, leaning one arm against the side. He nearly looked disinterested if it wasn't for his clear, decisive eyes. A small victory swelled within them.

"Look up, Ignis," he commanded.

Arden grit his teeth, clenching his jaw. The soldier beside him pressed a blade against his neck, pricking a drop of blood and with the flat side of the blade, forced his face upward. Arden met the king's gaze, letting him see the azure fire that burned in his.

"How did the crown prince of Aridia arrive in chains in my kingdom? And a Shadow. Spies?"

"Do we look like spies?" muttered Ten.

The king motioned to the guards and they pulled Ten backward, so that he was also looking forward to the king.

"You seem to be willing to speak," said the king. "How did you get across the Elicien river?"

With doubt, Ten tried to catch Arden's gaze in the corner of his eye for an answer.

"I'm sure you were sent after the fall of Elicien," concluded the king. He leaned back. "I would like to believe that this is fate-sent. I believe that you, prince, would be wanted by your grandfather?"

No answer.

The king's gaze passed over Arden and on Corvera. "And my intelligence has heard whispers that the Everrainian kingdom is seeking a child. A girl."

Corvera kept her head down.

"Another heir, perhaps? Or something else?" He curled his finger. "Come here, child."

Since she did not take a step, the lady beside her urged her forward with a hand to her back and Corvera padded up the dais and onto the throne's platform at the right hand of the king.

The king gently, with a delicate tenderness, took his gloved hand and tilted Corvera's chin up. "Never have I seen Ignis eyes such as these." He retracted his hand back. "What is your name, child?"

A miniscule whisper. "Corvera."

"Who are you?"

"I don't know."

"You must. One does not know who they are."

"But I don't know."

"The empire wants you, and if they are willing to sell starlight for you, you are worth the world."

Arden's eyes widened. Starlight. The rarest item in this world, next to destiny's dreams. They were truly worth the world. A glance at Ten and the expression on his face made Arden believe that Ten already knew the price for Corvera. And yet Ten refused it and was here with them.

The king snapped his fingers. "Take her to a room," he ordered. "Keep her there until we understand what we can accomplish with her."

"Wait!" Corvera cried as a female guard took her arm. Her eyes flew to Arden's and she called to him.

The king commanded that they take Corvera, but as another guard tried to control Corvera, a radiating blast pulsated from her and pushed back the guards around them. They flew back, lying against the ground.

Knocked to his shoulder, Arden turned and pushed himself onto his knees. He shook the ringing in his head. Fear passed over Corvera. She ran to Arden, grabbing his arms despite the cold chains.

"Arden, I'm scared," she whispered. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't know why that's happening."

"It's okay. I'm right here." Arden leaned his cheek against her head. "I'm right here. You're with me."

The king stood, fixing his cuffs and tugging on his gloves. Like a commander, his hands went around his back, standing as stiff as a board. "Sedate her."

A soldier came forward, a blade in his hand. Then, the rays of the sun that poured in from the arched windows bent against its natural shape. From ember orange, it turned into a blinding white light. It cut across, creating a cage, crackling down like a spiderweb. The soldier immediately halted.

The room held their breath at the phenomenon that occurred before them. A hush fell upon them.

Arden looked down at Corvera. Her little hand was outstretched.

"Cor?" he said.

Her hand dropped and she looked back up at him. As she did, the sun refracted into its natural orange beams.

"I heard the music," she said quietly.

"What?"

"It said I could do that. The magic here is mine." At that moment, Arden was lost in the magic that was her eyes.

No. Corvera was not ordinary. Far from it. There was magic in her eyes, something beyond his own comprehension. She was beyond comprehension, beyond this world. And Arden believed it.

A soft whistle and then there was a streak of blood across Corvera's arm.

"Arden?" her scared little reply.

"When you wake up, I'll find you," he promised not knowing if he could keep it, but that was all that he could offer her.

"Promise?"

"Promise."