A Raven's Darkness (Book 1)

Chapter 53: The Search

Raven's Point Of View:

After the maid washed my robe, she led me to the Outlander king's meeting room. Her heels clicked along the hall until we reached a large light green door with a tiny handle. She turned and smiled at me. "Are you ready, Princess?" My purple eyes narrowed "Yes." She nodded and pushed the door open, causing a loud squeaking noise. A bright light greeted me and I raised my hand to shield my eyes. The light faded within seconds and my hand lowered to my side. Before me was a large green room, with several chairs on the lower midsection, and one large brown desk on the upper section (meaning there is a step down to get to the chairs). My purple eyes took in the green walls, green ceiling, and the green chairs. I turned to the maid, whom remained standing at the door. I assumed she would be joining us, but I was wrong. The maid smiled at me sweetly. "King Ivan will expect only you, Princess. I hope you do not find fault in me for leaving you here alone." She bowed and frowned, expecting me to be angry. I smiled lightly at her. "It's alright. But, before you go, may I have your name?" She blinked several times in confusion, turned her head, and asked, "My name?" I held in a laugh. "Yes, your name. I wish to address you without resorting to calling you by "ma'am"' as if you weren't important." She looked shocked. "Um- I" She paused to clear her throat and recollected herself. "My name is Bellcrusial Von Casmin. But, you can call me Bell for short." I smiled at her. I didn't mean her full name, just her first name! "Well then, Bell, I am thankful for you providing me food and a room last night. Here, a gift for your hospitality." I reached into my robe pocket, passed Cynthia's necklace she stole from her husband, to seek out my prize. I touched the silver and pulled it out. The silver bracelet rang with brilliance. It had one single red jewel inside the bracelet, which was what contained the protecting power. It obviously didn't work for those with powers, seeing as how I nearly died because of Cynthia. But, those without powers, it would work for them. These Outlanders are the only ones who could use such items. An item that was crafted by Agrigial herself. The witch who ruled over the dead and caused the war ten years ago, my very own aunt. To be honest, I forgotten all about how Racon put it into my robe as I slept in my father's castle. Bell looked at me with wide eyes. "I-I- couldn't!" I smiled sadly. "I have no use for it, and I would rather it stop taking up space and be put to good use."

She hesitated. I offered it to her, extending my hand. She looked up at me and I nodded. She slowly reached toward it and gently took it from my hand. She examined it with awe. "It's beautiful..." She paused and then looked up at me with a amused face. "Thank you, Princess. I shall cherish it always." I smiled. "That would make me happy. You can leave now, I'll be okay." She looked up at me and put on the bracelet. "King Ivan is in that door." She pointed to the third door in the room, across from where we stood. I looked back to Bell. "Thank you, Bell." She bowed. "Good luck, Princess." She then exited the room, and as the door shut behind me, I felt a small part of me feel pain. I extended my arm and looked at the palm of my hand. My mark glowed purple, my power simply ready to explode again. Without my golden cross necklace, it could happen again soon. I closed my palm and looked to King Ivan's door. I must hurry. My heels clacked against the floor as I made my way to the green door. Once I reached the door, I slowed my breathing and raised my hand to get ready to knock. But, before I could knock, the door flung open and I am faced to face with a peculiar person. He had white eyes and dark hair. I would know his eyes from anywhere. He looked at me with a smile. "Hello, Princess Raven. Took you long enough to get here, ya? And without both your protectors I might add." My hand twitched from my power trying to escape. "Hello to you too, Commander Aaron. What a nice surprise." He looked at my hip and I felt slightly uncomfortable. "And you have already lost my sword?" I felt my face get red, my hand burning with power waiting to be unleashed. He wasn't helping me keep it in. Before I could answer, I heard a booming voice behind him. "Aaron, that is enough. Leave the poor girl alone. Let her in already." Aaron huffed in anger and opened the door wider. I shyly entered. I looked up to see a very young King. He had short hair, one side green, and one side white. It was very different. But his eyes were even weirder (yea, imagine something weirder than his hair). They held me with ease, those white colored eyes. My purple eyes grew in surprise. They looked exactly like Aaron's eyes. The young King laughed, "It's the eyes, isn't it? Please, don't let it bother you." He paused and looked at Aaron. "Aaron, if you would, shut the door and let Raven sit down." I blushed lightly as Aaron shut the door and offered his hand. I lightly placed my hand into his and he led me to a single white chair. I couldn't get into the chair faster; ready to slap Aaron's hand away. I smiled as I sat down, finally away from Aaron. I once again looked into King Ivan's white eyes and am shocked to realize how young and formal he was. He leaned forward in his black hair, smiling sweetly at me. "I apologize for Aaron, he can be a handful. He was always like that, even when we were kids." My purple eyes looked at King Ivan with curiosity. "Um- King Ivan-" He interrupted me with a hand rise. "Please ,Raven, call me Ivan. No need to be formal in my presence." He paused to lean back in his chair. I nodded and continued, "You look like Aaron... are you related?" Aaron glared at me with disrespect while King Ivan simply smiled. "Good eye, Raven. Yes, Aaron and I are related. You see, he is my older brother." My heart skipped as my head seemed to freeze in shock. If Aaron is older, why isn't he in Ivan's place? What reason does Aaron have for not being King?