Exiled Princess

Chapter twenty-three

The fifth Hell's gates appear near the horizon. As I look closely enough, I can witness a couple of flags drooping across the towers. On them is embroidered a sign of two swords blocking a buzz of flame. The fire lord's symbol. A chill courses my flesh, illuminating goosebumps on my skin; just as I have made myself believe my plan will hopefully succeed, doubt still lingers deep in my chest, making it impossible to breathe.

It is a known fact that the fire lord rules both the fifth, and fourth Hell, yet his home palace is settled in the fifth. A ruler can replace any Hell ruler if they win against them in a duel called; The Infinite Fall. The rules are simple; no powers or weapons are allowed but silver swords.

This is exactly what I'm plotting to do. If I defeat the fire lord ruling these two Hells, I'll become the ruler I was born to be, but in a different setting. Ruling and overpowering two Hell territories is no small task, yet it'll grant me my place. I'll make a life for myself like I vowed, and choose to have a place as a delegate among high ranks.

Lords are the strongest white-heart level, having two opposite powers–fire and water–battling each other shall leave a trace in white-heart history.

I was never able to find the story behind a white-heart ending up a ruler of two Hells. It is known grave insanity and trait reach to the white-heart empire to have another of their own choose Hell instead of Avanoska.

The Midnight Cats sure despise the emperor enough to leave their home, and head to the sixth Hell. They are as traitors as I am.

To my people, I'm still a long since dead princess. All white-hearts believe me dead for slaying a poisonous serpent–protecting them dearly. My dead father was kind enough to grant me honor even after exiling me, and making his own folk forget.

Yet I would never forget the utter relief that shown ashen on my so-called people's faces. They still forget, however, my power deemed loyal to me–making me remember their betrayal once more.

It hurts me miserably, but it also has given me the ability to choose the righteous path.

As the set of guards positioned upon the gates spot me, their eyes narrow suspiciously.

They're shifters; werewolves. I can easily detect their kind from the harsh smell of blood and burned flesh detected on them.

One of the brave ones marches towards my horse, his palm on the hilt of his sword, ''Who are you?''

''I am a white-heart who demands the duel of The Infinite Fall against your ruler.'' I'm surprised enough to suck a breath at my unwavering voice.

The guards laugh like madmen, howling as they clutch their stomach in mockery.

''Go back to your safe corner before his highness flays you like he did to countless others.'' a guard grunts, shaking his head in disgust. ''Many of you shameless fools have the audacity to challenge our noble ruler.''

A pit of dread empties my belly. Perhaps I underestimated the fire lord, maybe I made a blunt mistake.

I push the thought away, coming forward with Nyx. She shuffles her feet on the dry black ground, ruffling her head as her strands loom about her eyes.

''I insist.''

The guard draws his sword, shoving me with its hilt onto the harsh stone.

A breath puffs from my ajar mouth, making me gasp in agony.

''You dare dull ancient rules?'' I whisper, my low voice unfamiliar to my ears. ''Perhaps I shall make you taste the debt of paying for your unchecked behavior.''