Xulio DeLoera is a feared prince of the most powerful empire. He has ruled the battle field since the age of sixteen and with the help of the Dragon Karnon that possesses his body, he has earned his fathers respect. But now he has come of age and h...
The rattle of a tea tray wakes me and I curse the kings for letting this day come. Arran, my manservant and my friend, lays the tea down on my bedside table, before walking across the room and opening the curtains wide.
Scowling, I sit up, knowing from experience that he will yank the blanket off me, if that's what it takes to get me out of bed.
Arran smiles pleasantly whilst pouring my tea.
"Good morning your Highness." He says, bowing. He is a 20 year old man- same age as me- and has been serving me since he could walk. His father, another manservant of the palace, taught him his way around, and we became as close as brothers.
"That's a misnomer, Arran." I tell him, holding the warm cup of tea in my hands. His smile spreads further.
"Are you not excited for today's events?"
"There is nothing to be excited about." I speak as he bustles around my room, getting my robes ready. "I would rather be training, building my strength further, but instead I'm expected to entertain some entitled, arrogant, self-obsessed princesses." He walks to the door, preparing to leave, but turns to me first and says,
"Careful there, your Highness, people might think you are speaking of yourself." I glare at him as he takes hold of the tea try once more " The maids will be up in a minute to help you bathe and dress. Do try and avoid looking in the mirror to much while you dress, it will make you look self-obsessed." Then he's bowing and ducking out the door before I can throw my tea at his head.
Blowing on my tea, I take a sip and lean my head back on the head rest.
At least the royals will only be arriving later today, meaning I'll have time to do my morning trainin.
I sigh.
What a day today is going to be.
No. Not just today. No, these royals are staying for a fortnight.
How pleasant.
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Long ago when our islands weren't so separated and we were still able to travel the distance on foot, we weren't able to identify who was from which kingdom. So a law was passed in all kingdoms, that, at the age of six, you must receive a tattoo on your wrist. The tattoo is the symbol of the Anibraress that possessed your element and protects your kingdom.
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The tattoos that the Anibrares were born with are called The Marks and these identification tattoos developed from The Marks.
I can see the edge on my Mark creeping up my neck as the maids dress me in the mirror. I'm dressed in my kingdoms colours - blacks, golds and rusty reds. They drape a cloak with my Mark carefully stitched into it. I am the symbol of strength in our flame. I am not aloud to be anything less then powerful, but I'm constantly aware of the fact that I am so much more than that.
