Crown Of Chaos

Chapter 5

Hally woke me up very early the next morning. No matter how hard I protested, she still managed to get me out of bed and help me freshen up.
"You must look your absolute best today," she said as she helped me change into a red dress with white frills at the bottom of the skirt.
They were frills on the sleeves too, but they stood out way too much, and I absolutely despised it. After I was dressed, Hally braided my hair into two plaits, which she tied off with matching red bows.
I looked at myself in the mirror. No matter how nice and posh I looked today, I was still the same old Ruby.
Ma, Pa, and I then made our way out of our house and into the carriage that was waiting outside.
Pa looked very elegant today; he rarely dresses up, so I knew immediately that this meeting was important.
Ma, on the other hand, looked so beautiful. Her baby blue silk dress fit her body perfectly, and when she raised her arms, her long sleeves fell against her sides, making the entire dress stand out.
Her soft blonde hair was pinned into an elegant bun, and her silver jewels jingled as the carriage rocked and bumped.
Mother was always beautiful, sometimes I wonder how I am even related to her.
"Ruby, you must be on your best behavior," Pa said sternly.
"You must give the prince a good, decent apology and fix all unwanted emotions between you two. Do you understand?"
I nodded my head, "Yes, sir."
A couple minutes later, our carriage finally came to a stop outside the big, beautiful castle.
Although this was not my first time being here, the beautiful building never seemed to shock me with its perfection.
The castle was built of cobblestones, each rock varying in size and shape, each unique. The two tall towers on either side of the building seemed to loom over us as we climbed up the steps. They were more towers on the other side of the building, large but shorter than the ones at the front. The king's royal flags waved wildly in the wind. Their bright yellow and green colors flashed at us as we greeted the palace's butler who was standing outside the large wooden door.
The entrance to the heart of Valoria.
The butler bowed to my ma and pa in greeting.
"My lord, it is an honor to see you again," he spoke.
He then turned to me, his face turning into a weird, sour expression.
"As to you, little one."
I frowned. But Ma took my hand in hers before I opened my mouth.
"Likewise, sir Gill, is her majesty the Queen in her quarters?" Ma asked sweetly, a small smile on her lips.
I let out a deep sigh.
Calm down, Ruby. Your better than this.
Besides, your not the one who has hooves for feet.
Gill was a Satyr, half human, half goat. Two small horns stuck out on the sides of his head. Although his breed was very unusual, he was well dressed in a black suit with a golden and green tie which hung from his neck. They were many Satyrs that served in the palace. Most of them were servants.
Ma, Pa, and I walked onto the palace's main floor. A couple meters away from us were a long flight of stairs that led onto the second floor.
The castle was well decorated, with furniture and paintings in every corner.
The dark brown wooden floor was covered by a long red carpet that led all the way to the stairs.
Suddenly, a couple of palace maids rushed towards us. They bowed in greeting before they took our coats and hats.
"Sir, please follow me into the throne room where his highness awaits."
Pa smiled at Ma and me before turning to leave with the servant.
"My lady, please follow me into the Queens quarters, she would be very happy to see you" another maid gestured.
Ma quickly mouthed "behave" before she followed the maid into the depths of the castle.
Who knew where the queen's headquarters were?
It was not long before a young Satyr boy told me to follow him into Declan's study room.
I couldn't help but gasp at the walls covered in ancient paintings and historical decorations from Valoria's history.
There were even some new decorations that I hadn't seen since my last visit.
The young Satyr boy then stopped outside a large wooden door.
"In here, you're grace," he said as he opened it for me.
I have never seen Declan's study room before.
When I walked in, I was surprised to find it empty; there was no Declan.
The room was enormous. Instead of a white walls like the rest of the castle. The walls were painted a very dark black. Probably to represent his stupid, dark soul.
One wall held paintings and portraits of the kings who had once reigned in Valoria.
Another wall was covered by books.
Lots of them. They were all placed in colour order. From red to black.
There were even some colours that I had trouble naming.
In a corner, there was a fancy sofa. It was covered in beautiful black and gold patterns with shiny pearls. It was facing a fireplace that blazed wildly as it fed on enchanted wood. A wood that will never go out.
In another corner was a silver knight statue carrying a large, sharp sword that was facing downward.
I shuddered at the thought of Declan using it to chop off my head.
In the centre of the room, two large windows were slightly open, letting in a bit of a breeze. And at the top, a diamond chandelier, which was lit by 1234... 4 times 8 is 32. 32 candles!
"Extraordinary, isn't it?"
I whipped my head around to see Declan standing by the door.
A small smirk on his face.
"Yes, it is a lovely room" I replied, instantly annoyed by his presence.
Declan then slowly walked towards me. His black, tight curls bounced with each step he took.
"Is this how you greet your Crown Prince?"
I froze. I knew what he wanted me to do. He wanted me to bow. To curtesy before him. To show him respect.
I should have remained as straight as a pencil, but Ma and Pa's words thundered in my mind.
Behave.
So I did it.
I lifted up my skirt, bent my legs, and curtsied.
I could already sense Declan's smirk growing bigger.
"You may rise," he taunted as he simply walked towards his desk and sat on it. His legs dangling in the air.
"Thank you, your Grace" I said through gritted teeth as I quickly straightened up.
He was enjoying this.
He gestured towards the couch for me to sit but I refused.
"Declan-"
He raised his hand, cutting me off.
"You will address me as Prince Declan."
I faked a smile "Prince Declan, I suppose you know why I am here today?"
Declan pretended to think, "You're here to beg for my forgiveness"
"Well, yes but-"
"Do you know why you're really here?" He asked.
I frowned, "Why?"
"Because you need to be reminded of your place."
"My what?"
"Your place." He repeated as he hopped off the desk and walked around me, circling me, making me feel like some object he's observing.
"You may not know it, but at school everyone knows your name." He continued as he clasped his hands behind his back.
"Your great" he shrugged.
"Not just in your studies but in outdoor activities too. Your fast in p.e, and you're an excellent reader. You always brag to you parents about your accomplishments, and they praise you for being so... perfect"
He spat out the last word as if it disgusted him.
I stood there, confused. I was popular at school?
"Thanks, I guess? But what does that have to do with this situation?" I questioned. He was up to something ridiculous I could feel it.
He then stopped in front of me; his emerald, green eyes seemed to burn holes into my own.
"Because you are so perfect you forget your place. You forget that with one click of my fingers-" he snapped his fingers.
"Your father could lose his position in court and you, and your family would end up living in the slums of Valoria."
I balled my hands into fists, "but you cant do that. You're not the king!"
Declan's smile grew wider. "But I am the king to be."
I swallowed, forced myself to calm down. "What do you want?" I whispered hoarsely. My throat felt as if it were drying up like some old well.
Declan smiled. It was a sweet sort of smile a smile that hid a sharp tongue and words. Words so hateful enough that they can rip your own heart into pieces.
"I want you to get on your knees, beg for my forgiveness and kiss my shoes like the slaves do." He smirked as he grabbed my braid and toyed with it
My heart was beginning to beat rapidly now, I felt as if I were on fire.
He wants me to do what?
I stared at him for a moment, stunned by his ridiculous words. And then it all made sense to me.
"You're jealous, aren't you?" I responded as I snatched my braid back. Disgusted that his filthy hands were toying with it.
Declan laughed. "Jealous? Why on earth would I be jealous of you?"
I shrugged. "Since I am so much better and more perfect than you, why are we having this conversation?"
Declan opened his mouth. Then closed it again. "My family is one of the most powerful leaders on earth, My father alone has conquered many lands and my mother is well known for her talent in art. She painted half of the paintings in this very building. And they could be sold for hundreds. Millions of dollars" he rambled. He then stopped.
"What about you, what do you have that is so much greater than I?" He smirked
I took a deep breath. Aim.
"Loving parents."
Fire.
Wham, just like that, Declan froze as if I had actually shot him with an arrow.
An arrow that would stab deep and leave a scar.
The tension in the air fed on the harsh words we have thrown at each other.
It was growing thicker and thicker. With hate.
"I saw you and your mother in the principal's office that day" I said, not caring if he felt hurt or embarrassed
"What kind of mother hits their child like that and drill such harsh, mean words into their heads."
Declan just stood there, frozen with shock and anger.
He was humiliated.
"My parents would never" I added.
He then spoke, his voice low and exasperated. "I dare you to continue."
I straightened my shoulders and raised my chin.
I'm sorry, Ma and Pa, but he asked for it.
"I have a loving family" I spoke.
"And you don't."
I don't even remember him raising his arms to shove me onto the ground. He was quick, but I quickly used my instincts and flipped us over, so I was on top of him.
Wrestling someone is unladylike mother would say, but I didn't care.
Suddenly, there was a terrifying scream. I instantly stopped distracted, and Declan used that moment to push me off him.
He pushed me so hard that I fell backwards into the silver knight. Cutting my dress sleeve and slicing my arm
I quickly gripped my arm in pain and gritted my teeth to prevent myself from crying out. I will not cry in front of him.
Especially him.
I raised my head and faced Declan, who was glaring at me angrily.
"I hate you." he hissed.
"I hate you more" I replied with a small smile on my face.
Declan may have left me a physical wound, but I left him an even bigger one.
Another cry rang out, and it sent shivers down my spine. It wasn't a cry of sadness; it was a cry of pain and fear.
There was more shouting, and the smell of smoke filled the air. I stood up, still gripping my wounded arm tight, and walked towards the door.
I did my best to ignore the excruciating pain as I tried to get a look at my surroundings.
Declan stood up too and angrily pushed past me, making me stumble as I moved out of his way.
"What's happening?" I asked as I followed him to peer over the railing of the stairs.
What I saw shocked me. Strange men in silver armour were pouring themselves into the palace, and they were armed. Each and every one of them had black masks on their faces, hiding their features. They were like the angel of death itself. Slicing any servant or maid that came in their way, setting fire onto every piece of furniture and any ancient paintings they passed.
The air was becoming thick with smoke, and I struggled to breathe.
One of the guards looked up and saw us standing over the rail. "Over there!" He shouted as he pointed towards us.
Declan and I made a run for it. My heart was pounding so loudly that I thought it would burst.
I followed Declan as we passed panicking servants who didn't know where to run.
"The Palace is under attack. Everyone make their way to the underground tunnel!" I heard Butler Gil yell.
"Your Grace's, please make your way to the underground tunnel where you will be safe." Butler Gill shouted, but Declan and I pushed past him. We needed to find out parents.
The sound of petrified screams and swords clashing together filled the air.
The strange soldiers were making their way up onto the second floor.
Declan then turned a sharp left, which led him to a large wooden door. And when he opened it, it revealed armory.
I watched as Declan frantically put on a helmet that was much too big for him and grabbed a long sword.
"What are you doing? We need to find our parents!"
Declan turned to me, his gaze sharp and his eyes blazing with anger. "There is no we, Ruby, your on your own." He said as he tried to walk past me but I grabbed his arm. The pain in my arm ached as I moved.
"I know you're mad at me right now, but we have to stay together!"
Declan snatched his arm back. "Don't touch me, I honestly don't care what happens to you or your family, my duty is to help my dad protect Valoria and its history"
"You'll get yourself killed!" I protested, but talking to Declan was like talking to a wall.
He only glared at me. "Stay out of it and stay away from me," he snapped, and with that, he rushed out of the armory room.
I looked around the room, trying to think. The room contained all sorts of weapons: swords, spears, crossbows. They were some weapons I couldn't even name.
I quickly inspected most of the weapons; if I needed to survive, I needed something small and light that I could move freely with. Luckily, my dad was the king's general and taught me some basics about sword fighting. I took my pick on a small dagger, it's silver blade was thin but sharp. The handle was beautifully decorated with green gems that glistened in the dim light.
And it seemed to fit in my hand perfectly.
I put down the dagger and ripped a piece of my dress to wrap around the wound in my arm. I didn't have time for pain.
I then picked up the dagger and was about to make my way out of the armory room, when I heard a loud scream.
I took a few steps back as fear overtook my body; they were here. On the second floor.
I could hear the strange soldiers shouting, and the smell of smoke was becoming stronger.
I couldn't leave yet. Or they would definitely find me.
I needed to hide.
I looked around the room, and my eyes laid themselves on a large barrel.
I quickly walked over to it and looked inside. It was empty.
Thanking the gods, I climbed into it, pressing my knees against my chest and trying to control my breathing.
The sound of fear vibrated against the walls of the barrel as I heard the sickening sound of swords slashing through innocent bodies and the roar of fire outside the armory room.
Suddenly I heard the sounds of boots stopping outside the door, and then there was a loud bang.
There here.
"Take everything, don't leave a single weapon behind!" I heard a male voice yell.
I held my breath as the soldiers rushed about in the room. The sounds of metal clanging together filled the air as they stole Valoria's ancient weapons and everything else that was in the room.
"Check the barrel." I heard someone say.
I froze.
This was it. This is the end.
I swallowed as I sent a silent prayer to the gods, hoping the man would just turn around and leave.
I clenched my jaw and stayed as still as possible as I heard the loud boots thud towards me. Please, please, please go away-
"There's another armory room, we need more hands!" Someone shouted.
I slowly exhaled a shuddered breath as the boots turned to walk away.
Thank the gods.