Chapter Two: An Unwonted Plan

5 1 0
                                    

First Person Point of View: Princess Vheneess Aethereon VII

PRESENT TIME: KING VAEGHOR'S REIGN

The Truce has spoiled the people in a good way and they can't complain about it, it's just too good to resist. It's every Aetherean commoner's life...to enjoy the vast riches of Aetherea. For as long as the sacred mark, these people are protected and will continue to thrive in the name of their highest ruler, the Aethereons.

It is noticeable how prosperous the realm is as even the beggars never beg for a single coin on the street nor the food of the poorest scarce. No wonder why the gold banks of the capital are plainly overflowing with gold and the workforce has never been inadequate nor the wages have gone meager.

A hundred kilometers away from Deep Royal Palace and a kilometer near the wild forest lies the capital city they call 'Armada's Peak'. It's a rich place for commoners situated near 'Bright Coast', a coastline abundant of sea resources and experienced sailors journeying beyond the reefs in search of one-of-a-kind fish...which is my Grand Felidont's favorite. His name is Catchfire, and he is Bravewing's firstborn cub. He is Bravewing's strongest offspring. Catchfire was named the greatest watcher at night and is the seventh largest beast. Even though, we are not close, I usually hear it from a handful of gossip maids in the Servant's Quarters. When he was of service in Aethereal palace, At night, he became riderless leading a band of royal guard riders with the other beasts, watching the towers, assuring the safety of the royal family from any threat. It's a service no one else can surpass indeed and one may perceive Catchfire making himself worn out in a way but it is truly because of a son only wanting his father to be proud of him. Catchfire has always looked up to Bravewing. It seems not only human offspring have sons and fathers issues. At present, the beast hides himself in the High Keep ever since my mother died.

As the sun glows in the east, the shadows of the tower lying at the center of the Capital begin to shed every common village nearby. It's a great day for the workers of the city, the fisher folks, to start fishing at seas and collecting their catches. While in the countryside, lies the huge chalets of hunters. Inside are a family of common-born hunters ready to march inside the forest and serve their kin with their spikes. These two different workers may serve distinctly but they do only one good purpose and that is to feed the realm. They have never complained about it for their nets and weapons are armed with costly metal provided by the good king which is in reality a supply coming from the Daerothrion's inventory. The Daerothrions have weapons that are unmatched, they are called the beast slayers. No wonder why their sacred mark has a lot to say about their traditions.

Not long ago the Highness, king Vaeghor Aethereon appointed Prince Valrhog II, a non-liberator, as second to the highest of order in the great Halls of the council they call King's Imperial. In the absence of the Aethereon king, the Daerothrion-authority is the one in command at court. The Daerothrion-sons have always shown their cold countenances as they plunge on their seats and steal everyone's attention, especially women. It's nothing new everyday. One would be uncertain whose handsome face made their eyes turned all the time. The princes have such tempting auras.

Speaking of King's Imperial, here I am, silently standing beside my father who's sitting on the great Aethereal throne attached on the walls of King's Imperial. Yes, he is the king. He always tells me about the sacred halls of Deep Royal and its rich history.

He says the Aethereal throne is no more than a part of the Aethereon wall. If the lands should fall so is the Palace and its throne, but the Aetherean blood should live forever and hold its promise to its people.

My father often speaks this to me when I was younger and when the moon blooms, even before Catchfire takes a night watch with the common ones.

I am a princess and I am his youngest and the only Aethereon-daughter breathing in the sacred Halls of Deep Royal.

Aetherean In Blood and NatureWhere stories live. Discover now