A Court of Heritance and Destiny

Chapter 13 Amaya

She carried the crown on her head with pride, she had made it herself again, with her sand for all to see. One thing she had learned was the power of symbols, symbols she now needed to harness and use for her own gain. Some might already be at her feet, ready to serve her once that day came. But some are not all. Others would most likely never fully accept her as a ruler, so she needed to be on top of her game every time they saw her. Prove that she was what she claimed to be.

A Princess, ruler, powerful, the Heir to the Throne. She stood there and waited for the night's guests, before her the citizens of Hewn danced and talked. Some came up to show their respect, or more flattery towards her parents. She glanced to her right, seeing Nyx stand there, she had barely seen him since the last time they were here. And now was not the time to ask her brother about the male he was visiting. But she had a feeling that something was different with Nyx now. He looked lighter, freed from a burden no one had seen before.

Then it was Ikarad and Etera, who today had dawned a falcon's skin. Amaya had realised over the time of her training that she had a harder time finding Eteras mind when she was in her animal forms. As if her shifted skin also shifted her mind closer to the animal than fae.

Lastly she had Orion, he stood behind her in the darkness, a watchful eye, ready to strike if needed.

The doors opened up, and in walked the first High Lord guests.

Helion, it was no way to mistake the dark skinned High Lord of the Day Court, and behind him, Lucien and Elain. One of her aunts, she reminded herself as the female smiled up at her. Elains brown eyes focused on her. Amaya shifted her weight on her feet, something felt strange as the eyes held on to her. As if they could undress her before all of the guests. She fought against the need to look down on her dress, making sure it was still there. Elains smile changed as she came closer, from genuine to something forced. A part of her wanted to take a step back, to hide from the female. But Amya planted her feet down, and remained in her spot.

Maybe Etera's previous complaints about the female had a grain of truth to them? She held her breath as the group came closer, the power surrounding the High Lord Helion combined with the powers from her father and the people in the room grew larger than she had expected.

"I am glad to see that the family is reunited again." Helion spoke up, taking Amayas hand in greeting. The movement broke the worst of the tension in the room. "Amaya, I suppose."

"Yes." She said back, trying to shove all nerves to the side. "Lord Helion, I guess." She said back, knowing that not using his full title was a power move.

"Indeed." He grinned and took a step to the side, greeting her parents. Lucien was the next one who came up to her, his red hair and the bronze metal eye making it hard to miss him. She had heard about him, a lost Heir. Just like her.

"Lucien." She said, greeting him before he had the chance. "I have heard alot about you."

"So have I." He said back, his metal eye clicking. "But this is not the palace for sharing stories." He then added and made a small bow with his head before talking over to her parents, just like Helion. Lastly Elain walked up, dressed in a dusty pink dress, similar in style to what Amaya had worn in the Spring Court. Her eyes looked nothing like her mothers or Nestas, but the features did match.

"Welcome home!" She said and wrapped her arms around Amya before she had the chance to stop her. She did her best to get away, but the female's arms held her in an iron grip. "I have seen so much of your life, it will be good to learn about it from you." She then whispered in her ear. Pulling back with a smile that sent shivers down Amays spine.

"Thank you, Elain." Amaya held a stale smile as the female walked away towards her sister.

Are you alright? Nyx said in her mind.