The Graveyard Kingdom [*ON HIATUS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*]

Chapter 22: The Day

Taylor hummed a cheery tone as she walked down the street. Today was the day!

Ashlyn's birthday.

Oh and the kingdoms anniversary but that didn't matter much to her.

The streets were buzzing with festivities, and the crowds filled the market. What a day this would be. She circled to the town square, where Logan and his grandparents were helping decorate. Taylor smiled.
"Morning Logan! Good morning Mary, James!" Taylor greeted.
Mary smiled. "Good morning dear. Here to help?"

"Ah, actually I was here to grab the cake for Ashlyn's birthday, but if you need the help I could—"

James waved his hand. "No no, you go. Have fun dear."

Taylor smiled. "Thank you sir!"

She ran off to the bakery. She was glad she ordered the cake beforehand, it would surely be packed today. As she left Logan frowned.
"How come she gets to go but I'm forced to help?"

"Because it's not considered child labor if it's your own kid."

"You suck!"

"Just do your damn work!"

"Fine!"
.
.
.

Aiden groaned as he put on the ridiculous suit. "Do I really have to wear this?" He turned to Ben. "All we're doing is sitting in a parade float and waving to people. It's so boring!"

Ben grimaced. He nodded. "Yeah. Unfortunately, we do. Royals have a lot of responsibilities you know." He signed

Aiden cursed under his breath. "Fuck this shit seriously..."

There was a knock on the door, and a voice came through soon after. "Your majesty?"

Aiden groaned. It was one of the new hires, Jasmine. She was kind of a stickler for the rules, he didn't like her. "Yeah?"

"Her highness requests your presence."

Aiden cursed. Of course his mom did. Make sure he was doing everything perfect. He pinched the bridge of his nose, turning to the door. "Yeah, tell her I'll be down in a minute."

"Her majesty requests your presence immediately."

Aiden groaned. He looked to Ben, who gave him a solemn look. Aiden walked to the door, opening it.

And was immediately met with not Jasmine, but five of the knights. What the hell?

"What—"

Before Aiden could he respond, he was knocked to the ground. Then everything went black.
.
.
.

"....lyn!"

Ashlyn's ears were ringing. She groaned, hating that sound. Jeez it was so annoying.

"A.....n?!.....r..me?!"

Ashlyn squeezed her eyes shut, whimpering in pain. Her head throbbed. And she could feel some thick and wet sliding down her forehead. On instinct she squeezed her left eye shut so whatever it was wouldn't get in it. Not like she could open it though, her eyes felt like they weighed a ton.

"As..Lyn!...it's...ler!"

Ler..? Ler.. where had she heard that before again? It sounded funny. Words were funny.

"...mnit..! St.....pting....ame!.....pen.....yes..!...Ty..!"

Ty...?

Ty and ler.