“You must be Devin,” a sweet yet gentle voice uttered as Devin stepped out of the classroom. Looking up, his crimson eyes reflected a beauty in a black high-collar dress adorned with flowery golden embroidery. It clung to her elegant figure, gracefully defining her contours, but it wasn’t that which drew his attention.
Neither was it her sun-kissed olive skin, her jet-black hair wrapped in a bun behind her, nor her small peach lips smiling gently. It was her deep hazel eyes that reflected his figure. ‘Something about her eyes feels so familiar,’ he thought before nodding to her earlier inquiry.
“Lovely, I am Valery,” she addressed all the Champions. “Head assistant of the Golden Palace, responsible for all the maids, servants, and butlers of the Royal House. So if you have any problem with their service, do let me know.” She winked before turning and moving down the hallway. ‘Did she just wink?’ Aidan questioned his sight as she said “Please follow me.”
“Where exactly are we going?” Angel asked as they trailed behind her.
“The courtyard, where you’ll all be enjoying a relaxing meal with a beautiful scenery,” Valery said as she navigated through the hallways of the Golden Palace. Angel and the others made sure to memorize the path. Noticing their attentiveness, Valery remarked, “Worry not, our Champions. The maids assigned to you will ensure none of you getting lost.”
Soon, they passed through golden inlaid double doors and onto a stone pathway. Lush, vibrant gardens surrounded the courtyard, adorned with exotic lilac flowers and shimmering silver plants. Tall, dark wood trees provided ample shade, while blue birds flitted about, their cheerful tweets filling the air.
At the heart of the courtyard stood a charming gazebo, crafted from polished dark wood. A low, decorative wooden fence encircled the gazebo, adding a touch of elegance. Entering through the open gate, the Champions took their seats around the beautifully crafted white round table.
On the round table sat a silver platter, covered by a matching lid. Surrounding it were multiple plates, each similarly covered. Valery lifted the lid from the central platter, revealing several slices of steaming flatbread, drizzled with honey and accompanied by a side of dates. Aidan’s stomach rumbled at the sight.
Valery then removed the silver lids from the Champions’ plates. “This here is one of our country’s staples, sourced from the Arteru River: grilled jini with a side of lentils, onions, and garlic, seasoned with Kemet’s famous spices,” Valery announced, much to Aidan’s enthusiasm.
Valery snapped her fingers, summoning a male servant who arrived with five plates, each covered by a silver lid. “For dessert,” she announced as the servant removed the lids, “nutcake slices drizzled with honey, and for your refreshments.” Another servant arrived, this time with a teapot, filling the Champions’ porcelain cups. “Tea, and if that does not suffice, Henry and Rollin can assist you further with a choice of wine, juice, milk, or whatever suits your fancy.” She gestured to the servants behind her. “That will be all for my assistance today, but if the need arises, you can call for me through the servants anytime.” Valery bowed gracefully before leaving the Champions to their own devices.
Fork and knife in hand, Aidan cut a piece of the tender flesh and savoured the spicy, juicy bite. “It’s fish!” His eyes sparkled as he devoured more. “I love fish!”
“You love anything well done. Do you want to be poisoned?” Cassidy pointed her fork at the gorging Champion.
“Go easy on him, Cassy. I doubt they would poison our food,” Angel chuckled, taking a bite. The succulent, hot spices danced on his tongue. “Cumin, they actually have cumin,” he marveled, enjoying the warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavour with hints of bitterness and sweetness.
Cassidy turned to the only other female in the group. “Emily, you’re smart. Back me up here.”
“While I do agree with being cautious, with all these guards around, there’s no need for them to resort to that,” Emily said before turning to Devin. “So, you can’t speak?” Devin sighed briefly and nodded. “It must have been rough.” Emily touched his shoulder. “I’m here for you, okay?” Devin ignored the warmth he felt inside and silently nodded.
“We are actually in a new world.” Cassidy sat back, taking in the scenery. “It feels all so fuzzy—the grandeur, the air, the magic. Everyone is so normal yet different; I can hardly believe it myself.” Angel concurred.
“Henry, right?” Aidan turned to the brown-haired servant with a plain mustache standing not too far from him. “Yes, sir.” The servant came closer. “Get me some wine, please.”
“Right away, Young Master Galice.” Henry left and returned moments later with a bottle of wine and a golden goblet. Setting the goblet on the table, he popped the bottle open before pouring the wine into it. “Thank you, Henry.” Aidan grabbed the full goblet and took a sip. “It is but my duty, Young Master.”
““What?” Aidan addressed the blank stares of his companions. “If we’re saving the world, we might as well enjoy the perks.” He burped, sighing in relief. Squinting, he leaned forward and asked, “Did any of you see Valery wink when she mentioned service?”
Angel, Cassidy, and Emily burst out laughing. “I’m serious! If Beatrice can assist me further, I’ll fight every war glorious Kemet requires!” The group laughed even harder as Cassidy asked, “Is that all you ever think about?”
“You have Halo over here, and Emily has Edward over there, so excuse me for having needs,” Aidan retorted, causing the latter two to blush. Angel laughed even harder and asked, “Who even is Beatrice?”
Aidan smiled broadly, turning to him. “My maid.” They all burst into another round of laughter.
A smile crept onto Devin’s face as he took in the jovial atmosphere. But then he froze, the memory of that nightmare haunting him. The pieces of Darcey, the smell of her blood, and the slithering scales of that bastard snake that basked in his misery. A cold resolve took over him. ‘I need to get stronger.’
…
Her boots clacked on the polished floor as Valery walked down the hallway. Whether it was the servants and maids scurrying about or the guards patrolling the area, they all gave her a respectful nod as she walked past. She soon stood before an intricately carved dark wooden door. Shutting it behind her, she entered her abode.
Passing through the kitchen and dining room, she entered the bedroom, locking the door behind her. Warily looking around, she surveyed the entire room. Her eyes took on a subtle lilac hue as she inspected every nook and cranny.
Sighing in relief, she drew her curtains before touching the wall behind her headboard. The section of the wall shifted aside, revealing a port with several spherical red rubies surrounding an emerald gem and a black crystal. Valery attached the port to her right arm before tapping the gem.
Materializing before her was a green holographic display of multiple blurred figures seated at a long table, with her positioned at the end. “Simul pugnamus,” they uttered in unison. “Donec pacem inveniamus,” Valery responded.
“Have you seen them?” one of the blurred figures asked.
“Yes,” Valery answered succinctly.
“Can you get them on our side?” another blurred figure asked.
Valery smiled calmly, addressing all the blurred figures. “I have my sights set on two of them and I’m confident that, in due time, I can get them as an ally for the cause.”
End of Chapter 9
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Symphony of Sin
FantasyDevin awoke to the worst day of his life. His sister's last breath weighed heavily on his conscience, blood on his hands as his own life faded from gunshot wounds. As his consciousness faded, he found himself in a violet world where a dark, mysterio...
