Bodies were strewn across the ground; some of the men were struggling to hold on, most had severe wounds that had blood gushing out of them, and the rest were lifeless- cold and unmoving. But despite the wounded and deceased laying around, there was still a battle raging on. Battle cries of the men fighting and the sounds of swords battering against each other reverberated around the vast expanse of desert they were fighting upon. The armor of both men were distinct; one had the crest of a lion head upon the chest of gold and the other men wore random bits and pieces of armor that clearly did not match. Most of the men that were lying on the ground seemed to belong to the men in the mangy apparel. It was obvious who would be victorious.
~---------~
"Well?" The deep voice of King Titus boomed throughout the war room. Our eyes met, his steely blue and my light brown, from across the ends of the table that held the map all the allied kings were gazing at. Only the five major kings of the east were present. Estermere was allied to eight kingdoms, each country varying in size and strength. King Titus was the only one who remained patient while I had my vision. The others had became fidgety.
I folded my hands into the wide sleeves of my emerald green robe and looked down at the map, my dark brown curls falling over my shoulders. The hood must have fell off during my vision. "I saw the men of Feron fighting savages."
King Vertruvius scoffed. "How can you be so sure this is accurate?"
I arched one thin eyebrow. "You dare question King Titus' adviser? Said king who is one of the most powerful rulers of the east?" I laughed, King Vertruvius humored me every time we had these meetings. "What I see is what's to come. Unless these barbarians somehow acquire better armor and weapons, then you should be victorious and I won't have visions of your head brutally cut from your body and thrusted upon a spike.
As much as that would amuse me right now, you shall win this small battle. The vision was strong and very clear." I could see the anger welling in his eyes. He clearly wasn't used to women having a sharp tongue around him. I could only smirk at the king.
I wasn't the only one amused. I heard a few chuckles circulate around the table. Even King Titus gave a husky chortle. He flicked his wrist at me. "You may go wait in the next room, Savina."
I gave a graceful bow, raised my hood up over my head, and quickly left the room. Usually, I was privy to the King's battle plans. When he made me leave like this, it meant that he wasn't too concerned with the outcome of his decisions. It was obvious that the Chief of the island of Kiron was just invading Feron because they wanted to raid and pillage the land. King Titus would send a ship of at least fifty men to Feron but that would be the extent of his aid.
I sat down in a cushioned chair, waiting for the king. He might have seemed calm and amused by my smart remark in the war room, but I was sure to receive a scolding when he wasn't around the other kings. King Titus preferred my advice and visions rather than a quick witted remark. For the most part, I hardly ever spoke my mind. Especially not around the king. That was a lesson I learned very quick. The kings and Titus' subjects got to see his pleasant facade. But those closest to him knew that he had a temper. I found that out when I was very young. I had done something to displease him and when he had tried to hit me, I defended myself with one of my gifts. When his hand had made contact with my skin, I sent a current of pain through my skin onto his. It had caused Titus to scream out in pain and fall to the floor. Instantaneously, the guards were upon me, swords pricking my skin. The shock of pain lasted only for a moment and the king soon dismissed his guards from the room. He pulled a dagger from his belt, yanked my head back to reveal my neck, and pressed the sharp dagger onto my skin. He had whispered a warning to me and pricked my skin, causing only a few droplets of blood slide down my neck before I healed myself. If I ever defied him again, I would regret it.
A warm caress to my check caused me to come back to reality. The king was standing before me, his face not showing any sign of emotion. I tried to avoid his gaze. It was effortless. He firmly grasped my chin and made me look at him. "What was that in there, Savina?
"My apologies, master. I meant no ill will towards the king of Feron. I was only jesting."
The slap was quick and over as soon as it happened. Only the heat in my cheeks and the red hand print were evidence that he hit me. "You are not my jestor! You do not make jokes in the war room, especially not to that man! You are to advise me if I ASK for your advice."
A single, warm tear slid down my face. "Yes, master. I'm sorry."
King Titus sighed. He crouched down closer to my face and used his thumb the trace my jaw line. "You shouldn't do things that cause me to become rash with you. I don't enjoy hitting that pretty face of your's. I'd rather kiss it."
"Please, your highness. Queen Kiara would not approve of your lustful actions towards a witch. It's beneath you. I'm beneath you."
He made tut-tuts of displeasure. "Shh, Vi. The Queen wouldn't have to know." He began to draw my face closer to his. I didn't want this. Thankfully, there was a pound at the doors. The king growled in response. "What?"
The large doors opened and the head butler of the castle entered the room. He cleared his throat. "Your son, Prince Cassius, has arrived."
My eyes widened. Cassius was back.
I gave a silent, heart felt thanks to the butler and Cassius for saving me.
