The Waning Hour

Chapter 6: The winds Of Change

Niklous sat back in his chair, fiddling with a cigar in his hand. His thoughts were clouded with the image of her. Elizabeth was everything and more. She was kind and caring. She was also funny and witty. Her beauty could not be compared to a single thing for it out shined all the beauty in this world.

They had been meeting almost every night now for the better of three months. And in those three months he had grown so attached to her. It was almost as if she was the missing piece his soul had been searching for.

Though blinded by his love for Elizabeth, Niklous had been neglecting his duties. Derek gained more followers as others begun to talk about the prospect of war. But Niklous was soon shaken from his privy thoughts as an angry Juniper came storming into his private chambers.

"You sure have made a mess of things this time Niklous!" She shouted as she slammed the door behind her.

"I thought I warned against seeing that girl again! Now her fate is so intertwined in what I see that no matter how many times I search of a different outcome it always ties back to one, your death!" She yelled frantically as she paced the room.

"What do you mean? How can one girl change so much?" Niklous grunted in defense as he stood from his seat to face his old time friend.

"I don't know but I swear it Niklous! She will be your downfall! I tell you this not to hurt you, but out of love. If you do not stop seeing her I will have no choice but to put a stop to it myself. You are my family and above all else I will protect you. Even if it is against your wishes." She hissed as she stopped her pacing, standing strong infront of his large form.

"Is that a threat?" Niklous growled as his eyes glowed in anger.

"It is a promise." Juniper replied in a cold, even tone as her eyes narrowed in his direction.

"How dare you order me around! I have done nothing but protect this kingdom! I have bled for these people. That girl? She is the one thing, the only thing I seek and I'm not going to let some old grudge take that from me! She could never harm a fly, less myself. I warn you hold your tounge woman before I cut it from your mouth!" He shouted in rage. His beast giving way, going mad with anger at a threat being placed on his claim.

"Have it your way Niklous, but I stand by what I said. You are wanted in the main hall by the way. The meeting over what to do is beginning. I suggest you put your privy thoughts of a silly girl away." Juniper spat before swiftly turning heel, fleeing the room and out of sight.

Niklous let out a murderous roar as he took hold of his wooden dresser throwing it clear across the room. He clenched his jaw tight as he faught for composure. Now was not the time to lose to rage. With one last deep breath he made his was down to the main hall where his brother's in arms would be awaiting him.

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Elizabeth sat behind her dear sister as she braided fresh flowers in her hair. The two all the while laughed as their brothers prepared themselves for the Fall Festival. Summer had come and gone in a flash giving way to the harvest.

Once Elizabeth was done she helped her sister to a mirror to show off her fine work.

"It is lovely Liza, thank you!" Denise cheered as her long fingers gently ran over the petals of the white flowers.

"Aye, Dylan will find it hard to keep his eyes away for sure!" Elizabeth teased as the two girls bursted out into a fit of laughter.

"You look quite catching yourself dear sister." Denise smiled as she looked her sister over once more. Elizabeth was dressed in a fine white silk dress. Her honey curls were pinned up neatly with fresh daisy's crowning around the top. Her pale skin made her flushed lips stand out. Her sister had grown up into quite the beautiful young woman in what seemed like a blink of an eye.