The Dance of Kings [discontinued under this title]

Chapter 4

Mynoa, Rundil

“It seems that our beloved princess has run off somewhere”, Lisbette Hemmings said to her sister, Laelette.  “Perhaps she means to run away.”  She gingerly pushed her golden curls behind her ear, exposing the ruby earrings that hung from the lobe of her ear.  The ruby earrings perfectly complimented the crimson silk gown she wore.  The gown was tailored in such a way that accentuated her feminine curves, without revealing so much that she be mistaken for a whore.

Laelette narrowed her eyes at her sister.  “Hush, sister”, she hissed.  “You must take care to not speak everything you think.  We are not surrounded by allies here as we are at home.”  She smoothed her silk gown, which much resembled the color of ice.  The sophisticated sapphire design that was sown into the bodice of the gown caused it to crumple at the waist with every movement.  “Do not make me regret accepting the invitation.”

Lisbette glared at her.  “Doubtless, you would have come anyway, just as I would have.”  She felt her internal fire radiating heat throughout her entire body.  She closed her eyes took a deep breath and pushed the fire back into the recesses of her body.  Without even opening her eyes, she could feel the icy coldness of her twin’s stare boring down on her.  A sudden chill went up her spine.

“We have come for one reason alone”, Laelette stated, her voice completely monotone.  “You mustn’t let your disdain for Audriel stoke your fire.  We will never convince them if we aren’t genuine.”  The coldness of her voice alone was enough to chill the air.

Lisbette smirked.  “Always the voice of reason, aren’t you, dear sister?  I suppose you are correct.”

“Girls!” a voice shouted just behind them.  “What are you doing?  Do you not realize how suspicious you look?”  Their mother, Kylina Hemmings, was fuming.  She stomped over, the redness in her neck becoming ever more apparent with each step.  “You two look like you are plotting something.  Do you honestly believe that King Odirius would consider accepting your request if he doesn’t even think he can trust you?”

“No mother”, the twins said in unison.

Kylina crossed her arms.  “Do you even want to regain your inheritance?”

“Of course we do, mother”, Lisbette seethed.  She could feel the fire rising through her chest.  Her fists were clenched so tightly, she anticipated for blood to be drawn.

“Then don’t disappoint me.”  She glanced around to ensure no one could overhear.  “Do not be like your father.  Too much of a coward to seek out what is rightfully his.  He took too much after his father that thrice-damned Hebus.  The child should never be punished for the crime of the father.”

They had heard the story a hundred times before.  Everyone in the empire knew of the treasonous Hebus Hemmings, brother of the late King Nikolai Hemmings.  Before the ascension of Nikolai, Hebus approached their father on his deathbed and demanded that Nikolai be revoked of his birthright to ascend to kingship.  Hebus believed that he was better suited for the throne.  The king, furious with his son treachery against his own brother, demanded that Hebus be arrested.  At his trial, the great king gave his son a choice: death or exile.  Before Hebus was given a chance to speak, Nikolai demanded that his brother be forgiven of his crime.  King Odirin would only forgive him under certain conditions: Hebus and his descendants could never sit upon the Rundilean throne nor could he receive any part of his inheritance upon the king’s death.  Hebus accepted the terms and left with his wife, Lucina, and their children, Morgana, Owain, Inidus, and Lissa.  All of Hebus’s children ended up marrying and having children of their own: the twin’s generation.  Owain Hemmings is the eldest son of Hebus and also the father of Lisbette and Laelette.  Kylina wants for her children to receive the inheritance they rightly deserve, a plight that resonates well with her eldest daughters.