Ascardia

((5)) The House Falls

Edmond looked around at the palace he would someday reside in. The Finesse was spectacular. The throne room had tall, carved marble ceilings, with embossed birds, and other wildlife. The walls were glossy, and black. It contrasted greatly with the amethyst floor. Edmond could just taste the feeling of living here. Ruling over Ascardia as a king!

King Aragorn sat on his throne, his Queen, Aris sitting beside him. The third throne the one adorned with roses and painted onyx black remained empty, where was the Jewel of Nightingale? Where was his bride?

"Lord Ashbury, I received your request, but I'm afraid, Onyx is already betrothed." Edmond looked at the King, that was no matter, he just needed to remove the pesky fiancè.

"And who is this lucky man?"

"Lord Enoch of the Forbidden Forest."

Edmond scowled. His brother. The fucking brat. If only Enoch hadn't seen him that night, he wouldn't have had to frame him. And then they wouldn't be in this situation. Enoch was stronger physically, mentally, and magically. But he would find a way. Malokai had been all those things as well, but fifteen year old Edmond still had bested him.

Edmond would best Enoch too, and then Onyx would be his, and then Nightingale, and finally, all of  Ascardia

◇◇◇

Nyx smiled as they finally entered Nox's clearing. His cottage was quaint and small. Simple. She wasn't expecting the flowers though.

"Hannah enjoys gardening. I've told her since I'm grown she can leave and enjoy her retirement, but she refuses."

"She must love you then. I mean she married you-"

"Hannah is my nanny. More like my mother Nyx. I won't marry and subject my would be wife to the sins I've committed and the shadows that taint my soul."

"Perhaps, you need someone equally tainted then." Nyx said quietly, to hide her embarrassement at her assumption.

"Ah perhaps...but then who could love a monster like me? I say I'm good, but I've killed and tortured more than saved and nurtured."

Nyx was quiet as she dismounted and led Sid into the padlock along with Matilda.

"If it means anything coming from me, I don't think you're a monster Nox." Nox looked after the retreating form of his unrequited love mulling over her words.

He decided the Nightingale Princess confused him. He followed her into his home. They would not leave until Aragorn gave them word of Edmond's arrival at the furthest point of the garden.

"I'll show you to your room then." Nox said, both of them still standing in the small entrance way.

"Of course." Nyx inhaled his scent, he was so close to her. She could see the small flecks of turquoise in his green eyes, the freckles scattered haphazardly across his sharp cheeks and strong nose. He was beautiful. Beautifully damaged, so like herself.
Nox led her down a small hallway, three doors, two on the opposing walls, and one on the end.

Nox stopped in front of the first door on the right. The room was small, but beautifully decorated. The simple furnishings and bedclothes made it cozy.

"Thank you."

"There's a basin, if you want to bathe. It magically refills and keeps warm, theres soaps and other things. Hannah stocked the room."

"Thank you Nox. For everything." Nyx said, wrapping her arms around his waist. A hug, was something sacred in Ascardia. It meant you truly trusted and cared-even loved the person that it had been given to. It was more sacred then even the Lover's kiss.