Devotion

Prologue

Xerxes never cared for love, lust possibly, but never love.  Even at the age of ten, the warrior boy knew that he wouldn't-no couldn't find love, and he was perfectly content with the notion.  He didn't have time for love: he had a king to murder and a father to avenge. 

*

The room felt suffocating as an assortment of creatures awaited their doom.  They have two choices: announce allegiance to the Drapilmore rebel forces or die devoted to the crown.  There is no alternative or middle ground. 

Zulu was strangely okay with all of this.  In a world where kinship means everything, it only makes sense that one must choose their fate.  One must choose where to lie their trust. 

Even at ten, the girl understood the harsh realities of life, and had already made her choice.  A kingdom that could not prevent her kidnapping isn't worthy of her talents; not worthy of her magic.  

"It's your turn."  A large man informed her.  His stoic posture and his nonchalance over such a haughty decision gave her a sense of pride.  These weren't castle guards, they were trained men proliferate at murder and wouldn't abide by stupid axioms imposed upon them.  They'd get their tasks done.  Zulu respected such grit and determination; she hoped that she would be like them someday. 

Nimbly clambering to her feet, swaying a bit from malnourishment, Zulu follows the stranger.  Following him to what could very well be her demise. 

"Quicker."  The man growls while glancing around the room.  He has a lot more creatures to sort through and can't have a little girl taking up his time.  His master would have his head. 

Zulu just nods lightly and does as told.  Her small legs hastened to twice her original pace to keep up with his long stride.  Despite the perilous repression of her decision, she feels oddly at ease.  She knows something good is coming - she can sense it, and her gut is never wrong.

_________

Ezra's father was assassinated a decade ago; a murder that still haunts his young soul.  Groomed to be king, he knows one day he will need someone beside him, yet he doesn't care.  The council will just choose for him anyway.  For now, he bides his time until the forces that killed his father resurface; he knows they're out there somewhere. 

*

The guards don't even glance her way as Verity is lead through the palace's opulent halls.  Her bare feet slapping rhythmically against the marble floors.  A ghost of a frown passes over her youthful features as she yearns for the comforting feeling of moss and dirt slipping between her toes, for she loves the forest. 

She's lucky the guards have headed the wishes of fairy family, yet she didn't realize she would be the tribute to the palace.  It isn't a sad thought for her, she's humbled to be considered the strongest and most powerful.  Any creature in the land would be honored to take a position at the castle. 

A castle she would be grateful to call home.