A Crown and A Curse

Chapter 2

Kian

I sprinted down the roughly carved hallways, trying not to misstep in the dark. My heart was pounding faster and faster with each stride. There was magic in Drimore; a magic that wasn't the Dark King's. I kept repeating it to myself, the fact so hard to fathom that I almost didn't believe it. I threw open the war room door with a crack. My advisors' faces ranged from shocked, to panicked, to blank with confusion. I stood at the head of the table, looking like the opposite of a well-composed prince.

"Tell me everything," I breathed, not bothering with formalities.

"In the woods, fifty miles Southeast of here, our hunters witnessed a huge flash of magic. It was the biggest display of power we've seen in years," Raimo Kallio, the Chamberlain of my court informed me. I shook my head in confusion, denial, and...a small feeling of hope.

"How do we know this wasn't the Dark King... or one of his children?" I asked, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"The Dark King and Prince Daxton are in Stonevale, and have been for months. Princess Nataliah is still in Venarden. Our resources say the King was in a meeting when the burst of magic occurred," Kallio continued. I let out a breath of relief.

"So, what do we know about the source? Are they hostile?" I questioned, finally allowing myself to sit down. Some of the tension in the room diffused.

"We knew of a Drimorian sousing party near the location. This could be seen as a sign of rebellion against the King, or just pure recklessness. There's no way to tell what the intentions were unless we make contact." Knowing that whoever this was had killed those allegiant to the Dark King filled me with relief. Perhaps this was the biggest source of hope my people had been given in a long time. Maybe the source was even a rebellion happening under our noses.

We had lived in these caverns for the last thirteen years, hidden away within the depths of the Blackcap Mountains. Everyone believed we were dead. Below these mountains were the last remains of the Vietta court... and the rightful heir to the Drimorian throne: me. When I was only eight years old, my family was murdered and the monarchy was overthrown by the Dark King. Kallio had smuggled me out of the palace and had saved as many members of my father's court as he could. Thirteen years later, we were still in hiding, waiting for the chance to take back Drimore. I felt that the unknown magic wielder might finally give us that chance, if their powers were strong enough to create a blast that large, perhaps they were strong enough to defeat the so-called king.

"We'll send a scouting party first thing in the morning, Your Highness," Kallio assured me. However, his assurance felt more like a death sentence. By then, the Dark King would surely have also heard of the burst. He more than likely already had several scouting parties heading towards the source. One of our large scouting parties would be discovered easily and that discovery could ruin everything. No, this was a job for a small group, one that could act quickly and stealthily. And they needed to leave as soon as possible.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Chamberlain. We have to think of how the other side will respond," I said, pleading with him. However, the rest of the advisors expressed their discontent at my disagreement. Clearly, they had discussed what they thought would be best before I had arrived.

"With all due respect, we are sending out a party, Kian. It's the best way," Kallio responded, firmly. The rest of the advisors nodded in unison. I decided that it'd be better not to fight them on it. I'd figure something out by morning, make sure that the party couldn't leave. They treated me like a figurehead, something to rally behind, but gave me no true authority behind closed doors. My father would never have stood for it.

"Fine. You are all dismissed, except you Kallio. I'd like a quick word," I waved them off and stood up. Kallio watched me with a mix of curiosity and amusement as the others filed out of the room, stepping to meet me when it was empty.