The King of Ruin

Part One

The Summer Solstice

21 Rigel of the year 13004

"Where'd my brush go?" I rush all over my room in search of the damn thing. The second I need it is the second I lose it. As if it's not bad timing. Spirits, mother will kill me if I'm late. 

The moment I find it there's a knock at the door. I can only assume it's a servant or my brother, Blane. Likely trying to rush me along. We need to get to the meeting in Persia. 

I call out for whoever it is to come in.

"Hi..." Hertha, my 17-year-old younger sister, says sporting a meek smile. Oh no.

I quickly brush my curly white hair, the best I can as curls tend to bounce back and tangle more. Throwing my brush on my bed I wrap my arms around Hertha's smaller frame.

"...It's okay, you can come next year. Besides, it's not exactly eventful. Not to mention boring," I hold Hertha at arm's length. "You'll have Earien to keep you company, while I'll be stuck boring old Blane,"

Hertha cracks a small grin. To me, that says she's not too sad about us leaving for the meeting. Or...over by the door frame, Blane leans in. Sneak.

"Who are you calling boring," Blane, our 23-year-old older brother, casually waltz's into my room.

"You, because you are boring," I stick my tongue out at him. His expression turns sour and sticks his back at me.

Grinning I wrap my arms around both my siblings before we leave my room and head to the throne room. "How am I boring?"

Hertha and I share a laugh.

"Oh dear sweet older brother, Father has you wrapped around his baby finger. I don't envy you but I certainly don't prefer you in Father's presence. Other times you're okay, but I do prefer Hertha's company,"

"Oh come on Mari, you had me for three years before Hertha was even born," Blane says. I chuckle at his reaction.

"Mmhmm, you were always off playing swords, leaving me alone. I had to go in-depth with etiquette. You learned the basics. Hertha and I had a much more extensive version of what you were taught,"

"So when Hertha was born I had someone to confide in," I say shoving Blane away from us. Hertha and I pick up our pace and grin at Blane. He takes a few quick steps to catch up with us.

"Haha very funny," He says moving to push us, but all he's greeted by is air. Hertha and I laugh at his failed attempt. After a few more minutes of walking, we reach the doors for the throne room. The guards recognize us and let us in.

Inside our Parents and Earien wait. The latter to take Hertha to where ever he has planned. That should be less boring than what I'm doing. We give a quick bow to our parents. Blane and I walk over to the portal opening.

"We'll see you in three days. Hertha, be good for Earien," Mother scolds. Must she treat Hertha like she's still a child? She's closer to being an adult than a child. Another year and she will be of age. 

With one final wave to Hertha my Parents, Blane and I walk through the portal. The swirling portal takes us to the Kingdom of Persia, the Sun court.
_____

I take a deep breath full of fresh summer air. A blast of warm air pushes my hair into my face. "Ah!"

"Aw who knew you cared about your hair, Princess Mari," A thickly accented voice says as I fix my curls. Or rather try to. I turn to face Aeslu, one of Saronia's Young Lords.

"Aeslu, you're the worst,"

"Yes..well not everyone can be like me," He says offering me his arm. I shake my head and take his arm. He leads Blane and me to one of the castle's drawing rooms. Most of the young royals who attend gather there.

"Damn right, no one can be like you," Blane growls.

"No one will ever be quirky like you," I nod to our parents. They head in another direction. Likely to the courtroom.

The only reason we are at the meeting is to form ties with other kingdoms. As well as keep the princes or princesses company in the kingdom we're in. I look at Blane who keeps muttering to himself. Something about not hitting someone.

"Blane..calm down it's a standard meeting. Nothing serious is going to happen,"

"Ya..okay.." He says, trailing slightly behind me. Almost like he's scared of something.
_____

"Here we are," Aeslu opens a door for Blane and me. Inside, a few people turn their heads.

Aeslu leaves us to socialize. I scan the room and I'm greeted by familiar faces. Almost immediately Blane heads over to Falarin the 16-year-old son of Eldon, King of Doronia, the Land Court. "Of course, you go over to Falarin.."

"Mari, want to hold the baby?" Krike Daughter of Hayes, King of Risadona, the Night Court, asks becoming me over.

"Sure what's the name?"

"Her name is Valorina Daughter of Miller, King of Altearia, of the West Court," Krike says, passing Valorina into my awaiting arms.

"Oh, my Spirits! She's so precious!"

"Yes, she is.."
_______

Knock Knock Knock.

Heads turn to the doors. No one ever knocks during the netting. A servant pops his head in. "Your highness's, I've been sent to retrieve Princess Mari,"

"For what purpose?"

"I wasn't told, but please follow me," The servant gestured to the hallway. I let out a sigh and give Krike an apologetic smile.

I follow without another word as it must be urgent and or important. Especially if I'm being summoned to the council. Minutes later we arrive at the council room doors.

The servant who came to get me leaves me at the door to open it myself. I take a deep breath and open the beautiful oak doors. Inside 24 pairs of eyes drift to my presence at the doors. After a few uncomfortable moments, the servant who left me at the door takes me to a seat beside my father.

"It seems we are one short. Agni, shall we wait for your son to arrive or shall we commence?" Father asks Agni, King of Amberanian, the flame court.

"He is late on his own accord, we will not wait,"

As father opens his mouth to speak the doors open and in slides Val, son of Agni. His dark jacket is impeccable, like his boots that he likely wishes every servant to kiss. 

"Apologizes, a servant was not sent to collect me," Val says making an excuse. We were in the same room only moments ago. Why didn't the servant ask for both of us?

"My fellow Council members, Val, Mari. It gives me great pleasure to announce the union of my daughter and Agni's son Val,"

My eyes widen in response to my father's announcement, to the extent of not hearing the rest. I take a chance and glance at Val. The dark-haired male's response is a wicked grin. Oh, how things have not changed. He still retains the ability to look cruel.
_____

Later that night, I find myself saying goodbye to my family. Or what remains of my family. "What do you mean you knew! BLANE! How could you not tell me!"

"I wasn't allowed. I almost told you, but I caught myself...truly I wanted to but Father made me swear I wouldn't," Blane says, hanging his head in shame. I can't forgive him. Not yet.

"It doesn't matter," I turn to my parents and acknowledge them. "Goodby Blane."

With that, I leave my family and join Val, his mother and King Angi. They waste no time and I'm ushered through the portal. When I step through I'm greeted with the familiar scent of flame and smoke.