Fireshrine

Four: Noella

It was particularly hot the day the Crimson Princess arrived. I stood on the palace steps baking in the heat, waiting for her carriage. Sylver has sent two of his personal guards, Beck and Cari, to receive the princess and her soldiers. He didn't trust anyone else to do it, and I didn't blame him.

The sun reflected off of the white stone steps, nearly blinding me. I shielded my eyes and saw the glint of armor heading towards us.

I turned to Sylver's advisor, Calder.

"Remind me again why I am here and not my brother?" I asked.

He sighed. "He thought it would be best for the Crimson Princess to see a familiar face, and since you helped broker the agreement, he thought you would be better suited to greet her."

"Right," I mused. Of course he was right, he was smart, almost as smart as me. But not quite.

The gilded carriage pulled up. Two chestnut horses pulled the carriage, which had the Crimson Crest on the sides: a six headed dragon spewing flames. Beck and Cari led the charge, followed by two other riders, one who was dressed in full armor, the other was toting along another horse, who didn't seem to be thrilled about being guided. The man cursed and pulled at the horses reigns, which only agitated the steed further. It snorted in distain and kicked at the dirt with its hooves in protest.

Following up behind the carriage were another two riders, a few foot soldiers, and a horse pulled cart which I assumed held supplies and the footmen when they grew tired.

The armored man dismounted his horse and took off his helmet. He was handsome, with cropped golden blonde hair and grey eyes. I recognized him from the Crimson War Council. He opened the door to the carriage and the princess stepped out into the bright day.

The sunlight reflected off her coppery hair, making it seem to glow. Her large, amber eyes darted around as she took in the scene before her. Her hair was a bit messy, like she had been riding, and I wondered if the temperamental horse was hers. She wore a simple dark red dress that flowed out from her waist. I smiled. She wasn't a flashy princess. Sylver would like that.

Of course, the marriage had been his idea, but he tried to make it seem like mine. Our uncle was not pleased, but as he was only King regent, he could not appose my brother's decision.

I descended the steps and spread my arms welcomingly.

"Princess! Welcome to Nerro! I hope your journey was pleasant?"

"As can be," she replied dryly.

"The journey over land must be tiresome," I responded. "Come, let us get you freshened up. I held out my arm. She glanced at the blonde man and he gave her a small nod. She reached out and I hooked my arm through hers. "Calder, make sure the men are seen to the barracks and given provisions after the horses are taken care of."

He bowed. "Of course, your highness."

I turned back to the princess and smiled. "Come, I will show you your rooms." She smiled wearily back. Gods, I thought. This would be a long day.

Our palace was much different than the Crimson one. While theirs was closed in, ours had many open spaces. The sea could be seen and heard from almost anywhere in the castle and its salty breeze carried between the corridors.

The princess looked mystified, and I wondered if she'd seen the ocean before. The Crimson Empire was land locked in the southern part of the continent of Achaia.  Sitting to the East of them was Azurian Dynasty, rulers of the skies.  Directly to the north was Terren Land, and to the south West was us, the Cyan Kingdom.

The Crimson people feared the water, I'd been told. It made sense, fire and water were opposite. That's why she had traveled over land, rather than sailing, which would have only taken a mere two days.

"It's quite different than the Crimson Palace," I said to her as we walked through an open air space. I loved the palace, with its stone pillars and coral walls.

"I suppose," she said, looking out towards the rolling waves.

"Have you seen the ocean before?" I asked as I lead her back inside.

She shook her head. "Water is..."

"Hmm I suppose for you it is not good. But for us, it is everything. Our very life force. It is said that our progenitor rose from the ocean waves to claim the land."

"I've heard that," she said.

"You're familiar with our beliefs?" Each Elemental had their own progenitor, someone born of their element, who founded each respective civilization.

She nodded. "I studied them when I was young," she paused. "Every Elemental, not just Cyan," she added.

I didn't know much about the Crimson Progenitor, which annoyed me. I knew almost everything, but for this I was at a loss.

"Hmm anyways, these are your rooms here." I said, opening the doors. A young girl was smoothing the bedsheets and when she saw us she darted over.

"Your Highness," she said, dropping into a curtsy.

"This is Aquaria," I said. "She will be your lady's maid. Any questions or concerns you may have please direct them to her." I moved to head towards the door. "I'm just across the hall, Sylver's rooms are further down."

"Sylver," she mused. His name sounded strange coming out of her mouth, but I think it was the first time she really said his name out loud.

I looked at her one more time before turning to leave. Now that she was here, she didn't seem as fiery as she had at the War Council meeting. I felt bad for her, she was all alone in a foreign place, with nothing but a few soldiers and one maid from her kingdom. Sure, her family would be here in a few weeks for the wedding, but until then she was on her own.

"Get some rest," I said. "Aquaria will come back to help you get ready for court."

"Thank you," she said.

"Of course, Princess."

"Please," she said. "Just Davina."

I smiled. "Alright, Davina." And with that I closed the doors behind me.