Two Of The Same Piece || Book 1 (The Beginning)

CHAPTER 13

Josephine sat on the elevated dais, made for her and her court. They had been introduced already. The dais was right to that of the king, he sat with his queens.

The king was handsome, for an old man at least. His long grey hair didn't seem to bother him at all. He wasn't bothered by his old age, unlike so many people Josephine knew. He sat at the center, with a man standing directly behind him. That must have been his Raib.

The queens were beautiful women, even with age. Though Cressida stood out beside Queen Orissa. There was something different about Cressida. She looked exactly like Rave. Or the other way around, she supposed.

The royal children sat on the stairs. That was so strange to her. In Thinlin, the royal children rarely appeared in court, and when they did, they were hidden behind a curtained area. What was even strange was that the Raib sat beside them, talking and laughing. It was so informal.

Josephine had yet to talk to the king or even Rave's siblings. She had made some conversation with Rave's mother. Queen Consort Cressida and Rave were splitting images of each other. The same facial structure, the same hair, and everything.

Speaking of Rave, Josephine hadn't seen her all day. She had wondered where she was, though she didn't ask. It was clear she was preoccupied, Josephine had seen her and Leo going somewhere together.

The king had decided to hold court today, after the majority of the guests arrived the last to arrive were the Raynerians and the Duaetivens.

"Bellans," The king called out, as most of the people had finally gathered. "Today, we welcome our esteemed guests, who have come to celebrate the festival of Violeta with us. We are joined by our various allied nations. The first time for it to happen." The king waved a hand towards Josephine. "The queen of Thinlin."

Josephine waved awkwardly.

'And now, for our guests who arrived a little late," The king chuckled, "The daughter of lady Nadira, Cressida's sister, Marquess and Dima."

Josephine curiously looked at the two women entering the hall. They had the looks of the high deserts. Long hair braided with gold. They wore long flowing gowns that concealed most of their bodies. They bowed together.

"The prince and princess of the Snow kingdom, and my niece and nephew. Mathias and Aline." The snow kingdomers were known to be pale and very isolated. Even in Bellayong, where it wasn't too hot, they wore their seal furs. They bowed in unison. Josephine recognized the Bellan figures on them too, the plump lips and darker skin.

"The crown prince of Rayner, Aurilean." She had not expected such a large man. Most Raynerians were tall and well built. But Prince Aurilean was huge. He was singlehandedly the tallest man in the room. He could also be one of the most handsome ones in the room too.

His hair had a red-ish hue to it, it glowed brightly glowed in the candlelight. This prince had sharp features, like Leo. He was wearing dark blue robes, the color of the sea at night. On his waist was a sea-green cummerbund, with a thin gold coil on it. He carried a thin sword at his side, it caught the soft light as he passed.

Josephine turned to look at Rave. After all, Aurilean was her husband-to-be. Rave was standing up now, her face had broken into a soft smile, one Josephine had never seen on her face before. Her smile was enough of a tale of exactly how she felt. Rave was in love with her princeling. Aurilean had that silly smile on his face too. They definitely shared the feeling.

The king cleared his throat, Rave blushed, sheepishly looking back at her father before sitting down. Taiskin elbowed her and her blush darkened.

"The king of Duaetive, Mow." It felt terribly wrong to introduce Mow after all these attractive royals. Mow was different. Short cropped blond hair was greased back. Mow was rotund, with each finger squeezed by rings. Josephine pitied the poor girl who married him.

Rave and Irene were clearly displeased by him, they had barely hidden looks of distaste. Aurilean looked like he was glaring at Mow when he ran his eyes over Rave, and Taiskin had a faint look of disgust in his eyes.

"While we celebrate this festival, we will treat our guests like our own." The king paused and motioned for the servants to come forward. They offered everyone a goblet of the wine. "To a thousand years of peace and trade."

--

Rave knew Aurilean had come, but no one told her he had arrived in Bellamin already. As soon as her father dismissed them, Rave had nearly fell from the stairs in her hurry to get to him. She jumped down from the last few steps to his waiting arms.

Aurilean's scent filled her nose. The smell of citrus and the salty seas. Pulling back, she pressed a kiss to his lips once, then again, then another. He laughed as she kissed a fury of kisses all over his face. The sound of his laughter sent sparks off in her body.

"I missed you. A lot." He kissed the tip of her nose.

Rave looked away shyly. "So did I."

He was looking at her again with those intense eyes. Rave would have dragged him off to somewhere more private if her mother didn't interrupt them.

"Ah, prince Aurilean."

He looked away first, turning and bowing towards her parents. All three of them. "Your gracious majesties."

"You got yourself some prince, Rave." Queen Orissa said, "Made him swear to only marry you."

"Only Bellan girls are strong-willed enough to push for such a decision." Her mother winked at her.

"Ah, they are still young, give it a few years." Her father laughed, "It's good to see that it's a loving match."

"Welcome to our family, Aurilean." Her mother hugged him, "We are very happy to have you."

"Thank you, your majesties." Aurilean bowed deeply.

"Ravie, you must really like these Raynerians. First Leo, now Aurilean?" Taiskin teased her.

"I do not!"

"Really?" Aurilean raised his brow at her. "I'd argue otherwise."

"Then argue."

--

Rina watched Taiskin laughed about Rave, prince Aurilean and his parents. By Thia's grace, Rina loved him. She would have preferred Aurilean looks-wise, But Taiskin was not half as bad.

Rina wouldn't mind ruling over Bellayong, it was a beautiful kingdom, and it was rich. So rich that Rina wouldn't have to worry about anything when she bought the clothes and jewelry she truly deserved. She could already see it. Her and Taiskin's incredibly beautiful children, the jewels and the glamour. It was everything she wanted.

Rina struggled to keep her expression neutral as Taiskin caught her eye. She quickly smiled and nodded her head slightly. A silent greeting and invitation. She would have squealed in pure joy if she wasn't in public. Taiskin finally excused himself from his sister and made his way to her.

"Princess Rina." He bowed in front of her.

"Your highness." She curtsied. "An honor to meet you."

"The honor is mine, princess." He took her hand and pressed a soft kiss on it. Rina felt a jolt go through her.

"Do you dance, your highness?" She asked quickly.

"Please, princess, call me Taiskin." He chuckled. "Yes, I do dance. Care for a routine?"