The Secret of The Fire

Chapter 2: Introductions

Hours later Rayne had reached the palace of King Andre. He was waiting in the throne room for her arrival, his son by his side. “What news do you bring?” he asked.

“He has taken the princess as his own. They are having a ceremony to celebrate her birth in two days. We are to attend.” Rayne replied.

“Why do we have to go? It’s just a baby.” the Prince replied.

“Jace, you know as well as I do why we must. You were told of this a long time ago.” Rayne replied back.

“She is correct son. We must keep her safe. She is special to our kind.” his father added.

“She’s a baby. There’s not much she does besides cry.” he scoffed.

“Either way. You have a duty to your kingdom and you will keep it.” his father confirmed. Jace rolled his eyes. King Andre turned his attention back to Rayne. “What do you predict is to happen?” he asked

“I’m afraid the outlook isn’t good. Something bad is going to happen I just don’t know what exactly.” she replied.

“Some good your visions are.” Jace said from beside.

“I am never wrong.” Rayne replied with a smirk.

“I’m sure.” he replied rolling his eyes.

“You know what the prophecy states. So it is written.” Rayne replied.

“Not if I have anything to do about it.” Jace hissed leaving the room.

“That boy will never learn.” Rayne shook her head.

“Give him time. So, the celebration. I will send some guards.” King Andre replied.

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The night of the celebration came faster than anything. The entire kingdom gathered round to welcome the birth of a new royal. Laughter erupted from the ballroom, guests filled with excitement of the announcement.

King Damien stood around with his many sons, Rayne, King Andre, and Jace came into the room.

“The guards are in place.” King Andre spoke first.

“As are ours.” King Damien nodded.

“Is this the daughter of the late queen?” King Andre asked, knowing well enough not to speak her name. She was a disappointment to their kind.

“Yes, this is the new Princess of Atlantis.” King Damien announced.

King Andre stared at the baby in wonder. She was beautiful even as an infant. Her eyes bright.

“She is a beauty.” Rayne agreed smiling at the Princess. She pushed Jace towards the child.

He stumbled “What was that for?” he hissed at her.

“It was a mere accident. I slipped.” she smiled sweetly. “Give her your gift.”

Jace mumbled something unintelligible while he pulled out a golden heart shaped locket. Staring at the floor he handed it to the King, who placed it around his daughter’s neck.

Giggles erupted from the baby bundled up.Jace turned to glare at the child, who was doomed to ruin his life, but as his eyes caught hers, she grabbed his finger, and a burst of electricity shot through them, everyone gasped as a beautiful mark crawled up his arm, a tingling sensation ran through him, a mark made its way along the child’s body, up her arm, and around her back, disappearing underneath her dress. Then the mark shined bright, a beautiful Lavender light burst from Jace’s arm where the mark now lay. A burst of bright blue shined from beneath the child’s dress sending her into another fit of laughter.

Special. Jace heard in his mind the voice of an angel. He retracted his arm immediately and turned to Rayne who was smiling.

“What was that?!” He whispered. “She... She spoke to me.” he continued.

“You have a connection with her. I told you.” Rayne said matter-of-factly.

“I... what?!” Jace said in disbelief. He didn’t want to believe it, but one look in the Lavender eyes had him wondering if Rayne was right.

“What did you do to my little sister?! If you hurt her I’ll hurt you. I’m supposed to protect her!” Jeremy screamed just coming out of his shocked state marching over to Jace and glaring.

“I... I’m.. Sorry?” Jace said not knowing what to say to the ten year old boy.

“Just don’t touch my sister. It’s my job to protect her.” He replied taking the Princess from King Damien and marching back over to the other boys.

“Did... I just get bossed around by a ten year old?” Jace asked his father. His father just laughed and shook his head.

King Damien turned to Jeremy. “Son, Jace is going to help you protect her, only if it’s needed. That’s why he is here. To help you protect your brothers and sister.”

Jeremy just glared at Jace. Rayne gave him a look telling his to be kind to the boy, so Jace sighed and kneeled down to the boy’s height.

“What’s your name?”

“Jeremy.”

“I’m Jace. I’m here to help you keep the Princess safe. You want her to be safe right?” Jeremy nodded. “Well, if you need me just yell my name and I will be there to help. I would never let harm come to you or your family.” Jace replied.

Jeremy gave him a look, and then nodded smiling. “You can help me with her, and Brandon. He’s two.” he pointed to the youngest of the boys who was smiling bright.

“I’d be honoured to.” Jace replied receiving a smile from all.

“Everyone get in place, it is time to announce the Royal Family.” Fredrick announced to the crowd who quieted down.

“Remember your majesty. Just announce her as the Princess of Atlantis. No names.” Rayne said walking down the stairs to the bottom. King Damien nodded. “If he’s here, and he attacks, and we get away he can’t track her without her name. So, keep it unannounced.”

A minute later, the Royal Family was being introduced.