Kingdom of Crimson: Crown of Faeries Prequel

4 | Warrior's Duty

    Aspen...

    My leg jerked, startling me as the whispering of my name echoed deep beyond my consciousness. The cold water of the once warm bath caressed my skin. I looked down to see the pink, milky water. Only a few bubbles remained.

Straightening my back, I groaned as I splashed the water up and around my shoulders.

I must have fallen asleep sometime between the maids and hobgoblins coming in to help me pack, strip, and bathe. Looking around the empty candle lit bathroom, I wondered where they all were now. Had they seen me drift off and left? Most likely.

Outside the sky began to welcome back the stars. It's hues turning into molten red, indigo blue, and deep violet. I pulled myself out from the tub, grabbing my robe that hung on the backside of a chair nearby. The thin silky material clung to my wet skin, and my hair dribbled down my back.

A shiver ran down my spine. Looking into the vanity mirror, I met myself with a frown. The light speckle of freckles across my nose stood out more against my tanning skin. My ears were small, the points fine and delicate.

Tearing my gaze from my reflection, I looked down to find the king's letter. I picked it up and reread it.

    Dear Aspen Sloane,

It has been brought to my attention that you vowed your soul, mind, and body to Yvonne Belle.

Such vows do not come without consequences, as I'm sure you were informed of before preforming such an ancient ritual. Considering who your father is, it is no surprise that Yvonne has gone missing after rumors of your vowed friendship were confirmed. This may mean that more than one life is at risk, and I am asking you to further risk your life in order to help save our kingdom.

There is great unrest within the land of Faery and the mortal realm. Our existence is not much more of a secret to our mortal enemies, and I fear that Yvonne's disappearance is no coincidence. The mortal realm is not as safe as we once thought. Your father and I have been working together to find the source of evil that is brewing in both Faery and mortal realms.

You are to find Soren. He is the Seer I mentioned in our meeting. He will guide you towards Yvonne. Hopefully once you find Yvonne, you will also be able to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. I am asking that you do not share this information with Cade Walker. While your father trusts him, I do not. He comes from a line of ambitious faeries who have more often than not turned towards the Unseelie Court.

I have allowed Cade Walker to accompany you despite my distrust in his family line as he is the second best warrior within your father's ranks (you being the first). Together you will venture beyond the rift to obtain a prophecy from Soren about Yvonne Belle. But, be wary of who you can trust along the way, Miss Sloane, the mortal realm still has dark creatures that lurk even in broad daylight.

You leave at sun down. I have instructed the maids to help you pack for your travels.

Your King.

I sat down on the stool that sat before my vanity. I still found the king's words hard to believe.

I had grown up with Cade. Not once had I ever heard anything about his family history. Then again, I supposed maybe Cade had wanted that. If I didn't know about his family then maybe I wouldn't see him in the same light.

I shook my head.

Folding the paper back into its little squares, I got up and walked over to the fire place. I tossed the letter into the flames, watching them engulf the sheet until it turned to ash.