1. Union
Glistening in darkness the chaos' spun into magic and energy. The beautiful auras melted within one another making elements, Night, Light, Dawn and Dream. With the new sights of blossoming flowers and shiny stars, colours ornamented the orchestration of the fields formed the land of Aerlion.
Decades past after the midst of a rainy night, the stars rained upon humanity, and those who were struck suffered traumatic pain to be rewarded with the abilities to do magic. The capabilities to use the elements to their will. The shadows are creatures of the night who were lucky enough to have gained the ability to manipulate all three elements. They sought power and feasted on lives to deal with the constant thirst they felt in their throats. Slavery became a constant theme, and when one mans family was threatened to a life or death situation, he was done. He, our Light King, called upon other magic wielders, together they defeated the shadows monsters banishing them into the abyss of the afterlife using half their life energy.
These four men were worshiped and prayed to, people gave them their gratitude making them heroes to society. Attempting to bring peace back to what was damaged, they formed Monarchs. Kingdoms for each element of the power they wield. Light, Night, Dawn and Dream.
I closed the hardcover book and placed it back onto the crusted shelf. I closed my eyes before looking outside the large window, out to Aerlion, the creation after chaos.
Has it been half an hour yet? Is he back from patrol?
"Malika" I turned to face the lady at the door "is Annakin back yet?"
"Princess Freya, Sir Anakin is already at the training grounds with his trope" she replied
"Great let us go greet him!"
I hurriedly stepped out of my heels and replaced them with flats. I dashed down the flights -with Malika's steps behind me- of stairs and passed a couple of dozen doors taking a few rights before reaching a large arch.
"Anakin!" I shouted as I see a slim and tall figure with locks full of white. I lifted my dress to prevent restriction as I dashed towards him. High cheekbones, strong jawline, the raven of an outfit, this very handsome fellow was my older brother.
"Frey" he smiled and embraced me in a hug.
The last time I saw my big brother was a week ago, the night before he left for his "secret" mission. He was sent by father to stay beside the Umbra as it was rumbling a lot.
Umbra is an orb the size of a dining plate. It's pink glow represented the colours of the Dream Monarch, that was before it got destroyed by an unidentified energy strike. The citizens of the Monarch were filled with laughter and hope, making the orb an object of mass-energy. The orb is so delicate that it is kept in the tallest and most protected tower in the Light Monarch. From a book I've read, it has the ability to create illusions, false realities, and if used correctly, another dimension.
I stepped back from the hug and punched him in the stomach. He grunted, "Great not much damage" I smiled.
"I don't think that's a good way to check whether your brother is hurt or not"
"It's quick and efficient" I joked, "now where's my present" sticking my hand out Anakin reached in his pocket to take out a pair of scissors.
"I don't do arts and crafts anymore" My eyebrows angled.
"Try breaking it apart"
The so-called scissors split into a set of daggers. The handle was royal blue with gold details. The weight was heavy and the blade was sharp.
"It's easier to carry around then the rusty ones you stole from the inventory" He reached towards my dress lifting my puffed sleeves revealing the daggers I've stored in there with some tight leather straps. The rusty daggers which from time to time scratch my skin.
"With these babies" he spun it around his finger, "Just keep it around your waist with a nice belt, it'll camouflage into whatever colour, material, texture your clothing is made out of" he smirked and stared at my new gifts like the first time he stared at his sword. It probably is good.
"What's her name?" I asked
"Gennia, For family. "
"It's beautiful" I took the daggers from his hand and threw it at a nearby target. Sharp, Quick, Shiny, small, heavy, light, magical.
"I'll keep Gennia with me at all times" I stuck out my hand and grasped it back into my palms"
"It's me, by your side forever" he put his arm around my shoulder.
"You say that with a tone like you're about to die" I rolled my eyes at him. He didn't talk back, just his deep laughter. We walked together around the grounds looking at his men fight each other with their swordsmanship. I admire his men, powerless mortals that have enough courage to battle amongst the chaos. An unfair battle if you ask me. They train hard every day, building their strengths until they are needed, hundreds, thousands of them.
What's a princess like you doing in such a place
I turned around at this familiar voice. "Father!" I said before jogging over to him, tucking the dagger away into my sleeves. His long blond hair fell against my face as he hugged me with the strength of a king. His stubble scratched against my face, he smelled like gram crackers. This pleasant and charming man was the king of the Light Monarch. King Luthax of Zylkine.
"Anakin my son" he greeted. I clung onto his arm walking alongside him towards my brother. "You've done a great job, protecting the Umbra, our citizens, and our family" His lips formed into a thin line.
"What reward shall I give to you my son"
"The same old father, marriage to my beloved Orlina" He kneeled.
Orlina Veenyheim, Anakin's lover is of elven blood. Every time when our father asks of his desires, he'd always say her name. Orlina, Orlina, Orlina. As if it's engraved in his heart. I've asked him once what he sees in her, for romance is an unfamiliar theme to me. His answer was a simple world of laughter. The musical laughter that chimed his nights, helping him sleep through the storms and obstacles. I've never seen Orlina close up, just a glimpse from up top. Her elven ears stood out from her orange locks, everyone around her loved her.
Do you love her?
Yes. So very much that I want her by my side every second for without her warmth I'd die selfishly for my own desires.
"It's under negotiation with the council," my father said as he helped him up.
"This is the twelfth time you've gave me this answer, I'm afraid I cannot believe you"
"Marrying an Elf will damage our royal bloodlines messing up the powers that we possess" Fathers tone has gone down a bit.
"You are pushing back this idea my king because you do not wish for your reputation to be ruined" Anaking bulldozed.
"I wish for you to not speak that way to your father!"
"You know it's true," Anakin said.
Why is he pushing?
"I do not want to argue with you my son" he puts his hand on my hand. "Let us go to the dining hall, members of the Dawn Monarch have treated us to some delicious lamb"
He turned and walked away as Anakin and I followed. "How's Orlina?" I asked him
"Same old room sitting, I've given her title of Lady but that won't be permanent until we are wed."
"Does father know about Prim?"
"No, and I don't plan on telling him anytime soon"
"Are you visiting them tomorrow?"
"After breakfast yes, that is if I get an admit to leave"
"Please bring me along" I clasped my hand together begging him as he pushed open the doors.
"It's too dangerous" he replied
We entered the dining room, a place with chandeliers and animal heads. In the center were a long table and tall throne-like chairs. Fruits and meats placed at every seat, and there sat the people of Dawn.
Their clothing made them stand out, orange like the Dawn sun.
"Your royal highness" the people in the room all bowed in sync.
There were two people in total, one male and female dressed in lavish orange-tinted silk. The female was Princess Freeda she claimed herself, the King's younger sister. The male beside her was her son, Prince Lysand.
"So you're here for my daughter's hand in marriage?" My father put his hand above my own, as my brother gave me his gaze asking if I was okay.
"That is if you and the Princess oblige," Princess Freeda said "I believe this bond will strengthen the alliance"
"And piss of the Night Monarch am I correct?"
"Not at all, no ill intentions towards the Night Monarch" her voice dimmed quickly with a sense of defeat.
"Your highness, I'm sure the Night Monarch will not find this a threat. Yes, this marriage will strengthen our alliance, but what can the Night Monarch say or do about if the princess and I married out of love?"
My eyes widened at his suggestion, love? I just met this man and he claims to want to marry me out of love? My eyes met his.
"What do you say, princess?" He smiled from ear to ear, it wouldn't be hard to love a person as good looking as him.
"But I do not love you," I replied not falling into his wants so soon.
"Three days, if the King lets me, I'll stay in the Light Monarch for three days and charm the princess. By the end, if she thou love me we marry out of love if she doesn't I willingly back out."
"What do you think daughter?" Father asked concerningly. His head must be thinking about what the Night King will think of this betrayal.
Just imagine all the benefits of an alliance with the Dawn monarch. Known for their powers of defence, if we are ever under attack we have the advantage of strong allies. Am I being too selfish for wanting a bit of fun? Three days is a bit too long of a time, what if he gets really annoying?
"I accept your offer on one condition Prince Lysand."
"What is it, my princess?"
"One day" I stuck out my finger at his face.
"Deal," he smirked before sticking out his hand for me to shake.
I do not. Just silence
"Everyone, let us feast " Anakin breaks the awkwardness by saying raising his cup.
Let us feast indeed
