Chapter 1
It’s 1786, ten years after the great dissemination, the revelation that magical creatures lived amongest us. Integration was imminent, after the peace treaty was declared, and now as a consequence of it, I’m being shipped to my new place of residence.
Ireland, the Emerald Isle to be exact. Rich rolling hills of lush greenery, rising coastal mountains, an island located in the Northern Atlantic Ocean.
Not to far from “The Isle Of Man”, where my father reigns as King. Its a five hour travel time, on a packet ship, where I quickly grew tired of watching the water.
Retiring below deck for the remainder of the trip, the four service men guarding me, play a game of cards as I settle in for a light nap.
I dream of him, the prince... Nuada. I’ve seen him before in my visions, a gift passed down from my mother, the gift of sight. The ability to see the future, and from my father, elemental magic.
I’m still a novice at both, but I’m a dedicated learner and hope to advance to intermediate soon. Which brings me to the reason why I’m being sent to Ireland, we are practitioners of magic only.
It isn’t in our blood, a part of our essence. My father wants blood magic, pure magic of the soul, magic that comes from within. My mother’s seen it, my father will get his heir. So, this should be an easy task, right?
An uneventful trip, I’ve freshened up and I’m standing before the King and the Princess. Elves... descendants of the Bethmora clan, pale in color, scarred facial markings, and fair haired.
My mother would be appalled to know, that I find them attractive. Especiallly the one appointed as my personal guard, tall, well built, beautiful, maybe i’ll take him as a lover. Offering a charming smirk, he bows slightly to me.
“You should be pleased to know, that we find you favorable to look upon also.” Says my protector.
“Corym’s a reader of thoughts.” States Nuala, in her soft dialect.
“Mmm...” Is all that I can manage, taking a mental note. I’ll be sure to censor my thoughts from now on.
“Nuada.”
“Father.” He says, coming into my view. My visions didn’t prepare me for the man standing before me. Small bow to the King, and a nod in acknowledgement to his sister, before his gaze falls to me. His eyes fills with mistrust, and a fierceness that incites unease, and trepidation.
“What’s this?”
“King Pol has offered you his daughter, as a token of his fealty to the alliance.”
“As what, my pet?”
His pet?
“Nuada!” Exclaims his father, outraged at his ill manners.
“No brother, your mate.”
A murderous glare riddled with contempt, sets me to fanning myself frantically, it seems that my corsets become to confining, and my breathing erratic. What was I thinking... during the wars, he was known for massacring thousands, the man’s a merciless cut-throat.
“Send it back, it looks unwell.” He states, making his way out of the throne room.
“Nuada!” States the King, coming out of his seat.
“You’re the one that wants the union father, so you take her to mate!”
Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle, rejected but not dejected. Deep breath, exhaling loudly I enter the dining area. I guess it’s the who’s who of the elfdom in attendance.
“Princess...!”
It’s Corym, stopping me on the way to join Nuala.
“Where you go, I go... you can’t just wander off.”
“You do know that I’m not a child, right?”
“Of course, but not everyone agrees with the peace treaty.”
“So I’m not safe here?”
“If anything happens to you, my people... other magical creatures will pay the cost with their lives. Forgive me, but your people aren’t too... forgiving.”
Leading me to our seats, I consider his words, and he’s right, it’s for the best.
“I understand, will we be sharing the same bed then?” I ask jokingly.
“If that’s what you wish.”
The butterflies are having a festival in my stomach, when he graces me with a smile. I’ve never seen creatures such as these, similar to us, but so different. I want to touch his skin, I wonder if they feel like us, but instead I touch his hair.
He’s solemn watching me, letting my fingers explore his locks. Once again I get the urge to touch his face, as I release my hold on his hair.
“I don’t mind.” He says quietly, which sounds loud to my ears. I become aware of the reason why, the halls become silent, the occupant’s attentions are focused on us.
My examination comes to an end, and with amusement in his eyes, he escorts me to my seat.
