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The Courtroom was filled with tension, hostility, and unrest. The white marble walls felt cold and empty, this was one of the rare rooms that held no adornments on the walls. The King's Council consisted of twelve men from the Major houses of the kingdom and the five High Mages of the king also sat around the oval table, Aren and Zephyr were also present. The king at its head sitting in his silver throne-like chair. All eyes were trained on the dark-haired man who stood at the end of the table, not at all intimidated by the court nor the king. It had been two hours since he had killed Carter, since the engagement party had been cut short, followed by hushed whispers, rumours, and fear. Despite having ended the man’s life, he still felt rage and anger consuming him, his one regret, that he did not torture the man before ending his life. It was still thundering and lightning outside, which he made sure was kept going not wanting it too to look more suspicious than it already did. He ha
The words rang in Layana’s head, her heart thumped as so many questions swirled in her mind, was Cordelia ok? what happened? What pushed her to take such a step? Her father had left swiftly but it took Layana a little longer to comprehend what was happening. She looked up at Declan worry clear in her eyes “Relax she’ll be fine,” he said not bothered at all, although he didn’t like to see his angel look worried, cupping her face he kissed her forehead aware of the guards standing by the open door. “I hope so, I need to go,” she said tugging away. He gave a curt nod watching her leave the room quickly yet gracefully, holding the skirt of her shimmering black dress. She had looked breath-taking tonight, and he wished he had got to spend a little more time with her and simply have been able to enjoy the time... ----- Layana reached Cordelia’s quarters to see queen Azalea step out of Cordelia’s room coughing lightly into a napkin, she smiled warily at the Layana, as Aurelia and Terania
The City of Odairo was bustling with life, glowing brightly, the sound of music, laughter and chatter filled the air, the delicious smells of freshly cooked food wafted by one’s nose. Lanterns hung from the carts of the vendors. Strings of fairy lights and lanterns crossed between the buildings, illuminating the night sky. The Ehlesaar flag in its colours of white, silver, and charcoal grey hung proudly, streamers in the same colours mixed among the lanterns in celebration of the royal wedding decorated the city square . The storm from earlier had cooled the humid weather down considerably and the moon shone brightly in the now clear skies. Vendors selling all kinds of food and drink were scattered around, tables spread outside with men and women of all ages sitting around. The Inns were alive, the doors wide open, the sound of roaring laughter and drunk men filled the air. Other vendors sold clothes, jewellery, or souvenirs with the Ehlesaar crests or small figurines of the newly
They strolled along passing by more stalls and even a puppet show before the sound of a rather rhythmic song getting louder caught Layana’s attention along with another food stall. “I want to try those fritters,” she said pointing to another stall, after all, she did not have dinner and with all the commotion she had forgotten to eat. “I really don’t think you should eat anymore,” Declan said, earning a frown as she stood there, hands on hips “My reason is because your stomach is not used to such heavy or spicy food princess nothing more, no matter what size you are or become I would still love you,” “Oh…” she said blushing that she had misunderstood him, then waved him off “Doesn't matter I have a very strong stomach, do you not know, I rarely get ill, and I can eat like a pig and a horse put together,” He chuckled lightly, placing a hand on her stomach, “Ok Angel, as long as you don’t get ill,” he said not able to say no, he hadn't seen this side to her before and he enjoyed it.
Layana awoke to someone calling her, the sun was high in the sky, shining through the sheer curtains that hung from the canopy of her bed. “My lady are you not well?” A concerned Rina said bending over the bed, Layana’s eyes widened remembering everything of the night before, “I'm fine just tired…” she said a blush gracing her cheeks, Rina bowed her head “I have run you a bath your highness, your father wishes to see you after lunch,” she said, Layana nodded, as Rina’s gaze fell to the marks on Layana’s creamy neck, her eyes widened as she looked back at her mistress in shock, before lowering her eyes. “What is it?” Layana asked “N-nothing my lady,” she said bowing deeply, as she hurried off “I will go set out your clothing…” Layana got out of bed, it was around 11 am deciding to visit Cordelia after she was dressed. Getting out of bed, she stretched, a small smile playing on her lips as she reminisced on the magical night she would not forget. Raising her hand and looking at t
Declan had barely slept, having returned just before sunrise, and kissing his love a final time before he departed through the secret passageway, something that had indeed become very ideal, he had taken her out of the palace through them, and it was the perfect way for Layana to travel through the palace undetected if she wanted to. He had been awoken by Aren who was surprised that he was even asleep, as usually, he trained the princess at this time. He announced that there was a meeting in the king’s office shortly. He was now standing in the king’s office with Aren, his grandfather Jasper and the five mages, trying not to yawn, outlining a plan to see if Zephyr was indeed possessed or not. The nine stood around the circular table that he had once hidden under with Layana, it felt like so long ago, a tiny smile crossed his lips as he reminisced on their night together, it had only been a few hours since he had seen her, but he missed her already. “This is a very dangerous game my
“Take a seat the both of you,” Evaan said looking at the two who stood before him, noting Layana’s dirt-covered skirt, and her red eyes. Declan too watched her, concern flitting across his face. She had not even looked at him from the moment she had entered, although he had left an hour earlier to release his pent-up anger he was now much calmer and had been looking forward to seeing her. Layana sat down and Declan remained standing once again disobeying the king who simply frowned at the arrogant young man who was soon to become his son in-law . He was almost used to his disrespectful attitude. Almost. Declan looked at her hand, seeing the ring was missing, her hand balled into a fist, he frowned wondering why she took it off, her father had an inkling about them anyway… he could not ponder for any longer as the king sighed. “Since you both have made up your minds I will not stand in your way, I am in fact in approval of this match, we will announce your engagement two nights from
Declan waited in the shadows of the courtyard, it was in the evening after dinner, and Aren was meant to come this way with Zephyr. Despite his mind being riddled with what had occurred earlier. He ran his fingers through his hair, something that he had done countless times throughout the day. He knew the reason behind her apparent change of heart. One thing Layana was not good at was she was not able to lie or hide her emotions and he knew as she spoke those words it hurt her just as much as it had hurt him. He could not stand her sister, and he would never forgive her for ruining things between them. He pulled himself out of his thoughts as he heard footsteps approaching and the sound of laughter. Raising an eyebrow as Aren and Zephyr came into view both holding glasses of wine. “Life isn't really so easily predicted though,” Aren chuckled making conversation, playing his part well. Declan frowned; this plan was not foolproof. But it was their best shot, he still did not think it