Death of a King Page 4

  Verrell darted a quick glance at her, he knew the princess since childhood and never has she apologized for anything, “Your highness?”

  The tide of emotions threatened to consume the young princess, “I…” she paused, her tears streamed, and voice broke, “He is not coming home,” she managed, her sorrow echoed like distant thunder.

  He saw the shrouding sadness, and sensed his betroths pain, “What happened?” he asked gently.

  His question summoned images of Lukous’s death. The memory hurt her, “I buried him…,” she whispered.

  Her reply stunned them. They could see the unknown beyond their borders washed away the innocence from their princess. “Tatiana…”

  She interrupted, “Please…,” without so much as a glance. He conceded to silence. She didn’t want anyone seeing how much she was hurting. The only one she wanted to see her was Dregous and he wasn’t here, “How are mother and father?” she managed with a shaky voice and stood with her arms extended. The guards removed her armor.

  He studied her profile as they stripped her protective gear. When Pavlov and the others finished they continued walking. Again, he wondered what happened out there, “They are well…, shall we.” He extended his arm as if to clear a path for her. “They will be most please to see you.” They walked passed the main gate and into the central courtyard, then ascended a flight of steps to the open palace audience chamber. He extended his hand with a slight bow and locked his wings in place.

  Ascending another winding stairwell, the right-side, the entire length of the stair had a view of the Kingdom and the mountain ranges beyond. A short maze of corridors still had views of the outside. Some chambers bridged walkways throughout the castle. The openness of Ayrian architecture had minimal walls as structurally possible. It was a divinely awed inspired design the Ayrians created. It is a constant reminder, they are free and not caged like humans.

  Verrell stopped at the doorway to the main council chamber, where the Crown discussed matters with their advisors. He kissed the princess’s hand, then retreated.

  Tatiana watched him walk away, then straightened herself pressing her padding. It reminded her of Dregous and stepped in. Covered in shame and humbled by her out world experience, she tried keeping her composure. Disobeying her father was a frequent affair before she left. King Nicolas Brouka, prohibited her from venturing beyond the kingdom. He was about to respond to an official when he saw his youngest daughter, “Tatiana?” he breathed. The queen lifted from her seat and immediately noted a difference in her.

  The princess wrestled with her composure to walk with a measure of pride, as she stepped in. Upon eye contact with her father, her emotions swelled, and her eyes pooled. She desperately tried to hold herself together but failed. Her weak smile broke, “Papa,” she said gently, her eyes burned and turned red.

  The court was surprised to see the princess. She appeared grown and mature. “Excuse us,” the king whispered. A mixture of emotions raced through him, disappointment, concern, joy, for his youngest danced across his face. All noticed Lukous’s absence, “Are you well my little dove…” he glanced behind her, “…where is Lukous?”

  Tatiana’s will couldn’t hold the tide of emotions. Her tears streamed, shoulders slumped and trembled then started to cry as she crumbled before them, “I killed him,” she blubbered, then squealed, “Ukko forgive me,” her knees buckled as she sobbed.

  “Nicoli,” Queen Siana called.

  Nicolas rushed and swept her off her feet, “No my little dove…,” he carried her to a double chair. His chest caved seeing his daughter humble herself and held her tightly, “Tell me, what happened?”

  “It is my fault…” she trembled sobbing, “…I killed him…,” and buried her face in her father’s shoulder. The loss of Lukous and the incarceration of the one that stole her heart was a great burden for someone with little life experience. Tatiana kept her face buried on her father’s neck. She felt like a child again, safe in his arms. He caressed his little girl and assured her all will be well. When the princess calmed, she summarized her journey excluding Dregous’s Drouwen nature.

  Nicoli’s heart weighed heavy seeing his daughter humbled. “Shss… all will be well my little dove…,” he gently held her. His confident tone always soothed away her fears. She wished Dregous held her, however, the thought made her cry more.

  Sevek, the king’s Advisor and childhood friend stepped closer, “It is a grand joy our princess returns. We will leave you to your reunion, my Lord,” he bowed as did the others, then departed.

  Moments later another Ayrian entered and was pleasantly surprised to see his princess. He spoke softly, “My Lord….”

  Stroking Tatiana’s hair, “Can it not wait?” he asked sternly. “My daughter returns.”

  “It is Chansafre.”

  Nicolas’s eyes drew blank and his heart pinged, “When?”

  “Moments ago.”

  The king addressed Tatiana, “Forgive me little dove, this cannot wait,” he said.

  “Nicoli, the queen started.

  “Siana I must,” he said.

  “Our daughter needs us.”

  “I am aware,” his little girl was no longer a child, but a grown woman. “We will talk upon my return.”

  The queen grimaced and nodded. “Go papa,” Tatiana whispered. He lifted her chin and kissed her forehead, slid her beside him, then exited with the messenger.

  Tatiana felt her mothers’ embrace, turned and buried her face in her neck. She heard the princess’s tale and noted her tone with the Elf she traveled with, “Who is he dear?”

  The question surprised her, “Who mother?”

  “Oh child, do not be coy with me… remember, I am your mother. I have wiped your bottom and watched you grow. The years may have passed me, but the look of love has not changed,” she said gently.

  “Mother…” she attempted a false argument.

  “Come now.”

  She conceded and timidly gazed through her hair, “He is an Elf,” and wondered how to explain Dregous.

  Her heart skipped at the thought of someone other than an Ayrian. She hoped Tatiana would have sense Verrell and gave her a knowing smile, “It is clear this Elf arrested your attention… completely from Verrell?”

  She pulled away. Verrell was dear to her and loved him, it was the love of a sibling, perhaps more, “Mother, Verrell is a dear, and a friend, that is all.”

  The queen studied her, her eyes were firm and sharp with conviction, “Be it so, what is he called, where is he from…?” she hooked arms with Tatiana and felt her strong arm.

  “He is the son of a high noble,” she withheld his imperial status.

  “Truly?” the queen mused, Tatiana nodded. She sensed her daughter hiding something. “Now, tell me what you withhold.”

  The princess squirmed as her cheeks reddened. “Well mother, there really is not much to tell.”

  “Other than you are taken by him, tell me what little you do know… …Something is different, I can feel it.”

  Tatiana straightened, “Mama, he is a gentle soul with a big heart…” she started.

  “You are delaying,” and gambled, “perhaps Verrel seeps in…”

  Tatiana interrupted, “Mother please, Verrell is not for me,” she confessed. “He is sweet and caring…,” then paused.

  Her reaction only meant one thing, and gently interrupted, “…You cannot sense him.” The princess shied away feeling hurt and embarrassed. She couldn’t even sense her parents. Since she met the Dark Elf, he has been the only one she could sense. Tatiana didn’t realize it until her mother mentioned it.

  The queen whispered, “Dear Ukko, do not tell me he is human?”

  “No mother…” she stammered. “…it is as I said, he is Elven,” she said quickly.

  “Ukko be praised,” she breathed. “Had he been human, your father certainly would have been the first Ayrian to lay an egg,” The Queen slightly shook her head. “What branch is he?”


  “Well… he is uncommon,” Tatiana padded her mother’s hand, looking to the floor and hoped she wouldn’t continue.

  “Great Elf?”

  “Umm, no.”

  “Oceanic, Aquatic?” she probed.

  “Uh no,” the princess grunted gently.

  The Queen mentioned every branch of the Elven kingdom and the princess continued denying. “By Ukko’s beard, what sort of Elf is he? Good heavens child, what hide you…?” she started exasperatedly when it dawned on her. Her eyes widened and face grew pale, “Dear Ukko, say it is not so,” she breathed.

  “Oh mama, he is a sweet soul,” she defended softly.

  The queen arched a brow, “Please tell me he is not among the lost?”

  Tatiana explained what Dregous has done for her and Lukous. Her heart pinged at Lukous’s death. He had done everything in his power to protect her, and the others at great personal risk. Tatiana spoke quickly trying to convince the queen, “Oh mama, he is not what we were taught… I trust him with my life.”

  She remained silent as Tatiana recounted. Her strong feelings for him was obvious. “Very well, we will withhold this from your father for now. I doubt he will take this well.” The queen envisioned the king’s furious eyes.

  Clasping a hand to her heart she confessed, “Mama, I sense him.”

  ***

  Tatiana slept for two days, periodically waking from nightmares that Dregous was taken from her. The Queen sensed the princess’s emotional state and kept a watchful eye. Whenever the princess awoke she’d cry herself back to sleep. It troubled the queen seeing her youngest endure the separation of her chosen mate. More challenging when an Ayrian senses them, the emotional pain is that much stronger.

  The following morning the royal family gathered for their meal. The kings’ broad shoulders filled his tunic, making him appear grand. No crown adorned his head, it was a symbol the monarchy used on special occasions. They viewed the constant display of the crown as egotistical. “So little dove, where have you been?” the king asked. The queen studied the young princess, gauging her reaction.

  Tatiana gently blotted her lips. “After reaching our borders, we covered our wings and walk beyond our lands. One by one we befriended others. We gathered at Riverdale to gather supplies before heading for the snow-capped mountain.”

  Nicolas, Tatiana's eldest brother, “What were you doing…”

  Her father interrupted, “Riverdale, what is this place?”

  Tatiana slightly hesitated, “It is a town…”

  The King interrupted again, “A human city?” he asked sternly. All at the table silenced and lowered their gaze.

  The princess lowered hers when she recalled Dregous, ‘As children, we are taught, if copper-less, hold your head high, for you are Drouwen, and no one can steal that from you.’ She wasn’t Drouwen, she was Ayrian, and raised her eyes to meet his respectfully, “As you say, father,” she said calmly. Her siblings thought she lost her mind.

  The King glared and bolted from his seat, “How could you put yourself…” he started calmly, but firmly.

  Tatiana interrupted as she followed her father, “Papa please…,” she said gently. “Allow me unhindered.”

  He masked his shock as he studied his baby girl. She was no longer a child. The youngest princess has grown to a confident woman. He was grateful she still addressed him respectfully and gauged her. She has given, now I must give, he thought and was impressed with her, “Very well.”

  Tatiana bowed her head, “Grateful papa.” All at the table were still speechless as they gazed at their little sister stand up to the king and still address him humbly. “We encountered an undead witch, it almost killed Dregous and me. Lukous beheaded her before it did us great harm,” she reclaimed her seat.

  “What has the mountain to do with that thing?” her third sister Alyah asked once the shock passed.

  “Patience,” Tatiana replied. Still mildly stunned as the princess continued. Lukous found the witch’s diary. They listened intently, as she stated with no details of Lukous falling. His death saddened all at the table.

  She continued recounting her journey. Shortly after, they met the rest of the party. They noted how protective she spoke of Dregous, but said nothing. With their morning meal finished, Tatiana closed her story, which brought her home.

  The king glanced at her, he was displeased she was amongst the humans, “We will speak within the hour,” then strolled out. All bowed their gaze as the king departed. They addressed their youngest sister.

  “Are you mad?” asked Nicolas.

  “I did nothing wrong,” Tatiana replied.

  “Nothing!” Natia, her fourth sister hissed, “You endangered yourself going to the human city.”

  Tatiana masked her injury, “I was not in danger, the humans realized their error and are ashamed. Besides, I was not alone, Dregous was with me.”

  “Is he an Ayrian protector?” scoffed her second brother Niko.

  “Leave your sister be. She has been home a short while. And we have lost a dear friend. Tatiana has been through enough and needs time to mend!” the queen stated. “Come child, we will speak before joining your father,” and led her out.

  The others realized their sister didn’t fight back. “Something happened to her out there. She did not fight back!” Urie, her fifth brother realized.

  ***

  Kenton spent two days studying the summoning ritual to encase a demon. He noted an inverted protection spell may hold a Demon for a short while.

  The sigils and symbols inscribed about the protection ring required rewriting. Instead of barring evil, it would hold it within. The research for inverting the cast took him the better part of a week. Transfixing the text to parchment was no easy task, after which he tested the ritual.

  ***

  “Mind not your sibling's child,” the queen said.

  Tatiana delayed on her response, “I know… they will understand in time.”

  Her melancholy tone and response informed her the princess grew up. Fighting back would have been her normal response, but she didn’t, “Tell me child, what ails you?” she asked, “Did you not sleep well?” the queen knew the answer but wanted to hear her confession. A gentle breeze rushed passed them, fluttering their gowns.

  Tatiana reacted by keeping her dress from exposing her legs. She glanced at her open toe shoes and recalled Dregous’s flattering comment. He found her feet lovely and blushed at the thought. With a sigh of that cherished memory, she considered lying, but decided against it, “Nightmares visit me,” her reply was followed by a shoulder shrug.

  The queen noted the princess’s modesty and wondered about her experience in the human world. Ever since she was able to walk, no one could keep clothes on the child. And now, a breeze threatens to expose her legs, and she covers them, “What looms your sleep?”

  Tatiana adjusted her top attempting to cover the side of her breasts, “His mother calls… then displays him chained and dying in some… enclosed chamber…,” her tears swelled.

  The queen felt her deep affections for the Drouwen prince like the gale of a storm. She quickly regained herself, “Does he know?”

  She sniffed while wiping her tears, “Know what?”

  “You love him,” she said sweetly. Tatiana shook her head recalling the many times she had the opportunity but refrained out of fear he may not feel the same. The queen hugged her tightly. “He should know.”

  “I suppose,” Tatiana said into her shoulder. They remained silent for a while, then gently pulled away, “Oh, I need to inform you and papa regarding the humans.”

  “Ooh?” the queen stretched.

  “We are no longer hunted.”

  “You mentioned something regarding shame.”

  “The humans stopped pursuing us over a hundred years ago.” She looked at her mother. “Knight Tarbak began correcting the wrong done to us….”

  “Who is this… Tarback?”

  “Tarbak, Knight Tarbak and he
is human.”

  “A human champions our behalf?”

  “Humans wronged us, is it not fitting a human would pick up the mantel of defense for our people…, do you not agree?”

  Her passive logic took the queen by surprise and nodded, “Agreed.”

  “There is something else,” Tatiana tried to look confident but her eyes showed uncertainty.

  “Continue,” she studied her.

  “I arranged trade agreements with the town of Riverdale.”

  With slightly widened eyes, “Your brother was correct.”

  The queen's response threw her off, “About what?”

  “You have lost your senses. Do you truly think your father will allow humans here,” she arched a brow.

  “What… no mama, no one will come here.” Tatiana explained her agreement. Their trade with the Ayrian is exclusive to Riverdale. Ayrian merchants will be escorted for their protection to meet the humans at an appointed location. Ayrian economy will improve with this arrangement.

  The queen listened silently. “Come, your father and the council must hear. They will weigh your concurrence.”

  Mother and daughter stepped in the council chamber where the king stood alone before a large opening that led to an oversized balcony. The majestic mountain loomed beyond, the snow reflected the sunlight, while some dark patches seemed to do the opposite.

  Chapter 4

  There is a way about him that draws others. The prince is much like his father, he must not be allowed to gather his forces or strength. He must die. Remember the Duke. The reports are true, kill him before it is too late.

  Rucdemore Da’gelue Recon tracker

  Their footsteps announced their arrival. He took another moment to admire the beauty of the mountains, then glanced over his shoulder, he expected the queen to accompany his daughter. Nicoli addressed Tatiana, “Why in Ukko’s name would you allow humans to see you?” he demanded gently then paced the length of the opening. Tatiana lowered her gaze like a child and recalled Dregous, then studied her father pleasantly. “I do not wish to see my daughter displayed a trophy.”