This is a COMPLETED story. Nothing more will be added to it. Thank you.
Her withered hands broke into the shattered glass of the gray waters. It foamed with bubbles, as a princess of Noctiva; a meeting was to be accomplished at noon.
Octavia’s hands came up from dripping wet bathwater and there was a drenched rag clenched in her hand. Its elegant shade of maroon was now darker than normal. She muttered for me to come out of the bath once she left the tub, an out the white door, with high luster of gold in the handle and grooves. She draped the rag over the edge of the tub and with a standing position she gave a curt nod and left the room.
I crawled out of the warm waters and instantly I shivered. The air was tart and cold, also quite bitter. That air instantly told my mind; ‘outside wasn’t very pleasant either’. I quickly grabbed a towel from the small bath behind me and let the towel’s brittle strands of string press into my body. Warmth is what I wanted. I stepped out of the tub and onto the white rug. I wiggled my toes; it felt very cozy and softer than the hairs of the towel. I crossed over the cold tile floors and opened the door to my closet. On the left side of the walk-In there was a set of dry cloths set out for me.
A white shirt hung over a golden chair in the beginning of my interminable closet. Simple, yet gauzy it was indeed! The small designs where on there where a light silver; silver as the tea pot that yearn the liquid I desired to warm my body. My pants were a prosaic light tan. There were small leather shoes for me, boots more like it. They had soft fur inside them to warm my toes considerably.
Once I was all dressed, I shut the closet door and let out a deep sigh. It clicks shut and I walk to the large, white door and opened it to where Octavia rooted. She held a tan pony-tail holder made out of strained grass, and a heavy golden brush.
She motioned me to the twin chair that was in my closet, she began to untangle my hair.
“To h-have such Purdy hair like y-yours, you can do just ‘bout any ’ting wit’ it. My hair is a scratchy rat’s nest!” Octavia croaked and laughed dryly.
Something hit my nose warmly and I perked up immediately. Water was flying everywhere from my silky hair. Strands of light brown hair tickled and itch my neck but I made no movement to get comfortable.
“Thank you, I assume your hair was silky as an Elk’s fine coat, once.” I remarked, with a slightly pleased tone.
Octavia stifled laughter and stopped combing my hair. She leaned down, close to my ear and I drank her sweet breath.
“Yes, once. When I-I was knee-high to a g-grasshopper, my hair was smoothly, glossy and I was Purdy! Now, I’m just an ole pinecone.” Octavia wheezed happily. She patted my shoulder kindly and sat stiffly up once more.
She continued to make my hair soft and the tickling-adding to the cold-eased down. She braided my hair down my back into my fish tale. It’s crossed hair, barely any stray hair left my complex braid. It suited me perfectly! My hazel eyes just made me every more pretty, when I turned to the mirror behind my Maid.
Octavia murmured for me to get up and turned my necklace-which I refused to take off-to where the shiny heart was facing upright.
I smiled and leaned to her and kissed her elderly cheek. Via’s eye where the diamond that needed to be added to my collection of crowns. Priceless and lovingly, she touched my hair with affection.
“Enjoy your afternoon.” I called as I swept out of the room. I heard her grunt, and trudge away in the other direction.
"May the mother of Asken be with us all."
***
Prince Rylan, my older brother was waiting for me. He had the exact cloths as I wore. I gazed at his light blue-eyes and his high cheek bone. He smiled, and it seemed like the whole room lifted up my heart. His blond hair was swept across his eyes some; he held a newly opened scroll. I peered down at it and arched an eye-brow.
“The page brought it to me, moments ago. He tells me it’s from one of your friends.” His mouth went flat once he gave it to me.
“I have a large desire of it being Kaytelynn. I told her to write me a letter while she was gone.” The scroll was warm and conferrable in my hands, and I began to slowly open it. In nicely curved handwriting, it was very small, yet, it pleased me. I looked at the parchment and tried to imagine Kate writing this in Greece. Rummaging this through my head, I read quietly;
My dearest,
I’ve arrived in Greece, and I am at a small market-place, while I’m writing this. Everyone is kind, some are pushy and the food is just splendid! One of my elegant white horses has a sprained ankle so we stopped by the doctor. Whitney, the horse, is so sweet! She nudged me away from an ant pile that I didn’t notice when I tried to visit her. I asked my father if I could take her in as my own once we leave and he say he will think about it! Imagine out adventures together when I get my own horses to ride out at midnight! She gobbles up apples and sugar cubes better that you, Shel! I wish I can write more, but I must be off. I’ll write to you soon, I miss you so! I’ll be back in ten days’ time.
-Duchess Kaytelynn
P.S. remember, give your brother a whack on the head, for writing to me. I’m tired of those long, scribbly letters! A blind peasant man can tell he favors me.
I laughed a whole-heartedly, and smiled at Rylan. He had already read the letter beforehand, but he was still blushing.
“Are you trying to entice my friend, Prince Rylan?” I curtsied in a mocking way, and my brother glared at me. He had a while until he matured enough to even be regal to be king-if he got that far.
Rylan’s face turned beet-red as he snatched the scroll up, telling me not to tell anyone. I nagged him for a bit longer until King Ramon came in. My brother’s face went back to his normal tan.
“Good afternoon.” We bowed and walked to him, Rylan and I’s foot paces where duplicates as we walked in sinc.
“Hello!” Our King laughed a laugh much deeper than mine, and he bowed dramatically. Our father has been through vivid ordeal deaths, from Grandmother, to his first Wife-Duchess Frolka. But now, no man could tell his times use to be in melancholy.
“We will enjoy our lunch, soon. With Me, Queen Karoline, Queen Clornea, Duke Nazmen, Duchess Marath, you two and Prince Floyd.” We gave him a very turmoil look, so he quickly explained himself.
“Queen Clornea is the Queen of the Far-away kingdom. Her kingdom is placed in a Valley, yonder here. It took her four days just to attend this Lunch! It’s much smaller than ours. Clornea’s husband is ill, so he is at home taking care of their palace, Krujat. They are our allies for a while, and Duke Nazmen, Duchess Martha, is the Duke and Duchess of Krujat Valley.” Father ended breathlessly, and he looked for any signs of more confusing on our faces. He smiled and walked to the Lunch room with us jogging after him.
Lights brightened the room, the polished floor seemed slippery and oily from is shinny wood. I could almost see my own reflection, a tall girl, with nicely tan skin, dapples of freckles-
“Father, where we suppose to where these cloths?” Rylan asked, disturbing my well-thoughts. As we neared our endlessly long table, the guests were talking loud enough for the others to here.
Our table’s handicraft grooves where calming as a sea’s waves, yet small and it provided texture. My shoulders dropped some and my eye-lids felt heavy, and stony.
Dad’s sharp voice awakened me from not sleep-walking.
“Yes! Today, we want to look unformed so we can go through the market all together without causing attractions.”
“I’m sorry, I guessed -“
“That’s alright my dear boy.” Mother’s voice was clear as she stood up to indicate everyone else to do the same. The chairs slightly scratched the nice floor, but I bowed with my trio I was walking with. Guest sat down a moment later once we began to trot to our seats.
I took my place next to a lady with a green shirt with blue jewels and gray pants, cuffed around the edge. The shirt seemed stiff and scratchy; I breathed out my relief of not wearing that.
She had a kind, pale face, soft and relaxed. Her hair was in a high pony-tail, and she wore a slim layer of make-up. It ached my neck to view her, she was much taller than me, as I was very short.
“Hello, my darling, I’m the Duchess of Krujat. My name is Duchess Martha, but you may call me just Martha.” She must have seen my amazement since her face ignited into a smile
“You’re almost a woman; you may call me by my first name, yes?” Hints of amusement flashed in her eyes.
“Yes, Ma’am, thank you. My name is Princess Shelieana, of Noctiva.”
“Yes, yes, I’ve heard much about you. You have a great family; I hope you do cherish them!” She remarked nicking my chin.
“I already do!” I exclaimed, and noticed she was teasing. I smiled at her, and began to laugh with Martha own high tinkling one. We broke off into silence to study our surroundings.
My suddenly began shoulders relaxed steadily- I didn’t realize I was flexing them. I rubbed them before placing my hands in my lap gently.
A small movement of light and a small amount of dark was directly above me. I glanced up at the delicate glass chandelier, just to see if it was swaying slightly, caching the light. The silver wear sparkled everywhere, and when the sun hint the utensils directly, it showed dancing lights on our ceilings.
‘Eh hem.’ Voice as clear as water spoke from the fair end of the never-ending table. As my eyes reached the voice’s source I smiled. My Queen had a poster of high Authority, and her eyes drifted to each one of her guest swiftly.
‘I presume, you all had met each other?’ nervous glances zipped around the room, and fell on my mother.
‘I am Queen Karoline, and these are my Children; Prince Floyd-’ She gestured with her left hand to Floyd.
My oldest brother pushed back his chair and smiled at everyone. His almond eyes were relaxing, his head was in prefect angle to see the freckles on the bridge on his nose. He winked at me, and sat back down, his hair drifting in his eyes.
‘Prince Rylan-‘
Rye Stood up with a crooked smile and rosy cheeks like he was laughing. He had on an odd facial expression, and it was hard to read his thought by his face. The soft brown shirt he wore was made with elaborate wrinkles and folds in the fabric. The elegance was draped over his thin body that fit well. The youngest prince sat down, mimicking his older brother. Floyd took no notice, and I smiled. He was utterly clueless.
‘ Sheliean?’
I groaned silently, Karoline must of called my name, but I was too busy looking at my brothers. ‘Now, look who’s clueless’ I thought and stood up. My father sat on my right, and on the head of the table. A man I didn’t know accompanied my King, and next to him sat my two brothers sat side-by side. One other thick man was sneering, next to Floyd. My mother still stood in her pale yellow dress with a white sash like mine. Next to her on my side of the table was a fine lady dressed in a pale purple dress with ruffles at the sleeves. In her hair was a pined daisy. No sash. The daisy-haired women nodded to me and I did a small smile back, and plumped down in my seat.
‘And our guest-Duchess Martha’
The Duchess of Krujat was nodding to each person, but when she came across the man next to my oldest brother, she wrinkled her nose.
Odd, the sneering man must be rivals with her country.
My father was introduced next, and so was the man who sat by my father. He was Duchess Martha’s husband, and yet then looked completely different then her. Duke Shulman had wavy black hair including penetrating blue eyes. He had on a hunter’s outfit, complete with a sturdy leather belt, and a bow that rest on the floor with quivers.
The sneering man was named Prince Gull, who had four rings on his left hand. He slumped in his chair with a chubby arm around the chair. One of his legs hung over the chair and his unoccupied hand was in his stubbly chin. A small gasp went around the room.
The Prince of Scanka was showing the upmost sign for disgrace in my country.
Seething, I glared at him and jut my chin out. He has smoldering brown eyes that hardened and cracked like brown ice. It freighted me, and I turned away and pretended to gaze somewhere else. Shivering from the cold and scared, I frowned. Gull of Kingdom Scanka grunted in amusement and went back to his sneering.
Mother had peered at him and quickly introduced the last lady. Queen Clornea, Queen of Julnica.
‘Let the Dinner began!’ Queen of Noctiva exclaimed and sat down.
Waiters flowed in from the doors with a grim expression. They carefully placed down the food and surged away. I grabbed the first dish and lifted the lid. Warmth flowed from every side of it, and wetness of juice was on it. I offered some to Duchess Martha and she turned to me and looked down.
‘Darling, I’m into Chicken not ham! This chicken is cooked to perfection, so no, but thanks.’ She remarked kindly.
Smiling, I sliced myself a fair amount. As I lift it out of the platter, accidently dropped some lettuce on the floor. Sir Gull murmured into Prince Floyd’s ear and my brother gave me a wry look. I snorted and felt warmth on my ear, and wished I wasn’t so cold.
‘Don’t trust that scoundrel Prince Gull. His mother and Sister are just as bad. They have no belief in anything but how to offend us-‘
The Duchess of Krujat broke off and strained to sit properly.
A maid in a black dress and a white lace apron raised her eyebrows. “Tea?”
“Yes, herbal please, and warm water.’ I said quickly and lowered my eyes.
“Sugar or milk?” she asked and leaned down.
“Milk, please.” I still didn’t look at the maid. Looking up after I heard receding footsteps I gazed at my new friend.
‘He just wants battle to claim his throne, I bet.’ She finished and looked at her Ice water.
I grunted and shoveled food as politely as I could into my mouth, once my tea came to me.
Warm.
Once the food was cleared a steading tapping was on the roof. Robbers? Was there someone trying to brake in? I looked desperately at my Queen, but she just shrugged.
I shivered and pushed that thought away.
‘We will now go look for presents for you all. We are going to our village.’
Suddenly, the door opened and I flinched, terrified. But it was only a page I knew well, Page Joena. He was urgently talking to my mother and then scurried out of the room. He closed the doors with ease and I settled in my chair.
“Well, change of plans. It raining-‘I let out a loud sigh of relief and prayed to the Mother of Asken. Thank you for watching over me and Noctiva. I closed my eye and quietly said the ancient tongue of Noctiva a few words.
When I opened my eyes, I noticed everyone was laughing. Had I missed a joke? I caught everyone eyes quickly and realized they were giggling at me. I was about to say a few words in defense when Father raised his hand for everyone to stop. Knitting my eye brows together, I smiled weakly.
‘When you’re quite done being paranoid, your Mother would like to finish.’
Stifling laugher, the Queen on Noctiva continues with small hiccups.
‘So, tonight, my cooks will provide each of your kingdoms our best treats. While your carriages arrive in the next half-hour, go ahead and talk.’
Catching Duchess Martha’s eye, we scoot back our chairs and recede away from the shiny table.
My new friend carries a glass full of ice water and switches it from hand to hand. Trying to start a conversation, I look her strait in the eye.
‘My friend is visiting Tulsa-Mia in your country. Her name is Kaytelynn, Kaytelynn Hurka. Have you seen her?’
Martha beamed at me, and smiled two hands on her glass of water.
‘Shelieana, do you think I go around looking for every visitor? No. These people in a work shop do that.’
A voice deep and arrogant cut through the air, along with clanking of metal.
‘You see, she doesn’t want to do work so she hands it down to the people below her. And they do that to the commoners, so they work on it painstakingly. The Head of Krujat is just pure slackers.’
The Duchess turned bright red and turned to the voice. It was Prince Gull with his sword at his side. Scarlet, she began to talk and slowly her cheeks lost their color.
‘No-you see, they need money, so they-‘Her words zigzagged along each other, making my fellow companion nervous.
Smirking he laughed loudly. The whole of the guest all turned their attention to Prince Gull, as he began to speak to Duchess Martha.
‘A likely story, I’ve heard your place is a ruin. You’re just a poor person taking other's hard-earned money.’
The crowd gave a small gasp and stared at The Duchess of Krujat with penetrating eyes.
Her water glass gave a groan, as she clenched it with white knuckles.
‘At least she doesn’t have to buy her way in,’ the words escaped from my mouth before I could shove them back in.
From one look around the room, I know I’ve gone too far.
Gull step sides Martha and stops near me. The Prince shoves a chubby figure in my face and turned a bright red.
‘I wonder what your parents will do, when you see yourself known as an ungrateful little brat!’ Our argument erupts quickly once I see his evil eyes.
Spittle flew from his mouth, near me. I had an urge in my stomach to run away, but I held my ground. Trying to show fear I give a false laugh.
‘I do too! We have so much in common.’ I remark as The Scanka prince turns purple. Veins throb in his small neck, and his beetle eyes glinting.
Glass brakes and I look over his shoulder to see Duchess Martha mopping up the water glass she broke.
Screaming in furry, he launched glass at me from the floor. When I barley dodge it, I spot my father shooing everyone away and Prince Floyd advance on Prince Gull. Floyd pulls out a small dagger he keeps under his long hunter shirt for these ‘special occasions’
I feel my heart beat as I am myself being shoved from behind. I look up to see the maid who had brought me tea had shoved me down and ducked down to join me, as Gull snatched his real sword from his belt.
And then I see something that makes my heart stop.
The Prince had backup and the attackers had broken the window in the dining room. There was already a plan to attack our kingdom tonight. I just made it happen sooner. The screaming guest ran out of the dining room, awakening our guards.
Prince Floyd was fighting with Prince Gull. My brother jabbed at him, and Gull step sided. With a mighty slash of his sward he cut my brother’s ribs.
Floyd’s creamy shirt became scarlet.
With my guards running in their armor at the surprise attackers, Rylan was fighting two supporters of Gull. My father was at his side, and my mother was running with the guest, and the Tea Maid.
An attacker with auburn hair sudden grabbed me by my arms hulled me up onto his back and started to run to the window. I smacked him as hard as I could but the red haired attacker laughed. Then I bit his hand and I got free of his grasp and rolled onto the floor again. Feeling something snap, I heard my wrist brake.
I felt panic rise up in my chest as my vision blurred. Heat surrounded me, my cloths was torn, and I was frightened more than ever.
Among the screaming voiced I could feel the attackers driving the castle guards back. As my vision cleared I slithered out of the way of dancing feet.
The nearest one was fighting Duke Shulman aggressively, and I nocked my feet on the attacker’s back ankle.
Shulman’s opponent fell to the ground as I made my feet curl up near me.
The supported rolled out of the way of the Duke’s sword as it clashed near him. Shuffling to his feet, the attacker ran out the window and fell .Turning away from the scene I closed my eyes and cradled my wrist.
Sleep…sleep…
The Duke grabbed my hard roughly and I yelled as the glass cut up my legs.
With a bearing sensation filling up my whole body I let out a blood curling scream.
I felt cold as soon as I was dragged out of the room. He dropped me on the floor, and ran back into the arena.
With difficulty, I let myself up and tried to run away. Gasping, my legs failed me and I returned to the floor. My wrist was throbbing with pain now, and I wished for the screams of rage to stop. No caring for the scarlet pool of blood spreading around my legs, making me feel sticky, I began to close my eyes again.
Sleep…sleep…
Pushing a thought of the Mother of Asken abandoning me, I tiredly move my head to rest more comfortable.
I let the drone of voices’ merge out of my mind, and let the dim light become black.
