A warrior knew what he had to do when he entered the battleground, sword raised and his eyes trained to be even sharper as he slit every throat that dared to threaten his resting blood.

Some warriors didn't realise, that the courage, needed for their shadows to even graze what was beyond the borders, proudly came at a cost. It didn't sprout from nothingness, and it definitely wasn't ever a simple constant, that could simply be dragged up when required.

It demanded their own blood and sweat. Many were willing to pour it out, but some weren't prepared to accept a repeated cycle of it. It was important to realise that succeeding the first time fails to mean anything if one doesn't succeed the next as well and every time after that.

Drained breaths combined together, all of them storming around violently at different paces, as continuous droplets of sweat poured down their necks. I had ordered some of them to practise their sword fights, stressing the significance of dedicating an equal amount of balance when it came to holding the shield and the sword.

"Lendon, stop performing the same style over and over again. You're practically teaching the enemy how to defeat you within seconds. Forward, backward and sideways. Do it in different sequences." I had started to pay particular attention to those like Lendon, that had let their facade of power and strength reach their heads, infecting their sense of humility in the process.

He wiped the sweat off his brows quickly, trying his hand at different sword movements to what he was doing before, though it didn't look progressive at all.

"What seems to be the matter, Lendon? Please do not tell me you require a spatula to help you train further," Aaliyah leisurely walked into the training grounds, harshly scrutinising every soldier present.

Vladimir, who stood next to me, to assist me with the training today, released a subtle smirk at Aaliyah's comment.

It was clear that no one was being awarded enough time to even rest their eyes for more than what was a few blinks.

I turned to look at my sister, who was wearing a grey dress that lacked the usual tresses sluggishly swiping across the floor. "What brings you here, Aaliyah?"

"There's someone here to see you, brother. I had to bring her in myself, as the guards won't let her in otherwise."

"It's a female?" I questioned, confused as to why there would be a female asking for my attention.

"Yes, she's standing near the doors leading to our palace chambers. You should go, brother. Vladimir seems to have it under control and I'll take over for you from here." Aaliyah winked at me, as she went and stood next to Vladimir, rubbing her hands together as she looked at Lendon and the other set of soldiers training with him.

Doubt morphed my thoughts for a second, before I shifted my attention towards the exit to the training areas, as the tall cream pillars seemed to delicately hold someone between them.

I walked closer to where the female was standing, her hands steadily intertwined together as she glanced at everything around her. Her eyes touched everything within her proximity, from the different types of swords, the bows and arrows, to the numerous combat knives arranged on the walls, the bloody marks around them telling vivid stories of the places they've visited.

Though I could tell she was looking at them, I couldn't determine whether they interested her, piqued her curiosity or disgusted her.

I could only smile.

"Zyanna. What, in the lands of Yandestine, are you doing here?" I stood in front of her, slightly surprised.

She looked at me, her smile appearing a little brighter than the last time we met. "You don't seem to be too happy, Prince Elijah. I actually told your sister that I was completely fine with just leaving your horse in the stables but, she insisted I inform you, before I leave."

I smiled again. "Well, I'm not unhappy, so you don't need to feel guilty. I-"

"I never said I felt guilty, Prince Elijah. I don't need to apologise or feel responsible for committing no mistakes at all, right?" Zyanna narrowed her eyes at me, smirking in a graceful manner.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. But, thank you for my horse, you really didn't have to take it upon yourself to get him back to good health."

"It was nothing. He's definitely a very nice horse to look after, he just needs some careful attention now and then, that's all." She shielded her eyes from the blazing rays of sunshine, but she still maintained eye contact with me through the gaps between her fingers.

I looked around me quickly, subtly rubbing the back of my neck. "Take a walk with me?" I was hoping she would accept, as spending time with her, somehow gave me long moments of satisfaction and happiness. It was something that I rarely got in the palace otherwise.

"Are you not occupied at the moment?" She tucked her dark brown hair behind her ears, glancing at the soldiers training further away from us.

I stepped away from her, and turned towards the palace. "Let's just say you've caught me at the right time, Zyanna. Let's go." I lifted my hand towards her, with a small grin. "I prefer to fulfil certain safety precautions, just in case I lose you in this large place."

She shook her head at me, raising her eyebrows as a disapproving smile simultaneously decorated her face. "I'm afraid I can't give you my hand, Prince Elijah," - she lifted her foot, pointing to the anklets full of bells adorning it, "but, these bells do have a sound of their own. You can make sure you don't 'lose' me by listening to it."

"I guess I'm going to have to rely on my ears more than my touch. Well, then, after you, Zyanna." I let her trudge past me, as she purposefully shook her foot out for me.

We walked into the palace, side by side, and I subconsciously paid attention to her anklets blessing the marble floor as they sweetly rattled against it.

We passed the grand ballroom, noticing a group of royal dancers elegantly twirling around in their bare feet, smiling and laughing as they delved their hearts into their passion. Their dresses flew in different directions, but each dancer seemed to have firm control over which layers drifted and which ones stayed in place.

I looked at Zyanna, who was also gazing at the dancers, through the glass doors and windows.

"Do they remind you of your mother, as a dancer?"

She released a small breath. "I never once saw my mother dancing. I only heard many stories of her, full of admiration, entailing how much of a magnificent dancer she was. They would always say, once her feet started moving, no one could stop her. It was unfortunate that I never had the chance to see it for myself." Her thoughts had blissfully floated elsewhere, her expression giving nothing away except a sense of steadiness.

It could have been mistaken for emptiness too.

"Do you know how to dance, Zyanna?"

She turned her head towards me and chuckled. "The only sort of movements I can perform except walking, is running around the stalls to collect the dungs of cows before they go at it again, and make a mess of the place. But, I must say, I'm getting much better and better at it each day, I probably look like I'm dancing around the cows."

I started to laugh, imagining her dancing just for the cows, as they snort and grunt with appreciation. Then, I became a helpless cause, as I unknowingly bent down and held my stomach, not being able to control my laughter anymore.

"Alright now, Prince Elijah. I can see you're revelling in joy at my expense, but please stop before someone sees and misunderstands the situation. They might even think I tried to harm you or something, from your position." Her eyes rapidly began to flutter around, as she covered her face, embarrassed.

"Oh, Zyanna. You simply have to teach me your ways. As a prince, I'm sure I would have to visit numerous balls, and I'm sadly ashamed to say that I cannot dance at all. I will definitely need your help at some point."

She stared at me with no expression at all. "Of course. I'll make sure to pick the best of my cows to be your dancing partner as well. It would promisingly be a ball to remember."

"Don't be angry, Zyanna. I couldn't help it," She didn't say anything in return, and looked away from me in what looked like playful irritation. "Alright, I apologise. I shall visit you one day in your farm, and provide a helping hand myself. I definitely want to see you in your element, with the cows and horses. What do you say?"

She faked an expression of consideration, as she tapped her chin with her forefinger. "I accept, Prince Elijah. I think I can teach you a thing or two about how hard work shouldn't be laughed at." Though her words may have sounded strict, her smiles that followed highlighted the opposite.

"Well-"

I was unceremoniously interrupted, as one of the many servants came running towards me, hinting at a sense of desperation, as his breaths arrived in short gasps.

"Your majesty! I truly apologise for my rude disruption, but the King immediately requires your presence. He needs you in his chamber, at once, your majesty." The servant kept his eyes down the whole time, beads of sweat dripping down his arms in fear and tension.

"Tell him I'll be there in less than a few minutes." He nodded his head at my order hurriedly, his exit being faster than his entrance.

I turned to Zyanna, a sudden flare of stiffness wading through my mind. I knew it was childish to hope that nothing outrageously tragic had occurred but I couldn't help but at least greet that thought.

"I understand, Prince Elijah. I shall take my leave now, it's about time I returned home."

"Are you sure you'll be safe returning by yourself?"

"I've always been by myself, Prince Elijah. It shouldn't be too much of a problem now, either." She smiled and turned around, walking towards the tall doors standing at a good distance, leading to the exit of the whole palace.

Her gentle and faint strides, followed by her shadow, made me want to follow her, and carefully lead her home.

But, alas, we couldn't always have what we desired.

~~~

"Why are you refusing to realise that everything is at stake here, Sebastian? Were you taught to only act when the enemies coming knocking at our doors?"

"Do not try to insult me, Lucia. You may be the Queen, but do not forget that the Queen wouldn't be deemed worthy if she doesn't serve the right respect to her King."

"I am respecting you. That is exactly why I'm telling you that you're not acting at the right time. The Queen has a significant role in contributing to the decisions that need to be made when the country's safety is concerned. Especially when I'm also the Commander-in-Chief, Sebastian."

The walls of my father's chamber reverberated with the sounds of verbal clashing, as the disagreements between my parents didn't seem to be dissolving into peace soon. It was very rare for them to contradict on any matter, so I thought the circumstances must be rigorously serious for them to speak to each other with a tone louder than the usual whispers.

I entered his chamber, noticing that the painfully polished place heavily contrasted the chaotic expressions spread across their faces.

"Father?"

Both of their attentions bitterly deviated towards my direction, though the sharp sense of fury contaminating the air was only directed towards themselves.

"Lucia, we shall clear our dispute later. We need to inform our son of the happenings before we expand the strain we're imposing on each other," My father looked at my mother with a pleading expression, the side of his personality that never came out in front of other people, peeking its head.

My mother stiffly nodded, letting out a tense breath.

My father continued, fully shifting his focus to me. "Elijah. How has training been progressing so far?"

"Everything's been occurring according to our plans. Is there anything I need to know, Father?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I have tried my best not to bring these matters to your attention, son, but right now, it sincerely demands your involvement,"

I nodded my head, not wanting to interrupt, even though I was offended by him for not wanting to inform me of any predicaments soon enough.

"Our royal messenger, Rayson Zane Lindor, was recently sent on a private investigation, to find the whereabouts of the dancer, with two guards towards the west lands of Yandestine. He is one of the best our palace contains, and extremely talented at what he does, as you know. Yesterday, he sent out a message with our royal pigeon. It said he had finally discovered something very important. Something that unveils everything we needed to know, enough to do whatever we wanted."

This was it. Everything I had searched for with pain and anger was going to be given its deserved meaning.

"What was it, Father?"

"Elijah, I-I do not know how to say this." My father hesitated, stumbling over his words, something he rarely ever did.

My mother let out a stiff breath and placed her hand on his arm. "Show it to him, Sebastian."

My father quickly rubbed his forehead, turning away as he went near his bed. He brought out a fairly large box hiding beneath it and walked back towards me.

"Open it, Elijah."

My fingers started to slightly shake, as I moved my hand near the tiny brown handle and pulled it. The second I released it, a repugnant stench attacked my nostrils, making me lose my stability all of a sudden.

I barely held it together, as what was inside, lifelessly lied there, rotten and untouched for days.

It was a dead animal. Our kingdom's war pigeon, had lost its shades of the beautiful white on its coat and its life with it.

"Did the forest's predators get to it?" I questioned, unable to process my thoughts. If it wasn't a predator, and someone else, it meant nothing but chaos.

My mother answered this time. "No. If it was a predator, there would be marks and stains of blood on this bird's body. There isn't anything like that at all. Our healers suggest it was a strong case of poisoning from examining it."

"Do we know who it is?" I couldn't believe it. Poisoning a war pigeon, crossed thick boundaries that shouldn't have even been touched.

"No, we don't. If we did, it would have been their dead body buried next to our bird, behind the palace. But, it's not only that, son. Look at the bird's legs."

There was a lightweight case strapped to the bird's scrawny legs, nearly dwindling out of the box.

I carefully removed the case, detaching it from its tight position, and removed the cap. Scrolls of paper came falling out, into my hand, as I placed the case near the bird again.

I glanced at my parents, who nodded at me to continue.

I rolled the first piece of paper out, as there were two scrolls, and read the words.

My King.

I am pleased to write to you, after a good week of searching, that we have finally found something excruciatingly significant. I'm afraid I cannot go into much detail, as if this message falls into the wrong hands, it could affect our kingdom's peace. I'll be returning in a few days,  and I hope everything and everyone remain stable.

All I can say is, my King, everything runs deeper than what we could have ever imagined.

Your loyal messenger,
Rayson Zane Lindor

I didn't know I was holding my breath in, until I finished reading the message.

"Father, I-"

"Read the other one too, Elijah." My mother's voice seemed to be holding her last tendrils of calmness fiercely in its palms.

I opened the other scroll, though it was much longer than the first.

King Sebastian Dorian Maguire.

I do not wish to waste my time with pleasantries. I am terribly disappointed in you. Since when, did your guards become so easy to fool? I have to say, it didn't take me long at all, to capture your precious messenger. Do not fret, he isn't dead. Yet.

It all makes me wonder, how easy is it to fool you? But I guess I already know the answer to that.

You have been fooled.

You will be fooled again.

Because, when you fool someone else so mercilessly, you're bound to have the gift returned.

But, I digress. I do not wish to speak to you any longer, even in the form of written words. For I actually prefer your son, Sebastian.

Your majesty. I have missed you, since our night of blood and passion. I do hope you have missed me too, and ache to find me.

You won't actually have to wait for long. We shall meet again very soon, sooner than expected.

Until then,
Fuck you, your majesty.

***

Yikes.

I want your honest opinion, guys. Is the new cover a yes, or a no?

Stay blessed,

OceanaCamerons 🌹🌹🌹