|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 18, 2009 23:29:32 GMT -5
Cast of Characters
The Royalty of Everglade
Markus Everglade Age: 19- The blue-haired prince of Everglade. Engaged to Laura, and the brother of Ketra. Has the ability to use water based magic.
Elaura ‘Laura’ Glasswater Age: 18- Markus’s childhood friend, soon to be married to him. Daughter of Vyncent Glasswater, who is a Lainan hero. She is the vessel of elementist myth.
Rose Thistlethorn Age: 18- Princess of Bloodroot formally betrothed to Markus. Ketra’s best friend and Raythor’s antagonist. She went into a depression when she lost Gabriel.
Ketra Mantle (Everglade) Age: 20- Princess of Everglade who has issues with her father. Markus’s older sister and Rose’s best friend. Recently married to Geoffrey Mantle.
Anella Nightheart Age: 18- Sweet, shy peasant girl from Carina. Cousin to Ross, she had a strong emotional connection to Raythor. The moonlight turns her silver.
Rocelin ‘Ross’ Rainbird Age: 19- A lord from Carina. Anella’s cousin, sent to marry her by his mother. He looks a lot like her.
Blade Ghosttail Age: 20- Elementist shadow prince. Brother of Firelight, and previously engaged to Dasher. More than a little bitter about the broken engagement.
Dasher Starchaser Age: 18- Elementist light princess. Previously engaged to Blade, and Saria’s old friend. A shape-shifter.
David Catshadow Age: 20- Carpenter and hopeful artist. Married to Caldria, and the father of Emma. Hated Lydrion and believes him to be dead.
Caldria Catshadow (Archer) Age: 20- A seamstress. Married to David, and the mother of Emma. Believes Lydrion to be alive.
Kaslon Blademender Age: 19- Carinan peasant. David’s best friend and Emma’s unofficial uncle. Loves girls with blonde hair.
Saria Straightarrow Age: 20- Happy-go-lucky warrior girl. An old friend of Dasher’s. Not the brightest.
Kylara Waterwind Age: 19- Ex-assassin from Caltha. Completely in love with Raythor and obsessed with his legend.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 11:58:44 GMT -5
Dione Klara (Thayet) Age: 18- Angry maid from Carina. Rea’s best friend, married to the knight James.
Rea Greatly Age: 20- Queen of Carina. Dione’s best friend.
Tallith Age: 18- Healer from Carina. In love with Anella. He has repeatedly asked her to marry him and she always says no.
Theo Lancewood Age: 18- Elementist earth prince. Blade’s best friend and Firelight’s constant companion.
Firelight Ghosttail Age: 16- Elementist shadow princess. Blade’s little sister and Theo’s good friend.
Raythor Karian Age: 18- The famous ‘Karian Killer’ of Caltha. Had a strong connection with Anella and a sort of rivalry with Rose. Disappeared into the reverse world two years ago. Had a photographic memory.
Other Characters
Kenetari Archer (Whitestar)/ Vera Karian Age: 20- Raythor’s older sister and their parents’ murderer. More than slightly insane, it is her goal to kill each and every one of the Royalty of Everglade.
Lila Fairfax Age: 15- A Calthan peasant girl. Markus healed her mother, and she knows Amaria, Gregory, Gervase and the deceased Elizabeth. Has a major crush on Markus.
Roland Nightspeaker Age: 19- Prince of Caltha. He later joins the Royalty of Everglade in order to travel to Everglade and find a wife.
Benvolio Whitestar Age: 12- Son of the deceased Sabbath Whitestar and Jason’s brother. Always has a cat on his shoulders. Has a thing for Laura.
Lydrion Archer- Caldria’s twin and the master mind behind all that happened to the Royalty of Everglade two years ago. Kenetari’s husband. He burned to death.
Gabriel Goldensun- Black smith from Carina. Rose’s not quite boyfriend who died protecting her.
Maya- Kenetari’s minion.
Amaria- Pregnant leader of the revolutionaries.
Gregory- Amaria’s boyfriend and father of her unborn child, revolutionary.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 11:58:59 GMT -5
Gervase- Calthan peasant who abused his fiancée, Elizabeth. She later becomes a victim of Caltha’s latest killer. Ranier- Anella’s horse. Eclipse- Markus’s horse.
Thunder- Raythor’s dog.
Chapter One Shades of Gray
“Just pretend you love me for one more day. Then you can go, and I won’t fall apart. You’ll be happier then, won’t you ‘darling’?” Amaria practically snarled at Gregory. He glanced at her and, for a moment, his dark eyes held absolutely no affection. Then they were normal again, completely adoring. It was that moment that kept eating her away, that she couldn’t stand. “No one warned me about the mood swings.” Gregory said, trying to be funny. He took her hand and she flashed him a death glare. “Calm down, beautiful. I’m not going anywhere.” “I don’t want to carry your stupid baby for one more minute!” Amaria shrieked. He rolled his eyes. “Neither of us wanted this to happen, but that’s what we get for having an affair.” He replied, pushing back his dirty blonde hair and sighing. Her blue eyes bore into his brown ones and he dropped her hand. Gregory asked himself mentally whether or not the baby would have her pretty hair, which started off light brown and darkened all the way to black at the bottom. “I’m going out.” He said finally.
****
Markus leaned against the doorframe, relishing in the fact that he was doing absolutely nothing. He’d turned nineteen not that long ago, and his handsome face still held the edges of youth, though it was starting to fade. Ever since he had gotten engaged to Laura two years ago, his life had been a political nightmare. His gray eyes were a little wearier than they had been, but there was a smile on his face more often than not. Thanks to the rigorous magical training the elementists had been putting him through; he was a little skinner than he had been before as well. Markus Everglade, prince of the kingdom named for his family, was not entirely human. Blood of a creature no one could yet identify ran through his veins, coloring his hair a strange light blue from the time he was an infant. It had also stuck him with an unseen guardian in the water elementist, Mercury. He was used to all that oddness, however. What he couldn’t believe was that he and Laura would be married in just less than a week.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 11:59:24 GMT -5
“Markus?” Elaura Glasswater walked up to him, feet perfectly silent, cat-green eyes dancing. Light brown hair, tied in a very loose ponytail as it always was, draped over her back. “Hey Laura.” Markus said, smiling a real smile for the first time that morning. It was still a little jarring to see her dressed like a princess, walking like one, doing her best to act like one. The necklace he’d given her when they were little, just a plain black stone carved in the shape of a cat’s head, still hung from her neck. “Are you doing anything particularly important?” Laura asked. He shook his head. “For once, I’m not. Why?” “I just wanted to know if you’d go riding with me. You seem so tired lately.” “I do? I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. After we’re married, things will calm down.” She assured him. Markus glanced quickly up and down the hallway, and then kissed her. “I’d love to. Try not to worry about me.” “It’s my job to.” Laura said smartly. “You’re lucky Audrion didn’t just walk by.” “I know, I know. I’m barely supposed to touch you until after we’re married.” He gently pushed a lock of hair behind her ears. “It’s just hard to remember that sometimes.” “You’re sweet, Markus.” She hugged him and didn’t let go for a long time. It was the greatest feeling in the world, just being in his arms.
****
Rose brushed her skirt as she got up, grimacing slightly at its stormy gray color. She had worn gray dresses before Gabriel’s death, now she wore them constantly. They hadn’t been this particular shade, though- they had been light, pretty, tinged with blue. She didn’t think she’d been really happy since she’d started wearing this particular unfortunate shade. There was no real connection, of course. His death, and Raythor’s departure, had made her loose interest in color anyway. The change in her actions was easy to recognize. Just like her clothing, everything about her had taken on a shade of gray. She didn’t act half as fiery as she once had; she rarely argued with anyone and never held a grudge. The change in her physical appearance was a little more difficult to see, especially to those who saw her everyday. It had come over her gradually, like the most horrible sort of disease. Her green eyes no longer flashed with their pale fire, her already dull red hair had become duller still. The scariest part of her transformation lay beneath her eyes- deep, dark circles that lay testament to just how little she had been sleeping. That, combined with the stark paleness of her skin, the tired way she moved… “Rose, do you want to come riding with us?” Laura asked as she and Markus walked by. The concern in her voice was almost painful to hear, but Rose really didn’t catch it. “No… I don’t feel like it.” Rose said blandly. She glanced at Markus. It seemed a lifetime ago that the three of them had first met. “Markus, would you wait here while I get our horses?” Laura said, looking at him meaningfully. “Of course.” He nodded. As soon as Laura was out of sight, Rose sunk back on to the bench she had been sitting on. She said, with a little venom:
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 11:59:48 GMT -5
“You two are so in love it’s disgusting to look at you.” Markus moved to sit next to her, patting her shoulder. At the time of their birth, they’d been engaged to form an alliance between their two kingdoms, Everglade and Bloodroot, as Rose was a princess. They’d met two years ago, but she hadn’t told him who she really was until their wedding day. Then they’d ended the engagement permanently. There was still a connection between them, there probably always would be. She was fairly sure she had been in love with him once, or thought she had been. Markus’s voice was one of the most soothing sounds in the world and she was far from the only one who felt that way. “I do apologize. Perhaps you should cover your eyes whenever we walk by.” He said lightheartedly. He looked exhausted. She crossed her arms, on the brink of a smile. “Blue boy, I’m holding you responsible if I throw up.” “I’m glad you came to stay with us,” Markus said, this time seriously. Rose looked away. “Why?” “Because I like having you here. I know you won’t be sad forever and I want to be there when you’re ready to… Oh, I don’t know. Just when you’re ready.” Laura came up with the horses as he said this, and Rose barely noticed her. She just stared into his kind, gray eyes and asked: “Would you mind if I came with you?” His eyes were the pretty shade of gray.
****
Anella Nightheart started down the path toward home. A large, black dog loped along beside her, with his tongue hanging out and his little triangle ears bouncing. She didn’t pay much attention to him, really. A week left. Less than a week. Suddenly the dog stopped running and stood perfectly still, growling. “Thunder!” Anella scolded. Then she looked up and found herself staring into eyes that were the exact same gray green as her own. She very nearly ran into the boy behind them. “Sorry.” The boy said, rather insincerely. Anella realized there was more of a resemblance between them than just their eyes. His hair was the same wavy, dark blonde as hers was and there was something about the shape of the face… “It’s fine.” Anella said quickly. “Are you, by any chance, Anella Nightheart?” The boy asked. She nodded. He extended a hand and she took it reluctantly. He considered bringing it to his lips, like his mother had told him to, but he decided against it. “My name is Rocelin Rainbird… Ross, really.” “Rainbird?” Anella said, relieved. “Then we’re cousins. I’m so happy to meet you, Ross.” “You haven’t the manners of a peasant at all, my lady.” “And what, pray tell, is wrong with peasants?” She laughed at herself. “Thanks to Lady Rainbird, I have a few rich friends and I traveled with royalty. You pick a few things up.” “My sainted mother,” Ross said sarcastically. “Well, Anella, I’ve never been one to beat around the bush.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:00:35 GMT -5
“In that we are quite different, then.” Anella replied, wondering where these words were coming from. “If you weren’t married by eighteen, my mother had always planned to marry you to a distant relative and restore the title to the Nightheart branch of the family,” Ross explained, “To my surprise, I was chosen as that relative. No offense.” “None taken.” “So I’m here to make you fall madly, head-over-heels in love with me. You don’t know me, so you can’t possibly imagine how truly impossible that will be.” “Oh,” Anella said, all confidence lost. She clasped her hands together worriedly. “Oh.” “Are you already engaged?” Ross asked, but his voice seemed far away. “No… I’m not.” “A boyfriend, then?” “No…” “Lover?” “No…” “Are you in love at all?” “Um…” Anella bit her lip. “I’m not quite sure how to answer that.” “Ah.” Ross said knowingly. “Unrequited.” “This is really quite difficult to explain. You don’t even know me.” “I would really like the chance to.” Ross said earnestly. “Have you ever heard of Raythor Karian? The Karian Killer?” Anella asked, trying to gauge his reaction. “Oh, yeah sure. He slit his parents’ throats, right?” “He didn’t, but everyone thinks he did. His sister killed them and she made it look like he did it.” “Watching your sister kill your parents would mess you up pretty badly. What does all of this have to do with you?” “I’m getting to that.” Anella assured him. It felt good to talk about all this to someone after all this time. She had never even mentioned Raythor’s name to her parents. “You see, he didn’t remember that his sister had done it, because he got hit in the head and lost his memory the night she killed them. Raythor woke up thinking he did it, and he spent nine years isolating himself.” “Then how on earth did you meet him?” “Through the Queen Rea’s quest two years ago,” Anella said quietly, “and a lot of other people, and they’re my dear friends…” “But?” Ross prompted, crossing his arms and shifting his weight. “Raythor never let himself show any emotion. He thought that if he ever fell in love, he would kill that person and forget them… Just like the first time.” “And you’re that person.” “I could be. He’s tried to tell me something over and over again and broken off… He’s been so sweet and so cold and so cruel… but he’s not made of ice, not really, that’s just how he acts. I’ve seen him let his guard down, too…” “Where is this guy anyway?” “Gone.” “Dead?”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:01:31 GMT -5
“No. Just away, somewhere he can’t escape from. But he’s coming back a week from now.” “Dungeon?” “No, but like it. That’s an even longer story.” “So, basically, you have no idea if it’s unrequited?” “If I love him.” “Oh, that’s a given.” Ross said. “Is he aware that he’s putting you through hell? I can’t imagine someone who’s in love with you would be that fickle.” “He doesn’t act the way he does around me with anyone else. It could be because he loves me.” Anella said, and it sounded like a refrain. “Have you told anyone who actually knows him any of this?” “No…” “Then you should.” “Really?” “Sure. Trust me.” “Ross?” “Yes?” “Please don’t say trust me.”
****
Markus walked through the hall toward his father’s throne room in no particular hurry. True, he had been summoned, but it was only his father. No need to worry, it was probably just another reminder about his duties as a crown prince. He opened the doors carelessly, not bothering to wait for the nervous looking servant to do it for him. Laura was already there, looking slightly uneasy and with a frown on her face. Markus’s mother was next to her. She smiled at him. Ivy held her much younger son’s hand in hers. Benedict had black hair like his fathers and brown eyes like his mother’s. She picked up the two year old as her husband declared, in his booming voice: “What kept you?” “I was in the courtyard when you summoned me.” Markus replied with a shrug. Laura covered her mouth so that the king couldn’t see her smiling. “Never mind.” Audrion said impatiently. “What terrible thing are you doing to my brother now?” Another royal demanded as she burst through the door. Ketra’s fiery red hair matched her mother’s, but her hard blue eyes were Audrion’s. A terribly forgettable male figure trailed after her, with his not-quite-blonde-not-quite-brown hair getting in his eyes as he walked. He sniffed. Audrion’s teeth clenched. “Ketra!” Markus, Laura and Ivy cried. The three of them, and consequently the toddler, rushed over to see her. The princess kept her eyes on her father’s. “What’s so important that I had to leave my new manor house to hear about?” Ketra demanded. “Caltha.” The king replied. “There’s talk of a revolution.” “All right…” Markus said, blinking. “Caltha is our ally. Is it between royals or between the royal family and the peasants?” “Peasant uprising.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:02:00 GMT -5
“Then can’t we just send a few knights over to show our support? That’s what we’ve always done before.” “This is different.” Ivy interjected. “There’s a murderer going through the villages. Everyone thinks it’s a judgment on the royal family and the rebellion is everywhere.” “The point is they need someone of our blood to reaffirm Everglade’s loyalties.” Audrion said sternly. Ketra clenched her fists. “You want the Royalty of Everglade. You want to stall the wedding.” Audrion didn’t answer. “Who, then? Who are you going to give them?” Nothing. Ketra frowned, glancing back at Markus and Laura. She froze. “Markus’s first born.” “Excuse me?” Markus said, confused. “Another birth engagement. Your first born child to one of theirs.” “If that’s what I have to do.” The prince said firmly. “I’ll go to Caltha after the wedding, and make that promise to the Nightspeakers.” “You’re going to stand there and let him do this to you again?” “If it’s for the best for Everglade I have no choice.” “If it’s a daughter you’ll lose her!” “Audrion didn’t lose you.” The utterly forgettable boy said, and everyone stared at him. It was odd to hear his voice. “Geoffrey’s right.” Laura said. She smiled at Ketra’s new husband. It had been an arranged marriage, no wonder Ketra had reacted so violently. Then Laura looked at her feet, her maid instincts kicking in. “I apologize, sire.” “It may seem like he hasn’t.” Ketra snapped. Laura flicked her eyes up and said nothing. “Speak,” Audrion commanded Laura, glaring at his daughter. “I’m not supposed to be part of your word, I’m meant to just watch it go by.” Laura started hesitantly. No one stopped her. She took a breath. “But I have watched it all my life. My child will be born into it, as will their children. Engagements and marriages are a political process and they always have been. But, despite all that, King Audrion will always be your father, Ketra. A family is always a family, by birth or otherwise. No matter what happens, no matter what we all must do for the good of the crown and Everglade my children will always be my children. You will always be his child.” Ketra regarded the younger girl with uncertainty. Laura’s expression didn’t waver. Laura had just said everyone was equal and had to make the same sacrifices, and the king had told her to do so. Her and Markus together, as ambassadors… Caltha wouldn’t have a doubt of Everglade’s allegiance. Maybe, for once, her father had some good ideas.
Chapter Two I won’t have to leave you
Dasher Starchaser couldn’t have imagined a more different arrival from the one two years ago than this. All those around her bore a resemblance to her, but she stood out painfully anyway. Last time, she had been alone. Now she was surrounded by attendants, guards, dozens of others like her. Dasher wasn’t human. She was a wolf-like being known as an elementist. White bird wings folded over her back. Her fur was light blue and her eyes were the color of water. Her legs, the tips of her ears and the stripe that ran from the star on her forehead to the end of her nose were pure white. The star itself and
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:17:04 GMT -5
the two small feathers, one on the tip of each ear, were yellow. Her tail, like that of a horse, was deep blue and seemed to flow like water. In her world, she was incredibly beautiful. “Markus, Dasher’s here!” A female voice called irritably. Ketra stepped into view, forcing a smile. Dasher just looked amused. Laura came forward soon afterward, her expression one of genuine happiness. Markus was behind her, his eyes sparkling with slight mischief. Someone she didn’t recognize brought up the rear, but she forgot he was there almost instantly. “Hello, everyone. It’s been awhile, huh?” Dasher said. “Yes it has. I’m so, so glad you’re here!” Laura said. The light princess flashed a canine grin. “Well, Markus, what’s with the look in your eyes? I know you a little too well to ignore it.” “I trust you still like puzzles?” He said with a smile.
****
“So this Kylara girl follows him around?” Ross asked, biting a chunk out of an apple and chewing thoughtfully. “And, by consequence, you.” Anella blushed at that, a habit he was already used to due to its frequency. She played with her own apple but didn’t eat it. “Yes but I’m not a… not a puppy girl.” She replied. “What in heavens is a puppy girl? “Oh… Rose used to call Laura that, because she was always with Markus.” “Aren’t they the engaged couple.” “Yes.” “Then maybe you want to be a puppy girl. It seems to be an effective strategy.” “Markus already loved her though. They were best friends.” “I truly hope that the ‘wonderful’ Raythor isn’t quite as dreadful as you’re making him sound.” “He’s not dreadful.” Anella said, almost biting the apple but not quite making it. Ross frowned. “Who was his best friend, then? You?” “I don’t know… maybe…” “Who did he talk to the most?” “He talked to a lot of people.” “All right… who did he talk to alone the most?” “That might have been me. We ended up alone together a lot…” “Breakthrough!” Ross exclaimed, taking another bite of his apple. “Ready for the next question?” “I suppose…” Anella said unsurely. “Did he ever say anything even vaguely romantic to you?” “He told me I was beautiful.” She said softly. For the first time, her cheeks flushed slightly but she wasn’t blushing. Ross smiled. “You are a sweet girl.” “Ross… could I ask you something?”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:17:22 GMT -5
“I can’t see why not.” “Why do you want to know all this? Why do you want to help me?” “Because you’re a Rainbird. And because I like you.”
****
Rose had joined them, but the arrival of Dasher and Ketra didn’t seem to have cheered her up in the slightest. She just stared at her nails in a disgruntled fashion and sighed loudly every few minutes. Rather than be irritated, Ketra, Markus, Laura and Dasher were successfully ignoring her. “There’s a rebellion building in Caltha?” Dasher said, with interest. “Why? Taxes? Famine? War?” “Their royal family, the Nightspeakers, has been doing a crummy job for generations, for one thing.” Rose grumbled. “I guess there’s that,” Markus said, grinning slightly, “but the peasants rallying point this time is apparently a murderer that the Nightspeakers have failed to do anything about.” “Let me guess… judgment from above?” Dasher said wryly. “That’s it exactly.” “Why were you chosen as the diplomat? You’re the crown prince; it must be a pretty desperate situation over there.” “I’m pretty sure it was the face.” Laura teased. “Yes, well, as ‘the face’s’ staunchest supporter, I’m not surprised you’d say that, beloved.” Markus teased. “The two of you are making me sick again.” Rose commented. She switched hands, as if that set of nails might possibly be more fascinating. “We should have someone from Caltha come with us, I think.” Laura said, just to change the subject. “Kylara’s coming to the wedding, isn’t she? I bet she knows Caltha inside and out.” Dasher said logically. “She’s coming just because she wants to get in Raythor’s pants. She couldn’t give a heap of broken glass about the rest of us.” Rose said. “Rose!” Laura scolded. “That isn’t very nice.” “But it’s true, isn’t it?” “Regardless.” Markus said, and Laura glared at him reprovingly. The corners of Rose’s mouth turned up very slightly. “What do you know about the victims?” Dasher asked. Ketra answered this time, with a bitter twinge in her voice: “Nothing. They’re peasants. My father supposes that we don’t care.” Laura flinched, and Markus put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s all right, sweetheart…” He said. “My father-” “Your father looks down on me because I’m a peasant with a title he bought me. I just spend all my time in the arms of his perfect son, keeping him from making Everglade’s royalty a line of pure, higher nobles.” Laura said, not sounding angry but unhappy. “I know what your father thinks. He thinks I’m worthless.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:17:52 GMT -5
“That isn’t true; he thanked you for saving my life. He said he owed everything to you.” Markus said. Dasher and Rose exchanged looks, feeling the awkwardness of the situation with extreme acuteness. “She’s absolutely right.” Ketra said. “Our father is a narrow minded, heartless-” “I’m sorry.” Laura said. “I’m really sorry. I’m going to talk a walk. Don’t let me bother you.” “Laura!” Markus said, as she strode away, holding her chin up to keep from crying. “Go after her, you idiot.” Rose said. Markus blinked at her. “Oh, oh right.” He ran his hand over the back of his head. It was such an easy choice, or it should have been… He could see that Ketra thought so, from the hatred in her eyes that he knew was meant for their father. Markus hesitated for a second longer before going after his best friend. “How stupid is he?” Rose said angrily. Ketra nodded her agreement, but Dasher didn’t look so sure. “It isn’t about-” Dasher started, but she trailed off. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter.”
****
“Laura,” Markus said, tentatively. She was sitting with her back against the tree in the center of Imperia’s courtyard, Markus’s tree. Laura hugged her knees, her head resting against the bark, her face tilted toward the sky. Markus didn’t think she could have looked more beautiful. “I was being stupid.” Laura said. “Not you.” “You heard that?” Markus answered. “I don’t think Rose could have said it much louder without yelling.” “Just talk to me Laura. Ketra shouldn’t say things like that.” “I shouldn’t be so sensitive to them.” “You know it doesn’t matter to me that you’re a peasant.” Markus said. He sat next to her, and she let her head rest against his shoulder. He stroked her hair and she closed her eyes. “It doesn’t matter what he thinks either, even though I know I act like it does.” “It does matter.” Laura said, frustrated. “I’m going to be a queen one day. Audrion is a good king, if he doesn’t think that I could be good enough-” “You’ll be a perfect queen. I’m only sorry that I’ve sealed you into my destiny.” “How can I regret anything when I have you?” Laura said, shifting so that she could kiss him. “Laura,” Markus protested against her lips, “If my father sees us-” “I thought you said it didn’t matter what he thinks.” She said, and he kissed her back and tried not to think about the possible consequences. “Laura, Audrion’s coming.” Laura’s maid friend, Lynn, said in a low voice. Laura tried to pull back, but the prince took hold of her shoulders and wouldn’t let her go. Lynn scurried off just as Audrion came up booming: “Markus!”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:18:09 GMT -5
“What, father?” Markus asked, releasing Laura and meeting the king’s eyes. Audrion seemed slightly taken aback, but he didn’t let that stop him for long. “A prince is not to be out in the open carrying on with a maid like a servant boy! You’re no better than your uncle.” “She’s not a maid, she’s my fiancée, father.” The prince said, with a very slight note of defiance. Laura shrunk back against the tree, regretting that she’d kissed him. Audrion terrified her. “You are still expected to behave in a civilized manner. We are trying to make this look as little like a love match as possible, and make it seem like we are very mercifully helping the long overlooked Vyncent Glasswater gain a title through your marriage to his daughter. The fact you were raised with her is regrettable, surely, but that is unchangeable. I expect better of you.” Audrion said sternly. Markus forced himself to nod. “Yes, father. I apologize, it was my fault entirely.” “It was a mistake. Don’t let it happen again, or I’ll find a way to separate the two of you until the wedding.” “Does it…” Markus said, fighting back his very slight level of nausea, “Does it matter to you that I love her?” “It shouldn’t.” Audrion said, ignoring the brief flash of pain across his son’s face. “But I have made many allowances in order for this to work. Elaura did a service for Everglade in protecting its heir, and that has weighed in our favor. That’s why it is so vital that neither of you disobey the small bit of royal code that we’re still following. I trust that she is still pure.” “Pure?” Markus said, but Laura turned red and her mouth fell open slightly. “Yes sire, as the snow.” Laura said, keeping her eyes on the ground. “Good.” Audrion said approvingly. “Then I will treat her like a princess when she becomes a princess. For now, she is a maid and she is to be treated as such. Is that understood?” “Yes, sire.” They both said. He left and Markus and Laura just sat there as though they had been beaten.
****
Three days had passed since Anella had met Ross, and they had talked about pretty much everything. The fact he was her cousin, no matter how distant, put the shy girl instantly at ease. Ross wasn’t a particularly anxious fellow either. His vibrating in place never stopped, but she chalked that up to high-energy rather than nerves. He talked about his mother quite a bit. How she felt she was queen of the world, how she was continuously reminding him to be charming and encouraged him to befriend women over men. This has all just led to Ross jumping around in the mud with a whole troop of village boys and always making sure to ruin his clothing. “Now Anella,” Ross said, calling her away from her thoughts. “Didn’t you tell me you were going to a wedding soon?” “Yes, in four days. I’ll probably leave in three.” She said. Then she bit her lip. “Oh my… You know, I’m going to miss you.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:19:19 GMT -5
“Well… that’s good to hear, because I have a most imposing question to ask you. Would you mind terribly if I came with you?” “Of course not, Ross. You deserve the chance to meet all the people we’ve been talking about all week.” “And yet I hope you never have to meet my mother.”
****
Laura pulled back her hair and sighed slightly. It was nice to be back in her father’s castle, but she rather wished her room didn’t have a mirror in it. Not only did it remind her of the one she had shattered two years ago, but she couldn’t stop looking at it. She kept staring in it and frowning, seeing her sharp green eyes and her pretty, perhaps, but not beautiful face. None the less, there was still far too much to do to be worrying about her appearance. The journey from Everglade and Imperia to Laina and her father’s castle had been thoroughly uneventful. Audrion was already striding around like he owned the place, so it was fortunate for all of them that the king of Laina could not attend the wedding. “Laura,” Rose said as the brunette girl ducked into the hall, “there you are.” “Good morning, Rose. Isn’t it nice out today?” Laura said brightly. Rose rolled her eyes, making the circles under them all the more apparent. “It’s much too hot.” “Did you want to talk to me?” “Yeah… about tomorrow, kind of.” “About the wedding?” “It’s just that it’s really strange to think that, two years ago, I had this same choice. Not much of a choice for you, though, is it? He really loves you.” Rose said. She tried to smile. Laura looked concerned. “A choice? What do you mean?” “The day before I was going to get married I thought I loved him and I made the decision to get us out of it. Markus knows that.” “Then you must regret it terribly.” “No, Laura, the point is that I don’t regret it.” Rose said firmly. “You two are my friends and I’m really happy for you. I know I don’t say that enough, maybe I never have. I haven’t been myself since Gabriel died, but that’s no excuse. So, you know… good luck.” “Oh, Rose,” Laura said, hugging her. When she let go, she was crying slightly. Rose frowned. “What’s that about?” “That was just so lovely of you to say.” “Rose did you find… oh, there she is.” Markus strode up. “Why are you crying, sweetheart?” “Just something Rose said.” “I must be cheering up a little. How perfectly vile.” Rose said. “I bet it’s because Raythor’s coming back.” Markus said mischievously. Rose glared at him. “Why would I be happy that he, of all people, is coming back?”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:19:47 GMT -5
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you miss him?” “Shut up! I do not miss him!” “Hey… you know, about Raythor…” Laura said. She felt cold all over, wondering about their reactions when he didn’t show up tomorrow. No, she mustn’t think like that, he was fine… “What, Laura?” Markus said curiously. She decided to back out of the whole thing. “I miss him too.”
****
Anella knocked self-consciously on Vyncent’s giant front door. Thunder panted lazily to her right, already slightly lethargic in the heat. Ross stood to her left, tapping his fingers against his knee. The door opened and a blonde servant boy looked out at them. “Anella Nightheart, right?” He said. She nodded. “Come on in. Who’s he? David? No, not David…” “This is my cousin, Ross Rainbird.” Anella informed him. “Welcome to both of you, milord and lady. I’ll show you to your rooms.” Anella slipped away as quickly as she could, eager to see who was already here. To her dismay, only Kylara and Tallith seemed to be here so far. Kylara had bronze skin, long black hair, and soft green eyes that were lighter than both Rose’s and Laura’s. She was an ex-assassin from Caltha who was not only obsessed with the Karian Killer myth, but also in love with Raythor. She and Anella really didn’t get along that well. Tallith, on the other hand, was hopelessly in love with Anella. He’d asked her to marry him numerous times, and she kept refusing or evading the question. Other than that, the green eyed healer’s only remarkable feature lay in his white hair, which didn’t make any sense for someone his age. “Anella,” Tallith said rapturously. Kylara just faked a smile and didn’t bother getting up. “Hello,” Anella said neutrally. Ross stumbled in at that moment, to her relief, and asked loudly: “Who are they?” “Tallith and Kylara.” “Ah.” Ross said, clearly much enlightened. “A pleasure and all that rot. I’m Ross Rainbird, Anella’s distant cousin.” “Yay for you.” Kylara said, twirling her finger. “A member of Anella’s family?” Tallith said, but it was barely a question. “How nice.” “I’ve heard so much about the both of you.” Ross said sincerely. Kylara noticed the dog and became far more interested in him than any of the people. “Thunder, come here.” Kylara beckoned. He trotted half way over, tilting his head, and progressed very slowly the rest of the way. She started scratching him behind the ears. “Oh, is she the friend you were watching him for?” Ross asked. Anella shook her head. “No… not her.” “Tell me he’s not Raythor’s.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:20:02 GMT -5
“He’s Raythor’s.” Kylara and Tallith said in unison. Then they gave each other odd looks. Anella blushed a deep red crimson. There was the sound of feet on the stairs, and Markus, Laura, Ketra, Dasher and Rose appeared moments later. Anella broke into a smile. “Oh goodness! There you all are!” Anella said happily. They all crowded around her and Laura hugged her. Markus put a hand on her shoulders. “God, it’s good to see you Anella. We’ve all missed you.” Markus said. “It’s been ages.” Laura agreed. “Are you going to introduce us to your friend?” Dasher asked. “This is Ross Rainbird, my cousin.” Anella repeated. “Ah… let me guess who’s who.” Ross said. “Well, Markus is obvious. I trust you, milady, are Laura.” He shook the bride-to-be’s hand. Then he shook Rose’s and Ketra’s. “And Rose and Ketra, the red headed princesses. Ah, and Dasher, the elementist princess. Pardon my dreadful manners.” “Wait till you meet Dione.” Rose said. “I rather fear to. Her reputation precedes her.” “Hey, Anella, could I talk to you for a second?” Markus asked. She nodded and followed him out of the room and into the hall, leaving Ross alone in the circle of women. “What is it, Markus?” Anella said, as soon as they were out of earshot of the others. “Laura was going to say something about Raythor earlier, but thought better of it. The point is it’s not the first time she’s done it.” He explained. “I think there might have been something wrong with him- a sickness, a wound- but it’s just that… he might not be coming back.” “Why… why are you telling me all this?” “Because I know that you love him,” Markus said, but added quickly, before she could protest, “Dasher reads emotions, remember? I just want you to know there’s a chance that he won’t be there tomorrow.” “Does… did… he love me?” Anella asked, averting her eyes and successfully fending off the tears. “I didn’t ask her that. Are you sure you want to know?” “I guess I’m not.” Anella said, to her own amazement. “I’d want to hear it from him, if he’s alive. I hope he’s alive. Does anyone else know… about…?” “No, not even Laura. Dasher just told me, for what ever reason.” “It’s because you’re… you know, Markus. I’d want the worst news in the world to come from you, if it had to come.” “I’m sorry that I had to tell you that. It just didn’t seem fair, that you didn’t know. I’d feel terrible if I didn’t know something like that about Laura.” “It’s better to know.” “I’m sure he’s alive.” “But even for a cat… he’d be running out of lives…”
****
Laura stood stock still with her hand on the doorknob to her room. It was dark now and the day was drawing to a close. All of the Royalty of Everglade was here now,
|
|