The carriage had arrived at the palace. The foreboding dark structures of the high walls shimmer in dawn light. Princess Lyra kept her gaze on the prince, her eyes filled with surprise.
The reveal of his twisted shadow has given her a skin-crawling feeling; now, all that aura was gone, replaced by a look she called fear. Just before they arrived, he bound his hair into a ponytail and made sure his clothes were properly fixed. Seeing the prince in an edgy position kept her uneasy.
He was constantly fidgeting, shaking and gazing out the window.
''My Prince? Are you alright?''
He glanced at her and released a nervous smile.
''I think....fa...fa...father will come to see...see Kaelin.''
Hearing his stuttering reply, she lost her composure, and she began fidgeting also. The carriage had been stopped for a while now, and the members of the VOID had gone in to notify the king of their arrival.
She peeped out of the carriage and, like she expected. All the Royal families, the Darkdorm and the Redblade, all approaching.
''They are coming.' He muttered. ''Is he there? Kaelin's brother!?''
''You mean Prince Lyonel?'' She asked. ''I do not know, I...I...haven't seen him before.''
After hearing the approaching footsteps close up, the carriage was pulled open by the guard. Queen Arin wasted no time in hugging her daughter as soon as she came out, whilst Prince Kaelin stayed in the carriage for a while, his heart racing against his chest.
Prince Kaelin's grip on the carriage door tightened as he hesitated to exit. The sounds of greetings and laughter outside contrasted with the turmoil within him. Princess Lyra's concerned gaze met his, but he avoided eye contact.
"My Lord, come on," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself. The darkness he had once embraced now seemed to suffocate him. His heart pounded as he stepped out of the carriage, his legs trembling.
Queen Namerie's warm smile faltered for a moment as she took in Kaelin's pale complexion into her arms. "My dear prince, welcome home."
He stiffened up, feeling odd from the embrace of the Queen. His stepmother.
She had hugged him on different occasions, but he still found it inconvenient and judged that based on the fact that he had never seen his mother. Just from the corner of his eye, he watched his stepbrother, hurling glares at him.
Kaelin's heart skipped a beat. His brother's piercing gaze locked onto his, and a sly smile spread across his face.
King Gemma's expression was stern as he stared at his son, not saying a word. The Royal family of Eldrida offered their greetings to the heir.
"Well, well, well. Look what we have here,"
Prince Lyonel said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The prodigal son returns."
He bows a little, his eye filled with disdain.
Kaelin's palms slickened with sweat. He had anticipated this moment, dreaded it. But he wouldn't back down.
"Lyonel," Kaelin said, his voice firm, despite the tremors within.
Lyonel's eyes narrowed. "You look...different. Tamed. Why are you wearing rags?"
Kaelin's grip on his emotions tightened. He wouldn't let Lyonel's jabs get to him.
"Grow up, Lyonel," Kaelin said, a hint of defiance creeping into his tone.
Lyonel chuckled, his eyes glinting with anger. "Oh, I have. I'm older!!''
''Enough!!'' The king snapped, putting a stop to their words.
The air thickened with tension as the brothers locked gazes.
''We should dwell on the past now, should we?'' King Redblade intervened, breaking the tension. ''We have got so much to discuss.''
''Come with me.'' Queen Namerie led the prince away, her hand firm around his. Princess Lyra watched him with full curiosity, her eye fixed on his retreating shadow form.
Her mother's voice seemed to pull her out of her reverie.
''Let's prepare you for the ball tonight.''
She followed her mother, away from the prying eyes of the two kings, before daring to speak.
''A ball?''
''You're supposed to be shown to your betrothed during tonight's ball, where he will accept you.''
''Accept me.'' She muttered, her eye narrowed.
Her mother led her across the palace hallway to the side, where a luxurious castle stood. She lured her in, silence taking over till they got to a room.
It was bright, the two huge windows opened, and the birds chirping were characterized in verse. A huge mirror stood, mounted to the concrete ground, having royal markings on it. A large bed on the left wing of the room and a library on the right.
Queen Arin wasted no time in stripping her of the clothes she wore, displeasure written on her face, had her take a serious wash and have a royal robe worn for her. She was made to sit in front of the mirror while Queen Arin dressed her hair.
''Mother.''
''Yes, my daughter.'' Queen Arin cringes closer, caressing her hair and staring at her through the mirror.
''Prince Lyonel today.....he is older than my betrothed....why isn't he the heir?''
The Queen smiled, nodding in her confusion. She continued brushing her daughter's hair.
Unlike the rules in Eldrida. The heir to the thorn in Tenebrous comes from the direct descendant, which means the first Queen, no matter the age.''
''So the second Queen gave birth first.''
''Yes, my daughter. Queen Lyrik bore the heir after three years of Prince Lyonel's birth.''
''Isn't that.....a bit unfair?''
''You must not say that ever!'' Her mother rebuked her. ''It's the rule you will also follow.''
''Okay, mother.''
''However,'' the Queen continued. ''If the heir, Prince Kaelin, fails to take up his position, everything would rightfully go to Prince Lyonel.''
Queen Arin paused, watching her daughter nod to her words.
''Including you, my dear.''
Princess Lyra's eyes widened, her gaze locked on her mother's reflection in the mirror.
"Including me?" Lyra repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. ''Mother, no!''
Queen Arin's expression turned solemn. "As Prince Kaelin's betrothed, you are tied to his fate. If he fails to claim the throne, Prince Lyonel will inherit everything, including you."
Lyra's face paled. The thought of being tied to Prince Lyonel, with his piercing gaze and sarcasm, sent shivers down her spine.
"But mother, I thought—"
Queen Arin's hands tightened on Lyra's shoulders. "Do not think, Lyra. Duty comes first. Our family's alliance with Tenebrous depends on this marriage."
Lyra nodded, though her mind raced with doubts.
Our kingdom has a lot of enemies. Alliance with the Tenebrous Empire will help your brother rule as a powerful ruler someday. Never forget that.''
As Queen Arin finished Lyra's hair, a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Enter," Queen Arin called out.
A maid curtsied. "The ball preparations are complete, Your Majesty. King Thrain requests your presence."
Queen Arin nodded. "We'll be there soon."
The maid departed, leaving Lyra with more questions than answers.
"Mother, what's happening with Prince Kaelin? Why is he so... afraid?"
Queen Arin's expression turned guarded. "That's for him to reveal, Lyra. Tonight, focus on your duties. Secure your place beside Prince Kaelin."
Prince Kaelin's Chambers, Before the Ball
Prince Kaelin stood before the mirror, his valet, Ryker, adjusting his cufflinks.
"Your Highness, tonight's attire suits you perfectly," Ryker said, stepping back, his eye lingering on the prince longer than usual.
Prince Kaelin's gaze narrowed, his eyes seeming to darken. "Ensure the cloak is secure. I wouldn't want any... accidents." He glanced at his valet. ''You sure that Kaelin won't trip in this attire?''
Ryker's hands trembled slightly. "Of course, Your Highness. The cloak is free for movement."
Ryker grabbed the cloak while the prince's eye went back to the mirror.
As Ryker fastened the cloak, Prince Kaelin's reflection stretched ominously, earning a dark glint in his eye. Ryker tensed up, suddenly fidgeting. The elegant attire now seemed ominous, the shadows cast by the candelabras twisting his features.
"Ryker, what do you see?" Prince Kaelin asked, his voice low and menacing.
Ryker hesitated. "I see... a prince prepared for his betrothal, Your Highness."
Prince Kaelin's smile sent shivers down Ryker's spine. "Look closer. What do you truly see?"
Ryker's eyes locked onto Prince Kaelin's reflection, and for an instant, he glimpsed something terrifying – a darkness lurking beneath the prince's surface. A mirage that felt real. A portentous longing. A crooked smile from his reflection.
"Nothing, Your Highness," Ryker stammered, looking away.
Prince Kaelin's chuckle sent chills through the room. "Good. Let's keep it that way."
''Yes, your Majesty.''
Prince Kaelin broke into a smile, casting a warm gaze at Ryker.
''You have always been here since I knew that I existed.''
Ryker paid his respect, head bowed. ''And I'll be with you till my end, your Majesty.''
TBC...