A thunderous bang resounded in the magnificent castle. The collision pushed two individuals far away from each other.
Sera flew back and landed smoothly on her feet with the grace of a cat, while her brother staggered slightly, keeping his calm despite the force.
Garran glanced at the door and a scowl appeared on his countenance.
"Why is it taking so long?" He muttered to himself, twisting his body to avoid a jab while a mischievous smile tugged at his lips.
Sera blew a frustrated breath, her damp hair sticking to her forehead. Garran, on the other hand, looked dangerously calm with not a single wriggle in his tunic.
She shoved back her restless hair and took to a stance, breath steadying as her blue eyes narrowed. Just when the attack was about to land, she jumped backwards and threw a kick at him which made the latter stagger. Just then a bell rang in the room, signalling the end of the training.
A triumphant smile formed on Sera's lips and just when she was straightening her body, her knees buckled in,the floor seemed eager to carry her as it pushed upwards but Garran's strong arms caught her. It took two blinks to register the scene and once it did; her cheeks grew red at the sight, embarrassed, she tried to wriggle out of his hands and stand but she still felt his hands still around her.
" Clumsy as ever." he smirked
"I'm not clumsy." she snapped. She straightened out her dress as she retorted."I lost my balance!"
Sera saw the butler at the entrance and quietly muttered a word of thanks while swiftly scurrying to him.
"How does it feel?" Sera questioned,turning to Garran.
Garran stared at her for a second, his eyes flickering with unknown emotions.
"It feels rejuvenating. I feel stronger and a bit healthier. Also I've become faster than before." He stated, looking ahead as they ascended the stairs.
"Mhmm, so that is what becoming a High human feels like." She muttered while her mind swirled with thoughts. " I am proud of you, Garran."
Garran turned to her and noticed a proud smile on her face and he also smiled. He proceeded to hold her hand as they walked to their quarters.
"You would also get there. You have the potential." He stated.
"That is if Minos dies. That old foggey told Father that it will do me no good to ascend since it might create some throne conflict."
Sera said, rolling her blue eyes.
Garran stared at his younger sister as many emotions raced through him. He found her too innocent for this world and internally agreed with what the High steward said though he said nothing else until they reached his quarters.
"We will meet at breakfast." He said and entered his room, not waiting for his reply.
Sera, who had opened her mouth to respond, had to close it and she sighed before continuing to her room.
A few hours later, soft clicks resounded in the hallway. The maids and servants stopped whatever they were doing to greet the beauty who wore the yellow dress.
Sera dipped her chin and allowed her dress to sweep across in response. She descended the stairs moving towards the dining room. As she neared the room, the herald announced her presence and opened the door for her.
Inside she got sight of her two family members.
"Good morning Father, Good morning Garran!"
Sera smiled and her blue eyes glistened like precious gems under the sun.
The middle aged man seated at the head of the table, raised his head enough to pin her with a flat stare. "Would you mind sharing the good news to us?"
His dull eyes peering into her bright ones. His expression serious.
"I have to agree with you there, Father. She looks exceptionally happy today." Garran corroborated what her father said. He turned to her while a smile was threatening to spill over her lips.
"I am always happy. The human life is short-too short for sorrow."
Sera's cheerful words died under her father's dull gaze.
"True, but your kindness knows no bounds, Sera. Those halflings even receive some of it. Those who breed more than rats."
His lips curled at the mention of the word.
"They are all subjects to the crown, brother. Whether human or not..."
A subtle frown marring her face.
"A princess who cannot hide her emotions is a liability," King Hendrick stated curtly,putting the fork in his mouth. He picked up his goblet and swirled it, " Kindness weakens rulers and it only brings betrayal."
The echoes of the silverware clattered too loudly in the silence. The servants moved silently and swiftly, making Sera feel alone.She clenched her fork. "Yes Father."
Later in the day as she walked in the capital, thoughts of what happened during breakfast lingered in her mind.
'They are all our citizens.' She thought.
Her mind quickly run off that matter, settling on the bustling atmosphere of Solmire.
Her senses burst at the hot spices lingering in the air, accompanied by the adverts of hawkers.
A curious expression found its way to to her countenance as she took in the sight of the bustling capital.
Moving ahead, the golden temple gleamed under the sun in the distance. The Princess closed her eyes and whispered something before speeding up her steps.
"Hurry Adna, we're almost there."
She broke a curve, humming softly as she walked but after a few steps she froze. Her heart clenched at the sight before her.
A child whose pointed ears emerged from his dirty hair sat at the alley with a blank expression. He hugged his knees while some kids pelted him with stones .
Passer-bys ignored him or spat in his direction and without a second thought, she moved towards him.
"Stop!" Her voice boomed like the crack of a whip.
Adna chased the kids away with a glare and moved towards her Lady. Sera proceeded with care, her throat caught a lump when she saw the bruises on his dirty skin.
The demihuman child flinched and stared at her warily.
"I'm not going to hurt you." she said softly, she reached into the bag and picked up the fruits that were supposed to serve as their offering in the temple.
" I brought you this." she pushed the fruits to him, smiling softly. He stared at them hungrily, his lips drooling over.
"Go on, eat." She urged and at this, the child snatched the fruits and bit off a large chuck of it. Stuffing his mouth with a few. Her hands tightened on the hems of her dress when she saw this. Plunging her hands in her pocket, she retrieved a golden coin and pushed it to him.
He picked up the others and hid them in his tattered clothes as though hiding them from someone.
Tears welled up in Sera's eyes and she reached put her hands to pat him
"My Princess."
Adna called, her voice strained.
Sera turned, a frown already on her face as he heart thumped.
All the colour had drained from Adna's face as her hands which held the cubic box trembled.
"The King has collapsed."