June 6th 1408
In the kingdom of eravell blessed by God with intricate labyrinthine cities, Eravell is a place of scholars, healers, and artists. It's governed by a council rather than a monarchy, giving it a unique place among other kingdoms. The grand hall gleamed with silks and crystal, gilded chandeliers spilling golden light across the marble floors. Tapestries and banners, rich in scarlet and royal blue, draped the walls, bearing the family crest in proud display. Musicians played a jovial melody, filling the air with an energy that mingled with the laughter and hum of courtly chatter, all to celebrate the 25th birthday of the princess samantha.
Across the room, Samantha caught sight of him. His jet-black hair was combed back from his face, revealing sharp cheekbones that lifted in a subtle smile as he spoke with members of the court. Their eyes met by chance, and she quickly gestured toward the banners, hoping to mask her interest. Yet her movement had drawn his attention, and he excused himself from his company, trailing behind her as she led them away from the hum of song and laughter.
She moved with the poise of a young woman fully aware of her beauty and newly discovered influence, carrying herself with the grace befitting a crowned princess. He bowed slightly, acknowledging her title, his voice warm but formal.
"Your Highness," he greeted her with a polite smile.
She closed the distance, her gloved fingers brushing softly against his chest. The heat of his presence lingered, rekindling the longing that had grown in his absence—a desire rooted deep, like a stone left untouched yet never forgotten. She could feel it within her, this forbidden attraction.
He took a step back, his gaze steady but firm, caution and self-restraint veiled in his dark eyes. "You said you would stop."
Samantha pursed her lips, rolling her eyes playfully. "When have you ever known me to do as I say I would? Or did you truly believe I would take 'no' for an answer?" Her voice dipped lower, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Do not forget, Michael, I am to be your queen—and a queen is to be obeyed at all times."
Her words held the coquettishness of a child grasping at a precious toy, yet her tone hinted at something deeper—a desire for power, for control.
He met her playful tone with a scoff, shaking his head. "But you are not yet a queen, Samantha, and the king would have my head if he found us speaking like this in private."
Her expression softened, her eyes full of an intensity that belied her playful demeanor. "I mean you no harm, Michael," she murmured. "It's why I've suggested you marry me."
At this, he chuckled, his amusement tinged with pity. "Oh, Samantha," he sighed. "You are still but a child in my eyes—a child I hold dearly, yes, but a child nonetheless. I have nothing to offer you at 40." He shook his head, his tone almost gentle as he added, "In time, you will see that. Until then, I ask you to cease this…badgering."
And with that, he took his leave, his departure leaving her in the dim silence, a mixture of frustration and longing shadowing her face.
that memory was nearly 7 years old yet but despite that had come to play in her mind several times over the years. As she aged gracefully she wondered what might have happened if they never met again that night.
And because of that she never found herself truly capable of moving on from what he had left her with, it was impossible to as a matter of fact. whether it be a mistake or an abomination in the eyes of others, to her it was the very thread that wove both their lives together. forever.
she marched briskly through the halls, the sun reflecting on the clear pond surrounded by orchids and blue roses, on her way to his chambers. it was still early and he had missed the morning chamber meeting with the counsel. it was unlike him and she ought to check in on him.
seeing as no maids were on the floor she questioned if he would now oppose to their private meeting. she smiled at that thought as she knocked before adjusting her crimson corset.
"michael… it is samantha. there is no one around so feel free to let me in. I have something… of urgent care. It is regarding our-"
She paused, listening to the strange silence that was unlike the man she knew of.
seconds pressed in as she listened.
"michael?" she knocked again, this time with slight annoyance until she reached for the handle and pulled the door only to find it locked.
she scoffed, nearly tripping as she kicked the foot of the door with the pointed end on her shoes.
In the great hall king rehoboam of eravell, called on his wise council to discuss the perilous matter of the witches. Their spells left death and chaos in its wake, corrupting whoever stepped foot on the land. And now that the seasons are changing the witches have no choice but to shift their intentions to larger areas.
Soon, the soil would be eroded and the waters will be polluted. It was a matter of grave importance and after much discussion the king decided it was fair to secure fertile land by sieging the kingdom of solarkris before other nations got wind of this grave news.
Unlike the other kingdoms, solarkris had its own sustainable water supply at its heart.
But in the event that they fail to overcome the kingdom…
King rehoboam rose his hand, silencing his council. "the war is not over yet, we must fight evil with evil when the time comes. find the warlock and bring him back. Alive."