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Blood King Chapter Twenty Three

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Chapter Twenty Three




The Fall Hunt would begin in a matter of days, much sooner than Celina expected, it just seemed like it was only yesterday that her brother Xavier was finally crowned King. And now before she had even realized it the leaves were already changing color to yellows, reds oranges and browns the air began to feel crisp and cool as she looked at the forest from her chambers with the windows open.

This was her favorite time of year; she loved watching the leaves change color making the forest look spectacular. Her blue eyes peered to the edge of the forest, seeing a number of forest folk waiting for their King. Today Tharen would be returning to his lands of the woods, he said previously that he had overstayed his welcome and had important matters to attend back with his people.

A tiny part of her wished he could stay longer, but the royal in her knew that would not be possible, he had his duties and she had her’s. As nice as it was for him and the few others to be here they needed to go back to what they were doing before.

“Princess Celina?” Celina turned to see Ann watching her from a distance.  Her amber eyes shined as she smiled softly at the Princess. “Are you alright?” she asked. “You seem down.”

“Tharen and his people are returning today.” She sighed before looking at Ann once again. “Would it be strange to say that I see him as family?”

Ann shook her head as she entered the room further. “No, I do not think so. From what you’ve told me and from what Maria and I have seen you have known the Forest King for a long time now, so it’s only natural you see him as such.”

That was true.

Ann watched Celina for a silent moment before speaking again. “Princess, if you’d like, Maria and I can guide you and the King in the forest so you can say proper goodbyes to the Forest King.”

She looked at Ann with slight surprise. “You would do that?”

Ann smiled. “Yes we would,” she then glanced to the corner of the room and gave a half knowing smile. “Right Maria?”

Celina looked to where Ann’s gaze went and nearly jumped from her seat when she saw Maria standing in the shadows by the bedroom door. “Maria, how long were you there?” she asked gripping her chest from the sudden jolt that her heart continued to make. She didn’t even see the woman come in, much less make a sound.

“I’ve been here for at least fifteen minutes.”

“Then why did you not say anything when you came into my chambers, I would not have minded. If anything I feel rather rude for not even noticing you.”

Maria simply shrugged. “No harm done Princess, I did not wish to bother you while you were in your thoughts, besides I am your guard if you were to notice me so easily I would not be able to do my job.”

“Yes but…”

Ann laughed. “It’s alright Princess, to tell you the truth it’s a habit for Maria to stay quiet and hidden, even while we were traveling to the kingdom she would stay hidden in the trees like a bird. She scared off a lot of bandits doing that I can tell you.”

Celina thought about it for a moment before looking to Ann. “Then why is it you were able to tell where Maria was?”

She waved a dismissive hand. “Oh that’s only because I’ve known her for years, over time you’ll be able to well where Maria is as well, but even then I can sometimes not tell where Maria is.” She then changed the subject back on topic. “So? Would you be interested in going into the forest?”

Celina frowned, she knew about the borders in the forest where a human could not cross without permission of the beings that lived there unless they wanted to pay. “Will it really be alright to do that?”

Anna gave a beaming smile. “With me and Maria there will be nothing you’ll need to worry about I promise you that Princess.”


Xavier stood along the treeline of the forest, his blond hair tied back as he was dressed in semi-formal clothes, with a sword at his side. He didn’t bother with a jacket or his crown, at the moment he didn’t want to announce to the world that the King of Valdoria was standing in such a venerable place.

“Majesty, are you sure about this?” William asked as Samson stood back looking through the treeline. “Standing out here with so few guards, when there is someone out there who might try to end your life.”

“You worry too much William.”

William frowned at the King’s statement. “And you don’t worry enough, if what you’ve been told is true then we should act.”

“If we act too soon now it will cause that person to flee, and I’d rather not have that happen, sometimes the risks are worth the reward.”

“But not at the stake of your own life.” William said sternly.

Xavier merely smiled at the man’s worried tone. “That is true William, but I am a very difficult person to kill.”

“Even if you say that I still don’t feel comfortable about it.”

“Sir,” Samson came over to William’s side. “The Forest Folk are coming, and well… so is our Princess.”

Xavier turned and frowned at what Samson said, but made no comment on the matter as he saw Celina walking with Ann and Maria towards them. What was his sister doing?

“Princess.” William said as both he and Samson bowed to her. “It is an honor to see you out and about but I must ask why are you out here?”

Celina smiled at him gently. “Hello William, and you as well Samson.” she said. “Sorry if I am a bother, but I merely wished to give my proper goodbyes to King Tharen and Strikerius. Is that… is that not good?”

“No,” William shook his head quickly. “Of course not Princess, it’s just that it may not be safe.”

Celina frowned. “And why is that?”

Samson cleared his throat. “Well Princess, you see…”

“Samson,” William interrupted as he wrapped an arm around the young man’s shoulders. “Come with me for a bit, I’m sure the King and Princess would rather talk alone.” When he dragged Samson away from Celina Xavier walked over to her.

“Celina, why are you out here?”

She raised her chin at him. “Much like how I told William, I came to say goodbye to King Tharen properly, I would have done the same for Radu’s father but he left to abruptly.”

That much was true. Vladimir had left to return to his lands, while telling his son and daughter to remain and enjoy the Fall Hunt before Radu would return alone. What kind of father would ask his eleven year old son to make such a journey with so few men to guard him?

“King Vladimir was never one to say goodbyes even when visiting other lands. It’s how he is, nothing much we can do about that now is there?”

Celina sighed. “I suppose not.”

Xavier smiled at her as he placed his hands lightly on her thin shoulders. “Saying goodbye to Tharen isn’t the only reason your out here is it?”

Her gaze glanced off to the side to look at the tree’s changing color. “You could tell?”

His smile grew as he wrapped his arms around her, his fingers laced together as the base of his palms rested just slightly below the center of her back. “I did, I know because you were born in the autumn season, our mother also loved this time of year as well, saying that this is when a great change occurs to everyone, including us. While Mother was pregnant with you she would often tell me that she hoped you would be born during then.”

She titled her head slightly to the side, she never knew her mother saying anything like that, but then again she was so young when their mother died it wasn’t surprising that there wouldn’t be much Celina did not know of both of her parents. “And what is that?”

He leaned down, strands of his blond hair falling slightly forwards in front of his gaze as he smiled down at her.  “That you would one day be able to change the lives of our people, that you would change those around you, and that you would always be loved.”

She rested her head against his chest eyes misting with tears as she tried to picture her mother saying that to her. “She really said that?”

“Yes she did,” he whispered before glancing over to see both Ann and Maria watching from a small distance. “Tharen told me that you heard about a potential plot on my life. That one of my own Ministers spoke of this.”

Celina felt a slight feeling of dread as she looked up at him. “Are you mad?”

“For not telling me?” he shook his head. “No, I understand you were scared and wanted to get evidence first before telling me. I know you well enough already to know that’s something you would do.” His smile then turned into a slight look of worry as he drew one hand back to cup her cheek. “But now that I am King you cannot do that, if you hear a possible threat on ether my life or yours you must tell me right away. Understand?”

Slowly she nodded. “I do, sorry for not telling you.”

Xavier hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “It’s alright, just as long as you know.”

Shortly after Tharen and Strikerius came with two horses, Tharen was dressed again as he was back when Xavier’s coronation began. His crown of bronze and gold-leaf leaves entertaining the metal work that rested along the back of his head and ears.

Tharen handed the ranges off to Strikerius before walking over to the two royals. Strikerius hung back to allow his King some privacy though as he did the two handmaidens came over, the one named Maria leaned against the horse with her arms folded across her chest.

“So your heading back then?” she asked.

“Yes,” was all he said in return to her question.

Maria watched him with a slanted gaze before looking towards the sky. “What are the Forest homelands like?”

Strikerius frowned. “Why would you want to know that, human curiosity?”

Maria scoffed but didn’t say anything, so Ann spoke up instead. “Maria has our blood in her, only her’s is a very little amount that she looks human. Even her ears are normal.”

He looked at Maria almost stunned, he never expected that the Princess would hire someone of Elven decent, Ann was a Halfling which had shocked many on its own, but the fact that Maria had some blood of those who lived in the Forest was even more shocking.

Maria shrugged it off good naturedly. “I met my great, great grandparents back when I was five, but they looked really young, at first I thought it was some kind of trick, no one that young could have been so sold. My parents were the ones to tell me otherwise. I am indeed of Elven decent, but I don’t have the ears but I did discover a few things.”

“Like what?”

“Her heightened senses and abilities,” Ann said. “Though it’s common in all of our kind it’s extremely prominent in Maria, it’s one of the reasons why she and her parents were so good at fighting off people and monsters.”

He looked at Ann, frown deepening. “You look familiar…” but after a moment he shook his head and went back on topic. “How do you know that?”

Ann grinned. “Maria’s parents often looked after me while my mother went out in the mountains, when it became just her and me she would fight off anyone who would try to hurt me or the both of us.”

Maria scoffed. “Like that bastard noble who thought I wouldn’t do anything to him if he tried to hurt Ann.” Her eyes became dark as if remembering something. “Wonder if they ever found the bastard…”

Ann glanced away not saying anything in response.

Strikerius looked between the two wondering what it was that they did to the man who supposedly tried to abuse Ann. But choose not to ask. “Why did you want to know about my homelands? If your grandparents were of our blood then you could walk freely without worry of prosecution.”

Her gaze went downwards towards her feet. “I’m too human; they wouldn’t let me even if I were with Ann. I know that very well, it’s why I asked you.”

“Did you not ask any of the others during the coronation?”

She snorted at that. “For one I had a job watching the Princess, and another your men wouldn’t look at me, they were too busy gawking at Ann to care.”

“I wasn’t being gawked at,” Ann protested before shifting from foot to foot. “They just stared at me.”

“It’s the same thing Ann,” Maria countered before looking at Strikerius with a glare. “Your people act so great but the lot of you don’t even give a damn about the Halflings, just like the humans. Sure there’s that law that states a Halfling can never be killed but that doesn’t mean they can’t abuse them.” she then shook her head. “You know what? Forget I even asked, knowing you, you’d probably not even tell me.”

“Maria that’s not true,” Ann said softly. “Not everyone is like that…”

“Like it matters.” She then moved away to walk towards the forest.

“Wait,” Strikerius called, Maria stopped and looked back as he and Ann caught up to her. “I understand where you’re coming from; I have a niece who’s a Halfling so I know your anger. I’ve had to deal with both human and my kind alike when it came to the things they tell her. And they are horrible, but you asked me about what our lands are like so…” he reached into his bag and pulled out a leather bound book. “Here, I think this will satisfy you far more than mere words can.”

She eyed it with suspicion. “What is it?”

He almost looked sheepish as he gave it to her. “It’s drawings, drawings that I’ve done for a while now. Though I’m not even sure if you could call it that, there more like sketches if anything.”

Maria frowned and looked at the book then back to him. “Why? I’m just a stranger to you, why give this to me?”

“Because I am a stranger that can relate to you, the book is full by the way so…”

“Strikerius!” King Tharen called drawing their attention over to him. “We’re leaving now, so let us return.”

“Yes your Majesty!” he called back before looking to both Maria and Ann bowing his head slightly. “I hope the Fall Hunt bears well for the two of you.” and then went back to his horse while Ann and Maria remained where they stood.

Ann looked at Strikerius then to Maria and smiled slightly. “Well he seemed nice.”

“Shut it Ann.” Maria said with a deadpan tone while Ann simply kept smiling at her. Maria’s gaze then went back to the leather bound book. “I’m not some charity case.” She said as her grip lessoned on the book. But… it was still nice of him. Even if he and I never meet again… She smiled faintly. Thanks, Strikerius.


Once Tharen had called Strikerius back he looked back to the new King and Princess. “It was an honor to see you both again after so long, I regret that I could not meet with you in person after what had happened many years ago.”

“You had your people to worry about,” Xavier said. “Don’t blame yourself for something you could not stop.”

He gave a sad smile. “I suppose that’s true.” His gaze then went to Celina as he knelt down in front of her. “I am giving this to you.”

Celina frowned as he placed a small box in her hand. “Majesty, you don’t have too…”

“Yes I do,” he said. “Many and terrible things have been happening in an around the kingdom, and I do not wish any harm to come to you.”

Her frown deepened as she opened the small box and saw a necklace of gold and a strange blue white crystal.

“It is a necklace that will warn you if danger is approaching. This will help with when and if there are more attacks on you Celina. Think of it as an early birthday present.”

The last part of his sentence stunned her, she had no clue that Tharen knew the day of her birth, then again she had known him when she was so young and could only remember bits and pieces so him knowing her date of birth was probably common knowledge. However, one thing did confuse her. “You think a necklace will keep me safe?”

“More then you know.” He then bent down and kissed her cheek before standing to his full height and went to his horse. “It was good to see you again Xavier, you’ve grown into a fine young man. And I truly hope that your reign shall be long and prosperous.”

“If it doesn’t then we could all run off into the forest and live like hermits for the rest of our days.”

Tharen laughed. “Your father said something similar to me when he became King, but instead of hermits he said we should go out and fight mountain trolls.”

Celina looked at Tharen in disbelief. “Our Father didn’t really say that… did he?”

Tharen nodded. “He did indeed, though he was the same age as Xavier is now, so it’s not that surprising, at a young age one will say things in the heat of the moment, even if it wasn’t a very good idea.”

“Ha, ha.” Xavier said in a sarcastic tone. “Like you’ve never said anything so obscenely stupid in your long lifetime?”

Tharen simply smiled. “Now if I told you any of those I doubt the two of you would believe me.”

When Strikerius came to his side Tharen’s demeanor changed slightly, which was no surprise since Celina had seen this once before with Xavier and had to do it multiple times herself. That royal’s had to appear and act differently in front of some compared to others.

“Now then, we have to return to our own lands. I hope all will fare well, have a wonderful Fall Hunt and a good winter.”

“To you as well Tharen,” Xavier said. “May the autumn bring good winds to you and your people, and I hope that all shall fare well in the harshness of winter.”

“Same to you.” he then looked to Strikerius who merely nodded in response, when Tharen did the same he looked back and said. “Farewell for now.” And then rode off on his horse at swift speeds into the woodlands.

Strikerius however stayed back long enough to speak to Celina. “I too hope all goes well during the Fall Hunt.”

She smiled at him. “Thank you Strikerius, be safe on your journey home.”

He paused to look at his King, who was now out of sight, he knew that he needed to catch up but he felt like he needed to say something else, even if he knew it wasn’t a good idea. “Princess, as you know Tharen cares for you; however you must never allow it to go further than that, you do and it will only hurt you both.”

Celina looked at the man with confusion. “What are you talking about?”

Xavier glared at him for a moment before looking away and made no comment on it. “You should catch up to your King, unless you want to be left behind that is.”

Strikerius glared in return. “I intend too, Your Majesty.” He looked to the Princess once more and bowed his head. “Till we meet again Princess.” Then he too rode off into the depths of the forest to catch up to his King.

Xavier clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, making a disapproving sound. “That was rude of him.”

Celina looked at him. “How is that?”

“By implying that you’re in love with Tharen.”

She frowned. “But I’m not in love with him.”

“I know that, but he doesn’t, and he goes by outright saying it when he has no proof. I hate it when people do that…”

Celina tensed slightly. “You mean like when I hid information from you?”

Xavier stilled then sighed before running a hand through his hair. “No, no I didn’t mean it like that. I know why you kept it from me, I’ve said it before, I’m not mad at you for doing that. You wanted to find proof but couldn’t.” when Celina didn’t turn to look at him Xavier then moved up behind her, wrapped his arms around her thin body and her back against his chest and leaned over to kiss his sister on the cheek. “I am not mad,” he said again softly. “I could never be mad at you for doing something that you believe is right.” he kissed her cheek again. “So don’t worry, I’ll always forgive you.”

She mumbled something but it was incoherent that Xavier couldn’t grasp what she said, so he pulled her even closer and nuzzled her cheek his hands began to tickle her. Celina gasped but tried to remain dignified, she did but just barely.

“Celina…” he said in a teasing voice. “If you don’t say something I’m going to keep tickling you until you do.”

Soon she burst out laughing unable to stop herself from it any longer. “Alright, alright!” she said in laughter. “I understand I won’t… I won’t worry you anymore so please…” she gasped. “Please stop I can’t take it anymore!”

Slowly he did and stepped back, but not before he kissed her cheek one last time. “That’s my girl.” Once he let go of her he asked. “So, are you ready to head back to the castle?”

Celina looked past her brother to both Ann and Maria before answering. “Actually brother I think I’ll stay out here for a little bit. “I’ll be with Ann and Maria so I’ll be alright.”

“You sure?” he asked after a moment of silence, when Celina nodded he glanced to the two in question before looking back to his sister once more. “Okay, but don’t stay our here for too long, even though we are still on castle grounds who knows what might be lurking about.”

“I will.” She said.

He began to walk towards William and Samson when he stopped and turned around to add. “And don’t go far into the forest I know you are with Ann and Maria but there are things that live there that could do horrible things.”

Celina laughed slightly. “Brother you worry too much, I don’t intend to go far into the forest, and Maria can fight off whatever might be there.”

Even though she said that he had the urge to stay behind with her, he didn’t want anything to happen to her, and now that he was King, the threat of that was far more apparent than before. But he knew his sister was growing up, as much as he hoped she would remain as she was for longer, but he had no right to force her.

“Alright,” he sighed in defeat. “But don’t go far okay?”

“I promise I won’t go too far.” She said to assure her brother, she knew he was only doing this out of worry for her, but she didn’t want to be a burden to him which meant she had to take care of herself more. Even if he didn’t want her too, she needed too so that he could rule the kingdom better.

Once her brother and the two knights were gone Celina looked over to Ann and asked. “So what is it you wanted to tell me?” she asked as Ann walked over to her.

While they were walking towards the woods Ann mentioned to Celina about wanting to show her something in the forest.

Ann smiled as Maria arched a single brow but said nothing as Ann spoke. “Follow me into the woods and I will show you. There is a clearing that I go to when collecting herbs, I think you may like it there Princess.”

“Is it safe?” she asked with nervousness. “By that I mean in the forest, I’ve never truly traveled into the forest myself, well, with good reason.”

Ann gave a warm smile as she grasped Celina’s hands in her’s. “It’s alright, I’ve been there many times and there haven’t been any bad things there at all so it’s very safe!”

Liar, Maria thought while she hung back and watched. It can be really dangerous the only reason you’re saying that is because of my strength and your magic no one comes near, may it be beast or human. Her gaze went to Ann who was now tugging Celina to follow her while walking she recalled the conversation that she and Ann had the night before.

“You really think doing this is a good idea?” Maria asked Ann as she dressed for bed. “What if she rejects you or worse? We’ve met people like that in the past before remember?”

“I know,” she said while keeping her back to Maria. “But I have to do this, I want the Princess to trust me, and in doing so I have to reveal to her everything I am. Even my magic.”

“And if you’re chased out what then?”

Ann looked at Maria over her shoulder and sighed when she saw Maria’s worried face. “Then if that is the case I will deal with it as it comes.”

“That’s bullshit Ann and you know it,” Maria growled. “You told me before of that vision you had back when we were kids; you think I’d forget that so easily?”

Ann remained quiet, she knew what Maria meant. Back when they were young and fending for themselves after the destruction of their village Ann had a dream, a dream that would change their lives forever. Ann saw and foretold that the two of them would one day meet the young woman who would change the lands of Valdoira forever, though in the vision the woman was in her late teens and looked strong and choragus, the kind of person that would lead all with a valiant heart.

And when she saw Celina for the first time, defending her the way she had, Ann knew that this young Princess, who was the same age as her, was the woman from her dreams. She just knew that it was her, and it was then that Ann had made a promise to herself.

“No, no I know you would never forget that.”

Maria frowned. “Then why risk it? If you think that the Princess is the woman from your vision why would you be willing to expose yourself so willingly?”

“Because it has been foretold, the Seer of my people has granted me that vision and I can no longer remain hidden.” Ann said as she let her long yellow blond hair down as she walked over to the window that let moonlight spill into the room, her orange gold eyes almost seemed to glow along with her mother’s necklace as she looked to Maria and smiled in a knowing way that sent a chill down Maria’s spine. “I will be at the Princess’s side, for all eternity. She alone will change these lands from the evil that resides. But not without help and guidance, she is not the kind of person who will cast someone away just because of their birthright; you’ve seen it yourself too.”

“Yes but…”

“No,” Ann cut Maria off. “I must do this; I want to trust the Princess with everything that I am. She knows what you have done in the past and treats you no differently, but I on the other hand hold more secrets, secrets I no longer wish to hold in front of her. That is why tomorrow when King Tharen leaves to his lands I will show Princess Celina. I understand if you don’t want to come along.”

“Like hell I’m not,” Maria growled. “I’ve been with you from thick to thin, there’s no way I’m letting you go this alone.”

Ann stared at Maria with a blank look for a long moment before laughing and giving a slight smile. “Thank you Maria, you truly are a good friend…”

I only hope the Princess won’t run when she sees Ann’s powers. Maria thought warily as Ann continued to lead them in the forest.

Celina’s head turned from left to right looking at the many trees that were changing color, she loved the many colors the leaves had to offer but could never get close for her brother would never want her to wander off in the forest. “You’ve come into this part of the forest a lot?”

“I do indeed,” Ann said with a cheerful smile. “I enjoy the forest and the woodlands the most. Though if anything I have my mother to thank for that, she would always take me along with her and teach me things I would need to know as an adult.”

“You mean like the herbs you’ve collected?” Celina asked with interest, her light blue eyes shined as she watched Ann.

Ann’s smile faltered a little but her eyes said so much more. “In a way yes, but you’ll see when we get to the clearing.”

Maria merely watched Ann with a wary expression, worried that the Princess would not accept Ann for whom she truly was, Maria knew people could change on a dime in personality if they learned the truth and that was what she feared. Even if it was Celina and knew that she was both understanding and kind she still couldn’t help but worry.

“Is something wrong Maria?” Celina asked when noticing Maria’s expression. “You don’t look too well, are you ill?”

“No Princess,” Maria said quickly with a shake of her head. “I am fine.” Though even after saying Maria knew that she wasn’t, her stomach ached with worry for Ann. It always happened when she felt Ann might do something costly to herself.

They reached the clearing, a place surrounded with trees, wind blowing softly sending the many colored leaves dancing and twirling to the ground. Along in the grass were herbs of many verities, many of which Celina did not know, but the ones she did was thanks to Ann showing her what they were in a book while recovering from her time of the blood.

Celina listened to the sound of the leaves rustling in the trees as the breeze went through the grass lifting her gown and sent her hair slightly through the air; it was around this time of the year where she would leave most of her hair down, she did not care if it would get messy she just loved how the wind felt against her skin.

“Princess Celina?” she turned to see Ann staring at her, her gaze then went to something that Ann held in her grasp, it was an amber necklace. And it began to glow, confused Celina looked back to Ann and saw that there were marking within her eyes. Ann merely smiled at her before looking down the necklace, those marking within her eyes became more visible as she spoke in the language of the Forest Folk, the wind swirling around both of them as Ann continued to speak in the old tongue, lifting the necklace into the air as the leave and the grass suddenly began to change. When Ann was finished the leaves and grass had suddenly turned green, flowers of different kinds sprouted up from the ground as flower petals now danced in the wind around Celina.

“You’re a magic user…” Celina whispered in bow awe and astonishment as the markings in Ann’s eyes vanished and the glowing of her necklace ceased.

Ann’s smile was now gone as she looked troubled. “I…” she let out a deep breathe. “I understand if you hate me because of what I can do. I wanted to tell you but wasn’t sure how… so I decided to show you instead.” She bowed deeply with her hands gripping her apron which shook slightly. “Please forgive me for deceiving you!”

Maria looked away waiting to hear the words of shock and scorn from the Princess, something everyone that they had met in the past had done, but instead something different happened.

Celina walked up to Ann who still waited to hear the words of anger and rage, and then wrapped her arms around the girl and hugged her. “How could I be mad at something so beautiful?”

Ann looked at Celina in shock still wary of hearing something bad. “You are not angry from me hiding this?”

The Princess tilted her head slightly. “Why should I be? What you just showed me is incredible, I could hate you for this. Not even in a thousand years, its beautiful.” but then her smile fell when Ann started to cry. “Wha-what’s wrong? Did I… did I say something bad?”

Ann shook her head as she cried. “No, no you said nothing wrong…”

Celina looked at her with worry. “Then why are you crying?”

“Out of relief.” She said. “I’ve been wanting to reveal this to you for a while now, but I was so worried, so scared, that you would reject me like so many others before you. I like being with you, being your friend. I didn’t want you to hate me.”

Celina hugged Ann as the two girls sat in the flowered green grass. “Ann you’re my friend, I could never hate you for something like this.”

Ann couldn’t help but feel giddy with joy she tackle hugged the Princess into a bed of flowers while laughing.

Maria smiled as she joined to sit next to them as the two girls laughed, she was glad that the Princess hadn’t rejected for what Ann truly was, part of her knew that the Princess would never reject her, but there was one tiny part inside Maria and Ann that feared it.

But as Celina hugged Ann, the Halfling began to feel a sudden sense of dread, something sinister and dark, her orange gold gaze went to the edge of the forest and for a split second she thought she saw a man in blue robes.

“Ann?” Celina looked at her as she rose to her knees. “Is something wrong?”

Maria turned to look at the same place as Ann, and when Celina did as well she saw nothing there, was it something that she could not see?

“We should probably head back now.” Maria said as she helped Celina stand. “You’re brother the King will worry if we don’t.”

“Alright,” but Celina paused to look back to Ann who was still looking in a particular spot. “Ann come on, let’s go home. Ann?”

Ann jerked in response before looking to Celina. “Coming Princess,” and soon quickly followed after them. When the three of them left the clearing the flowers and greenery vanished returning to what once was as a woman with orange hair came out to lean against a tree.

“Well that was rather unexpected,” she said. “But then again our Princess was never the type to be prejudice about someone’s background wouldn’t you agree?” but the woman was given no response and she sighed. “Whichever the case I believe I am finally done working for you and I would like my payment so…” she turned towards the woods and looked at the one she was speaking too. “You promised me a man that could be my husband, where would he be?”

Deep in the shadows a man in blue robes watched the woman before speaking in Druid tongue. “You shall have what you wish but you must do one final task for me, if all goes right and you will have him.”

The woman smiled. “Then I wouldn’t have it any other way, Pheynix Solomon…”
Alright so I apologize for taking so long on this chapter I ended up getting a job and as many of you know I'm getting my novel Mermaid published which has been going on in the past month (which honestly feels like it's only been a few days yikes time flies! :faint: ) so yeah that's why it's taken so long to get this chapter done, and it is indeed a long one for sure, which I'm sorry about that I know a lot of people out there hate long chapters and I tried to shorten it/ cut it into two chapters but it wouldn't work. unless you don't care how long the chapter is and want to know what happens next then I'm all for it! :la:

Anyway like I said before this chapter is a bit of a long one with a lot of content so I will try to be brief and probably fail :XD:
in this chapter we learn a few things, one that Strikerius has a niece whose a Halfling so he understands a bit of what Ann and even Maria goes through, along with the slight possibility that he may even like Maria, granted she's rather blunt and harsh but you still love her for being caring and badass when it comes to fighting. :D
And we even get another cute sweet moment of Celina and Xavier, and he's back to being protective once more, at least not wanting his sister to be hurt while being outside, but with Maria and Ann I don't think that would be an issue
And speaking of Ann! We get to see her powers fully for the first time, though we also know why she kept it hidden from Celina, being a Halfling is one thing but using magic is a whole other thing, and she can tell that at times she shows just how scared she is if the Princess rejects her, though at other times it's like she is a completely different person, though that might have to do with the necklace she carries that used to belong to her mother.
Along with the interesting fact of something Ann has been foretold in her dreams, that Celina may be the person to change Valdoira's future, though what that is exactly is still unknown.
Still knowing that we can grasp a bit more as to why Ann and Maria are pretty amendment with staying close to the Princess, and finally we get the reveal of the man who is in the blue cloak, Pheynix Solomon, though honestly it was rather obvouse wasn't it? :XD: but knowing his name dosen't meant it's actually him, for starters his face is still hidden, but in time we will know more.



Chapter Twenty Four: Over Here!

Chapter Twenty Two: Right Here!
© 2014 - 2024 suyuku-san
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JotePaine's avatar
Oh snap, things are getting super serious now.