by Ai Meléndez
Mahnii kept thinking of everything they had learned from Ru-Kai, Cel-Lok, and Rosa as well. He just hoped it would actually make a difference.
Kuu left Chew and the cart at the main entrance. Mahnii, Celeste, Kah, and Shim got out of the cart and they all followed the guards through a courtyard and down a long hall that opened into a beautiful and well-lit throne room.
A man, who Mahnii assumed was Prince Ruben, stood on the first of three steps to the dais and another stood on the floor next to him.
The prince had dark olive-toned skin and long black hair tied back. He had dark, almond-shaped eyes full of light. He was stunningly handsome, with defined features and physique.
The man near him was quite a stark contrast, with pale skin and light eyes, though his features were also quite handsome. In fact, Mahnii could see some resemblance.
The prince had his hands clasped behind his back, and he watched the others approach, brows furrowed but eyes wide. They probably looked like the oddest group he had ever seen, Mahnii thought.
They stopped a few feet before the two men. Kuu bowed, and Mahnii, Kah, and Shim followed suit. Celeste was the only one who seemed either like she didn’t understand or saw no reason to do so.
Mahnii glanced at her, intending to tell her something – he knew there was no way he could force her to do anything. “Celeste,” he hissed.
She was gawking at the prince, completely unaware of anything else. Mahnii had never seen her lose her composure. She was unblinking, mouth open, just staring.
He nudged her with an elbow as hard as he could and she grinned, staring at Mahnii. “Oh my goodness,” she said out loud.
Before she could continue, Kuu spoke up. “Your highness, Prince Ruben, thank you for seeing me. I am Kuu, coming on behalf of Rosa. You have always been a friend to the lycans, so I come in the hope of securing a new peace agreement with our kingdoms.”
“Where is your ruler – Sik, isn’t it?” the man standing on the floor level asked.
“Do not mind my brother, Ualtar,” said the one standing on the first step to the dais. “I am honored by your visit, Kuu. Please, walk with me.” Ruben smiled and stepped forward, moving to stand next to Kuu. He smiled up at their lycan companion and gestured forward.
Kuu nodded and left with the prince.
Ualtar scoffed. “Well, it makes sense that the lycan would come, but what of you lot?” he sneered.
“We’re Kuu’s companions,” said Celeste. “Ya gotta problem wit’ dat?” She tapped her hammer on her shoulder.
“Celeste, put that thing down before you get us in trouble. Fighting is not the solution to everything,” said Mahnii. “Prince Ualtar, we’re here only to support the peace agreement and Kuu.”
“Of course,” said Ualtar, looking pointedly at each of them. “Well, I suppose while you’re here…” he paused and clapped his hands loudly.
A few servants arrived, bowing before the prince. “Take these visitors and show them to the guest rooms,” Ualtar instructed. They nodded and turned to leave. Mahnii, along with the others, followed.
“Something isn’t right,” Mahnii said to Shim.
“Yea, but we can’t do anything crazy at the moment.”
She was right. Although, the only one he was worried might do something was Celeste.
“Maybe we should explore and see if we find anything out,” Mahnii suggested.
“No,” said Kah flatly. “If we get caught, it could break trust. This isn’t the same as when we broke into Kami-Shi’s palace. Let’s do everything we can to stay in their good graces.”
Mahnii glanced at Celeste, who was not paying attention.
“Did ya see tha prince?” she said as soon as she realized the attention was on her. “I’ve never seen anyone so tasty in ma life!”
‘She has to be joking…’ Mahnii thought, attempting not to show it in his expression.
She sighed, her cheeks flushing as she stared out one of the windows. “I just wanna grab ‘im an’—”
“Okay, we get it, you are attracted to the prince,” Mahnii said before she could finish her statement.
“No,” Celeste argued, “I wanna spend ma life wit’ ‘im!”
Mahnii’s jaw dropped. “Celeste, you can’t just decide that. You haven’t even talked with him. And he’s a human prince. You’re a Dragnai, remember?”
She just shrugged, disregarding everything he said. “I kin do what I want,” she said. “I’m gonna talk ta ‘im when Kuu gets back.”
Mahnii hoped Kuu and Prince Ruben took their time, but Kuu showed up with one of the servants not long after.
“How’d it go?” Mahnii asked Kuu, who was smiling.
“Great!” said Kuu. “I’ve learned Prince Ruben is preparing to be crowned king and that he is eager for peace between our kingdoms – especially given everything else going on in the rest of Ru-Kai’s territories. He’s asked I stay to sign the official treaty once he is king!”
“Wow,” said Mahnii, “Good!” He paused, glancing at Kah, Shim, and Celeste. War with the humans would be avoided, which was what Rosa had asked. But they also needed to find out if Christopher had been visiting.
Clearly, he hadn’t gotten a hold of Prince Ruben’s mind, but that didn’t mean their mission was over. Something still felt undone.
Before he could ask about it, Celeste was bounding between them. “Did the prince say where he was going next?” she asked.
“No, why?” asked Kuu.
“Celeste has decided she wants to marry him,” said Mahnii, crossing his arms.
Celeste stuck her tongue at Mahnii.
Kuu just grinned at Celeste. “Well, good luck!”
“Does no one else agree that that’s not a good idea?” Mahnii asked.
Shim just laughed. “Let her try. He’ll probably turn her down and that’ll be that.”
“Your presence is requested,” said a small voice from the doorway.
They turned to find a servant gesturing for them to follow.
The companions followed the servant away from the guest hall, down a corridor with walls covered in portrait paintings and up a short stairway into a massive room lined with long tables and benches.
Only one of the tables was full, and Mahnii wondered why there were so many other seats.
The servant led them to where both princes were seated. There were empty seats enough for them and Ruben stood, gesturing for them to sit.
“Please, join us. You are our guests.” His smile was warm.
As soon as they were all seated, Ruben once more took his seat and resumed eating. “So, tell me about each of yourselves.”
Celeste had eagerly plopped herself in the seat next to the prince’s and was also the first to speak. “I grew up wit’ tha giants, killed a dragin tah make dis hammer, an’ now I’m gonna be known as tha stronges’ in tha world!” She beamed as she began to eat. “An’,” she leaned in toward Ruben, “I foun’ out I’m a dragon-god.”
Was she trying to impress him with her brute strength, Mahnii wondered? Would a prince even fall for such a power-hungry woman?
Mahnii, similar to when their group had first formed, had no interest in sharing his past. Why was that something everyone always wanted to know?
Kuu glanced toward Kah. “I’ve already shared, respectfully,” he said. He had likely detailed much during his private conversation with Ruben when they first arrived.
Kah waved a hand, his mouth full of food, so Shim spoke up for both of them. “We are from the clan of Roca – animancers in Kami-Shi’s land. I, however, am a natural at necromancy and was banished from our clan. My brother, Kah, was meant to become tribe leader, but he came with me instead. We were on our own till we met up with these two,” she pointed toward Mahnii and Celeste, “To get my staff.”
Mahnii noted the way Shim seemed as proud of her staff as Celeste was about her hammer.
“My story is boring,” said Mahnii as soon as all eyes were on him. He had actually hoped
to even avoid sharing. “My family are merchants for generations. I met Celeste, joined her adventure, and here I am.” He shrugged, shoving more food in his mouth to avoid elaborating.
“So how did you all come to support the lycans – and especially the peace between our kingdoms?” asked Ruben.
Mahnii had just finished his food and at this question, he felt the need to speak so Celeste wouldn’t over-share. He still didn’t think they should openly trust everyone. “We traveled across Ru-Kai’s land and have personally witnessed the devastation and chaos spreading throughout the world. If peace can still be preserved, we want to help.”
At this, Ualtar scoffed. “Yes, about that devastation. It’s really the dragon-gods’ fault in the first place. Where are they now, anyway? Hiding in their palaces? If they’re such great leaders, they should be putting a stop to all this chaos. Can’t they do something about the dragon creatures’ attacks?”
“Ru-Kai has done everything he can,” Mahnii argued, feeling the need to defend him.
“Well, I guess the dragon-gods aren’t so powerful after all, then,” remarked Ualtar.
“I’m sure there is more to it,” Ruben said, cutting in before the conversation could escalate. Mahnii noticed the way he sharply looked at Ualtar.
He wondered if there were some sort of conflict between the brothers. Ualtar didn’t seem particularly happy about the peace arrangement, and he even seemed less than enthused about his brother’s coronation.
“So, you’ve traveled the lands?” Ruben asked, changing the conversation.
Kuu nodded.
“Please, share,” said Ruben.
After that was mostly Kuu and Celeste talking about their travels.
Once their meal was finished, they returned to the guest hall. As soon as Mahnii felt confident they were alone without risk of servants or anyone else overhearing, he pulled Shim aside. “Hey, something’s up with the princes. Is the ability to spy a part of your magic?” he asked.
Shim crossed her arms. “Mahnii, I just told them I’m a necromancer. They see the use of living dead and they’ll know it’s me. I don’t think it would be wise.”
“Shim, we came here to find out what’s really going on. We’re not going to do that by pleasantries. Besides, remember what Rosa said? Christopher won’t reveal himself and barely anyone even knows he exists. If he has been coming here, we’re only going to find out if we catch him.” Mahnii was convinced.
Shim sighed, unfolding her arms.
“It’s for the good of all the lands,” Mahnii said.
“You’re right,” Shim agreed. “Fine, there is one thing I can do. I can summon someone that has died and look through their eyes with the staff. It’s risky; I just hope we don’t get caught.”
A knock on the door caused Mahnii to jump slightly. Celeste opened it and her cheeks immediately flushed.
“Might I come in?” asked Ruben.
Celeste grinned and backed up. “Why ar’ ya here?” she asked.
Mahnii sighed. She had absolutely no manners. He knew this, but somehow at the moment it was even more shocking.
Ruben stepped in the room only slightly. “Well, Celeste, I was hoping you might join me for the evening?”
“Oh, yes!” She grinned, her whole face lighting up as she accepted his hand and moved out of the room.
“You’re bringing your hammer?” he asked.
“I neva go anywhere wit’out it,” she said.
“Alright,” he agreed, and they left.
·-`*´-· Celeste ·-`*´-·
The heat of the day had already faded, though the sun was still setting. Celeste was utterly mesmerized by the castle grounds as Ruben led her beyond the halls and toward the gardens.
“So, you’re a dragon-god?” he asked.
Celeste was beside herself. How could a human be this gorgeous? She grinned, nodding. “Yep. An’ I’m tha strongest in all tha realms.”
Ruben laughed, a full sound that sent warmth throughout Celeste’s body. “I’ve no doubt,” he said. “I’ll admit I’ve never met any of the dragon-gods whispered about throughout the realms. Though, my father met Ru-Kai once, before his passing.” He paused.
“I’m sorry…” Celeste said.
“No, it’s alright. I just hope I can fill his shoes.” Ruben smiled.
“Sure ya will! You’ll be a grea’ king,” Celeste said, beaming. How could he not be?
“I’ve never met a woman like you, Celeste. Bold, confident, speaks her mind…” He paused, turning and staring straight into her eyes.
Celeste blinked, forgetting to breathe for a moment. Her heart was pounding. She found herself tracing every feature on his face with her eyes, lingering on his lips…
Never in her life had she felt such intense feelings. She wanted him to touch her.
Instantly, Mahnii’s voice popped in her head saying something about what was polite. She cut the voice off, her lip curling in a crooked smile.
“Wanna know how I got mah hammer?” she asked.
Ruben continued forward. “Tell me.”
She recounted the story, putting extra emphasis on her might in slaying the dragon. Would he be impressed?
“Well, it’s certainly no surprise from a dragon-god,” he said.
She just laughed. “I didn’ even know!”
Ruben pushed back the branches of some large overhanging trees to reveal a hidden glade. “Care to sit with me for a bit?” he asked. “This is my favorite spot. I can be alone and think.”
She smiled and moved forward past him. It was stunning, with tall vines and flowers of every color. Even the smell was probably the most amazing scent she’d ever encountered.
Still, nothing could quite keep her attention off him. He was completely captivating to her. “Are ya nervous?” she asked.
“About ruling? I think as long as things remain in order between our kingdom and the lycans, all will be well,” he said. “Tell me, Celeste, how did you come to be raised with the giants?”
She paused. “Fur tha longes’ time, I though’ I was one. Didn’ remember anythin’ else. Bu’ I met Mahnii, an’ Kah an’ Shim, an’ then Kami-Shi an’ Ru-Kai… Ru-Kai tol’ me. Bu’ afore that, I got these memories of when I ‘as little. So, I guess I’m still figurin’ tha’ out.”
He nodded.
“So, are ya worried I migh’ defeat ya?” Celeste asked with a grin.
Ruben laughed again and shook his head. “No, I don’t think you would.”
Celeste stood then, her hands turning into fists on her hips.
Ruben continued laughing. “Not that you couldn’t, just that you wouldn’t,” he said, his eyes full of light.
Celeste laughed then too, sitting down once again. “Well, tha garden is beautiful,” she said.
She gasped at the warmth of his hand as he took hers. “May I?” he asked her.
She blinked. “Wha?”
“I’m completely surprised myself,” Ruben said, “But… I’m drawn to you, Celeste. I want to get to know you further.”
Celeste touched her free hand to her face at the warmth spreading through her cheeks. “Me too,” she squeaked. “Yer tha mos’ gorgeous, amazin’ man I ever met,” she managed.
Ruben smiled. He stood, still holding her hand. “What else do you want to see?” he asked.
“You,” Celeste said with a beaming grin.
He laughed once more and pulled at her hand. She stood as he began leading her out of the glade and across the gardens to another doorway. “I’ll show you the rest of the castle, to start,” he said.
She followed him, happy to just spend time completely focused on them.
·-`*´-· Mahnii ·-`*´-·
As soon as Celeste had left with Ruben, Mahnii looked back at Shim. “Okay, we now know that Prince Ruben is occupied. Now’s the best time.”
“Alright but give me space. And don’t disturb me,” Shim said.
Mahnii agreed and left her alone.
“Wha
t do you have my sister doing?” Kah asked as soon as Mahnii sat down near him and Kuu.
“Making sure our mission succeeds,” Mahnii said, a bit coyly. He wasn’t sure how Kah would feel about his request of Shim – he didn’t really know how Kah actually felt about anything for that matter, but if Shim decided to tell him later, that was her business. He didn’t feel like working up her brother if he could avoid it.
Kah frowned but didn’t press. Mahnii hoped that meant he would just ask Shim later.
Kuu sat beside Mahnii. “The coronation is tomorrow. Then we can return to the lycans,” he said.
“Unless Celeste decides to stick around,” Mahnii said.
For the next few hours, Kuu, Kah, and Mahnii took turns introducing common games from their homelands to each other. Being from quite diversely different backgrounds, they were unfamiliar with some of the traditions each had grown up with.
Finally, Shim rejoined them.
“Did you see anything?” Mahnii asked.
She shook her head. “No.”
Kah looked at her.
“I was spying… with the staff.”
Just then, Celeste returned, giggling with her arm wrapped around Ruben’s.
Ruben’s eyes were also alight, and Mahnii was a bit surprised.
Had the prince actually fallen for Celeste?
Ruben bent slowly and kissed Celeste’s hand. “Thank you for the evening,” he told her. “I look forward to more.”
Celeste’s face flushed again as he then left.
“Celeste, you’re not here to become queen of a kingdom,” Mahnii said.
She ignored him, not even looking his way, and flopped on one of the chairs in the room. The rest of the evening, Celeste seemed in a happy daze, and the others were mostly content to leave her alone.
After a hearty meal and refreshing baths, they settled in for the night, each with their own thoughts.
The next day, they attended Ruben’s coronation. “I’n’t he glorious?” Celeste whispered to Mahnii, who just rolled his eyes.
They were standing amidst a crowd of people which filled the throne room.
