by Bree De'leon
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Rena walked through the crowd of vampyres seamlessly, their faces blending together as she passed them. The Druids stood guard, bowing their heads as the princess passed. Turning, she passed the throne room. It was across the hall, she spotted the entrance to the royal garden. A smile formed upon her lips as she headed towards the gates of the garden. The night air was refreshing on her face, she could smell the sea below the castle cliffs, the stars in the sky shining bright, lighting the way for travelers in the distant cities. She ran through the maze of flowers, making her way to the middle, where a small patch of grass, filled with tulips, their purple pink hues changing in the seasons, the summer breeze changed their colors multiple time, their pedals purple with orange tips, laying in the small meadow, Rena outstretched her arms, and closed her eyes.
She felt warmth upon her cheek, slowly opening her eyes she gazed up at Juda, the man she loved more than life itself. His hazel eyes staring back into hers, his brown hair tangled beneath his shoulders, his olive skin covered in soot and coal, she continued to memorize his features, counting his freckles on his nose, his square jaw strong, he smelled of smoke and sweat.
“You are a silly girl; you know that don’t you.” Juda smiled, leaning down his nose touching hers. Giggling she nodded.
“You are a brave man.” Rena retorted, her eyes sparkling.
“So, I’ve been told, my Rena, sweet Rena.” He breathed, his lips brushing hers. Closing her eyes, she breathed him in, wrapping her arms around his neck feeling his chest against hers, she could feel him tracing her body, his coarse hands stopping right above her breast, their hearts beating faster with each kiss. “We shouldn’t be doing this, you are the princess of Arisite, and I am just a blacksmith.” Juda sighed, pushing himself away from Rena. Sitting up, she placed a gentle hand upon his shoulder.
“Are you scared papa will kill you?” Rena questioned, her eyes filled with worry. Juda shook his head. “Then what are you afraid of, Juda?” She continued.
“I am afraid of losing you.” He replied, taking Rena’s face in his hands, his hazel eyes holding hers. “I remember, when I brought you here, after your mother died. I promised her that I would make sure you were safe.” He continued, remembering the day Rena’s mother died.
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She was sick with plague in the slums of Kindred, she had taken Juda in her care just two months before Rena was born. The day was hot, the smoke from the pyres of bodies being burned to secure more of the slums from any further spread of the sickness. The tent that they had lived in was filled with incense from the monks, their prayers falling on deaf ears of the gods. Sonja, was sweating uncontrollably, her once soft chestnut brown skin was now pale and cracked with black spots and ulcers appearing on her body. The monks had taken the toddler away to ensure her survival. The night her mother had died was filled with sorrow and heartbreak, Juda wept uncontrollably, praying on his knees the survival of the Sonja’s child. That evening he had arrived at the temple of Ariel—the Goddess of Mercy and Love, with a letter from Sonja’s doctor, with her final wishes to get her child to her father in the Arisite Kingdom.
Juda, I ask this one last favor of you. Take my daughter, Morena to her father in Arisite. She will be protected there. Please Juda... take this seal, he will know you speak the truth.
With her final words, Juda took Rena from the monks getting the legal documents to pass to Arisite. Arriving, the hot sun beating down his back, as he carried Rena through the city of Casai, searching for Rena’s father. It wasn’t until a guard spotted the royal seal on Judas person, that he was taken to the palace. Struggling the entire time trying to explain to the Zenopia guards that he needed to find the girl’s father. Ignoring his pleas, they continued to drag him to the gates. Arriving at the gates, the Druids granted them passage to enter the palace grounds, stripping him and Rena to ensure that neither of them were armed.
“She is just a little girl, what is she going to be armed with?” Juda snapped, stepping between the Druid and Rena. Shoving the human aside, the Druid lifted the girl in his arms, escorting her through the palace and to the throne room. Behind them, Juda in chains, cursing at the Druids and Zenopia’s. Opening the throne room gates, the royal family sat readying themselves for their meals. Sebastian looked up, glaring at the Druids, clearly frustrated about being intruded upon.
“What news do you bring?” He questioned, his eyes never wavering. The Druids straightened, presenting both Juda and Rena. The Druid placed her down so that the royals could see her better. She was covered in dirt, with a missing tooth, her cheeks were flushed from the heat, she looked up from the ground, staring directly at Sebastian. Her ice blue eyes entranced him, taking him aback, he stood from his seat appearing before the girl in an instant taking her cheeks in his hands. “What is your name, child?” He asked, his voice breaking. Rena raised an eyebrow and looking up at Juda for permission. He nodded.
“My name is Morena.” She replied, her brows starting to furrow, as she began to wiggle out of his grasp. His eyes widening, he glared up at the boy.
“Do you have a mother?” He asked, his voice threatening.
“My mama is Sonja.” The girl answered.
“Where is she...? Where is Sonja?” His voice cracked, tightening his fingers against the young child’s cheeks. Juda could only look at the marble floor, holding back tears.
“She...died three months ago, Your Highness.” Juda choked, a tear falling from his eye. Sebastian stopped for a moment, feeling his heart pause. Holding his composure, Sebastian stepped away from the two.
“She gave me this seal, and told me to get Morena to her father. Your highness, I need to keep my promise.” Juda begged, showing the royal seal.
“Well, boy. It appears you did complete your promise. That girl you are with is mine.” Sebastian said coldly, lifting Rena up from the ground and handing her over to his mother Anjou. Feeling a deep ache in his stomach, Juda felt that he had given up the girl’s freedom.
“Your Highness, may I work in the palace, perhaps as a blacksmith or a guard to protect her, I knew her mother and she entrusted me—
“To bring me my daughter. Nothing more, boy.” Sebastian interrupted, turning his back on him. “However, since you have done well to complete your task, you may work under the blacksmith, that is all.” He continued, not sparing another look at the boy.
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“Juda, are you alright” Rena’s voice broke him from his memory. His hazel eyes gazing into hers, memorizing each delicate feature. Smiling he placed his hand upon her cheek leaning down into her. Lifting her up, he began to walk out of the garden, the moon high in the sky lighting their path to his armory. In the shadows, a figure watched the two young lovers enter the shed, the curtains closed securing their privacy.
Pressing his lips against her neck, he began to untie her laces from her corset, letting the fabric fall to the dusty wooden floor. Rena smiled, pulling him closer to her naked body. She knew that they could never be more than this, a fantasy, a dream of a life she yearned for. Simple.
2
THE MOON WAS STILL high in the sky when Rena closed the doors of the armory, the stars were brighter than usual, illuminating the garden with a bright white light. Across from the shed she spotted her grandmother, Anjou Darkstorm; standing five seven, her snow-white hair dangling passed her back emphasizing her high cheekbones and diamond shape face. She beckoned Rena over to her, her ice blue eyes burrowing into her granddaughters. The young girl straightened out her dress slowly approaching her grandmother, the queen of Arisite. Anjou glared down at her granddaughter, her pale features glowing in the moonlight, she smelled of sweet peaches, her touch gentle as she placed her hand upon Rena’s cheek, rubbing away the soot and oil from her honey brown face. Her blue eyes meeting Rena’s, taking note of every twitch of her lips, and uncomfortable shuffle.
“What were you doing in the armory?” Anjou’s voice was stern, her lips curling into a
sneer watching for the lie that was sure to come.
“I was visiting an old friend nana Anjou.” Rena lied, gazing back at fixed eyes. Anjou nodded, taking her only granddaughter in her arms. Soothing her hair, she hummed their lullaby, watching the sky darken and the moon hiding behind the grey clouds that threatened summer rains, the winds blowing the leaves off the trees, and the smell of dirt and water and salt began to fill the air.
“You must be careful, if your father found out... that boy would forfeit his life.” Anjou warned, looking past Rena and glaring into the cracked window where Juda was cleaning the dust covered desk. He looked up, his hazel eyes meeting the queens, turning away, she led Rena through the gardens, and into the palace advising her granddaughter of the dangers that she is in, she kissed her cheek and left towards the dungeons; leaving Rena in the crowded hall.
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Alone, Rena could feel her heart tighten, feeling a strange sensation throughout her body, her vision began to blur, the nobles walking passed paid no notice to the princess. Focusing, she stared down the long hallway, seeing a black figure shift, slipping in between each vampyre its eyes dark purple, pierced through the crowd, locking onto hers. Frozen from fear, she attempted to break away from its sight.
Maiden of the night...princess of the moon... a battle must be won, before the black moon.
Rena heard its voice in her head, the rasp of its throat, seducing her thoughts, snapping her from her trance, Sebastian stood in front of her. His eyes peering into hers filled with worry.
“Are you alright, Morena?” He asked, placing his cool hand upon her burning forehead. Barely able to stand, she collapsed into her father’s arms. Holding tightly onto his daughter, he took a Druid by the arms, his eyes burning. “Go fetch Liliana Blackmond, now,” he hissed, lifting his daughter up, he rushed through the crowds, ignoring any requests of an audience. The hallway began to blend together, the candlelight flickering against the glass encasement, turning the corner, Sebastian kicked in the bedchamber doors, shouting for the maids to prepare hot cloths.
Laying her gently on her bed, the fever continued to rise, burning the human girl’s hands as they attempted to check for her temperature. Lucille had entered through the broken wooden doors, shoving passed a maid with silver braided hair and lavender eyes, Lucille took the princess in his arms, stripping off her gown, replacing it with a simple white silk evening underdress. Looking up at Lucille, Sebastian took a deep breath, leaving his daughter in his care.
“Damn, the Gods, where is Liliana?” Sebastian cursed, snapping the corner of the bed frame of his daughter’s bed. Lucille nodded in agreement, changing out another hot cloth, the maids continued to march in and out of the room, each one with a different task. After nearly twenty minutes, Liliana appeared in the doorway. Her ash blonde hair pulled back into a high bun, her seafoam green eyes scanning the room, with her, she had incense, and medicine vials.
“My apologies your majesty, I was caring for another.” Liliana bowed, her sea-green eyes on the ground. Walking forward, she placed her porcelain hand on Rena’s face. Closing her eyes, she began to enchant the room, the incense filling the chamber with white and yellow smoke. Her eyes widened, with a white glaze forming over them. Watching intently, Sebastian held tight onto Rena’s hand, kissing her knuckles. The room falling silent, with only the healer’s whispers and chants filling the deafening silence.
The night slowly passed, canceling all the council meeting, Sebastian stayed beside his daughter’s side until dawn appeared over the cliffs. Opening her eyes, Rena searched the room spotting her father, his black hair tangled, his face paler than the moon, smiling weakly, she placed a weak hand to his cheek.
“Morning, papa.” she mumbled, her honey-brown skin pale, her lips cracked. Sebastian brushed his hands through her raven hair as if seeing her for the first time. Kissing her forehead, he brought her close to his chest.
“My d’eraim,” he exclaimed, holding her tighter. Liliana bowed toward both Rena and Sebastian, gathering her belongings and leaving the young princess’s room. Without saying a word, Lucille and his subordinates entered the room. Each bowing, their eyes cast down. Sebastian refused to leave his daughters side, until she was fully recovered, sleeping soundly. Anjou entered the room, closing the curtains to keep the sunlight out, she sat beside her son, waking him from his thoughts. Looking up at his mother, he calmed himself, allowing himself to truly relax, clutching his daughter’s hand.
“Liliana advised that she will be fine, but she needs rest, my son. Let her be, she will wake soon. She has just had her fever attack—”
“What if it’s the plague? I cannot bare to lose my only daughter, she still has human blood, she is weaker than us, prone to these illnesses,” Sebastian interrupted, his voice cracking at the thought of a fate that could await his daughter. Taking a deep breath, Anjou lifted her son to his feet, with one single slap she brought him back to his senses. Her eyes unfeeling, she threatened him with silence.
“Leave this room now, Sebastian, she is not weak, as you think she is, she is of our blood—immortal,” Anjou demanded, sending her son away, and ordering the Druids outside the broken door to let no one in. Rena stirred in her sleep. Smiling weakly, Anjou approached her granddaughter, brushing her hair from her face. Opening her eyes to her grandmother, Rena smiled.
“How long have I been asleep?” Rena asked, sitting up, glancing around the ivory walls, laced with gold and crystals.
“You had a fever attack, you have been asleep since last night. Take time, let yourself heal...” Anjou hummed, embracing her granddaughter, brushing her fingers through her hair. Rena stood from her bed, holding her grandmother’s hands in hers.
“I feel fine now, nana. What is the time?” Rena assured, stepping over to her bay window, the sun was high in the sky, covered by the grey clouds, the trees below were bending with the wind. Anjou gazed at her from the shadows of the room, watching the elegance flow through her granddaughter.
“The time is half past ten, if you would like, Rena, I will have the kitchen prepare you breakfast,” Anjou replied, she smiled, nodding her head, hearing her stomach growling. Laughing Rena approached the queen, embracing each other once more.
“I take that as a yes, my dearest grandchild.” Anjou chuckled, leaving to inform the kitchen to start breakfast. Rena sat alone in her chambers.
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A moment later, a knock at the broken door, throwing a robe over her shoulders, Rena rushed, over opening the curtains to the grand doors.
“Counceelmain, w-what do I owe the pleasure?” She stuttered, crossing her arms tightly across her chest, keeping the silk fabric from slipping off her shoulders. Letting himself in, he stepped closer to her, taking a strand of her hair in his black gloved hand.
“I heard of the incident, I needed to see you myself. To ensure you were well and healthy.” Drake hissed, his hands moving down her shoulders, stopping right above her chest. His ruby eyes held hers, bending closer to her, his breath hot on her ear. “Why so tense, pereeneuss?” He whispered, wrapping his hand around her wrist, moving it from her chest.
“Counceelmain, you are completely out of bounds.” She snapped, taking his hands away from her chest, and stepping away from him. “As you can see, I am fine. Is there anything else that you needed to see me for?” She questioned, pouring him a glass of red wine. Watching him wince at the taste, she held back a satisfied smirk. “I apologize, I don’t drink much blood. This is all I have to offer.” She continued, taking a sip of hers.
“There is nothing else, I am just glad to see you are lively this morning.” Drake smirked, setting the crystal glass down on the glass table beside the large pearl white dresser. “Milady, will you be joining us at midnight for the meeting?” Drake questioned, brushing his hands against her cheek. “I so hope you join us; it was a pleasure hearing your wise words echo through the walls among shallow old men.” He continued, his voice low so only she could hear.
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The morning continued, Lucille entered the room his silver eyes gazing over Rena. Her black raven curled hair kissing her bare shoulders, the sunlight illuminating her beauty. He watched as she turned slowly, her bright blue eyes smiling up at him.
“Lucille, I am happy you are here.” Rena laughed, standing up from her vanity. He stared blankly at her, still mesmerized by her unspoken beauty. Composing himself, he stood tall, trying to stay focused on his duties.
“You are late for violin lessons. Shall we begin?” Lucille began, handing her a violin. “Now, princess, sit up, straighten out your back, or I will force you into a corset, do you understand.” He commanded, watching Rena quickly sit up as straight as she could.
Positioning her fingers and chin upon the interment, watching, Lucille stood behind her, straightening her spine, his fingers pressed gently against her back. The morning lessons continued for three hours. The music echoing through the halls. Her fingers aching from practice, three maids entered her chamber, with trays of snacks and lunch; he had left to the ballroom to prepare for the dancing lessons.
“Your Highness, we should get you dressed for your dancing lessons.” One girl bowed, escorting Rena to her closet, fitting her in a simple gown laced with forest green silk and black cotton, the maid tied the corset in a perfect bow, the laces falling delicately. After dressing, she finished her lunch of plums and soup before she was led away from her chamber to the ballroom.
