Guilty Crown (The Darkstorm Legacies Book 1)

by Bree De'leon

  “I see, that could be a dilemma. However, if I may be frank with your highness, perhaps, if you were to show more kindness like your sister, the people would be keener to kneel before you. Or...” He paused, placing his index finger and thumb to his pointed chin.

  “Go on.” Dymitri snapped impatiently.

  “Perhaps, there could be some way for us to arrange that I win the Kingstrials, and win her hand. I would be able to then take her to my home in Glaita, where she will be of no threat to you.” Drake continued, standing from his chair and circling Dymitri, placing his hands upon his shoulders.

  “Are you suggesting, instead of winning honorably, you want to cheat the games, and what if my father were to betroth her to Alexander for a secure treaty?” Dymitri began to protest, feeling a sharp pain hit his stomach, an emotion he had not understood, being twisted like a knife, his mind filling with fog.

  “Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Sebastian will not marry his precious and only daughter to that brute of man, that thinks himself a kind king. No, he will want her close, that he can still reach out for her when he needs to. Do you understand Dymitri, you will never be as wanted as she is. But you will take the crown for yourself.” Drake’s voice rang into Dymitri’s ear like a soft melody that flowed gently with the sea breeze. Dymitri was entranced, his emotions calm, his eyes glazed over as he continued to whisper into his ear. “Now go your highness. We will be needing rest for the feast this evening.” Drake smirked, leading him out of his chambers and into the dark empty hallway.

  6

  RENA WOKE SUDDENLY, the children still sound asleep, they had been up the night before running about and exploring the palace. She smiled softly, placing a gentle hand upon one the girls head. She heard the door open suddenly, appearing before her, Grygori, King of Arisite, and her beloved grandfather. His face softened at the sight of his grandchild. Her kindness beaming through her as the children continued to stir in their sleep. Rena raised her index finger to her lips, assuring her grandfather would not wake the orphans. She slowly moved from the bed, slipping away into the other part of her chamber, one where she and the king could speak freely.

  Embracing her, he checked every inch and hair on her to assure himself that she was alright. He relaxed, kissing her forehead. His breath smelled of iron and gin, his hair was greyer than before, she could tell the stress of the riots and the lycans had gotten to him. He had not bathed in days, he began to stink, she held her breath as he pressed her closer to him, tears falling down his red eyes.

  “Thank the Guardians you are safe, you are a foolish girl, scaring this old king with such foolish and rash actions.” Grygori slurred, slouching over her, she held him up, preventing him from toppling over. His worry for her made her feel relief, safe.

  “I know, grandfather, I am deeply sorry that I had worried you. But my decision would not have changed, I would risk my life for my people a thousand times over, if I had to.” She replied, her soft velvet voice serious. He stepped back, watching her amazed by her courage and strength. Her fist clenched, she had been staring down at the floor. The room was dark, he could see her perfectly, her hair tangled, her bare shoulders bruised from what could have been a silver. Grygori twitched, unsure of the uneasy feeling that had filled the room. Perhaps he had drunk too much, that he could not think straight.

  “You are a blessing bestowed upon this kingdom, Rena.” Grygori finally said, placing a cold pale hand on her shoulder, tumbling to the side of the wall. “Make sure to get ready for the feast.” He slurred, slumping over to the door. She shook her head a weak smile crossing her lips. She prepared a bath for the small ones, running her fingers through the crystal-clear water, remembering her butler bruised and broken.

  Walking over to the children, she began to wake them, ushering their small bodies to the bath, the infant was still in the cradle, beside her a wet nurse knitting a small blanket for her. Rena had heard the news of Lucille returning, she was there in an instant, but he had informed her that he needed rest to quickly be back at her side, serving her. And so, she did as he had told her, she was relieved to know her trusted butler had returned home. But her heart sank thinking of the condition her best friend and maid could be in, missing now for two days. She busied herself with the children, watching them, playing with them, and reading to them. She heard against her door, her father and grandfather bickering, she felt herself stiffen as a crash echoed through the halls, the infant woke up, crying uncontrollably. The wet nurse had attempted to feed the small creature, but it would not take.

  “Give her here, nan.” Rena insisted, taking the newborn girl into her arms, humming her back to sleep. The wet nurse bowed, watching as the princess cradled and soothed the baby.

  __________

  Grygori stumbled down the dark hallway, the drapes blocking out the damaging sun. His ember eyes darkened at the sight of his son. Sebastian, begrudgingly bowed, tilting his head to see his pathetic excuse of a king and father. For as long as Sebastian could remember, his father was always weak, no spine to do what was needed to be done, had it not been for his mother Arisite would never have been born.

  “Majesty.” The words tasted sour on his tongue, his loathing grew each moment in his presence.

  “My son, what brings you over here?” He slurred, leaning one hand against the pillar for support.

  “Checking on my daughter, she must be petrified by the events that have occurred these last few days.” He replied, standing straight, his dark blue doublet decorated in gold lace and gold medals. “Now move aside.” He demanded, shoving passed his father.

  “Leave her be, she is preparing for the feast.” Grygori held onto his son’s arm, stopping him in his steps. Narrowing his ice blue eyes, Sebastian, bit his tongue, removing his arm from his father’s grip.

  “You stink, bathe yourself before you are to be presented in front of the King Alexander.” Sebastian snapped, walking passed his daughter’s room. A servant rushed through the halls, his eyes searching for the prince. A sigh of relief at the sight of the prince, he bowed quickly.

  “Milord, Princess Victoria is back, she is demanding to see you at once.” The servant announced, sighing deeply, Sebastian rubbed his temples nodding his head in agreement with the young boy.

  __________

  Walking through the wide hallway, beside the servant, the prince analyzed the boy’s movements, he was ambitious and willing to do any work for advancement, he could be of use. Approaching the entrance, the sun shining behind Victoria, enhancing her beauty, she stood arms crossed, her face flushed pale and her brown hair falling straight. Liliana had left to the infirmary with Amelia, quickly getting to work to heal the maid.

  “Leave now boy, I will fetch you if you are needed again.” Sebastian hissed, sending the young servant on his way. “My darling wife, how was the travels?” He asked, leaning down to kiss his bride. He took her arm in his, leading her away from the entrance and into his chambers.

  She stood still, waiting for him to say another word. He only poured blood, two glasses, crystal, his desk was a mess, ink spilled, smearing across the parchment. They sat in silence for an hour, the sun was setting and the old vampyres were roaming the palace, the citizens sleeping within the servant’s quarters.

  “What was in that letter, dear husband?” She broke the silence, her words chosen carefully. He looked up from his books.

  “Just information, that you needn’t worry about, sweetheart.” He advised, going back to his books. She felt her fangs appear.

  “What was in the letter, Sebastian?” She insisted, placing a soft hand on top of his, he looked up once more, annoyed from the disturbance.

  “Information you should not concern yourself with, Victoria. Do well to remember that.” He demanded, digging his fingers into her hand, blood seeping from the wound, she pulled her hand away and stood abruptly. “Where are you going?” he asked, not looking up from his book.

  “I am leaving to get ready, I must enter
tain our guest, shall I not.” She hissed, the venom dripping from her fangs. Slamming the door behind her. He chuckled to himself, as he pulled out a parchment, dabbing his feathered pen, he began to write.

  __________

  Month: Trais-22nd—Year: 1511 AF

  Alexander waited in his chambers, the servants coming and going, changing the bed linens to his likings, he circled the room. He had been in Arisite a week and they had delayed the feast due to the incidents. His emerald eyes traced the beauty of the marble floors, and pearl walls decorated in his royal colors of Kindred. Royal purple silks lined the windows, silver candlesticks placed delicately on each dresser and table, his smile widened as he looked out his window, across the way was Rena’s chambers. She almost always had her curtains opened, he assumed to let the sunlight and moonlight drip in. Tonight, she was cradling the infant, the sun setting illuminated her features, her round blue eyes, her perfect lips pressed together. He stared at her for hours each day, her glow was radiant and pure. He could not stop his thoughts from drifting, imagining her in his kingdom, beloved by his people.

  “Your Highness, are you ready for the feast?” A servant asked, breaking his daydream, a vision he didn’t want to leave. He stood from his seat, the servant bowing low.

  Alexander had placed on his deep black doublet, lined in silver silk, and embroidered with royal purple patterns, he placed on black leather boots. He pulled his hair into a half ponytail, tying the hair in a purple ribbon. The servant backed away, waiting for the king to advance. The night air was cooling, the windows opened throughout the halls, as Alexander motioned for the servant to leave his room, escorting him to the main hall. Before he left his chambers, he glanced once more across the garden, his eyes locked onto the princess.

  __________

  Rena continued to dress the little ones as they sang songs and chased one another around the enormous room.

  “Children please, we must hurry and get you ready. Perhaps you will catch the eye of a lord or noble to be adopted into a good home.” Rena laughed, placing a pretty pink dress on the oldest girl. Her chamber door opened, she lifted a rambunctious boy and placing him on her knee while she pulled a plain white blouse over his head.

  Her eyes widened, filling with tears as she put the little boy down and leaped into her maids arms, beside her was Lucille, his grey eyes heavy from exhaustion.

  “I had no idea you were—”

  “Liliana is an excellent healer, she made sure Lucille and I would be able to serve you by this evening.” Amelia giggled, hugging the princess. The butler stepped forward, eyeing the children, each one standing still, holding their breaths as they watched the tall man dressed in black address them.

  “So, you are the orphans that the princess has taken in?” He asked, a scolding look aimed towards Rena. “Well then, we need to hurry and dress you all. Stand tall, in a line at once.” His voice rang through their ears as they did as they were told. Each one dressed in moments. Lucille bowed, escorting the children out of the princess’s room.

  “Lucille, knows how to control children better than I.” Rena laughed, wiping her tears from her eyes.

  “He was able to control us, if you remember.” Amelia chimed in, a small laugh escaping her as she pulled out a newly sewn gown. Amelia, sat her mistress down in front of her vanity, her reflection more than perfect. She began to dress her quickly, ignoring all questions Rena had about her disappearance.

  The dress was made of pure forest green satin, the bottom was a deeper green made of velvet, the matching bodice was laced with gold at the top, with the sleeves long with a slit on each one. She was the pure image of beauty and virtue. Amelia smiled at her best friend, turning her about so she could finish up, tying the bodice tight, Rena felt her chest lift. Placing a small gold tiara with an emerald stone in the middle on top of her head. Her hair fell kissing her shoulders. Finally, Amelia knelt, placing two forest green heels upon her mistress’s feet. Standing she stared at Rena, her smile warm.

  “You look gorgeous princess.” Amelia complimented, she twirled once, placing her mother’s pendant on her neck. it was rusted gold, an old trinket that she cherished more than anything.

  “Thank you, Amelia. Come, we must hurry before we are truly late.” Rena giggled, taking her maid’s hand and rushing through the halls.

  __________

  The walls were decorated with both purple and blues, gold and silver, a sign the treaty was real, the citizens stood in rows outside the throne room, waiting for the royals to arrive. The trumpets had sounded, the Druids and Zenopias stood straight as the royals approached. First Grygori and Anjou entered, dressed in matching royal blue and gold lace. Anjou was in a beautiful silk dress, slit in the middle revealing black leather pants with matching boots, beside her was her husband. Dressed in a royal doublet, buttoned to the neck, covered in gold medals of wars he had won, his sword at his side. Behind them Sebastian and Victoria hand in hand. He was in a simple black, embroidered with a blue serpent crowned in gold, she was in a matching dress, laced at the side of blue and gold, two slits revealing her slim pale legs. Dymitri and Rena followed, both dressed in forest green, his vest buttoned identically to his grandfather’s, it held no medals of glittering gold, just laced with gold and a brooch of the family crest. Rena’s arm was placed in his arm, she smiled, her lips painted petal pink. Finally, the announcer blew the trumpet again, announcing the final arrival. His Majesty, Alexander Lothbrok,

  He held his head high, his shoulders squared, as he marched through the hall and into the throne room. The chandeliers glistened above his head, illuminating his beauty and allure. He waved at each citizen and noble, bowing at the king and queen of Arisite, before he kneeled and kissed the hand of the young princess of the people. Her cheeks flushed as she bowed her head. The servants had begun serving finger foods and drinks to every guest, each one swimming through the crowds, exchanging trays of food and drink with new ones. The kitchen was burning with coal and flames that had started the main meal of the evening.

  Amelia ducked in and out, adjusting Rena’s trail as quickly and quietly as she could, and disappeared once more into the shadows. Alongside her Lucille, had taken charge, ushering each butler and maid to their posts, assuring they stood straight, eyes to the ground, and hands under the trays outstretched, still as a statue. Victoria sneered as Sebastian’s eyes flickered over to a woman, she could only assume was the mistress of the week. She placed a stern hand over her husbands, hoping to control his lust. The throne room doors were wide open, the smell of the sea rushed in, as the winds of the Trais month began to cool. The nobles all gathered, the musicians focused on their notes and sheets, blending in perfectly, the feast was marvelous. Alexander was surrounded by beautiful women, each one feeding him grapes and ale, they brushed against him. His smile melted their hearts, Rena quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks begin to flush, she waived for a pint of wine. The servant quickly at her side, leaving the pitcher beside the princess. The heat rising in her heart, watching the king, his veins visible from his neck, she took a sip of red wine, biting the inside of her bottom lip, as her eyes followed Alexanders movements.

  Drake was kneeling, taking her hand in his as he pressed his lips against her honey brown skin. Snapping her out of her trance, his voice was smooth as he announced himself to her father and stepmother.

  “Counceelmain, it is a pleasure to see you.” She lied.

  “Princess, if I may, would you honor me with this dance?” Taking her hand in his, she agreed to the dance.

  The violins and piano played in unison, the melody soft, romantic even, as he pulled her close to him. He was dressed in a fine black doublet, embroidered with red silk and lace, he had his hair pulled to the side, where his brooch was pinned, a symbol of his status. He smelled of cinnamon and musk, his touch gentle as he twirled her into him, placing his hand on her waist, he felt her heart beat faster beneath her skin.

  “You look enchanting tonight princess,” Drake
whispered into her ear, a smell of aftershave, the floor began to fill with bodies of noblemen and noblewomen, each dancing in unison. The room glittered in the candlelight, while merchants and noblemen and lords all offered their daughter’s hand in marriage to King Alexander. Some approached Sebastian for proposals for their daughters to his son, Dymitri. Rena blushed, letting Drake dip her, bringing her back up, his nose inches from hers. He moved in slowly, his lips parting as they closed the small distance. Pushing him away, she walked back to her father’s side. Baffled, he smirked, a challenge in his eye.

  The night continued, and Alexander was requesting more ale to be brought to the table. Pulling a young servant girl onto his lap, he flirted and boasted himself highly, shocked at the behavior, Rena had excused herself. Watching her as she left onto the balcony, the wind blowing the sheer curtains around, she stood gazing at the stars, the moon glowing almost purple, the sea below shimmered against the sky, reflecting the beauty of the unknown. She sighed, mesmerized by the current and vocals of the sirens in the distant. It was midnight, the vampyres had begun ordering their blood servants about, stripping their bodies of their blood. Amelia had been left running back and forth into the kitchens, moving as quickly as she could, to assure the best timing on delivering new wines to merchants, blood to the vampyres, and trays of cheese and grapes all around. Rena smiled to herself, knowing her closest friend was the best at serving others.

  She felt a warm hand upon her shoulder, turning around her eyes met the King of Kindreds. He had distracted her from her thoughts once again, her smile faded slowly, her heart beating fast, the music fading between them, the night air was warm and filled with the salt of the sea. His scent hit her nose sharp, the smell of honeysuckle and iron, a smell she hadn’t smelled in years, since her mother had passed in the slums of Kindred.

  “Why so melancholy, princess?” His concern hit her hard, she held herself so high, that she believed that no one would notice her moods or emotions. How is it he a man she barely knew could read her thoughts?