by L. N. MALONE
Armand and I stood as Armand addressed the circle. “Jayson, you have been accused and found guilty by the House of Obscurite. The Circle will now tell you the punishment you will have for your actions against us.”
Luke stands and faces Armand and I as he said, “My King and Queen, we have decided to accept the Queen’s request for leniency. Jayson will be held by guard in the prison below us for a term not to exceed one year. We want him close so he can be watched constantly. While we respect the Queen’s gifts, we also feel he is a danger to our kingdom and to you both. We have put a time limit on the leniency so that if within a year the Queen is unable to cleanse or release the tainted soul then he will be put to death for the actions against us.” Luke was forceful and determined with his words, however I could see the sadness in his eyes when he finished and bowed before us.
Do you accept this? Armand asked me through our link. I do, I replied with a warmth I hope he felt. I was honored he asked me before he accepted, it told me that he truly was willing to run his kingdom as equals. “We accept your sentencing of the prisoner.” He addressed the circle then turned to Jayson and said, “On a personal note Jayson, while my beloved Queen asked for leniency for you, I do not have the same feelings. I am allowing this for her.” He then paused briefly building his power so the next words would be laced with it. The power surge he put out in the room was so strong that it hurt physically. “You try to escape, you harm anyone in this kingdom in anyway, I will overrule this decision is a second and your head will be stuffed on a stake outside of my kingdom as a warning to all.” Armand’s last words made me shiver. I could not blame him for the rage he felt against Jayson, I cannot say I would not feel the same. “Take him away.” I said in hopes that with Jayson out of the room it will help settle Armand. I took his hand and rubbed my fingers against him hoping to soothe him even if it was just a bit. He looked down at me, the power still circling in his eyes, gave me a quick nod and lead us back to our seats.
One down and one to go, I heard Armand say in my mind with a slight chuckle. It utterly amazes me how quickly you can settle your power. I say back to him with awe. I still struggle with reigning my power in so to see how easily he does it makes me green with envy sometimes. He just chuckles softly under his breath as I hear Jin tell the guard we are ready for Dargon. Everyone in the room is anxious to meet my brother and the current King of the First Circle Realm, I can feel their anxiety and the room is filled with conversation as to what he is like. You ready for this? Armand asks and the only reply I can give his is I suppose I have no choice. The room gets suddenly very silent as Bassel walks in with Dargon.
I cannot help but watch Dargon as he walks in behind Bassel. We look so much alike that it is almost creepy. They both make their way to the front where Armand and I are sitting, and they bow. “Rise.” Armand says and they follow his command without question. I am still struck with awe and unable to speak. I have so many thoughts and questions that I do not even know where to begin. Lucky for me Bassel doesn’t wait for me to sort out my head and starts the conversation.
“My Queen, please let me introduce to you Dargon, your brother.” Bassel is very proper with his introduction and I know it must be hard for him. There is animosity between Dargon and him and I am still not sure where it stems from.
“Bassel, I am glad to see you well. Thank you for staying for this. I know you must be anxious to get back to your duties.” Armand says to him and I know he is only do so to give me time to gather my thoughts.
“Thank you, your highness. I am actually quite happy to stay.” Bassel replies and I know it’s only because of Lily that he is happy to stay. I know it is time to step up and introduce myself as well as welcome Dargon, so I take a deep breath and stand.
“Dargon, I have heard many things about you. I am sorry you got mixed up in all of this. I would have much rather meet you under better circumstances.” I say, to see how he would respond. I know he is partly behind this and I want to see how honest my older brother truly is.
“Actually, all of this may be fault, and for that I am terribly sorry.” To say I was surprised by his confession would be an understatement. I have heard rumors of how devious he is and how much of a tyrant he became, so to hear him confess to this was a shock.
“I see, and how would this be your fault.” I ask him directly, interested in what his version of the story would be.
“I am unsure how the human boy found the first circle realm, however he did. I was alerted the moment he entered. I had him ceased and brought to me immediately. I knew the moment he saw me he realized he had knowledge that I did not. He has a devious look in his eyes and I almost tossed him out of the realm. However, the first words he told me shocked me and changed everything.” Dargon pauses a bit, and his eyes have a look of remembrance and emotion that I do not quite understand. “His first words to me were Your sister is alive and I know where she is. I was shocked, we all thought you were dead. I did not want to believe him; however, I could sense he was telling the truth. I did not know what to do, I sent him down to the dungeon for the night just so I can think on it. I knew I had to find you. Things in the realm have been disintegrating. I was never born to lead it; I was just standing in and poorly at that. The people despise me, and I cannot blame them. I made choices that I didn’t know how to make, and it has taken a toll on our kingdom.” He shakes his head and sighs. I can see the distress in his soul and the truth of his words. “The human said he would only tell me who and where you were if I gave him power. I knew that if I put some older souls in him that would give him the power he wanted. However, I also knew that new fresh souls were easier to redeem and the power that it gave him would not last. So that is what I decided to do. What I did not know was that the power I gave him would destroy the land. I also did not realize his reason for wanting the power in the first place. Had I had known his true plans I never would have agreed, and I would have found a way to find you on my own. I am terribly sorry for all the struggles and pain that I have caused you and your chosen’s kingdom.” He finished and bowed his head just as I saw the moisture in his eyes before his head hung low before me.
I could not help but feel for him. His soul called to me, and I could not tell if it was because we were brother and sister or if it is because of another magical connection. Either way, I know in my gut that he is not as evil as everyone has made him out to be. “Do not fret Dargon. All of this information I already knew, apparently Jayson likes to talk when he tortures people. I thank you though for being honest and upfront. We have much to discuss and I would like to get to know you better. However, I do need you to know that you will be watched. The House of Obscurite has had quite a bit of things going on lately and we are all still on edge. With that said, Bassel here will be your guide here for the duration of your stay.” I paused for a minute wondering if I should say anything further, or just let the rest lie. I decided to continue, “You should know I have heard some things regarding the way the Second Circle realm has been handled and I know the kingdom is currently divided. We will discuss all of this however, you should you also know I have every intention of taking my spot as Queen of the Second Circle. Will that be an issue for you?” I asked with an assertiveness I did not actually feel, however I needed to see and feel his reaction.
“It will not be an issue. I was only a means to an end sort of speak. Everyone thought you were dead; the realm needed a ruler. I was thrusted there without wanting it. I look forward to learning more about you sister.” He said as he bowed again and Bassel escorted him out. I was surprised to see and feel no lies or deception coming from him. Either he is an exceptionally good liar, or he is telling the truth, I tell Armand through the link. I was just thinking the same, he responds. I take my seat next to Armand and ask, “What happened to Lissett?” I ask out loud for all to hear.
“She is healing in the dungeon below. Away from everyone and with a caretaker and medic. In the end she was consumed with lust and envy. She ne
eds time to heal before sentencing. She will stay in the dungeon until you and I can decide what should be done with her.” I nod in agreement with him; besides, we have lost so much and so many people already I do not want to lose anymore unless we have too.
“The humans and my father? Do we have word as to what happened once, we left the castle dungeon?” I ask worried about my father and my human people.
Mirella answers that question for me, “Your father is well and so is Jarvis. The humans have all returned home and sent back a package for you both. It was a present for your upcoming wedding. Your father also sent this to us this morning.” She stepped up to us and handed me a large envelope. I opened it and tears that I have been holding back threatened to fall as I read what he sent. Armand’s nerves shot up and I could feel his worry. I knew I would not be able to speak without my voice cracking, so I just shook my head and smiled as I passed him the paper. Relief and happiness flooded the link between us as Armand says “King Daren has officially agreed to a full pact with the House of Obscurite. We will be joined as one kingdom with two ruling houses. King Daren will still rule the humans and I will still rule Vampires however we will no longer be separated. This is a joyous occasion and should be celebrated. We will have a feast at the end of the week.” Cheers of relief and joy bounced along the walls of the room and I was relieved that we could start of our next chapter with good news. We still had so much to decide and so much in the air however, at least one thing was complete and that is truly something to celebrate.
I look around the room and watch the people before me. I cannot help but to feel comfort and love surrounding these walls. I will protect them all with my last breath if needed. Armand sits back places his hand on mine and looks out to our circle of friends and family with me. Love, faith, devotion, and contentment fills our bond as I smile and whisper to Armand through the link, and so, our reign begins…
