“Adelaide.” Nynae’s voice broke through the delicate silence of the hall.
The Princess looked to her, and she felt her cheeks burn red with embarrassment. “I'm sorry, I was…distracted.” Adelaide said quietly. When the Queen simply laughed, it only made her cheeks burn some more.
Nicademius ran into the hall without warning, he seemed excited and full of energy. He ran up to Adelaide and smiled. “I think I've figured it out, what the books mean, that is.” he cried out to her. Extending his hand, he waited for the Princess to take it.
Adelaide jumped from her seat and, giving the King and Queen a quick curtsey, she accepted Nicademius’ hand and followed him out of the hall to his room.
Nicademius shut the door and locked it, keeping his ear pressed on the wood for a moment. He waited, yet heard no footsteps. He quickly turned to look at Adelaide. The excitement boiling within was becoming too much to bear. “There are six castles and forts all together in The Allied Kingdoms. That must mean that there are six parts to this book in total. My theory is that each book must contain some vital part of a ritual, or something, that will conjure up this army of the dead it’s talking about.” he began.
Adelaide’s mind clicked, and she nodded eagerly.
“That must mean one of the books is in Valkenn. Let's hope it's not the last part or else.” Nicademius began again, only he stopped as though worried he might say something wrong.
“All of this time and effort would have been a waste. If it's in Valkenn castle and we're already going round collecting them all, the Valentis will need the other five books. Assuming they either know about the books already or have yet to find out.” Adelaide finished in his stead, when the Prince found he himself could not say it.
Nicademius nodded once. He sat down on the bed and looked at her. “The second part of the book says we have to go to Anderaith, but it doesn't solve our problem of not understanding what the book is actually telling us.” he said.
Adelaide moaned and fell back onto the bed, her hands covering her face in disbelief. “I think I know who can help us with that. Have you heard of a sorcerer called Izikiel?” she asked Nicademius after some time.
The Prince simply shook his head.
“Viktor and Saff had always told me tales of Izikiel, a sorcerer who lived in Ordathe Cove in the forest of Valkenn. He’s said to be delusional, demented; but also the only one who could help us with the books.” Adelaide silently prayed that he had remained in Ordathe Cove, the gods only knew how much time and effort it would save them both in having to look for him.
“How can he help? You just said yourself he's insane.” Nicademius asked.
Adelaide thought hard for a moment. “Perhaps he could look through the books and…translate. He’s a sorcerer, it’s what he does. The real question is, what would he want in return. Sorcerors are notoriously greedy or unreasonable with their prices.” Adelaide’s forehead creased in thought and she sighed. It seemed her brothers teasing when she was a child had proved to be useful, all those tales passed down to them about delusional sorcerers who liked to steal girls for sacrifices and kidnap boys to keep as experiments in their secret hideouts. Adelaide had never once considered any of it be true. Now these Awakening books proved otherwise. After all, someone who had once practised black magic must have put these books together somehow.
“Do you have any better ideas?” Adelaide asked, having sensed the Prince’s scepticism.
Nicademius thought hard for a moment and when he came to a decision, he shrugged and asked, “OK, if we really have no other choice. When do we leave?”
Serendipity
The days passed by quickly without Aderico and as the next morning arrived and then the afternoon, Serendipity felt relaxed. She had not felt this carefree since being in Anderaith and it seemed for some time she had forgotten how to be so calm. Serendipity spent whatever spare moments she had with her new husband, even if they were not very long, and each time they had to go their own way again – Serendipity to her lessons and Valerius to his paperwork – it was like a little piece of her chipped away with each parting. Serendipity Valdar would have thought it so dramatic but, Serendipity Redbane thought that this was what love really felt like and it was painful to know it had to be kept a secret.
Arann found the Princess in one of the smaller halls of the castle, one as far away from civilisation as possible, and when he approached, he sent Serendipity a genuine smile. Serendipity was relieved to see that he had not yet been broken by the cruelty of Marcus’ reign. “It's about time we all had a drink together, you and me and Thommo and the girls. Alena will join us when she can, when the men have finally stopped pestering her for drinks.” he said to her.
The pub outside the castle was far bigger than the one they used to go to in Anderaith, with its open space and stone floor, a fire roasted in the centre and the tables and benches scattered around it gave it a strangely welcoming feeling. Yet as they walked, both Serendipity and Arann suddenly felt like they were at home again. Even if they were, in reality, far from it.
Usually pubs emanated only beer and trouble. The tables were crowded with soldiers, mainly younger men and even boys who had sat down for a drink. They all roared with laughter and pounded their fists hard against the wood. The atmosphere almost seemed pleasant!
Serendipity could not help but smile. It had been some time since she had dared to step outside the castle and she was enjoying her first taste of freedom. The Princess had dismissed her patrol of guards, although they remained close enough in the courtyard to make it seem like they were still on duty guarding her. They were more focused on laughing and drinking with the other soldiers but, no one minded.
Arann led the Princess to where he and the others had agreed to meet. Even Marhi and Thommo seemed happier than they ever had since arriving here, for once.
Serendipity immediately rushed over to them, only a hand grabbed her from behind before she could embrace either one of them.
“Serendipity! Alena cried and threw her arms around her. “I was starting to think I wasn't going to see you out and about again.” she beamed and laughed joyfully.
Serendipity raised a brow at her and smiled. “Believe me, I would have thought of a way to see you and the others.” she replied and laughed as Alena pulled her towards the others. The Princess was welcomed with more hugs and then eventually ushered into a seat of her own.
Arann pushed a drink towards Serendipity and then held up his own. “About time we all gathered together, we thought you were never going to be let out of the,” he stopped talking all of a sudden and lowered his cup, his gaze fixed behind the Princess. The corner of his mouth began to twitch.
Serendipity let go of her own cup with a frown. “Arann, what's wrong?” she asked and turned to look around.
Valerius stood behind her. Placing his hands onto her shoulders; he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. There was no subtly in the action but, no one else around them seemed to have cared to notice. “I thought I had lost you, my father is looking for you.” He told her, running his thumb down her cheek as he spoke.
Serendipity shuffled over on her seat, making room for her husband to sit down and as he did, he slung his arm over her shoulder.
“Will I have the honour of being introduced to your friends, properly?” Valerius asked his young wife with a grin.
Marhi giggled, whilst Thommo extended his arm and waited for it to be taken.
“I’m Thommo. You're Valerius Valenti? The Lord of Valkenn?” he asked and shook Valerius' hand eagerly. He had not been in the castle that long, so even the faces of the Valenti nobles themselves had not yet sunken in properly. But he was working on it.
The young Lord laughed and nodded. “Last I checked, yes. I'm pleased to meet you all. Serendipity has told me much about you three, four even.” he replied as Alena returned with her tray bearing only one cup left.
The serving girl handed it to Valerius, and he took it gratefully, sh
e smiled at him and tucked the tray under her arm. “Now Lord Valerius, tell me you are looking after our Serendipity well.” she said to him.
Once again, Valerius nodded and shifted his gaze to Serendipity. “Of course, I’ve always got one eye out on my wi- on her.” he silently cursed the close slip of his tongue.
Serendipity seemed to be the only one to have noticed it but, she quickly changed the subject before the others could start getting suspicious about the sudden silence. “Why is your father looking for me?” she asked. Serendipity felt her husband’s shoulders move as he shrugged.
“I don't know and I'm not too sure I want to find out either.” he replied and picked up his cup, taking a few sips with care.
“Why is Aderico taking so long? I hardly think he is taking your mother back to Faradwyn, maybe he has to check on his supply of drugs?” Serendipity asked bitterly. She sat up and propped her elbows onto the table before her.
Valerius shook his head. “I have my suspicions too but, it appears my father has lost all of his. Or do you think he might secretly be in on this too? I mean, my father seemed to have had no clue about it before but, he’s a master of facades. This whole drug ordeal could really have been his idea from the start, for all we know.” he replied.
Serendipity ran her tongue around her the inside of her mouth in thought. “I’m just glad Aderico’s gone.” she finally said.
Valerius laughed lightly. “Well that makes two of,”
“Valerius?” Marcus' voice echoed from somewhere in the courtyard.
Both Lord and Princess looked over their shoulders and found Marcus wandering the pub in search of his son. What the hell was he doing here of all places? Grabbing hold of her hand, Valerius rose to his feet and pulled Serendipity up to hers.
“It was a pleasure to meet you all but, we need to go.” he looked to Serendipity and added, “Run!” Valerius turned the princess around and urged her to go, with a press of his hand against her back and a hushed laugh. He was certainly in a joyous mood with all this laughing. Valerius wrapped his hand around Serendipity’s as they sped off, away from the others. Keeping low, they avoided being spotted by Marcus.
The Lord’s voice still echoed through the courtyard, causing most conversations to cease and he called out again. This time he called out the Princesses name.
“Serendipity.” Marcus yelled.
Serendipity only laughed this time and gently pushed Valerius towards the door of the castle, running out of the courtyard just outside the castle where they had been relaxing. Slipping in silently, they made their way further down the corridors. The halls were dark as they ran and they threw shadows across the walls in whatever candle light was available. They both felt like children again, running away from a monster in pursuit of them.
Valerius pulled his wife into his room (although he now considered it theirs since the marriage ceremony) and he locked the door behind them. They both pressed themselves against the door and waited.
Valerius shifted his gaze to Serendipity and choked on another one of his contagious laughs. “Do you think he followed us?” he asked.
Serendipity giggled and shook her head.
“Good.” Valerius said, fighting to catch his breath. He started down at Serendipity for a moment and then finally leaned in to kiss her. His lips were soft against hers and he snatched a few kisses here and there.
Serendipity returned his kisses, and she ran her hands up to his neck. Valerius pressed his wife up against the door. Taking hold of the top of her dress, he pulled it down to her hips; feeling delighted that she had not stopped him. He waited until Serendipity had shaken the rest of her gown off and it fell to the floor around her feet. The Princess craned her neck to one side as her husband kissed her there; sending violent shivers across her skin. Her hands worked on unbuttoning his tunic before she pulled it off and threw it aside. Serendipity grasped the handle of the door, steadying herself, as Valerius thrust himself against her.
“I believe we still have a marriage to consummate, now that we have the chance.” he purred.
“Then what are you waiting for?” Serendipity teased. She had been waiting for this moment for some time, it almost made her sick with excitement.
Valerius hooked his fingers underneath the lace top Serendipity wore beneath her gown and with a few gentle tugs, he pulled it off and dropped it to the floor. As Valerius worked to remove the last of the Princess’ clothes, it only made him more glad that they had decided to wait until they were married to have sex. It made it all seem so much more special.
Serendipity pressed herself down onto the bed and at the sound of the mattress creaking under the weight of another body, she clenched her thighs together and waited. Valerius’ started slow, pressing a few kisses against her stomach up to her neck. He watched as Serendipity arched her back in with each kiss. He found his place on top of her and kissed her on the lips this time, all the while finding his way inside her.
The Princess went to sit up but, Valerius stopped her with soothing words. “It’s alright. Just tell me when you’ve had enough and I’ll stop.” he said. Pressing Serendipity back down onto the bed, he started them off. It felt like a lifetime, this moment of pleasure and ecstasy. This was supposed to be wrong, not just the sex but, their entire marriage. But if it was supposed to be wrong, why could Serendipity only think of reasons why it felt right? After some time, Valerius allowed Serendipity to roll him onto his back and she pulled herself up into his lap.
Valerius’ fingers tangled in Serendipity’s thick curls, all whilst his other hand grasped one of her breasts and made her moan. He took the lead, his lips lingering here and there, and then suddenly Serendipity was gazing up at the ceiling again. The Princess found herself savouring tonight alone with Valerius – her husband. It only just fully struck her now that she was neither Serendipity Valdar nor Redbane, not anymore. She was Serendipity Valenti, Princess of Iradas and wife of Valerius Valenti, Lord of Valkenn.
Valerius' hands wrapped around Serendipity tightly, their skin brushing against each other’s, and his lips found their way around Serendipity carefully again. He wanted to kiss every scar on her body, in hope that he could heal her somehow but, to no avail. Valerius slid further down Serendipity’s stomach, until he was able to hook her legs over his shoulders, and he dipped his head in between his wife’s thighs. Serendipity grasped the bedsheets tightly as the young Lord took his time exploring her there, the only response she received from him was a press of his fingers against her thighs. The final flick of his tongue had her begging him not to stop. She waited until he returned to her and she smiled.
This was how I wanted it she thought to herself. “I love you, Valerius.” she whispered and wrapped her arms around his chest.
Valerius looked at her again and pushed a curl from her gleaming forehead. After a moment he moved his hands to Serendipity’s wrists and kissed her again. “I love you too. I love you so much.” he whispered in return. Rolling back onto the bed, he pulled Serendipity into his arms and together they fell asleep to the warmth of each other's skin and a steady lullaby of their breathing.
Dominika
What Viktor needed most at the moment was a meal he did not have to stuff down his throat in a matter of minutes, just so he could return to a never ending pile of work. So his loving wife had gone through the trouble (even though she had reassured him there had been none) to have lunch prepared for him and his brother, with her and Tohji joining them.
Dominika had not been in Fort Windspeed for long but, already she had gotten use to the busy atmosphere and the inhabitants who always seemed on edge. She did not think her father’s palace back at home had been all too quiet either but, this Fort was something else entirely. The young Empress could not remember the last time she had been involved in fighting against the enemy, even if her words were the only weapon she used. Her father, Yhannisan, had done well to keep his daughter from being burdened with news of their enemies – a certain Aradax Jhorou i
n particular – but, a palace was not the best place to be in if you wanted to avoid hearing gossip of any kind.
Viktor was delighted by the lunch his wife had organised for him and he felt touched to have learned that Dominika had asked for the Emperor’s favourite meal to be made. “I thought I could smell fried goat.” Viktor said cheerily as he approached the dining table. His stomach had been growling the entire morning as a result of his small breakfast. Viktor still felt bad for having left Dominika at the table earlier, with a piece of bread between his teeth and his fingers flipping through a handful of papers as he left the room. Seeing as it was just past midday, Dominika and Tohji were also allowed to eat meat and they all sat down to a serving of fried goat with cheese and boiled rice, seasoned with fine rosemary.
Viktor pressed a kiss against Dominika’s cheek and then stooped to extend the loving gesture to their unborn child. “I hate to be a pest but, you are eating enough to sustain yourself, yes?” he asked her.
Dominika held a glass of goats milk in her inked hand and she went to take a small sip, only to stop and place it down and turn her full attention to Viktor; looking rather serious. “You worry too much, I’m perfectly comfortable. I do feel terrible sitting with my feet up just watching you and your brother do all the work around here. Tell me, Husband, is there anything I can do to help?” she did not take up her glass of milk again, seeming to have forgotten it entirely.
Saff sat in his seat chewing on a piece of meat. When he swallowed, he pointed a fork at his brother. “You’ll need to offer to do something specifically, Dominika, or else my brother dearest will just tell you that he has everything under control.”
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