Princess of Darkness

by Adrianna J Tetnowski

  “You aren’t paying attention.” Seb said, having noticed the King’s mind wandering. He struck Vestus on his hip with the flat side of his sword, sending him cursing.

  “Sorry.” Vestus replied.

  “Again.” was all Seb said in turn.

  The King cleared his mind and went again. This time he made the first move, swinging his sword sent his arm trembling but, he kept his balance as best as he could as he stepped forward; moving with his weapon. He remembered Seb telling him something about thinking of his sword as being a part of his arm. So Vestus worked hard to make sure he did not let go of his weapon as he swung it around, all the while listening to Seb as he told him to steady his breathing and count his steps.

  Seb’s bronze skin was gleaming with sweat. He had done some training by himself beforehand, since Tourri had convinced Vestus to get some rest earlier that day before his training session. He had expected to get tired easily but, the excitement of being able to train with Vestus sent adrenaline running through him and he began to pick up his pace.

  Vestus was panting now and he could feel something crawling up his throat – whether it was bile or blood, he did not want to find out. He tried to match Seb’s pace, smacking his sword against the Captain’s with little to no technique. The Captain was moving too quickly for him and to his own embarrassment, Vestus felt his eyes begin to well up with tears. Useless. Pathetic. Weak King! Vestus could not help but think about himself. “Just wait a minute, Seb. Slow down. Please!” he begged. Vestus could taste blood coating his teeth.

  Seb went to raise his sword again but, he stopped at the sight of his friend and King dropping to his knees. “V? Vestus, hey. Are you OK?” he cried.

  The young King was on his hands and knees. He hung his head low and his body trembled as he began to gag and cough, before vomiting up some blood. There was not as much as usual but, this time it came out in lumps.

  “Shit.” Seb breathed. Running to a small water fountain by the door of the training ground, he filled a bowl quickly, running back to Vestus without wasting a moment. He straightened the King up and brought the bowl to his lips, urging him to drink. “Gods, Vestus. I’m so sorry! I should have stopped as soon as – I, Vestus I’m so sorry.” the Captain felt close to tears himself at the pain he had inflicted on his friend. Not his King, that didn’t matter, it was his friend he had hurt.

  Vestus sat back on the cold floor of the training ground. He took in the iciness of the stone and he allowed himself a moment to catch his breath and wash out any blood which may have remained coating his mouth. “I want to lead my men into battle. I want to be the kind of King whom men look up to, to lead them to victory. How can I do that when even lifting a sword causes me this much pain?” his voice was quiet. Even speaking hurt his throat, it felt like it was being torn apart with each sound that left him. “The worst part is that I’m not afraid of fighting. The thought of going to war on the Redbanes side doesn’t make me want to cower away in some corner. It’s the thought of not being able to keep myself up on a horse long enough to break through the enemy lines that I dread the most. Watching my men die for a useless King who can’t even raise a sword to save the life of a soldier who, for some stupid, stupid reason, would be willing to die for me.” a tear dared to slip from Vestus’ eye.

  Seb said nothing as more tears began to fall from Vestus’ eyes and he did not frown or shake his head in disappointment at the young King. His brave friend of so many years, sat crying at what he believed were his many failures; not even as King anymore but, as a man. “I would die for you, Vestus Tore.” he replied. His voice was so serious it had the King looking up at him in shock. “Even if I were down on my knees, half-dead and already decaying, I would crawl to save you. Because I know you would do the same for your men. Because I know you would let a thousand arrows pierce your body if it meant saving the life of just one man.”

  Vestus wiped his eyes and looked back at Seb. He felt pathetic crying like this but, he was only human; a young man trying to find reasons as to why he was worth anything at all. “And I would die for you, Seb Farran. I would die for Tourri, Adelaide as well. I do not expect you to think of me as a good King, or even a worthy one,” he began.

  “But I do. I wouldn’t flee your banner even if Viktor Redbane himself called upon my services and named me Chief of Staff of – oh, I don’t give a damn. Skull Island is my home and you are my King, my friend and my brother. And you’d do well not to give up on me now.” Seb replied.

  Vestus looked to his Captain and friend and watched as he found his feet, extending his arm out to him afterwards. He gave Seb the smallest of smiles and clasped his hand as the Captain helped him find his feet.

  “If you have the strength and energy, I believe we can go for another round or two.” Seb said and raised his sword again to meet the Kings.

  Vestus felt sheer determination overcome him. He was going to learn to fight, well enough for him to even lead his army into battle with his loyal friend and Captain by his side. Once their armies were gathered and readied, they would join the war in an awesome display of soldiers under a skull banner. Vestus was not going to let some illness be the thing to steal his last breath from him and if he was to die, it would be on a battlefield besides his men and damn it, that would be a far better way to go than what his illness had in mind for him.

  Valerius

  Serendipity and Valerius had changed into more suitable clothes, tunics and breeches, for their training session and the young Lord had allowed the session to include short swords. Seeing as Serendipity was eager to learn how to use the weapon, Valerius found no reason to complain.

  The Princess, by Valerius’ orders, swung the sword around for a moment just to get used to the feel of it and she smiled when she finally had. “I think I've got it now.” she nodded.

  Valerius smiled at her. “Good, now stay focused.” he replied and dragged his short sword down her own, his grin widening at the quiet screeching sound that followed the gesture. Moving quickly, Valerius swung his sword and watched as Serendipity ducked just in time. Spinning past her, he grabbed her by the hand. “Fight me. Don't run from me.” Valerius commanded and let go of her hand, moving out the way as she swung her own sword. “Quick movements. Don't wave your arm around too much, you'll tire yourself out. You're small, use it to your own advantage.” he continued.

  Serendipity nodded and slipped past her husband, her blade skimming past her waist as she moved, before turning around to face Valerius again. “Like that?” she asked.

  Valerius simply nodded and charged at her again. After a couple more blows he was amazed to see that she hadn't gotten tired, and she continued to move with surprising grace. A brief pain shot through Valerius’ knee as Serendipity kicked him and she smiled as he hunched over. Valerius watched as she knocked his sword out of his hand and pointed her blade at him.

  “I win.” she cheered behind a broad smile.

  Valerius shook her head. “Not quite.” he replied, grabbing her by the waist, Valerius quickly tackled her to the ground. Serendipity’s sword went flying, and he toppled onto her; pinning her arms down. “I believe I win.” Valerius corrected her and smiled mischievously.

  Serendipity wriggled under her husband’s weight, yet found that she couldn't move. Her chest rose slowly as she inhaled and exhaled; her heart beating swiftly and she blushed as Valerius looked down at her. The corners of her mouth tipped up into a half smile. “Valerius.” she began. “You're hurting my legs.”

  Valerius laughed and planted a few kisses down her neck.

  “Ugh – I came to watch you both fight, not have sex.” Evard moaned from behind them and covered his eyes with his hands. He had been watching the training session, seeing as he believed he had nothing better to do. Evard was not really supposed to be around Serendipity anymore but, it had taken more than threats to kill him the last time. He had pissed someone off.

  Valerius laughed and rolled off her. Finding his feet, he pulled
Serendipity up as he did and dusted himself off.

  “I doubt I'd be able to tackle anyone during battle but, thanks for the idea anyway.” Serendipity said as she dusted herself off too.

  Evard had long grown bored with the training session, so he gladly followed after Serendipity as she left the training ground once finished.

  Valerius had done a few rounds before that with Serendipity and for that, he paid the price of a sweat soaked tunic and greasy hair. Pulling his hair back from his eyes, he took a moment to catch his breath and went to leave.

  Izikiel had slipped into the training ground without the young Lord noticing. His hood hung over his face as usual, making it impossible to see his expression, and he hobbled around as if injured at his knee.

  Valerius watched with certain disgust as the small sorcerer approached and he quickly found that Izikiel was at least a full head shorter than him.

  The man grinned and showed Valerius his rows of yellow teeth. “It's pleasing to see that you are training the Princess, she’s a fine young woman she is. It’s such a shame though, that she's to marry your cousin.” he paused to tut. “He will treat her badly once they are married. The Princess will be nothing more than a plaything to Aderico, to be used until she gives him a son.” he paused to raise his eyes to Valerius; not that the Lord would have seen it. “I’m sure you would not appreciate him treating your young wife like that?” his question was so unexpected.

  Valerius blinked hard at him. “How do you-” he could not find himself asking the rest of the question. Valerius was already too busy wondering if whether Izikiel knowing about their marriage meant his father knew about it too. He suddenly grew afraid of a reaction from his father which was not even guaranteed to come to light. “How do you know about any of this? Do you have the gift of foresight too?” Valerius asked, genuinely curious.

  Izikiel let out a small cackle. “No, my Lord. I just happen to know certain things - about certain people. You must help her escape, Lord Valerius, your cousin is gone. Give her a horse and set her free, for that is the only way your marriage will survive.” he paused to smile mischievously. “Being separated from your loved one is a cruel notion, I know. But it is a necessary one.”

  “You will say nothing about our marriage to my Father?” it was a question Valerius felt rather afraid to ask. Anyone could get a taste of betrayal and him being a Lord offered him no protection against such a thing. In fact, it made him a more appealing target to sudden knives in his back.

  Izikiel laughed once again, tipping his head back far enough for his red eyes to become visible this time. “Last I recall, your sister was whispering in Reynald’s ear to keep an eye out on the Princess. Oh, I have a bad feeling – a terrible feeling about that! You should go young Lord Valerius, before it's too late and there’s nothing left of your wife but a cold corpse.”

  Valerius jumped closer to the sorcerer, his hand now grasping the hilt of his sword, and he let out a growl. “When?” he asked angrily.

  Izikiel thought for a moment. “Now.”

  Valerius ran past Izikiel and down the hallway, praying all the while that he could catch up with his wife before Reynald got to her first. His heart was beginning to ache at the thought of Serendipity’s lifeless body by the Captain’s feet – no! Valerius was now stumbling as he ran faster than his feet could comprehend and he continued to make his way through the castle in a desperate search for the Princess. He could hear his sword screaming to him the entire way,

  Run Valerius, run before it is too late!

  Serendipity

  The Princess strolled down the hallway in her sweat soaked tunic, feeling rather pleased with herself about how much she had learned in her training session. Her hands swung gracefully by her side and it seemed she had completely forgotten that Evard was beside her.

  “And that's why I do not get along with Havard Graye. The bastard.” Evard said, unaware that Serendipity’s attention was somewhat lacking.

  Serendipity shook her head and turned her attention to the young man. “Sorry, what?” she asked.

  Evard gave the girl a playful shove, pretending to be offended that she had not been listening. He was not expecting a light punch on the arm in return. “I had been explaining why I don't get along with Havard, if you had been paying any attention. Whenever we get on each other’s nerves and we start to argue or threaten each other, people usually just roll their eyes and say 'there go Evard and Havard again'.” he waved his hand for emphasis, although Serendipity wasn't quite sure what he was meant to be emphasising.

  “Evard and Havard.” the Princess repeated. “Funny that, how you both have similar names and yet you absolutely detest each other.”

  Evard shook his head once again. “I know. Once, we’d been mistaken as brothers, which drove us both mad. If he were my brother, I would treat him differently. I mean, I’d still tease him as any sibling is meant to but- “Evard trailed off and he stopped walking all of a sudden.

  Serendipity looked ahead and to her own misfortune she found Reynald standing before them both, his huge arms folded over as he leaned against the wall.

  The Captain smiled mischievously. “I can take it from here, Boy, run along. The Princess doesn't need two people escorting her.” he ordered and straightened himself up.

  Evard immediately shifted into what seemed like a defensive stance. With his knees bent, he eyed the Captain with a suspicious gaze.

  “Don't try to act tough with me, Boy. I said run along.” Reynald hissed.

  Evard's eyes sliced into Serendipity’s and she nodded at him, knowing that Evard would get seriously injured if he stayed. The boy straightened himself up and left the scene in a hurry, without asking questions. Despite a voice in the back of his mind screaming at him to stay.

  Reynald took a few steps closer and extended his arm out to Serendipity. “Little Princess, it would be my pleasure to escort you back to your room.” he offered behind a smile.

  “I know well that you're not here to escort me anywhere, you're here to complete Kalyani's dirty work for her. How much is she paying you?” Serendipity asked, hoping to have concealed her fear enough for it to go unnoticed.

  Reynald laughed and took another step closer. “She's not paying me at all. I'm doing it for my own pleasure.” he replied and began to remove his belt.

  Serendipity still held her short-sword in her hand and she gripped it tightly for comfort. She made a brave attempt to slip past the Captain but, Reynald grabbed onto her before she had the chance to flee. Serendipity went to scream only she felt him clamp his hand over her mouth.

  Reynald threw the Princess to the floor and rested his knee onto her back. He wasted no time. Wrapping the belt around Serendipity’s neck, he forced her to her knees and tightened the belt some more. All the while, his sword tore through the flesh on Serendipity’s back as it moved with Reynald’s leg as he knelt down himself; trying to make himself more comfortable as he worked to carry out his dirty deed. The Captain did not care of the wound he had inflicted on the Princess – she was going to be dead soon enough and her body dumped somewhere in the castle; made to appear as though she had been raped and murdered by some soldiers gone rogue. Serendipity spluttered and slipped her fingers around the leather belt, allowing passage for some precious air.

  Reynald slapped her hand away. “I want to make this nice and quick, clean if possible. If you don't mind.”

  “No!” Serendipity screamed. Why beg for her life when she could fight for it? She threw her head back until it collided with his; when she felt the Captain loosen his grip a little, Serendipity ripped free from his grasp and turned to face him. Her arm moved before her mind could process it and she plunged her sword into Reynald’s stomach; watching as the blade tore his flesh apart and his innards slipped out onto her. Serendipity let out a shriek of discomfort and pulled his insides off her. Her face was covered with blood, along with her tunic, and after a moment of stunned silence; Serendipity jumped to her feet and droppe
d her sword as she ran in the direction of the room she shared with Valerius in secret. Serendipity could only pray her husband was not there.

  “Serendipity.” Valerius' voice came from behind.

  “Shit.” The Princess sobbed and continued running towards her room. Once there, she closed the door behind her and hunched herself over the sink. Scrubbing frantically at her tunic until her hands felt raw, Serendipity attempted to wash off as much of the blood as she could. She scrubbed at her face next and then made an attempt to clean the blood from under her nails.

  The door to the bathroom opened and Valerius came running in towards her. Judging by how quickly he moved, Reynald’s body had not gone unnoticed – why would it have? It was out in the open, for all to see. Valerius’ eyes widened in shock at the sight of his poor young wife as she stood trembling and sobbing to herself.

  “I didn't mean to.” Serendipity cried without even looking up at him. “He tried to kill me so I-” she began again but, was cut off by Valerius' footsteps.

  Valerius turned Serendipity around to face him and he grabbed onto her chin with a gentle hand, examining her face thoroughly for any cuts or bruises. He cursed at the sight of the cut on Serendipity’s back but, said nothing about it. “It's all right. Here, lets get you cleaned up.” he whispered soothingly to her.

  Serendipity began to sob, and she remained standing with her bloody hands out in front of her, whilst Valerius set the water running in the bath. She could hardly move to help her husband as he began to undress her and the cut on her back stung as Valerius had to peel the tunic off with care. He helped Serendipity into the bath and began to scrub the blood off her skin.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Serendipity said again. It was the only thing that came to mind.

  Valerius was too engrossed in the task of washing the blood from her skin, determined to make sure he didn’t leave any trace of it once he was done, that he did not reply. When he finally looked Serendipity in the eyes, the words that left his mouth were not the ones the Princess had been expecting.