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Section 1
### Chapter 1: Chapter 1
"If you can defeat me, you can leave, I will not stop you." She glared at him for his challenging words, as if she would believe him. Do you have any other options?! She thought to herself. Timena Mororcin is the eldest daughter of King Vassar and Queen Adelia, she rarely concerns herself with the customary duties of a princess. She’d rather spend her time wielding swords and shooting arrows, while doing it in her armor rather than a dress. When King Silas of Calyx arrives in search of a bride, it is clear that her younger sister Delacroix, would be the obvious possibility of the two, with her feminine demeanor, beauty and desire to marry and become a queen. However, an unforeseen decision and a whole lot of secrets threaten to ruin everything.
Complete Chapters 28 Rating 4.8 ( 37 reviews ) Age Rating 13+ {"language":"en","storyId":233861,"genres":[{"name":"Fantasy","path":"/genres/fantasy"},{"name":"Romance","path":"/genres/romance"}],"authorName":"grundled","authorPath":"/grundled","status":"complete","lastUpdatedAt":1547974220,"chaptersCount":28,"rating":4.8108108108108105,"reviewsCount":37,"ageRating":"13+"} Chapter One 1356
The sounds of steel striking continued.
As calculated as her opponent's movements may have been, she could always think one step further. She could anticipate when he was just about ready to strike; taking note of how he slowed down just before quickening his pace to cast her off. Each motion was precise, but her counters were evenly matched, ultimately always allowing her the victory. Now the tip of her blade nearly connected with his sternum.
Placing her sword in her scabbard, she walked away, giggling triumphantly. He let out a loud groan before falling to the grass defeatedly.
"One day Samuel, you'll earn the victory." She teased.
Sighing to himself, he chuckled.
"Maybe one day you'll pity me and just let me have it." He joked.
"Never Sam, earning it will be much more rewarding." She looked to him before seeing her father from a distance, clapping his hands together in approval. She rolled her eyes, taking a playful bow.
"It always pleases me to see that only my daughter shows the capability of defeating my own soldiers." He spoke pridefully, his burly figure sauntering over to place a kiss atop her head.
She sighed to herself as she walked away, noticing her sister standing in the doorway.
"Why don't you go speak to him Dela?"
"Mena, he's incapable of looking at me the way he does you. He always has such a look of pride watching you spar with Samuel. I swear I could see a little twinkling in his eyes this time." Her sister confessed.
Wrapping an arm around Delacroix's shoulder, they continued inside.
"Try not to forget tonight is the ball," Delacroix attempted to change the subject. "King Silas is traveling from Calyx as we speak."
"If you refuse to speak to him, maybe I should." Timena suggested.
"No please, that's alright. I'm going to find Mother, I will see you at supper." Delacroix pulled away, running down the corridor.
Timena felt pangs of guilt after encounters such as these with her sister. She could not help that her her interests often aligned with that of her father's. She knew that Delacroix only yearned for the same love their father had given to her.
Mounting their horses gracefully, Timena and three of her comrades began slowly on their trip into the city.
As one of her duties was to see to it that the city and its' people were in order, it all appeared to be ordinary. The four split up immediately and began to make their way through. The small island of Mororcin possessed a vast population, and the city of Gabaden accounted for at least half of that. Along the street corners and in shops, people sold their crops and crafts. Mororcin had been, for the most part, a peaceful island; her father, King Vassar had ensured it. Timena's grandfather and his predecessors held a less than amicable reign over the territory; greed for wealth and power had eventually earned their downfall. Unlike generations before, King Vassar was strict, but fair in his rule, demanding order in every detail over the island. Timena hoped she would be able to exemplify some of the values her father so desperately tried to instill in her and Delacroix.
Pouring stew into the wooden bowl, Timena smiled. Another usual task of hers was to volunteer in the city. Their mother saw to it that she and Delacroix were active in helping their people, attending council and oftentimes attending to the cooking or doing needlework. Timena never minded helping the island's people or attending council, but she'd rather wear a full dress and corset for the rest of her life than continue to cook and sew. Delacroix had been more suited for activities like that— if anyone was to be chosen to properly represent the royal family, it would have been her. They could leave sparring and jousting specifically for Timena, it would surely make her father proud.
Tonight would certainly be hectic Timena thought, royals from near and far lands were going to be attending the ball. As soon as the king of Calyx arrived, everything would be set in motion. He would be visiting Mororcin to possibly leave with a bride.
Timena leisurely made her way out of the church, exiting through the large wrought iron doors. Traveling along the cobbled streets, she waved to the local shopkeepers and vendors. Approaching her horse, she quickly placed her foot in the stirrup, propping herself up. Holding onto the reins and lightly squeezing her feet against the horse's sides, it began trotting away.
Entering the stable, Timena leapt off the large animal's back before handing the reins over to the young stable boy. The head cook, Eurina and the kitchen maids busied themselves, bustling about to ensure food was being properly prepared as Timena came in through the kitchen entrance.
"Ah perfect timing, you should wash up. The king's ship is approaching, as a matter of fact they might have already reached shore by now." Eurina spoke, diligently cutting into the vegetables in front of her.
Sighing to herself, Timena made her way out of the kitchen.
She stood analyzing her reflection— tendrils of curly black hair stuck out from a large single braid, her hazel eyes complemented her olive toned face that was slightly splotched with freckles. Deciding to undo the braid, a heap of kinky curls now fell just below her shoulders. Fingers tousled through the curls as best they could before she was eventually satisfied. On the bed laid a black doublet covered with an intricate gold pattern going down the front as well as a pair of black breeches.
The pieces of clothing fit exceptionally well as Timena pushed her feet into a pair of knee length black, leather boots. Twisting halfway, she looked back at herself, slightly admiring how form fitting the material was on her figure.
Striding down the hall, Timena approached her sister's closed door before knocking.
As she entered, the maids moved away, revealing the young girl in a lavender gown. A portion of Delacroix's hair was pulled into a long braid leaving the rest of the brown waves to cascade down her back. The low-cut neckline of the fabric accentuated her bare chest as the gold bodice of her dress brought her cleavage up significantly.
"You must have your sights set on becoming a wife tonight." Timena appeared shocked. "Will mother and father approve of all this cleavage?"
"I reckon mother mightn't be too pleased, and father only cares what you do."
Timena shook her head. "That isn't true Dela. But you do look beautiful." She attempted to change the topic.
Delacroix smiled. "You do as well, in your... breeches." Her eyes scanned her sister's attire.
Timena huffed, annoyed. "Leave me be, at least I am comfortable, can you even breath?" She asked incredulously.
Putting her hands to her hips, Delacroix's mouth turned up in satisfaction. Rolling her eyes, Timena turned to leave the room as the women encircled Delacroix once again to finish getting her ready.
Tonight would be very important, King Silas was coming from Calyx in hopes of finding a bride. Timena knew her sister was hopeful he would take one glance and choose her. If it were so, it would mean a great deal of security and an overall alliance for their kingdom. King Silas came from a very affluent lineage, he had allies in high places as well being a commander with the highest standing.
The kings and queens of neighboring kingdoms were on their way as the grand hall was being prepared for their arrival. Young women would be wearing their best dresses and on their best behavior for the king... and for the sake of their parents...
The castle doors began to open, revealing King Silas and his men walking along the drawbridge.
Timena's head peered out of a hidden doorway in the corridor as she surveyed the men coming in. She had only spoken to Silas a handful of times in the past but usually kept a distance at the request of her father. She was more acquainted with the two men beside him, his brother Aldus and his second in command, Miro. Behind them stood six rather large and well-built knights, all suited head to toe in heavy black armor, offering an eerie sensation as they entered the castle. She peered out a bit further.
The king's demeanor was reserved and polite as he greeted King Vassar and Queen Adelia, he was large in height with broad shoulders, sizing up her father. His hair appeared as black as a raven's feathers that stopped at the nape of his neck. The servants appeared, now quietly directing them upstairs to their chambers where they could rest till it was time for the ball.
Delacroix's room was crawling with young girls in their best dresses. The princesses all spoke amongst each other, anticipating seeing the king.
"Mena, did you see him? Is he still as handsome as ever?" Delacroix nearly fell over her dress as she ran over to her sister.
Timena laughed. "He's decent I would say."
The girls all looked at her with hopeful expressions.
"You have to give us more than that, some of us have never seen him." A young girl yelled from the corner of the room.
Timena rolled her eyes but began to describe King Silas as best she could.
A small, blonde haired girl came into Timena's view, offering a look of distaste towards her. It was Hanleigh, the princess of Enoberlyn. She was the least favorite of the princesses Timena knew, Hanleigh was beautiful but spoiled and arrogant. She had the making of a terrible princess, but hopefully never a queen.
"Timena wouldn't know a decent looking man if he stood right in front of her." She smirked, feeling victorious. Timena looked down at her before laughing.
"And I suppose that's why you figure to take every common man to bed while you cannot seem to get a king to take your hand in marriage." The gasps and giggles around the room came, Hanleigh stood in shock, clearly embarrassed.
It was Timena's turn to feel victorious. She proceeded to leave the room and make her way to the great hall, slipping through the large doors.
The enormous gold and white room was covered in few marble sculptures on the wall that went along with the gold fixtures. The decorated ceiling shown paintings of the original people of Mororcin and their island in a heavenly and angelic theme. All around the room hung crystal, gold candelabras that were heavily lit— the last of the sun's rays came in through the large glass windows and onto the black and white marble floor.
Timena's attention had turned to the long, white clothed tables. She had entered a food galore— from baked chicken, salted fish to roasted duck and pork, potatoes, corn, cabbage and carrots, a feast had been prepared. She could have been brought to tears, only imagining what desserts would eventually be served.
"We are just about ready to begin." Timena was startled, looking around to see Eurina urging her to get into place.
Timena and Delacroix stood in line with their mother and father, awaiting their introduction. At the sounds of instruments playing a melody of the island's anthem, Timena could feel her stomach begin to turn. She only tolerated attention on her when she was sparring— looking over to her sister, she could see Delacroix's excitement was brimming over as she adjusted her bodice.
King Vassar and Queen Adelia made their entrance into the large crowd first, applauding ensued immediately. Delacroix held her sister's shaky hand in hers as their names were announced. Walking in unison into the crowded room, the thunderous sounds of applause continued.
As the noise dissipated everyone was quickly seated. The king and queen began their speech, thanking and welcoming all the guests in the room who had come from near and somewhat far lands for the evening. Timena could see a number of eyes on her when she glanced up at the crowd, which didn't help quell the nerves in her stomach.
Before ending the speech, King Vassar introduced King Silas. Hushed squeals and murmurs of anticipation sounded in the room.
"He is a force among his people, a warrior and a comrade. Please welcome King Silas of Calyx." He finally ended.
The bellows of the crowd echoed around the room now— women, both young and old couldn't help but stare at the king in adoration. He strode in gracefully with Aldus and Miro before stopping short of King Vassar and Queen Adelia's throne. They bowed respectfully, making eye contact with each member of the family before moving to sit next to King Vassar at the table.
Timena had eaten a fair amount, feeling overly content as Delacroix frequently stole glimpses of King Silas— along with the rest of the women in the room. Timena couldn't find any fault in their actions, he was attractive and certainly very powerful, it only made sense women would be drawn to him. However, he had quite a hard face, in fact the only softness that appeared to his features were his dimples when he laughed at her father's jokes.
It was time to mingle. Timena had been smiling and greeting all the kings, queens, princesses, noblemen, vassals, religious figures and any other guests of the family. Her face had nearly begun to twitch having smiled at each person in passing, she wondered when it would end. Timena had begun to play a game with herself, seeing how many times a guest would say they hadn't seen her since she was a little girl, or asked if she had remembered them. So far, she had lost count.
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### Chapter 2: Chapter 2
"Look at those fools. Do they actually believe he'll pick any of them with the way they're trailing like puppy dogs?" Delacroix came to Timena's side, her voice sounding in obvious distaste.
"So, your plan is to lure him in by keeping a distance, I get it now, don't want to appear too eager and desperate." Timena jokingly tapped her head in realization.
An elbow thrust into her side suddenly.
"How can you not see how handsome he is? I swear you only love your sword, if you could make love to it-"
"I am going to stop you right there Dela, just go up to him." Timena said, immediately cutting her off and pushing her in King Silas' direction.
Delacroix's interest in the king was somewhat endearing. However, Timena was not too convinced that King Silas was for her sister— he'd proven to be an exemplary leader and commander but from the exchanges she could recount with her father, life's unforeseeable circumstances had rendered him somewhat cold and disturbed. Delacroix was amble innocence, expecting goodness from the world and its' people, and forever, in love with the idea of love.
"Sending the lamb in for the slaughter?" A pair of blue eyes came into view. Timena instinctively smiled. Aldus' warm face turned up in a cheeky grin.
The king's younger brother, like Silas, shared the same blue eyes and suntanned skin but appeared a little less intimidating. His black hair was longer, tied into a braid and splitting his eyebrow was a jagged scar.
"Yes, in for the kill." She replied jokingly.
"My brother seems to be taking an interest." Looking to Delacroix, she could see King Silas' attention on her, momentarily ignoring all of the other eager women. She smiled.
"It's quite, refreshing to see a princess in her breeches." Aldus smirked.
Lightly bumping past him, she began to walk towards the banquet table. There were apple and cherry fritters, sweet custards, sugar covered fruit, pudding and tartes of all kinds. Timena said a quick thank you to the Gods above before filling a plate with desserts, all the while, Aldus trailing behind her.
Now that Timena had spoken to almost the entire room, she figured it would be the perfect time to escape with her goods in hand.
"And where is it that you're running off to?" The deep voice stopped her in her tracks.
Turning around slowly, the pale blue eyes connected with her hazel ones. She must've looked like a deer caught in crossfire, she thought.
Silas and Aldus smiled, seemingly amused.
"King Silas, it's good to see you again." She answered slowly. Both men towering over was quite intimidating, but she held her head high, fighting the urge to look away.
"So it's good to see him, but not me?" Aldus feigned offense.
"I don't find him quite as annoying." She countered, rolling her eyes.
King Silas' eyes lingered on her face with a warm smile. Timena looked away, ignoring his gaze as she noticed a few of the princesses coming towards them, Hanleigh leading the bunch, with her breasts out on display.
"King Silas and Prince Aldus, it's wonderful to be in your company." All of the women bowed in front of the men with eager smiles plastered on their faces.
Timena snickered and Hanleigh glared at her before looking back to the brothers in front of her.
"What do you think of King Silas?" Adelia asked, standing next to her daughter who was near the banquet table once again.
Timena shook, almost dropping her plate at the sound of her mother's voice.
Scowling at her, she quickly responded. "Uh, he's fine, intimidating as ever though."
Adelia hummed at her response. "You don't think he's handsome?" She questioned.
Timena stopped suddenly. It wasn't a question she was used to being asked, ever.
"Mother, why are you asking?" Her tone, accusing.
Adelia played innocent, not offering anything. "Just curious as to how you see him." She smiled before sauntering away.
Timena wondered why her mother was acting suspiciously. As she looked over to the center of the room, there stood Silas, his eyes boring holes into hers as he sipped his ale. A slight shiver wracked through her body— walking away from the table she tried to disappear into the crowd.
"My warrior child." King Vassar's face lit up at the sight of his daughter approaching. He wound his large arm around her shoulder before kissing the crown of her head.
Timena smiled, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Father, please." She looked around, hoping that Delacroix hadn't seen.
"She's my best fighter." He said with satisfaction.
"How many times has he said that now?" Timena asked the six large men in armor, they looked back and forth at one another before laughing.
"That's the fourth time he's mentioned it. We're quite intrigued to test that theory." The man came forward, he was a little less bulky than the other men but made up for it in height.
Timena heard a challenge. Excitement sparked within her now...
Once the night had come to an end, all the guests who were staying were directed to their chambers where they could rest for the duration of their trip. Delacroix had caught up with Timena, who was heading to her own room as well.
"Wasn't he just... exquisite Mena?" Delacroix pranced alongside.
"Eh the cake was definitely much better." Timena replied, receiving a slight elbow in the waist.
King Vassar and Queen Adelia said their farewells to some of their guests who were traveling back into city. The princesses lingered behind their parents, their passionate gazes on Silas and Aldus as they went upstairs. Delacroix went along happily in front of her sister as they walked to their rooms.
Looking back to see the young girl still prancing, Timena snickered. Closing the large wooden door behind her she began removing her clothing. As usual the bath had been set and she hurriedly washed herself as she could recognize the sensation of drowsiness creeping upon her.
Now fully clean and dressed, she practically leapt into bed, almost instantly into a satiated slumber.
The sunlight had shown its' face and Timena couldn't have been less pleased. She would search for the culprit who drew away her curtains every morning, but first she would eat.
A bowl filled with oats sat on the kitchen table.
The cooks and kitchen maids busied themselves, bustling about to ensure there was food prepared. The maids and servants had been attending to their duties from before the sun had risen. Everything had been set in motion, from the very depths of the castle to the outside— there were people at work.
Norman, the butler and the head cook, Eurina worked hand in hand. They saw to it that the castle was being maintained regularly by all staff. They had worked there long before Delacroix and Timena had even been conceived.
"Eat up Timena, you've got men to spar with shortly." Eurina's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
Timena smiled in return as she continued to eat.
"And I expect you to beat every one of them." She looked up to see Eurina with a knowing smile.
Norman nodded his head in agreement before traveling up the steps. Timena's excitement was boiling over as she quickly finished eating. Eurina could be heard wishing the best of luck as she soon ran upstairs, knowing Timena would not need it.
When she finally reached outside, she could see the King's men huddled around in amusement. Her steps neared so she too could view the match.
It was Samuel and, Silas. Timena held back laughter, he would defeat Samuel undoubtedly. Silas was a skilled swordsman, as was Samuel to a certain degree , but if she could so easily anticipate his movements that would mean Silas would already have-
A heavy thud sounded, Samuel lay on the grass in defeat. She felt badly as she went over to help him up. He grunted now, holding his lower back in discomfort as he then hobbled away slowly.
Timena snorted, preparing herself for whoever would challenge her.
Aldus stepped forth, adrenaline rushed through her now.
They moved a small distance away from one another before respectively bowing their heads. Swords in the air, he lunged first and instinctively she faded. Her moves in the beginning would only be to ward him off so she could properly assess his weaknesses.
He wasn't fond of his opponent not fighting back which caused him to try to taunt her, one. He positioned too much weight on his left side when striking, two. Timena saw two weaknesses she could use to her advantage, it was only a matter of when.
The pressure against her blade was a shift in his manner, he was becoming increasingly aggravated, an opening. The sword darted forward, narrowly missing him— taken back he now jolted forward repeatedly, advancing on his left side as Timena avoided each blow while moving back, two she repeated mentally. Now it was her turn to counter his movements, her blade purposely clamored against her contender's as she then rotated her arm away from her body halfway in a quick motion, knocking his arm away and leaving his chest exposed.
The sounds of cheering and laughter were almost deafening. Aldus did not appear to be too pleased but bowed his head towards her.
"You may be victorious this time young princess, but next time I will prevail." He jokingly bumped past her, returning to his comrades.
As her eyes followed in his direction, Timena quickly spotted Delacroix along with all the other princesses ogling him and Silas from the doorway, she laughed. Looking to the king she could see he was staring at her, seemingly amused and she quickly turned away.
As Timena approached the girls, they surrounded her suddenly. She looked around in slight confusion.
"What was it like being face to face with Aldus?" A little dark-haired girl's voice spoke out. Timena chuckled at the realization.
"It was like a dream come true, I don't even know how I managed to not fall at his feet." Her obvious sarcasm had gone over their heads completely.
Looking towards Delacroix, a knowing smile passed her features.
"I know I'm admiring from a distance, leave me be." She rolled her eyes before turning away.
At that moment, another opponent stood a few feet away, waiting to spar. Timena's eyes lit up.
Delacroix listened intently as King Silas spoke, she could see his face as she peeped through the crack of the door.
"Will you be watching as he bathes himself next time?" Timena's voice sounded from beside her.
Delacroix's hands quickly moved to cover her mouth as she gingerly backed away from the door, Timena doubled over in quiet laughter before nearly being pushed to the ground by Delacroix.
"That wasn't funny." She finally said before stomping away.
Footsteps caught up with her as she rounded a corner and continued down the hall.
"Dela I'm sorry, I was only teasing." Timena said sincerely.
Delacroix's shoulders relaxed, she offered a weak smile. Continuing down the corridor together, they ended up back outside on the court. The princesses were talking amongst themselves and Delacroix walked over to where they sat while Timena made her way over to Samuel.
Samuel sat under the shade of a large tree, eating fruit.
His eyes followed the direction of Timena's hand pointed next to him. "Mind if I join you?"
He shook his head with a smile. Leaning down,
Timena sat and rested her back against the bark of the tree.
"All I've heard those fools talk about today are Silas and Aldus, occasionally Hanleigh will insult one of them and they give her dirty looks for a few minutes. That's the only distraction they get Mena." The fascination in his voice made her giggle.
Looking over to the girls, she snickered. "I believe you." She said.
Samuel looked up to see Timena smirking, he pushed her lightly, holding back his own laughter.
"It's fine thank you, he just... caught me off guard that was all." He replied.
"Of course, of course." Timena said, immediately bursting into laughter right after as Samuel huffed loudly.
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