A dull gray mist hangs,

and saunters through the air,

It leaves behind one feeling,

and that is bleakness,

In one fell swoop,

clarity pierces it,

The clouds now retreated,

newness spreads like blood,

through fresh veins.

Slam!

“Tony, this isn’t the right volume either,” Adrian scolded, pushing the book aside to join the dozens of wayward others.

“Well, I’m sorry that I don’t know exactly which volume contains the origin of Elderian out of all thirty volumes of the ‘Elderian History’ series.” Antoine exhaled furiously. “Do you even know which volume it is, Adi?”

Madeleine hesitantly watched them from her corner. She had her black notebook and a quill ready for her lesson. An afternoon sun spilled through the windows of the Nebrasian library onto the three of them.

“It should be in some of the earliest volumes,” the king suggested.

“Oh, yes,” his brother said sarcastically, “the origin of Elderian might just be at the beginning. Very insightful of you.”

Madeleine set down her things and picked up one of the books from the pile.

“Fine then.” Adrian stood up quickly. “I’ll go look myself since you obviously—”

“Ahem!” Madeleine cleared her throat loudly and they both looked at her. “You two are so busy bickering, you didn’t even notice you’d grabbed it already.” Antoine rushed to her side and Adrian leaned over the table to get a closer look. “Is this not it?” She pointed to the title on the open page that read, The Founding of Elderian.

“Oh, it was the first book I pulled,” Antoine said, scratching the back of his head. “How in Elderian did you and I both miss it, Adi?”

He received a scowl. “Maybe if you hadn’t been overwhelming me—”

Madeleine cleared her throat again, not knowing how much more she could take. They silently took a seat on either side of her.

“Madi, tell me what you know about Hans Fox and the founding of Elderian,” Antoine said. “Knowing the past is important for making decisions about the future.”

“Sure, Tony.” She opened the book to an illustration of a group of people sailing a ship through a storm. “Well, we all know the pioneers who founded Elderian two centuries ago were composed of people fleeing the old world from oppression. They called themselves Les Renards. As their group grew in members, they opened up to anyone who wanted to join. They amassed an enormous following. They were, however, mocked and shunned by those around them, but this did not stop them from searching for Elderian.” She paused for a moment to turn the page to a depiction of a man with red hair and a small beard.

“The leader of Les Renards was named Hans Fox, a bastard prince of the old world. His real name was Gabriel Azure, but his alias was Hans Fox. He was also the first king of Elderian. This historic man is the one who discovered and translated the texts of the ancient Alchemists, or the previous Elderians. He spoke many different languages, and therefore was the glue that held his expanding group together. It was this same leader who discovered the entrance to Elderian at a great underwater sea pyramid. Les Renards began crossing by the dozens to this new land, but there soon arose a great tragedy. During the largest of the crossings, the portals suddenly closed, leaving many trapped on the wrong side. It is unknown both why the portals closed during the Great Crossing or why they have not opened since.” She pointed to a sketch of a person holding a glowing gemstone.

“The Alchemists most definitely knew how to reactivate the portals. There were some among the Alchemists who were also magic users. They had the power to open the portals, but unfortunately all the Alchemists perished long before the pioneers arrived. There are a few artifacts left behind such as the sea pyramid and other smaller things made of black glass that have been discovered, but that’s it. There is no other way to leave Elderian as the currents and storms always surrounding our shores are much too strong for anyone to sail in or out of.”

“Madi,” she glanced up at the curly haired prince. “Since today is more of a review for you than a lecture, could you enlighten us as to why Venish names are still so popular all over Elderian, despite modern Elden being spoken in the mid and southern countries?”

Madeleine considered him. “Venwick spoke the language from the old world originally, but over time and as many Venwickins left to make home in the mid and southern countries, the language evolved. They speak Venish today, and while all the other countries speak modern Elden, Venish names are traditional since we all stem from Venwick”

He nodded. “That’s correct.”

“I was wondering,” she played with a stray piece of brown hair, twisting it distractedly around her finger, “how many people still speak the ancient form of Elden, other than some royals, of course?”

Adrian answered for her, his eyes lingering for a moment on her hair. “It’s a dead language after all, so there are no native ancient Elden speakers. I believe you’re right, and only royals still speak it.”

“Ancient Elden is what the Alchemists spoke, right?” She placed her hand under her chin, gazing easily back at the blue eyes.

He nodded. “It’s the language Hans Fox was able to translate and use to enter Elderian.”

“How would he know how to speak it, though?”

The king considered this. “I’m not sure. Perhaps someone from Elderian crossed over to the old world at some point and their language was discovered. It is somewhat of a mystery, isn’t it?”

“That’s an interesting theory.”

“Do you think the pioneers were successful in their journey to escape prejudice and inequality?” Antoine asked, his tone slightly annoyed as he looked between them. The princess and king had unconsciously gotten closer as they talked and were now pulling away slightly.

Madeleine blinked over at the prince. “Many considered this land a utopia where there are no conflicts from the old world, but that is just privileged ignorance.”

“How do you mean?”

“All this talk of rebirth, and yet many of the issues experienced in the old world are still experienced here in Elderian. For a start, the fact that we have a monarchy at all enforces all these layers of classism.” She cocked her head to one side. “It’s funny how that worked out. Even the most progressive and radical of groups are resistant to change; prone to sinking back into old ways and traditions.”

Antoine nodded. “It is odd how easily they took to some things, but not to others.”

“It boils down to the fact that those who gain riches, gain more power over others. This power is too often abused.”

“I agree,” the prince said, seeming to have a hard time meeting her gaze. “It explains a lot of why Venwick’s economy has struggled so much. The Venwickin government destabilized as the wealthy migrated to the southern countries.”

She nodded quickly. “There became such a large food shortage as the population climbed but the profits did not, that many Venwickin citizens then as they do now, struggle to eat.”

“The people were and still are hungry and desperate, Madi. They would do anything to take part in the wealth of their neighbors. There have been so many Venwickin civil wars after all.”

“Indeed.” A big yawn overtook her, and Antoine looked her over.

“Why don’t we take a break for now?”

She stretched her arms over head. “Yes, that sounds like a good idea.”

Antoine stood. “Good. I’m going to grab a bite before the meeting starts.”

“Actually,” Madeleine said quickly, “could you please help us put these books away?”

“Oh, of course.”

There was silence as the three of them cleaned up the volumes.

Antoine was staring at nothing in particular as he slid a few books back onto the shelf, old smile lines standing out against his stern face. Madeleine never realized how much she missed his normally playful disposition.

She sighed, picking up another book to add to her stack, when she realized it was her notebook. Two papers slipped out of it, falling onto the table.

“Oop! You dropped these, Madi,” Antoine said, picking them up then stopping to stare at the smallest scrap of paper. “What is, Broolent?” he read aloud.

“Tony, put those down,” Adrian chided. “You can’t just pick up what’s not yours and start reading it.”

Madeleine stared at the cryptic note he held. “Oh! Perhaps one of you could make sense of this.” She came over to Antoine’s side. “I found these strange messages recently. I think they’re some kind of code. The handwriting is the same on both.”

“Strange messages?” The prince’s moodiness seemed to dissipate for a moment. “Can I see?”

Adrian joined them, picking up the bigger piece of paper and unfolding it. After a moment, he asked, “What does it mean, look for my fire?”

“And this one just has this word that I can’t pronounce.” Antoine turned the small piece of paper over to examine the back.

Madeleine sat down again at the table. “I found the letter that you’re holding, Adrian, in the library in Andveltica, and I found that one, Tony, in my room after the ball. It’s such a coincidence that they are written by the same hand, isn’t it? What do you think?”

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

Antoine grabbed Adrian’s paper out of his hand. “They’re from two different locations?” She nodded. “I don’t think this word is Elden.” Antoine continued trying to pronounce the word.

Adrian snatched it up. “Tony, have you forgotten your Venish lessons? This is obviously the Venish verb for, ‘burning.’ Honestly, Brother, we’re nearly at war with Venwick. How could you let your studies slip?”

He glared. “Lay off me.”

“That would explain,” Madeleine cut in, “the connection between ‘find my fire’ and the literal word, ‘burning.’”

Adrian sat beside her. “You’re right! The person in the first letter made it clear that they were in some kind of danger if they were found out. Where exactly in the library did you find the letter?”

“Inside a book about Nebrasia. It was on the wrong shelf, and I just happened to see it there.”

“Hmm.”

“Perhaps someone thought they would be found out and had to hide it quickly,” Antoine suggested, sitting on her other side. “That would explain the book’s misplacement.”

“Perhaps someone was in danger and needed to sneak out, perhaps to run away or something,” Madeleine offered.

“Maybe, but it could also be something political.” Antoine leaned forward in his chair. “Perhaps someone was sending and receiving intel from Venwick.” Her mouth fell open. “Madi, you remember saying it was a little too convenient that Tyrus was taken soon after that meeting. Maybe someone has been in contact with them for years, plotting this war for a very long time. Someone on the council.”

The three of them sat there in serious silence.

“Where in this castle did you say you found the second piece of paper?” Adrian asked.

“Under the chest in my bed chamber.”

“Well,” Antoine began sheepishly, “we only give that room to our female guests. Who used the guest room last?”

“We haven’t had guests since Madi last visited five years ago. That room would have been her mother—” Adrian’s words trailed off as his eyes darted over to her. Her mouth fell slightly open in realization.

No. Surely not.

She was instantly transported back to the Nebrasian stables five years ago. Justin held her mother’s hands and her voice rang in Madeleine’s ears: “It was rather unexpected when I received your letter.”

Her heart sank. She searched the blue eyes and knew Adrian was thinking the exact same thing she was.

“It must have come in with the chest, Tony,” the king said quickly. “I had that chest moved in after I became king, which would be after Madi visited last. We don’t have enough information to tie this to the council or to anything else. We’d need to investigate further before making any assumptions or accusations.”

Antoine, seeming not to have noticed her reaction, blew the curls out of his eyes in annoyance. “Well, there goes that lead.”

“I’ll take the notes then,” the princess said, retrieving the cryptic messages. When she took the small slip of paper from Adrian’s hands, her fingers brushing over his, their eyes met, and she stared. There was comfort there and she gave a small smile of acknowledgement.

“It’s almost time to go to the council, isn’t it?” Antoine said.

She looked up at him. “Yes, you’re right.”

“I’ll see you both there then.” There were those frown lines again. He turned and left the room without another word.

She blinked after him. “Has Tony seemed out of sorts lately? It’s very unlike him to not walk with us to the council hall.”

“Even Tony has his mood swings.” Adrian said. “I’m not sure what the matter is.”

There was a pause.

She turned back to him, sighing. “About those letters…You realized it too, didn’t you?”

He nodded. “Queen Nicole used that room last, and all the clues match up. The connection to Andveltica. The cryptic code in order to meet secretly.”

“I even recall now, my mother studying Venish when I was younger, even though Andveltican royalty has little reason to learn it with how removed we are from Venwick. Adrian, I can’t think of any way this isn’t connected to her.”

Still sitting beside her, he took her hand. “It’s okay. Tony is so clueless, he didn’t pick up on anything, and it’s very coincidental for the notes to be tied to your mother without having any knowledge of their affair. You can breathe easy on this one, and maybe, get rid of the letters. Your father and the queen have been getting along so well lately. I think this is something that can just drift away in smoke and ash, if you catch my meaning.” There was such kindness in his eyes, her heart pitter pattered.

“I think you’re right. I need to finally let go of this and move on, like she did. I-I think I might be ready.”

He smiled. “That’s wonderful, Madi. By the way,” he squeezed her hand, and she blinked up at him, “there is a jousting tournament tomorrow. If you’re not too busy, I was wondering if you might sit next to me in my box. It would just be me and you, and we could get those roasted pecans you love so much.” Her face flushed as she gazed at the large, sapphire eyes. “I wanted to make up for that night at the ball. I know I promised you a dance, and I failed to keep that promise.”

Her stomach filled with butterflies. “Yes, I would love that.”

He took both of her hands and gently placed them to his forehead. “I will see you then.”

♛♚♛

Madeleine’s hands glided across the ivory keys. The tune was not the usual dreary one, but instead something bright and lively.

As she played, the image of a fully armored knight, charging forward on a horse entered her mind. The knight’s lance burst into pieces on contact with an oncoming one. Adrian’s voice echoed in her head. It spoke of all the rules of jousting and the craftsmanship of the weapons and armor.

She had listened intently, asking a million questions and sharing her cherished toasted pecans with him. She recalled laughing and talking until the tournament was finished, and long after. She remembered his touch, his hand finding hers for most of the outing.

A bird fluttered in her chest. After finishing the piece, her fingers sprung into a bright sonata. She closed her eyes, seeing the beautiful eyes and fair hair in her mind’s eye. Her fingers found each key on their own as if they moved independently of her.

She did not notice a foreign melody harmonizing the part she played with her right hand. The music seemed to swell more than usual, which she did notice, and her eyes slid open.

The princess gasped and stood abruptly, gripping the side of the harpsichord.

Antoine was standing too, only a few feet away from her. “Sorry!” he exclaimed, looking mortified. “I didn’t mean to frighten you!”

She looked him over then breathed out in relief. “Tony, you scared me half to death!”

“You scared me too when you cried out just now.” He laughed, then glanced down at the ivory keys. “I had no idea you played so well.”

“I could say the same for you.”

He smiled and they stared at each other, then the floor, neither saying anything.

Thinking their conversation was at an end, she said, “Well, I wouldn’t want to selfishly claim the harpsichord all afternoon. I’ll see you later then?”

She turned to leave when he grabbed her wrist gently to stop her. “Madi, wait.” She blinked down at their hands. He quickly let go. “Er, why don’t we play some more together? I’d love to hear what other songs you know.”

She looked into imploring, green eyes. “Oh. Well, I suppose we could, though I’ve been meaning to ask, but are you doing alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“Tony, I’ll be honest,” she took a step towards him, “you haven’t seemed yourself recently.” She searched his face, but he looked away. “You can talk to me, you know.”

“Everything is fine, Madi.”

She hesitated. “Is…is this about Adrian?”

Green eyes flicked up. “What makes you say that?”

“It’s just, you’re always more tense when he’s around. Do you dislike your brother?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” he said passively. “You’ve been very clear about how you’d like to spend your time and who you like to spend it with, and I don’t want to get in your way.”

“Then you must know that I’ve wished for your company when you’ve left our study sessions in a hurry or when you’ve pushed me away. You’re my friend, Tony.” She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“I never pushed you away,” he said gently. “Perhaps you’ve been pushing me away and not noticed.”

She furrowed her eyebrows. “You have it all wrong. Ever since the ball, you’ve been off.”

“Madi, I…” he began, but never finished his sentence.

“Did something happen at the ball? You were going to tell me something, right? I’ve been missing your humor and your laugh.” Her hand slid off his shoulder and their eyes met again. “No one else lifts my spirits quite the way you do. I thought we had a lovely time together and I looked for you—”

“I looked for you too,” he interrupted. “We danced and I really thought things were going well and then you disappeared. I went to find you and you were with him.” He paused, breathing out. “You’re always with him, which is fine, if that’s what you want. A-are you two courting now?”

She froze at that. “Wh—you mean, Adrian and I? We…” She fumbled over her words. “I-I don’t know,” she said honestly, fiddling with a ribbon on her dress. “I’m not sure where we stand. He knows things about me that no one else does and h-he accepts me, and I don’t feel that trust from anyone else.”

“How can you say that?” he whispered, taking a step closer so their faces were mere inches apart. “Madi, I care about you too. Can’t you see that?”

She stared.

He exhaled quickly. “You say that Adrian accepts you, but he hasn’t always been kind to you, has he? I know that something happened between you two. When I found you in the stables, I knew you’d been crying. It was because of him, right? He did something to hurt you?”

She shook her head. “He apologized for that even though I felt his reaction was understandable and not worth apologizing for. He’s a really good friend now.”

He searched her face for a long moment, then nodded in surrender. “I see. I’ll…continue to give you space then.” He turned to leave when she grabbed him by the arm.

“Tony, do you have feelings for me?”

There was a pause, then green eyes met brown as he gazed at her. “Madi, I think I’m in love with you.” There was silence and she let go of him. “E-excuse me,” he said quickly, sweeping out of the room, the brilliant red cape billowing behind him matching his scarlet ears.

♛♚♛

The memory of her evening with Adrian was now laced with a tinge of pain as Antoine’s words entered her mind.

Glancing down at her hands, she gently touched the top of her right where Antoine had placed his own after their dance together. A swirl of complicated emotions coursed through her.

She needed to think about something else.

She quickly found her notebook and went to write when those infernal pieces of paper fell out again. She sighed, remembering Adrian’s advice.

Perhaps she could take one weight off her shoulders.

Standing up straighter, she walked slowly over to the fireplace, then hesitated. She turned to look at the chest in her room. Kneeling beside it and patting the lid, she said aloud, “It was an exciting mystery, but it’s time to put you to rest.”

For nostalgia’s sake, she pushed the chest aside where she had found the ‘Brûlant’ message, touching the floor and grinning. The smile faded as she spied something there. It was a slightly crooked floorboard that had moved when the chest was slid across the floor.

She pulled on the board and to her surprise, it lifted easily. Underneath was a letter and nothing else. She opened it curiously, frowning when she instantly recognized the handwriting. Curiosity getting the better of her, her eyes poured over the parchment.

My darling,

I know you have received this letter securely so I will be quite frank.

I am still deeply in love with you, and I wish for you to meet me tonight in the barn as we used to. It has been so long. I long for you day and night and my heart aches until I find it unbearable. I want you here in my arms but had made myself believe I would never see you again. When I discovered you would be visiting Nebrasia, I hadn’t felt so light in years.

If you still love me, you will meet me tonight, and my dear, I have made arrangements for us to elope, if you so please. We could start a new life together, in a distant town in Cappeland where there is sure to be a job for a stable hand.

Madeleine’s insides churned, but she continued.

It will not be a life of luxury, but we will be happy together. Perhaps we should have grown apart and completely severed ties by now, was it not for the treasure we still share together. I would love to see our sweet child just once.

Her breath caught in her throat. Her heart raced as she tried to wrap her head around this idea but found that continuing to read was all she could do to not think of what this news meant.

I think of my daughter as much as I think of you. Ironic I should be the one to tack up her horse. It’s almost like it was a work of fate we should meet. She looks just like you. I thought she was you when I first saw her. Only the nose is different. She has my nose. It would mean more than anything to me if I could see my dear, sweet Madi again—

She stared, unable to continue.

Feeling as though she was watching herself outside her body, waves of shock spread over her as she sat there, frozen in place. She glanced at the fire, and logically, she should have burned the letter and all the other papers that linked evidence to this scandal, but something held her back. She needed to know whether it was true or not despite herself, and these items confirmed her reality.

After a long while, she stood, collecting the three notes and decidedly tucking them securely into her sleeve.

She glanced out the window, feeling weak, letting the reality of it sink in.

“Justin Chevalier is my father?”