I gazed out the arched windows, the anticipation of my father's arrival thick in the air as the minutes ticked by. Situated in the opulent dining room of my father’s private wing, the ambiance was rich with the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers that sat on every flat surface possible. The room boasted deep brown parquet floors beneath a long, dark oak table that seats twelve. Matching seats adorned with sumptuous blue velvet cushions and delicate gold detailing encircled the table. Along the walls, arched windows framed views of the rushing Apres River and the sprawling castle grounds. Towards the entrance, a small seating area beckoned with a pair of armchairs and a plush couch, all crafted from the same dark oak as the table. Cream silk cushions adorned the furniture, accented by matching pillows embroidered with navy thread.
As I awaited my father's arrival, I chose to sit on a cushioned bench by the window, overlooking the winding Apres River and the bustling city situated along it. Memories flooded back, of summers past when we would visit my father in Riverholm for the Summer Solstice celebrations and court events. One particular summer stood out in my mind, when my mother was pregnant with Lucas. Arion and I played by the river, skipping our lessons with Master McDougal and dodging our nursemaids, oblivious to the consequences. It was a time before we truly understood the extent of our father’s cruelty, a realization that would soon dawn upon us.
The sound of voices in the hall snapped me away from my daydreaming. I turned to face the large double doors just in time for them to open and my father, a few members of his council, and who I am assuming is the Duke of Avanelle, Charles Sinclair, and his two sons, Issac and Cassius. I immediately stood as they all fixed their attention on me, conversation coming to a halt as I bowed my head and curtsied deeply holding it as I kept silent and waited for my father to address me. “You may rise,” I heard his cold voice say. I stood and lifted my head to face him.
He stood tall, his imposing figure not quite reaching the towering height of my brother or Sam, but commanding attention nonetheless. Short, neatly cropped hair adorned his head, once a solid brown now interlaced with strands of gray. A neatly trimmed goatee mirrored the color of his hair, framing his strong jawline. He has high cheekbones and crows feet wrinkles around his narrow, pointed eyes, dark brown in color. They remained cold and unyielding, devoid of any hint of warmth or emotion as he beheld me. “Charles, this is my daughter, Princess Dominica Astorian-”
“Najma, Princess Dominica Najma Astorian,” I said before thinking. My father despises my middle name, my mother's mother's name, which serves as a constant reminder of her heritage, of the people and country he detests.. His gaze snapped toward me, his features contorted with icy rage as I dared to interrupt. Meeting his stare with hands clasped behind me, I fought to maintain a facade of neutrality, concealing my fear of his wrath and my anger at his deliberate disregard for my mother.
The Duke was shifting uncomfortably on his feet, while my father’s advisors quickly found something to distract themselves from the awkwardness of the situation. “As I was saying, Dominica, this is Duke Charles Sinclair of Avanelle, and these are his two sons,” my father said, the coldness and displeasure in his voice, in his gaze, was palpable.
My father’s gaze shifted from me to one of the Duke’s sons as he took a step forward and said, “Princess Dominica, it is a pleasure to meet you. We’ve heard such wondrous things about you.”
With a graceful movement, Issac leaned forward and kissed my hand in greeting, his demeanor as sleek and charming as a fox. “My name is Issac Sinclair, son of Duke Charles Sinclair.” He gestured towards who I assumed to be the Duke's other son, “And this is my dear brother, Cassius Sinclair.” I was taken aback by the gesture, realizing that they were both legitimized by their father. It seemed Clara's suspicions were correct; the Duke was likely pitting his sons against each other, legitimizing both and waiting to see who would emerge triumphant.
I curtsied before the three men, “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
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My father stood at the head of the table, with the Duke positioned at the other end. Arion and Sam thankfully arrived a few minutes after my father, giving him something else to focus on. Arion stood tall, his dark brown hair cropped close to his head. He had the same piercing blue-gray eyes as our father, but unlike the coldness in my father’s gaze, Arion's eyes shone with consideration and warmth. He had the same olive skin our mother passed down to me, though his face, like our younger brother's, was free of freckles. We both inherited our father's high cheekbones.
Arion wore attire befitting a prince: a dark gray tunic embroidered with silver thread, black breeches, and polished black boots. His coat, a deep navy with silver detailing, matched his tunic and bore the crest of our house, a stag’s antlers.
Sam had taken the time to brush his hair back and smooth it out. His curly hair from this morning was now slicked back, though hints of his usual curls showed at the ends. He was cleanly shaven and wore attire fit for a lord. His outfit consisted of a deep burgundy tunic with gold embroidery, dark brown breeches, and polished brown boots. His coat, a rich brown with gold accents, was tailored to perfection. This morning, he had looked like a simple sailor; now, he looked every bit a true lord of Apridia.
Arion was standing to my father’s right with Sam next to him, and his most trusted advisor, Darius Inorium, to his left. I had the pleasure of standing in between Sam and Cassius, the latter hadn’t bothered to greet me before coming before the table, unlike his brother, or should I say half-brother, who was standing before me. The two brothers could not differ more, in both looks and personality.
While both were on the taller side, Isaac had sandy blonde hair kept short and tidy, with deep brown eyes framed by neatly kept eyebrows. He was handsome, with a strong jawline and a sly expression. A permanent smirk seemed mounted on his face, as if he was constantly plotting. He wore a white tunic, tan breeches, and polished brown boots. Over his tunic, he sported a finely made forest green coat with gold thread detailing, with a high collar and fitted cuffs. A leather belt with an ornate buckle cinched his waist, and a small, decorative dagger hung from it. From the looks of it and him, it was more for show than for use.
Cassius, on the other hand, had long, dark brown hair that brushed the tops of his shoulders. He hardly bothered to make it presentable, his only styling effort being to rake a hand through it occasionally. His dark brown eyes, which in addition to their height, seemed to be the only shared quality between the two, stared right into your soul if you made eye contact. Unlike his clean shaven brother, he sported a full goatee, albeit neatly trimmed. He wore a dark navy tunic with black breeches and polished black boots. His charcoal-colored coat, simpler in design but equally well-made, had silver buttons and subtle embroidery along the hem and cuffs. A black leather belt held a couple of daggers and small knives, what he was armed to teeth for I had no idea.
Butlers had brought glasses of sparkling white wine around to each guest. My father lifted his glass. "I propose a toast," he began, his voice commanding the attention of everyone in the room. "We’ve all gathered here to celebrate the 20th Name Day of our Princess, Dominica. This is a momentous occasion, marking not just her passage into adulthood, but also her growing role within our kingdom."
He paused, his cold eyes scanning the room before settling on me. "Dominica, you are a part of the future of Apridia, and with that comes great responsibility. It is my hope that you will embrace the duties that lie ahead with the same determination and strength that have always characterized our family."
A slight, almost imperceptible sneer touched his lips as he continued. "To my esteemed advisors and allies, your presence here signifies the strength and unity of our circle. Together, we will lead Apridia and House Astorian to a future of power and glory, a future that Dominica will help us build." He raised his glass higher. "To Dominica, to our continued strength, and to the prosperity of Apridia. May we all fulfill our roles to their utmost potential.” The room echoed with the clinking of glasses as everyone joined in the toast, but my father's words lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken expectations and veiled intentions.
Once everyone was seated, the butlers brought around the first course, a cold summer soup of tomatoes and herbs, a staple of the South. I began to dig into the plate before me when I caught Sam staring at me out of the corner of my eye. I paused, put my spoon down, and turned to face him. "Can I help you with anything?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow at his attention.
"I just wanted to make sure that you are alright after your father’s toast," he said, keeping his voice low. My features softened, a quiet sigh escaping me. I am okay, but the weight of my father’s words lingers, unraveling layers of implications and unknowns within me.
“Yes, I am okay. You know how my father is and how our relationship has always been. I know that he considers me to be nothing more than a prized mare,” I said, making sure to keep my voice quiet so that only he heard.
Sam shook his head in disapproval, fully aware of the truth behind my words. "As long as you know that you are more than what your father sees, that is all that matters to me and should matter to you," he said, his voice filled with quiet conviction.
I took a bite of the soup before when I realized that Sam’s gaze remained fixed on me, his eyes studying my face intently. "Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?" I inquired, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny. His expression shifted from intent to amused, and he gave me a smirk. "No, Princess. I was just making sure that whatever you had on your face this morning is completely gone. Wouldn’t want to give our guests the wrong idea, would we?"
I rolled my eyes, “What do you mean by the wrong idea?”
“Well, we wouldn’t want anyone thinking you're diseased or deformed. Now do we,” he said, turning back to his soup as I heard a small grunt come from my other side. I turned to face Cassius, who bore a small smile of amusement. “Oh so you do something other than stare blankly.” His gaze snapped to mine and he quirked up an eyebrow in surprise at my attitude.
He smirked at me, “If I feel so inclined to do so, Princess. I can do a very many of things, beyond just looking.” Color rushed to my cheeks at his implication. If he wanted to play this game then so be it.
“I’m surprised to hear you say that, or anything at all for that matter. Considering your lack of introduction or word to anyone since I’ve met you. You haven’t even touched your soup. Is our food not to your taste?”
He let out a small chuckle, “Well my dear brother took that pleasure away from me. As for this thing you call soup, I’d rather wait for the next course than insult anyone with my distaste.” I rolled my eyes at him, turning back to my own dish.
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“Forgive me if I cannot help but interject, brother. Considering your brutish ways I cannot help but prevent you from making a fool of yourself,” Issac said, giving Cassius a devilish smirk. “Princess, the soup is lovely. Forgive my brother for his lack of taste. Not all of us have had the privilege of our upbringing.”
Now that caught my attention, “Our upbringing? Forgive me for my frankness but were you not recently recognized as being the Duke's son?” I asked. “Well yes, but you see my mother is the daughter of a lord. Quite scandalous I know. So I was raised amongst the nobility.”
“Not to sound pompous or anything of the sort, but you liken your upbringing as a bastard living amongst the nobility in some lordship to that of me, a princess and daughter to a powerful king. That’s quite intriguing I must say.”
Isaac leaned back slightly, his smirk never faltering. Cassius, still seated next me and still not eating the godsforsaken soup, let out a low chuckle, clearly amused. "Touché, Princess," Isaac said, his tone laced with amusement. "I suppose our circumstances are worlds apart, yet we both know what it means to live under the scrutiny of high society. While my title may be newfound, the games of the court are not unfamiliar to me."
He paused, his gaze locked to mine with a blend of emotions I couldn’t quite place. "I didn't mean to imply our experiences are the same, but perhaps we share an understanding of the burdens and expectations that come with our stations. After all, we both navigate a world where every move is watched and judged."
Isaac's expression softened just a touch, the smirk easing into a more genuine smile. "And for what it's worth, Princess, I admire your forthrightness. It's a rare quality, even among those born into such privilege."
Lunch progressed without further confrontation from either of the two siblings or Sam. In fact, no one deigned to speak a word to me, save for small well wishes from my father’s advisors. It became clear that I was there to be seen, not heard.
Just as the main course was brought out, my father's steward entered without greeting, whispering something urgently into my father's ear. Shortly thereafter, my father, his advisors, the duke, my brother, and Sam retired from lunch early, citing pressing matters that demanded immediate attention in his council chamber. Sam gave me a look and mouthed Sorry as he followed my brother who gave my shoulder a small squeeze and a quick peck on the cheek as he walked past. We had barely spoken during lunch aside from an initial greeting from when he first arrived. Much to his dismay, he was preoccupied with my father and the duties that came with being crown prince and heir to the throne.
Lunch was quiet and awkward, with only the duke’s two sons keeping me company as we ate the main course in silence. That was until the door to the dining room opened, and bounding in came my younger brother, Lucas. I shot out of my chair as he ran over to me, and I enveloped him in a big hug.
“Oh Lucas! I didn’t know you’d be attending tonight. Clara had told me that the headmaster didn’t give you leave to visit,” I exclaimed.
“That is what he said initially, until he received a very strongly worded second letter from Clara detailing the displeasure he would face from the king if he didn’t give me leave. That changed his attitude really quickly,” he said, grinning broadly at me. I matched his smile, which only grew in size as I took in my younger brother. My gods, how he’s grown. I hadn’t seen him in months, since the Winter Solstice celebration, and that had only been for a few days. His headmaster is a very strict, unpleasant man who hates seeing children enjoy their childhood.
“My gods, Lucas. You’re almost my height now! You’ve grown at least two, maybe even three inches since I last saw you. And your last baby tooth is gone! My goodness, how I’m getting old.” I grasped his chin and observed the small gap in his teeth where his last baby tooth had been.
He beamed even larger, if that was possible, giggling to himself. “Well, I might’ve helped it along. It was being so stubborn, not even wiggling. So, I did the only logical thing and tied a string around the tooth and had my friend run in the opposite direction I did.”
“Lucas Basel Astorian, you did not! Was this friend you mention that Thomas Shelly?” I said, putting my hands on my hips as he failed to control his laughter. “Maybe.” He said, drawing out the last syllable. “Come on, Arion would’ve done the same thing in my position!”
“And Ari is such a good influence and role model? Is that so?” I asked.
A voice from behind me caused me to whip my head away from my brother. “Well, he is the crown prince after all. Shouldn’t he be the best role model for any young boy in the kingdom?” I beheld Issac, who was now standing behind me with his hands in his pockets, ankles casually crossed, leaning up against a chair. “See, he agrees!” My brother exclaimed.
I quipped back to Issac, “In theory, yes. In actuality, very much no.” I turned back to my brother, who seeming just realizing the presence of the Sinclair brothers, was staring curiously at the two strangers before him. “Lucas, don’t just stare. Introduce yourself.” I moved to his side and put my arm around his shoulder, turning him so he was facing both men.
He gave the two men a quick bob of his head in greeting and said, “Hello, my name is Prince Lucas Basel Astorian. Pleased to meet you.”
Cassius stood up to his full height, causing Lucas to shrink back a bit. I gave his arm a reassuring squeeze, silently urging him to stand tall. “The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness. I am Cassius Sinclair, son of Duke Sinclair of Avanelle,” he said, giving a small bow. Issac approached as Cassius gave his greeting and said, “And I am Issac Sinclair, son of Duke Sinclair of Avanelle,” mirroring Cassius's small bow.
Lucas returned the greetings with a small nod, “It’s nice to meet you both,” he said, sounding more sure of himself.. I looked between the Sinclair brothers, noting the stark contrast between them, Cassius with his dark clothes and imposing presence, and Issac, with his permanent smirk and sly, fox-like charm.
“Luca, why don’t you join us for lunch. I’m sure there’s plenty of food plus I’m sure we have much to catch up on. You can tell me all of your latest learnings and adventures from your time at the academy!” He beamed up at me and nodded, eagerly sitting where Sam sat as I called over a butler and requested a plate of food and water for my brother.
“Your Highness, if you would like, we can take our leave now and leave your and your brother to catch up in privacy.” Issac said as his brother nodded in agreement.
“Oh nonsense, you two are guests. Please stay and enjoy. We still have more food to come if I’m not mistaken.” I said, taking my seat next to my brother. “Unless you’d both prefer to retire early. If that is the case then do as you wish.”
I turned in my chair to face the two men, who exchanged a look, silently communicating something like I do with my siblings. Even though they were only half-brothers, they sure were acting like full-blooded siblings who were raised together. Issac let out a sigh as Cassisus said, “It is of no consequence, Princess. I know I am still famished . Brother, what do you say?”
He raised his eyebrows at his brother and gave him a look, “ Of course, let us hear of the adventures of the great Prince Lucas Astorian.” This yielded a small laugh and smile from Lucas. The two men both returned to their seat as Lucas began recounting his adventures at the Arcanum.
The Arcanum is located on the island of Arcsas and is where all human children who are found to have magic in their blood are sent. Children from every realm are sent there to undergo rigorous training from the instant the magic is discovered. Lucas has been away at the Arcanum since he was merely five years-old.
Both brothers began to relax as Lucas recounted his lessons and exploits. I noticed Issac watching us with keen interest, a faint smile playing on his lips, while Cassius listened politely, his expression inscrutable. He told us of learning how to manipulate fire and water, and demonstrated for us creating all sorts of animals out of water coming out of one of the indoor fountains that decorated my father’s private dining room.
As Lucas continued his animated storytelling, I couldn't help but steal glances at the Sinclair brothers. Their presence here, their father's alliance with my own, and the potential implications for the future weighed heavily on my mind. The meal progressed, the courses changing but the conversation remaining light, revolving around Lucas's tales and my gentle probing into the Sinclairs' lives. I wanted to understand their intentions, their personalities, and how they might fit into the intricate puzzle of Apridia's politics. After a while, Lucas's enthusiasm seemed to falter, and he glanced at me, a silent request for guidance. I smiled reassuringly at him, then turned to our guests.
"Tell me, Issac, Cassius," I began, my tone polite but curious, "What brings you to our court today? Surely, it isn't just for a Name Day celebration?" Issac was the first to respond, his eyes twinkling with that ever-present mischief. "We're here to strengthen ties between our houses, Princess. My father believes it's crucial for the future of Apridia." A diplomatic answer, well trained he must be.
I turned to Cassius, “What of you Cassius? What brings you to court today? Different objective then your dear brother?”
Cassius leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh, you know, the usual,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “We’re here to kiss the king’s boots and make sure our father stays in his good graces. All part of the delightful game of politics.” Issac shot his brother a warning look but didn’t dare contradict him.
I stared at Cassius, assessing him, and he stared right back at me. Those dark brown eyes didn't waver, and there was a boldness in his gaze that I found unexpectedly intriguing. “Lord Issac, what is Avanelle like?” Lucas asked, diverting my attention from Cassius to his brother across from me.
Issac's eyes softened as he turned to Lucas. “Avanelle is quite beautiful, Lucas. It’s a land of eternal Summer with warm temperatures year-round. We have the most beautiful rolling hills, lush forests, and rivers that run clear and deep. Our estates are vast, and the people are hardworking and loyal. Perhaps one day you’ll visit and see for yourself.”
Lucas’s face lit up at the description. “Sounds a lot better than Apirida with our bitter cold winters. I’d like to visit very much,” he said earnestly. Issac chuckled softly. “We would be honored to host you, wouldn’t we, brother,” he replied, his tone shifting as he directed attention onto me. Cassius nodded silently, looking a bit bored.
I made eye contact with Issac as he said, “Princess Dominica, tell me, do you want to visit Avanelle as much as your brother?”
"Avanelle sounds intriguing, beautiful as well," I replied cautiously, choosing my words carefully. "But as a princess of Apridia, my duties here must come first."
Issac's tone was smooth, almost too smooth, as he responded, "Ah, of course. As Princess of Apridia, your concern is with your land and people." He paused, idly swirling the wine in his goblet, his eyes fixed on me with a calculated intensity. "But that'll change, correct? After all, you are a princess and a daughter. What benefit do you serve here at home instead of being married off?"
I bristled with indignation and confusion, fixing a narrowed gaze on Issac. His implication struck me like a sharp blow, igniting a tumultuous mix of anger and bewilderment. Before I could marshal a response, the dining room door swung open once more, admitting a servant bearing a silver tray laden with decadent desserts. "Oh, look at those!" Luca's exclamation, coupled with his enthusiastic bouncing, brought a fleeting smile to my lips, momentarily dispelling the tense atmosphere.
As everyone indulged in the sweet treats, the conversation effortlessly shifted to lighter subjects. Yet, despite the joviality, the weight of Issac's insinuation lingered in the recesses of my mind. Even as I reached for a delicate pastry of chocolate and cream, I couldn't shake the unsettled feeling it left behind.
I looked up from my pastry, my attention caught by Cassius's intent gaze fixed on his brother, Issac. Cassius's features were etched with unmistakable disapproval as he observed Issac, his hands balled into tight fists resting on the table before him. Sensing his distress, I covertly reached out and touched Cassius's forearm, drawing his attention away from his brother and onto me. With a subtle nod, I silently asked if he was okay. Cassius returned the nod, his gaze softening slightly as he turned his attention to the pastry before him and began to dig in, the tension in his features easing slightly.
I cleared my throat and stood up, both brothers and Lucas following suit, “I hate to be curt, but it’s half past three and I must begin to prepare for tonight’s festivities. Thank you both for joining me for lunch” I bobbed a quick curtsy to Issac and then Cassius.
I turned to face my brother, “Lucas, please join me in walking back to my quarters. I’m sure Clara will be ecstatic when she sees you.”