Serevin's point of view.
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The Land of the Free People nestled between Haskova and Rhaetia, Rhyrin’s twin nation. It is a territory free from the jurisdiction of any kingdom where all are welcome. It was founded long ago with one principle in mind: Liberty.
Its first settlers were those who did not wish to partake in the war for the Nexus. They did not want to be entangled in the messy web of politics and the endless back and forth between nations. The Free People wished for independence and it was signed into paper at the same time King Ramin swore under oath that he and his next of kin would protect the Nexus.
Perhaps the Free People made the right choice.
The public market is brimming with people of different races and origins. They chatter amongst themselves with bright smiles on their faces. It has been too long since I have felt this free.
The last three years since the wedding were filled with trials, assassination attempts, and my efforts at running away. I was declared guilty for what happened to Lucille and sentenced to a quick death. My family was dethroned and are currently being held hostage at the palace while I am on the run.
“We should head back soon, your highness,” says Hagen, one of my closest aides. He was one of the three who chose to join me on the run even if it meant abandoning their vows as knights of the kingdom. A few loyal men stayed within the palace walls as my eyes and ears.
“The sun is yet to set, let’s stay a little longer,” I whisper.
News had spread of Haskova signing an alliance with the military forces of Rhyrin to wage war on the foreign land beyond Elmbow Sea. I can only make the most of the sight before me as I would have to leave soon to fulfill my responsibilities.
My jaw tightens as the treacherous intentions of my uncle come to mind; how he plans to exploit the Nexus to tilt the upcoming war in their favor. My family has long held on to their duty to keep it locked away, ensuring its power remains beyond reach of those who would abuse it. But now, its slumber is threatened at the very hands of its protector. All of my ancestors’ efforts go to waste once this war starts.
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Hagen sighs, “I worry about you.”
“Nevermind, let’s find the others and get back,” I say.
The crowd increases as dusk settles in and my eyes fall on a head of blonde hair a few meters away. She is taller than most women in the market and looks familiar— I have seen her before.
I halt in my steps.
General Rowe’s dancer.
She walks to a different shop and I move, trying not to lose sight of her. Is she one of the Free People? Or is she on the run too?
The dancer slightly turns her face in my direction, her golden hair flowing softly in the wind and her deep, azure eyes widening ever so slightly as they meet mine. Her face is the definition of feminine allure— high cheekbones, a delicate nose, and lips that curved with a promise of temptation.
It is her.
She turns away and her stride becomes a run. I match her pace as she makes a sharp turn to an alley. I weave through the sea of strangers, careful not to bump into anyone while she easily dodges the crowd. She makes for a darker alley and her hurried footsteps echo in my ear.
I catch up to her as she makes another turn towards a crowded street and grab her by the wrist. Her hair, as if sensitive to the sunlight, transforms into a rich, chestnut color, its hue slowly deepening as an unseen spell, or magicke, fully locks in. Her once blue eyes now shimmer with a warm blend of earth and amber.
But her facial features remain the same.
“Your hair,” I whisper in utter shock.
“Let go,” she hisses but I maintain my grip. A crowd starts to form around us, watching with curiosity and alarm as I attempt to keep her with me.
She lets out a deafening screech, “Help! This man is trying to kidnap me!”
My grip slackens as the crowd murmurs, their accusing eyes narrowing in on me, and I hear guards shouting in the distance. A sly smirk tugs at her lips as she quickly slips free from my grasp.
And just like that my chance at redemption disappears.
I feel cold metal in my closed fist. A bracelet?