The orchestral melodies vibrated through the long halls, synchronized with the uniformed steps of the dancing pair. Ethria, locked in a focused gaze with her partner, holding his shoulder, their other hands intertwined. Ethria, though focused, couldn’t help but let her mind wander just a bit. The events of yesterday slowly consumed her mind as she tried to make sense of it. However, much to her mother’s disappointment, Ethria missed her cue, stumbling over her foot. In response, Katara sharply raised her hand, abruptly halting the music.
"Halt! Who taught you to dance? Cows? Stop lugging your feet," Katara scolded, correcting her daughter's posture. "The ball is in a day, you will not embarrass me."
"Sorry mother. I don’t feel like myself right now," Ethria explained.
"You’re always in your head,” Katara said. “Do not worry my darling. Prince Noell will love you. He will love you just a little bit more if you perfect the minuet. So, let’s begin again, shall we?"
With a slick movement of Katara’s hand, the music persisted. The violins blended beautifully with the piano and cello. As if on cue, Ethria’s dance partner spun her around, catching her off guard. Ethria hesitantly started her routine again, dancing eloquently with her partner. She internally rolled her eyes, feeling immense annoyance at her mother’s unconcerned assumptions.
Mighty footsteps could be heard approaching the long hall. It was Ethria’s father, King Arnos, adorned in an extravagant fox fur cape. It dragged behind him, almost leaving a glittering shine on the marble floors.
"Ethria, may I briefly talk to you in the next room?" Arnos asked, politely greeting the others in the room.
Ethria was uncertain with her father’s sudden appearance. His intentions, always hidden behind an assertive expression. Ethria and her father headed towards the neighboring room, the change of atmosphere easing her. Arnos put a loving hand on the top of her head.
"Ethria, I am very pleased with your commitment to represent the Kingdom of Seras at the ball tomorrow. You will do amazingly," Arnos said calmly, running a hand through her dark locs. "I apologize for my behavior yesterday. Things are changing in this world. I admit that it has me quite stressed."
Elated with her father's praise, Ethria thanked him graciously, although she couldn't shake off her fear at her father's words. Her father had been very busy keeping this kingdom afloat. The pressure had seemed to be getting to him after all these years. Ethria felt bad for her father, knowing that it is unhealthy for him to bottle up these emotions. But a part of her knows it’s necessary. A part of her knows that the kingdom needed a strong figure to lead them.
"What is changing, father?" Ethria questioned, a concerned look on her face. Though, in the back of her mind, she had already known the answer.
Her father's expression dropped slightly as he took out the opulent handkerchief, now cleaned and revealing its pure white hue. Ethria's face brightened, awestruck by Matilda's supreme laundry proficiency.
"Ethria, what material is this made from?" Arnos asked, as if interrogating her for a crime.
Her face twisted with confusion, hesitant to answer. Was this some kind of trick question? A quiz perhaps?
"I guess cotton? A very soft cotton," Ethria answered, unsure of the right response.
"It's made of nekati thread, only found in the underworld," Arnos explained, the stress showing on his face. "These materials were banned in Astoria years ago after the war. What are you doing with this?"
Ethria's heart sank when she heard this, a million thoughts clouding her mind instantly. She had never thought the underworld was real, but maybe it is? And if it was, why was that man in possession of such a thing? In that moment her curiosity took over and she was determined to uncover the truth.
"I found it discarded at the urban center, I kept it only to find the owner," Ethria said, an honest look in her eyes.
"The owner may be dangerous. I advise you to dispose of it immediately," Arnos commanded, handing her the handkerchief. He signaled her to throw it away in the nearby disposal bin. Looking intently at her until she did so.
Ethria nodded, slowly walking towards the disposal. But instead of tossing it out, she concealed the handkerchief into the sleeve of her dress. She looked back at her father, afraid of being caught. But to her delight, there was no suspicion, only a satisfied smile plastered on his face.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
----------------------------------------
Shiloh gently blew the dust off the ancient book, revealing the inscription on its cover. The quiet nook in the library was often left undisturbed, occasionally attracting eccentric wanderers here and there. Shiloh quickly took a seat at a nearby table, eager to immerse herself within its pages—the Book of Astoria, the archive of the forgotten history of the world. Shiloh was fairly surprised she’d find the book here. Since it wasn’t widely accepted in the modern day, many copies were discarded. Though some editions still remained, every region developed their own beliefs of the Aura Crystal and its purpose in the world. Ultimately creating confusion and divide amongst Astorians, muddying the history’s truth. Unsure if this was the edition she was looking for, she opened the book, mentally preparing herself for what she may find.
Determined to uncover the cause of her friend’s recurring dreams, she flipped through the brittle pages. The text becomes increasingly unintelligible, soon realizing it’s written in an unfamiliar language, leaving her frustrated. Despite the foreign text, detailed pictures were presented on the pages, allowing her to piece together a comprehensive story. However, her concentration shattered when she heard familiar voices approaching the library's entrance. The old library doors opened gradually, creating a drawn out creak that made Shiloh physically cringe. Peering through the cracks of the bookshelves, from a distance she could clearly see who entered the quiet space. It was Datrie accompanied by her two friend’s Alissna and Anoah, like usual. The look on Datrie’s face was proud and snooty, and the group walked along the main pathway, passing through aisles as they gossiped.
“Of course, all eyes will be on me tomorrow, once they see who I'm coming with,” Datrie's voice echoed through the bookshelves.
“Why won't you tell us who it is?” Anoah inquired, while Alissna added, “Yes, please do tell!”
“A secret loses its meaning when it's told, ladies,” Datrie chuckled, flipping her long ginger hair. “Just know that we will be the most attractive couple there.”
Alissna and Anoah were in awe of their leader, complimenting her bravery and wit. Gradually, the group started to approach the nook of the library, oblivious of Shiloh’s presence.
To avoid being noticed by Datrie and her entourage, Shiloh stood up, clutching her book. As footsteps drew near, she turned a sharp corner but stumbled over an unattended book on the floor. Teetering back and forth, she struggled to regain her balance. The book ripped away from her hands, and crashed loudly to the ground, its echo silencing the library.
“What was that?” Datrie whispered, a hint of fear in her voice. Her once proud demeanor had turned into panic.
“I have no idea, what if it was a ghost?” Alissna responded in a hushed tone. She clenched her hands together, completely spooked by the sudden bang.
“Don’t be stupid, ghosts aren’t real. It’s probably a beggar or something, let’s just go.”
Without hesitation, the girls hurried toward the front entrance. Alissna and Anoah stepped out into the street. Before Datrie followed, she scanned the library, and for a second meeting Shiloh’s eyes peeking out from behind a shelf. Datrie remained silent, turning around, and leaving. Shiloh's heart raced from the close call, pondering Datrie’s unusual passive demeanor. She wasn’t too sure if she actually saw her or if it was a silly coincidence. She looked down, intending to retrieve her book, but froze, her eyes widening as she examined the page it had opened to upon falling.
----------------------------------------
Birds pecked curiously at the discarded empty cans scattered on the sandy terrain. A diligent troop of workers stepped in a uniform line, hauling weighty wooden crates onto the waiting ship anchored by the dock. The ship's flag, a proud emblem fluttered vigorously, piercing the air with loud cracks as it danced in the wild wind. This expedition was going to be a long one. Heading from the Kingdom of Seras, established in the province of Aelonia to the Kingdom of Gedda. A neighboring empire, far west, located in the province of Everne.
Mr. Shanks, a seasoned figure of the sailing routine, stood amidst the organized chaos, packing up the remains of his belongings. In a couple of days the vessel would set sail, carrying both cargo and the aspirations of seafarers.
Tezeri, his daughter, approached with a mixed expression of coyness and determination. Perplexed, Mr. Shanks turned to face her, only then noticing the absence of her luggage.
"Tezeri, what’re you doing? Get your luggage and help us prepare. We’ve a lot to get done and little time to do it," Mr. Shanks ordered, momentarily diverting his attention before resuming his duties.
“Father, I ain't going. I already told my friends I'll be at the ball tomorrow,” Tezeri stated, her stance unwavering. “I tried to tell you, and I'm serious."
The revelation hung in the air, as Tezeri strayed from the expected routine. Mr. Shanks halted in his tracks, his weathered features revealing a complex emotion. He faced his daughter, a twinge of sadness shadowing his eyes. The stern exterior softened as he enveloped Tezeri in a warm embrace, reassuring her.
“I know what you said; I was just hoping you’d forgotten about it,” Mr. Shanks chuckled, breaking the hug. “I’m worried my little girl has grown out of our routine.”
Tezeri felt eased at her father’s acceptance. Reciprocating the hug, gradually melting into it.
“We will be setting sail the day after the ball, if you change your mind,” Mr. Shanks added, pulling away and giving her a more serious look. “Just remember who you are, Tezeri. You ain’t one of them; you’re one of us.”
Tezeri nodded as she met her father's gaze. A pang of sadness intertwined with the love for the shared pastime coursing through her. With a reassuring smile, she promised to accompany him on the next journey. Pleased to hear this, he bid her farewell with a wave, loading his belongings into the ship's storage compartment. As her father continued to prepare, she couldn’t help but feel a little odd not being there with him. She exchanged one last look to her father before heading back towards home.