Raynin woke up breathing heavy. Sweat slid down her forehead and fell on to the bed as she moved her drenched hands to her heart. "Riley?" She looked over at the figure standing by the window.
"I'm here." Riley stepped out of the shadows and walked toward her bed.
"How bad was it?" she asked sitting up in the bed.
"Pretty bad. Your entire sect was shaking this time. As was mine. Everything in here was circling in the air so I straightened up your room after things died down." Riley pulled up a chair and sat near the head of the bed.
"Thank you." Raynin put her hand on top of his.
"Do you want me to stay in here with you?" Riley asked, concern evident on his face.
"Yes, if you don't mind. I don't want to be alone right now."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Riley sat forward.
"No. It's not worth speaking of anymore."
"Okay. Do you want to talk about your suitors then?"
Raynin groaned. "Let's talk about anything but that."
"Fine. Let's talk about how strikingly handsome I've gotten over the years." Riley sat back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head.
"Yea right." Raynin threw a pillow at him and laughed. "You're already conceited."
"No, I'm just very confident," Riley corrected her. He put the pillow back on her bed. "Seriously though, I really think we should discuss the suitors coming today."
"It's only Clayton today."
"Do you want me to throw him out again?" Riley asked with a grin on his face.
"I think I'll do it this time." Raynin got out of the bed. "Look about last night. I'm sorry about all of this." She said pointing to her shoulder.
"It's okay. I should have gone instead of sending you to Joseph's house. Speaking of him, what did he say exactly?"
"He said he'll be here and that he thinks we should leave in two days. But I disagree with him on that. I think we should leave tomorrow evening," Raynin said taking the chess board off the table and sitting on the floor with it.
"No. Tomorrow's your Engagement Ball and you're going," Riley stated as a matter of fact while he sat on the floor.
"Screw my Engagement Ball. I haven't seen Cameron in almost five years."
"I'm sure Cameron will be glad to see you but she's going to have to wait two days," Riley remarked as they set their pieces up.
"Fine." Raynin sighed. "Do you think I should marry Clayton?"
"Honestly, I don't, but if he's the most resourceful out of the other suitors then you should."
"I don't know, Riley. What about Colin and this thing? And you?" She moved another piece on the board.
"I will always be here. Colin, on the other hand, could very well be linked to someone else now."
"Then I'll marry another eligible suitor."
Riley moved his piece and took one of Raynin's pieces. "I just think we have to be realistic about this."
"I know." She moved another piece. "You have no idea how much of a burden this is." She lifted her necklace. "To be linked to someone I haven't seen in years. I just want to be free," Raynin proclaimed in Raiyal.
Riley stood up and held out his hand. "Come on."
Raynin grabbed hold of his outstretched hand. "Where are we going?"
"To sneak into the Royal library and read the Sacred book."
"All right. No powers though. It's so much better when we wing it." She grabbed some black sweats and slipped them over her blue pajama shorts.
"Fine." Riley cracked the bedroom door open and checked the area. "The coast is clear." He opened the door wider and stepped out of the room. "Let's go." He closed the bedroom door and proceeded to go left.
"Where are you going?" Raynin asked in a hushed voice.
"To the library."
"I know that, but why are you going that way?"
Riley turned and faced Raynin. "We're not messing with the guards so come on before I change my mind."
They rounded the corner and started to descend the stairs. "You can be a real buzz..."
Riley pulled Raynin back up a step and covered her mouth. "There are guards on both sides."
She removed his hand and looked at him. "I know. I was there when Meela had them installed."
"Oh."
"So, what's our game plan?" Raynin asked straightening her hair.
"Looks like you're going to have to use your powers after all."
"Fine." Raynin closed her eyes and focused her mind. Lifting her hand, she waved and a loud crash sounded in the distance.
"What was that?" one of the guard's asked.
"I don't know. Let's go check it out."
Riley waited a few seconds before descending the stairs. "We're clear. Let's go." Raynin ran down the stairs and followed Riley into the library. "I'll get the book." Riley opened a glass case and browsed through the books. Locating the Sacred book, he grabbed it out of the case and joined Raynin at a table hidden from sight. "Blow the candle out."
Raynin blew out the candle and put it back in its rightful place. She held onto Riley's arm. "Well, get us out of here."
"Yes, Your Highness," Riley remarked sarcastically. He smiled and then teleported back up to Raynin's room. Riley gave Raynin the Sacred book and sat on the floor. "Where did we leave off last?"
Raynin scanned a few pages and then stopped. "Here."
They hunched over the book and translated as they read. Losing track of time, the morning bell began to toll. "Dammit. Nunya's going to be in here soon." Riley stood up. "Come on. Hand it over."
"But..."
"No buts. This needs to be back in the library before anyone realizes it is gone. Plus, Nunya would kill us if she knew we put ourselves in unnecessary danger, again."
"Fine." She closed the book and gave it to him.
A knock on the door startled them. "Gotta go."
"Ry... Oh, good morning, Larissa. You're early." A young woman lowered her head as she entered.
"Forgive me, Princess. I can come back in a few minutes if you'd like."
"No, it's fine. I'm just used to seeing you later in the day after Nunya has attended to me."
"Nunya left earlier this morning. She won't be back until tomorrow, so she asked me to tend to you."
Raynin got up from the floor. "Well then, you can start by bringing mine and Riley's breakfast up here. It's the usual eggs and toast with orange juice for both of us and some fruit and milk as well."
"Is there anything else, Princess?"
"Yes. Find the Twins and tell them their presence is requested. And please remind them not to get distracted."
"Yes, Princess." Larissa curtsied and then exited the room.
Raynin put away the chess game her and Riley had been playing. She walked into her wardrobe and turned on the light. Looking around, she grabbed a light blue dress from the back. She closed the door behind her as she stepped out and went behind her dress curtain.
Riley teleported back into the room. "Who was it that came into the room?"
"Larissa. She's tending to me today. Nunya left earlier this morning and won't be back until tomorrow."
"Oh. So, what's for breakfast? You did order for me, right?"
"Yes, and I made sure fruit and milk were added."
Riley walked over to the desk. "I see you're writing Cameron again."
"Yea. I'm going to need you to take it the Mail Center."
"Alright."
Raynin came out from behind the dress curtain. The light blue dress showed off her figure and hung off her shoulders. Instead of the customary long dresses the women of the court wore, Raynin's dress barely reached her knees. "So, how do I look?" She struck a pose and smiled.
"Beautiful. You should really consider dressing like this all the time."
"Thanks, and not happening. I only dress like this when my suitors are making an appearance. You clean up nicely yourself though."
"I know." Riley started to laugh.
"Shut..." Larissa entered the room rolling in a cart with their food on it. "You have got to start knocking," Raynin scolded Larissa.
"Forgive me. I didn't mean to come in unannounced." She lowered her eyes to the ground.
"Good morning, Larissa."
"Good morning, Prince Riley. Would that be all, Princess?"
"Yes. You may leave. I'll send for you if I need anything else."
"Yes, milady." She curtsied and then left the room.
"I hate when she does that." Raynin walked over to the cart and picked up a strawberry.
"She said she was sorry."
"I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about when she keeps her head and eyes lowered to the ground."
"All the servants do that, Raynin. As a matter of fact, everyone of lower rank or status does that," Riley pointed out in defense for Larissa.
"I know. I hate when they do it too."
"Then speak up next time it happens. It's not like they can read your mind. Now, what's on the agenda for today?" Riley asked grabbing both of their plates.
They sat on the floor across from each other. Raynin sat the bowl of fruit in between them. "Well besides our royal duties we must carry out, we have a training session, I have to meet with Clayton, you have a meeting with the Council, and before or rather during my warm-ups we have our own little meeting." Raynin started to eat her eggs.
Riley finished chewing. "Sounds about right."
They sat in silence and continued to eat their breakfast. "You know what? Joseph should be here by now."
"If that's true, he's probably hiding in the shadows."
#
Kieran stood outside of the King's study. "Announce me, idiot."
The servant entered the room. "Your Majesty, Captain Kieran is here."
The King looked up from the book he was reading. "Let him in."
"Sir." The servant stepped aside and allowed Kieran to enter. The room was a miniature library with a lot of maps.
"Good morning, Your Majesty. I have news from Staron."
"Continue."
"The King of Staron has stated that only the marriage of his son to your daughter will ensure his allegiance come this winter."
"Is that right? Has he forgotten the history we share. I helped him get rid of Colin. He should be grateful for that."
"You're right, sir. And I guess I should also mention that King Amir has declared Raynin the heir to his throne, which means..."
"She gets the Crown of Amiriel!" Shaul slammed his book on the desk.
"That's if she can find the pieces and put it together, my lord."
"Well, I'm not taking any chances. Othello!" Othello walked into the study at the sound of his name. "Fetch my wife."
As if conjured up, Meela walked into the room clothed in a revealing red outfit that exposed her torso and long legs. "Fetch, dear? You speak as if I'm some kind of dog."
"How about summon? Does that work for you?"
"Yes. Now, you wanted me?"
Shaul walked behind Meela and kissed her neck. "How's your brother?"
"Alive, unfortunately."
King Shaul looked up at Othello and Kieran. "Wait outside." They both nodded and then closed the door behind them as they left the room. "This feud between you and your brother has to end. You're going on 30 and he's just turned 18. Who do you think looks foolish?"
"You're right."
"Good. Now, contact your brother and get him down here."
"Anything else?" She sat down in his chair.
"No, that was it."
"Why did they need to leave the room then?"
"Well," he began as he started to massage her shoulders. "I thought I was going to have to seduce you."
"I see. You boys may come back in." As they entered the room, a figure jumped out of Kieran's shadow and morphed into Othello's. "I'll take my leave now, so if you'll excuse me, my love, my breakfast is getting cold." She kissed Shaul and exited the room.
"Now, to continue our earlier conversation, I will declare war on Amiriel come this winter. My plans haven't changed. Kieran prepare the troops and above all, assure me the allegiance of most of this kingdom and our friends from Kalar."
"Yes, sir." Kieran bowed and retired from the study.
"Othello, see that my orders are carried out to the fullest. Also, keep me up to date on Plan B, I don't want anything going wrong."
"Yes, sir." Othello bowed his head and left the study. Entering the corridor, he stood there for a second. He turned and looked at the servant and then continued down the hall.
The figure jumped out of Othello's shadow and began to take the form of a visible being. A young boy in his mid-teens replaced the shadow. He watched as Othello rounded the corner and then walked away in the opposite direction. Now headed down a new corridor, the boy came across Larissa and two little kids. "Boy," Larissa said stopping him. "What's your name?"
"Joseph. I'm Princess Raynin's messenger."
"Good. I need you to take these two to her. She has requested their presence."
"Okay." Larissa left them standing alone in the hallway. "Hello, Twins. Nice to see you again."
They began to walk. "You too, Joseph," the little boy said.
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"Why do you keep calling us Twins? Our names are Daniel and Ashley," the little girl remarked.
"Because you're twins and it's just easier calling you by that."
"Well then, how about we call you Shadowwalker since you are one," Ashley replied.
"You wouldn't."
"You wanna bet?"
"Yea, wanna bet?" Daniel cosigned to join the conversation.
"Shut up," Joseph and Ashley commanded Daniel.
"I can handle this, thank you," Ashley continued.
"All right. You don't have to be mean about it."
"And you don't have to wet the bed, but you do," Ashley pointed out.
"You brat," Daniel exclaimed. He pushed Ashley down and then started rubbing his butt due to their inconvenient power; they could feel what the other was feeling emotionally, physically, and mentally.
"You idiot. Whatever happens to me, happens to you or do you not quite get that yet."
Joseph helped Ashley up. "You both need to calm down before we reach Raynin's chamber."
"She started it!"
"And I'm ending it," Joseph interrupted.
"Fine. Sorry for pushing you."
"Whatever. Just don't do it again. And I guess I'm sorry too." Ashley smiled as they continued their walk to Raynin's chambers.
The door to Raynin's room stood ajar as they approached. Joseph cleared his throat making his presence known. "Hey, come in." Raynin beckoned for them to enter the room.
Joseph, Daniel, and Ashley entered the room and bowed their heads in reverence. "Raynin. Riley."
"Joseph. Good to see you," Riley stated.
"Likewise."
"Did you guys get the information I need?" Raynin asked the Twins.
"Yes. Clayton will be here in five minutes and counting. He's being rushed here by your father," Ashley answered walking over to the food cart.
"Daniel, Joseph here tells me you pushed your sister earlier," Riley remarked.
"I did but..."
"No buts. You know the rules. I won't punish you this time since you've apologized, but if it happens again, I won't be as nice."
"Yes, sir." Daniel joined his sister at the food cart.
"When Clayton arrives, bring him up to my waiting room. And don't forget we have a meeting during my warm-up."
"All right." Joseph morphed back into shadow form and left the room.
"Daniel and Ashley, you can't be here when Clayton arrives so take the cart down to your room and when you're finished just ring for a servant to come and get it. And don't get into any unnecessary trouble."
"We won't." Daniel pushed the cart to the door. "Come on, Ashley." They left the room and closed the door behind them.
"It's time for me to go. I can't keep the High Council waiting."
"High Council? You said you were meeting with the Council here," Raynin said surprised.
"Why in the world would I want to meet with your father and his corrupt leaders?"
"If you're meeting with the High Council, it must involve the law of the Anciént Onés. What's going on?"
"I'll tell you later." Riley teleported out of the room and into a dimly lit chamber. He looked around while he straightened his clothes out.
"The High Council will now see you," a guy said popping up out of thin air.
"Could you not do that again. You nearly scared me to death," Riley remarked following him through the high arched door.
"Wait here." The man disappeared again.
"I hate Léyaths," Riley said looking around.
"Riley," a voice echoed throughout the room. Riley looked around in bewilderment. The room became bright revealing golden walls. The walls were colorful with beautiful carvings of Naphtali during the First Days. Also, inscribed around the walls were the words, "We await the return of the High King and Queen" written in a bluish color.
"Riley. So nice of you to join us," a voice said in Raiyal, the language of the Anciént Onés. Riley turned around and came face to face with the five remaining Anciént Onés of the High Council. Two were women and the rest were men. Both women sat on either side of the man in the middle while the other two men sat on the ends.
Stepping into the center of the room, Riley spoke in Raiyal. "May I address you in the Common Tongue?" They all nodded. "Lord Saiyun, Lady Eliza, Lord Sulé, Lady Elaine, and Lord Ciaéthru," Riley addressed them, starting from the left, in the Common Tongue. "You all know why I am here."
Lady Elaine smiled. "To seek the truth," she answered in Raiyal. She was tan and had fair skin. Her hair was long, black and silky with streaks of gold. "You also seek permission to marry the one you call..."
Lord Sulé raised his hand silencing her. He was a slender yet fit man with pale, fair skin who gave off an air of being distinguished. "Even the walls have ears," he said in Raiyal by way of explanation. They sat in silence for a while. Lord Sulé spoke again. "Riley, the truth must come forth before we can answer your other question."
"I understand," Riley assured them. "I have one more question."
"Done," Lord Sulé said switching into the Common Tongue. "Lady Eliza, you may begin the trial."
"Trial," Riley asked confused.
"Silence," Lord Sulé commanded. "You have not been permitted to speak. During the Trial of Truth, you will not speak unless asked to. All questions will be asked by us and we expect you to answer truthfully. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," Riley answered back.
"Lady Eliza, you may begin," Lord Sulé stated again.
Lady Eliza was a light shade of brown with wavy black hair that also had gold streaks. Her skin was just as fair as Lady Elaine's and the other three Anciént Oné's. Her eyes were piercing yet gentle and she, like the others, had a quiet spirit. "How close are you to Princess Raynin?" Lady Eliza began.
"Very. She's..."
"And in your closeness, were you not asked by Lady Sarai to protect her?" she interrupted.
"Yes but..."
"And in this did you not fail?" she pressed on calmly.
"No," Riley snarled.
"No? So, you deny the truth?"
"Deny, no. I believe I know my life better than you, I'm living it. And for the record, I didn't fail to protect her. She's stubborn and complicated and because of that, she got shot. Big deal, she's a warrior not some dainty princess who can't take care of herself and always needs to get rescued. Getting shot kind of comes with the territory," Riley replied in frustration.
"Are you rebuking your mother?" Lady Eliza asked amused.
"No. I'm simply... Mother," Riley said flustered.
"You look surprised. You wanted to know the truth, so here it is," Lord Saiyun began. "Anciént women have always reproduced asexually. Way before you were born, two prophecies were spoken, concerning you and the Heir of Zora. These prophecies are very important to the survival of our race and the destroying of the evil that is trying to take over Naphtali and ultimately the Guardian Realm. To make sure these prophecies came to pass, Lady Eliza hid your identity from the rest of the world and gave you to Sarai so you could live a somewhat normal life out of harm's way."
"Whoa. That's a lot to take in. I figured I was an Anciént Oné but I didn't know she was my mother or any of that other stuff. We don't even..."
"Look alike," Lady Eliza interrupted. "That's because all Anciént Oné's are made to look different from their parent. The only similarities we share are the same black hair and gold streaks."
"Gold streaks?"
"You obviously don't have them yet but they'll come when you've fully developed your power," Lord Sulé assured him.
"Okay. Now, what about my second question?" Riley asked anxiously.
"We're getting to that," Lady Elaine stated calmly. "Now, not only are you of Anciént descent, but you are also of the Royal Bloodline."
"Royal Bloodline? But that would mean... I'm the next High King." The High Council bowed their heads in reverence. "Don't, I'm not your king."
"But you soon will be," Lady Eliza remarked.
"How much do you know of the Royal line and your people?" Lord Ciaéthru inquired.
"Very little, unfortunately. Our studies only cover the dividing of the land into twelve separate kingdoms."
"As you become more in tune with your Anciént side, the knowledge will reveal itself. However, we don't have time to inform you of all things concerning your lineage but we can tell you this to aid you in your journey." Riley smiled at Lord Ciaéthru. "Yes, we are aware of your plans."
"Note taken. So, this information you speak of, how exactly will it aid us?"
"During the time of the sibling High King and Queen, the Zoharians built the Weynar Vas for the royal line. The arávas has a clocking device which allows it to only be seen and detected by those of the Royal Bloodline and the Zoharian race itself."
"Wait, so you're telling me I need to find an airship that hasn't been seen in centuries in not even one day? Are you kidding! How does this aid us in any way?" Riley interrupted Lord Ciaéthru.
"Silence," Lord Ciaéthru declared rubbing his temples. "Your interruptions have become quite vexing. You are no longer permitted to speak, just listen." He took a deep breath and continued. "You don't have to seek out the ship. We will give you its location. The..."
Lord Ciaéthru paused his speech and whispered in Lady Elaine's ear. She raised one eyebrow and looked over at Lord Saiyun. "Lord Saiyun, perhaps you'd like to further this conversation being that you are well versed and familiar with this part of history."
Lord Saiyun nodded in appreciation to Lord Ciaéthru. "The Weynar Vas has been lying dormant in the moss lands near the River of Yosef. The Zoharians have been maintaining its upkeep with the help of the Royal Guard. They await the return of the High King and Queen."
Riley raised his hand. "We will explain everything in its time," Lord Ciaéthru reassured him.
"The Royal Guard is comprised of six of the elite fighters in the Anciént race. They're trained from birth in all combat and battle tactics and know the weaponry of every realm and their planets. And believe me, if they don't know it, they adapt quickly."
"Now, as for your second request, we can neither deny nor consent to it," Lady Eliza revealed. "So, we caution you to be wise in your decision. And if you can't find an Anciént Oné to marry, don't marry at all. Many of our people have disregarded that law and have been punished severely."
"But I don't know anyone around my age," Riley protested.
"Are you sure?" Lady Elaine asked.
"Do I?" Riley asked.
"That is for you to discover."
"But why can't I marry outside of our race?"
"It wouldn't be wise for one. It would dishonor Elí and bring a curse upon your family for generations to come. And I don't want that."
"I see. How do I know if she's of Anciént descent?" Riley asked.
"You'll be drawn to her." The lights went out in the room and the High Council disappeared, leaving Riley standing alone in the dark.
"The High Council asked me to show you out," the Léyath said, appearing next to Riley and startling him again.
"Really, I thought I told you not to do that again."
They walked into the outer chamber. "Lady Eliza asked me to give this to you before you left." He held up a necklace with a pendant on it.
"The Half Moons of Naphtali, our planet." The pendant was shaped like a backwards "S" and had two half-moons in between its curves.
"It is now your duty as the next High King to protect this necklace until its rightful owner is found." The Léyath handed him the necklace.
"And how will I know who its owner is?"
"You won't but the necklace will. When it's near her, it will start to glow."
"Her?"
"Yes her."
"And of how much importance is she to me?"
"Much. The prophecies concern her as well and she's the one you are destined to marry." Without saying anymore, the Léyath disappeared leaving Riley alone in the chamber.
"But... Forget it." Riley put the necklace in his pocket and teleported into Raynin's room. She sat at the desk writing.
"Clayton still hasn't arrived," Raynin announced without turning around.
"That's not a surprise." He walked up to the desk. "How did you know it was me?"
"The air shifted." She turned around and looked at his puzzled face.
"And you know this how?" Riley asked, amusement evident in his voice.
"Well, on the night of your 15th birthday when we held that surprise ball, everything was quiet in the room. Nothing stirred. Not even the air. But as soon as you teleported inside, the air became confused and started to blow in different directions."
"Confused? That's a nice way to put it," he laughed.
Raynin folded up the letter and sealed it in the envelope. "Take this to the Mail Center please." She addressed the letter to Cameron Wyler and handed it to Riley. "Get in and get out. If you get caught, destroy the letter." A knock sounded at the door. "Go, and be careful." Riley teleported out of the room. Raynin stood up and slipped on heels before walking toward the door. "You may enter."
Joseph walked into the room. "Prince Clayton of Staron is here."
"Tell him I will be with him in a moment."
"He's outside your door, milady."
"Very well. Bring him in," Raynin stated with a hint of irritation.
Joseph stepped aside to let Clayton in. "Princess Raynin will now see you."
Clayton smiled as he entered the bedroom. "Joseph," Raynin said indicating to him to wait outside the door.
"Yes, Princess." Joseph bowed and then closed the door as he left.
"If you ever disrespect me again in your stupidity by waiting outside my bedroom chamber, I will have you beheaded on account of being a pervert."
"I apologize for the offense," Clayton remarked with a grin. "Now, let's cut to the chase. What is your answer to my marriage proposal?"
"No."
"To which part?" he asked annoyed.
"All of it. I refuse to be subjected to a marriage with you. I've chosen a more worthy suitor."
"Are you mad? Your father wants you to marry me." He walked up to her and took hold of her right hand. "Why can't you accept the fact that you love me?"
Raynin pulled her hand away and slapped him. "Love you? How dare you insult me with such a statement. The only reason you were even considered as a suitor was for political and military support. And it doesn't matter what my father wants, for if it did, you'd be marrying him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to tend to."
"Like what, your hair?" Clayton remarked somewhat seriously.
"Good day, Prince Clayton." Raynin turned to walk toward her desk.
"I'm not through speaking with you," he said sternly grabbing her upper arm.
"But I am." She waved her free hand, flinging him through the door.
Joseph rushed to help him up but was pushed away. "You're going to regret that." He straightened his clothes out and left.
"You're going to have to get a new door now." Joseph laughed.
"I've already sent for someone to take care of this."
"Good. I'll see you guys on the field. I'm needed in the Shadowlands."
"All right. Say hello to your mother for me."
"Will do." Joseph left Raynin's room in his shadow form.
Raynin walked over to her dresser and put on her tiara. "So, how did the meeting with Clayton go?" Riley asked after he teleported back into the room.
"Great."
"I can tell. Did you send for someone to fix this?" he questioned her as he looked at what was left of the door.
"Yes. I called ahead of time," she assured him as she brushed her hair.
Riley walked up behind her and held his hand out. She handed him the brush. "Remind me again why you insist on brushing your own hair when you have servant girls for that?"
"Because I'm not handicapped. I'm well capable of brushing my own hair."
"Okay, then. Have you picked out a dress yet for the ball tomorrow?"
"No. I haven't had much time. Between all the meetings and our preparations for our trip, I've been kind of busy."
"Then I'll send Joseph to get this dress I saw the other day in town. It's a nice rare Anciént dress."
"How do you know it's still there?"
"Because I bought it and had it put to the side." Riley stopped brushing her hair.
Raynin turned to face him. "You bought me a dress?" Riley nodded. "Thank you." She gave him a hug and then stepped back.
"Come on. Dance with me." Riley held out his hand.
"Without music?"
"Yes. It's time we worked on your dancing skills." She took hold of his hand and they began to slow dance. "I want you to know something," Riley said in Raiyal as he spun her around.
Raynin smiled and responded back in the Anciént Onés language. "And that is?"
Riley twirled her into his arms and then dipped her. "I love you," he proclaimed in Raiyal.
Meela entered the room and cleared her throat. "Am I interrupting?" she asked with sarcasm.
"Yes, you are actually," Raynin said through clenched teeth as Meela sat on her bed.
"Well, that's too bad."
"Look, have you come to annoy me or are you here to snoop?" Raynin remarked bluntly stepping away from Riley.
"Neither. Your father would like the both of you to attend the council meeting this morning."
"And do you know why?"
"No, but even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. By the way, you two should really stop meeting so privately all the time. People may start to get the wrong idea about the two of you." Meela turned and left the room.
"She's right, you know. My being in your room isn't good for your reputation as the virgin princess."
"Well, if you're that concerned about my reputation, we'll no longer meet or dine in my room."
"Nor mine. From now on, we'll eat in your dining quarters or mine when the renovations are complete."
"I know, I know. Now go, I need to change into something more suitable for court. You should do the same." Raynin walked into her wardrobe. "Oh, and Riley," she poked her head outside the wardrobe. "I'd like to continue our previous conversation."
Riley nodded in acknowledgment. He teleported into his room and walked over to his wardrobe. Opening it up, he took out cream colored pants, a slightly fitted blue and gold dress shirt, and a pair of matching shoes. "Okay Riley, stay focused," he spoke aloud to himself. "You may love her and all, but she may not be the one." He began to undress. "Wait, what if she is the one but she rejects me?"
"Then she'll be reminded of her duty. But I doubt she will reject you," the Léyath answered as he appeared in the room.
"Do I get any privacy?" Riley exclaimed turning around. He put on his pants and took off his shirt.
"I take it you haven't mentioned the Half Moons of Naphtali to her?" the Léyath asked pointing to the necklace on the floor. Riley started to button up his shirt.
"No, I haven't." Riley bent down and picked up the necklace. "She didn't even have time to react to me telling her I loved her."
"I see."
"Look, is there a point to this visit because I'm kind of on a timed schedule?"
"I just came to see how your quest for love was going so far."
"And my mother didn't send you?" Riley questioned him.
"No. I do believe I have my own mind and free will," the Léyath stated defensively.
"There's no need to get all defensive now. I was just asking a question." Riley started to tie up his shoes. "So, what's your name? I don't want to keep referring to you as the Léyath every time I see you."
"Cairo. My name's Cairo."
"Well Cairo, it's a pleasure to have made your acquaintance but as I stated earlier, I am on a timed schedule and must get going."
"Riley." Raynin barged into the room and then halted. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company. I would've knocked."
"Is that her? She's a beauty," Cairo whispered.
"It's okay. He was just leaving," Riley assured her.
"If you don't mind me asking, who are you? Your face looks vaguely familiar, like I've seen you before."
"I can assure you, my lady, that we've never met but, it was a delight to have been in your company even if it was brief. Now, I'm afraid I must be getting back. My mistress is awaiting my return. Bye, Prince Riley. Milady."
"Wait, you didn't tell me who you are," Raynin reminded him before he left.
"A friend." Cairo disappeared leaving Riley and Raynin.
"So, you wanted me?"
"Yes. I wanted to know how I looked." Raynin twirled around in her white and blue dress. The dress hung off her shoulders and was floor length.
"You look beautiful. Any guy would fall head over heels for you. Like me."
"Look Riley, I don't think we should put off the conversation. You said you loved me and I guess I want to know why?"
"Why I said it or why I love you?"
"I know why you said it, but I want to know why you love me."
Riley walked closer to Raynin. "I love you because you complete me. Without you, I would be nothing. I would be lost."
"You really mean all of that?"
"Yes." Riley took hold of her hands. "But do you feel the same way?"
Raynin pulled away from him. "I don't know." She hurried out of the room.
"Raynin." Riley caught up to her and grabbed a hold of her arm. "Why are you so afraid to admit what we all know?" Raynin gave him a warning look so he released her arm.
"I do not want to talk about this anymore."
A throat cleared in front of them. Riley looked up to see Othello standing there. Raynin looked up at Othello and then back at Riley before walking away. "One should really be careful on how he touches and speaks to the princess," Othello warned Riley.
"And one should really be careful on whose business he steps in to," Riley threatened Othello and then teleported to Raynin's side.
"I'm done with that conversation, Riley."
"So am I. For now." They descended the grand staircase in silence. "So, what do you suppose your father wants to speak with us about?"
"My little adventure nonetheless."
"Little? I believe that's an understatement."
"Fine. Maybe it was a bit big but that's all on him."
"Why is it that I always get in trouble with you?"
"Beats me." They acknowledged the various nobles they passed and approached the court chambers. "I believe my father is expecting us."
The guard opened the chamber doors. "Your Majesty, Prince Riley and Princess Raynin have arrived."
He stepped to the side and allowed them to enter. "Good morning, father. I pray you slept well," Raynin said, plastering a fake smile on her face as she made her way to him.
"I didn't but thanks for saying that." He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and then beckoned for her and Riley to sit. "You look well, Riley."
"I feel it too. Thanks for noticing," Riley said.
King Shaul sat down at the head of the table. "Now that my lovely daughter and Prince Riley have joined us, we can continue our meeting. Would someone hand them an agenda?" The Minister of War, Lord Sain, slid them his agenda. "Before the two of you arrived, we were discussing your engagement and the ball. Would you be so kind as to update us please?"
"Yes, father. As the members of this court may already know, I've allowed myself to be courted by Prince Ari, Dante, the Duke of Miar, and Prince Clayton. Things are going considerably well with Prince Ari and the Duke. They are perfect gentlemen and I'm sure they'll make wonderful kings. Now, as for Prince Clayton, he is the most obnoxious, ignorant person I have ever met. Just this morning he showed up unannounced to my bedroom. I take that as a slight considering my reputation was being threatened."
"Don't exaggerate dear. I'm sure it was just miscommunication."
"Exaggerate? Miscommunication? You insult me when you defend him. You are basically telling the members of this court that it is okay to show up to my room and touch me inappropriately. I for one am not okay with it and therefore have decided to no longer consider Prince Clayton as a suitor."
Filled with rage, King Shaul stood up. "He did what? How did he touch you?" Raynin demonstrated how he touched her by grabbing Shaul's arm forcibly. King Shaul took a deep breath and then sat back down. "Bring him to me. I will make sure that fool is taken care of." One of Shaul's servants hurried out of the room to carry out his order. "Now, is there anything else you'd like to update us on?"
"Yes. I have one more update. Upon losing a suitor, I've added one."
"And who is that? Riley?" The Minister of War joked. The court began to laugh.
"Precisely, Lord Sain." Raynin smiled as the court fell silent. "Whether Riley realizes it or not, he has been courting me for several years now. And since I've come to this realization, I have decided to officially declare him a suitor."
"And what do you say to this, Riley?" King Shaul asked arching his eyebrow.
"You know what, sir, being that this is the first I've heard about this, I really don't have a comment."
"But you're okay with it?" King Shaul asked with curiosity.
"Well, yes. Contrary to what everyone believes, I love Raynin, just not as a sister."
"Then it's settled. Riley is officially a suitor to Princess Raynin. Have you a gift to give to her?" King Shaul looked at Riley.
"Yes. I bought her an Anciént styled dress for the ball tomorrow."
"Ooh, he does love you." The court members laughed. "I expect to be kept updated on how the courting is going. And Raynin, no more suitors. You either be content with the ones you have or forfeit the crown."
"Understood," Raynin stated to avoid confrontation. "Are we needed for any further discussions? Riley and I still have our own schedules to follow and meetings to attend."
"No. You may go. I need a word with my council."
"Well, sir, it was a pleasure as always," Riley said.
"I'm sure. Now, good day and congratulations." Shaul waved Riley and Raynin out of the room. "It's time to discuss the war against Amiriel."