The next day continued as normal minus all the bustling of the servants who were preparing for Raynin's engagement ball. Raynin dressed herself in the Anciént style dress Riley bought for her. “You look really pretty, Raynin,” Ashley said standing behind her as she examined herself in the mirror.
“Thank you.” Raynin grabbed her tiara and put it on her head. “How much longer do I have until I have to be down there?”
“Ten minutes.”
“Will you get my accessories and shoes then?” Ashley left the room in haste. Raynin examined her dress again. It was white and flowy and paired well with her brown skin. The design and length of the dress distinguished it from all other dresses of Zebulun.
Ashley reentered the room. “I didn't know which accessories to get you so I brought everything. And here are your shoes.”
“That's fine. Thank you. I think it's time you went and finished getting dressed yourself.”
“Alright.” Ashley put everything on the table in front of the mirror and then left.
Raynin rummaged through the jewelry box and chose a pair of dangling gold diamond earrings and then put on her heels. They were gold with a hint of sparkle. She looked in the mirror at her necklace. “You do not go with this outfit. I wish you'd come off already.”
Down on the main floor, Riley, Joseph and Daniel conversed in the back of the ballroom. Riley wore all white with a gold sash. He fiddled with the necklace in his pocket to ease his nerves. “She should be coming in soon,” Riley stated more to himself than anybody.
“She has three more minutes, relax.” Joseph stood next to Riley. He was dressed in all black. “Where's your sister, Daniel?”
“I don't know. I think she's still getting dressed or helping Raynin.” Daniel also wore black garments identical to Joseph's.
“Nervous, Riley?” Prince Ari asked, walking up to the group. He was a fit young man with the looks and air of a god.
“It's Prince Riley and no, I'm not. You should be worried, though.”
“And why is that?” Prince Ari ran his fingers through his long, black, wavy hair. “I'm clearly better looking than you.”
“In whose opinion? Your mother's?” the Duke of Miar chimed in, walking up to them. He was just as handsome as Ari but had an edge to him.
“Ah, Dante. Eavesdropping as usual, I see. Is your family good at nothing else?”
“It's more than what your family is good at. Wait, I take that back. Your family's good at whoring their way into royalty.”
Prince Ari attempted to hit Dante but was held back by Riley. “That's enough.”
Prince Ari straightened out his white tux before centering his red sash and walking away. “If I may say so, Duke, that was low,” Joseph remarked. “All you did was make yourself look foolish. You of all people know not to question ones' family integrity and fidelity or have you forgotten what took place two summers ago.”
“And you are?”
“Unimpressed and a little embarrassed for you.”
Dante scowled. “Well, it’s a good thing your opinion matters not, commoner.” He turned to Riley. “Good luck.”
“Don’t need it, but thanks.”
Ashley walked up and stood by Daniel. “The two of you should take your place now. Raynin is about to enter.”
“And the night begins.” Dante and Riley took their place beside Prince Ari at the foot of the staircase.
The lights faded and the grand doors opened. Raynin entered the room and stood at the top of the stairs for some seconds before beginning her descent.
Seeing Raynin in the dress he bought her, Riley smiled. “She looks beautiful.”
“You really out did yourself, Prince Riley,” the Duke said as he appraised Raynin.
“Fortunately, I agree with the both of you,” Prince Ari added.
Raynin finished her descent and stood in front of them. One after the other, the three guys took her hand and kissed it. “Dante, I love your sash.”
“Why is that, my lady?” the Duke of Miar inquired as Prince Ari and Riley bowed and withdrew from their presence.
“Blue's my favorite color,” Raynin answered.
“Well, thank you. Would you like to dance?”
“Sure.” Dante led Raynin to the middle of the ballroom floor. Everyone stared in awe as they glided across the ballroom floor before joining them. “Do you want to know why I chose you as a suitor?”
“It’s never been a curiosity of mine, but yes.”
“I chose you because I admire your goals. I also find you attractive.”
“But?”
“But,” Raynin continued. “There’s nothing here. You and I both know I'm going to choose Riley.”
“Everyone knows you’re going to choose Riley. I’m surprised it took this long for you to announce him as suitor.” Dante chuckled.
“Why didn't you bow out, then?”
Dante twirled Raynin. “Because, what kind of guy would I be if I didn't see this out to the end. Plus, I wouldn't have been able to dance with you tonight if I had.”
The music ended so they stepped back from each other. Raynin curtsied and the Duke bowed in return. “That was nice.” Raynin took Dante's arm.
“I agree.”
Prince Ari cleared his throat. “May I cut in?”
Dante nodded and then walked away. “So, how are you liking my ball?”
“It's okay, not nearly as interesting as you, but hey, what can you say, you're stunning.”
“Thank you, but you should know, flattery won't get you anywhere with me.”
“What makes you think that was flattery? I meant every word,” Prince Ari assured her as he handed her a drink.
“I’m sure you did.” She took the drink and sipped it. “I'm curious.”
“What about, exactly?”
“Why did you stay on as a suitor? You and everyone else in this room know I'm going to choose Riley.”
“It's simple. I'd like to walk out of here with my pride intact. Plus, I'm not one to go back on my commitments.”
“And I admire that.” The grand doors opened and King Shaul and Meela walked in as they were announced. “Nice of them to grace us with their presence.”
“Better late than never,” Ari reminded her.
“Never would have been fine.”
“I think it's time I stole you away,” Riley whispered in Raynin's ear.
“I think you're right. Excuse us,” Raynin said, turning to Prince Ari.
Prince Ari nodded and Riley escorted Raynin to the ballroom floor. “You look beautiful.”
Raynin smiled. “Thank you. My boyfriend bought it for me.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Yes.” Raynin smiled and spun into Riley's arms.
“I have something for you.” He took out the necklace in his pocket. It was now illuminated. Raynin turned to face him.
“The Half Moons of Naphtali,” Raynin gasped. “Are you sure?”
“I am now.” Riley fastened the necklace around Raynin's neck causing the lover’s necklace to fall off into her hands. “There. Perfect.” Raynin smiled as she looked down at the Half Moons. Seizing the moment, Riley lifted her chin and bent down and kissed her. The music faded and the room became silent. “That's your cue,” Riley whispered against her lips as he took the lover necklace from her and shoved it into his pocket.
Raynin opened her eyes and looked around the room at her observing guests. She looked back up a Riley and took a step back and curtsied. Without waiting for a bow in return, she walked away and ascended the stairs to the throne. “Father. Meela.”
“From the looks of things, I would say you're ready to proceed.”
Raynin blushed. “That's correct.”
“Very well.” Shaul stood up and motioned for Raynin to stand on the right side of the platform. “And I take it Riley is the suitor you've chosen?” Raynin nodded. Shaul beckoned for Riley to come up on the platform.
“Sir.” Riley greeted Shaul.
“Let's just get one thing clear. You hurt Raynin, and she won't be the last person you see,” Shaul whispered. “Understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
Shaul smiled and patted him on the back. “Good. Take each other’s hand please.”
“Father, you can't do the ceremony. We serve different gods. Our Barí has to bless us so Elí can honor this union.”
“Get off my platform then.” Shaul sat down. “You can proceed on the floor.”
Riley escorted Raynin down the stairs. They were greeted by the Barí and then instructed to face each other. He applied oil to their foreheads and prayed over them. “Children of Elí, you bear witness to the engagement of Prince Riley to Princess Raynin. When they finally marry, they will be one as long as they live. May Elí bless this union and...” The Half Moons of Naphtali returned to its shining form. “The Half Moons of Naphtali,” the Barí gasped, taking a step back. “You're not the heir to this throne.” He turned and looked at Riley. “You are.”
“I already know that.” Raynin looked at Riley in surprise. “Does this affect us marrying though?”
“No but...”
“Continue then.”
The Barí hesitated but continued with the blessing. “Hold it!” King Shaul commanded as he sent a servant away in a hurry. “What do you mean my daughter is not the heir?”
“Your daughter possesses the Half Moons of Naphtali which can only be given to her by a pure blood Anciént Oné and if she herself is an Anciént Oné of the once thought destroyed royal line.”
“Get to the part that explains how Riley is the heir and not my daughter.”
“According to the law of Naphtali, the throne of Zebulun rightfully belongs to him, the next High King.”
The room filled with murmurs. “The prophecies.”
“Quiet! Well, I'll be damned. You knew about this?” King Shaul addressed Riley.
“For about a day now.”
“You too?” he asked Raynin.
“No, but that doesn’t mean I don’t support him,” she clarified despite her obvious annoyance.
Shaul covertly signaled to Kieran who was stationed in the back of the room with a few guards. They quickly but quietly snuck behind Raynin and grabbed her hands. Kieran walked in front of Raynin and smiled. “Hello again.”
Raynin spit in his face and smiled. “Hi.”
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Kieran slapped her in retaliation. Riley, unable to hold composure any longer, tapped Kieran on his shoulder. As he turned around, Riley hit him in his jaw. “Don't ever touch her again.”
“Seize him!” Kieran commanded the guards as he spit blood from his mouth.
Raynin began to levitate herself and the guards holding her. They immediately let go of her and ran. She smirked as she touched back on the ground. Shaul, now standing, watched the chaos that ensued. Many of the guests now fought against the guards as Raynin slowly made her way to the platform.
“Dante! Ari! Stop Raynin and get her out of here!” Riley continued to ward off the guards. He protected a few civilians that were engaged in combat with the kings' men and then joined Ari, Dante, and Raynin outside the ballroom. “Where is Joseph and the Twins?”
“I don't know where Joseph is but I saw the Twins hide underneath the table near the fountain.”
Riley teleported back into the ballroom. He lifted the table cloth on the table near the fountain, grabbed the Twins, and teleported back out of the room. “Where's Joseph?”
A shadowy figure began to morph out of Riley. “I'm right here.” Joseph slowly gained his dimension. His body slightly shortened in length and breadth allowing his body to regain its
appropriate depth. His skin slowly appeared and gave off a luminescent glow. The glow disappeared in moderation as his olive colored skin appeared. “Remind me never to take your shadow again. It should never take me this long to form. And what was up with the glowing?”
“We can discuss that later. There’s a change of plans. We're leaving tonight. Are your things packed?” Riley addressed Raynin.
“Yes.”
“And what about you guys?”
“They're packed,” Joseph answered for himself and the Twins.
“Wait, what is going on?” Prince Ari demanded.
“They'll explain later. Let's just help them get out of here alive,” the Duke assured him, glancing at both Riley and Raynin for confirmation.
Riley nodded, affirming Dante’s words. “Hold on to each other. We're stopping at Raynin's room first.”
Riley teleported into Raynin's room. Raynin immediately went to her bedside and pulled a large duffel bag, with her name written across the front, from underneath the bed. “Can you get my sai? They're in my weapons case over there on the desk.” She advanced to her dress curtain and enclosed herself within.
“Sure.” Prince Ari took out her weapons case and opened it up. “You want this too?” he asked holding up one of the two custom made guns in the case. It was white with a purple flower ascending the butt of the gun. The design was identical to the one on the hilt of her sai.
Raynin, suited up in her usual combat outfit, reemerged from the dress curtain. “Yea. I'll just take the whole case.” She slid her sai in place on each side of her hip and secured her daggers in each boot before placing the case in her bag.
Having stepped out of the room and into his own, Riley teleported back into Raynin's room holding his duffel bag, a sword, and a bow and quiver of arrows. “Ready?”
“Just about.” Raynin walked over to the desk and opened a secret compartment. There hidden away was an envelope addressed to Raynin from her mother. Raynin touched her necklace reflexively and stiffened. “The lover’s necklace.”
“It’s right here,” Riley said holding it up.
“I didn't even notice it came off,” she noted, taking it from him and dropping it into her duffel bag.
“That's because you were too busy getting swept off your feet,” Joseph joked.
Raynin rolled her eyes and placed the envelope in her duffel bag. “I'm just glad it’s finally off.” She handed her duffel bag to Riley. “Where to, Joseph?”
“The garden. I hid our bags there.”
“I'm not going to even ask why,” Riley remarked. “Daniel, put that down.” He carefully sat down a hand carved crystal dove and came and stood by Joseph.
Riley teleported the group into the garden. “While Joseph gets their bags, we'll explain what's going on. Raynin.”
“It's no secret that my relationship with my father is complicated and that he occasionally tries to kill me. Today was different. My father plans to declare war on Amiriel when the Half Moons align so that he can lay claim to the Crown of Amiriel. Because I am now the heir to that throne, he needs me and anyone who might oppose him out of the way.”
“Where are you guys headed?” Prince Ari asked.
“Hevel. We were planning to visit our friends but circumstances have obviously changed so it’s more like seeking asylum.”
“Well, when the day comes for war, you have my allegiance,” Dante assured Raynin.
“Mine as well,” Ari said.
Joseph returned with their things and handed the Twins their bags. “Ready.”
“Well, this is where we part ways. You guys can't be seen with us after we leave the palace grounds.”
“But...”
“This isn't up for discussion,” Riley interrupted Dante. He looked at the clock tower. “We have to go. We'll send word when we decide to return.”
“Thank you,” Raynin said to Dante and Ari. She held onto Riley's hand and they teleported to the mosslands outside of the kingdom near the River of Yosef.
Right in front of them stood an arávas that was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. It was black and had the words, “Weynar Vas”, written on the right side in gold. Riley approached the arávas and put his hand on the touch sensor.
“What is he touching?” Joseph asked. The door slid open and a ramp came down. “Am I like the only one who can't see anything on the outside?”
Raynin looked at Riley with wide eyes. Suddenly, six soldiers appeared on the ramp. They each held a sword in their hand as they moved toward them.
“Who are you?” the leader of the six demanded.
Riley stepped forward moving Raynin behind him. “Prince Riley and this is Princess Raynin. This is our airship,” Riley proclaimed with authority.
The six figures sheathed their swords and kneeled. “Your Majesties. Forgive us. We did not know who you were.” Riley motioned for them to stand up.
“You're cautious. Don't apologize. What's your name?” Raynin asked.
“Skylar, Your Majesty.”
“Just Raynin.”
“I'm assuming you're the Royal Guard?” Riley asked. “Are we cleared to enter?”
“Yes, right this way, Your Majesty.” The Royal Guard escorted the group into the Weynar Vas.
“ERIN, teleport the luggage to the passengers' quarters.” The baggage vanished.
“Who's Erin?” Joseph looked around the area expecting to see a female coming towards them.
“Not who, what. ERIN is the Electronic Response Intergalactic Navigator. She runs the arávas when we need her to. She is the Weynar Vas.”
“Welcome aboard, Your Majesties. It's been centuries since I've said those words.”
“Hello ERIN. I'm Riley, son of Lady Eliza.”
“The heir of Mari.” ERIN scanned his entire body. “I've added you to my database. Now authorization must come directly from you or the heir of Zora.”
“That would be me, I suppose.” Raynin stepped forward. “I'm Raynin, daughter of Queen Sarai.” ERIN scanned her.
“You've been added to my database as well.” An alarm began to sound on the arávas. “Warning, three unknown power sources aboard.” ERIN scanned the area.
“There's no need to be alarmed, ERIN. They're our friends. Joseph here is a Shadowwalker. The Twins are Shadow Catchers.” The Weynar Vas fell silent.
“I see. Well, welcome aboard, young masters. Shall I teleport them to the passenger quarters as well?”
“Just the Twins. And let's get this arávas into the air. We're kind of on the run. Who's the captain of this ship?”
“That would be me, Your Majesty. I am Captain Nael of Zohar.” The group observed the man who spoke from atop the stairs. His glowing yellow eyes stole their attention away from his crimson red body.
“Captain Nael, it's nice to meet you. We've wasted enough time, however, with introductions so forgive me for the rather abrupt speech. You can expect a formal introduction once we are in the air. We’re on the run, so let's get this arávas off the ground and into the air. Plot a course to the kingdom of Amiriel and from there, Hevel in the Chosen Realm.” Nael nodded to Raynin. “ERIN, teleport me, Riley and Joseph to our respective rooms.” Raynin turned to the Royal Guard. “Now, for the six of you, go about your business. As long as we remain on the Weynar Vas, we don't need your round the clock protection. Technically, we don't need it period but since it's what you are trained to do, by all means.”
“Raynin. Excuse her. We've been through a great deal tonight.”
“May I interject? I strongly advise the Royal Guard to stay with the two of you. Even friends can turn into enemies.”
“Not these friends. You can evenly distribute yourselves between the two of us, though, if that will put you at ease.”
“Yes sir.”
“ERIN, we won't be needing your assistance.”
“Understood, Your Majesty. I will assist the Twins and monitor the arávas.”
“Very well. Skylar, care to introduce the rest of your team?”
“Yes sir. This here is Sierra, Taylor, Trent, Yana, and Yoel.”
“It's a pleasure to finally meet Your Majesties. I've heard tales of the two of you. You're the Controllers.” Yana declared with admiration.
“That’s what people are calling us?” Riley mused.
“The pleasures ours. It's not often that we meet people who openly declare their like for us and don't freak out about who we are,” Raynin admitted.
Yana continued, “Nonetheless, it really is an honor to serve the two of you.”
“Would you show us up to the Command Center?”
“I thought we were going to our rooms?” Joseph reminded them.
“Afterwards.”
“ERIN added you to the system so now you can say where you want to go and be transported there. Try it,” Skylar said, motioning to them.
“Teleport all to Command.” The group vanished and reappeared in the Command Center. “Nice.” The Command Center was built as a hexagon with two people per side apart from Tactical and Navigation which required the entire space. The room fell silent and all eyes fell on Riley and Raynin as they advanced to the captains' pit in the center of the room.
“Captain Nael. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I'm Princess Raynin.”
“Awe, yes. The rather bold and abrupt princess.”
“And I'm Prince Riley.” He nodded out of respect to the Captain who bowed in return. The crew members returned to work and the chatter resumed.
“Lieutenant Nortus, what's our ETA?”
The Zoharian navigator enlarged his screen so that it was visible to Nael. “Five minutes and counting Captain.”
“Are there any clearings?”
“No, Captain. Not that I can tell.”
“Alright, let's start slowing the arávas down.” Nael ordered as he exited the pit. “Lieutenant Naam, you have command until I return.”
“Yes sir.” His First Officer took his place in the pit.
Raynin, followed by Yana, Trent, and Skylar, trailed behind Nael as he exited the Command Center. “Is that a problem?” Raynin inquired stopping Nael in his tracks.
“Yes, Your Majesty. We obviously can't land with no clearing.” Nael proceeded to walk, stepping around her.
“Riley can teleport me down.”
“How convenient. Excuse me. I believe this is a gentleman’s bathroom.” He pointed out as he approached the door.
“I'm aware of that. Captain, do you have a problem with me?” Trent positioned himself closer to Nael and placed his hand on his sword. Raynin stayed his hand and motioned for him to not interfere. Smirking, Nael entered the restroom leaving Raynin's question unanswered. Raynin turned to the Royal Guard. “Do I need to worry about him?”
Skylar led the way back to the Command Center. “No. He's harmless. I mean to those of the Anciént race at least.”
“Nonetheless, keep an eye on him. Can't take any chances.” Raynin returned to Riley's side. “Nael could be a problem in time.” She said as she looked around the room. “Which means I don’t trust any of them,” she continued.
Riley also looked around the Command Center at the Zoharians at work but stopped his eyes on the Linguistics Specialist who was watching them. “Understood.” The Weynar Vas came to a halt but remained suspended in the air.
Nael reentered the room and assumed command of the arávas. “Your Majesties are clear to leave. We will be ready to depart for Hevel immediately after your return.” He focused his attention on the crew and started calling out orders.
Raynin turned to the Royal Guard. “We don't need all of you to accompany us so we are just taking Yana.” Raynin glanced at Nael. “Watch him. I don't want him out of your sight until we are back aboard this arávas.” The members of the Royal Guard nodded. “Alright, let's go.”
“Remember, Raynin, this isn't a social call. We are only here to warn him. We have to get in and get out,” Riley reminded her as she grasped his hand and Yana held hers. They teleported in to the palace courtyard. With walls made of the toughest minerals of Mana, the rock planet, the palace stretched more than half a mile long and was pure white in comparison to Zebulun's dingy gray walls.
The palace alarms began to sound. “Halt!” Two guards approached them with weapons drawn but lowered them once they saw Raynin. “Princess? It’s the Princess! She has returned!” The alarms ceased after a few seconds. “What brings you here?”
“Unpleasant news, unfortunately. Where's my grandfather? It's rather urgent.”
“He should be in his study.” The soldier informed her.
“Thanks, Ben.” Raynin burst through the palace doors and rushed up the grand staircase.
She made a hard left and was halted at the door. “I must speak with my grandfather. It's urgent.”
“Yes, Princess.” The guard stepped aside and Raynin entered her grandfather's study.
He stood about six feet and had broad shoulders. He was white in complexion, in his mid-sixties but was as fit as a thirty-year-old male who exercised regularly. He turned and smiled once he realized who had barged in unannounced. “Ah, my beautiful granddaughter. It's so good to see you. How have you been?”
“There's no time, grandfather. I only have a minute or so to speak.”
“What is it? Is everything okay?” The King of Amiriel frowned.
“No. Riley and I are officially on the run. However, that's not why I'm here. Prepare for war. When the Half Moons meet, Shaul will be upon you. You have until the month of Ánuri, on my birthday to be exact.”
Riley entered the room with Yana and stood beside Raynin. “Hello, King Amir.”
“Hello, Riley. This news you've brought me is not unexpected or even shocking but I'm grateful you've taken the time to warn me. I've got six months before the beginning of the year and I need all the time and resources I can get before then.” He walked up to Raynin and kissed her cheek. “Oh, and congratulations my dear.”
“We have to go.” Riley put his hand on Raynin's shoulder.
“Thank you. I wish I could stay but we have to go grandfather. I will be back to aid you. I promise.”
“Be careful.”
“I will.” She kissed his cheek and was then teleported back to the arávas. Yana returned to her station beside the rest of the Royal Guard who were watching over the whole room. Raynin cleared her throat. “Listen up, everybody. We don't trust each other. I get it. But right now, how you feel about us is irrelevant. We're trying to save our people from being wiped out and claim our thrones. Whether we like it or not, your obligated to help us. Now, from my understanding, Nael is your captain, but this is our arávas. Therefore, we're going to have to work together or we're not going to get anywhere. That being said, if that’s too hard to grasp, ERIN can remove you from the ship before we take off.” Raynin looked around at the Zoharians. “No takers? Let's get out of here then. We're no longer safe in the Guardian realm.” Raynin took hold of Riley's hand and proceeded to walk out of the Command Center.
“You heard the Princess. Let's get moving,” Nael commanded.
Lieutenant Nortus placed the arávas in high gear and flew out of Amiriel.
#
Back at the palace in Zebulun, King Shaul growled as he paced back and forth in his study while Othello, Captain Kieran and Meela watched in silence. “How could I have missed this? My daughter an Anciént Oné of the royal line. The next High Queen nonetheless. And Riley the next High King and King of Zebulun? Oh Sarai, I bet your getting your kicks out of this. This is all your fault.” Shaul turned his attention to Meela.
“My fault?” Meela interjected.
“Yes! You’re the one who said Sarai was of no further use to me and that I should kill her. Look where we are now. Just now finding out that my throne is technically not even my throne! Instead it belongs to some boy I agreed to take in and then raised alongside my daughter who’s not even really my daughter. You know, I'm beginning to doubt your use to me.”
“For the love of the gods, grow a pair! How dare you try to place all of this on me. You're King, remember? At least that's what you've made very clear earlier. And you're beginning to doubt my use? Please. If anyone's doubting anyone that would be me.” Meela turned to leave. “Night boys. Don't stay up too late picking up your balls. I’m sure Raynin will just hand them to you again.” She exited the room smirking.
Othello and Kieran stood in silence as Shaul flung papers off his desk. “Kieran, your presence is no longer needed right now. Don't stray too far, though. I'll be needing you soon enough.”
Kieran bowed and withdrew from the room. Shaul sat in his chair and rubbed his temples. “Where are we with Plan B?”
“Everything's in place. All we need is the go ahead.”
“And your spy is aware of the plan and hasn't been compromised?”
“Yes sir. There's no way she could have become compromised. She has a certain disdain for him and the rest of the teens and can't wait to return home after completing her mission.”
“Let's hope it stays that way.”