-----

Chapter 1 - Ceremony

-----

A young male knelt at the foot of an altar, the walls of the room illuminated by the endless flames that continued to burn at the ends of the altar.

The altar itself contained various symbols depicting what seemed to be history. The male himself was unable to read the arcane writing, for he had never bothered to learn the strange writing of oracles.

His eyes remained closed as he concentrated. His brows creased his forehead as he stayed deep in thought.

"My Prince."

He opened his eyes, two striking orbs of amber. He turned to face the one who had spoken.

He too had eyes the color of amber.

"Ah. Asfr."

The Prince greeted the longtime family assistant. From as long as the Prince had remembered, Asfr had been the second hand of his family, helping them from organization of events, enrolling him in school, as well as assisting in all mundane practices.

"My Prince, it is time. You must go to this ceremony. It seems the Supreme Oracle has some words to speak to the noble families about."

"I see..." He rose from his kneeling stance. 

"Thank you for notifying me." He turned and walked past Asfr. He gave a small smile to the longtime friend. "I'll get ready to attend. What time?"

"In a little under an hour."

He nodded as he walked out of the altar room and into the rest of the manor.

-----

The world of Phantasma was bright, the sun high in the sky. It was a world where Gods and deities walked alongside humans, magic at its peak of power.

It was not uncommon for a human to be born with the capacity to channel mana throughout their bodies, their bodies being the outlet to unleash powers unique to their bloodline and lineage.

A human's power is determined by their heritage, their parent's own power. The child can have an ability that is related to either the father or mother, or in rare occasions, even be a combination of both, such as a child of lightning and wind being able to control the weather.

Such children were rare, and when they were born, had tabs taken on them for their immense power was unpredictable.

Deep within the mythical world of Phantasma was the region of Achen, where heatwaves and fires were common.

The sun blazed down harshly as a young girl with black hair with red streaks sighed in a carriage. "Why is it so hot today? It's never been this hot before even in Achen."

She faced a young man who had similar features to her, black hair with red running through. He opened his eyes, their matching red meeting. He shrugged carelessly. "It's perfect weather for me. It's not as if its anything too bad. You just have to get used to it Sister."

She pouted as she crossed her arms. She peeked at him at the corner of her eye as she turned her head to face away from him. "Hey Kirva, what do you think Supreme Oracle will talk about at the ceremony?"

Kirva shrugged. He crossed his arms as well, his rather elegant red robes had large sleeves as it hid his hands. He had always complained about the fashion in Phantasma as it was overly uncomfortable and wasn't considered fancy in his mind. "I don't know honestly. It has been centuries since his last recorded prophecy. Who knows what it could be about."

She played with her fingers as she admired how her brother was so calm. She was nervous on the inside. She wondered how the other nobles would think of her. She had never gone out into a single gathering her family had attended, opting to stay indoors and helping out with house activities.

This specific time, her parents had demanded her to go with her brother. For what reason, they didn't know besides the Supreme Oracle.

She looked down at her appearance. She was wearing a red dress that ran down to her ankles. The back of the dress was low, exposing her back until the small of her back. Her breasts were mostly covered, the dress exposing only a small amount of cleavage.

"Kryva!"

She blinked as she broke out of her thoughts.

"Y-yes?"

He looked at her with an intense gaze, before shaking his head. "Nothing...you just seemed to be losing yourself."

"O-oh." Still flustered at how she had spaced out, Kryva leaned back against her seat.

The carriage slowed and Kirva moved the curtains. The coachman turned and nodded at the young adult. "We are here my Lord."

Kirva stepped out first and held out his hand to Kryva, who timidly took it as she lowered herself to the hard ground.

"Thank you sir. Have a safe way back."

He gave a small smile. "There is no need to call me sir Sire. Thank you for your blessings."

He snapped the reins as the horses hurried out of the busy street.

Kryva looked up at the rather large intimidating hall that she was about to enter. The stairs were low, yet seemed to continue for kilometers until it finally reached the small doorway.

She looked small next to her much taller brother and she couldn't be more thankful. She cowered next to him since he had far more experience than her in these type of occasions.

Surprisingly, they had managed to reach the top of the rather long stairs in a short time. She had expected the walk upwards to take much longer.

Kirva nodded at the boy with a clipboard in hand. "We are Kirva and Kryva Pellemeur."

The male bowed in respect to them. "Lord Pellemeur and Princess of Achen. I shall announce your coming to the rest of the guests."

They followed the young boy into a beautiful hall, ceiling decorated with dirty and painted glasses. Through the messy colors, she was able to identify what looked like the Sun. However, she didn't know what the other object was. It was made up of dark shades and unlike the image of the Sun which had rays of light coming out of it, this shape was only a single circle. It looked as if it were about to-

She almost bumped into someone as she looked from the ceiling back out in front of her.

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

She looked downwards but attempted to still look at him to seem as if she were not being rude. She noticed that he wore dark blue robes.

"Don't worry about it." With those short words, the noble turned and walked away.

"Kryva!" She looked further back and saw her brother walking towards her, looking after the noble who had just left. "What happened there?"

"Nothing." She shook her head. "I just almost walked into him."

"...I see." He continued to look in the direction of where the noble had walked away. "Come on, follow me. Don't get distracted."

She indeed followed him, not intending to embarrass herself in front of her brother.

They finally arrived at a closed door that muffled the rather loud noise inside. The young boy that couldn't look older than twelve smiled at them and opened the door, and announced, "Lord Pellemeur and Princess of Achen have arrived."

His voice was soft, and yet everyone heard him perfectly. They all looked at the door they had just walked through, and instead of stairs, was a small ramp to make it easier to go downwards onto the actual floor for the women who wore high high heels.

"It was rumored that the late Lord and Lady Pellemeur had another child."

"She's beautiful..."

"I need to ask Lord Pellemeur to make her mine."

"Do you think she's already engaged?"

"I don't see a ring. I'll try my luck too!"

She heard all the whispers and looked downwards and the ground, her cheeks flushing at all the comments about her. Kirva took her arm and led her down, and they were instantly surrounded by nobles asking about her.

Both Kirva and Kryva walked through them, ignoring them much to their despair. They eventually found the seats they were assigned to. There were only two seats dedicated to their name, Pellemeur. She wasn't able to recognize the other four seats' symbols because she had never bothered to study the noble symbols.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

They apparently had not yet arrived.

The door opened loudly, and she looked up to see a family of four. A tall, older man had his arm crooked, linked with the arm of a much shorter middle-aged woman. Behind them was a young handsome male that looked around her age. Trailing behind them was another middle-aged man, but unlike the woman, he seemed to be in the early stages of the middle-age.

All of them were dressed in white colors, with only the older man and the woman having their clothing accented by gold. But most striking of all, all the males had amber eyes that she was able to see from across the entire room. The woman had light blue eyes that seemed to be warm and inviting, but not as attracting and demanding as the amber color all three males had.

"Lord and Lady Archelio, Prince of Etherstorm, and Asfr of the Archelio house have arrived."

Whispers instantly overtook the entire gathering. When she and Kirva had arrived, she knew that it was mainly the males that had gathered around them for her hand.

When this specific family arrived, everyone had turned and everyone was talking. Mutters and whispers all around and she was only able to capture some conversations.

"The Prince looks so handsome."

"Do you think that he's in a marriage?"

"I don't think any family has attempted to engage their daughter with him yet."

"Impossible! They were probably denied."

"It's the Prince of Etherstorm!"

"The strongest magic user of his generation?"

"He is no older than eighteen and he's already one of the strongest existing magic users. Forget his generation, it's everyone alive today."

She admitted, the Prince of Etherstorm was beyond handsome. He looked beyond great in his white robes, just as elegant as her brother's. He walked with confidence, looking around him as males and females surrounded him alike.

She was no longer able to hear anything addressed to him as she looked at her brother, who looked at the Prince who had just arrived.

"Do you know him?"

Kirva nodded. "I'm surprised you don't even if you never come to the ceremonies. He rarely comes as well, but he at least attends a couple per year. He's rather well-known all over the world for how much of a prodigy he is. He has the highest grades in school, and he's known to control one of the strongest magics that we can be born with."

"What magic does he wield?"

"He controls-" He stopped himself as he continued to stare.

Kryva looked from him to wherever he was looking at. She saw Lord and Lady Archelio walking towards them with smiles on their faces.

"You know them?" She looked at her brother, who nodded.

"I know of them. I don't personally know them."

Lord Archelio smiled down at them, towering over Kirva who was far taller than Kryva. He extended his hand out and Kirva accepted it, shaking his hand politely.

"Lord Pellemeur. A pleasure to see you again."

"A pleasure to talk to one of the Grand Noble families as well." He attempted to bow, but Lord Archelio chuckled and put his hand on the much younger male's shoulder.

"No need for the bowing Lord Pellemeur. You yourself are admirable for taking on the mantle of Lord at such a young age. You are a strong boy, shouldering the burdens of a Lord when you haven't even gotten your own family yet."

"Coming from such a powerful figure, it means a lot to me. Thank you! Please allow me to bow to you for such a compliment." Kirva bowed to the much higher status noble as he allowed it.

He then turned to Kryva. "And this is the Princess correct? The last child of the late Lord Pellemeur?"

"Correct. This is my sister Kryva, the Princess of Achen."

Despite not going to any ceremonies in her life, she still knew the typical manners a princess must do in response to a greeting. She held out her hand and Lord Archelio knelt and kissed the back of her hand.

"It's a pleasure Lord Archelio, Lady Archelio."

She made sure to acknowledge the woman that stood a few inches away from them, not uttering a single word. She gave a small smile to Kryva, who nodded in response.

"Such a beautiful voice." Lord Archelio gave a hearty laugh. "So young too. I haven't seen her around. Why haven't I seen her before?"

She looked at Kirva to answer for her, which she knew was also part of the noble manners.

"She doesn't come to ceremonies. In fact, this is her first one in her sixteen years of age."

"Sixteen? How terrific! My son is seventeen. Maybe the two of them can become friends." He gave a bit of thought. "I mean, since she doesn't come to many ceremonies this must be an uncomfortable atmosphere for her."

He looked around looking for his son, while Kryva had already spotted the Prince of Etherstorm, talking to two females who seemed too interested in him.

"Son!"

It sounded normal to her, and the Prince was able to hear despite the loud noise. He looked at his father, who beckoned for him to come to them.

He said a few more words to the two women, who giggled. He turned away, and walked directly towards them. It took more than a few seconds, but was still fairly short time. 

"Father. Mother." He turned, and his intense amber eyes gazed at Kirva. "Kirva Pellemeur." He bowed to Kirva who bowed back. He turned his eye at Kryva, who shied away, turning her head so she didn't have to look at him.

He was more than handsome up close. He was beautiful. He was just as tall as Kirva, and his eyes were a deep amber, inviting her to look deep into his eyes.

His voice was deep, almost rumbling, yet it was still crystal clear to her ears.

"Lady Pellemeur."

She extended her hand and he knelt, kissing the back of her hand the same way his father had. She blushed at the sensation of his lips on her hand.

"She is not yet a Lady. She is merely the Princess of Achen."

The Prince of Etherstorm straightened as his eyes shifted with understanding. "Ah. My apologies. I meant no offense." He blinked. "Where are my manners? My name is Houvdon Archelio, the Prince of Etherstorm. It is a pleasure to see you, Kirva, and meet you, Princess of Achen."

She looked at Kirva to introduce her, but Kirva jutted his chin at her, telling her to introduce herself.

"M-my name is Kryva Pellemeur, the Princess of Achen. It is my pleasure to meet the next Lord Archelio." She stuttered at the beginning, causing him to cock his head at her.

He nodded. "A pleasure myself Princess."

He stood, not awkwardly per se, but rather, uncomfortable and wanted to go back to wherever he was at beforehand. Before he could move however, a loud booming voice echoed throughout the dining hall.

"Please take your seat. The banquet will now start."

-----

Dinner service was delicious to Kryva. She had never tasted such exquisite food in her life before. Even the personal cooks back in the manor couldn't make such delicious meals.

As of right now, the Supreme Oracle was still nowhere to be found, and the ceremony had proceeded into the hour where nobles would dance with each other.

Lord and Lady Archelio had already left the table, going to the dance floor the moment the music had started. Asfr had disappeared once again, just like how he had disappeared upon arrival.

That left Kirva, Kryva and Houvdon to sit awkwardly around the table. No words were exchanged as they all looked at the rest of the nobles.

Eventually, two women came up to Kirva and Houvdon, requesting to dance with them. Houvdon simply nodded, while Kirva flirtatiously wrapped his arm around her waist. Just before they left the table, Kirva mouthed a word of apology, while Kryva waved him off.

She didn't want him to not have fun because this was her first attendance at a such an event. She knew that many women had thrown themselves to him at these gatherings, with many of them looking at the woman he was dancing with in jealousy. She shook her head in exasperation.

"Hello."

She looked up at the familiar voice. He was wearing robes the color of the ocean, a dark blue. He smiled at her, his eyes the same color as his clothing.

"Ah...you are the noble I almost walked into." She smiled apologetically.

"I already accepted your apology." He smiled at her.

She held out her hand and he kissed the back of it just like how Houvdon and his father had done so. His lips were not as soft as Houvdon's and he certainly was not as beautiful as the young man she had been introduced to. He was still fine-looking, but just not as impressive as the Prince of Etherstorm that everyone had talked about.

"I am Zuxara Vessard, Prince of Oceania. A pleasure to see you when you aren't flustered."

"The pleasure is mine. I am-"

"Kryva Pellemeur, Princess of Achen." He smiled at her again and she felt a cold shiver down her spine. "I heard it from the boy. You certainly are beautiful. May I have this dance?" He held out his hand.

She nodded and took it, letting him guide her. She put her hands around his neck, and he put his around her waist as they swayed.

"I haven't seen you around before." 

"I don't usually attend these. This is my first time."

"Ah that's why. I wouldn't miss such a beautiful girl." He leaned down, holding her hand above as she leaned back as well. When she straightened, she spun around as he held her hand above her head.

They continued to small talk for another few minutes.

She felt another cold feeling go down her body.  She felt something was off but couldn't place exactly what it was.

He put his hands on her hips, dangerously close to her buttocks. She shifted uncomfortably, not knowing how to tell him to place his hands higher because they were too close for comfort.

"You certainly are beautiful." He rose one hand up and grazed her cheek, putting a lock of hair behind her ear, her cheeks flushing pink at his close proximity. She had never been this close with a boy and she didn't know what to do.

Kirva had not prepared her for this!

He leaned in and alarm bells rang in her head. She tilted her head so his lips would land on her cheek.

"Don't resist my sweet Kryva. Give in to me."

"S-stop." Her voice was barely over a whisper as he leaned in again, her eyes widening in shock. Nobody would step in because they were off to the side where no one would bother to look. She attempted to move, but Zuxara had trapped her, a strong grip around her waist and his hand trapping her face.

"Hey."

Zuxara let go, his eyes wide in fear. He stepped away from his incredibly close position to Kryva and looked up.

It seemed as if a shadow was cast onto Zuxara as Houvdon towered over him, his amber eyes narrowing as he stepped closer to the Prince of Oceania.

"She said to stop. What part of that do you not understand Zuxara?"

Zuxara shivered as he stepped away. "I-I'll be going now."

He scurried away, as Houvdon tilted his gaze at Kryva who stood still, not knowing what to do. His gaze was intense as he looked at the young girl.

"Come with me."

-----

They stood on a balcony that Kryva would have never found on her own. It was secluded but she felt safe next to the Prince.

He leaned on the balcony and looked up at the sky.

The stars were shining.

"Wasn't it morning just when we came in?" She cocked her head and asked Houvdon for confirmation.

He nodded. "In this building, any of these balconies will have you look at the night sky. Apparently it's much more romantic than looking up at the Sun when daytime events are hosted, just like right now."

"R-romantic?" She became flustered as she remembered all of the romance novels she had read. About the loving prince who would sweep the woman off her feet as he saved her from the big bad and cover her with love and kisses as he proclaims his love for her.

"Yeah. Romantic." He shrugged. "Just another sky to me."

She leaned against the railing as she looked up at the stars.

"You should've said something. To Zuxara the vile boy." He shook his head, almost in disappointment at her.

"W-what?"

"Even if you are a woman, that doesn't mean you have no voice. Don't depend on Kirva to help you. You saw what happened today. He won't be beside you all the time. You are a woman, but you are the Princess of Achen, the next Lady Pellemeur should she pass just like your father. You have power as a noble."

She looked down in shame as she thought of what had happened. Zuxara had almost forced her to lose her first kiss.

"Thank you for saving me though. I'm thankful Houvdon."

He glanced down at the never ending darkness that was just under the balcony. He didn't say anything to her thanks, causing her to shift uncomfortably.

"I'm certain Zuxara had a reason for doing what he was doing." She reasoned with Houvdon.

He glared at her, his amber eyes darkening to an almost yellow-orange color. "Zuxara was just trying to get bed you as the first noble to bed the rumored Princess of Achen, the last child of the late Lord and Lady Pellemeur. He may be a noble, but he is anything but noble. If you came to our school, you would know."

He continued to drill her as she continued to stand awkwardly.

He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "I'm going back to the party. You can stay here if you want and come back when the Supreme Oracle arrives, or you can go back with me."

He turned and walked back through the entrance to the balcony, his robes flowing behind him.

Kryva frowned, not knowing what to think of the harsh young man that had just walked away from her without a glance back to see if she was following.

She rubbed her left arm as she sighed. On the second thought she knew one thing to think about him.

He certainly wasn't the prince that was going to sweep her off of her feet despite saving her from Zuxara.

-----

Chapter End