[IC] Witch Hunt

[Nuada]

Four days went by without the sun to accompany the ship’s voyage east. Instead, and much to the captain’s dismay, dark clouds covered the perfect blue skies that welcomed them a, sea the day the Maiden’s Gem left the port of Osham.

“It was not just dark clouds,” came a soft whisper from the thin lips of little Elys. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes bright as she raised her head from her companion’s lap to look the older woman in the eye. “There are bad things out there, says father. Elys and Dawn should stay inside, says father, because the wind can toss us out to the water if we went out.”

“We must then follow your father’s advice and stay here until all the bad things had passed,” Dawn answered, but to her, the worst has passed. The waves had finally gotten tired of tossing their ship, but it was far from giving up. The wood creaked as the ship fought to balance itself on the water. Dawn had to lock her belongings in a heavy chest and forego any activity she would have wished to do, because of the unfriendly sea.

The girl nodded solemnly, her dark curls bouncing around her face. She sat up and leaned against the wall, hugged her legs, and pressed her lips to a knee. “How long until we reach Nissius, Dawn? I am tired of just sitting here,” was the muffled sound she created.

“A lady must have patience, Elys,” Dawn gently corrected. The reply was a stubborn pouting face of the five-year-old girl. She was as tired as Elys – tired and bored of sitting around waiting for the sea to calm down. Her room was not uncomfortable. In fact, it was more comfort that what she was used to. The bed was large enough to fit her and Elys without any of them spilling over the edge, the mattress was soft and the blankets thick and warm. There was a table, which she would have used if she was reading or writing, except that when she attempted to read a book, the constant motion of the ship made her sick. A lamp hung overhead, casting a steady glow over the tiny chamber. “It will not be long. We will be back on land in a few more days, then a week’s ride to the capital. Patience, little lady, patience. It will all be worth the long wait. Nissius is a beautiful city, but I hear that the path to the city is more breathtaking.”

Curious blue eyes looked up at her. “Have you ever been to the capital, Dawn?”

“No, not yet.”

“Then the two of us,” the girl smiled. “It will be our first time.”

Dawn smiled back.

***************

Nissius was a city carved on the face of the Howling Mountains. It was the center of the empire built by the forefathers of the ruling emperor, Emperor Lucius Le Roux, and was home to the royal family and most of the loyal subjects of the emperor. The city itself was a display of wealth and power of the ruling house. Built on a mountain, it all too difficult to miss the white towers and rectangular establishments built on gentle slopes. Although the mountains provided extra fortification against invading armies, Nissius pride was its wards and magical defense towers. Founded centuries ago, it was said to contain the purest and strongest of all magic in existence, that no one had ever succeeded in breaking those wards.

It was also these wards that made the palace secured for all its inhabitants as nobody with ill intention to the emperor and his heir will ever be able to enter the palace grounds without alerting every mage in the perimeter.

“Therefore, you need not worry yourself, your highness. Our wards are being maintained regularly by our finest warders.”

And the day looked fine outside the castle, the crown prince thought. His back was to one of his father’s advisors, Lord Ernard Haucey of the Arcana. Lord Ernard was older than a middle-aged man, but apart from his gray hair and neatly clipped beard, he did not look a day older than thirty six. He stood tall in his uniform and spoke always with reason. This was why Sig thought it was best to believe the man when he said that there was nothing to worry about.

With a sigh, the crown prince of Nicaea turned away from the clear glass that allowed him an undisrupted view of his city, and conceded. Something was still bothering him, but perhaps he was just being paranoid. The Emperor would be hosting a grand ball in two weeks time to celebrate and formalize the betrothal of his heir. Because of this, all the important people in the empire were expected to arrive. Nissius, and most especially the castle, will therefore be filled to the brim with people whose self importance put together was possibly more substantial than the wealth of all of Nicaea combined.

“My lord, I am truly concerned, not only for the safety of my father and myself, but also for the security of our guests while they are in the capital. You must therefore forgive me if I ask of you and your men to increase your vigilance and perhaps increase the visibility of the Arcana in the city. I shall speak also with our guards, but,” he paused. The corners of his lips tugged slightly. “Between you and I, I believe that you are more effective enforcers than our regular soldiers.”

“I am flattered. That is truly a wise observation, your highness,” Lord Ernard bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. “However, I am confident that nothing will be amiss. Your guests will go back to their homes unharmed and delighted. I shall place my best men and women on the job.”

“Then prove that I am not wrong. Have you heard from my uncle? He brings with him a most splendid gift – my little cousin Elys and that Galorian woman whose golden voice I have been hearing about. And by the way, has my brother returned to the castle yet?”

[Sunflower]

Outside of the castle, perched upon a section of rocky cliff, sat the youngest Prince Jan. He did not like the confining walls of the castle nor did he like many of the people, save for the servants, that dwelled within. Looking out across the horizon the Prince sighed heavily. His brother was to be married soon and with preparations for the ball being made two weeks in advance, Jan was left to do as he pleased. His father had more pressing matters to attend to anyways. Soft footsteps approached him from behind. Turning slightly to see who approached him from behind was his mother's servant woman Risey.

Jan talked to the woman and she listened intently often. She didn't question him nor did she scold him for talking so badly about his father. That's right - the youngest son despised his father, who seen Jan as nothing more than a tool. Understandably his older brother would inherit the throne, it was rightfully his after all, but Jan was regulated into the tool category for his father, despite having a high rank. Jan was resentful that he had been born with magic...dark magic. Even among the magic users he was avoided due to his necromancy. Often he felt like he was cursed by the gods with this gift, as many called it.

The woman, as far as he understood, had been injured years ago and had become mute, well not entirely mute. She had talked a handful of times within her year at the castle. Jan had been told of the house fire that took the life of a lesser Lord and his wife. Their children had been spared thanks to a few of their servants. Risey had been the servant of the Lord and Lady before their untimely deaths. The one responsible had been captured and hanged for his crime. "Hello Risey." He said before looking back over the city below. As expected she had remained quiet but it surprised Jan when she touched his shoulder and sat down next to him.

Her plain olive colored dress was smoothed out before she turned her head to look at him. A small smile formed on her pale lips as she looked at him. Risey was quite average in the terms of looks...except for her eyes. They expressed what her voice could not. Her thick raven colored hair adorned with brass beads was left free flowing and the Prince reached over and plucked a lock between his fingers. "My mother often laments that she is unable to figure out how you get your hair like this," he said with a small smirk on his lips, "I had almost convinced her that you apply a mixture of cow’s milk and horse shit on it at night."

Risey appeared to be laughing and he briefly wondered what she sounded like when she could talk.

Jan was free to be his true self around the servants, Risey in particular.

The woman covered her mouth with her hand before turning back to the Prince. He was able to read lips quite well and they had developed a small way of communicating with one another. 'Your mother wishes to see you...And your brother.' She said, although no sound came out.

Jan sighed heavily, "Really? She couldn't fetch him herself?" It wasn't that he disliked his brother...it was just that well they were treated very differently.

"Has our dear little cousin arrived yet?"

Risey shrugged as she stood to her feet and brushed the back of her dress off. 'I've been looking for you so there is a possibility.'

Jan nodded and took her hand when she offered it to him. "Fine let us go and find my brother...or well, you can. I have something to check really quick! Bye!"

If Risey could have talked he was sure that she would have cursed him. Chuckling lightly to himself, Jan went to the stables to check on his favorite horse.

---

Risey scowled as she made her way into the castle, using a series of small passages that were provided to keep the servants out of the views of the nobles. When she finally reached the last place she remembered the Crown Prince was last in, the woman opened the secret door that blended into the wall. Quietly stepping inside of the room she waited a few moments for them to finish their conversation before she knocked lightly on the wall since she couldn't really get the attention of the two men through other means.

"Y-Your mother...Wishes…to…see you." Risey said softly, her voice was barely a whisper. She had retained some of her ability to vocalize but she preferred to stay quiet most of the time.

[Nuada]

Galorien was once known for its unmatched power at sea. Its people had been seafarers as far as written history was concerned. They were known to build the sturdiest ships and navigate storms as if guided by the gods of the open seas. Their warships were years ahead of its neighbors that it was utterly foolish to face the kingdom’s naval fleet head on. Dawn’s father was once a general of the Royal Naval Fleet. However, despite her people being known to be great sailors, the woman was relieved to be on dry land again.

The Maiden’s Gem had safely docked. Its passengers, the entourage of Lord Caius Le Roux, Duke of Masseria, Overseer of Galorien, were escorted to the castle. Nissius, though, was more than a day’s ride from the nearest port and if sitting in a ship was tiring, riding on horseback was more so. Not that she was not used to travelling on horseback, she just didn’t like travelling much. The duke, the duchess, together with Elys and one of her older brothers rode inside a carriage. Of course she was given invitation to ride with them, but she had to politely decline. Unlike them, Dawn didn’t come all the way to Nissius for a vacation. She had a purpose, and to complete it, she needed every ounce of information she could absorb, like perhaps the main road and other possible escape routes. Although she hoped it would not come to the point where she had to run for her life. If all goes well, she would be riding home with the Lord Caius’ family.

The city built on the mountains was already visible on their second day on land, and by the fourth, they were entering through the gates. It was her first time in the capital, she told Elys on that day in the ship, but she never mentioned that it might also be her last. The walls that protected Nissius had stood for centuries, but it was the least of her concerns. The towers that were maintained by the Arcana were what she had to worry about. None of her so called friends dared infiltrate the capital for fear of losing their life for something obviously foolish, because none of them were like her.

Dawn had a beautiful gift of the mind. It was an ability so rare that it was a legend in some parts of the empire. The emperor had under his control every known mind mage in the empire, and there were only three of them. Three, plus there was Dawn. It was a gift so subtle that it would take another trained mage to figure out that one is using the magic to shape other people’s perception of the world around them, just as she could shape her own thoughts to protect the secrets inside.

The entourage had long passed the gate and was now welcomed into the castle grounds. She smiled and quietly thanked the soldier who helped her down her horse. The palace was as grand as the descriptions she heard from the duke and his wife. Had it not been housing the very people who took her freedom and the freedom of her countrymen, the lives of fathers, mothers, and children, she would have been in awe.

The little girl, though, was obviously thrilled. She hopped off the carriage and stood with her neck craned back, looking up at the looming structure of white and gold and glass. She was awfully quiet, which meant quite a lot. Her brother came down next, then her mother and father. Dawn stayed behind them, and quickly curtseyed when the duchess looked over her shoulder to check on her.

“Come with us,” she invited.

Dawn complied without question, walking beside Elys and talking to her in a gentle tone as the child’s high-pitched voice escalated whenever she would point out something that excited her. “Can I stay in your room?” Elys asked Dawn.

“Elys darling,” the duchess bent down and guided the girl’s shoulder away from Dawn. “She is tired, let her rest this afternoon.”

“But mother…”

“It’s alright, my lady. Elys can stay with me, I’m not that tired afterall.”

The duchess shook her head. “None sense, dear. We will be dining with the king and his sons tonight. It is most advisable for every one of us to look our best. I advise you, therefore to rest.” She turned her attention to her daughter. “You as well, Elys.”

**************

Her voice was barely audible, but Sig heard it well. He was not born with the gift like his brother was, but he surely had a good sense of hearing. This, he though, must be because of all the eavesdropping he did as a child. He was a very curious child, and he grew up all the more thirsty for knowledge and information.

The crown prince turned to the source of the voice, but he knew the face in his mind before he actually saw her standing there. “Thank you, Risey,” he answered.

Today, she was dressed simply, wearing what most of the servants would. He studied her a moment, disguising it with indecision whether or not to honor their mother’s request, wondering what was it with this girl that his brother liked. Sig did not consider himself a snob, but he had never had the connection that Jan had with servants. He did not dislike them, but he also did not prefer to be spending time with them. In fact, he was very capable of living on his own without servants.

Nevertheless, frowning, the crown prince asked of the woman, “Did she lost something of her possession again and would ask me to order the knights to scour the city?” Or perhaps she had news regarding his future bride – a woman she had never even seen. “Lead me to her, then.”

Sig walked to the servant girl and waited for her to walk and lead the way. The castle was one big maze if one was not familiar with its alley ways and secret passages, but surely Risey had mastered all of it. Perhaps she even knew of other passages that he wasn’t aware of. The queen was not a very patient woman, even with her sons. She was fierce in protecting and loving them, but she was easily disappointed by how his boys ignored her more and more as they grew up.
He sighed, looking sideways at his quiet companion. “I do admire you,” he started as they rounded a corner and enter another long deserted hallway. “Neither I nor my brother has the patience to put up with our mother on an hourly basis. You must have a lot of patience. She can be insufferable, but we do love our queen. I just sometimes…” The prince sighed again. “Never mind.”

She was not on his “to worry about” list at the moment. He was still not convinced about the security around the castle and in the city. Perhaps he should test it himself. Perhaps…

The pair stopped in front of a pair of doors, which was clearly the royal apartment. He thanked Risey for her help then pushed open the door. He closed it again and turned to the servant. Looking left and right to check if anybody was close enough to hear what he was about to say, he leaned close and whispered something before turning back and entering his parents’ room.

“I need your help,” he had said. “Go to my room tonight, after dinner.”

[Sunflower]

Risey smiled softly before leading the way. It was unheard of that the any of the princes would use the small passageways within the thick walls of the castle but it was often the quickest way to get him to the Queen. Touching the wall gently she opened the door once more. Often it took a knock on the hidden door to get it open but Risey had found a way to open the doors easily that no other servant knew about. Opening another hidden door the woman entered a long hallway that was richly decorated with various paintings and tapestries.

Her cheeks tinged pink at his words. It was true...the Queen was a woman that was be hard to handle but Risey had always been good at taming those that did not wish to be tamed. She remained quiet as they approached the doors to the royal apartments. The servant was familiar with the rooms inhabited by all the royals. It was her job as a servant to know the locations and such - especially when the Queen lost something. She would send Risey to the most ridiculous locations to find it. Once she had sent the woman on a small adventure to find a corset that the Queen claimed was in Jan's room. What would the Queen's clothing be doing in her son's chambers? Risey looked in Jan's room for a solid hour before being informed that the Queen had found her corset laying under the thick dress she was to wear for the day.

The woman smiled to herself as she walked down the hallway before disappearing into one of the hidden passageways. She wouldn't need to stay and listen to the conversation between the Prince and his parents; she had already planted what she needed to get the information within the chambers of the chambers of the royals and around other major points of interest. Moths - the unsuspecting creatures of the night had been her way of gathering information.

Next on her list was to find Jan again, as he had claimed he would be with the Queen. She knew that he wasn’t there. He was likely wasting his time doing something - he never liked to stay in the castle itself for long. Sighing to herself the woman thought of the various locations outside that the youngest Prince frequented.

She wondered if he had managed to escape the castle grounds.

He had tried in the past to do that, she was told. The Queen loved to tell stories of her sons to Risey. It was a little awkward knowing almost the entire life story of someone that she was supposed to be gathering information from.

---

With a heavy sigh Jan pushed himself from the stable wall. He didn't want to meet with his parents and brother at the moment but he was sure that either Risey or another servant or even a guard, would be coming to look for him soon. Jan's horse, a gift from one of the many nobles that wished to stay in the good graces of his father, had fallen ill a few days before and he had been worried but now the horse seemed fine and there was no reason for him to stay any longer within the slightly smelly stables.

He wondered if his uncle had arrived yet. He had heard that his uncle was bringing a Galorian woman, one whose voice was enchanting. Jan had seen his fair share of the Galorian people - a few of the servants within the castle hailed from the conquered country. They came in many sizes and colors unlike the people of Nicaea. Many of his people were quite tall with both very pale hair and eyes or, rarely, with dark hair. His brother and father were the prime examples of a proper Nicaen - pale haired and quite tall. Jan looked the most like their mother and he had inherited her odd for a proper Nicaen hair color, A rich chocolate color with undertones of a warm red-brown.

Their mother was certainly a beautiful woman in her forties with the smallest of fine lines around her eyes. She was always dressed in the finest silks and beaded cloth that were drawn into elaborate dresses. He could see her clearly in his mind; her pale skin made even paler with the bright, rich colors of her dresses. Her long, thick hair piled onto her hair and her slender neck decorated with the most delicate of necklaces. Physically Jan was, as many people even the servants, a "male version" of his mother...now personality wise they were quite different...in some ways. Both were too demanding for their own good.

His thoughts turned to his father. He could not look at his brother without conjuring an image of his father in his mind. But Sig didn't look like a perfect clone copy of their father, and Jan was thankful for that. He cared deeply about his brother, his brother was his best friend after all...it was his father that he couldn't stand. And every time Jan looked in the mirror he could not escape his father's eyes - a cold shade of amber. Jan hated his eyes for they were a constant reminder of the man he hated.

Jan after some thinking had come to the understanding that he hated his own father. He understood that his father had the best intentions for their people but Jan could not see past the fact that every man, woman and child that possessed even an ounce of magic, no matter how useless, was a tool to his father...they were nothing more than a mere possession that could be replaced quite easily. They were toys that he would tire of soon. Jan knew the dark secret that his father had hid away from his Queen and his heir.

The youngest Prince was a warrior for his father and had seen his fair share of what a prince, or anyone for that matter, should not have seen. Jan was a triumph card for his father - able to bring the dead back to life and raise an immortal army, the youngest Prince was quite important. There were few other necromancers; it was a dark gift that was almost as rare as that of the mind mages that his father hoarded like a dragon with a stash of jewels. It was also a very dark art that carried many consequences. From an early age he was always able to hear the voices calling to him. His mother had worried that her son was not right in the head but she had been reassured that it was quite normal for necromancers to often have more than just the ability to bring the dead back. Seeing and often hearing the long gone were the downfall of his gift. As the years grew longer for the Prince, the volume of the voices increased as well.

Many necromancers often killed themselves in order to escape the torture of the voices and visions.

However, Jan was not like that. He was too stubborn and to prideful that he had lived to be the second oldest necromancer - the first had him beat by six years. Jan learned that it was better to listen to the voices rather than to try and shut them out for that only made them grow louder.

It was not long after leaving the stable that Jan heard the voice of a child, one that was living flesh and blood.

"Elys!" He called, seeing the short child as a few servants rushed past them to attend to their luggage.

Jan rushed forward to greet them but a sudden weight on his back sent him face down on the cobblestones that paved the way to the castle.

"Ugh." He groaned as the weight was lifted off of his back. Looking up at the source of the unexpected weight he found Risey with her arms crossed over her chest. Her foot was tapping impatiently on the cobblestones. He had never seen her in such a manner before.

"What?!" He asked, quietly thanking her after for helping him up.

'Your mother...she is still waiting.'

"She's fine. Besides look who I found!" Jan said as he gestured to his Uncle, Aunt and cousin...and the woman that stood close to the child. That must have been the Galorien woman everyone spoke about. His cheeks tinged the palest of pinks as he looked at the beautiful woman.

Risey gave an inaudible sigh before gently placing her hand on Jan's shoulder. He snapped out of his trance and turned to her sharply before looking back at his relatives. "Oh right!"

"This is Risey, mother's personal servant. She shall inform mother and father of your arrival." Jan said with a wide smile.

"I desire to spend a little time with them before mother, father and Sig decide to hoard them away!" He cried. Jan could be quite the drama king. Rolling her eyes, Risey nodded. She got away with a lot around Jan despite the fact that she was a mere servant. Well the fact was, his mother could find no other servant woman quite like Risey, who was able to handle the Queen's temper...so...it wasn't like Jan's father could decide one day to behead Risey since he would have to deal with his wife himself.

"Tell mother and Sig that I call dibs to Elys first! I have a gift for her." Jan said with a wide smile, "Her birthday was not long ago...It is a shame that we missed it."

Risey remembered what Jan was talking about. His dear little cousin was quite dear to both of the Princes and it had been amusing to see Jan so...un-Jan like after missing her birthday.

'Any more orders, my Prince?'

Jan shook his head no before saying a small goodbye to Risey before she hurried off to tell of the news.

"Can you believe Uncle, that mother actually found someone that she wouldn't run away with her attitude?" Jan joked.

---

Risey hurried back into the castle with her skirt pulled to her knees. The woman had long since kicked off her simple shoes in favor of running through the castle's passageways barefoot. She was quicker without shoes and after a good fifteen minute run, she had arrived at the royal apartments.

Taking one of the small passageways, Risey knocked on the wall before pushing the hidden door open.

The Queen greeted her warmly but the King was another matter entirely. He gave her a cold glare, as if she were a bug and he was a cat contemplating to hunt her.

"What is it Risey?" The Queen asked, as she rose from her seat. The Queen was dressed in a simple dark blue dress that was embroidered with silver threaded moon flowers. They were the Queen's favorite flower grown in the garden. The Queen noticed the flushed color of her cheeks and how the front of her skirts were rumpled from being gripped.

"Did somebody try to rape you!!" The Queen lacked a filter and often the first thing she thought came out.

Risey became mortified as she shook her head no.

The Queen gave an audible sigh of relief. "What is it then?"

"Lord Cassius...has arrived." Risey said as loud as she could. The Queen's eyes lit up and she made a move towards the door but Risey stopped her with a gentle hand on the Queen's arm. "Jan wishes to give your niece her late birthday present before you arrive."

The Queen nodded but she bore a deep frown on her face.

She looked back to her husband and eldest son before turning back to face her servant. "Let us fix your skirts...I thought that something had happened to you!"

Risey ducked her head and mouthed an 'I'm sorry' to the Queen. Like Jan, the Queen was skilled with reading the mouths of others.

"It is fine Risey. Now tell me where has Jan been this entire time? We needed to discuss his brother's wedding and --"

"That is enough Eleanora!" The King rumbled as he stood from his seat. "A servant has no place in those kinds of discussions." He took his time in leaving the room. He had grown quite angry with his wife over their conversation with their son and it was a servant that he vented a bit of his anger on.

"Come Risey, let us go and greet them." The Queen said before turning to her son.

"Sighart," She was the only one to address him as such, "Do you wish to join us?"

[Nuada]

“Jan!”

Dawn would have stopped the girl from running, except that little Elys did stop herself halfway. She squealed and giggled and caught the attention of her parents, her brother, and of course Dawn. At least five pairs of eyes turned to a rather comical scene, which involved a man named Jan and a woman who had knocked him down very effectively. The duchess hid her amusement behind a cough, but the duke and Elys’ older brother did not bother. Dawn thought it wise to follow the duchess’ example, and fought against her natural urge to laugh only to keep a straight face.

Dressed in finery and with a face that probably made countless women weep, he must be the second son of the Emperor – Jan Leon Le Roux. Elys did call him Jan. This was the man who, at a young age, was partially responsible for the fall of Galorien. He was the Necromancer, the man who could summon and command legions of undead to do his bidding. Finding him in that specific situation destroyed the mental image of Jan Leon Le Roux that she had conjured in her mind. Because he possessed a terribly dark gift, she imagined him to be grim, introverted, and most of all heartless. Perhaps he was all of that. Perhaps he was just good at pretending to be otherwise, but beneath the veil of his smile, she imagined a darkness so dark that it sucked the light out of anybody that came near enough. He was, after all, one of the reasons that her countrymen were now slaves, that she had lost the life she once knew, the father that once loved her, and those countless faces she used to know.

Before her rage took over her, Dawn dragged her attention from his face and turned instead to the woman who was staring down at him with much contempt, but nevertheless helped him back to his feet. She wore plain clothing, which told Dawn that this woman must be a servant, though a special one, seeing that the prince tolerated her behavior. He introduced the woman as Risey. Lord Cassius advanced from behind Dawn and she was soon followed by Lady Cecilia. The duke bowed while the lady curtsied, while one of the duke’s son, Sebastian, stepped up beside Dawn and Elys.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Risey,” greeted the duke. “Please do inform my brother and the queen that we have arrived safely.”

"Tell mother and Sig that I call dibs to Elys first! I have a gift for her," said the prince and Elys could barely contain herself. "Her birthday was not long ago...It is a shame that we missed it."

Upon hearing it, the girl twisted her hand free from Dawn then squeezed in between her mother and father. The prince mentioned something that sounded like a complement for Risey. To which the duke answered with a solemn nod and a brief, “I am not allowed to speak ill of her majesty,” although he was smiling as he said it.

“Jan! Jan!” Elys cut in.

Dawn and Sebastian took a step forward, but Lady Cecilia was taking the matter of her daughter into her hands. Very gently she told Elys, “Softly now, my darling. It is very unlike a lady to be shouting. Apologize to Jan.”

“Mother, I want to see Jan’s present. You have it, Jan? What is it? I want to see.” But upon seeing the look that her mother gave her, Elys looked down and lowered her voice. The duchess was a soft-spoken woman, but like all mothers, she possessed a look that could silence her children. Elys was no exception. “I’m sorry, your highness,” she muttered.

But Dawn was not a mother, and she could not pass off an opportunity to get to know this man. “I can accompany Elys, my lady,” volunteered Dawn. She stole a quick glance at the prince then turned her attention back to the duchess.

Meanwhile, the young girl’s pale eyes shone with hope. “Thank you, Dawn!” she cried with excitement and ran back to the Galorian to hug her. “We will be back soon that there is plenty of time to rest,” she reassured softly.

“I shall make sure of it,” added Dawn.

Lord Cassius sighed. “Darling, looks like our little princess will not behave unless she gets what she wants.”

“There you go again, spoiling Elys.”

“You do the same with Sebastian, dear.”

The boy in question spoke for the first time. “Mother does not spoil me, father. Can we now please retire to our rooms? I truly am tired.”

“Alright,” answered Lady Cecilia. “I apologize for my daughter’s whims, Dawn. Please take care of Elys and make sure she behaves herself.”

After that, they left Dawn and Elys with Price Jan. The girl was smiling broadly, from the little victory she won that afternoon. She let go of Dawn and ran to the prince to hug him instead. “I missed you. Why have you not visited us in a long time? I’ve wanted to tell you about my new friend, Dawn.”

“Your highness,” she curtsied, finally.

“This is Dawn. She sings like nobody you have ever heard before,” the child boasted, running back to the older woman, and grabbing her gloved hand.

Dawn smiled. “Don’t set your expectations too high, sire. I can sing, but I am not the best there is. Come now. The sooner she gets what she want, the sooner we can both return to our own duties.”

“Come now, your highness,” Elys imitated Dawn’s tone. She raised her little hand – the one that was still free – and waited for Jan to take it.

*********

The royal suite was silent when Sig entered. Neither his father nor his mother was talking. Both the emperor and the empress were busy sipping on their respective cups, although the emperor’s brows were knit together in a frown as he read what appeared to be a letter. The crown prince found them this way in the sitting room of the royal suite. None of his mother’s hand maidens were present at the moment, which was a rare moment for her.

“Mother,” he said. “Risey told me that you wished to discuss something with me.” He didn’t think that his father would also be involved in the discussion. Hopefully he was not and was just reading through his letters in his room.

The queen looked from her tea cup. Her blue eyes were much like his, only a shade darker. Quietly, she set the tea cup on a porcelain saucer, then down on the side table. “Do sit, darling. This may take a while. Where is your brother?”

“Risey might be looking for him as we speak,” he answered, but upon noticing the slight movement in her mother’s brows, he quickly added, “I did ask her to accompany me, so she might not have had the time to look for Jan. Please don’t get mad at her.”

“There is no need to defend a servant, my son,” said the emperor, but his eyes didn’t leave the pages he was reading. The empress, though, sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Anyway, I called for you to inform you that the arrival of your future bride might be earlier than expected. Lady Leila and her parents have sent note that they will be three days earlier than schedule, which is a week from now. Are you not excited?”

“You know how I feel about this, mother,” he answered gently as he took a seat opposite her parents. They were separated by a coffee table that was made of ivory, which rested atop an expensive carpet.

“Lady Leila is the most beautiful lady you will ever meet. She has exceptional manners and is quite witty. I believe you two are the perfect match. She will make a good wife, but you need to cooperate and show her all the proper manners befitting a future emperor,” the empress reassured, but Sig had heard of this more than a hundred times. He had not always been agreeable to the idea of marrying for political gain, but this was always the fate of a highborn like him. The emperor and the empress had gone through the same arranged marriage, but everything turned out well. He hoped it will be the same for him and his future wife. “Jan will be next,” his mother added, smiling proudly. “Your father and I have discussed that he…”

“Jan will not marry, darling. I have already made that clear,” the emperor butted in. “I still need him unattached to anybody but me, his emperor.”

The empress’ blue eyes widened. “Lucius, don’t be cruel to your son. Haven’t he done enough for you?”

“Mother, perhaps Jan would not want to marry. We both know how he is, perhaps he would agree more with father’s plan.”

The emperor nodded in agreement and finally placed the letter he was reading down. “Precisely my point. I need Jan to be in Galorien soon. Perhaps he can travel back with Cassius and his family.”

Sig’s mother gasped. She lifted a hand to her heart and stared at the emperor as if he was a ghost of a stranger. “You cannot be serious, Lucius. Galorien is a dangerous place even for somebody like him. You cannot place my child’s life in danger once more.”

“He’s not a child anymore.”

“This is a decision that Jan will have to make on his own,” interrupted Sighart. He was trying to placate the situation, knowing that if it escalated, his parents were going to be shouting at each other again. Although at the end of the day, he knew that they would make up and act as if nothing had happened, he did not like to be in the middle of the cross-fire that was about to happen.

However, the emperor barked a laugh at his son’s statement. “I make the decisions, Sighart. I am Jan Leon’s superior officer. I shall make decisions for him, no matter how trivial.”

“I will not allow it!” The empress answered back. “Jan will stay in the capital and marry.”

“My son will have more use in Galorien than he would be hiding behind your skirt.”

“The boy has suffered enough, Lucien and you know it.” She shot up to her feet.

“Sit down, Eleonora.”

But the empress refused to back down. Sig got to his feet and started to put an arm around his mother’s shoulder, but the empress shrugged him away. “Stay out of this, Sighart.” She turned her attention back at the emperor. “The kind of power he wields does not come without a price and you know it. You have dozens of other mages at your disposal. Deploy them all for all I care, just leave my boy out of this scheme of yours.”

“Jan Leon is not a boy, Eleonora,” boomed the emperor’s deep voice. When Sig was a child, he thought his father’s voice was like the thunder. That voice still had an effect on him, but the empress could very well handle it. She stood with her back straight and her eyes burning with the same intensity of the emperor’s. “Jan is not anymore your boy. He is my mage, and he shall obey my will. And--”

A knock quickly silenced the emperor, but just one look at him says that he was not at all pleased with the interruption. Had it been any other servant that came out of the servant’s secret door, he would have surely ordered the person flogged. Nevertheless, he was wise enough to know that his wife would never forgive him for it.

The emperor held his tongue until his wife started discussing state matters to a commoner who needed not hear the details of his son’s engagement. Sig looked apologetically at Risey and waited for his father to leave the room. To his mother, he offered affirmation that he would indeed want to greet his uncle and his family, besides he was also curious to meet the Galorian woman who everyone was talking about.

“I apologize for my father’s behavior, Risey,” he said, opening the door for her and the empress.

********

As was customary, the Duke and his family headed straight to the throne room to meet with the rulers of Nicaea. They arrived at a well illuminated, vast empty room with a high roof and towering white pillars. It was not uncommon to wait for the emperor, and none showed their displeasure for doing so.

Emperor Lucius didn’t let them wait long, though. He arrived soon and so did his wife and Sighart. The formalities were made and they were all about to go back into their proper businesses when finally Sig walked beside Sebastian and asked, “Where is Elys?”

“She went with your brother. Jan claims to have prepared a present for her.” Sebastian answered quietly. He did not have the energy of his younger sister and would rather sit alone with his scrolls and books than interact with people.

“Thank you.” The younger gentleman nodded then followed his parents together with the emperor and empress. Sig, on the other hand, turned on his heels and walked the other way. He would look for his brother and their favorite cousin.

[Sunflower]

The servant bowed her head and followed behind the royals. She stayed quietly behind the Empress and out of the way as greetings were exchanged. Her hands were folded in front of her as she waited for her orders. "Risey." The Empress called as she turned in the direction of the servant woman.

It was the moments like this that made Risey's heart and stomach turn. The Empress was kind, spoiled and bossy, but kind. She wouldn't deserve what was coming to her. But it had been her husband and his men, even Jan, who participated in the siege of Galorien. They had taken everything from her; her peace, her love, her family and friends, everything. It had been easy at first for her to come into the castle and put in such a well thought out act - to play the part of a loyal servant while feeding information to the rebellion back in Galorien. But it was becoming harder and harder for her to focus on her job of spying, for when the signal was to come she was to return to Galorien.
Risey called Galorien her home and it was for the most part, but her place of birth was a different kingdom all together, one that had been glorious and wonderful but it fell into shambles at the hands of her vile uncle. Her salvation had come in the form of the royal family of Galorien.

"Will you please go and find my niece and my sons?" The Empress asked kindly. A wide, gentle smile stretched across her lips.

Bowing once more Risey turned to leave but she was stopped by the whisperings of the Empress and the wife of the Duke, the Duchess as she had been introduced. "She was the servant that tackled Jan Leon!" The Empress laughed softly..

"That woman is quite close to Jan Leon and she is my personal servant. She was the servant of..."

Risey continued walking on as the Queen told the story of her previous employers and their unfortunate demise.

She knew just were to find Jan and the others. He wasn't that hard to predict either. The youngest Prince was fairly creative and she had aided him in the dark hours of the night with creating his beautiful objects.

---

Jan had been given a small two story building that had been originally for practicing his magic but his mother had forbid brining the deceased into the castle walls so it had been converted to something that Jan liked better. It was a workshop. Within the first floor were his various tools, a work table, some stools with red goose feather cushions on them, a small display of brightly colored stones and gems stood along the far wall away from the hearth where he melted scraps of gold and other metals given to him by the Royal Jeweler.

Hammers of various sizes, drawplates, files and pliers hung from hooks on the walls. The second story contained a bed, chest and a display case where he stored his projects. Jan's father had allowed this little slice of heaven for the youngest prince due to the calming effect that crafting objects of gold had on his son. It kept the voices as a dull murmur in the back of his mind.

"Happy birthday Elys!" He said as he held out a thin box decorated with gold colored flowers.

Inside the box was a small child sized necklace. The necklace was a slender gold colored chain with hand carved, small carnelian beads and a single tear drops shaped sunstone that was suspended from the necklace by a small gold link.

"It isn't much...and I cut myself a few times trying to make it for you...but I hope you like it."

Jan had learned the skills of metal working by observation. His mother wanted him to learn something other than magic after all.

Risey arrived at the shop shortly after Jan had handed the young girl the small gift. She stood in the corner of the room with a small smile on her face. Her eyes focused on the Galorien woman, knowing who she was and what her job was at the castle.

Jan glanced at the servant in the corner and he smiled widely. “I see mother has let you go. I don’t know how you can always seem to find some way to get away from her.” He joked.

“I take it she wants to see Elys?” Jan asked. He adored his younger cousin because she had the childhood that he could not – she was treated as a child, she wasn’t anything else but that. The servant woman was leaning against the wall for a few moments before Jan picked up one of the small stools and threw it in her direction.
Risey managed to catch it and she quickly set it on the ground. Sitting on the stool she quickly discarded her shoes and left them in the corner as she observed everything.

’She’ll like it Jan. You don’t need to worry.’ Risey mouthed to him.

Jan smiled and turned his attention back to his cousin. “By the way…where is my brother?”

Risey shrugged. She didn’t know where the heir was, and she wondered if he knew where to look for Jan first.

[Nuada]

Elys may have taken after most of the manners of his three older brother, she might have said aloud that she did not want to be a lady, but underneath the influence of the four older boys was a little girl with a soft spot for everything pretty and shiny. Dawn watched the pale eyes of the child light up in anticipation and wonder as Elys opened the box from her cousin.

“This is for me?” she asked almost voiceless, which was testament of how surprised she was of the gift. Dawn doubted that the prince heard the little girl as he was just in the act of tossing a stool at the servant girl who tackled him earlier. Just like the black-haired girl, Dawn was quietly observing. She was considered a friend of the Duke and his family, but she will always be a servant to them – an object for their entertainment. She did not belong in the palace, or in the presence of these royal children. Therefore, just like Risey, she stood at the background to observe, though unlike her, she had a mission to carry out.

The Galorian was still watching the young girl as she slowly held up the necklace in her tiny fingers when the door to Prince Jan’s apartment opened. Out of curiosity, Dawn, a small smile still on her face, looked up to the opposite side of the room where a man stood at the threshold carrying a rectangular box. Even from the distance, she could see that his eyes were of the palest blue, like icicles. And though he was smiling, she felt chills down her spine as those eyes found her gaze.

“Have I missed anything?” he asked, still not letting go, as if the question was meant for her. This man was her target. Dawn tore her gaze away, forced her thoughts aside before her real intent was detected. Mind mages did have the ability to not be detected by the wards of the castle, but she had to be careful not to let strong emotion take her over or she might just trigger a ward.

His voice seemed to have woken Elys from a trance, though, for the girl came back to life and ran to him with the necklace clutched to her chest. Sighart dropped to one knee and set his box on the floor as he welcomed the girl in an embrace.

“Siggy!” the girl squealed, wrapping her arms around the crown prince, while he laughed and hugged her back. She kissed his cheek once then pulled away so she can show him the present that his brother gave her. “Isn’t it lovely? Jan made this just for me.” Then having realized that she had not yet thanked him, she ran back to Jan Leon and hugged him too. “Thank you, Jan. This is very lovely. Will you put it on me?”

“Well, I also have something for you, Elys,” Sig said, closing the door behind him. He paused and acknowledged Risey’s presence with a nod at her direction, then walked up to Elys and Jan to hand over his present to the girl. “Happy birthday, princess.”

It might be because they never had a sister and that Uncle Cassius had only boys until Elys that the two princes were very fond of the girl. She would grow up a spoiled princess, Sig thought, but he didn’t care. He liked seeing the smile on her face and he liked the sound of her high-pitched little laugh.

“It’s a dress!” the girl declared.

Sig nodded. “I thought that my brother will give you a stunning jewelry piece, so I had a dress made for you. Beautiful piece, Jan. You should seriously reconsider your career path.”

“I have a present for you too, Siggy,” said Elys. “I brought Dawn with me.”

“Dawn?”

The woman in question curtseyed when Sig looked her way. “Your highness, I am Dawn Layton,” she kept her eyes on the ground and let Elys continued the introduction.

“Yes, Dawn. She is my friend from Galorien. Mother says she will sing for your ball. And I will wear this dress and this necklace when I go to your ball.”

“And you will be the prettiest girl in the party,“ reassured Sighart, but his attention was elsewhere. He was curious to meet the woman the court had been whispering about since news of her voice reached the capital. They said she had a voice that could make the gods weep. He walked up to her, but she seemed to have fixed her attention to her feet.

Dawn could not really tell why her heart was hammering in her chest at that moment. Perhaps she was struck by the presence of the very men that she had despised these past ten years, or perhaps she was excited at the prospect of finally being a step closer to revenge and freedom. She could end it. She could end it then and there if not for Elys.

A gloved hand touched her chin and gently guided her face up to again meet those cold blue eyes. She pushed back her thoughts of murder and softened her features, but her hands balled to fists at her side. “Don’t be shy now, Lady Layton,” the crown prince smiled at her. “Will you sing for us?”

“But… I have nothing prepared, my lord.”

“Just a tiny bit of sample will do, my lady. I have been wanting to hear you sing ever since I heard rumors about you.”

Dawn took a deep breath. “Very well then.”

The crown prince stepped back and sat on one of the stools near his brother, then gestured for him to do the same, while Elys cheered and sat on the floor. “You better speak with mother and father. Not in that particular order, but I strongly advise that you do speak with them soon,” he whispered to Jan before Dawn opened her mouth and let out a string of words and notes that carried them with her on a journey across the sea and back to Galorien. She sang of love and loss and hope of a girl who had met her heart’s other half at the wrong place at the wrong time. Her voice was light and soft as silk, chilling as an autumn night, but it brought warmth to Sig’s heart. He wondered what it would be like to fall in love, and to be free to marry for love.

When she finished, the whole room was silent. Four pairs of eyes were on her. Dawn panicked. What if they didn’t like her singing? What if they were disappointed?

Sighart got up to his feet and clapped for her. “The rumors do not do your voice justice, Lady Layton. You sound better than they describe,” he said, then he turned to Elys. “Thank you for bringing your friend along with you.”

"I told you!" beamed Elys. Her smile was broad, saying how proud she was of Dawn. "Wait until she is well rested."

[Sunflower]

Finally the time for dinner had arrived and Jan couldn't be happier. The young Prince always loved when his father was preoccupied at dinner with guests. He had known for several weeks that his father intended to send him to Galorien; rumors spread that the Emperor wanted to be rid of his magically inclined son and Galorien was far enough away but still under his control so Jan wouldn't fall into the wrong hands. Of course those were only speculations on why Jan Leon was being sent away but the youngest Prince couldn't help but wonder if they were true.

The large dining hall was buzzing with activity as the servants seated the guests, including the Duke and his family, a few other noblemen and women as well as the Emperor and his family. The table was piled high with food and drink, all served on silver platters with raised designs set in gold. The room itself was beautiful and it was one of the smaller dining areas within the home of the royal family.

The walls were painted a soft blue. Along the edges of the walls the trim was painted a deeper shade of blue with gold designs throughout. Along the western wall were three large windows that were partially hidden behind thick curtains that matched the colors of the room. Within the center of the room sat a long but narrow table with plush, richly decorated chairs. The Emperor sat naturally at the head of the table with the visiting Duke sitting across from him. To his right was the reserved seat of his eldest son and to his right was his wife. The Empress was helped into her seat by Risey. The Empress wore a fine dress of pale peach material overlaid with delicate white lace and small pearls, the dress ended in a small train that was edged by slightly larger pearls. Jan always marveled at how beautiful his mother was in her fine dresses. The Empress had her dark hair styled on the top of her head in a braided bun held in place by several pearl studded clips that were attached to one another by thin ropes of pearls.

Jan smiled softly as he noticed the necklace his mother had chosen to wear. It was one of the first that her son had crafted without the aid of a master. The chain was a bit crooked and the small pearl that dangled from the chain was surrounded by a slightly uneven gold hoop. It brought him great pride that his mother chose to wear it.

His eyes skimmed over those that were being seated at the long table and he hoped to find the Galorien woman. He had been impressed by her beautiful singing and he wanted to thank her for showing her talent, he was going to tell her earlier but Risey had grown rather impatient and she had pushed him to his mother. Dawn, as the Galorien woman was called, had been invited to dine with them.

Jan noticed from the corner of his eye that his mother excused Risey from the room entirely. Surely it could have been because of earlier, when he had learned that his father had grown angry at the presence of the servant woman. He watched the raven haired woman walk with her head bowed before she disappeared into one of the doorways that led down into the kitchen.

"Mother," Jan called, "You look beautiful tonight. Thank you for wearing that necklace."

The Empress smiled at her son before turning to talk to one of the noblewomen that had approached her. Soon dinner was well underway by the time that Jan spotted Risey standing patiently along one of the back walls. She stood with a practiced pose, keeping her cool despite the fragrant food that sat on the long table - roasted duck stuffed with wild rice and onions, pumpkin soup with fresh bread, and even puddings crafted like silk. Jan was sure there was a thin line of saliva running down his chin just from the smells, how a servant could stand quietly without showing signs of hunger was beyond him. The prince knew that the servants ate quite well in comparison to what many others ate; of course they weren't given the fine food if the royal family but they were given enough to keep them fed and healthy.

His eyes flicked to the woman, Dawn. He wondered if she was going to sing for them; earlier he had enjoyed her singing and hoped to hear more of it.

[Nuada]

When she was but a little girl in Galorien, before it fell into the clutches of Nicaea, she lived a life befitting a princess. Her father was an important advisor of the king and her mother was of noble birth. There was nothing she asked that could not be given to her, but then again, she didn’t want a lot of things. She had beautiful dresses, colorful ribbons, and the finest shoes – all of which she couldn’t appreciate back then. Their house was big, not as grand as the palace, but it was something not everyone can afford. However, just like the faces of her dead family members, the memory was barely clinging at the edge of her mind. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to be free.

“Just relax, Dawn,” reminded Lady Cecilia softly. The lady was responsible for Dawn’s simple blue dress. It was not adorned with any precious stone. To compensate for it, Lady Cecilia made Dawn wear weaved golden necklace accented by a sapphire that rested on the creamy complexion of her chest. Smaller stones were weaved with the gold thread in a symmetrical semi circle around the blue gem stone. The gown was cut low on the chest, more revealing that what she would otherwise wear. Lace made up the sleeves of the dress as well as its back. The duchess was too excited for Dawn to wear the gown that the younger woman said nothing about her discomfort wearing it.

“Yes, my lady,” she answered quietly. Elys was at the other side of Lady Cecilia as they entered the dining hall. She had forgotten what it was like to be free.

The dining hall was busy with interaction between highborn lords and ladies. It screamed extravagance, from the thick curtains to the gold accents painted on the wall. There was no fault to be seen at first glance, it was perfect, except that Dawn saw every person in the room as an imperfection that needed to be eliminated. The bright colored dresses of the lords and ladies, their perfectly arranged hair, every pearl and precious stone strung into the ladies’ hairs – all of these were stolen riches. Nicaea was a plague that bled every nation it conquered dry. Dawn forced a smile.

Elys was a well-behaved girl, acting like the lady she had said she didn’t want to be. Dawn thought the girl just couldn’t help be the person she was born to be. The duchess introduced both girls to the other guests and both acted the part they were supposed to play.

Not too long after, the food was brought in. Sighart came in with it. Not usually late for his appointments, but he had just come from a brief discussion with the captain of the palace guards. Nevertheless, the crown prince entered with an air of command, but before his presence was noticed by his father, he caught sight of Risey standing among the servants. He thought twice about his next move, and decided to take his chances.

Sig motioned for Risey to come closer and when she was close enough, he leaned in closer so he could whisper, “I hope you have not forgotten. Tonight after dinner, I wish to speak with you.” It was not a request. Of course, with Sighart, it was never a request even if he punctuated it with a polite smile.

Dawn saw the interaction from where she was seated. It was curious what he told the servant that couldn’t wait until the dinner was over. If only she could get closer to him, then she could reach into his mind and read his thoughts. What could he be hiding behind that careless smile?

She looked away, but found his brother, Jan Leon watching her. Not meaning to be seen as a rude person, she acknowledged his attention with a small smile before turning her attention to the Emperor as he spoke. His voice boomed like a thunder in the dining hall. He thanked his guests for their presence then acknowledged the presence of his younger brother, the Duke of Masseria. After which, he managed the expectations of everyone present with regards to the activities in the coming days, until finally, and to Dawn’s relief, he offered the food for everyone in the table.

It was a feast, one that she had not have the pleasure partaking with since she was little. A part of her felt guilty that she should be enjoying herself while her people suffered the tyranny of these people. The food was good, but it tasted bitter on her tongue. She placed only a small amount on her plate and very slowly consumed it.

“Are you not feeling well?” the duchess asked, noticing Dawn.

“Perhaps it is just the long journey, my lady,” she answered. “I truly am not used to travelling.”

Lady Cecilia nodded and sympathetically placed a gloved hand over hers. “I understand. I shall send you early into your rooms then.”

“No, I am perfectly fine. A bit tired, but I am fine. Besides, this is a rare opportunity for me.” Because she had to get closer to her target. She could use the connection with the duke’s family and she would exploit it tonight.

[Sunflower]

As the men and women at the long table talked and grew drunk on the sweet wine that other servants poured into their gold and glass goblets, there were a select few servants who began to entertain the nobles. They were small men, dwarves brought into the castle from harsh lives on the streets or in orphanages, and although it was not the most dignified of jobs, they performed well. The small men, as they were called, often employed the use of small magic - skills that the Emperor had no use for but the tricks proved to be a hit with their guests. Risey watched their performance with such scrutiny. She was a user of magic, skilled in the art of summoning creatures, and she was often critical when she noticed another with magic. Before her life with the royal family, or the lowly noble one before them, she had been quite close to the royal family of Galorien. They had taken her in when her own family and kingdom had fallen. Hailing from a land across the sea called Danycia where summoning magic was quite normal, the raven haired woman was raised to understand the workings of the magic of others.

It had been the pride of her family, and it was her knowledge of magic that she was quite proud of. Danycia was a small island kingdom located off of the coast of Galorien; it was largely uninhabited now and she was sure that the lush forests had reclaimed much of their stolen lands. She knew there were a few settlements of survivors who had stayed but many left their island home. It had happened when she was young, about the age of eight when her uncle led a rebellion of his own...well it was more like a civil war. He had desired the crown for himself and had convinced a number of their people that he was the rightful heir to the throne. For five and a half years they aged war against each other. When it was over with the deaths of her uncle and her father as well as most of her immediate family, she was sent to Galorien. Her home nation and Galorien had been allies and in the early stages of the war the larger kingdom had sent in their men to aid them. As the war took its toll on Galorien, the king had decided to pull his men out and allow the Danycian people to fight among themselves.

Galorien was her home for a short time but it was the place where she felt her heart belonged. She had been a refugee of the Danycian Civil War when she had been welcomed into the larger country. Due to her status in life she was taken to the capital where she resided until Galorien was invaded. been invaded by Nicaea. It had been the king of Galorien that welcomed Risey with open arms. He had seen it as an advantage to have one of the many princesses of Danycia, her family was now fabled to be scattered around the lands but she doubted that much was true. Many of her sisters had survived she was sure of it. Maybe one day she would return to her homeland and find her sisters. The brass beads in her hair had been gifts from her sisters - all six of them - and she treasured them greatly as they were the last ties to her family that she had.

Shaking her mind free of the thoughts and memories, the woman watched as the little men performed their acts. When she was called to the side of the Empress, the woman quietly bent down to the level of the seated woman. A small, sly smile came to the lips of the older woman as she gave her orders. Risey's cheeks flushed a brilliant shade of red and she hurried away to carry out her task.

---

Jan Leon was beginning to hate these gatherings. Several of the already drunk noblemen began to question him about his magic and what he could do - one even demanded to talk to his long dead mother-in-law! Jan Leon faintly caught the slurred I wanna tell her that she's always been a bitch before the nobleman was escorted to one of the many guest chambers by a servant. The painful twisting of his nerves made the prince lose his appetite and he had been looking forward to the puddings that were served. His eyes drifted over to the dwarves who were performing with cheap magic, as he called it. The prince sighed as he pushed some of his food around his plate. From the corner of his eye he caught onto the misty form of an apparition. These were normal occurrences for him as time went on, he hadn't seen the spirits when he was a child. No, they only started to show themselves recently. He observed the apparition silently; at first he had been frightened of them but now he was growing used to them, just like he had with the voices.

The apparition took the semi-transparent, smoky form of a tall man dressed in the garb of a knight. He remembered the man as one that had accompanied them to Galorien during the invasion. Jan remembered when the man had died as well; it was something that he could never forget. The man had been protecting Jan and he had taken the arrow that was meant for the Prince. The tunic around the man's chest and shoulders was stained with the blood that had poured from the man's neck. Jan was pleased not to see the arrow. My prince.... The ghost knight called out to him. You are looking well.
Jan closed his eyes and wished for the man to go away. His voice called out to the prince once more, I hope my death was worth it. There was a sense of bitterness from the man, which was understandable; Jan would be pissed too if his life had been cut short to protect some kid who spent his time crying and hiding within a tent. He didn't blame the man either for the emotions that poured from his voice. I hope that your father is done with everything. At first Jan had wondered if his father had been the one to order the death of the knight as an act to spur his son into raising the dead and creating a never ending army. Strong emotions such as fear and anger often made the prince lose control.

But he had learned that war was absolute hell.
It was something that he never wanted to experience again. There was talk that the people of Galorien were happy with the new way that their country was being controlled. They no longer were a people united under the name of Galorien - they were now citizens of the vast Nicaean Empire. They no longer had the identity that they once had; Galorien's fleece wasn't as snow white as they wanted many to believe. Once the dinner came to a close, with many of the nobles with noticeable alcohol-induced blushes on their faces, Jan Leon quietly stood up and made his way to the Galorien woman. He nervously cleared his throat and glanced away.

"I wanted to thank you...for singing to us earlier." He said nervously to the woman. He found that he couldn't look her in the eye without having to fight down a blush.

[Nuada]

Sighart

The advantage of being promised to wed a woman was the almost instant retreat of ambitious mothers parading their daughters in front of him like lovely flowers he could pick. He used to enjoy the attention when he was younger, but faking a smile and polite gestures were tiring. Now that the day he was to wed a stranger draws closer, he wondered what it would be like to have picked a lovely flower on his own accord, and not accepted one that his father had chosen for him.

Voices of his father’s guests filled the room. Some were cheering while others were laughing at the little people performing their practiced routine. Sig just sat there, watching with a lazy smile on his face. He was lucky to be seated between the Emperor and Jan Leon, not being in direct contact with his father’s guests. He listens to conversations around the room now and then, and responded accordingly to some congratulations remarks. He even caught the particular conversation between his brother and a nobleman who was asking for the prince’s help to speak to a deceased relative, but as the night went on he listened less and thought more about the favor that he would like to ask from Risey.

Sometime during the course of the dinner, the Emperor announced that he had organized a little entertainment for his guests for the following morning. The men, sober or otherwise, sat in attention. Everyone knew that the Emperor enjoyed hunting. The woods were dense around the capital, perfect for unleashing the hunters within them. Therefore, the Emperor mentioned, it would be wise not to drown in the spirits of alcohol. The lords were, of course, more excited than the ladies, although women were known to participate in these activities as well. And yet, by the end of the night, many of the men spoke in slurred syllables, needing help just to get to their feet.

“I’m glad both my sons have enough sense not to get drunk tonight,” he heard the Emperor mumble as he rose from his seat. The Empress did the same and so did Sig. From the other end of the table, his already red-faced uncle seemed to have encountered no trouble getting up to his feet. His children, Sebastian and Elys, were long sent up to their chambers to rest, leaving the Duke, the Duchess, and their guest. It was a pity that the woman did not sing for them that night, Sig thought, for he adored her singing voice. It was as if magic was at work whenever she sang for it tugged at his heart and made him feel the words come to life.

Dawn

She noticed the crown prince studying her and she raised her gaze up to his. How could she establish contact with this man? It was impossible to carry out her task without at least a conversation with him. Her magic worked that way. She had to say out loud what she wanted her target to do or believe or see. Shouting it from across the room was an option, but it was one that would surely cost her head. She could take the risk and do it, except that she was ordered to make it look like an accident or a suicide. The goal was to slowly destabilize the Empire from within and her role was to eliminate key people.

The dinner came to a close with the Emperor leaving the table. Sighart nodded in her direction as if acknowledging her presence, then went off after his mother and father. He would most likely retire in his luxurious suites to rest that pretty head of his in preparation for tomorrow’s hunting trip. She was so distracted in watching the retreating backs of the royal family that Dawn failed to notice that the fourth member was missing.

“I wanted to thank you...for singing to us earlier,” said the youngest prince. It took Dawn a few moments to realize that the voice was talking to her, and that the thank you was meant for her as well. Actually, it took Lady Cecilia’s elbow on Dawn’s arm. The younger woman looked up at the lady, who curtseyed to the prince who was apparently standing there.

“I shall rest tonight and catch the biggest game tomorrow,” declared the Duke. He clapped his nephew’s shoulder with uncontrolled force then gestured for his wife to come with him, but before they left, he added, “A bear perhaps, and without magic. I shall see you in the morning, Jan.”

Lady Cecilia squeezed Dawn’s upper arm. “I apologize, but I have to leave you. He’s not his proper self and look how he’s walking away without me,” she whispered urgently. The duke may have been able to get to his feet on his own, but he swayed here and there. “Prince Jan, would you care to walk our Dawn back to her room?” She didn’t wait for an answer though and hurried after the Duke leaving Dawn and Jan behind.

“I do not require an escort, your highness,” she said. His cheeks were flushed – though perhaps just a light tint of red – she noticed. Was he drunk? Perhaps she should be the one escorting him back to his rooms. “I thank you for…” thanking me, she thought, but didn’t say it out loud, because it just sounded foolish. Instead she smiled. “I’m glad you appreciated the song. Elys loves it when I sing to her, insists it even. So you can tell that I’ve had enough practice.”

The room was clearing up, leaving only her and Jan, plus the servants. She noticed that the black-haired servant who tackled Jan Leon was missing. “Did you need help getting to your apartments, your highness? I think I remember the way. Just please promise not to throw up along the way.” She started to move closer to his side to better support him if he was unstable on his feet just as an idea started to take shape in her mind. “You may lean on me, if you want to.” And perhaps she had found a way to be closer to Sighart after all.

[Sunflower]

Jan

It was a well known fact that the Prince did not enjoy drinking wine, especially the wines served to the royals. He claimed that it was far too sweet for him to handle but he would take sips from his goblet when he felt the need to drink something. But why was he stumbling around like he had drank most of the wine? The servants that cleared and cleaned the now messy table had to wonder if perhaps tonight he had indulged more than he usually did. In any case they went back to their task at hand, allowing the Prince and the Galorien woman some time to talk among themselves.

"That may be wise," he said to the woman as he leaned on her. Jan had allowed enough f his weight to stay off of her in fear that he would crush her. He wasn't the biggest man there was but Jan was no twig either. The woman beside him was much smaller and frailer looking, which made the Prince worry deeply. "I usually don't get like this...which is strange because I didn't have much wine at all...it must have been the age of the wine or something." Jan tended to ramble when he became nervous. He was quite nervous being so close to someone he had never met before. The Prince was never all that good with strangers, at least not like how his brother was at least.

"So tell me, Dawn...what do you think of Nicaea? It's a beautiful land. I'd love a chance to see more of it though." The Prince was, like any other royal, essentially a prisoner in his own home...if it could be called that. Weren't homes supposed to bring you comfort? Jan never felt totally comfortable within his chambers in the castle which was why he spent most of his days and nights hiding away in his workshop. The topic was often brushed under the rug for royals must always appear to be happy and content locked away within their stone walled castles and away from fresh air and sunlight. As they walked, Jan tried to keep as much weight off of her as possible which resulted him in walking with what appeared to be a limp.

Risey

After drawing the bath for the Empress, like she had been instructed to do, Risey poured in scented oils into the water before leaving. On the Empress's bed was a delicate burgundy silk nightgown with a single white bow that would settle between the breasts. Soon the Empress had entered the room and Risey aided her in taking the delicate strings of pearls out of her hair and unzipping her dress before folding it for the other servants to take later. "I'll be fine, Risey. You go and eat." The Empress told her. It was customary for the servants to eat not long after their masters for soon they would have their time to tend to their own hygine and clothes. The Empress smiled widely, "Tonight I shall ask my husband to comb my hair for me." She said in a low whisper. Risey's cheeks colored pink and she only shook her head as the Empress laughed. It was a little awkward knowing so much about the sex life of the royals. It was bad enough knowing that Risey would oversee the servants who cleaned their chambers and changed the bed sheets that were in dire need of being washed constantly.

Risey left the Empress with a bow before hurrying out of the room. She reached the room of Prince Sighart in no time and she contemplated going inside before she remembered her place as a servant and a spy. There would be another time for her to get her precious moths or even another flying creature into his room for surveillance. Patiently she waited after knocking on the door to his chambers. The other servants walked past with hurried steps. No doubt they would begin to talk for what was Risey, the personal servant of the Empress, doing at the heir's door at night when she should be finishing her duties before getting her dinner?

[Nuada]

Dawn

Dawn didn’t really believe that Jan Leon would accept her offer to assist him. She had always thought that the man whose voice the dead and the undead heeded was a soulless man filled to the brim with pride. Why wouldn’t he when he almost single-handedly wiped out the opposing forces of Galorien? Getting back to his room, even when he’d had a few glasses of wine, shouldn’t be a problem. Then again, there he was with an arm around her shoulder, leaning ever so slightly against her for support. Dawn, on the other hand, placed her arm on his back for support.

“I have seen bigger men got drunk on cheaper wine. Not that I consider you small,” she answered, smiling. It was the opposite, actually. Prince Jan, though not as thoroughly built as some of the men she knew, was tall and lean. Dawn, wearing heels and all, stood only up to his chin. She guessed that if he was to completely slump against her, she would not be able to stand. “What I mean to say is that the wine served to the royals and their elite circle is supposed to be stronger than the wine one will find in a commoner’s tavern and inn.”

They were already out of the dining hall, away from the curious eyes of servants, and were walking the hallway to the side exit of the castle. She spotted Galorien servants side by side others from nations that Nicaea had invaded. Odd enough, there was no light-haired servant, which would suggest to being Nicaean. This was what the other nationalities were to the Nicaea – servants and slaves forced to labor for the comfort of the Imperial lords and ladies.

It won’t be long, she thought. They were, most of them, were stealing glances at the prince and her. She didn’t need to get in their minds to know that rumors were about to circulate. Dawn had no plan to be a center of such rumor, she was merely planning to use Jan Leon to get closer to his brother, but she decided that rumors were inevitable.

“I find Nicaea beautiful,” she lied when he asked what she thought about his country. How could she see beauty in the tyrant’s land? “I would love to see more of it too, but my time here is short. Once Prince Sighart’s betrothal ball is over, the Duke and the Duchess will be heading back to Galorien, and I with them.” She chanced a look up his face. The expression was unreadable, but she was one who need not rely on facial expressions to know what was on someone else’s mind. Dawn was a mind mage, she needed to just gently reach out into his mind and find answers she needed. Then again, he was Jan Leon. There was never a mage who was like him in skill and power, perhaps he would feel her intrusion and execute her on the spot. Dawn couldn’t risk that, not when she was so close to fulfilling what she was trained to do. And yet she was very much tempted.

The rest of the way to his apartment was spent in a comfortable silence. “If I will be permitted, I would like to join tomorrow’s hunting trip,” she said with a sigh. Sighart would most likely be there, where accidents were not impossible to happen. “And you, your highness, should have known better than not to heed your father’s advice about drinking too much wine tonight. A hunting trip is not for someone who was sick from drinking too much wine.” They stopped in front of his door, where two guards were stationed.

Sighart

What was taking her so long? Hadn’t she left before the dinner was ended? He saw her mother call for her favorite servant, whispered something in Risey’s ear that sent the servant hurrying out the dining hall. Did she ask her to go to town at night for an urgent business? It was taking too long for her to come knocking at his door. Or was she perhaps shy?

Sighart was pacing around his sitting room. It was a spacious room with high ceiling and white walls with gold trimmings. Another door leading to his bedroom was at the wall opposite the fireplace. Tall windows, which would have invited the sunlight in during the morning, were then covered by cream colored curtains. It was not as spacious as Jan’s private apartment in terms of floor area, but it was styled to house a royal.

A book that he was patiently reading a few moments ago was faced down on a side table, while a covered meal was placed on a dining table at one side of the room. He had yet to change from the clothes he wore to dinner, except for his jacket that he got rid of as soon as he was in his rooms.

A knock on the door lit up his eyes with hope. The crown prince rushed to the door and yanked it open and he was not disappointed. “Risey,” he breathed a sigh of relief. “I was about to give up waiting. Had my mother asked for the impossible again? Shall I speak to her about it?” He stepped aside and gestured for her to come in.

“Please do sit. Oh, not in front of the fire, please,” he mentioned, gesturing to the table that had been set near the door to his bedroom. The candles on the table were half melted. He lifted the silver dome covering the food revealing a full course meal, same as the one served for dinner. He had asked of it from the kitchen before he went to his room, telling the kitchen staff that he hadn’t eaten well during the dinner. “I am assuming you have not yet had dinner. Please help yourself.” Sig poured wine for her, then for himself before allowing himself to sit opposite her.

“Consider this as my initial bribe, Risey, for that favor I would ask of you,” he smiled a little lopsided smile that made him look rougish as he raised his glass to her honor and drank to his little scheme. "My mother and brother trusts you enough. I hope that I am not mistaken for trusting you too. I need you to help me leave the palace grounds unnoticed. I am going into the city disguised as a commoner to personally inspect the level of security. Nobody knows this, not even Jan."

[Sunflower]

Jan Leon

The Prince let his thoughts linger on the word Galorien. He had seen hell; he had been the ruler of that hell for a few short days. Jan Leon didn't want to remember the events leading up to Galorien's fall. He did not want to remember the way the broken and bruised bodies devoid of life stirred once more on the battlefield. He wanted to forget it but his mind and heart would not allow it. As they walked he sensed the presence of the ghost knight beside him. The man had been a valuable friend to Jan, no matter how long they may have talked to each other. That man knew more about the Prince's darkest time than his own father did. The Emperor had been safe and away from the violence but his son and the now dead knight had been in the heart of it all. The Prince did not cry, he could not cry. There were no tears for the fallen kingdom within him.

"You have only seen the towns and cities of Nicaea," he said, "You have not seen the true beauty that lies within this land." There was a bitter tone to his voice and perhaps it was his misplaced anger. There was always anger when he thought of Galorien and what he had done there. When they arrived at his apartments, he looked at Dawn from the corner of his eyes. "I will pull a few strings for you then but I doubt my Aunt would like the impression you would leave of Elys. She's quite...stuck on having Elys be a perfect lady." He said before saying his goodbyes and walking into his apartments. Beside him the ghost knight continued to follow. His guards gave curt nods before closing the doors behind him.

"You seem tired, my Prince."

"I am..." He admitted, "I feel drained just thinking of that day...and I feel drained when people hold me at arm’s length." Jan walked through his sitting room before practically diving onto his bed. Usually he would sleep within the tiny room of his workshop but tonight he must put on the show that he is the proper Prince who enjoys his life in the castle. It was his prison. He was forever bound here until his father felt that he was no longer of use. Lying face down on his bed, Jan sighed deeply. The ghost knight sighed softly before sitting on the edge of his bed. Jan had been expecting the weight of a person to sink the edge down but the man was dead; there was no way for him to weight down the bed.

"You raised an army of the dead and slaughtered countless men. It's something that people are always going to be wary of." The knight said. "How are they ever going to look past what you can do?"

Jan shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know what to do about it. "I am a monster...they're right."

"My Prince you are not a monster. You've simply been given the gift of using the dead."

"It's not a gift, it's a damn curse.” Jan rolled over onto his back with his arms and legs spread out wide. "Why would the gods give me such a curse? Why would they give anyone the curse of magic?"

The knight shook his head before leaning forward on his knees. "I don't know. Maybe they think you will be able to do something about the world." The knight was, well had been, just a few yeard older than Jan. He was a handsome man, Jan remembered feeling a pang of envy because of the man. His strong jaw was lined with sand colored stubble. He had been fairly tall like Jan himself but stockier in terms of muscle mass. His hair was uncombed as it had been in his final moments of life and his green eyes held such life despite the fact that he was dead. Perhaps it had been because the man was now free of the horrors of having to fight once more or because he took some sort of twisted enjoyment out of seeing Jan suffer. A boyish grin swept across his face.

"Everything will fall into place, Jan Leon." That was the first time that he had called the Prince by his given name.

"Just give it time."

Jan closed his eyes, having heard the words of the man. He didn't know if he could be that patient.


Risey

Risey nearly had a heart attack at the words of the Crown Prince. He wants to leave the castle? How daring for someone of his status. This could be the perfect opportunity to get more information~ she thought. Risey had been told of the Mind Mages that watched over things and she was careful with her thoughts. A spy had to be careful and guard against anything. She looked around his sitting room and smiled to herself, the room was a perfect reflection of the man sitting across from her. It was quite simple just like him but one could see the royalty within the room. Sig was like that she came to understand. He was quite simple like his brother but he was confident in his position in life. Risey pecked at the food, taking the meats for herself but tucking away the soft bread and a few other things within the cloth napkin that had been provided. It wasn't for later, she could go without the rich foods of the royals for a life time, instead the things she chose to hide in the pocket of her dress were for a child; young boy who had been born to a Nicaean Lord and his Galorien servant woman. The boy had been contracted to live and serve within the castle and he brought Risey much enjoyment. The boy was funny and he often told the most wondrous stories despite being only ten.

As she finished, the woman wiped her mouth on the back of her hand and glanced at the Crown Prince. She tucked a lock of dark hair behind her ear before she closed her eyes. This was the perfect opportunity for her to do many things but she wondered briefly about just how she was going to get him out of the castle unnoticed. Opening her eyes, Risey let a wide smile come to her face. "I'll help you...But I must ask for a few more pieces of bread...for someone special." she said. Sig was the only one who could hear without having to get too close but she wished he knew how to read lips. It had been so long since she was able to talk for extended periods of time without the aid of her charmed necklace, which couldn't be used while she was within enemy territory. Anyone familiar with magic would notice right away what the necklace was for. The woman toyed with the strip of white cloth that was tied snugly against her throat and for a few moments she debated with herself if she should take it off. Usually she took off the cloth once she was able to retire for the night. Reaching around her neck and under her hair, Risey tugged on the knot before it fell away and she gathered the cloth in one of her hands before depositing it within the pocket of her dress alongside the food.

On her neck were three evenly spaced scars. They were raised with slightly jagged edges and they stood out from her pale skin. She wasn't ashamed of her scars but she knew that the nobles did not enjoy looking at them. They were a reminder for all that terrible things had to happen in the past although they refused to acknowledge them. Her scars did not originate from the Galorien Invasion like many had believed. The Empress and Jan believed that the scars and her inability to talk above a whisper were a result from the war their kingdom had caused. They had occurred in her childhood during the Daniycian Civil War, when she and her siblings were attacked. Risey couldn't remember many of the details of that day, only that she had been playing with her sisters within the walls of their home and there was shouting; lots and lots of shouting before pain and then nothing. When she had woken up her voice was gone. Risey was forbidden to look into a mirror or some other reflective surface in fear that she would be afraid of what she seen. It had taken a year before she was able to know what had happened to her. Three of her sisters had similar injuries but to other parts of their bodies. One was cut on her arm, another on her abdomen and the third on her face.

Risey looked at the Prince with her chin held high. She wondered if he would be surprised. It was no secret that she was unable to talk but the reactions that the scars got out of people gave her a twisted sense of gratification that they could see the horrors of violence and how those events lived within a survivor. That's what she was - a survivor . There were no other words to describe the woman.

"I hope...you...do not....mind..." Her earlier talking had taken a lot out of her. "If I..." she gestured to her bare throat.

The dark haired woman's thoughts went back to getting the Prince out of the castle and an idea came to mind. Under the castle was a river of sorts; it had been built originally as a drainage system but after a new system was put in place the old one was forgotten and it was allowed to flood and it had been converted into a means of transportation underground that was mainly used for hauling in the spoils of war. That would be a safe place to take him. The system opened up into a small hidden dock just outside of the final wall of the castle and under the cover of the nearby forest. The Empress had told her about the route, as she commonly used it to travel to a small private springs that she owned.

Risey looked around for any clothes that could be of use to the Prince, ragged ones that would allow him to pass as a commoner. Finding none from her seat the woman gestured to her own clothes by tugging on the shoulder of her dress. It was going to be interesting trying to communicate with the man through non-verbal means.

[Nuada]

Dawn

A bath – that was what she needed – a warm bath with fragrant oils. She would soak herself in water until her skin was pruned, until every trace of contact with the Necromancer was scrubbed clean. Dawn walked with hurried steps along the dark corridors of the castle, her footsteps echoing along the deserted corridors.

At least he had promised to do something to get her to join the hunting party. It was not her first time, though. She trained in the woods, as much as she trained in practice rooms, to track a prey and eliminate it. The crossbow was her favorite weapon. Tracking people was different from tracking down animals and shooting them down, though, and she always pitied the animals she killed even if it was for her next meal.

It would be over soon.

Dawn entered her room feeling tired yet excited for the morning to come. It would be one small victory for Galorien, one step towards freedom. First the heir, then the Necromancer, until finally the Emperor.

Sighart

Risey’s face was easy to read, Sig thought smiling. When he told her the summary of his secret plan, the poor woman’s eyes went wide and her face paled. He said nothing to either reassure her or explain his purpose further. She was needed only to help him get out of the castle. What he would do once he was outside the walls was not for her to know. Sig was not used to being questioned, except by his father.

“Who is this someone special? Is he – or she – a servant as well?” Sig asked. He was the one who always asked the questions. “I assure you that everyone who works in the palace is being fed generously,” he added, then realized how sure he sounded when she was the one who must have known better. The prince paused to study the expression on her face before he continued with a gentle apology. “You may take whatever you want. Does this mean that you are not being fed well? Tell me the truth, Risey.”

But before their conversation on that topic progressed, she was already tugging on the piece of cloth that was wrapped around her neck. He had never seen her take it off before she did in front of him.

Three parallel scars marked her for life. It must be an injury that had damaged her and made her almost mute. Jan and the Empress had no problem communicating with her, but Sig was leaning forward, straining his hearing to catch what she was saying. He also watched the movement of her lips closely, though he was perhaps not as good as Jan in reading lips. There was no need to be good at it as he always had any help he would require, until that moment when his plan required utmost secrecy.

He kept his face blank, as if he didn’t notice the scars that she was hiding from everyone else. Judging by the stubborn set of her jaw and the sudden confidence in her eyes, he understood that pity was the least that she needed. He would very much want to know the story behind the scars, but perhaps there was time for that later on after his plan was put to motion.

"I hope...you...do not....mind..." she whispered.

Sig shook his head and took a sip from his wine. “No, not at all. I would like you to feel comfortable,” he answered with one of his charming smiles. Then she was looking around the room, maybe for a secret passage that he didn’t know was there. His hopes soared. If there was a secret exit from his room, then this would be easier than expected. But she tugged at her clothes and he realized that she was referring to his disguise.

“Do you mean if I would wear a disguise to blend in?” His brows furrowed. This will not be easy. Perhaps he needed to involve Jan after all. “Do you want to dress me up as a woman? I…” Would he go that far? Dressing up as a woman would throw off any suspicious guard if he would pass for a woman. Sighart may have taken after his mother, but his build and the angles of his face were too masculine to pass as a woman. He would look ridiculous. Seriously ridiculous. “I would rather dress as a man. Can you help me then? Bring me something that will help me blend in with the common people and meet me again tomorrow night. I was planning to slip out of the castle tonight, but I cannot appear tired in front of my father’s peers.”

[Sunflower]

Jan Leon

Jan Leon and the dead knight spoke for hours despite his tiredness. They talked of many things; Jan Leon knew death well. He knew the ins and outs of it but not what happened after death. "Do you think I'm going to hell," he had asked, "For all of the things I have done for my father?" The knight was taken aback and he didn't know how to answer the prince. Was Jan really a damned man for something that was out of his control?

"I do not think so." The knight had finally answered, "You are a kindly man. It is your father who will go to hell." There was no sense in the knight holding his tongue against the emperor for he was already dead. How much more could he be punished? As the two talked, the prince was beginning to feel a weight lift from his shoulders. There were very few people in the world he could tell his secrets to; Risey was his first one, the second was any spirit that was willing to listen. He had begun to notice that there were less and less spirits each year in the castle. He raised his concern with the dead knight who merely told him to shrug it off.

Sometime during the night he had fallen asleep and the dead knight had left him. In the morning the prince had woke early to the sounds of the servants bustling about. Hunting days usually were a bit dull in the morning save for the noises made by the servants. Jan Leon dressed quickly into an old pair of dark colored trousers and a simple green shirt and he ran a comb through his messy brown hair before lacing up his boots and leaving his chambers. He couldn't remember if he even heard of where Dawn was staying or if she was staying in the same room as Elys. Now that he thought about it he remembered something he had said to her last night - he would pull the strings to make her able to come on the hunt today. Why had he offered to do that for her in the first place? Was it because he wanted to show thanks for her being a friend to Elys, or singing for them or was it something else entirely?

Jan brushed the thoughts aside as he called to the nearest servant. He rarely needed their help and it was surprise when the young man he had called came forth. "Y-yes my prince?" the man said with a shaking voice. Many had long since learned to fear the necromancer.

"Find Dawn, the Galorien woman who came with my Uncle last night. Bring her here to me with a change of clothes - preferably something with pants." The man nodded before scurrying away. Now all Jan had to do was wait.

Risey

Her hand flew to hide the wide smile that was splayed across her face and her shoulders shook in silent laughter. Risey had a difficult time imagining that someone would believe it if he chose to dress as a woman. Risey was in charge of making his mother into a painted beauty but she doubted that her skills with makeup would help the prince. When her laughter calmed down and she was able to keep a straight face, the woman looked up at the prince and nodded. She understood that this was to be carried out in secret and it would work out for her in the long run if she simply went with whatever he planned.

Her thoughts drifted back to the food within her pocket and she approached the other side of the table. "The children do not get enough." she said softly. Risey's throat was beginning to hurt but she continued talking. "We do get fed better than most," she took another pause. "But the children need more, and a sweet every once in a while wouldn't hurt them." She took a few steps back from Sig before bowing deeply. The brass beads in her hair weighted down the locks and the beads clinked together. As Risey stood straight she took a bead into her fingers and worked it from her hair until it rested freely in the palm of her hand. It had a surprising amount of weight to it. She pressed it into Sig's hand before trying to wordlessly explain her thoughts.

When she failed in trying to convey the message she mouthed everything slowly. 'Once in your disguise - I will help - you must make your way from here and down to the lowest levels of the castle. If any servants stop you show them this. I have to report to your mother after helping you. But I will meet you in the lowest levels.' Risey's position as the personal servant of the Empress carried significant weight with the other servants. She was able to go into many places where they could not. Any servant with a brass bead from Risey would be granted these permissions since the Empress would often ask for the help of other servants under Risey's charge. She gave a polite nod and smile to the prince before leaving the room through the main door. After she was safely within the hall, Risey bolted down one of the hidden passageways.

---

In the morning the servants woke before the sun, like they always did. Their tasks for the day were started; clothes and other things were gathered to be taken to the river to be washed, the horses were fed and washed, the cooks went about cleaning the kitchen and preparing the food for the day to come. Most servants began to sweep the halls, and dust the paintings. Some even washed the floors with sponges attached to wooden handles. They would be done before most others would wake in the castle. Today was a hunting day, so the servants would be allowed to roam the halls as they went about their chores instead of taking the hidden passageways. The nobles were too worried with their own tasks of preparing for the hunt to pay any mind to the servants that went about.

In the early morning hours Risey was already preparing the clothes of the Empress to be taken to the river. The fine silks and delicate stitches were only tended to by three servant’s total: Risey, a plump woman with a ruddy complexion named Gabriele, and a younger girl with pale blonde hair named Angeliecia. Together they made up the Empress's servants. While Risey was her personal servant, Gabriele tended to her chambers and Angelecia, a new servant, was tasked with aiding Gabriele and occasionally she was taken under Risey's wing. With their arms piled high with various dresses, the three couldn't see where they were going and would bump into each other every once in a while. Gabriele was the most vocal of the group and her laughter bounced off of the walls and echoed back to them. She was a kindly woman with a large and warm heart. Her dark hair was tied into a knot on the top of her head with a simple piece of white cloth tied over her forehead to keep her bangs back. Her olive green dress was adorned with a white apron that held a few scented bars of soap that they would use to wash the dresses and some scrubbers as well as their rations for breakfast.

In the middle of the group was Angeleica. Her long, thin, pale hair was left to fall freely down her back in soft waves. She was one of the few of Nicaean blood that worked within the castle. It wasn't quite common but many of the Nicaean servants and slaves in the land were often sold by their families for food or money. "Are you still alive Risey?" She joked as she attempted to glance over her shoulder at the dark haired woman. Risey had enough experience as a servant to handle such a large load of clothes but she was quite small compared to the other women so it was quite comical that the pile of clothes was nearly as tall as she was. Only the very top of her head was visible as she walked, occasionally she would allow the pile of clothes to slip just under her eye level.

"Oi Gabb! I think Risey needs a break!" Angeleicia grinned widely. "The tower of clothes is too big for her!"

Risey wouldn't admit it but the friendly teasing reminded her of home.

[Nuada]

Dawn
Fingers of light reached out into the dark gloomy night, paving the way for the brand new day. The sun was taking a peek from the east behind the mountains. Dawn sat on her bed watching from the tall glass windows as the sky changed its hue while sipping hot tea that one of the servants served for her.

She ought to be tired from the long journey to the capital, but the woman had a restless night. It was not because her accommodations were not comfortable. On the contrary, Dawn had never before slept in a more luxurious room, not even when her father was still a high-ranking official. She was given a spacious room with a view of the city. The queen sized canopy bed resting atop a raised platform in the middle of the room was her favorite, second only was the soft carpet beneath the bed, which made her toes feel warm. She wiggled them and sighed.

Did Prince Jan mean what he said? Would he really pull some strings to get her to join the hunting party? There was no assurance that a man like him would be true to his word, and yet Dawn found herself expecting. She had her breakfast in her room early, dressed herself in a simple riding dress, and braided her hair to keep it out of her eyes. With all of these out of the way, she sat on her bed as the golden light of the sun crept from the mountain tops to the capital.

It wasn’t long before somebody knocked on her door. Expecting it to be a servant, she softly encouraged the person to come in.

A young man dressed as a servant stood at her door. “My lady,” he said, his voice lacked the confidence of those of a highborn boy. “His highness, Prince Jan Leon, requests for your presence in his private apartments,” the servant said.

Dawn raised a brow. She placed down the cup she was holding and sat on one of the upholstered chairs in the room to lace up her boots. “Did his highness tell you what he may need from me?”

The servant caught his breath. He was afraid of the prince, thoughts of death and the undead floated in his mind and reached his face. Dawn was in his head though, gently teasing out information that she may be able to use. Unfortunately, there was none. This man was not close to either the princes. What she was certain, though, was that he was afraid of Jan Leon and would not hesitate to resort to force if she declined his polite invitation. He did not want to offend or disappoint his prince.

“Alright, then,” Dawn said under her breath as she straightened up and walked to the door. The young man failed to give her an answer so she continued, “Lead me to your prince.”

“It will be my pleasure,” he answered, relief flooding his head.

Jan’s apartment was as she remembered it – tidy despite the number of trinkets and tools. The servant led her into the workshop and made her sit on a sofa while he called Jan Leon. Dawn, on the other hand, learned that the servant’s name was Jude and that he was not often called by the prince to help him in any way. The prince was capable of taking care of himself, unlike his brother who required assistance.

“Your highness,” he said as Jan strode into the room.

Dawn got to her feet and curtsied low. “Is there something that I can help you with today, your highness?” she asked, though she already knew the answer.

“I have also brought a change of clothes as you have required,” added the servant presenting the contents of the bag he carried. Dawn saw a servant’s tunic and vest and a pair of trousers. It was a smaller size than what Jude was wearing. Perhaps it belonged to a boy.

Sighart

Sighart was up before the sun. He had to finish reading reports that he missed the day before, because he expected to have very little time to read when he got back from the trip. These trips usually lasted until the afternoon, depending on the weather. Lunch would be served in a temporary camp that the servants had probably already set up in the woods. He always looked forward to the hunting season, but the crown prince was a bit less excited by the prospect of wasting time killing dangerous animals. There was real work to be done and very little precious time to have everything completed. For instance, the occurrence of crime had increased in the last few days. He attributed it to the temporary increase in the population in the city in anticipation of the coming festivities.

Being the heir was more than the popularity and the power. A huge amount of responsibility rested on his shoulder. He may not be the one making the decisions yet, but his opinion was expected and often criticized by the emperor. None that he did seemed sufficient for the old man. Sig was always lacking, always not the heir his father had always dreamed of. He wondered if his father secretly wished that the heir was Jan Leon instead of Sighart. Jan was a powerful mage, feared by many because of his exploits in Galorien.

A knock at the door of his study pulled him off of his musings. The prince raised his blonde head and called for the person to come in. “Your horse has already been prepared, sire,” said the servant.

“Thank you, Davion.” Sig placed the papers he was reading down on the table beside a plate of untouched breakfast. He got to his feet and prepared to leave the room. That morning, he chose to wear light clothing and leather armor over his chest, a pair of dark colored trousers tucked inside his boots. He was putting on leather gauntlets as he continued speaking to Davion. “Please do not touch anything on this table, except for my breakfast. Make sure to relay that to the others.”

The servant acknowledged the command, bowed and watched his prince walk out of the room in long strides. One hand was in the pocket of his pants. Inside was the bead that Risey gave Sig. He was toying with it the whole morning, thinking over his plan for the night.

He arrived at the courtyard before most of the lords and his father. Sighart always had to arrive before his father, because tardiness was another trait that the old man just couldn’t tolerate.

“Good morning, your highness,” greeted the stable boy guiding Sig’s horse. It was a battle horse bred for speed and stamina, given to him as a gift by the Emperor. He stroked its neck when the boy led the horse to a stop before the prince.

“Thank you,” Sig said. He scanned the area for his brother, worried that their father might notice that his second son was missing. It was still early, but the Emperor had a habit of arriving before the agreed time. He turned to the servant, whose name he cannot really remember. “Has Jan arrived yet?”

The servant shook his head. “I have not seen Prince Jan this morning, sire.”

He nodded thoughtfully. Did Jan drunk a lot the night before? Sig couldn’t quite recall his brother getting drunk on the wine served in the castle. It was among his least favorite wines in the kingdom. “Can you please see to it that my brother is already awake?”

“Certainly, sire.” The servant bowed low then turned on his heels towards the direction of Jan’s apartment.