Layana’s eyes flew open to the sound of multiple bells ringing. Echoing through the palace and the courtyards, vibrating off the walls, loud enough that the entire city could hear. Her heart thumped loudly as fear spread through her body like poison. She clutched her head closing her eyes as she tried to regain her calm. This was a sound she had heard when she was a three-year-old child, one that was accompanied by traumatic memories, pain and fear. It is not often that we remember the memories of childhood, but the sound of the foreboding warning bells was imprinted deep in her mind. War. War was upon them. Pushing off her silken sheets she rushed from her bed to the balcony, pushing open the door she rushed to the edge of her balcony looking out. What had happened? Everything seemed quieter, although it looked the same, she scanned the area, straining her eyes to see, feeling the familiar prickle in her eyes and then everything became a hundred times sharper. With her now glowing
The Four princesses stood in Myra’s private drawing-room, for the queen to summon them it surely meant it was something important. Terania’s face was pale with the reality of war upon them knowing what this could mean for her future. “Be seated,” Myra’s haughty voice came as she strode gracefully into the room, her chin raised, dressed in a deep green dress. “Is something the matter mother?” Terania asked, the queen turned her gaze to her daughter, disapproval clear on her face “We are at war, is that not enough?” she asked her voice so cold it sent a shiver down the princess’s spines. “Forgive me, mother,” Terania replied with a bow “You are to become queen someday. Only the Gods know how soon that may be, step away from your childish behaviour Terania,” she hissed venomously. The princesses had never seen the Queen so angry at her own daughter before. None spoke waiting for the queen to continue, taking a deep breath to calm her emotions Myra turned her gaze to Terania once mo
“Layana… listen to me,” the king said hoarsely, his mind still reeling with the sheer extent of her abilities, not only could she delve into memories, but she could also visit any part of the past if she so desired. “No. You listen to me,” she said her soft voice icy as she tried to contain her anger. “I am king Layana, do not forget that,” he warned her gripping his desk. “You failed as a king when you condemned an entire Clan to its end! You failed as a father when you still wanted me to marry Declan, someone you have betrayed! You are nothing but a tyrant!” Layana shouted, her voice breaking “Layana! know your place! I have shown you leniency! Despite what you possess I have only tried to protect you! Declan can protect you, he loves you,” the king snapped his anger flaring “He would never love me when he learns the truth! A truth I shall tell him!” she hissed, “Layana if you dare…” “What will you do?! Sentence me to death too? go ahead, perhaps when you lose one of your own
Declan looked at her, tears streamed down her face as she told him everything she had seen, from the plan that had been put in place, those who had spoken against it, mainly Jasper, Aren’s grandfather, those whose names she knew of who were involved, the way the council and her father had tricked his father. She told him it was the Dark Lord who had ended his mother’s life. She almost fell to her knees, guilt, pain and sorrow consuming her, if Declan hadn't caught her, and pulled her into his arms, regretting the fact he had allowed her to find out the truth, he had not even considered the amount of pain it would cause her. He caressed her back, the other hand stroking her hair as she sobbed into his shoulder. “I’m so so sorry, I wish there was a way I could reverse what was done,” she cried softly, “I’m sorry for the crimes my family have commit, your family were heroes, yet to hide their own lies they were buried with no recognition,” “Hush… it's ok,” Declan said, he knew the roya
They broke apart, Layana breathing heavily, her entire body was filled with a need for the man before her, she could see the carnal desire in his eyes. She had never cared for what people thought of her, but at that moment she felt wanted and appealing, knowing that the man she loved was looking at her as if she was the only woman in the world. He made her want to show him exactly what she had to offer, to have him admire every inch off her. He kissed her softly as he began removing her necklace and earrings, her core throbbing as he kissed her sensually, she reached up and removed the crown from her head, taking out her pins which now joined the growing bundle of jewels to the side. He sucked on the tip of her ear making her shiver in pleasure, his hands caressing her waist, was this real? Her sweet intoxicating scent filled his senses. His fingers ran up the side of her waist his fingers brushing her breasts as he looked into her eyes, was she really ready for this? “Will you no
The sun shone brightly, birds soared in the sky and despite the quieter atmosphere in the palace, nature was at its finest. Now that the wedding was over everyone was once again thinking about the war. Layana’s heart felt heavy as she made her way to the courtyard, Declan would leave soon and although she wished time could be delayed, it could not. Dressed in a black gown with high collars and long ruched sleeves, the entire bodice was embroidered in a teal blue and silver silk thread which flowed over her hips and to the ground. Her hair was open, cascading down her back and a thin silver crown set with teal jewels sat upon her head. “Layana!” Aurelia called from behind her, she paused as her sister hurried over to her as swiftly as she could without looking improper. “Careful you do not want to fall,” Layana scolded gently as her sister stumbled on the hem of her purple gown. “Sorry but I'm simply curious… I came to your room twice last night… you were not there…” she said her
“We were at dinner, The king, Myra and I, it was a very cold rainy day during winter. A guard entered the room and he looked rather perturbed, requesting to speak to the king urgently. Evaan simply told him to continue. He said a woman was at the door, saying she was looking for a man by the name of Evaan who worked at the palace, before the man could even continue Evaan got up quickly and left the room. Myra and I were curious, I was pregnant with Cordelia at the time and was 6 months along. We were young and we decided to go see who this woman was,” Azalea sounded almost guilty for spying on her husband, but Layana thought it was completely fair after all why was a woman asking for their husband. “Well, when we got to the hall the woman had her hood down and I could see she was beautiful, her hair was almost white, high cheekbones and exceptionally beautiful even Myra paled in comparison to her. She looked a lot like you, but I must say you are even more beautiful,” Azalea said and
Layana frowned, slowly peeping over the marble wall, but the woman was gone, she stood up scanning the grounds, before retreating inside. Should she go see if another note was left? Or try to find out who the woman was? Was there perhaps a way she could do so without going outside? She paced her room pondering on what step to take for several minutes before coming to her decision. She sat on the ground, closing her eyes she focused her mind on the woman in the orchards. ‘Who is she?’ she thought, frowning in concentration willing her ability to give her answers. She felt the familiar prickle and the surge of power, she opened her eyes and she was no longer in her room, but in front of the cloaked woman. The marble walls flecked with gold that caught the light, a clear indication she was still in the palace, the room was very dimly lit but Layana’s sharp eyes could see enough. The woman's back was to Layana as she removed her cloak casting it aside, her fist clenched, Layana gasped.