8.

THE BALL ROOM was huge and filled to the brim. People of different classes and ranks were present. The walls were covered in red and gold drapes. Elegance shone on every surface and everyone present seemed to be dressed in their best attires that day.

People were actually performing the waltz dance here and the music was an ancient tune. I sat down beside my sister, my eyes wandering every direction taking in the scene before me. It wasn't everyday you got to witness an actual ball in an actual palace.

The table we were sitted around was for the 'high and mighty' people in the three realms. The highest and mightiest of the high and mighty in fact. This meant probably just the kings, queens, princes and princesses were allowed on this table. Of the three realms, only one of the kings had a wife and a cute little daughter. The other kings were Corey who was still unmarried and king Jacob who was also unmarried leaving a lot of vacant seats left. However, it was against protocol for a non royal to sit at the beautifully carved table.

I looked around the ball room once again before coming to the conclusion that this was in fact a very boring event. What was the celebration in this? There was hardly any noise and everything seemed too planned to be fun.

"The king of Alxae kingdom wishes to address the people now." Cal announced after clearing his throat and a hush fell over the ball room. "Now welcoming King Corey Adams descendant of Zion and wielder of water and air elements" The crowd screamed in appraisal jamming their hands together happily and proudly.

"Do they seriously have to introduce him like that?" Kellyn rolled her eyes in distaste. I elbowed her subtly, telling her to remain silent.

Corey stepped into the spotlight in all his elegant glory. The extravagance of his clothe was second to none, even his shoes seemed to sparkle with every step he took. He screamed royalty. As usual, his green eyes looked dull and cold. Void of emotions despite the huge smile he wore on his face.

"From the time i took the title of king from my late guardian, you all have been loyal to me and the royal family at large, you have been supporting and acknowledging my efforts in this kingdom. Specially thanking king Jacob and king Charles for everything they've done for this kingdom. As long as i remain king, I will make sure this kingdom flourishes in wealth and peace" The crowd cheered energetically, shouting praises in ancient Alxae language. "Here's to bigger accomplishments and a brighter future" Corey closed his speech and made for the table we were seated.

I felt myself becoming self conscious about my appearance. From my beautiful chignon, to my crystal necklace and matching earrings to my purple sleveless ball gown with sparkles of silver. I looked lovely, i think. The king sat at the head of the table, fingers clasped, eyes calculating. Not once did his eyes stray to my form and i felt a bubble of disappointment begin to grow in me. He sent a nod of acknowledgement to the kings, his brother and Cal. I felt so out of place on this table, i wanted to shrink into myself and hide.

"Shall we eat?" Corey said picking up his cutleries

"Well finally! I thought we wouldn't. Kept me waiting this long because 'nobody should eat before the king' pfft." Kellyn exclaimed haughtily before reaching for her cutlery. I almost wanted to bang my head on the table at how dumb she actually was. These were royalties for crying out loud!

Corey however ignored her statement as did the other royalties. Snobby much?

I reluctantly picked up my fork and knife and tried to eat what was served. There was absolutely no problem with the food. In fact, it looked delicious and knowing the cooks, I was sure this was quality food. However, the knife kept slipping from my hands and I felt perspiration begin to gather on my forehead. How would I explain my inability to use a fork and knife properly? I'm sure even the maids here knew how to properly use the cutleries.

I gingerly dropped the cutleries and acted like i wasn't dying to gobble down everything on the plate.

Patience kira, patience.

I glanced at kellyn to see her eating gracefully with the cutleries. Kellyn was a very classy person, she probably taught herself these things in her free time. The betrayer!

"Won't you eat up?" Calvin innocently asked unaware of the ongoing conflict within me.

"No, no. I'm not so hungry. I had something to eat earlier" I murmured. I'd rather die of hunger than openly and deliberately embarrass myself. Moreso in front of Corey.

"We have something to discuss" Corey broke the silence. His statement was directed at the two kings who immediately sat up and looked him in the eye. I read in one of the books that kings were very proud and always looked people in the eye to show that they had no fear. It was like a fight for power because even king Charles went as far as puffing his chest out, his very flat chest might I add.

"We'll go straight to the point. There's a betrayer amongst us three. One of us is trying to overthrow the sun goddess"  Corey stated non-challantly, his eyes zeroing on Charles. "My drink has been poisoned too. I can smell it all over the cup" He continued, picking up the drink and inspecting it.

Now this, this was intimidating.

In a flash, corey snapped his fingers and the little daughter of king Charles was stood beside him, a robe of wind surrounding her. She herself looked perplexed as to how to got there so fast. The ball went on like nothing happened and in fact, nobody seemed to be looking their way. It suddenly occured to me that this was what happened the night we were taken from earth. It was called cloaking magic, very rare and very advantageous. To the rest of the room, it looked like we were still eating and the kings were having a nice conversation.

"Boo" corey said in a dark voice. "Thought I wouldn't find out?" He asked darkly and in a second, his eyes changed to an electrifying blue making me release a gasp. How does he do that?

"Why?" Corey asked again.

"I don't understand what you're talking about." Charles stuttered, his adams apple bobbing up and down. At this point, even I knew he was lying and that was saying a lot because I hardly observed things like this.

"I might as well give your daughter a taste of my drink then?" The said daughter cowered in fear. She wads just about six years of age.

"No please!" This was his wife " leave my daughter out of it. Charles! Tell Corey everything you scum. Don't risk the life of our daughter" her beautiful features twisted with malice and anger.

"Who is luciana?" Corey probed and I sat straight. The name brought chills running down my spine.

"How do you know that name?" Charles asked feigning innocence.

"Still lying are we?" Cal asked craning his neck and popping his knuckles threatenly. Cal never passed up on an opportunity to intimidate people.

"Nevermind, I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything you need to know but please don't kill my daughter. I request that my daughter and wife reach home safely"

Corey chuckled coldly "They'll stay here till I get all the information i need. I can't risk this getting out. Jacob, will you be so kind to join me?"

"Of course!" Jacob replied bowing his head a little.

"And Charles, don't even think of lying. I have an expert wizard here, my very own brother. We will make this quick by going through your memories and there after he will wipe your memory of everything that happened tonight"

"Does your brother perhaps practice dark magic?" Charles asked with a shaky smirk.

"We will see. Cal escort the girls to their rooms. We leave for fae kingdom tomorrow by mid day. This kingdom is getting to dangerous for them. The word about escalia's lost children's return is spreading fast and they're yet to learn their powers. I will leave my chief advisor in charge till i come back".

How could he possibly have planned all this? He was so in control of everything.

"Will you leave us there?" I timidly asked

"But of course. That is your home afterall. Don't worry, you'll blend in soon enough". He looked straight into my eyes when he answered me. This was the first time he regarded me since yesterday.

"Now go"

"I'm not done eating" kellyn whined drawing my attention to her. Had she seriously been eating all this while?

"Let's go glutton. You heard the king." Cal said

"Shut up pig" she muttered before standing up from the chair. A coy smile was playing on her lips while cal winked at her.

These two!

Just as we turned to leave the ball room, a large explosion sounded from the entrance. The whole room was in full panic mode. Screams of fear filled the whole place. I myself could feel my heart beating out of my ribcage.

Cal immediately threw himself in front of us and so did Calvin who made a magical protective orb around us. From my side view I could see Corey float up on a ball of wind, his electric blue eyes moved from side to side trying to discern the cause of the commotion.

I got distracted for a second while I watched Corey move graciously in the air then I heard a sharp wheezing sound and my sister's strangled voice screaming my name.

"What?" I wanted to ask her but the dark arrow that pierced me right under my left breast halted my movements. My eyes widened and my mouth flew agape in shock. The pain hit me full force and I plummeted to the ground.

How did the arrow break through Calvin's shield? Could it be dark magic?

Luciana?

...

OLD MEMORIES

"And the bear went growlrow! Grrrowl graaa! Puff! went the bear" she watched as her second daughter burst into cute little laughter. It was divine.

Eyes like gold sunset, hair the colour of rich chocolate and skin as pale as snow. The princess was a sight to behold. As soon as the ruckel she summoned earlier entered the throne room, sorrow covered her features.

What must be done, must be done in order to protect her children.

Pain sliced through her heart when she looked into the eyes of her daughter once again.

"Will you go to your room and get some rest? Mummy will tell you another story tomorrow" She lied through her teeth.

There will be no tomorrow.

Her golden eyes followed the tiny feet of her daughter as she ran off happily.

"Wise queen do we really have to do this?" Sieress asked humbly. Sie was one of her most trusted advisors, personal guard, and oldest friend.

"Yes. But all will be well in due time, fret not" She rasped. Even her voice sounded weak.

"You are one of the people I trust most. A powerful ruckel to look after my daughters on earth is just what I need. They are the future of these realms and protecting them should be your utmost priority"

"Aye my queen. Ye be rest assured now" Sie assured

"I will see to locking up their memories myself. I should erase them to be on a safer side but I can't. I don't want my children to forget me" she sighed sadly.

"Each year on their birthday, I will deliver a purple tulip to their doorstep. I will fill it with my pixie and each time the box is opened, it will renew the memory lock spell and all other spells I will place on them to stop the growth of their powers. They cannot remember at any cost. Lissers are everywhere these days"

"Ye oughtta be worried about de're looks. They be a spitting image of ye milady" Sie butted in.

"Yes I have considered that. I will have to get one of my witches to change their appearances for now. Their eyes are too ethereal to be earthly and I don't want the lissers to suspect them. They will look normal"

"Aye milady. As always ye have thought of everything afore hand"

"You leave tonight. Prepare! Ready all that you will need. Take some weapons along with you"

"Haven't been to earth since the good ole days" Sie smiled widely, renembering her adventures with a certain queen back in their rebellious phase.

"I still can't believe she would do this" The queen sighed "A lot is at stake here. Not just my life, the balance between the realms. The peace my sisters and I have fought so hard to establish. Everything!"

"Yet ye still chose to save the little wench's son and he lives within these walls as a royal. Yer kindness is beyond my thinking"

"He's a good boy. He was but a child! I couldn't leave him with such an arrogant and uncaring mother. Moreso, we both know his father. It's better we keep him as an ally than have him as a foe. Great potential lies within him alongside great darkness"

"Ye should be wary of him"

"No! I will bring him up as my son. He will owe his loyalty to me."