It had been over a week since Layana had retrieved the book for Cordelia. Over a week since she had seen Declan. And over a week since she learned that war was nearing. It had hit her like a cold bucket of ice, once the initial shock had worn off, she pondered over the woman's words over and over trying to make sense of what she had meant. Finding barely anything, she started to find information on the dark lord, but all she found was short stories told to scare children. She rarely saw her father and to her relief queen Myra. Her father was busy in meetings for most of the day or stuck in his office attending to his work. The palace was becoming busier with more knights and nobles visiting whether it was for the meetings or other reasons. Her sisters placed it down Terania’s engagement that was coming closer, but Layana knew the truth, a truth she could tell no one about. She had noticed guards were thickening, and training for the knights had been lengthened and had been raised sev

“You wanted to see me,” Declan said once he had entered the king’s office not caring to bow, the anger that rolled off him filled the air of the circular room thickly. Through the bars, the window was cracked open, the sound of distant sounds in the palace courtyards filtered into the otherwise silent office. The king looked at him wondering if now was the best time to put the proposal forward. But perhaps the offer would calm the man down... “Ah yes take a seat Declan,” Evaan said, it had been just over an hour since he spoke to Layana and had finally calmed himself down. Having sent the word that no one was to train the princess at any cost. He had then had a drink of wine before summoning Declan knowing he would be taking a break from training around now. Declan looked at the seat “I'm fine standing,” he said directly disobeying the king. Evaan frowned slightly but said nothing. If it was anyone else he would be punished. It was clear the Storm bloodline ran through the man befor

She looked breath-taking, the colours she wore suited her, the way her hair was pinned back, her make-up only enhancing her beauty rather than consuming it. The bold red on her lips only making them look even more tempting. Her dress was not the most extravagant in attendance, but it stood out from all the others, hugging the goddess-like body she possessed, complimenting her creamy smooth skin. Nor was she wearing the most jewels, yet princess Layana made a statement above every other woman in the room. Declan's eyes did not leave her, something about her drew him in... She looked up suddenly as if sensing his gaze upon her, their eyes met, and Layana felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach at the intense burning gaze with which he was looking at her. Her heart hammered, her chest rising and falling noticeably. His face changed into a frown as he now glared at her, hating the way his heart raced, hating the way he appreciated the way she filled out that dress, hating the way

Layana did not sleep well, she was not able to rest knowing her sister was angry at her and she had no idea why. It upset her that she had hurt her and was ignorant of the cause, and when sleep did come, her dreams were consumed with shadows lurking in the darkness, whispering voices, and horrors of what may come. She had awoken early after informing Rina to wake her before dawn. Once she had washed her face and brushed her hair into a high ponytail, donning a pair of cuffed loose black pants, and a high neck sleeveless top, she headed towards the west side courtyard. Two of her guards escorting her through the luxurious palace halls. “The princess is up bright and early today,” Halian the eldest of her personal guards spoke, he was a handsome man in his late thirties, married and had two adorable children. He was also the most vocal of Layana’s guards “Yes, I am starting my training today,” she replied smirking slightly as the elder man almost stumbled staring at her in shock, both

The morning had gone by like most, with Layana bathing and getting ready for the day, she had breakfast in the princesses drawing-room, Cordelia once again not present. Terania had left to attend to matters with Zephyr, it was clear she was becoming accustomed to the man, much to Layana’s relief. She and Aurelia had lunch with Queen Azalea in her quarters, discussing and studying for the upcoming engagement. With many nobles and even royals from neighbouring kingdoms arriving, the princesses needed to be sure to greet each one according to their status. The queen gave the girls several large handbooks to study the guest list from. Currently her and Aurelia were sitting on the balcony outside the drawing-room, the sun shining down on them. the hustle and bustle of palace life filled the air, and it felt pleasant. The table between them held the large handbooks containing all the guests who would be attending, many with a small but detailed portrait added to their information. These