The City of Odairo was bustling with life, glowing brightly, the sound of music, laughter and chatter filled the air, the delicious smells of freshly cooked food wafted by one’s nose. Lanterns hung from the carts of the vendors. Strings of fairy lights and lanterns crossed between the buildings, illuminating the night sky. The Ehlesaar flag in its colours of white, silver, and charcoal grey hung proudly, streamers in the same colours mixed among the lanterns in celebration of the royal wedding decorated the city square . The storm from earlier had cooled the humid weather down considerably and the moon shone brightly in the now clear skies. Vendors selling all kinds of food and drink were scattered around, tables spread outside with men and women of all ages sitting around. The Inns were alive, the doors wide open, the sound of roaring laughter and drunk men filled the air. Other vendors sold clothes, jewellery, or souvenirs with the Ehlesaar crests or small figurines of the newly

Layana awoke to someone calling her, the sun was high in the sky, shining through the sheer curtains that hung from the canopy of her bed. “My lady are you not well?” A concerned Rina said bending over the bed, Layana’s eyes widened remembering everything of the night before, “I'm fine just tired…” she said a blush gracing her cheeks, Rina bowed her head “I have run you a bath your highness, your father wishes to see you after lunch,” she said, Layana nodded, as Rina’s gaze fell to the marks on Layana’s creamy neck, her eyes widened as she looked back at her mistress in shock, before lowering her eyes. “What is it?” Layana asked “N-nothing my lady,” she said bowing deeply, as she hurried off “I will go set out your clothing…” Layana got out of bed, it was around 11 am deciding to visit Cordelia after she was dressed. Getting out of bed, she stretched, a small smile playing on her lips as she reminisced on the magical night she would not forget. Raising her hand and looking at t

“Take a seat the both of you,” Evaan said looking at the two who stood before him, noting Layana’s dirt-covered skirt, and her red eyes. Declan too watched her, concern flitting across his face. She had not even looked at him from the moment she had entered, although he had left an hour earlier to release his pent-up anger he was now much calmer and had been looking forward to seeing her. Layana sat down and Declan remained standing once again disobeying the king who simply frowned at the arrogant young man who was soon to become his son in-law . He was almost used to his disrespectful attitude. Almost. Declan looked at her hand, seeing the ring was missing, her hand balled into a fist, he frowned wondering why she took it off, her father had an inkling about them anyway… he could not ponder for any longer as the king sighed. “Since you both have made up your minds I will not stand in your way, I am in fact in approval of this match, we will announce your engagement two nights from

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

“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