IN THE BEGINNING

CHAPTER 20- IN THE BEGINNING

I swung my sword hard, making sure to keep my pacing and feet in place, sweat dripped my forehead. I feel back panting staring up towards the starry sky where I could see all manner of birds fluttering through the air.

"Get up my prince, if you want to surpass your brother in such a short manner of time you will have to push through!"

I rolled my eyes and began to stand back up "Brother barely practices sword training, not to mention I'm older than him only by a bit but it puts me at an advantage." I didn't say it but also, I was much stronger considering the hardships I had gone through whilst he was pampered his entire life. Everything was handed to him like a golden goose, but I thank those hardships.

Because of them I have developed strong resistance to poison and even distinct types of magic.

I felt the sword teacher shake his head as I stayed sitting on the ground. As soon as his presence left another entered. But I recognized this presence.

A smile dawned on my face "Princess?" I stood up basically jumping to my feet.

There she was once again, she looked like an angel sent to bless my suffering. "Hello Yuno!" She called out to me

I ran and grabbed her hand bringing her to a much quieter area where we were less likely to be seen "I warned you to send me sign you were coming." I laughed in a playful tone.

"I know but I really wanted to see you!" She giggled excitedly

"I wanted to see you too but now is an extremely sensitive time in the castle, I'm running for crown prince so everyone especially mother and brother are on edge" What I was saying was entirely the truth, and with my societal debut coming soon if my family were to see her here, they would assume Oraylea is siding with me. Which would become a major issue if mother was to hear.

I touched her forehead, using what little of my Magic I had left from my training session to change her appearance. The was the only way she could walk around with me without being noticed.

Somehow, she looks gorgeous in every shape and form. Her grey eyes and now straight brown hair look up at me. Her clothing changed as well, to that of a common countryside noble. I could tell she was trying to hide her new appearance from me by covering her face with her hands.

She looks beautiful this way however I miss her original appearance much more, but this is a necessary precaution. What if one of the maids or servants recognize her as the girl who came with the Oraylea' emperor. It could spell danger.

I grabbed her hand and entered the main palace building; heart thumping I'm my chest out of fear of getting caught. I let go of the grip on her hand and single her to follow me, I could feel the stares of the maids as well as their judgmental whispers wondering what we were doing and who this mysterious girl was.

'who's she?'

'What's a commoner doing in the Imperial palace, I mean just look at how She's dressed...'

'Should we report this to her highness?'

As I was about to pull her into my room, I felt a hand grip my arm tightly. "What do you think you're doing?" I saw Ambrose correction. The person I most wanted to avoid was the empress of Atheria; Ambrose Atherian. I turned to face her, her face stern but hinting with glee as though she caught me doing something in the act.

I bowed my head out of respect and ushered Sovvia to do the same. "Now who is this lovely maiden?" The Empress opened her fan to cover up her clear wide grin.

Dammit! Think fast. "This is lady Echart, she a countryside noble I met whilst out. I thought it may be right to invite her. Considering we don't have many relations with the countryside nobility."

"And your best plan of act was to drag the poor girl to your room? Have you learned nothing from your tutors about etiquette?" Very funny, you think I am unaware of your threats to prevent me from learning anything other than sword play?

She grabs Sovvia's hand without warning and begins dragging her off in what I hoped would be the direction of the throne room. "Mother!" The empress abruptly stopped glaring at me with the most hateful gaze as though I had cast the worst sin upon her. "Is there an issue? I'm just bringing Lady Echart to the throne room. Don't you think it's more appropriate for her to be introduced to the emperor before we allow her to enter the palace so freely." She smiled down at me

"We would want the other nobles to take this as some sort of invitation, now, would we?" I could feel the stares of the servants looking at me with humoured gazes.

I felt Sovvia nudge my arm knocking me out of my trance. Thank the Gods she's here with me.

I stepped forward and pushed open the throne room doors holding it open, I tried hard to hide my smirk. I could tell the empress was surprised by my response. Typically, I either lash out or pretended not hear and to ignore it.

-

The emperor sat on the throne as I once again explained the situation, luckily father was more understanding and allowed Sovvia to stay under the guise of Lady Echart.

"Wait second Yuno and Lady Echart." My once calm heart beat rising again "I invite you both to the imperial family dinner, we don't usually eat all together unless it's a noteworthy engagement." The empress looked stunned. "But your majesty!"

But he cut her off "We also have other matters to discuss other than welcoming Lady Echart. You are dismissed."

Before I knew it the doors had shut in my face

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The dinner had been somewhat awkward as not everyone spoke to each other, however that's how Imperia family dinners usually were. As per usual I barely touched my food. I could feel the traces of magic laced in the food. I knew it had been tampered with, the eyes of the maid behind me proved me right. I could almost feel her raging heartbeat – some part of me wanted to call her out but I realized she was most likely forced or threatened considering her stature.

I could tell Sovvia was starting to get uncomfortable, I was too but kept my mouth shut until the proper time

Father finally said something despite the tension in the air. "Princess Daphne of the late republic would be visiting in terms of the marriage proposal for our two kingdoms to unite".

"What?" I asked out of turn, I saw my step mother glare at me as though she was telling me to keep quiet with her eyes. "I'm glad you asked Yuno, I had proposed that Daphne marry into the imperial family as a sign of peace and prosperity. Initially she was set to possibly marry Perseus, however we have you now as well."

What bullshit, what he truly means is he wants a way to take over the republic/united kingdoms but display it as a peace marriage.

"Father? You must be joking." Perseus yelled loudly

"Yes, your majesty you mustn't jest. You can't expect this abomination to be trusted with the uniting of nation!" The empress yelled after.

The emperor glared at her "I never said anything was set in stone, do not raise your voice at me." Silence overran the table "Both of you." He finished

Sovvia raised her hand "May I be excused?" Before the emperor got the chance to answer she got up and sprinted out of the door.

I followed behind her but when I exited, she was nowhere to be found.

This didn't make sense. She couldn't have gone back home her magic has yet to recharge... Short distance warping?

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I spent almost half an hour searching for her before I saw her in the castle garden surrounded by spirits. "That's where you ran off to! was so worried..." I noticed her transformation spell had worn off "You should really be careful, what if someone spots you..."

She stared at me and smiled. "It seems you have it really rough here" I laughed along with her

"You could say that" A silence pause befell the conversation as I sat down next to her. "Are you leaving soon? The spirits are saying they can help you."

"Yes, it's best for father not to worry about me too much." Sovvia smiled at me. How much had I missed her ocean blue eyes... Looking up at the stars I held her hand as it began disappearing.

I felt her fingers slide through mine. "Goodbye Yuno, I'll see you soon."

And with that. I was alone again with nothing but the chatter of playful spirits and the sound of my own heartbeat. I marvelled at the sky for a bit longer before getting up and returning to the palace.

Volume 1- FIN