Chapter 9 - Black and White

The Moretti Castle - The Royal Garden: Princess Evangeline

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I risked being discovered by guards when I called for Karina from the castle garden. But after the discovery of a second victim inside the castle, father posted more guards at the drawbridge and exits.

Karina arrived as she always did, in all her ethereal mysticism.

She took my hand in hers and led me to the furthest aclove, one covered by vines and an array of roses and wisteria. Her palm was warm in mine and I felt her squeeze my hand lightly as she used her magic to open a doorway for us.

It was not my first time entering her abode. But I was young when I was first introduced to her, and my memories of her sanctuary were foggy.The sight that met me on the other side of the doorway was even more beautiful than my scattered memory recalled.

Iridescent light shone down on Karina from a high glass ceiling, making her red hair glow ahead of me. Her home was bright and warm, a sharp contrast to the cold hallways of the castle. I was painfully aware of this contrast. Nonetheless, I admired the beauty that surrounded me.

She led me to a seating area with velvet cushions that formed a circle around a simple wooden table, the table was low with gold ornaments dangling from its edge. Karina sat down easily, folding her legs underneath herself. I followed her example and found the position incredibly comfortable.

"You are aware of the strange and magical things in my world Princess, and I take it your curiosity drives you towards learning more?"

My eyes met hers and for a split second I reconsidered my decision to unveil the truth. Would it bode me well? Would I be able to change the course of the unknown?

I did not know. But I would choose knowing whether it would haunt me or not.

"Everything, tell me everything you know."

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Karina laid a tattered and worn map of the world down in front of me. Her eyes scanned the scroll of paper and when she found what she was looking for, she put her index finger on the spot where Romania lied.

"Both Kings are originally from Romania, King Alexander's territory lies in Transylvania and further into Bucharest. But his current abode is in the west of France. King Kade occupies territory closer to your father's, just beyond the border of Italy and on the edge of France.

In this regard, I hope you realise that the two Kings are never far apart. One always shifts their territory to be closer to the other."

Nodding, I followed along to her narration.

"Alexander is a shape-shifter, his associates are not his servants but his pack. In this instance, that is where Kade and Alexander differ. Kade is a nightwalker, which is unusual because their father was discovered to be a pure-bred shape-shifter—"

My lips parted to interrupt, "Perhaps they do not share the same father?" I focused on that detail, the minor shock I felt from finding that the two creatures in my father's castle were some of the most powerful ones in the magical world had not settled in yet. I would deal with it later.

"On the contrary, they share a father but have different mothers. Both of which I could find no evidence of ever existing. The castle they were born in has been abandoned and records of the Kings in various different locations around the world are all the information I have gained."

An unease washed over me. The more I knew, the more confused I became.

"What about why? Why do they seek my fathers help instead of facing whatever threat lurks on their own?"

Karina shook her head solemnly, "Princess, no one can stand alone in times of darkness. Even the strongest beings need allies."

I wanted to detest her wisdom, but I could not. She was right. But I felt unsatisfied.

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Karina wished me a good night and led me back to the castle garden. We embraced one last time and she assured me that she was just a call away. She would be there whenever I needed her.

Feeling comforted, I snuck my way back into the castle and up the staircase. The darkness of the hallways and the ghostly presence of the tapestries against the windows made me shudder for a moment.

Just paces away from the door of my chambers, a voice spoke from the darkness.

"Welcome home Princess."

I jolted back and tripped over my nightgown, a near fall beckoning me as arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me up into a solid chest.

The tense chill in my bones and the familiar smell of oak and wine invading my senses told me exactly whose arms I was in.

Now knowing exactly what he was and why his presence made me tremble, I dared not to look up into the eyes of the King.

"Careful, there is a murderer on the loose."

I nodded, "I am aware."

His arms felt warm but suffocating around me. I tried to step out of his hold but he was unceasing.

Feeling daring, I pushed my palms against his chest and spoke, "If you would be so kind as to step away from me Alexander."

He listened, it seemed reluctant but he did as I told. I breathed in gratefully.

Stepping out of his way, I rushed to the door of my chambers and clucthced the handle tightly as his nonchalant voice drifted to me in the darkness, "You really should start taking a guard along on your adventures Princess. You aren't safe, even in your own home."

I tugged the door open and shut it swiftly behind myself. My heart raced now more than ever. Alexanders words felt true. And I regretted ever asking Karina for the truth by a small margin.

Whatever the history of these Kings were, it was much darker than what they appealed before us and what Karina knew.