Destiny â Callisto & Mirabella
Time âąÂ Seventeen years ago. Location âąÂ High Palace, The Grandeur. Word Count âąÂ 1,085 words. Summary ⹠Mirabella Realight returns from her trip to the Mines and teaches Callisto a valuable lesson in destiny.
Chin rested against his knuckles, Callisto exasperatedly sighed as he stared at the seemingly endless sea stretching far across the horizon. The dire need for entertainment was evident on his facial features. For hours, he sat on a chair and was told to read a dusty yellowed book which smelled of aged paper. He was practically trapped on the balcony overlooking the Grandeurâs shores and glistening waters. Two guards stood by the door, making him feel more like a captive forced to follow orders.
Before boredom consumed him completely, the sound of approaching footsteps caught Callistoâs attention. He turned his head and beamed brightly at the familiar face walking through the door. Callisto rose up and embraced his grandmother tightly. Upon realising his mistake, he gasped softly and stepped back, shortly after bowing before her. âYour majesty,â he greeted in a formal tone and demeanour.
Mirabella smiled and scoffed at her grandsonâs actions. âYour coronation is in a week. Soon, you shall be Prince of this palace,â she spoke, her voice expressing subtle excitement for the upcoming event. Mirabella could already picture the grand occasion. Nobles from across the land would gather to witness Callisto coming of age and understand his new position as the Grandeurâs undoubted future heir. The celebration would be an enormous spectacle, receiving great envy from those uninvited. Â âIf anything, it is I, who should defer to you,â the Queen continued, cackling as she sat with Callisto. âAlthough I do hope you donât want your old grandmother to get on her knees.â
A smile graced Callistoâs lips. He looked forward to the event, but his primary emotion at the moment was anxiety. Callisto was worried about not living up to the expectation people sought to see in him. After all, he had the blood of the Golden Queen running through his veins. He should be equally if not a better leader than her. âHow was your trip, Grandmother?â Callisto asked, changing the conversation in hopes of keeping his mind off the coronation. âI want to know all about the Mines,â he continued, taking hold of Mirabellaâs hand and urging her to speak instantly.
âLet me begin by telling you how much Iâve missed the sunshine here,â she replied groaning in slight annoyance. Mirabella has only stayed in the Mines for three days, but she dearly wished negotiations took lesser time than that. âSteel, rock, molten lava as far as the eye can see. There isnât much to say, little love.â She did, however, wanted Callisto to know the concluding results of her journey, which were the important details he needs to be aware of. âThe heir to House Ironridge has recently been coronated as well. A young man with sunshine gold hair and hazel eyes. I can see him rising to greatness in the future. They held a celebration we do not ever want to be a part of.â She hummed in displeasure, recalling the brutish customs the Ironridges partook in. âNever mind my trip. I received your letter about you learning a new spell? Show me,â Mirabella encouraged, flashing a supportive smile.
Callisto nodded in understanding, still curious about the Mines across the Moore, but decided to follow his grandmotherâs command. He repeated the spell in his head and began to chant. âFlos erit auriâŠâ Callisto whispered repeatedly with his eyes closed. The roses in the vase sitting on the middle of the table became stiff and slowly turned to solid gold. He smiled upon seeing the success of his magic. Callisto was prepared to speak when he heard the clashing of swords nearby. He grinned and rushed to the balcony, looking below to see Ibrahim sparing with his trainer. Oh how he longed to join them. A nice break from these dull and tedious lessons would be much appreciated.
Standing up from her own chair, Mirabella followed after him and placed a hand on his shoulders. âIbrahim matters a lot to you, doesnât he?â she inquired, looking bellow as well to the bastard drench in sweat. Mirabella never approved of her sonâs decision to keep his illegitimate child. Nonetheless, Ibrahim still carried her blood and was a Realight. He was part of the family one way or another.
Ibrahimâs skill with a sword made the younger Realight smile. He always adored watching him practice. âYes, he does,â Callisto replied, followed by another sigh. Ibrahim had the freedom from High Palace and other obligations he himself couldnât even hope to imagine. âI donât understand, grandmother. Why is it Ibrahimâs life seems so much more exciting than mine? Heâs allowed to leave our home, interact with the soldiers, do whatever his heart pleases!â he exclaimed, his envy and frustration utterly present. âEven our riding lessons are different. I was put on a gentle horse while he received a gallant steed. Not to mention heâs permitted to carry a sword with him at all times.â
Mirabella shook her head and caressed the young future Princeâs soft brown hair. âIbrahimâs destiny is different from yours. He lives to fight in the battlefield and defend our family.â She took hold of Callistoâs chin and urged him to look at her. âThe Gods have placed you on this earth for another, far superior reason,â the Golden Queen explained, using the tone of some prophet. âYour fate lies on the throne. A crown on your head. Thousands of people falling at your feet.â She pressed her lips at Callistoâs forehead and smiled. âIâm the oldest Head of Household in Enlanthranal. Iâve never once needed to hold a sword during my rule. Remember, beauty and wit is sometimes deadlier than any blade.â Mirabella patted his cheeks lightly and hummed. âRun along, little love. I believe the servants prepared a bath for you. I shall meet you in your chambers later to continue the story about my trip to the Mines.â
Callisto smiled faintly and politely bowed his head before dismissing himself. Once he was inside, Mirabella looked to the skies, marvelling at the setting sun descending down. âIf it is not against your will. May Callisto rule over this landâŠâ she whispered in prayer. The Golden Queen envisioned an eminent future. War is upon them, but in the ashes rises a King adored and revered by all. Mirabella is going to stop at nothing to make sure her grandson sits the Throne. She has taken the necessary steps to achieve her goal. Now all she needed was a blessing from the Gods above.













