Sinister Sundowns in Aviloria
🜲
“We are here today to pay our respects and celebrate the life of Kristina; not only the lady in waiting but closest friend to our princess.” the priest had begun. Stifled sobs coming from poor Angel, as well as Adeline.I couldn’t focus on the speech given, I may not have been close to Kristina myself, but I knew how much she meant to my sister. All I could do was reach a hand out to Angel to let her hold it for comfort. Feeling her latch onto my arm broke my heart more, most of us knew that this was no accident. To others it was believed Kristina fell down the stairs, it could happen to anyone…. Especially if you were targeted. My gaze subtly changed to look at our head guard, standing close to Father. The ‘strong, respectable, loyal’ Nathaniel, or that’s what he wants people to believe. It was obvious he wanted to be with Angel, if it was for the throne then he was an idiot. Our brother Micheal was the heir, then of course I would be next in line. Although he was willing to murder Kristana for standing up for Angel who knows what he was planning….
🜲~🜲 Now, don’t get me wrong, our kingdom isn’t as dramatic as you might think. Aviloria is a beautiful kingdom, though I may be biased since I am the prince. I have visited other kingdoms so there are some grounds to my opinion.
Atlantis is filled with brilliant minds, but it smells of fish and the citizens are quite hostile, in comparison to their overly loving royal family. Though my father was able to convince them to open their borders! Himyarite is the home of my late mother. As beautiful as it is, the heat is too much for plant life; one of the many reasons why I am hesitant to marry in and become king there. Though I still love it for it's religious ties, and my family history! My father told me of Grimoire, what happened to them was a tragedy. I never got to visit before the raid happened.
The kingdom of Sheol has been busy at work, still trying to find the culprits. I have no doubts that they will as they are known for their military. Their beliefs in honor and making things right is so admirable. Delarania, a kingdom known for its advancements in air travel, which many consider to be a form of magic. The land is rich in livestock, and the people have always been proud of their heritage. Then there was Avalon, a mysterious place I was never allowed to go. Their borders had been blocked off long before even my father was born; they have always been cold and selfish, hiding their magic away from the world. A Cold War between our nations for hundreds of years really, even with my father trying to ask for peace he was cruelly rejected, what can you expect from brutes like them? There was nothing wrong with Aviloria, Everyone loved my family, we kept the peace with the other nations. We were a kingdom no outsider could break! Well except-
“‘Siah! You’re zoning out again!” I snapped out of my thoughts as Cole’s voice rang out. “If you want to prove to the king you can be a knight like us then you can't go and have your head in the clouds! We are sword fighting gimme that full attention!” His bright blue gaze was just as sharp as his blade.
“Ah! Sorry Cole! Just a lot on my mind!”
“Clearly a handsome sight is just too distracting~” Nakoa cheerfully cooed as he exaggeratedly flipped his minty hair.
“Funny, I don’t recall installing a mirror out here.” I retorted, making a big show of looking around, causing the four of us to laugh. These three always knew how to bring me out of any bad mood. We have known each other since we were kids, they could barely hold their weapons back then, it's hard to believe they were the ones training me now. “Alright, my focus is on you. Shall we continue?”
Sevrick leaned against the wall with a smirk on his face. “Actually keep focused this time. Or you will have to fight me next.”
Apparently TOO much focus had been put on Cole, as within moments I found myself on the ground gasping for air. Something had swiped under my leg from behind, which caused me to lose all balance. “Oh come now, all this training and neither of you have taught him sneak attacks? Are you alright Jojo?”
Before I could even process what happened, I felt something wet and cold press against my face—Bentley’s nose, sniffing me curiously. The bloodhound huffed and licked my cheek, tail wagging, as if he were checking if I had truly been knocked out. As my vision unblurred I saw a hand in my face, grabbing onto it brought me just as quickly to my feet. “I will.. Be fine when…. The air returns to my lungs.” I had a pout on my face as I muttered, batting away both Michael and Bentley’s attentions, feeling my brother trying to dust me off and check for any real injuries.
“St-stop! What is going on, michael? I thought you were with Father?” Michael chuckled, stepping back while Bentley remained at his side, his deep brown eyes scanning me with an intelligence far beyond what most gave him credit for.
A loud laugh escaped him as he took his hand back, "I already finished up with Father, I was just heading to the library. Then I saw you out the window with your head in the clouds instead of practicing. There is no harm in wanting to keep my baby brother on his toes~."
I watched as he thrusted a fist towards me, this time I had been prepared and deflected it. "Last I checked this was a lesson of swords, not unarmed combat." I grunted.
"And what if you are caught without a sword, but your opponent is armed? You must be prepared for everything, it's your duty as a prince. Your wits can only get you so far, brother. I won't always be able to get you out of trouble."
Bentley gave a low whuff, as if agreeing.
I rolled my eyes at the comment, Michael worried too much. I knew it was a mixture of him being the oldest and the pressure of soon taking the throne. "If the time ever comes I will be prepared. I promise you, I don't need your protection. I will take things at my own pace, I need it if… I am going to lead Himyarite-." I hid any discomfort in my voice.
Bentley’s tail, which had been wagging happily, slowed. He sniffed the air, looking between me and Michael before pressing against my leg, his usual way of offering silent comfort.
By the way Cole's expression had shifted. I could tell he had realized my facade was faltering. He had known since we were kids that I never wanted to leave Aviloria to be king somewhere else, even if it was my mother's home. Cole let out a cough to catch our attention, "Hey, when the time comes you'll make a great leader though! You have ‘koa and I to thank for that~"
“Eh- yeah of course! Anyway!” I cleared my throat, needing to get off this subject. “Shall we see if dinner is nearly ready?” I gave a look to the boys to show I needed to speak to Michael.
Bentley seemed to sense something important was being said, because instead of following me, he trotted faithfully behind Michael, keeping pace with him as we walked.
“And you heard it here first! The prince is too scared to fight the Green nightmare~” Sevrick teased.
“I want to keep you on your toes, You will never know when I will get you!” I jokingly threatened as I walked away.
“We need to go clean up, have a great night sires!” Nakoa chirped with a bow.
Bentley let out a short boof, looking at Michael expectantly.
Michael reached down, scratching behind Bentley’s ears before sighing. “Sure, we can head out, you have a good night as well.” He turned on his heel to head back into the corridors, Bentley padding beside him, his presence steady as always.
I quickly followed after him, “So what were you talking about with Father, anyway?”
“Oh nothing important, just about the marriage again.”
“Wait, let me guess.” I tried my best to mimic Father’s voice. “Due to recent events, Gregory and I found it best to postpone the wedding a bit longer until things have calmed down.”
Michael chuckled and followed suit. “You forgot, ‘let your brother know the same goes for him and Omaira.’ I swear if it keeps getting delayed every time something bad happens I will be having a mid life crisis by the time I finally get married.”
“If that's the case then would it really have been so bad for me to just join Cole and Nakoa in protecting the castle? It seems I am never leaving the kingdom at this rate!” I quickly stop myself realizing my mistake “I-i mean of course that isn’t going to happen, but just a funny thought-“
Michael stopped walking, turning to glare at me with those piercing red eyes it sent a shiver down my spine. “Are you still on about that? I thought you gave that ridiculous dream up! Do not let Father hear you speak about that again. I can not believe I still have to get it through your head, you are a PRINCE, you are going to follow through with Father’s plans.”
I winced at his scolding, looking away dejected. “I-i know. I wasn’t saying I still wanted that, I was only making a joke about that… stupid childish dream I had.-“ I was well aware of the punishment I would face if I kept acting out, even if no one else knew I knew.
Michael sighed, seeming to relax after my lie, “I’m sorry for being so harsh. Himyarite is lucky to be having you as their king, Jojo.”
“Yeah- anyway. About the reasoning for the postponement. Kristina…”
“I know. It’s horrible, Angel won’t even let me into her room to speak with her.”
“I.. don’t blame her. I think I would shut down completely if Cole was murde- found dead. Losing your best friend is probably one of the worst pains… I can only imagine the pain Adeline is feeling as well, the thought of finding your partner like that-”
“Nathaniel has been extra pushy as of late too now that Kristina is ‘out of the way.’”
I placed my hand on the double hall doors, “I’m going to prove that he had a hand in it.”
🜲
I passed through the halls, my stride didn't skip a beat. I knew where I was heading. Michael and I had plans to sneak out tonight to grab a gift for Angel, we knew how torn she was over losing Kristina. The gift wasn't the only reason why we needed to leave though, we needed to discuss in private.
Kristina's death was no accident, we had no proof but we were sure Nathaniel had a hand to play in the demise of the lady in waiting. She always seemed very defensive against him, pulling our sister away whenever he appeared. It couldn't be a coincidence that she died shortly after Angel became more assertive with her rejections.
I stopped dead in my tracks, that voice… speak of the devil. I quietly approached the doorway listening in, Angel was on the other side as well. Poor dear, no one was there to whisk her away to safety… I peered in, he practically had my sister cornered! My blood was starting to boil at the sight of her in distress.
"It truly is unfortunate for the loss. I know she meant the world to you, that young squire isn't taking the death of his sister lightly either. Not to mention her lover’s dismay. But fear not my dear princess, I am here to be the shoulder to cry on. We will mourn her loss, but remember she would want you to be happy and move on."
Angel's fists clenched, tears pricked her eyes as he went to move in to hug her she shoved him away. "Don't! Touch me! You didn't know her! She would never want me to be with a man like you! I will never love you! You are disgusting for trying to win my heart while I am mourning! Get away from me!"
I felt a sense of pride seeing Angel stand up for herself 'That's my girl! Don't let him take advantage of you!' I cheered her on in my head.
Nathaniel's stance changed, he was silent for a moment… "Huh, I see… as you wish, your majesty…" he turned towards the door, but gave her a glance. "I sure hope no other accidents befall anyone, princess… I’ve heard wolves have been spotted near the castle walls recently, I would hate to find any remnants of a hunt."
A chill ran down my spine at that statement, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. Something was very wrong, I felt like a mouse that was about to be snatched by a hawk. Michael and I were next, I just knew it, I had to do something! I bit my lip trying to think fast, barging in would prove to only be deadly. Seeing as Nathaniel was making his way to the door I turned on my heel and ran. I would have to meet with Michael later, preparations needed to be made.
