Chapter 1
Author's Note:
Alright! So to avoid confusion, the storyline after the prologue takes place 11 years before the start of Magi and this is my 2nd ever Magi story so please be nice! All comments and criticism are welcome! I only just started watching Magi so I don't know the characters that well so apologies for OOC! I do not own Magi because Shinobu Ohtaka got there first (sad face) anyhow, I hope you enjoy because this is my second Magi fic ever and it's the third non-one-shot I've ever written; If you don't like it, Please give tons of constructive criticism so I can figure out where I went wrong and improve the story for everyone's sake (smiles).
Start of Prologue:
Narrator's POV (3rd Person)
"My liege, the reaction from the Rukh is strong… This child is destined for greatness and we predict the birth of a very strong and virile young boy with strength and valor to match that of your own" the palace mages bowed low to Jonathan the 11th King of Avalon. He nodded at his advisors smiling gently. He trusted them and cared for them much more than ordinary kings might having individually sought out and got to know each one remembering each by their names and he was rewarded in turn with their undying loyalty.
They were there for him at the passing of his first wife and the entire nation had grieved for the loss of their beloved queen along with him. It was also them who suggested he take a second wife. At first he had been reluctant to do so wanting to stay loyal to his first wife, but they had ensured him that as long as he never forgot her, loving another woman was not wrong.
Deciding that he owed it to his newly motherless children to at least find them a step mother, he journeyed to foreign lands with them eventually meeting his current wife with whom his children and even he himself could not help falling in love with. Knowing a good woman when he saw one, he proposed to her within the week and a few days later they were happily married and blissfully in love.
Smiling down at his Queen's belly with his deep cobalt blue eyes, he patted his unborn child fondly. "Be that as it may, gender has no bearing on my feelings for this child; he may choose whatever path suits him the best and I will not force him into anything or make his decisions for him…"
Stroking her belly once more, the king held out his arm for his wife to take leading her out of the throne room and pushed the door of the drawing room open to meet with the rest of their family.
"Mommy! Daddy!" a 7 year old girl dressed in her nightie abandoned playing dress-up with her 8 year old sister to run up to her parents pouncing to jump on her step-mother "How's the baby?!"
Smoothly intercepting his daughter before she could potentially knock over and injure her stepmother and unborn step-sister by catching her gently around the waist, he brought her close for a hug before setting her on the floor crouching at her eye level "Shhh… Quietly darling, your Mommy's not feeling well so you have to be extra careful with her." Cobalt eyes twinkling he went on "However, when the baby is born, you can play with him as much as you want okay Liz?"
Cocking her head slightly, the blonde princess Elizabeth frowned slightly as disappointment spread across her face and dulled her usually bright hazel eyes "Oh… So it's a boy…?"
"…" The king blinked his cobalt blue eyes in confusion "…Would you have preferred a girl? And well the palace mages predicted the birth of a "strong and virile boy" so they must have assumed it would be a male… And they've never been wrong yet…They were the ones who predicted that you'd be a girl too Liz!" Reaching out a hand, King Jonathan patted his youngest daughter's head with a gentle smile on his face trying to alleviate her disappointment "Tell you what? You can pick the name if you want."
Eyes brightening once again, Elizabeth eagerly patted her step-mother's stomach addressing her unborn sibling "Hello there Baby! I'm Elizabeth of Avalon and I'm your second eldest sister; you can call me Liz if you want, everybody does" Eyes softening upon feeling the baby kick at her daintily gloved hand, she went on "I haven't met you yet, but I love you already… Grow up big and strong… Lawrence…"
"…Lawrence huh…?" All 5 of her other siblings had gathered around their stepmother and watched the whole exchange. The eldest, the 13 year old 1st Imperial Prince of Avalon Gareth looked at the bump in which his unborn sibling resided in, coal black locks framing his gentle cobalt blue eyes as he too held up a hand to touch his step-mother's stomach "Lawrence, I'm your eldest brother Gareth but call me Gary instead if you'd like… If you ever need anything in the future just ask."
"Really? Another boy? I was hoping to have another little sister to play dress-up with" A girl who resembled Elisabeth so closely that the two could only be sisters sniffed. Still, she stepped forward to say her part "Law… You don't mind if I call you that do you…? I'm your biggest sister Victoria…" Seeing the encouraging smile from her father, she braved on biting back her uncertainty "I hope… I hope that you'll become a very courteous charming and chivalrous young man and… even though you're not a girl as I hoped… I hope you'll still play dress up with me."
Too embarrassed to say anymore, the 8 year old princess quickly retreated so that her other siblings could step up but the king stopped them before they could come forward. "Sorry darlings, but your mother is very tired because your new brother is nearly born… Today let's leave it at this okay? Now Esther, come this way…?" His wife was curling herself into a ball and tell-tale signs of dampness between her legs were making themselves obvious against the light colored silk of the Queens nightgown.
"…Ewww… Mom's wetting herself" Rory, the 2nd Imperial Prince, or possibly George, the 3rd – it was hard to tell as both of the 10 year old twins had identical looks and personalities – stared at his stepmother, his casual posture making his seem almost bored.
"She's not wetting herself you bloody prats" Arthur, the 6 year old Avalonian prince adjusted his glasses glaring at his older brother "Her water's breaking, which means that the baby's coming."
…
…
…
"…Arthur…Do you mind repeating that…?" King Jonathan looked at his 6th and youngest child blinking cluelessly "…I could have sworn you said…?"
"You did not mishear me, it's exactly as I say; the baby's coming" The young prince's wide cobalt blue eyes blinked up at his father nonchalantly "I think you'd better get the nurses here Daddy."
…
…
…
The servants passing outside jumped in alarm as a bellowing roar of shock and horror echoed from the room as all hell broke loose inside.
~Smallish time skip~
Narrator's POV (3rd Person)
"That's it Lady Esther, keep pushing, he's almost out!" the midwives offered words of encouragement to the distressed queen "the head and the torso are already out, now all that left is the legs-!" at that moment, the rest of the baby popped out.
Smiling, the midwife snipped the umbilical cord and nodded at her assistants to prepare a clean bath. Still smiling, she turned to her king and bowed presenting the infant "Congratulations your majesty; it's a strong and healthy girl."
…
…
…
"…Excuse me… A girl…?" the dumbfounded king looked up from the birth certificate he was just signing to stare at his new son… errr… daughter… "I was told by the palace mages that judging from the reaction of the Rukh, my new child would be a male…"
"Oh?" the midwife blinked slightly in confusion before tilting the baby and spreading its legs for the king's inspection "My Lord, in all my years of delivering babies, experience has told me that the absence of a penis usually means the baby is a female so… I think the palace mages were mistaken…"
Peering between his child's legs, King Jonathan saw that the male genitalia was indeed missing "…I guess that must mean that the name "Lawrence" is out of the question… I'll go ask Liz for her choice in a female name…" Sighing, the king made to crumple up the document he was just filling in, but a small hand on his stopped him.
"Gaa~" Sea green eyes the exact shade of green of that he admired in his wife stared back at him with the same calm impassiveness that he had come to grow used to seeing in the mirror. A tuft of fiery red hair that none of his other children had also drew his attention. Red hair had long since been the hair color of the strongest warriors in the country while his coal black hair and cobalt blue eyes had come to be associated with a kind and fair ruler.
Chuckling slightly, the king fondly remembered his late father King Eric and gallant Aunt the Duchess of Avalon, Lady Hazel. Hazel was a good name for her alright; whenever foreign royalty came for a meeting or whenever she rode to battle, those infamously piercing hazel eyes seemed to stare right through you peering deep into your mind. Tirelessly training for the sake of her kingdom, Hazel was the one who convinced her older brother to pass a law allowing even women to train to be knights. She loyally served her kingdom bringing down many of their enemies until she sacrificed herself to act as a decoy and was subsequently captured and executed. Dead but not forgotten, her noble deeds gained her the title of "the red-haired warrior princess of Avalon" and children of the kingdom grew up listening to her exploits as bedtime stories.
Beaming at the fond memories, Jonathan shifted his thoughts to how his own brother Duke Coram who is also red-haired and is the commander of the kingdom's army reputed to be the bravest and strongest warrior in the kingdom was no different. Popular with the crowd, the charismatic knight had many admirers; his chivalry and courtesy were legendary and his prowess in battle was etched into the very fibers of Avalonian lore. Ever since he became the commander of the army, many countries had surrendered wars at the mere mention of his name and many more had offered themselves as allies so it was a small wonder that red-haired royalty was well-received in Avalon.
Smiling down at his newly born daughter her small hand still on his, he stroked her tuft of red hair "I'll take that as a sign that you like the name that Liz chose for you?" Sea green eyes sparkling, the princess clapped her hands with glee "Gaa!" Grinning, the king completed the birth certificate by signing his name "All hail Lawrence, the 3rd Imperial princess of Avalon" he proclaimed as all of the midwives maids and butlers in the room bowed before their new monarch.
~Time skip of 14 years~
Start of actual story
Lawrence's POV
"On my mark…" I barely registered the sound of the announcer speaking as I exhaled softly focusing on my opponent's posture through the gaps in my visor. At the moment he strikes, his right flank is open…
"Get set…" shifting the lance in my hand, I adjusted my position in my saddle to ensure I won't be knocked off my horse. No pressure… If I'm too tense, my body will be too rigid and my butt will be kissing the floor in no time flat… "YOU CAN DO IT LAW!" I heard Liz's voice yelling from the special seats reserved for royalty in the stands.
"CHARGE!" Liz's encouragement still ringing in my head as the sound of hoof beats filled my ears, I raised my lance and drove it deep into my opponent's shield while I brought my own shield up to deflect the impact from his blow. Using my shield to push his lance off course, he stumbled a bit trying to remain steady on his horse after the change in his weapon's trajectory but, seeing my chance, I smashed my lance against his shield ignoring it as it shattered to splinters using my shield to ram into him and popping him from his saddle before he had a chance to recover.
"Oof…" he moaned slowly sitting up and flicking up his visor with a smile "That's quite some strength you've got there princess, I am in awe of your good arm and even better judgement" raising his hands in the universal sign of surrender, he got up and bowed "I yield, it was an honor to joust against you Your Highness; knowing that you are our army's second-in-command and eventual successor is extremely reassuring."
Grinning, I flicked up my own visor before taking off my riding glove offering him my hand which he took shaking it and returning my smile "the pleasure's all mine Lord Aodhan, my uncle speaks most highly of you saying you are one of the strongest men he has ever had the honor of commanding in battle… And quite frankly, if I had failed to unhorse you just then, I would have conceded defeat" ruefully undoing the straps of the gauntlet on my shield arm, I poked at the bruised flesh tenderly "Yep, definitely numb for a week at the very least… Your jousting prowess never ceases to amaze me."
Smiling sheepishly and blushing at the compliments, Lord Aodhan opened his mouth to speak but before he could get a word out, a distant voice which seemed to get closer by the second called my name "LAWWWWW!" Turning around to the source of the sound, I barely had time to make out my family running towards me with Liz in the lead before her long blonde locks shielded everyone else from view as she hugged me.
Pulling back after giving me an affectionate squeeze, Liz looked at me with her sparkling hazel eyes "Hey Law! You did it! You beat even Lord Aodhan! You won!" Smiling, I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly at her enthusiasm "No… It was close, Lord Aodhan could have just as easily won I'm sure…" But that was all I managed to get out before two fists hit each of my shoulders and two arms wound themselves around my shoulders as two nearly identical faces grinned at me cheekily.
"Nah, I reckon you had him easily!" Rory, the one with the more mischievous expressions grinned as his eyes glinted from my left. "Seriously… to think our little Law has grown up and is beating up old geezers like us at 14… We really need to redo our training from scratch… reckon Dad would let us start over from primary school?" George, the one with the funnier sense of humor sighed dramatically from my right.
"Absolutely not you two dunderheads" Arthur looked between the twins frowning slightly in disapproval cobalt blue eyes narrowed under his glasses. Finally looking at me, his eyes softened smiling at me gently "Well done Law, Victoria will be most proud when I write to her telling her about this. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be heading off to start writing the letter." On that note, he left just as Gareth sidled up smiling with a pouch in his hands.
"Hey Law, this is the prize for the competition; Congratulations for that by the way" Eyes lighting up at the mention of a prize, I grinned casually as he placed it into my hands… only for me to nearly drop it the moment he let go "What…?!" with shaking hands, I untied the bag and peeked inside warily. What I saw inside made my jaw drop. They were all gold nomismas… A soldier might earn a single nomisma if he worked for a whole year in the army… and this pouch isn't exactly light either…
"Gary… Exactly how much is in here…?" I asked sweating slightly as I turned to my eldest brother. I barely caught the flicker of surprise that passed his cobalt blue eyes before he brought his hand up in an effort to conceal his smile "Law… When you entered this competition, I thought you'd at least bother to find out what the prize was…"
"We all did" Rory grinned from next to me putting me in a gentle headlock. Numbly, I shook my head still staring down at the pouch in my hands tongue frozen in shock.
"It's a thousand nomismas Law! You're rich!" Liz cheered. A thousand nomismas?! That enough to hire your own army! This is a fortune even by a king's standards surely! Arthur's semi-exasperated semi-amused voice signaling his return brought me out of my shock "It figures that you wouldn't check the prize of a jousting competition so long as you could joust…" Shaking his head, he recalled my disastrous debut tournament "That time, you unwittingly won the hand of Lord Garrick's daughter for marriage… I would have thought given that incident, this time you will have learnt you lesson" eyes fixed on my flabbergasted expression, he shook his head lips twitching as he tried to hold in his smile "Clearly not…"
Taking my by the hand, he lead me back to the palace "Come, Father has ordered a victory feast in your honor and I suggest that you take a bath and clean up; I'm sure Liz will agree to pick out your attire and help you get ready."
Letting him pull me a long I joked "A bath? Are you saying a smell right now?" Glancing sidelong at me he returned the smile "Only that you smell like a very sweaty knight who has jousted in over 10 rounds and so yes; your scent may offend some of our guests right now… also your making my hand wet"
"I wouldn't be this way if you had just manned up and become a knight without me needing to replace you" I teased but I immediately knew I had crossed an invisible line when he winced pain and guilt etched into every inch of his face. Looking at me sorrowfully his eyes settled on the spectacular bruise he knew to be spreading across my arm underneath the sweat-drenched bandages.
"…I know… I'm sorry about that Law… Sorry that I'm not strong like Gareth, Rory or George… Dean has been training as your page for a little over a year now and from what I hear, even Rowan has gotten quite skilled at hunting under your tutelage…" tears filling his cobalt blue eyes, he stared at the floor letting me go to hug himself "I'm not good enough… there's no need to remind me; I already know…"
"Oh Artie…" it was at rare moments like this that he didn't mind the nickname that I'd bestowed upon him "… Don't say that, you are good; maybe not at swordplay but I've seen the way you maintain the country and how you help father calculate the distribution of funds and resources across our kingdom." Reaching out a hand to squeeze his arm I gave him a reassuring grin "Now don't get mopey; that face doesn't suit you at all; where's that "Arthur look"?"
Snorting, he cocked one fine blond eyebrow "…"Arthur look"?" he questioned in amusement. Grinning, I pointed at his face "Ah, there it is… What say we split up and get ready to attend the feast before it wears off?" Still shaking his head, he turned to go back to his chambers pausing at the door "…You're impossible, Law" But I caught his smile before the door closed completely.
~Smallish time skip~
Lawrence's POV
"Law! You look stunning!" Liz stepped back to stare at me beaming. She'd taken my long hair out of its usual braid and had styled it into two loose ponytails tied with red feather accessories set with red gems shaped like roses before perching a small matching black top hat decorated with a red ribbon, small red gems and red roses a few shades darker than my hair at a jaunty angle over my head.
Silken white gloves covered my hands which were calloused from training and a custom-tailored red and black dress with gold accents that resembled a nutcracker uniform gave my body a deceptively delicate appearance. I was reluctant to wear a dress, but Liz had so badly wanted to dress me up that I couldn't say no to her request… Although after seeing the dress itself, even I had to admit I hadn't really wanted to say no either; Liz had great taste and this dress matched me and my personality perfectly.
I was just smoothing down the folds of the dress when Arthur came in looking dashing in a black tailcoat over a yellow double breasted vest and brown breeches – even the cobalt blue ribbon tying his short ponytail complimenting his eyes which were the same color was immaculate without a single crease. Looking straight past me, he frowned slightly at my older sister in disapproval "Liz, there you are! What are you doing messing around back here? As members of the royal family, we should be heading off to the banquet to greet our guests" he said adjusting his collar and flipping open his pocket watch.
Crossing my arms over my chest I mock-scowled at him "Any particular reason why you're ignoring me then?" Looking up and closing the clasp on his watch before slipping it back into his pocket, Arthur gave a gallant bow – such a gentleman – before offering his hand for me to take "Fair lady, my deepest apologies for-!" he blinked trailing off as he looked me up and down finally recognizing me "Law, you look… Uhhh…" He blinked again at a loss for words as I hid my grin behind a red silk fan with golden embroidery that Liz had given me "…Wow…" he finished swallowing still looking slightly bemused.
""Wow" huh Artie? Yeah… I guess I'll accept that" winking, I slid my gloved fingers into his outstretched hand accepting his invitation to escort me as we walked out of the room to greet the guests.
…
"It all looks wonderful…"
"The princes are so gallant!"
"Which one do you like the most?"
"Prince Gareth is so handsome!"
"He's really gentle and chivalrous too…"
"But Prince Rory and Prince George are really charming~"
"Yeah! They're really funny too!"
"But Prince Arthur is the one who really knows how to treat a lady right…"
"He's really polite and smart!"
"His blue eyes are amazing!"
"If he looked at me, I think I'd die~"
"What about Duke Coram?"
"What about him?"
"Don't you think he's really dashing? I mean for an older man…"
"*Giggle*Yes! And he keeps our kingdom safe from intruders too!"
"How old is he though?"
"I heard he was in his 50s…"
"What?! No way! He looks like he's in his mid-30s at most!"
"I think King Jonathan is pretty good looking…"
"No! He's married though, you can't go for him!"
"Hey, I can look, right? And besides… Kings can have more than one lover can't they?"
"But King Jonathan has always been a faithful husband; I doubt he'd do something like that…"
"*Sigh*… I guess you're right… But that's what makes him into a gentleman too!"
"*Giggle* what about Prince Dean and Prince Rowan?"
"What?! Prince Dean is 11 and Prince Rowan is only 9!"
"But they are such cuties and they look good too!"
"I can't wait to see how they'll grow up~"
"My cousin's boyfriend broke up with her last week and while she was crying in the park, Prince Rowan saw her and asked her why she was crying. After she told him everything, he led her out of the park and bought flowers for her in the market saying her boyfriend was a silly man and that a pretty lady like her didn't deserve to be crying!"
"Uwaaah~! So sweet!"
"My little brother says Prince Dean is at the top of his class in physical combat and he singlehandedly defeated a group of 2nd year squires who were harassing all of the pages in the Royal Court!"
"My, so strong! He'll grow up to be a fine knight some day!"
Hearing all of the ladies in the court gossip, I grinned at all of the men in my family as the flushed crimson at the gratifying words "Well aren't you all popular?" I asked trying to hold in my laughter at their reactions. Gary, Arthur, Dean and Daddy were bright red while Uncle Coram, Rory, George and Rowan puffed out their chests proudly. Before I could get another word out, the whispers started up again this time among the young men of the court and about a subject far less welcome in my eyes.
"Look over there"
"What?"
"Next to Elizabeth!"
"Whoa! No kidding, isn't that Lawrence?" I smiled slightly at that; I'd told everyone that they could just call me "Law" but they said they couldn't, so the compromise was "Lawrence".
"Yeah! Not saying she doesn't look good normally – she could be a female model for battle armor with that body – but she looks stunning in that dress."
"She helps to teach the pages and squires at the school for knights and I heard she's really gallant…"
"Yeah! Kou Empire and the other countries can keep their sexist views on submissive wives… I like my women strong and feisty; no point in having a wife with no personality" Oh the shame… I flushed shifting around on my feet as all of my siblings grinned at my obvious uneasiness. Thankfully my discomfort didn't prevent me from hearing what they said next.
"What about Elizabeth? She's quite a beauty and she resembles our late queen greatly…"
"Haven't you heard? The Kou Empire is demanding the political marriage of one of our princesses to one of their princes to ensure the unification of the two countries… The 1st Imperial princess Victoria is already married and the 3rd Imperial princess Lawrence is only 14… Elizabeth will probably be chosen so I wouldn't waste my time – there's no point trying to pursue a woman that's one political summit away from being married…"
Quickly, I turned around and eyed my family. Arthur, Gary, Daddy and Liz were avoiding my gaze while Rory and George looked as outraged as I felt. Rowan glanced around clueless and nervous while Dean looked calm, although his tightened grip on my hand suggested otherwise. Uncle Coram stared at me beseechingly, pleading for me to understand but I shook my head feeling the tears in my eyes well up before I ran off.
Shouts of alarm and shock echoed in my ears as well as the sound of someone running after me, begging me to come back but I ignored them heading to my one safe haven… the palace training grounds.
…
Having changed into my comfortable armor, I began swinging relentlessly at a practice dummy, rage fueling my blows and boosting my stamina. How could they… I thought furiously tears stinging at my eyes …I know that sometimes political marriages are brought in to glue a doubtful alliance together, but I made father promise not to do anything like this ever!
"…Law…?" The voice startled me so much that the practice dummy cracked in two at my next blow. Scowling, I turned to face my family.
"Liz… why didn't you tell me…?" I frowned as she bit her lip not meeting my gaze. Taking a step closer, I opened my mouth to speak again, but my father's hand on my shoulder gently restrained me as he shook his head. "Come… Let us return to the party… Afterwards, we must discuss this…" nodding towards everyone present, he steered me back towards the castle.
…
"Alright, so talk" I reclined into my throne between Liz and Rowan frowning. Sighing, my father rested his chin on his interlocked hands with a lost look on his face while my mother smiled sympathetically and patted him encouragingly on the back from beside him.
"Law… I don't know what to say or how to start begging for your forgiveness… This matter is something that we've kept from you and your younger siblings because of your youth but I realize you have a right to know…" His eyes flickered from me to Rowan beside me and Dean sitting across from me "…All of you…"
"Hey Old man, don't forget us" Rory frowned gesturing between George and himself "You didn't tell us either and we'd like to know why."
Shaking his head despondently, Gary eyed his two younger twin brothers "I'm sorry Rory, George… But that was my idea…" Cobalt blue eyes flickering between the pair, he continued "…You're both the type that would reject the proposal immediately and would probably tell Law, Rowan and Dean then ride out all the way into Kou territory to talk it out… And not with your mouths but with your swords…" He gestured to the claymore strapped around my waist to prove his point "As such… I told Father not to tell you anything."
George opened his mouth to protest again but I cut him off "George, it's fine… It's already passed…" I stopped rocking my chair to lean forward resting my head on my knuckles a steely glint in my sea green eyes "…What I'm more interested in is what terms we can negotiate as compensation…" I inwardly grinned at the unnerved expressions on Arthur and Gary's faces. Father just gave a resigned sigh "Alright… name your terms…"
~Time skip to travelling to the Kou Empire~
Lawrence's POV
"Law… I'm so nervous…" Liz grabbed my gloved hand with her own leaning into my shoulder ignoring the fact that my armor was digging into her "I wonder… Will the prince even be nice? What if I mess up badly and destroy Daddy's reputation? So many things can go wrong!"
I'd managed to get my father to agree to letting me take time off from servicing the army to escort Liz to the Kou Empire to meet her new husband.
Patting her on the back, I grinned reassuringly "It's fine Liz, he'll love you! You look really pretty and if he tries to complain… Well… let's just say that this sword isn't just for show…" I rested my hand on the hilt of my claymore grinning. Liz giggled hiding her face behind her fan "Hahaha~ thanks Law! Just… promise me you won't do anything too drastic while we're there okay…?"
Smirking, I leaned against the wall of the carriage we were travelling in "I am making no such promises." On either side of me, my attendants slowly back away from the expression on my face.
"Your Highness!"
"Y-Yes?!" Liz fiddled with the fan in her hands nervously at being addressed so suddenly.
"We've arrived at the Kou Empire…"
…
"Liz, remember what I told you on the carriage okay?" I murmured from behind her as the guards led us to the throne room "I know Law… I know… Stand up straight and let you announce me right?" Her posture was calm, but her hazel eyes were full of panic and stress. Gently grasping her hand, I gave it a reassuring squeeze "Just remember that I'm behind you so no need to worry… If it makes you feel any better, I'll walk up first alright?"
Her long cascading blonde locks bounced as she gave her head a determined nod "Alright, I trust you Law." Good timing because we just arrived to the front of the throne room. Exhaling slightly to calm my own nerves, I motioned for the servants at the door to open it revealing us to the curious Royal family and nobles.
Ignoring their stares and whispers the best that I could, I walked briskly to the front hearing Liz's softer and more graceful steps behind me. Clasping my hands in front of me in respect, I bowed to the man in the throne who must be Emperor Hakutoku. "Your Highness, we are the ambassadors from Avalon and we have agreed to your terms of producing a Princess to be a bride to one of your Empire's Princes. May I present her Royal Highness Elizabeth the 2nd Imperial Princess of Avalon."
"Your Highness…" Liz made her way to the front and did an impeccable curtsey "I have heard great things about the Kou Empire and I would be honored to wed a prince."
Almost all at once, the chatter between the nobles increased in volume as they voiced their opinions to each other.
"…Quite a beauty…"
"…Lovely manners…"
"…What grace…!"
"…Perfect wife…"
"SILENCE!" all of the conversation in the abruptly stopped as the Emperor descended from his throne and made his way down the stairs. I watched standing off to the side and Liz kept her head bowed with my hand hanging casually by my side inches away from the hilt of my sword – close enough to grab it at a moment's notice if necessary.
But the Emperor shocked me when he gently helped Liz up "Rise my daughter, you need not prostrate yourself in my presence…" smiling kindly, he led her to his family "Your husband will be my eldest son Hakuyuu… I hope you'll get along…" Frowning slightly, I scrutinized the man that Liz had just been introduced to watching their interactions as I went through my mental check list. Kind-looking? Check. Gentle? Check. Not really all that important but good-looking? Eh~ He'll do, check.
"That's quite a worrying look you've got on your face there girl." Said a voice from beside me.
"Hmm?" whipping around to face the speaker, I saw a red-haired and red-eyed boy a few years older than me scrutinizing me as much as I had been scrutinizing Hakuyuu. Beside him was a slightly younger looking boy around my age with long pinkish-tinted red hair tied up into a ponytail. He blushed when I met his gaze and hid bashfully behind the black feather fan he carried.
"I said that's quite a worrying look on your face" my attention was brought back to the first boy as a smirk twitched at his lips "you look like you're ready to go up and murder my cousin."
Hakuyuu's cousin… A little older than me… The only one to fit into those criteria is… "Prince Kouen" I said as he nodded in acknowledgement …then the boy next to him must be Prince Koumei… "I assure you that you are mistaken; I bear no ill will to Prince Hakuyuu… I am merely observing his actions around his bride to be. Also don't call me "girl" I have a name; and despite appearances, I am a fully qualified knight of Avalon and I'll eventually succeed Duke Coram as the commander of the Avalonian army."
"Oh?" his eyes sparkled in curiosity and interest "Who are you then Lady Knight? Pray do tell."
"…Lawrence the 3rd Imperial Princess of Avalon…" Kouen and I both blinked at Koumei who immediately went back to hiding behind his fan blushing "…My tutor told me about her during my military strategy classes…" How cute… I thought smiling to myself …he's acting exactly like the shy girls that Rory and George always try to charm… I've watched them for a bit… Let's see how effective their methods are… It might be useful to have a friend in the Kou Empire…
"Prince Koumei" I strode up to him pushing away his fan much to his embarrassment "No need to call me "Lawrence", just "Law" is fine!" I gave him my most winning smile that immediately reduced the poor prince to a stuttering mess.
"Princess Lawrence… must you embarrass my little brother so?" Prince Kouen smirked as I flustered his younger brother.
"…Prince…" I grinned at them.
"Pardon…?"
"I said Prince" I smirked as Kouen blinked in confusion "Unlike most other countries, in Avalon, gender has no bearing in the line of succession so all of the children in the Royal family are addressed as "Prince". Calling Liz the "2nd Imperial Princess" was mainly for your benefit." I looked away from Kouen's mildly surprised-looking face to Koumei's stunned expression smiling kindly at the younger boy "Teacher didn't tell you that?" Almost as if remembering he was shy around me, Koumei looked down at his sandals face reddening as he shook his head.
"No not really… but if you could tell me more, I'll teach you about the Kou empire?" his eyes, a more pinkish hue than his older brother's stared at me hopefully and I couldn't resist his puppy-like face. Linking my arm through his, I grinned "Lead the way to the library then Prince Koumei."
Narrator's POV (3rd Person)
As the two set off, neither noticed that a pair of smoldering red eyes was staring intently into their backs burning holes into the back of their heads
Kouha's POV
I watched curiously as En and Mei approached the pretty girl in armor that had escorted the princess that was going to marry Hakuyuu. I'd wanted to go and approach her too, but Kouen told me that she looked dangerous and not to get too close to her until he said so.
I pouted turning to my sister Kougyoku "Hey~~ Kougyoku~~ I'm bored~~ Why did En say that we couldn't go see that girl in armor? I'm 5 years old already! Practically a man!"
Shaking her hands nervously, she hid behind her sleeves "I… I'm sure Big Brother has his reasons for doing this…" Glancing briefly at the trio before bringing her gaze back to me, she lowered her sleeves slightly "…I hope he gives us permission to talk with her soon… she looks quite nice…"
"Hmmph~" I watched as the three interacted. I could understand that Big Brother En wasn't exactly the nicest to strangers so his challenging expression makes sense at least, but… "Hey Kougyoku, why is Mei acting so weird?" I asked pointing out our second eldest brother's strange actions.
"Hmmm?" Turning to take a look for herself, Kougyoku's tilted her head slightly "Oh… He's going red… It can't be… Do you think he got sick from last night's dinner?!" Kougyoku shook her sleeves frantically anxious tears welling in her eyes as she panicked "I told you veggies were bad! They taste bad so I think they might even be poisonous! I-!"
"Shhhh! Look!" I cut her off pointing towards our brother and the girl as she dragged Mei off "En is glaring at them, he looks mad! She's trying to kidnap Mei! Let's go save him!"
"OOOOH!" with a battle cry, the two of us broke apart from the rest of our family charging towards En "En! We're here to save Mei from the kidnapping girl! What's the plan?!" I looked up to our eldest brother for instructions, but he seemed oddly vacant, almost as if he hadn't even noticed we were here.
"B-big brother?" Kougyoku tried to get his attention by tugging on the sash of his robes "Big brother!"
"…Interesting…"
"? Big brother?"
"!"
To our astonishment, En's shoulders shook with suppressed rage as he frowned glaring after where Mei had been kidnapped by the girl – En almost never showed emotion especially not something like intense rage – just what did that girl do? And wasn't he going to save Mei?! What's going on?!
Kouen's POV
I barely registered the sound of Kougyoku and Kouha calling me as I glowered at the door through which Koumei and Lawrence had disappeared. Lawrence… Interesting girl… A princess, a knight and the future commander of the Avalonian army… what else was she? I want to know… but more importantly… I gave an animalistic growl from the back of my throat making Kouha and Kougyoku jump …Why do I feel like I want Koumei away from her…? Why do I feel the urge to shove Koumei into a wall and approach her and offer to teach her about our empire myself?
I put a hand over the chest of my robes clenching the material in my fist …What this feeling right here? It stings a bit… I returned to glaring intensely after them …I should go up to offer Hakuyuu my congratulations… I fisted my robes one last time before letting my hand fall away from the rumpled material …After that, I have all night to watch them quietly in the library and figure this feeling out…
~End of Chapter 1~
Author's Notes:
To make things easier for readers who are looking for some background information on the kingdom and the Royal family of Avalon here are the basic details about them :D
Avalon
[]Girls are not as restricted as other countries and the Princes and Princesses are not obligated to politically marry for the good of the country; they may marry whomever they wish
[]Gender has no bearing on the line of succession and while age is a rough guideline; it's not absolute either (E.g. Duke Coram is King Jonathan's older brother)
[]Being the reigning monarch is seen as a pain or a bother rather than a right or an honor hence there are no battles of power between siblings
[]Red hair is revered as the hair of the finest warriors in the country
[]Avalon is based off Medieval England but the names of places are Celtic
King Eric (Deceased)
[]Black hair
[]Cobalt blue eyes
[]Good leader
[]King Jonathan's father and Lawrence's grandfather
Duchess Hazel (Deceased)
[]Red hair
[]Strong warrior princess
[]Talented fighter
[]Formerly the Commander of Avalon's Royal army
[]Patron of women's rights and formerly the Royal army of Avalon
[]King Jonathan's aunt and Lawrence's great aunt
Duke Coram (51)
[]Strong and charismatic
[]Red hair
[]Gold eyes
[]The current Commander and Patron of the Royal army of Avalon
[]Talented fighter; Lawrence's fighting instructor at her request
[]King Jonathan's older brother and Lawrence's uncle
King Jonathan (49)
[]Black Hair
[]Cobalt Blue eyes
[]Kind, Compassionate, Family man
[]Patron of the importance of family in Avalon
[]King of Avalon
Queen Renee (Deceased)
[]Blond hair
[]Hazel eyes
[]Soft-spoken, Graceful, gentle mother
[]King Jonathan's first wife and formerly the Queen of Avalon
[]Mother of Gareth, Rory, George, Victoria, Elizabeth and Arthur
Queen Esther (41)
[]Brown hair
[]Emerald green eyes
[]Lively, not afraid to speak her mind
[]Youthful charm
[]Patron of education for the poor in Avalon
[]Queen of Avalon
[]Mother of Lawrence, Dean and Rowan
Gareth (27)
[]Black hair
[]Cobalt blue eyes
[]A brave knight of Avalon
[]He treats his younger siblings well and knows exactly what to say to cheer them up; he can see the good in people even when they can't
[]Crown Prince of Avalon
[]Good Crown Prince: Greets guests, good leader
George & Rory (24)
[]Black hair
[]Cobalt blue eyes
[]Loyal to their brother
[]Good sense of fun and good older brothers to Lawrence
[]If there's been a prank, they are the usual culprits
[]Both knights of Avalon serving directly under their Older brother Gareth
[]Rory is the older twin and George is the younger
[]2nd and 3rd Imperial Prince of Avalon
Victoria (22)
[]Blond hair
[]Hazel eyes
[]Composed and confidant; a good First Princess
[]Benefactor of the poor in Avalon and the establisher/patron of free trade
[]Avalonian title: 4th Imperial Prince of Avalon
[]Foreign title: 1st Imperial Princess of Avalon
[]Currently happily married to a foreign prince whom she met and fell in love with during a summit where she proposed her views on fair trade and he heartily supported her.
Elizabeth (21)
[]Blond hair
[]Hazel eyes
[]Nervous and jittery; self-conscious when she compares herself to Victoria
[]Loves to play dress up with Lawrence
[]Patron of Provisions and care for the poor in Avalon
[]Avalonian title: 5th Imperial Prince of Avalon
[]Foreign title: 2nd Imperial Princess of Avalon
Arthur (20)
[]Blond Hair
[]Cobalt blue eyes
[]More bookish than physically strong so he switched roles with Lawrence; and excellent tactician and military strategist
[]Patron of strategists and scholars in Avalon
[]Gets on well with Lawrence; her personal advisor/counsellor
[]Somewhat serious: He'll be candid but he'll try to go about it the nicest way
[]He has a short Old English ponytail and glasses
[]Avalonian title: 6th Imperial Prince of Avalon
[]Foreign title: 4th Imperial Prince of Avalon
Lawrence (14)
[]Red Hair (From her General Uncle)
[]Emerald green eyes (From her mother)
[]Female knight (Her knight masters were her eldest brother Prince Gareth and her uncle Duke Coram)
[]Became a knight to replace her older brother Arthur for which he is extremely grateful
[]Excellent fencer / Jouster
[]Forged and maintains her own sword – a claymore (Taught to her by her uncle Duke Coram)
[]The youngest Knight instructor in the Royal Court and Patron of the Martial arts in Avalon
[]Avalonian title: 7th Imperial Prince of Avalon
[]Foreign title: 3rd Imperial Princess of Avalon
Dean (11)
[]Brown hair
[]Cobalt Blue eyes
[]Respects and is loyal to Lawrence
[]Extremely helpful to his older sister almost like a secretary or right-hand man
[]Avalonian title: 8th Imperial Prince of Avalon
[]Foreign title: 5th Imperial Prince of Avalon
Rowan (9)
[]Brown hair
[]Emerald green eyes
[]Looks up to and adores Lawrence practically idolizing her; follows her around like a baby chick
[]Thinks he wants to marry Lawrence when he grows up
[]Avalonian title: 9th Imperial Prince of Avalon
[]Foreign title: 7th Imperial Prince of Avalon
And if you want to compare ages with the Kou Empire characters:
Kouen is 16
Koumei is 14
Kouha is 6
Kougyoku is 6
Hakuyuu is 21
Hakuren is 18
Hakuei is 9
Hakuryuu is 5
Judal is 7