A New Threat
The castle was celebrating. News was spreading throughout the realm that their long lost princesses had returned. Creatures and sorcerers across the land were joyous of the news. The servants in the castle were running around cleaning rooms long since used and opening the windows, letting in fresh air and light that symbolised a new day in the kingdom's history.
Light in the throne room seeped in and landed on the royal portrait. Queen Erika and her husband, a mortal, stood proudly in the centre. His hands held her waist carefully, a knowing smile gleaming in his eyes.
Lord Drake stood proudly, looking at the portrait fondly. He remembered his friends, his rulers. Not a day went by without his thoughts, at some point or another, leading to the past, to his friends' memory.
He looked closely at the queen and smiled warmly. The king's hands may have been concealing the secret, but he could still see the beginning of a small bump under the queen's extravagant gown. The same bump that was now fully grown and living in the mortal realm of New York City.
The doors to the room burst open and in walked his most trusted friend, and head of the royal knights, Sir Vladimir. Vladimir was around forty years of age and had long light brown hair that was tied into a ponytail and his eyes were brown. However, when he spoke, his teeth showed vampire teeth. He wore a red-armoured suit with the Rayon crest on the front and a long, thin blade strapped to his waist. Vladimir approached Lord Drake and bowed his head.
"My Lord, the young Lord Renaldo has arrived." He announced before standing back up to his full height.
Lord Drake nodded at him before looking back at the portrait. "Good." He said, "It's about time he met his long lost cousins."
Sir Vladimir approached Lord Drake until he was standing next to him. They both admired the portrait in silence, each mourning their lost friends.
"The pain is still here," Vladimir spoke softly, "But the princesses still live." He turned to Lord Drake with a smile. "It is our job to protect them. And we will. Their memory will live on through them."
Lord Drake looked at Vladimir. He eventually smiled, albeit a small one.
"This is true, Vladimir. And if I've learned anything from watching over them over the years it's that not only do they each take after their parents, but they make them proud. They will lead Rayon back to its former glory once more."
"Do you think they are ready, My Lord?"
"Ready or not, here it comes."
The doors opened once again. The two turned and saw a young sorcerer enter the room. He stood tall, shoulders back, almost smugly. He was 6 foot, still smaller than Sir Vladimir's 6"4 or Lord Drake's 6"1. His eyes were silver, his skin a pale yellow colour and his hair a dark maroon. He dressed in dark dress pants, hunting boots, and a white long sleeved shirt reminiscent of the middle ages. Covering his attired was his dark maroon coat and a black belt around his waist holding his long sharp sword. Even sorcerers needed other protection. He glided into the room, barely acknowledging Sir Vladimir, as he shook Lord Drake's hand.
"Lord Drake," He greeted with a nod of his head. "Long time no see."
Drake nodded his head in response. "Likewise, Renaldo. I was sorry to hear about your father."
Renaldo waved a hand carelessly. "Please, My Lord, we all knew his day would come. It came of no surprise. But thank you for the sentiments."
"Sir, are you ready to meet your princesses?" Vladimir asked
Something flickered in Renaldo's eyes as he turned to Vladimir, too quick to be deciphered.
"Ah yes, my cousins." He said, "I shall be delighted to be united with my only family."
"They are your princesses first and foremost." Vladimir almost hissed
Lord Drake held a hand up to silence Vladimir. "I'm afraid this does mean your right to the throne is abdicated."
"Of course, as it should be, My Lord."
Lord Drake and Sir Vladimir excused themselves and left Renaldo standing alone in the hallway. He looked up at the portrait of the queen and king and his expression darkened. His eyes narrowed, his fists clenched and he growled.
"But not for long." He hissed before laughing darkly. "I will have what is rightfully mine! And no halfbloods will stop me." He sneered, disgust filling his venomous words.
Fire formed around Renaldo's fists. He lifted his arms and threw the fire towards the portrait. He watched as the fire made contact with the magical barrier around the painting and distinguish the flames.
"I will rule Rayon, and no one will stop me."