Thank you for reading, this chapter has been redon on some parts. I got some really helpful reviews and want to make some corrections. Please review.
Years may seem inconsequential but to an immortal they tick by like mere minutes have passed. The world hasn't changed much, well at least not much to what humans think but three years have brought slight changes, I watch with my clan, my mother's great clan watching and waiting.
But today I have a rather pressing matter; Naul was due to arrive today, for a council meeting of leaders reporting to the Queen, I was to be seated next to her as I always have even at a tender age. I sit as my hand maiden pulled hair back from my face, giving the strands a small intercut braid, making way for the pure silver crown adorned with silver vegetal stampings, leaves, and carved flowers, butterfly wings made of silver and Opals. I understood arranged marriages have been well meaning tradition, to have your child suited with the best match to make a healthy child.
"Princess, it is time to dress," I always held such distaste for the way she bowed low moving back from me. I stepped closer in my undergarments, my blue velvet slippers making no sound as I moved, in her hands was a midnight blue velvet gown with black trim, silver runes carved into the trim. It secured around my neck, draping and leaving my bare shoulders shown, before flowing out and covering my arm's, the trim hitting the cold stone floor.
I didn't look at my reflection, a loud knock rattled the oak doors to my chamber. My hand maiden hurried "Princess Shaylee it is Lady Keziah with Sir Ophir," her voice bashful, she was still aging once she stopped her training to be a warrior would start.
"It is time Princess, rather not have your mother upset with us for your untimely arrival" Keziah smiled her voice always warm and loving she was in every memory I have, always. I only give a simple nod of my head walking from my chambers, the stone walls with the coldness they normally held are now warm with the bright rays of sun shining down from Michael himself. "Have all the other clans arrived?" I questioned my eyes moving to each in turn, I was a Princess I was to hold myself as such.
"Yes, Naul was the last to arrive, he is already testing Gideon's patience. But we know you will do what is right for our race" Ophir smiled his long dark hair tied back his face was nice, but held no real appeal for me.
"Well, I shall not keep them waiting as longer. Commander Gideon is very easily annoyed so seeing as Naul was to do so is no great feat," the door was only feet away voices could be heard, echoed, I took a deep breath closing my eyes as Keziah and Ophir opened the thick, large doors letting me enter first.
"My child, please come sit," my mother said her voice loving, her smile could bring sunshine into the darkest place. I moved forward as Naul stood from his high-backed chair his cold eyes on me. "My princess, let me help you," he made a gesture towards my chair.
"I will do the honor of helping our Princess," Keziah snarled moved in-between Naul and I, Ophir pulled my chair out as I tucked the soft fabric under me taking my set. "Thank you to all, I am sorry to be a hindrance in this council meeting," I smiled looking at each in turn, until my eyes fell on Gideon his eyes so cold but so warm held me, they always did.
"Now that Princess Shaylee is in attendance, we have little to report the forest on the banks of the Pollacapall Lough, we have seen Demon activity but something has killed them before we arrived." Small whispers broke out after Fin was silent.
My mother looked deep in thought "Thank you Fin, send three out to scout the area. Only advance to kill if it is a demon, anything other leave alone and report at the next meeting," I spoke, which I rarely did but all eyes looked at me.
"A wise plan, do as my daughter said. Now, Naul, what have you to say?" but Naul looked at me before he spoke.
"My Queen, it has been silent. We have made sure no demon leaves us alive. The Holy fortress has also been built back to its former glory, for when Princess Shaylee comes," my eyes opened until I looked like I might go into shock "Naul, enough we have spoken about this," mother said in a firm tone, he bowed looking away. I was grateful none questioned her, in honesty Gideon did but knew when to hold his tongue.
"But My Queen, who will she marry?" another questioned "Why is it important whom I marry? I am free to choose my husband, if I ever choose to marry," I snapped standing, my throne chair never hit the floor as Ophir held it in place. I didn't want to me like my grandmother and her's before her, my mother was free to choose and so will I.
"Our Queen must have a husband, it is said. Someone strong to protect her at all cost. She can only stay unmarried if he falls in battle," Fin said, I did forget that part.
"Be that as it may be, I will choose for myself. I write my own destiny, follow my own path to make our nation of Gargoyles the once great race that protected Earth from the Demon that have taken home here," my voice was soft, firm but raised enough to be heard.
"A wise new Queen we will have," Fin smiled slamming his glass down red wine spilled over as all but Naul copied him cheering for the Queen I want to be, but will never be able to live up to. I
"I am firm in my belief I should be the one at your side," Naul was up, I held back a retort that would land me in the way of my mother's rath.
"I will never marry you, you are the lowest among us. A cruel and sadistic Gargoyle, I am far beyond you," I stood now looking down on him as he snarled out "I challenge for your hand, any of your choosing," loud roars filled the hall "Ye should be killed, you have shamed your clan Naul. Speaking to our Princess in a manner,"
"Naul, if this is what you choose on your head it be. Shaylee chose your champion if you accept," I closed my eyes, flashes filled the darkness the smell of cinnamon and chocolate came to mind. My eyes fluttered open seeing him his dark green eyes locked on mine, Naul was ready for battle, as I spoke.
"I accept Naul. My champion is, Commander Gideon of the Queens Guard," low rumbles rushed in my ears, I knew I heard Keziah try and hide her soft giggles before it was heard. He was the best and I could only have the very best, he was cruel but he had this other side some never see.
"I accept this honor." I turned considering a smirk but his eyes are the same ones that flash when I close mine. Ophir and Keziah move me back as Gideon moves, he kneels in front of me "I Gideon Commander of the Queens guard, accept your wise choice, I will protect you always My Princess,"
"I thank you Commander," even as he stood towering over me, I placed a light kiss to his cheek, something in his eyes changed but he turned away walking towards the large hall that has filled with many. My words expected.
"Mother, why must this take place?" I questioned as we walked to the three thrones, mine smaller befitting me. "He used a challenge as leverage, I believe he was under the impression you would forfeit rather than place any at risk." I sat my mind whirling, was I wrong to have accepted?
"Mother, was I wrong to been callus accepting Naul's challenge?" I looked into her eyes "No Shaylee, you are so much more than him," her finger tips were like silk over my face.
Now we sit and watch this travesty…
Naul is taller with more body mass, but Gideon is muscled, lean with years more on Naul. Gideon was armed with his axe carved with the symbol of Michael, as Naul had a long blade.
"I think Naul leader of the eastern clan should have ascended with the ill manner he had spoken to our Princess Shaylee, but she is all her wisdom chose a champion. Now we all bare witness," Jai said it echoed around the hall's, all eyes on the two men in the center.
Naul was the first to attack with a swift but ineffective maneuver, Gideon moved with ease bringing his axe down, but it never touched Naul. Gideon, his fist slammed into Naul's thick jaw causing him to stumble back before falling to the floor. He wasn't down long as his body made a hard contact with Gideon's toned stomach. Not that I noticed when he trained or anything, but something about his fierce devotion was alluring.
But he and I, never.
Gideon slammed with great force into the wall, Naul jammed his knee into Gideon's ribs, I took a step forward but Ophir held me in place "It will be a forfeit and Naul will be victor, use your head Princess" Gideon watched this exchange, because my eyes fell into his as he looked at us.
It happened so fast Gideon made a wide arch his axe made a gashing hole in Naul's throat, as pure blue light poured out as he ascended.