In a far away land. Deep in the forests. There is said to be a stone like no other, like fire and ice in a loving embrace. This stone is known to give its bearer a glimpse into his future. A glimpse into his life or death. His path laden with terror or glory. To-
"Levy! Mother has summoned us! You must get ready this instant!"
I looked up to see Lucy staring at me. Her bright blue eyes widened with shock that I hadn't moved since she last called for me to get ready. Her normally well kept bright golden hair, a mess falling past her waist. She wore a long flowing pale blue dress made of silk and lace that covered most of her feet, with gold trimming at the waist forming a design up to her bust. Her pale hands on her waist, the long sleeves of her dress forming frills at her elbows.
"Can't I just finish this part first? It is describing the jewel master Grandine was telling me about. A jewel that tells you your decisive futu-"
"yes yes...Lev that sounds interesting but we cannot be late. I cannot get another tongue lashing from mother or suffer any more of her punishments" Lucy whined.
Reminding me of the last time we had disobeyed mother and gone with Cana to a dance outside of Asteria. She had made us each do something we hated. Fashioning the punishment to the culprit. To Lucy she had forced on a scouting trip with Erza, knowing how much Lucy loved her comfort. 7 days sleeping on dirt in horrid humid conditions and traumatized by terrifying animals and Lucy swore never to defy mother again. She sent Cana to the masters at the Fae monastry for a 3 week teaching on obedience and complacency. And me she sent deep into the forests to the training grounds of the Asterian Army to represent her as judge in execution trials. I shuddered remembering the punishment. I had thought her cruel to make us endure that but it made me understand her role as Queen a little better. How she had to be everything her people needed because it was her duty irrespective of how she felt. To teach us our place as princesses. And teach us our duty to our people. I smiled thinking about that.
"Wipe that smile of your face Levy and better be ready when I come back!" Lucy called as she left.
"Oh-okay" I quickly ran to my room to get ready.
Minutes later and we stood in the great hall in the throne room. Waiting for her arrival. Soon the trumpets sounded and the announcement made. All the members of the court bowing down. While I and my sisters curtsied as the Queen and her consort arrived. It amazes me how intrigued I am everytime I see mother. I used to think she was a god that came down from the heavens to instruct and direct us and would eventually go back to her place in the sky. She had golden long hair that was braided down to her back. Beautiful violet eyes that held such wisdom. Pale skin that seemed to shine in the day and twinkle at night. Her face was so bright and it seemed to get brighter those rare times she laughed with little lines at the edges of her looked nothing like her 158 years of age. She always wore her crown. A crude and imposing thing with rubies and sapphires and a large diamond in the middle. Looking almost ridiculous in contrast to her elegance. She moved with grace,Today wearing a long flowing gown with many layers. Bright gold and white. She turned to us and smiled slightly almost sadly like she was trying to capture the moment before it was gone. Then she walked to her throne and sat down. She gestured with a flick of her wrist and her consort and members of the court began to leave. Leaving my sisters and I and her chief advicers and the lord chancellor.
The lord chancellor second in power only to my mother and her daughters was a tall dark humanoid. He was a huge panther with a white beard and piercing red eyes. He was very imposing and many were terrified of him. But we have been friends since I was little and I loved him dearly. He gave me a quick smile before addressing my mother.
"Your grace, we have heard disturbing news from the cities in the north about a small group of gorgons joining forces with other supernaturals in the city of Magnolia to form an army and start a war. They have their eye on the throne and I fear they would try to convince Balon to join them."
My mother frowned at the mention of the king of Erebus's name. He had grown quite discontent with my mother's rule and has antagonized her at every opportunity.
"We cannot let it come to that Lily, Balon cannot be given any opportunity to cause war between the two cities, what do you suggest we do?"
"I think my Queen, we need to cut down Balon's insolence and remind him of our strength and the consequence of defiance." Lily said barely masking the anger in his voice. It was a known fact that Lily detested Balon, hating his deceit and shrewdness.
"No Lily. We cannot allow conflict between Erebus and Asteria. Any form of division seen between us will give neighboring countries and our enemies a reason to attack us. We must not forget that though Balon may be a problem, the people of Erebus are not and we cannot afford to put them at risk."
"But your grace... Balon knows this. He knows we desire peace with Erebus and he will use it to manipulate us and trap us with his plans. We cannot allow him to-"
"Enough Lily. There is no need to be desperate and let hatred and fear lead us into wrong decisions. I am queen not just of Asteria but of Erebus too and Balon is king of Asteria as well. He may despise me but these are his people too. I refuse to let us fall into war again and tear our cities apart." my mother was calm but stern and I could feel the hairs on my back stand at the sound of her voice, even Lily knew better than to contradict her. He bowed deeply but even from the distance I could see his fists clenched. The knuckles pale with rage.
"If I may your majesty" Malphas one of the chief advicers spoke.
"What is it Malphas? " my mother said irritated. He was her least favourite advicer. Mother always said there was a sinister energy from him she couldn't place. But he was ancient nephilim. Direct descendent of the divinities that once chose the leaders of Asteria and had helped greatly to keep the peace between Erebus and Asteria. So she had to stomach his presence but she would trust a colander to carry water before trusting him.
"your highness we should have a meeting with Balon. Make peace with him before this uprising gets to him. Make him see why it is better for us all to side together. We may give him what he wishes to ensure he remains loyal to Asteria, after all we are all related. One blood from the great love and the firsts"
"That is exactly what he wants. For us to meet him at the place of weakness instead of strength!"Lily said obviously annoyed with Malphas' suggestion.
"Lily! Control yourself. I understand your agitation and yes you are right, going to Balon would give him the leverage he has always wanted. This is what would happen. Malphas, you and Lily would go to Balon and surmon him to a war council meeting, as I know Erebus's northern gate is very close to the city of Magnolia and the safety of Erebus is the safety of all of us. He must understand that we have to work together to save Erebus and in extension Asteria as well. "
"But your grace,what if he refuses, Balon is a very stubborn man, maybe if one of the princesses were to accompany us-" interjected Malphas obviously upset his advice wasn't heeded.
"Then you make sure he does. Balon knows that the princesses represent me and I will not place myself in a position of weakness" she turned to a smiling Lily as she said this.
"As you wish your highness."
The advicers and Lily bowed and left. As we all proceeded to leave Mother gestured for me to come to her.
"Levy I received a gift from the queen mother of the sea nymphs of Emera today. It is an ancient book on water spells with script magic like the first Maya used to use. I thought you would Like to have it"
I squealed excitedly almost hugging her but quickly remembered etiquette in the throne room and bowed with a huge smile on my face matching my mother's as she smiled back and handed me the book.
"Show me the spells you learn when you are done" she said with a wink. I quickly nodded and joined my sisters. Smiling to myself how wonderful this week would be.