Chapter 1. Memories of Days Past.

The skies above his Majesty cared not for monarchs or emperors, they cast their precipitation regardless of status. The downfall was sudden and fierce, and within this torrential storm the destruction of the day was swept away. The blood and dirt that seemed so encrusted upon his skin, now slowly began to fade with the rain.

He was thankful to what Gods may be for the rain, for with the rain he felt the near departed would not see his tears or hear his sobbing. He slid down the ruined wall, slowly stretching his legs out as he sat on the cold wet grass. He sat now still staring at his sword, the steel now gleaning and glistening as the water refreshed and renewed its surface. He firmly held the blade in the palm of his left hand, thumbing over the hilt in a gentle caress with his right.

He now gazed into the blade and saw through it, no longer was it a tool of warfare, but now its reflective surface had become a mirror. In it he saw himself, and in him he saw his past.

...His mind journeyed to many days and weeks ago...

What once was rubble shifted in his mind and solidified into fortifications and armaments, the pile of rocks he leaned against became a towering colossus of a castle proudly decorated with the colors of his Clan. Oddly it felt surreal, as though the moment was preserved in his memory because of the simple fact of its arrogance in pretending to be significant. Yet he knew fairly well what this day was, he knew it was the coronation. As if that mattered anymore, yet he could not help but remain fascinated with the memory. It was as though he longed to hold and preserve that which was destroyed, taken, and lost. And so he clung to this memory and let it play out.

It is bizarre considering how memory works, it is as though you are controlling another person and moving them through motions of history. It is as if one could simply possess their past self and relive it all. And while that seems wondrous, there is that one simple terrible fact. Any action previously done cannot be undone, whatever mistakes your life may possess you are forced to witness them again. With practice you can review or skip individual moments, and in some cases erase them completely. But even this presents an uncertain danger, for what will become of that incomplete memory? Is it not better to remember the bad along with the good? Or is it worth it to risk the very little good memories once held within the mind to erase the bad?

These questions often circulated through the King's mind. But right now his mind embraced that instant and relived the glory of his coronation, for it was on this day that he was also to be betrothed.

It is remarkable how the light glistens against shimmering silks that hang among the great hall in honor of him. The oaken wood throne upon which he would be crowned, with its velvet padding stood before him, awaiting his presence. He counted the numerous rows of benches which appeared as though they could house his entire realm. The finest quality of linens and cloth decorated the hall, for it was his father the former Barbarian King who had seized thousands in gold from Goblin hordes who worked for greedy dragons.

His father no longer that man, now lay ill and dying. Despite his dance with death he was still about to present his son with the crown and inform him of the great duties and responsibilities that came with it. He stepped down from the litter, which had carried his failing body into hall, to present and finalize the crowning of the new King. His eyes appeared frosty and glazed over with the cataracts of old age, his face weathered and rugged with wrinkles, his beard full and grey - all signs that his time had come and past. As he lifted himself up to stand straight his back moaned and groaned protesting in complaint, whilst his knees popped and echoed across the great hall.

"My son, it is with heavy heart that I must abandon my reign as King over these sovereign lands. But as King over these lands, I cannot in good conscience continue to reign while in failing health. It is mine alone, the greatest pleasure a father can have as well as a King. I am granted the final liberty of succession by mine own son. And now, it is with this crown that I, King Eric John Smith Henderson dub thee King Leopold Eric John Henderson of mother Cortana, may its weight be always a reminder of responsibilities and duties a King has to his realm. It is with this sword that I charge thee with the protection of this realm. I present, his Majesty, King Leopold!" he shouted as cheers erupted from the audience, for a King had bestowed his crown upon his son prior to death, an act unheard of and considered a great tribute to the son. "Long live the King!" the crowd shouted.

"Father" he whispered, drawing his father closer - a single tear coming to his eye. "This is the greatest honor you have bestowed upon me."

"Wipe that tear from your face my lad. I will not be having mine own son crying. Not for me, not for any." he sternly said below his breath. "You will not bring dishonor onto our clan, not even for the death of your old father."

"Yes father, I am sorry."

"Alas, it is no matter for I have a gift to cheer you up."

"A gift father? What gift can you grant that is greater than this?"

"A wife!" he cajoled his son jabbing him with his elbow, leaving his son shocked and staring oddly at the old man.

King Leopold was appalled at the arranged marriage, yet he hid his emotions well. He never agreed in the concept and had always felt that marriage should be based upon love and not the circumstances of improving status.

The newly resigned King stepped down from the Alter of Succession, and pointed at the guards near the door. The grand doors swung open immediately, revealing a woman veiled beneath a dark hood. "May I present to his majesty, the eldest daughter of King Frederick, our neighbor and brothers in arms, Princess Alexandria Serena Gallington of Northshire!

He gazed at the women who entered now into the great hall. Her hair fell from beneath the dark hood in wavy curls of darkness. The blackness of her hair seemed to catch the light and steal it away within that 'raven-esque' abyss. She lifted a hand to her hood to reveal her face, which had been sheltered by the darkness of both the hood and her hair. In honor of his Majesty, her eyes never once left the ground, instead she remained kneeling staring at the stone floor.

"Let me see you." bid King Leopold, his curiosity now feverish. "Arise and come closer, I wish to see your face clearly."

His heartbeat fluttered as he looked into her eyes as she approached. As she stood in front of him she attempted to avert eye contact, but the King would not have it. He rose quickly and caught her chin before she could turn away, whilst gently turning her head to examine her.

With sparkling sapphire eyes, she radiated beauty. Her lips firm yet supple filled with rosy color as though cherries had painted themselves onto her sweet lips. He brushed his hand across her smooth cheek and down her neck grasping her shoulder. Her skin was as lavender in the summer a gentle and tenderness whilst having an aroma that intoxicated him with lust. His mind racing as he gazed into her vivid eyes, his soul seamlessly becoming enthralled and trapped by her beauty.

The King gazed deep into her eyes and asked her sincerely, "How fare thee, regarding this betrothal, Princess Alexandria? Is it in agreement with you? Or does thee have another in her heart?" The crowds murmured and looked shockingly at King Leopold, it was uncommon for a man let alone a King to ask his expected betrothed what she thought of their arranged marriage.

"Your Majesty, permission to speak plainly?" she looked up into his eyes nervously.

"Granted."

"Your Majesty, I have yet no love for thee or any other, and I mean that in no offence. Our union will create a Clan so powerful and resourceful that no other will stand against us. It is with this that I am capable of loving thee in time."

"Then my princess, allow us to declare our betrothal, and I will pursue courtship of you. If you will." another gasp erupted from the audience, for the King was proposing to allow himself and the princess time to familiarize themselves and fall in love prior to marriage.

"Your Majesty honors me greatly." The radiant Princess Alexandria spoke humbly and she curtsied towards the newly-appointed King Leopold.

"It is not only your honor that I wish to grant, for it is mine own to love the woman that I marry. I will however, consent that our two realms be joined in Clan-ship at once, and that on pain of death I will not marry you until we love each other. If that cannot come to pass, then your clan may do as they wish with me for I am but your loving servant."

"Your Majesty. I understand truly." she said with a faint smile that went undetected to all but him.

"Son...your majesty, what shall you tell the other Realm of the Wedding preparations now?" he looked as his son wondering if he had made the right choice bestowing his crown upon his head after all.

"I will tell them, that the wedding will go on; however, inform His Majesty King Frederick that I intend to court his daughter first."

"You are indeed wise. Sir Thomas was the liaison between us, he will provide the message if you wish."

"I shall summon him at once, but allow yourself to rest dear father, I will not have myself in mourning prior to my wedding to the Princess Alexandria."

"As you wish...your majesty." his father smiled, still getting used to calling his own son 'your Majesty'.

"Now for the banquet feast! For tonight is a true celebration!" shouted the new young King.