The Other Princess of Merdian
Chapter 3
All of the grace Merla was widely known for quickly dissolved from her mind as she practically ran down the corridor once they had arrived home.
Her thoughts in turmoil when she recived news of Namie going into labor a month early and while yes she was concerned for Namie, she was more concerned for the babe.
And idealy wondered if Phobos has even greeted the new member.
Her brother behind her, but showing little to no worry about his child or wife.
As they reached the doors to nursery, Merla took took a deep breath too calm down her nerves.
Entering the room, she had been prepared for anything.
But stopped short as soon she took one step at scene she before her face.
She barely acknowledged her brother's short intake of breath as he too took in the scene before him.
They watched as a young maid of twenty years of age change the clothes on the babe, but this was nothing new to them.
No what had them standing in shock was what appeared to be Phobos standing not too far from the maid and by the looks off it, prepare to cause any harm on the maid if she as so much harm the little thing.
Dorian and Merla looked over too each, sending a questioning look too each if this was some type of illusion.
Once the maid was done (who apparently was used to Phobos), she lifted the babe up and turned to the expectant prince.
"Here ya go milord. Lil bit all freshly cleaned and awaiting for your approval," the maid said as she handed the babe to her prince.
"You may go."
Bowing to Phobos, she took her leave and stopped shortly noticing her king and his sister for the first time standing at the doorway.
She made to talk, but stopped shortly when the king mentioned for her to exit the room.
Neither wished to break the peace that had descended the room.
So they just watched as Phobos walked out onto the balcony where it appeared Namie was waiting.
"Mother Aceline is ready."
Namie turned to her son holding his sister tenderly as if she were made of fine crystal.
And chuckled when Aceline (for Phobos had named her and allowed his mother to nickname her Eli) tugged on her brother's hair, given it a good yank.
Phobos mockingly glared at his giggling sister and headed to the stairs that connected to the balcony going down into the gardens.
Namie looked over her shoulder and waved at her husband and sister-in-law, an amused smirk donning her face as she enjoyed their shock faces and proceeded to follow her son.
Surprisingly, it was Dorian who came over his initial shock at seeing his son actually show some emotion and shoved his sister in the direction of his family.
Merla glared at her brother and set his beard on fire before going forward.
Dorian simply chuckled.
And then got angered once he noticed all the magical wards in his daughter's room.
Not that he was angry at them being present, but angered that Merla (for who else could be teaching his son on magic) failed to mention Phobos magical abilities.
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(THREE YEARS LATER)
When Merla found herself sick, she assured everyone it will pass.
Months passed and her sickness got worse.
None of the healers knew what was causing her aliment; thus couldn't cure her of it.
No one could have predicted the death of Princess Merla and the impact it would have on not only their king but also on young Prince Phobos.
What was once a ruthless king was now a cruel, uncaring king.
Dorian was lost without his sister to guide him and cool down his temper when it ever he was driven beyond patience. For she was the one who made sure to sometimes think about their people and it would affect them when important decisions were made. Dorian, like most of his ancestors before him, could care less what happened to the people of Meridian (as long as they were in control and were obeyed).
Prince Phobos simply turned from a cool, emotionless boy to a ruthless-emotionless boy. Anyone he perceived to be a danger to his sister or mother was simply sent 'away.'
Most of the time he and his father personally took care of those who tried to take Princess Eli from them, more now to take their anger out on them for Merla leaving them.
Queen Namie retreated into herself after losing her best friend (and a small part of her finally morned over the lost of her first daughter).
When she finally came to the realization that her family needed her, she was there for them as much as she could be.
The only thing that changed was she was no longer as ruthless as she once was. No instead she became gentle, tried her best to calm her husband and bring back her son as he once was.
She also took pity on those who tried to take away her precious little Eli; for she knew that her people came to believe that her son and husband would mold the bundle of sunshine and joy that defined Eli into them.
Simply put: Queen Namie was now the favored noble of Meridian.
Princess Aceline, or Eli for short, could sense something was amiss for her only being two and half years old. But she simply shrugged it off and continued on with her joyful nature. In the back of her mind, she wondered what happened to Auntie Me.
Months later, Phobos was left in charge of the kingdom (for Dorian knew his son would be able to handle himself) while the king and queen went to handle some political affair.
While the Queen usually love to ride alongside her husband instead of riding the carriage, she felt a tad tired and Dorian forced her to go with the carriage instead of riding her horse.
On the way there, the once small group of rebels but now a small growing army with different sorts of creatures, took the opportunity to attack the king.
The king did not have many guards with him and quickly instructed the driver of his wife's carriage to turn back around and also sent one of his most trusted guards (a snake like creature) back to the castle to get reinforcements.
He fought right next with his guards and showed his enemy that not only was he superior with his magic, but also a magnificent warrior. He took down most of his attackers but got distracted when he heard a horrible crash and someone yell "NO! LEAVE THE QUEEN BE!" his attention quickly turn over to Namie's overturned carriage.
Racing over to his wife, he never took notice the archer aiming an arrow at him.
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The guard sent for reinforcements made it back to the castle at record speed and quickly rounded up a small army of the king's best.
But upon arriving back to the scene, they were too late to save their king.
Upon further inspection, the snake like creature found his queen lying in small pool blood, her breathing coming in heavily.
He gently but swiftly lifted her up, ordered his men to pick up their fallen king and rushed back to the castle.
Phobos stoically waited the news of his parents' well being, while keeping an eye on his sister who currrently was chasing a small toad around the pond.
He did not understand his sisters' weird fascination with the slimy creatures, but would never dream of making her give up something that gave her joy.
Upon hearing the arrival of his fathers' men, the impact of the news once again changed him.
His father was dead and his mother was in a severe condition where the healers were not sure if she would ever wake up.
And Princess Eli ran up to her brother, gave him a big hug (she noticed the change in the air once the snake-man left her brother) and told him, "Wub u!"
This was supposed to be posted last night, but it wouldn't let me post it up. Hope you guys don't mind me not putting up much author's note. I just like to get on with the story and mention a few things here and there.
ACELINE: Feminine form of Norman French Acelin, meaning "little noble one"
