The Next Chapter...Sephiroth Kingdom

Chapter 9

POV Van

My head was pulsing. What in the world, was I hit with? I shook my head to clear my blurry vision and took in my surroundings. The walls were made of a dark brick, the floor was cold and made of stone, and there were iron bars in front of me. Was I in a prison cell?

"So, you're finally awake." A voice calmly stated, "You've been out for a few hours. my sister must have hit you pretty hard."

I raised my head to see the young man who had addressed me. Who was he?

"Where am I?"

"In the castle dungeon. I know it's not the most accommodating space, but I hope you won't be too uncomfortable." The young man answered with a genuine smile, "My name is Brian by the way. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you as well." I say trying to extend my hand, but was stopped short by the chain that was attached to my wrist, "Is this really necessary?"

"It's protocol, so I can't remove it from you. Sorry." He apologized.

He would have been the most well-mannered guard I have ever met. Perfect for manipulation purposes. I pretended to have a coughing fit.

"Are you alright? Can I get you some water?" Brian offered.

Perfect.

" I would very much like that. Yes please." I responded in between the fake coughs. Now I can escape.

"Father, would you mind watching the prisoner while I get some water for him?" I heard Brian ask.

Drat. This was going to be harder than I thought. Now what am I going to do?

I watched Brian leave and a man took his place as he left. I moved to speak, but the man intercepted me before I could voice a single syllable.

"Don't think, I don't know your ploy. I know your intent." He warned. "Just sit tight. It won't be for much longer."

POV Legretta

It felt refreshing to be in my Sephiroth outfit. The silk easily followed my movements and the fabric wasn't too hot either. Another upside is that I could hide my weapons easily, since it was tailored with them in mind unlike my order uniform. It was truly perfect. I could also let my hair flow freely without having it pulled into a ponytail. I checked myself over in the mirror one last time before I was satisfied with my state of dress. I exited my room and followed the halls of the castle to the main wing where the throne room was located. Once everyone was settled there Van would be brought by my father from the dungeon for his audience with the royal family. He was going to in for a delightful surprise. I entered the throne room and took my place on my mother's right side.

"Long time no see mother." I voiced giving her a rare smile.

Mother look up from whatever report she was reading in her hands and returned the smile.

"It has been a while hasn't it? I missed you here at my right side. Your siblings are no help with royal matters. Next time, remind me to send someone else on a mission when I pick you, so that I can have you here to help me. Your father has enough on his plate with the Knights I have no wish to burden him any further."

"Darling, you are never a burden. I would gladly take up whatever you ask of me." My father's voice traveled across the space, "Nice to see you again, Legretta my beloved daughter."

I felt my face flush with embarrassment. Why must he always do this?

"Nice to see you again as well, father." I said with a small smile and a nod. "Is this all who will be present?"

"For now, yes. Your siblings can meet him at a different time." Mother said before mumbling, "If he lives that long."

"Now honey, remember when we had that discussion about shooting the guests?" My father chastised. "We can't have a repeat of the fifth noble men's ball."

"It'll only take a single bullet. It's not even the same. The ball had numerous accidents. This will only be one little one." My mother responded with a slight pout. "I promise there is a very good reason for you to let me kill him love."

Oh here we go. Not this. Anything but this.

"What reason could that be love?"

Here it is.

"We can finish the fun we were having before we were summoned love." She whispered seductively into his ear.

I swear, if I happen to have another sibling out of this exchange I will kill someone.

"Can we please focus. He's being escorted in." I pleaded to my parents.

"I suppose." My mother waved off the escort, "so, what do you presume you have the right to demand of me? Vandesdelca Grants?"

He scoffed at my mother once he had risen to his full height.

"I wonder who really had the advantage here? Because, here I am, both in possession of my blade, and unbound. How could you be so careless?"

"Careless? Me? Never. I just like to make things interesting Vandesdelca. You are out numbered at the moment by the most powerful individuals in the kingdom, and you think I'm at the disadvantage?" My mother questioned sporting her you have to be kidding me look plastered on her face. She glanced in my direction with an eyebrow raised as if saying "Are you hearing this fool?".

I rolled my eyes at that. Why was he so arrogant?

My father, who was on my mother's left side, only stared at Van keeping a close eye on his movements. Even if mother could draw her gun and instantly defend herself he was always ready to protect her.

"My patience is wearing Grants. What is your proposal?" Mother asked once more clearly irritated.

"If I may, I would very much appreciate it if-" Van had started only to be interrupted with an exaggerated sigh.

"That's how you begin? You have to be joking." Mother scoffed , "Since, you clearly don't know how this works I'll take the lead. Yes?"

Van's face was one of bewilderment. He opened his mouth only to be shushed by the woman before him, who was now sitting upright on her throne no longer slouching as she was previously.

"Ah, ah, my turn to speak. You had your time." She said while waggling her pointer finger. She flashed a small smirk before continuing, "Here is what you are to do. You are going to continue your plan as is. You will lower the outer lands into the quithoth. Then, you will summon Lorelei for us. From there it is your own choice in how you conduct your life., but you will follow me until then. If you refuse I will shot you dead here, and we go on with our lives as if this meeting never happened. Well, at least I will."

Van's hand gripped the hilt of his sword in frustration, so father took a small step forward in warning. If he so much as moved a millimeter father would have his head rolling the next second.

"Is there no other option?" Van asked blatantly.

"Actually, there may be another way." My mother responded, "If you followed my directions. I will be able to move the kingdom to the surface, throwing the path off kilter by adding a continent to the surface of the world making the score invalid. I suppose that is more appealing, yes?"

"Fine." Van punctuated. "I will do as you say, for now."

"Good. I'm glad we came to a conclusion." She finished with a clap of her hands I turned my head to her as she addressed me, "Now, Legretta you are his charge. Report everything, and keep him company while preparations are made for your departure. I have other business to attend to, so if you would excuse me." She finished motioning for my father to follow her out the throne room.

The closing of the door echoed when it shut leaving the sound to reverberate throughout the space Van and I were left within. When the sound faded into silence Van made eye contact.

"So, Where do you fit into this equation, Legretta?"