Historic Truth (part 1)

"Do I really have to wear this?"

"I know you feel uncomfortable now."

Diana kept looking at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a burgundy plunge bodycon dress.

"Your back will be covered until the bruise heals. This is the only dress I had that works best for you."

"It's fine, Sapphyre. I just don't want Octavian staring at me."

"Don't worry. He won't. I think he has embarrassed himself enough. He'll occupy himself with Angelique and probably out now finding someone else." Sapphyre smiled looking into the mirror. "Though, I'm sure Kal will like it."

Diana looked up shocked but couldn't help but blush and smile. Her smile quickly faded to a more serious look as she was contemplating.

"What's wrong?"

"The book I got from the library, the other day, it was actually a journal."

"Oh?"

"Is it yours?"

"No, I'm not much of a writer," Sapphyre laughed.

"Oh. Well maybe I'll find who it belongs to as I keep reading." Diana paused. "Should I keep reading?"

"If you think you will find your answers."

Sapphyre and Diana walked into the dining area for breakfast. Kal and Marcella were already seated.

"Good Morning, Diana. Well don't you look lovely."

"Thank you."

Kal got up from his seat.

"Where are you going, dear?"

Kal went around to Diana and pulled her chair out for her.

"Oh...Thank you," she said in a low tone looking up at him.

Kal said nothing but smiled. His demeanor was different.

"You are such a dear heart, my King."

Kal sat back down in his own chair and was still so silent.

"Well it seems that Octavian will not be joining us. He is off somewhere in town."

There was intense awkwardness within the atmosphere.

"So, my King, I will be in town as well. In honor of me, there will be a monument built in the center of town. So I have to be there. We also need portraits. Sapphyre, be sure to have Diana ready when the time comes. Diana, you are lucky enough to have three."

"Three?"

"Yes, of course, the bridal portrait, bride and groom before and after the wedding."

"Oh."

"You aren't shy are you? Don't be. You are beautiful. And don't worry about Octavian's unruly behavior. I will be sure he never does such a thing ever again."

Marcella got up. "My people are waiting for me." She bent over and kissed Kal's cheek. "Be good, dear."

"Sapphyre, don't have Diana in that dreadful garden all day. You are probably boring her. That room needs to be done soon. I won't remind you again."

"Yes, Mistress," Sapphyre bowed.

Kal and Diana still sat at the table quietly when Marcella left.

"Are you alright, Sire?" Xander asked Kal as he stepped to him and touched his shoulder.

"Yes, Xander. Go to the courtyard. I will be there momentarily."

Xander bowed. "Yes, Sire."

As soon as Kal was sure Xander was gone, he got up and went over to Diana. He held out his hand for her to take. Diana looked up at him.

She took his hand and stood up.

"What's wrong, Kal?"

"I will meet you later in the garden." He looked at Sapphyre. "You will be there, right Sapphyre?"

"Yes. For the rest of the morning we will be in the library and this afternoon, in the garden."

"Kal?" Diana questioned.

He looked back at Diana with a smile. "Later, ok?"

Diana nodded slowly. "Ok."

He kissed her lightly then rushed off to the courtyard.

Sapphyre walked up to Diana smiling. "He is quite taken by you."

"Sapphyre, I don't think..."

"It's okay to feel what you feel. It took me a long time to finally understand and accept that."

"Do you think about him?"

"Everyday." Sapphyre smiled again. "Marcella wants me to have one of her dresses fixed before she gets back. It won't take me long. After that, we will go to the library then the rest of the day in the garden. Will you be alright until I'm done with the dress?"

"Of course."

Diana went to her room to get the key Sapphyre gave her. She wandered around going back to the dark hall. She turned the knob of the door and it was still locked. Diana looked down at the key in her hand.

It was worth a try. She put the key in and it unlocked.

She walked in and quickly shut the door. It was a storage room. The lights were dim and practically everything was covered with dust.

There were stacks of books, boxes, portraits and so much more. Diana picked up a book and blew some of the dust off.

It was a children's book. She picked up another and saw that it was also a children's book. She remembered Sapphyre telling her about reading to the children before Marcella took the books away.

Diana opened a box and it was full of pictures and letters.

She picked up a letter.

My Dear Rozalynn,

How I wish I could be with you as you give birth to our daughter. I know I have not been the man you deserve. I am sorry. I was selfish and put you in danger. I figured that it was best for us to be apart, if only for a little while. Reuben and Jeanaveve have assured me that you and our child will be taken care of. I hope that when the time is right to come back, then we can be a family.

-Harun

There was a large portrait of a woman that caught Diana's attention.

The woman was so beautiful with her long silver hair and her emerald eyes. She wore a midnight blue gown and sapphire diamond tiara.

Another portrait of the same woman with a man that must've been her husband.

She went back to the box of pictures she was looking through. There was a picture of a young girl with long brown hair and hazel eyes.

"Sapphyre?"

She was holding hands with a young boy. He looked to be a bit older than her.

She turned the picture around and written on the back "Prince Julius Zachar, Madame Sapphyre Vonroe."

Diana looked through another box and found another journal with the same symbol. This one she could see clearly.

"A lotus?"

She opened it. Only the first page was written on.

Sapphyre,

May you live a life full of joy, love and happiness. I wish I had more time but I've done my part in this world. Now my time has come. I've made mistakes. I fell in love with a married man, your father. But I have no regrets. I am proud to have such a beautiful baby girl. Jeanaveve and Rueben will take care you. I know that Jeanaveve will be a better mother to you than I could ever be. Her boy, Julius will protect you. I hope that you two grow even closer. Trust and love one another. Stay safe, follow your heart, daughter. I love you.

Your Mother, Rozalynn

A picture was sticking out. Diana turned to the page.

"Sapphyre? No...her mother."

The similarity of their looks were uncanny.

Diana jumped slightly hearing a loud thud. Diana quickly put everything back, left out the room and locked the door.

Turning to another hall, she saw guards coming carrying a body. She frowned standing closely against the wall. As they passed by she gasped.

"Vernon?"

She gasped and jumped again feeling and hand on her shoulder.

"Didn't mean to startle you, Diana."

"What happened?"

"I don't know. They found him unresponsive."

Diana noticed Sapphyre seemed as though she was about to cry or had been.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, yes. We have to go. You have to meet with Kal."

"I don't understand. We shouldn't be doing this. You've gotten caught in the middle."

Sapphyre smiled. "What's developing between you and Kal is something I won't stop because its not up to me. I'm respecting the King and doing as I should as your caretaker. There is something different with you and him. Maybe that could change things here."

"I'm not sure to take that as a good thing."

"I believe it is."

Diana and Sapphyre sat on the bench waiting for Kal.

"Diana?" Kal waved.

Sapphyre smiled. "I'll be by the orchids."

Diana smiled back and nodded.

"Hi, Kal."

To Diana's surprise, he embraced her. "I'm sorry."

"What are you apologizing for? You didn't do anything."

"I couldn't console you like I wanted last night. The look in your eyes..."

"Don't do that. I'm alright."

Kal looked into her eyes and caressed her cheek. "You are so stubborn, you know that?"

Diana smirked. "I still stand by what I said."

"No bodyguards. I know."

His lips brushed against hers.

"He mentioned you...us. I'm not sure if he really knows."

"He accused Xander too. Nobody knows."

"Except Sapphyre."

"You trust her right?"

"Yes of course."

"Then I do too. What's between us is safe." Kal caressed her cheek again and pulled her into a passionate kiss.

On the other side of the garden...

"Queen Sapphyre?"

"Xhanaliese."

"I've taken the General to Earth."

"Has Vernon awoken yet?"

"Yes. Evolyn...I mean Ruby has already made plans for him to work with her until it's time for him to come back."

"Good. Marcella will not kill another."

"She is desperate. She knows there is still a connection between them."

"There always will be. Just like Julius and I. She knows she does not have full control of Alluremour. As of now, our plan is working. Diana found my mother's journals and saw the portrait of Lorien. Diana will know Alluremour's history and truths soon."

Xhanaliease smiled. "You remind me so much of Queen Lorien. She would be proud of her successor."

"It is my duty as third generation Queen to uphold her legacy."

Later, Dinner

"Oh poor man. Died of a broken heart. Well it was for the best. He and his wife can be in peace." Marcella poured a glass of champagne and took a sip. "Anyway tomorrow is the town's festival. The children are doing a little performance and honoring me."

"Don't you ever get tired of those little brats running around? Why don't we have the ladies performing. I'm sure that would be much more entertaining." Octavian said.

Marcella glared then cleared her throat. "Brother, you know as tradition goes. The children honor their Queen...and King to learn the importance of who we are."

"Aren't they taught this in school? The history of Alluremour should be required knowledge."

"Yes. You know it has been so for every child."

Diana stared down at her plate and glanced up occasionally at Kal who was sitting directly in front of her across the table.

"What do you think, dear Kal?"

He looked up confused. "With the children?"

"Yes dear."

"They are children. Let them be. I'm sure their performance at the festival will be enjoyable."

Diana kept looking down but smiled.

Kal glanced at her and smiled.

"Diana, what do you think?"

"Oh, I agree. Having the children's participation will be lovely."

Octavian got up abruptly from the table and stormed off.

Marcella sighed. "Oh, such a spoiled little boy. My hope is that after the wedding, he changes for the better. What kind of example is that for his offsprings?"

Kal let out a low sigh. Diana placed her forks down with a sudden loss of appetite.

There was an intense awkward silence for the rest of time.

Town Festival

Kal was glad to finally be able to get away from the palace and Marcella. He hadn't seen Xander since after breakfast but that was all a good thing. He couldn't wait to get some time to be with Diana. He smiled as he spotted Diana and Sapphyre. As he was walking towards them, he felt someone pull on the back of his pant leg. Kal turned to see a little boy.

"Hey you're the new king, right?" he asked, looking up at Kal.

Kal kneeled down and smiled. "Yeah, well I guess so."

"I'm Shadeur and this is my best friend Tavi!"

"Nice to meet you, Shadeur and Tavi."

Tavi poked at his arm. "You're strong!"

"Think so?"

"Yeah!" Tavi smiled and latched on to Kal's arm.

"Hold on, ok?"

"Ok."

With his arm extended, Kal stood up.

"Woah!" Tavi laughed as he swung on Kal's arm.

"I want to do it!" Shadeur jumped up and down.

"Alright, well come on!"

Soon all the other kids joined them.

Diana and Sapphyre laughed along as they watched Kal playing with the children.

"He is great with them," Sapphyre smiled.

"Yes, he is." Diana was quite impressed with him. But that dreadful thought of Marcella kept coming to mind. "He will be a great father to Marcella's child."

"Diana."

"He still has to play along."

"I understand what you're saying. But it doesn't have to be this way for long."

Diana gave her a questionable look. "What do you mean by that?"

The children ran up to them. "Come play a game with us please." They took their hand pulling them.

Sapphyre laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm not as young as I used to be. Though, Diana would love to."

Diana looked at her shocked. "I..."

"Please..." the children pleaded in unison.

Diana sighed then smiled. "Alright."

"YAY!" The children jumped up and down happily.

"Diana is here!"

Kal looked up and smiled. "Hi, Diana."

"Hi, Kal. Having fun?"

"Yeah. Glad you decided to join us."

Diana laughed. "I don't think I had a choice."

"King Kal! You are it! Come on, Diana!"

The children started running.

Kal smirked. "I think you better start running, Diana. Head start."

"I don't think I need it but I guess that's you being a gentlemen." Diana smirked. "Catch me if you can."

Sapphyre smiled as she watched them. It brought back so many memories.

Flashback

Sapphyre stood on a step stool as she read her mother's journal. She was suppose to be getting books to read to the town's children. She didn't get to know much about her mother sense she died when Sapphyre was so only 6 years old.

Sapphyre wondered why and how the journal got mixed up as a regular book. So deep in thought, she forgot where she was. She stepped back a little until she started to lose her balance.

She gasped.

"Hey, be careful." Julius caught her in the nick of time. He set her down and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Are you okay?"

She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"What were you reading?"

"My mother's journal."

"Her journal? It was on the shelf?"

"Yes. Not sure how it ended up here."

"Well bring it to our room. Keep it in one of the boxes you have. Don't want anyone accidently taking it or oddly placing it anywhere else. "

Sapphyre nodded and dropped her head slightly.

"What's wrong?"

"I wish I had more time with her. It's my fault she isn't here."

"No its not. Don't say that. She wouldn't want you feeling this way."

"I just wonder what it would've been like. Maybe my father would've came back."

"Sapphyre, from what I know, your father was an honorable man but something was happening and he felt it was right to stay away."

"His first wife."

"Ah, Zorailusine. That woman was mean. Weirded me out every time she came around."

Sapphyre hit his shoulder.

"What?" He laughed. "It's the truth. I'm glad Huran decided to be with Rozalynn instead. Now I have you. And I thank them."

Sapphyre smiled and kissed his cheek. "I wouldn't mind going to the waterfall today."

"Take a swim then stay at the cabin for a while."

"Just like we did as kids."

"Playing as a married couple."

"Now it's actually happening."

Flashback End

"Hurry Diana!" The kids cheered on.

Kal was inches away from catching Diana. She touched the wall with Kal in a mere second, touching it as well with his hand over hers.

Diana quickly put her hand down and turned toward him. They were only centimeters apart.

"Almost, Kal. But not quite."

"Diana is fast! Come on, King Kal, you are it again. Diana you too!"

"Let's see who can catch more of us!"

"Alright, little ones. Sorry, but you all are about to honor Queen Marcella," Sapphyre said.

"Do we have to?"

"Yes, it's tradition. You can finish your game afterwards."

As the children danced, Jorey went over to Diana. "Dance, Diana!" she pulled her to the stage.

Kal watched her in amazement. Such beauty and elegance. He wanted so bad to have her in his arms.

Marcella smirked. Walking up to the stage. She again had been watching Kal.

"My people! My lovely people of Alluremour!"

The music stopped and the children stopped dancing.

Marcella turned to the children. "That was lovely. Thank you all and Diana, such a sweet heart." She grinned and turned back to the crowd. "I have an announcement. As you know my dear Brother is to be married to this lovely young woman Diana. Since this is such a happy time and my brother is so madly in love. He can't wait any longer, it has been decided that the wedding will be moved up in seven days!"

The crowd cheered. Diana and Kal looked at each other shocked.

Sapphyre walked away in a hurry. "That's not enough time for their memories to come back fully. Xhanaliese..."

"I know, Queen Deonna. She is becoming impatient with her own agenda."

"I didn't expect this. She is becoming more impulsive just like last time."

"Kal and Diana must stay close."

"I need to have them stay at the cabin for a night. They need to be completely alone then maybe that will trigger their memory faster."

"Yes, Queen Sapphyre. One more thing. I believe Marcella will turn to the dark power again."

"I'm sure she will and she must be stopped before then."

Later, that same night

Diana couldn't sleep and kept tossing and turning. She sat up but felt nauseous with the thought of the wedding being moved up.

She slowly got out of bed and took the key Sapphyre gave with her. She snuck out of her room and went back to the dim hallway.

Going inside the room, it seemed a bit different. There seemed to be more boxes stored in the room.

She locked down to the floor to see some sort of red cloth sticking out. She kneeled down and picked it up. It was like a large blanket and she noticed it had a black emblem on it. It was the same emblem she saw...or imagined Kal wearing on his chest.

She held it close feeling a sudden sense of familiarity with it. She closed her eyes and inhaled. The scent on the blanket was Kal.

Flashback: Memory

Diana was sitting on a rooftop one quiet breezy night. She jumped slightly feeling the blanket being placed on her shoulders.

She looked back to see Kal smiling.

He wrapped the blanket around her more before he sat closely beside her. It was so warm and comforting. Kal put his arm around her as she laid her head on his shoulder.

Flashback End

Diana snapped out of her daze and but the blanket back where it was. She quickly left out the room and locked the door.

When she turned she noticed the hall was different. Actually it was gone! The whole damn palace was gone! She turned back, the door was gone.

There she was... standing in the middle of town but it was slightly different.

The people were walking right passed her. Usually someone would've been courtieous.

She heard children laughing. Maybe Sapphyre was with them. She walked toward the direction of the laughter. She saw the children running around but did not see Sapphyre. She didn't recognize the children either.

"Baxel!"

Diana turned to see a young boy running. She couldn't get out the way fast enough but the boy ran right through her like she wasn't even there. Diana gasped.

An older woman walked passed her. "Excuse me." Diana reached out to touch her shoulder, but Diana's hand went right through her shoulder. She couldn't be seen nor heard.

Diana ran off to the palace, well where it was suppose to be. It was just a field of the same exotic plants and flowers she had seen in the garden.

Maybe...

"Embry!" Diana called out. "Embry!"

As she walked a path, she approached the waterfall. The lake looked just the same except for the enormous lotus flower blossoming. It was the most amazing thing she had ever seen.

Diana was even more taken aback seeing a fully naked body laying in the middle of the lotus.

Once the lotus completed blossoming, Diana could see clearly the body of a woman. The woman opened her eyes and stood up slowly.

She was absolutely beautiful with her emerald green eyes and long silver hair. The woman started glowing as she stepped forward. The light became brighter and turned the color of fuchsia. The light started to fade and the woman was now clothed in a long a-line asymmetric beading chiffon fuchsia dress.

She walked passed Diana heading back to town. Diana followed her.

The towns people stopped suddenly, all eyes on the woman as she approached.

"Who are you?" An older man asked.

"I am Lórien. I have been chosen to be your Queen. I will guide you all to our future of peace."