Hey y'all. Uploaded a couple chapters together last time. I have had some complications with my procedures, and now need further ones. Hands are still doing better, but not the outcome we were looking for completely. Still trying to write as much as I can. Please review and let me know if something needs to be changed.-dmp012
I stared at Prince Endymion, stunned at his request. "Your majesty, it would be a great honor to be of service. However, I don't know if I deserve the honor. I would also scare those around me with my scars," Serenity stated. She knew without a doubt if her true identity were revealed, she would be imprisoned at best and be put to death at worst. She risked everything for her village. For her friends there, who had become her family. She never quite understood if a woman was capable of defending her kingdom, why she couldn't. However, it was the law and she was currently breaking it.
"You could continue to wear a cloak, if it would make you feel more comfortable. Your talents should not go to waste," stated Endymion. Serenity bristled, "My talents aren't wasted. They feed my village. That is the most noble way to use my skills, your majesty." "Of course, I can understand. That is of great importance. Would sending another hunter in your place, make you more comfortable and truly consider the offer," asked Endymion. Growing frustrated with his persistence, Serenity gave the only safe answer she could think of in the moment. "It will definitely put my mind at ease, but please let me truly think about it. So much has happened today and I am trying to comprehend all of it." "Yes, naturally. That makes sense."
"Your majesty, if you would allow me to depart now, I would greatly appreciate it. Please send my regards to the King and Queen. I appreciate the King being so accepting of my circumstances." "Certainly, all I ask is you to return 6 months from now, to further discuss joining my service." Serenity bowed. "I will do my best, your majesty. The price of travel is expensive for someone from your Outer Ring." "I apologize, then we will come to you. Which village do you reside in?" Serenity thought about lying, but knew it would come back to haunt her later. "I reside in Trochiline." "Then we will see you there soon, Stellan. Safe travels." Serenity bowed and watched as Prince Endymion turned and walked away.
Serenity tightly held the bag of money tight to her chest for a moment, before hiding it inside her cloak. She decided to cut through the gardens and enjoy the flowers as she made her departure from the palace. She loved being in nature, and there were so many flowers she had never seen before. Strolling along the path, she suddenly heard voices off to the right in a large gazebo. It looked like some of the guests had gathered to talk and take a reprieve from the larger crowd. She was getting ready to take a path to the left to avoid the group, until she heard a snippet of conversation that made her stop in her tracks.
"Are each of you ready? This should be easily done, since everyone inside is unarmed," said a deep voice. Serenity crouched down, moving stealthily through the plants, hiding on the backside of the gazebo. The group consisted of 10 men, the speaker standing in the middle. She recognized him from the tournament, Prince Diamond of the Cimmerian. His white hair, standing out starkly in the darkness. He was dressed in onyx clothing, along with all of the others. Each bore the silver emblem of the Cimmeria on their chest.
"We are after the royal Terran Family. If we kill them, we can gain control of the largest kingdom first and its army. From there, we can make each kingdom fall,"said Diamond. "We will take out the guard posted at the entries first, and from there move inside during the award ceremony. Their majesties will be on the dais giving a speech before presenting the winners. That is when we will make our move. Prince Endymion is mine, especially with the insult of giving me prize money out of pity. Let's go."
Serenity quickly registered the conversation. The Prince of Cimmerian planned the assassination of the royal family, and only she could stop them. Waiting for them to depart, she then darted quickly out onto the path and dashed through the gardens as quickly as she could. Managing to reach the guards outside the doors of the gardens, she came to a hard stop startling them. Serenity managed to rasp out between breaths, "Quickly, send word to the royal family they are under attack." "Lad you've obviously had too much to drink this evening. No one would dare make an attack tonight in the middle of a room full of people," said one guard. "Plus, all were checked upon entering the palace. No one is armed."
Frustrated, she realized these men were not going to take her seriously. Time was of the essence. Ignoring them, she passed them and pressed herself into the crowded ballroom. She could see the royal family making their way to the raised dias, stopping to talk to others along the way. The generals were not far behind and she knew she had to move fast. She wished she could fly across the room. Shoving through the crowd, making those around her shout out protests at her rude behavior.
She watched as the royal family took their place at the dias, the room starting to settle as they realized the award ceremony was about to begin. She was almost to the dias, when she screamed in her normal voice "YOUR MAJESTIES! RUN!" At that moment, the doors behind the dias slammed open and all hell broke loose.