Deadly Secret
By 18lzytwner
Chapter 1
"Today is a very proud day for the Tiggular family. My son, Semir, has become a man," Fiyero announced to the crowd that gathered underneath the large balcony, where the Vinkun royals made their announcements. Cheers went up from the crowd.
"In celebration of this auspicious occasion, we will be having a boar hunt tomorrow! Semir will lead a group of hunters out into the fields. Each family from the village should send their best hunter and convene here at dawn. The following day we will have a feast and celebrate everything he has achieved with the beginning of his tattoos," Fiyero finished his short speech and more cheers went up. There would be enough hunters to bring back plenty of boars to feed the Palace and surrounding village. The spring had been good to the Vinkus and the crops were growing well. Many believed that the dragon's presence had something to do with the prosperity. Bonescraper liked being back in the Vinkus, though he had never described what he'd seen while in hiding like he promised. No one pressed, figuring that it wasn't wise to antagonize the mythical creature.
"Sounds like everyone is excited for tomorrow," Semir said as he met his father at the door, which led back inside the Palace.
"As they should be. A boar hunt is not something we hold every day and certainly not your first tattoos," Fiyero smiled and clapped a hand on Semir's shoulder.
"I don't want to let you down Dad," the young man said.
"You could never let me down Semir. Never. I am so very lucky to have two children that I am very proud of," Fiyero stopped moving and pulled him into a hug.
"I guess I just needed to hear it," his son said as they pulled apart.
"We all need reinforcement every once in a while. If I don't say it enough, I love you," Fiyero told.
"Love you too Dad," Semir smiled.
"Now let's scrounge up what Amir has been cooking up for lunch," the Prince smirked.
"Sounds good," Semir chuckled. The two walked down the hall and bumped into Zara and Emir.
"What are you two up to?" Fiyero asked.
"We were looking for Mom. Have you seen her?" Zara wanted to know.
"She had a meeting with Bonescraper. He said he wanted to discuss something with her," her father said.
"Why did you need her?" Semir cocked an eyebrow. Normally, Zara would have just found her mother without asking them. Their magical powers connected the mother and daughter in a way that only those with powers could understand.
"Just needed her opinion on wedding stuff," Emir admitted.
"Ah, yes. We didn't exactly do it the traditional Vinkun wedding, so…" Fiyero trailed off.
"We'd like a small wedding if we could but we figured that wasn't an option," Emir said.
"Yeah, no chance of that happening. I know that my wife isn't into a big show but the marriage of the Duchess to the son of the Yunamata chief, kind of has to be," Fiyero told them.
"The marriage of the tribes is as important as the marriage of the Duchess," Emir nodded.
"Bingo. It has been a long while since different tribes have been joined in such a high position in society. The entirety of the Vinkus will want to witness it," the Prince said.
"Oi," Zara put her head in her hands and wiped her hands down her face.
"Life of a royal, sweetie. Why do you think I was dancing through life before I met your mother?" Fiyero winked.
To Be Continued…