The Line of Serenity
by: Usa Serenity
Part 2
Obsessions
"Mother, I've always wondered, why did Metallia attack you and
Father?" Solana was dreaming, and her mother's spirit was with her
again. "Metallia was angry with your Father and with me. She
thought she should have been Queen of the Delphinia Kingdom."
"What is the Delphinia Kingdom? I've never heard of that. Which
planet is it on?" questioned Solana.
"The Delphinia Kingdom was destroyed before you were born, but I'll
start at the beginning." replied the spirit of Aurora.
"Before I met your Father, he was a Prince of a beautiful Kingdom.
Delphinia. It was a lovely planet, almost as lush as Earth...
* * * * *
Young Prince Solaris had been summoned to his Father's chambers. He
was hesitant to go because he knew why he had been summoned. His
marriage had been arranged.
"Father? You wanted to see me?" he announced his presence with a
question.
"Yes, my son. I know you have objections to this, but it is the only
way to unite our Kingdom with the other planets. You know that
Delphinia has always been considered an outcast among the planets.
An alliance with the Moon would solve our trade problems. I have
been negotiating with the King of the Dark Kingdom, and we have
arranged a marriage between you and his daughter, Princess Metallia."
"Father, I have known this was coming, and I have decided to accept
it, if it will help our Kingdom." Prince Solaris hated the idea of
an arranged marriage, but was old enough to realize that sometimes
you had to sacrifice for the good of the crown. And after all, how
bad could she be? He knew she was probably beautiful and intelligent.
He had resigned himself to his fate and was determined to make the
best of it. The King was visibly relieved.
"Thank you for understanding. You will meet her tomorrow."
The day dawned bright and cool. The violet Delphin sky perfectly
clear. Prince Solaris was apprehensive about today. He would meet
his future bride, and he hoped they were compatible. He got up from
his bed and went to draw himself a bath. After a leisurely soak, he
dried himself and got dressed. He went downstairs into the dining
room for breakfast. He ate silently, lost in his thoughts. Soon it
would be time. He knew the contingency from the Moon would arrive
early, and all too soon, he heard voices in the foyer.
"Welcome to Delphinia! I hope your journey was a smooth one."
"Thank you. It was uneventful. I would like to present my daughter,
Metallia"
"It is a pleasure to be here and to meet the King I have heard so
much about." her voice rang down the hallway like tiny bells. If
she looks as good as she sounds, this will be a fine day after all,
the Prince thought. He rose from the table and made his way to meet
his fate.
He stood in the doorway, unnoticed as he made his appraisal. She
was truly beautiful. Her hair was a long mass of crimson ringlets,
down to her waist. She had large pewter colored eyes that lit up as
she chatted with his father. She was small and slim and wore a
simple blue dress.
"Hello Father, would you do me the honor of introducing such a lovely
lady." he said smoothly as he entered the room.
"Solaris!," his father exclaimed, "Just the Prince I was looking for!
I would like to present to you, Princess Metallia of the Dark
Kingdom."
"It is a pleasure to meet you my lady. Would you like to tour the
grounds?" Solaris said.
"I would love to, your majesty." she replied.
"Please, Solaris will do just fine."
"As you wish, Solaris. Did I see stables when we came around?"
The Prince and Princess went off to tour the palace grounds.
The Delphin King turned to his visitor, "King Chaos, now that the
youngsters are off getting to know each other, shall we do the
same? I have an excellent, aged bottle of brandy in my study, if
you would like to indulge with me?"
"That would be fine." King Chaos was a cold man. He was very tall,
but thin and not substantial. His hair was black and oily, slicked
back on his head. He was ghostly pale, almost unhealthy looking.
The Delphin King was uneasy in his presence.
"Where is your wife?" Chaos asked abruptly.
"She passed away some years ago." The Delphin King replied. He had
gotten used to the unseemly mannerisms of the Dark King during the
betrothal negotiations. They sat in a heavy and uncomfortable
silence while they sipped their drinks. Solaris's father hoped
things were going better for his son.
Solaris and Metallia walked around the grounds and chatted lightly.
They talked of trivial things because each was nervous. Solaris
appraised the princess beside him. She was certainly beautiful, and
seemed intelligent enough. All in all, she was very pleasant...and
very bland. When they tried to talk of mutual interests, they found
they didn't have much in common. Solaris sighed as he thought of his
future. He knew the marriage would happen, so he tried to make the
best of it.
The prince and princess saw each other regularly for six months.
They would hold hands, but had never kissed. Solaris just didn't
feel any spark around the young princess. She was pleasant enough,
but he was disappointed as he thought about the loveless marriage to
come. He had tried to love her, but just couldn't. He knew she was
in love with him and that made it worse. She would touch his arm and
look longingly at him, she brought him gifts and baked goods whenever
she visited.
He felt like a cad when she would gaze into his eyes, her lips
quivering with want, but he could not bring himself to kiss her.
He felt more and more trapped with each visit, but he knew he could
not back out. He would support the crown, even if he had to sacrifice
his own freedom.
The time had come for him to visit her Kingdom on the Moon. He was
actually looking forward to seeing that mysterious world. He had
always been enchanted by the Moon. He could see it some nights from
his home planet and thought it one of the most breathtaking worlds in
the system.
They arrived close to nightfall. The black lunar sky was exotic to
him, and the soft silver light that emitted from the ground was
splendid. He was confused, however, when he saw the brightly lit
palace they passed by on the way to the Dark Kingdom.
"What is that place?" he inquired.
"That is the Moon Kingdom." Metallia replied shortly.
He could tell by her answer that he shouldn't push the issue. He
would just have to ask someone else.
His days at the Dark Kingdom were nice enough, though he still could
not make himself love Metallia. The food was first-rate, and the
horses all the best breeds. The beds were covered in the finest
linens. It was a very elegant palace, but he wondered about that
spectacular palace on the other side of the Moon.
His curiosity got the better of him one long afternoon, and he
decided to go see for himself.
It closer he came, the more breathtaking it became. The palace
shined with the same inner light as the Moon itself. He saw a young
maiden with a strange hairstyle pulling at her skirt roughly.
"Can I help, miss?" Solaris called.
The maiden whipped around, startled. He saw she had a glowing mark
on her forehead, a crescent moon.
"You frightened me." she laughed. "My gown is caught on a root. I
could use some help with it" Her voice was like a clear, flowing
stream, fresh and light.
Solaris dismounted his horse, came to her and leaned down to free her
skirt.
"There, that should do it." He stood and his midnight blue eyes met
her crystal blue ones. The spark that had been so noticeably absent
with Metallia flared brightly as he gazed into those stunning eyes.
When he finally tore his gaze away, he saw the rest of her was just
as beautiful. She had silver hair in long tails hanging from two
buns. Her skin was pale and smooth, like fresh cream. She had a
small nose and ripe pink lips that begged to be kissed. She was very
small, almost fragile, but radiated strength at the same time. He
knew, in that instant, that he loved her.
He was very handsome. This was her first thought as she looked into
his midnight eyes. She could lose herself in those eyes. He had
violet hair that fell across his forehead boyishly and grazed the top
of his collar in back. He had a strong face that exuded kindness and
charm. His wide shoulders and broad chest were well proportioned to
his tall frame. She felt a surge through her veins that was foreign,
but exhilarating. She had never felt like this before.
"I am Aurora." she had to work to keep her voice steady.
"Solaris" he replied, having the same problem, "Do you live here?" he
gestured to the palace.
"Yes, it is my parents Kingdom. I haven't met you before, where are
you from?" she asked.
"My kingdom is on Delphinia. I am here visiting the Dark Kingdom."
Her eyes darkened. "I see. What have they told you of us?"
"Not much, I'm afraid. That's why I'm here today. Have I offended
you?" he was concerned. He didn't want to alienate the woman he
loved.
"No," Aurora sighed, "It's just that we have so many difficulties
with the Dark Kingdom."
"What kinds of difficulties?"
"Mostly territorial things. They want to be the true kingdom of the
moon. They will do just about anything to accomplish that goal.
They appeared about ten years ago and declared themselves to the
entire system as the 'True Moon Kingdom'."
"Ten years ago? Are you sure?" Solaris asked incredulously.
"Yes, I remember it very well. My father was appalled because they
aren't even from this system. Apparently, their King was banished
from his home system and settled here hoping to start anew. He
brought many followers with him, but some were picked up along the
way."
"Aurora," Solaris said hurriedly, "Please excuse me, but I must go.
I would like to see you again, if you don't mind?"
"That would be nice." Aurora said demurely.
"I will call for you tomorrow!" Solaris called over his shoulder as
he rode swiftly away.
She wondered what his interest with the Dark Kingdom was. The latest
gossip around the palace suddenly occurred to her. It was rumored
that the King of the Dark Kingdom had betrothed his daughter to a
Prince from another planet. Was that handsome man the Prince? He
certainly carried himself like royalty. She sighed sadly. That must
be why he was asking questions about the Dark Kingdom. But, he had
acted shocked when she told him of the Dark Kingdom's origins, she
thought. It wouldn't surprise her if the Dark King had not been
truthful about his Kingdom. Aligning themselves with Delphinia would
give them the status they so craved. Well, it really didn't matter.
If the rumor was true, he was engaged to another princess, and that
made him off-limits to her. Tears came unexpectedly to her eyes.
Why am I crying over a man I don't even know? But inside, she knew
their souls had already connected. So, she grieved for the love she
lost before it had even begun.
Solaris arrived at the Dark Kingdom palace out of breath. He had run
back as quickly as he could to tell his father what he had learned
from Aurora.
"Father, I must speak with you at once." The King looked up at his
son, concerned at the serious look on Solaris's face.
"What is it? Is everything alright?"
"No, father, I'm afraid things aren't what we were led to believe.
The Dark Kingdom has an ulterior motive for this betrothal."
He went on to tell his father everything about the origins of the
Dark Kingdom.
"Only ten years ago! But, King Chaos told me they had been here for
generations! I never knew there was another Kingdom on this world.
The engagement is off until I am able to clear this up with the Dark
King." Solaris's father stormed from the room, clearly angry about
these new developments.
Solaris waited impatiently while his father confronted King Chaos.
He heard raised voices echoing down the hallway. From the bits and
pieces of conversation he could pick up, he knew it was not going
well.
"Lies and manipulations...!"
"Is my daughter not good enough?!"
"No engagement..."
"...should speak with this Moon King..."
"...will not allow it!..."
His father came slowly down the hall towards Solaris.
"Take me to this palace you told me of. I must speak with their
King."
They approached the Moon Palace, Solaris's father in awe at the
beauty of it. Solaris led him through the gates to the imposing
front doors. He pulled the bell rope and waited for an answer.
The massive doors opened smoothly, and a smartly dressed soldier
stood before them.
"May I help you?" he inquired.
"I am the King of Delphinia, and I must speak with your King about
the Dark Kingdom. It is of the utmost importance."
"Please follow me, I will see if he can accommodate you."
Solaris and his father trailed the soldier to a small study off the
main hall. It was a cozy room, with leather walls and many, many
books. The soldier pointed to a small sofa, "Wait here. I will send
for you in a few moments," and he quickly left the room.
They went over and sat on the sofa. Solaris looked around anxiously.
His mind wandered as he thought of Aurora. He could not stop
thinking about her. He ferverently hoped his engagement with
Metallia would be broken so he could be with Aurora. He was amazed
with the depth of his feelings for her.
"Solaris!" he looked up sharply at his father. "Let's go. The
King will see us now." Solaris nodded, and followed his father out
of the room.
They spoke at length to the Moon King. He confirmed Aurora's story
about the Dark Kingdom.
"I can't believe I was fooled by that deceitful man." Solaris's
father spat.
"Their power is mysterious. It is said they are able to enchant
people with their dark magic. I don't see where you are at
fault." said the Moon King graciously.
Solaris had been listening to the conversation only halfway. He had
been trying to work up the nerve to ask about Aurora.
"Your Majesty," he began hesitantly, "I would like, with your
permission, of course, to see your daughter, Aurora, again. I have
to tell you, I feel that I am in love with her."
Both Kings were speechless at Solaris's admission.
"I give my permission only if my daughter agrees."
Solaris could not keep from smiling, for he thought he knew what
Aurora's answer would be.
The months went by as Solaris and Aurora grew closer. When he asked
for her hand, Aurora's mother cried tears of joy for her daughter.
Not everyone was as happy, however. Metallia had screamed and wept
when she learned of her broken engagement. Her heartbreak turned
ugly when she saw her Prince with another. King Chaos knew his
chance at gaining power within the Solar System was gone. He looked
at his despairing daughter and became vindictive. He descended a
long, hardly used staircase into the bowels of his palace. He lit
thick, dark candles in the dreary room. He opened a large, musty
book and began to chant softly. This was the way! he thought. If
they will not accept me as an equal, then I will prove my power!
His magic grew, as did his anger.
The day was exquisite. Aurora looked resplendent in her mother's
white wedding gown. Solaris was very handsome in his royal armor.
They were joyously happy. They danced together at the reception,
while the Kings and Queen chatted quietly. It was a lovely wedding.
The darkness that appeared above them was, if not seen, felt
immediately, like a heavy blanket of dread. It swirled over their
heads wickedly. King Chaos appeared in the center of the cloud,
laughing.
"What a pretty pair. I should be insulted that I wasn't
invited." his voice was repulsive to the wedding party. Solaris
held Aurora tightly. Her eyes widened fearfully at the sinister
sight.
"Even though I was excluded from the guest list, I have a gift for
the happy couple from myself and my daughter." his laughter echoed
in the courtyard.
"LEAVE THIS PLACE AT ONCE CHAOS!" the Moon King roared.
"Very well," said Chaos, "but not before I give my gift. If my
daughter cannot rule as Queen of Delphinia, then no one will ever
rule there again!"
He raised his arms and began to chant loudly. Strange, foreign
sounds rolled off his lips, and a sphere of black energy formed
between his hands. Electricity crackled as he hurled it towards
space. Solaris has horrified at the display of raw power. His eyes
tracked the deadly sphere as it streaked through space. A blinding
flash caused him to look away, and the sight he saw next was even
worse. His father was on the ground, clutching his chest, screaming
in agony.
"FATHER!!" Solaris shouted and ran to where he lay. Aurora looked to
her mother, who nodded and put out her hands. Aurora closed her eyes
and her crescent moon sigil flashed brightly. A beam of silver light
flew from her, and her mother. The two beams became one and blazed
to where Chaos floated above them. He was enveloped in lustrous
silver light.
"NOOOO!" he moaned. His voice sounded far away, and when the light
dissipated, he was gone.
Aurora opened her eyes and stood very still as a wave of dizziness
tried to claim her. When her head cleared, she saw a terrible sight.
Her mother has collapsed, and her father was hovering over her.
Solaris was holding his father in his arms, weeping silently.
Aurora ran to her parents. Her father assured her that her mother
would be fine with a few days of rest. Using the crystal always
drained her, he explained. Aurora turned her sad, blue eyes to her
new husband. She went over to him and gasped. The King of Delphinia
lay limply in Solaris's arms. She could tell just by looking that he
was dead. She knelt beside Solaris and put her hands on his arm.
He looked up at her, his midnight blue eyes clouded with grief and
pain.
"My home is gone," he said. "My father's life was linked with
Delphinia. He died when it did." Fresh tears ran down his face.
Aurora didn't know what to say, so she just held her husband and let
him cry, hoping some of his pain would run out with the tears.
The King of the Moon stood solemnly over the pair.
"Chaos is gone, my son. He has been banished to another Solar System
along with his entire Kingdom. Our royal treasure, the Ginzuishou,
is very powerful. His magic was too great for him to be completely
destroyed, but he will not be able to return to this system."
Solaris looked up at the King grimly. "Thank you." he said simply.
He stood and pulled Aurora up beside him. She gazed up at him, and
her eyes met his. "Your home is here with me. You will become King
of the Moon when I am Queen. Your Kingdom will live on through
mine." Solaris pulled his wife close, and kissed her softly. The
King lifted his wife into his arms. She was awake, but very weak.
The two couples made their way listlessly to the palace as meteors,
the only remains of the once beautiful world of Delphinia, streaked
the sky above them.
* * * * *
Solana cried mournfully as her mother finished the sad story.
"I'm so sorry, mother! I never knew!" she wept for her father and
his abolished home world. She wept for her grandfather whom she had
never had the chance to meet. "Now you understand the depth of
Metallia's hatred. Never underestimate her. If she even has a
fraction of her father's power, and we have found that to be true,
she is a deadly force indeed. I must go now, my dear. Please, dry
your eyes. Your father was finally able to let go of his pain, and
so was I. They have been reunited now, father and son, and they are
happy. Remember, that we will always love you." Her ghostly figure
shimmered and was gone. Solana awoke, still weeping softly.
"I will remember, mother, and I will learn." She made her vow to her
sleeping husband and to the tiny new life growing inside her womb.
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Thanks!!
by: Usa Serenity
Part 2
Obsessions
"Mother, I've always wondered, why did Metallia attack you and
Father?" Solana was dreaming, and her mother's spirit was with her
again. "Metallia was angry with your Father and with me. She
thought she should have been Queen of the Delphinia Kingdom."
"What is the Delphinia Kingdom? I've never heard of that. Which
planet is it on?" questioned Solana.
"The Delphinia Kingdom was destroyed before you were born, but I'll
start at the beginning." replied the spirit of Aurora.
"Before I met your Father, he was a Prince of a beautiful Kingdom.
Delphinia. It was a lovely planet, almost as lush as Earth...
* * * * *
Young Prince Solaris had been summoned to his Father's chambers. He
was hesitant to go because he knew why he had been summoned. His
marriage had been arranged.
"Father? You wanted to see me?" he announced his presence with a
question.
"Yes, my son. I know you have objections to this, but it is the only
way to unite our Kingdom with the other planets. You know that
Delphinia has always been considered an outcast among the planets.
An alliance with the Moon would solve our trade problems. I have
been negotiating with the King of the Dark Kingdom, and we have
arranged a marriage between you and his daughter, Princess Metallia."
"Father, I have known this was coming, and I have decided to accept
it, if it will help our Kingdom." Prince Solaris hated the idea of
an arranged marriage, but was old enough to realize that sometimes
you had to sacrifice for the good of the crown. And after all, how
bad could she be? He knew she was probably beautiful and intelligent.
He had resigned himself to his fate and was determined to make the
best of it. The King was visibly relieved.
"Thank you for understanding. You will meet her tomorrow."
The day dawned bright and cool. The violet Delphin sky perfectly
clear. Prince Solaris was apprehensive about today. He would meet
his future bride, and he hoped they were compatible. He got up from
his bed and went to draw himself a bath. After a leisurely soak, he
dried himself and got dressed. He went downstairs into the dining
room for breakfast. He ate silently, lost in his thoughts. Soon it
would be time. He knew the contingency from the Moon would arrive
early, and all too soon, he heard voices in the foyer.
"Welcome to Delphinia! I hope your journey was a smooth one."
"Thank you. It was uneventful. I would like to present my daughter,
Metallia"
"It is a pleasure to be here and to meet the King I have heard so
much about." her voice rang down the hallway like tiny bells. If
she looks as good as she sounds, this will be a fine day after all,
the Prince thought. He rose from the table and made his way to meet
his fate.
He stood in the doorway, unnoticed as he made his appraisal. She
was truly beautiful. Her hair was a long mass of crimson ringlets,
down to her waist. She had large pewter colored eyes that lit up as
she chatted with his father. She was small and slim and wore a
simple blue dress.
"Hello Father, would you do me the honor of introducing such a lovely
lady." he said smoothly as he entered the room.
"Solaris!," his father exclaimed, "Just the Prince I was looking for!
I would like to present to you, Princess Metallia of the Dark
Kingdom."
"It is a pleasure to meet you my lady. Would you like to tour the
grounds?" Solaris said.
"I would love to, your majesty." she replied.
"Please, Solaris will do just fine."
"As you wish, Solaris. Did I see stables when we came around?"
The Prince and Princess went off to tour the palace grounds.
The Delphin King turned to his visitor, "King Chaos, now that the
youngsters are off getting to know each other, shall we do the
same? I have an excellent, aged bottle of brandy in my study, if
you would like to indulge with me?"
"That would be fine." King Chaos was a cold man. He was very tall,
but thin and not substantial. His hair was black and oily, slicked
back on his head. He was ghostly pale, almost unhealthy looking.
The Delphin King was uneasy in his presence.
"Where is your wife?" Chaos asked abruptly.
"She passed away some years ago." The Delphin King replied. He had
gotten used to the unseemly mannerisms of the Dark King during the
betrothal negotiations. They sat in a heavy and uncomfortable
silence while they sipped their drinks. Solaris's father hoped
things were going better for his son.
Solaris and Metallia walked around the grounds and chatted lightly.
They talked of trivial things because each was nervous. Solaris
appraised the princess beside him. She was certainly beautiful, and
seemed intelligent enough. All in all, she was very pleasant...and
very bland. When they tried to talk of mutual interests, they found
they didn't have much in common. Solaris sighed as he thought of his
future. He knew the marriage would happen, so he tried to make the
best of it.
The prince and princess saw each other regularly for six months.
They would hold hands, but had never kissed. Solaris just didn't
feel any spark around the young princess. She was pleasant enough,
but he was disappointed as he thought about the loveless marriage to
come. He had tried to love her, but just couldn't. He knew she was
in love with him and that made it worse. She would touch his arm and
look longingly at him, she brought him gifts and baked goods whenever
she visited.
He felt like a cad when she would gaze into his eyes, her lips
quivering with want, but he could not bring himself to kiss her.
He felt more and more trapped with each visit, but he knew he could
not back out. He would support the crown, even if he had to sacrifice
his own freedom.
The time had come for him to visit her Kingdom on the Moon. He was
actually looking forward to seeing that mysterious world. He had
always been enchanted by the Moon. He could see it some nights from
his home planet and thought it one of the most breathtaking worlds in
the system.
They arrived close to nightfall. The black lunar sky was exotic to
him, and the soft silver light that emitted from the ground was
splendid. He was confused, however, when he saw the brightly lit
palace they passed by on the way to the Dark Kingdom.
"What is that place?" he inquired.
"That is the Moon Kingdom." Metallia replied shortly.
He could tell by her answer that he shouldn't push the issue. He
would just have to ask someone else.
His days at the Dark Kingdom were nice enough, though he still could
not make himself love Metallia. The food was first-rate, and the
horses all the best breeds. The beds were covered in the finest
linens. It was a very elegant palace, but he wondered about that
spectacular palace on the other side of the Moon.
His curiosity got the better of him one long afternoon, and he
decided to go see for himself.
It closer he came, the more breathtaking it became. The palace
shined with the same inner light as the Moon itself. He saw a young
maiden with a strange hairstyle pulling at her skirt roughly.
"Can I help, miss?" Solaris called.
The maiden whipped around, startled. He saw she had a glowing mark
on her forehead, a crescent moon.
"You frightened me." she laughed. "My gown is caught on a root. I
could use some help with it" Her voice was like a clear, flowing
stream, fresh and light.
Solaris dismounted his horse, came to her and leaned down to free her
skirt.
"There, that should do it." He stood and his midnight blue eyes met
her crystal blue ones. The spark that had been so noticeably absent
with Metallia flared brightly as he gazed into those stunning eyes.
When he finally tore his gaze away, he saw the rest of her was just
as beautiful. She had silver hair in long tails hanging from two
buns. Her skin was pale and smooth, like fresh cream. She had a
small nose and ripe pink lips that begged to be kissed. She was very
small, almost fragile, but radiated strength at the same time. He
knew, in that instant, that he loved her.
He was very handsome. This was her first thought as she looked into
his midnight eyes. She could lose herself in those eyes. He had
violet hair that fell across his forehead boyishly and grazed the top
of his collar in back. He had a strong face that exuded kindness and
charm. His wide shoulders and broad chest were well proportioned to
his tall frame. She felt a surge through her veins that was foreign,
but exhilarating. She had never felt like this before.
"I am Aurora." she had to work to keep her voice steady.
"Solaris" he replied, having the same problem, "Do you live here?" he
gestured to the palace.
"Yes, it is my parents Kingdom. I haven't met you before, where are
you from?" she asked.
"My kingdom is on Delphinia. I am here visiting the Dark Kingdom."
Her eyes darkened. "I see. What have they told you of us?"
"Not much, I'm afraid. That's why I'm here today. Have I offended
you?" he was concerned. He didn't want to alienate the woman he
loved.
"No," Aurora sighed, "It's just that we have so many difficulties
with the Dark Kingdom."
"What kinds of difficulties?"
"Mostly territorial things. They want to be the true kingdom of the
moon. They will do just about anything to accomplish that goal.
They appeared about ten years ago and declared themselves to the
entire system as the 'True Moon Kingdom'."
"Ten years ago? Are you sure?" Solaris asked incredulously.
"Yes, I remember it very well. My father was appalled because they
aren't even from this system. Apparently, their King was banished
from his home system and settled here hoping to start anew. He
brought many followers with him, but some were picked up along the
way."
"Aurora," Solaris said hurriedly, "Please excuse me, but I must go.
I would like to see you again, if you don't mind?"
"That would be nice." Aurora said demurely.
"I will call for you tomorrow!" Solaris called over his shoulder as
he rode swiftly away.
She wondered what his interest with the Dark Kingdom was. The latest
gossip around the palace suddenly occurred to her. It was rumored
that the King of the Dark Kingdom had betrothed his daughter to a
Prince from another planet. Was that handsome man the Prince? He
certainly carried himself like royalty. She sighed sadly. That must
be why he was asking questions about the Dark Kingdom. But, he had
acted shocked when she told him of the Dark Kingdom's origins, she
thought. It wouldn't surprise her if the Dark King had not been
truthful about his Kingdom. Aligning themselves with Delphinia would
give them the status they so craved. Well, it really didn't matter.
If the rumor was true, he was engaged to another princess, and that
made him off-limits to her. Tears came unexpectedly to her eyes.
Why am I crying over a man I don't even know? But inside, she knew
their souls had already connected. So, she grieved for the love she
lost before it had even begun.
Solaris arrived at the Dark Kingdom palace out of breath. He had run
back as quickly as he could to tell his father what he had learned
from Aurora.
"Father, I must speak with you at once." The King looked up at his
son, concerned at the serious look on Solaris's face.
"What is it? Is everything alright?"
"No, father, I'm afraid things aren't what we were led to believe.
The Dark Kingdom has an ulterior motive for this betrothal."
He went on to tell his father everything about the origins of the
Dark Kingdom.
"Only ten years ago! But, King Chaos told me they had been here for
generations! I never knew there was another Kingdom on this world.
The engagement is off until I am able to clear this up with the Dark
King." Solaris's father stormed from the room, clearly angry about
these new developments.
Solaris waited impatiently while his father confronted King Chaos.
He heard raised voices echoing down the hallway. From the bits and
pieces of conversation he could pick up, he knew it was not going
well.
"Lies and manipulations...!"
"Is my daughter not good enough?!"
"No engagement..."
"...should speak with this Moon King..."
"...will not allow it!..."
His father came slowly down the hall towards Solaris.
"Take me to this palace you told me of. I must speak with their
King."
They approached the Moon Palace, Solaris's father in awe at the
beauty of it. Solaris led him through the gates to the imposing
front doors. He pulled the bell rope and waited for an answer.
The massive doors opened smoothly, and a smartly dressed soldier
stood before them.
"May I help you?" he inquired.
"I am the King of Delphinia, and I must speak with your King about
the Dark Kingdom. It is of the utmost importance."
"Please follow me, I will see if he can accommodate you."
Solaris and his father trailed the soldier to a small study off the
main hall. It was a cozy room, with leather walls and many, many
books. The soldier pointed to a small sofa, "Wait here. I will send
for you in a few moments," and he quickly left the room.
They went over and sat on the sofa. Solaris looked around anxiously.
His mind wandered as he thought of Aurora. He could not stop
thinking about her. He ferverently hoped his engagement with
Metallia would be broken so he could be with Aurora. He was amazed
with the depth of his feelings for her.
"Solaris!" he looked up sharply at his father. "Let's go. The
King will see us now." Solaris nodded, and followed his father out
of the room.
They spoke at length to the Moon King. He confirmed Aurora's story
about the Dark Kingdom.
"I can't believe I was fooled by that deceitful man." Solaris's
father spat.
"Their power is mysterious. It is said they are able to enchant
people with their dark magic. I don't see where you are at
fault." said the Moon King graciously.
Solaris had been listening to the conversation only halfway. He had
been trying to work up the nerve to ask about Aurora.
"Your Majesty," he began hesitantly, "I would like, with your
permission, of course, to see your daughter, Aurora, again. I have
to tell you, I feel that I am in love with her."
Both Kings were speechless at Solaris's admission.
"I give my permission only if my daughter agrees."
Solaris could not keep from smiling, for he thought he knew what
Aurora's answer would be.
The months went by as Solaris and Aurora grew closer. When he asked
for her hand, Aurora's mother cried tears of joy for her daughter.
Not everyone was as happy, however. Metallia had screamed and wept
when she learned of her broken engagement. Her heartbreak turned
ugly when she saw her Prince with another. King Chaos knew his
chance at gaining power within the Solar System was gone. He looked
at his despairing daughter and became vindictive. He descended a
long, hardly used staircase into the bowels of his palace. He lit
thick, dark candles in the dreary room. He opened a large, musty
book and began to chant softly. This was the way! he thought. If
they will not accept me as an equal, then I will prove my power!
His magic grew, as did his anger.
The day was exquisite. Aurora looked resplendent in her mother's
white wedding gown. Solaris was very handsome in his royal armor.
They were joyously happy. They danced together at the reception,
while the Kings and Queen chatted quietly. It was a lovely wedding.
The darkness that appeared above them was, if not seen, felt
immediately, like a heavy blanket of dread. It swirled over their
heads wickedly. King Chaos appeared in the center of the cloud,
laughing.
"What a pretty pair. I should be insulted that I wasn't
invited." his voice was repulsive to the wedding party. Solaris
held Aurora tightly. Her eyes widened fearfully at the sinister
sight.
"Even though I was excluded from the guest list, I have a gift for
the happy couple from myself and my daughter." his laughter echoed
in the courtyard.
"LEAVE THIS PLACE AT ONCE CHAOS!" the Moon King roared.
"Very well," said Chaos, "but not before I give my gift. If my
daughter cannot rule as Queen of Delphinia, then no one will ever
rule there again!"
He raised his arms and began to chant loudly. Strange, foreign
sounds rolled off his lips, and a sphere of black energy formed
between his hands. Electricity crackled as he hurled it towards
space. Solaris has horrified at the display of raw power. His eyes
tracked the deadly sphere as it streaked through space. A blinding
flash caused him to look away, and the sight he saw next was even
worse. His father was on the ground, clutching his chest, screaming
in agony.
"FATHER!!" Solaris shouted and ran to where he lay. Aurora looked to
her mother, who nodded and put out her hands. Aurora closed her eyes
and her crescent moon sigil flashed brightly. A beam of silver light
flew from her, and her mother. The two beams became one and blazed
to where Chaos floated above them. He was enveloped in lustrous
silver light.
"NOOOO!" he moaned. His voice sounded far away, and when the light
dissipated, he was gone.
Aurora opened her eyes and stood very still as a wave of dizziness
tried to claim her. When her head cleared, she saw a terrible sight.
Her mother has collapsed, and her father was hovering over her.
Solaris was holding his father in his arms, weeping silently.
Aurora ran to her parents. Her father assured her that her mother
would be fine with a few days of rest. Using the crystal always
drained her, he explained. Aurora turned her sad, blue eyes to her
new husband. She went over to him and gasped. The King of Delphinia
lay limply in Solaris's arms. She could tell just by looking that he
was dead. She knelt beside Solaris and put her hands on his arm.
He looked up at her, his midnight blue eyes clouded with grief and
pain.
"My home is gone," he said. "My father's life was linked with
Delphinia. He died when it did." Fresh tears ran down his face.
Aurora didn't know what to say, so she just held her husband and let
him cry, hoping some of his pain would run out with the tears.
The King of the Moon stood solemnly over the pair.
"Chaos is gone, my son. He has been banished to another Solar System
along with his entire Kingdom. Our royal treasure, the Ginzuishou,
is very powerful. His magic was too great for him to be completely
destroyed, but he will not be able to return to this system."
Solaris looked up at the King grimly. "Thank you." he said simply.
He stood and pulled Aurora up beside him. She gazed up at him, and
her eyes met his. "Your home is here with me. You will become King
of the Moon when I am Queen. Your Kingdom will live on through
mine." Solaris pulled his wife close, and kissed her softly. The
King lifted his wife into his arms. She was awake, but very weak.
The two couples made their way listlessly to the palace as meteors,
the only remains of the once beautiful world of Delphinia, streaked
the sky above them.
* * * * *
Solana cried mournfully as her mother finished the sad story.
"I'm so sorry, mother! I never knew!" she wept for her father and
his abolished home world. She wept for her grandfather whom she had
never had the chance to meet. "Now you understand the depth of
Metallia's hatred. Never underestimate her. If she even has a
fraction of her father's power, and we have found that to be true,
she is a deadly force indeed. I must go now, my dear. Please, dry
your eyes. Your father was finally able to let go of his pain, and
so was I. They have been reunited now, father and son, and they are
happy. Remember, that we will always love you." Her ghostly figure
shimmered and was gone. Solana awoke, still weeping softly.
"I will remember, mother, and I will learn." She made her vow to her
sleeping husband and to the tiny new life growing inside her womb.
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