Due to the death of my decent computer, I have been unable to update this story recently. The computer I am using now also doesn't support Japanese text, so no more Japanese titles! Anyway, back to the story....
{ On the Hill ~ Kaze wo Kanjite ~ and starting animation plays....}
Log 21: The Regent Samphretfleur and Queen Darienne
It was minutes later when the clockwork lift hummed again, and the rhythmic clatter of boots echoed in the chamber. Tamara halted before the throne, a scarlet leather-bound book in her hands.
"Thank you," Anya replied, taking the book. "Leave us."
When the Herald had left, Anya rose from her throne. "Lord angel," she stared, "these are the Royal Annals. Each queen of Denbridge and Avalon have her memories within. Here." She handed the ancient book to Keith.
The book was thick, its pages yellow and tattered, its cover crusted with dust. On the cover, inlaid in gold and jewels, was the unisus rampant seal of Denbridge, and the eight-pointed star of Avalon. Keith took the book, feeling the ancient magic that flowed within. He opened it to the first page, reading the two names written elaborately upon it.
Evenstar, unisus
"Why are there two names?" Keith asked.
"The second is for the Bonded," Anya replied. "Don't read Guinevere's account. My mother's is near the end."
Keith nodded. He turned to a page near the end of the book opposite a blank one. Like the first, it had two names adorning it.
Therin, prismfox
"Darienne," Keith whispered. "Darienne...."
She was in bed, the sun rising over the lake and the ancient temple of Astralægia. How long had she been there - months? weeks? It was all a blur. The wasting sickness had taken her a few years ago, and Samuel had made it subside ... but now it was too strong for him to cure....
"Darienne?"
A man was beside her bed, holding her hand. He was in his court uniform, sans his medal-decorated coat and shirt. Only his purple-black hair cascaded down his back, covering his bare chest. Why he still looked barely twenty was strange in itself.
"Darienne?"
"Yes, Samuel?"
"I wish I could help you. But I have delayed your death too long."
"Then go to death with me...."
"Only when my Prince awakes will that time come."
The man closed his eyes and arched his back, forcing three pairs of silver-and-black feathered wings to emerge.
"Why did I love you, Samphretfleur? Why one of the Regency ... why you?"
"I only came to protect you ... but I never wanted the duty to end...."
The chamber door opened. Samphretfleur looked up: There was Kayle, heir to the throne, in her scarlet riding uniform; and Anya, still in her sky-blue court gown....
"Who are you?" Kayle threatened lowly. "Why are you here?"
"I am-"
"You're angelborn," Keith breathed, slamming shut the book. "Your father was one of the Regency...."