Blood of the Crown-Chapter 1
Just before dawn, everything is silent. The midnight sky is paling into a gorgeous lavender color, and the stars are slowly fading from view. All the creatures of the world are sound asleep, awaiting the arrival of a brand new day. The air is still and not a sound can be heard for miles around, until suddenly the first rays of sunlight leap up from beyond the horizon. The sun casts its glow upon the earth and then it seems the world springs to life and all the living creatures awake, basking in the new day the sun has given to them.
The young prince Pietro always woke just before dawn and watched as the world beyond slowly came to life before his eyes. He longed to be part of the world he watched from within his prison. Prison though it was not, the castle seemed such at times. He was not free to do as he wished like the commoners beyond the castle gates. And for this he hated them, every single one of them. Soon he was to be crowned king and would govern his father's entire kingdom. And so he accepted it, just as he was taught. His father was a stern and often cruel leader who was known for his reputation in battle, and not the kindness he treated his people with. But he was respected none the less by everyone.
There was a soft knock and Pietro sighed, turning away from his window to the outside world, and called for them to enter. The door opened slightly and the Captain of the King's Guard entered the room, fully clad in his elegant metal armor. He was tall and lean with a slight muscular build and well tanned skin. He had shoulder length brown hair and gorgeous brown eyes that were wise and full of knowledge. Though he was only slightly older than the prince himself, Pietro had a great deal of respect for the young knight.
"Aw Prince Pietro, I trust you slept well?" he asked, bowing at the waist.
"Yes, thank you," the prince replied, "And what about yourself?" The older man gave him a lop-sided grin.
"What does it matter if I slept well?" he asked, "As long as the fair prince was able to get his rest." Pietro smiled at the statement. Another reason he was so fond of the Captain was his way with words. He was always able to make Pietro blush or smile.
"If you don't mind me asking," Pietro said, observing the man, "To what do I owe this visit?" Lance's eyes widened momentarily, but he recovered smoothly.
"Aw yes," he said, "The King has requested an audience with you my liege." Pietro made a noise and rolled his eyes.
"What is it he could possibly want?" he asked, more to himself than to the Captain. The Captain chuckled.
"If I remember correctly," Lance said thoughtfully, "it had something to do with the pending war, and you and I are to be present at his speech." Pietro nodded and ran a hand through his silvery hair.
"Of course," he said exasperatedly, "I suppose he wants me present immediately?" Lance nodded.
"Follow me my lord," Lance commanded softly. Pietro sighed and followed the captain obediently.
x(X)x
Lance Alvers was, to say the least, VERY pissed off. The king wasn't even in his right mind! How dare he try to start such a senseless war! The humans and mutants had lived in harmony for over a hundred years and now he was going to ruin it all. Lance was furious. He'd announced it so nonchalantly and just about every mutant in the room had been shunned away from, this of course angered the mutants and almost instantly the humans had fled, no doubt to a neighboring country. Lance needed to stop this.
Lance knocked softly on the door to the King's bed-chambers, taking a deep breath. There was a moment of silence and then a faint call for him to enter. Lance did so hesitantly. He wasn't sure exactly how he was to go about saying things. He stepped in and the door shut behind him. Too late to turn back now. Lance swallowed, bowing slightly and took a confidant position, throwing a hip out to the side, letting his arm rest on the hilt of his sword. Hopefully it would make the right impression on the King.
"Might I have a word with you my lord?" Lance asked, his voice not wavering for a moment. The King nodded and sat at his dresser, grooming his hair. Lance cleared his throat.
"I think this war is wrong," Lance said finally. The king made an uninterested noise, and continued to brush his hair.
"Captain Alvers, might I remind you who is King?" he asked, "That is right, I am the King, and I decide whether or not we are to go to war. You are nothing more than a knight, who is to fight at my command. Your opinion does not matter in the least." Lance blinked, his mouth open in protest but just as he did he was suddenly lifted off his feet and into the air.
"Do not try my patience Captain Alvers," The King said firmly before dropping Lance to the floor. Lance scowled, stood and bowed curtly before storming out of the room.
He HAD to find a way to stop this. The war was wrong! Nothing could be solved between the mutants and the humans with war! Lance mumbled viciously, thundering down the hallway towards his private quarters. The King had apparently gone off his rocker if he thought this would solve anything! He rounded the corner and, much to Lance's aggravation, collided with someone who was coming from the opposite direction. He opened his mouth to shout at the person who had assailed him when suddenly his gaze settled on the young prince in front of him.
"You're Highness!" Lance cried, jumping to his feet and quickly helping the young lord to his feet, "My most sincerest apologies! I did not see you!" The prince was groaning and rubbing his soar backside but he managed to give Lance a reassuring smile.
"You're lucky that I am allright Captain Alvers," Pietro said, grinning, "Otherwise my father would have your hide for injuring his one and only heir." Lance laughed and suddenly it came to him. His father would give anything to ensure the safety of his heir. Lance smirked maliciously but quickly replaced it with a gentle smile. He wasn't about to give himself away.
"Well my prince I hope you have a good nights sleep," he said softly. Lance blushed as soon as he realized he had called the boy 'my prince' and by the looks of it the other boy had also noticed, because a faint blush colored his cheeks as well.
"Goodnight Captain Alvers," Pietro said quietly, granting The Captain one of his private smiles, given only to a special few. Lance smiled and watched as the young prince disappeared into his room, the details of his treacherous plan already formulating in his mind.
x(X)x
--Avalanche Maximoff--