A/N: Get ready for a looong chapter, guys. I hope you find it interesting and entertaining, as the plot builds up! Stay tuned, comment, PM-me; oh, you know what to do! :)
xoxox- jimelization

Happy Reading!


Chapter 6: The Engagement

"Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested"
- Elizabeth the First


The Hidden Mansion, 10 AM

The sunrise once again bathed the mesmerizing broadleaves, the enchanting green forests and lush fields in golden drops and a sense of beauty and fulfillment, as the small white clouds receded, like obedient servants, clearing the path for the first rays.

The Hidden Mansion was awake, the actual servants carefully made their way to the inside of the building as to not be noticed from afar or what was worse- from the royal court. This was a precautionary measure, especially today when the entire royal family was poured out of its homeland.

"My Queen, it has all started. The palace is empty. The delegates are on their way. The royal group headed to the southern woods to meet with the guardians. We know from our spies in the palace, that the actual meeting is in exactly half an hour."- one of the servants bowed down in front of the young woman in the large room with golden walls and warm wood floors.

"Excellent."- her puffy lips stretched in a big smile. "And did you, by chance, manage to find out how exactly are the guardians to go through the divider with the prince and his subjects?"

The servant's face dropped at that, but he almost immediately responded:

"We suppose that they have a portal to serve their needs, your Grace."

"Do not state what is obvious. Which portal? That's what you were supposed to uncover. Where's the goddamn portal?!"- the servant shivered at the sound of that angry voice. Over the brief period during which he and the rest, loyal to the true queen, subjects, had come to know this man, it had become precisely clear that he was not just dangerous and evil. He was ruthless.

"You are as worthless as my army and servants that failed me 11 years ago. I won't have you fail me too."- and he raised his hand to hurt them, or most probably, even destroy them.

The main servant and his men shivered like leaves. It was only their Queen's intervention that stopped the sorcerer before he could obliterate them:

"You dare stop me."- the long-haired man hissed in her face, but the young woman didn't even flinch, she held his wrist on the level of her eyes.

"Learn to control yourself! I certainly don't need the death of a servant, especially not when my supporters can be counted on the fingers of my two hands, either way! You have to be more patient."

The tall man tightened his lips, yet managed to remain still and regain his composure. He knew it- if he was to achieve victory, he would have to suck up his attitude and natural instincts that usually fueled his rage and desire to sow destruction. As bitter as it was, his fate remained unchanged.
The will of others was still forced onto him, a decision that had taken away his rights and happiness so many years ago, a grave affront and a mockery that had given a start to his life's journey. Oh, he'd suck it all in...Only to release it twice as powerful and calamitous once the appropriate time came...

"We celebrated the veil, because we believed it will simply trap the peasants in their own world, yet today it hinders our plan again."- he spoke again, this time much more collected. "If we cannot follow the guardians and the harrowing royal family to Meridian, then what are we even doing to proceed?"

"My King, just leave that to me."- the honey-haired woman's sly smile made him arch an eyebrow. "I know just what I'm doing, my gorgeous white stallion. I will now get ready and do what I must do to keep our blueprint up to date. In the meantime, you have my people at your disposal. Do not kill them and do what is needed to get us that special Golden Spring water."

That made the wicked smile return to his face. The man caressed her hair in a tender, peculiar to his nature, manner. This girl was his golden goose and she didn't even know it...

She kissed his lips before putting on the hood of her black robe which she wore over her pale blue dress. He watched her leave with a little smirk, before sliding his cold green gaze over the main servant, who instantly bowed down in front of his master.

"I assume that you're ready to follow my commands, apple knocker."- he grinned at his own idea of giving these pitiful people new, humiliating names, appropriate to their status. "Bring the soldiers. We go on a small expedition to the so-called soul of this beautiful, but terribly intrusive, dimension."

The main servant blenched barely noticeably. The thought of admitting this psychotic man near to the holy Golden Spring was almost unthinkable and frightening, and not only to him but such were his Queen's orders. For this, the man humbly bowed his head near the feet of the imposing usurper:

"Your will is our sanctuary, Prince Phobos."


Heatherfiled, 11 AM

"I said that I don't want to go and that is final!"- Cornelia turned around so abruptly that Caleb felt the golden blossoms fluttering from her hair, like petals of a flower, even across the room.

"Cornelia, you can't be serious."- he exclaimed in a state of impasse as he watched his wife-to-be finish with the breastfeeding. Another minute passed in silence before their son burped and she gently placed him back in his crib.

The rebel leader couldn't help but smile, despite the talk they were having. In less than two months, she had advanced a lot as a mother. She had already automated most of the things that all the other mothers had been tirelessly helping her with.

Despite the beautiful moment he observed between his child and the woman he loved, Caleb still had to try to raise the urgent question again:

"Seriously, why are you being like that? We have to go. It's Queen Elyon's engagement, she's your best friend-"

"At this point in my life, I have no desire to justify or deal with Elyon's bullshit again, Caleb."- the blonde snapped, shocking the man in front of her. "She has a toxic soft spot for that pig her brother and I can't do anything about it. You may go if you want, I'm staying home."

The truth, which Cornelia would never admit though, was that she actually cared too much for her friend to see her in the state which she was. Even if angry at her for her decisions, the blonde couldn't help her. She also couldn't help feel affronted that Elyon seemed to be purposely avoiding her ever since her brother's escape.

"Cornelia, you're mad at her too? How can you blame her...she was just used by Phobos... Isn't it enough that my mother, Kadma, and Will already put all the blame on her."- Caleb sighed and shook his head.

"Well, it's not for no reason, you know."- she spat and tried to walk around him, but he didn't allow her. He caught her hands in his and pulled her closer.

"Cornelia, if you're mad at her for what happened, then come with me, because of me. You know how important Meridian is for us. For me and dad. Mom isn't dying to attend too, but she will, because of dad. Do the same for me. -"

"I'm not like your mom."- Cornelia snapped with annoyance as she pulled apart. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that women hate being compared to their man's mother? Like in general? Besides, she's the Mage now. She has to attend."

"And you're the guardian of Earth. A guardian of Kandrakar. Therefore, you also must attend."- Cornelia snorted at that, but her boyfriend's sly smile was starting to break through the ice walls she had raised around herself since morning.

"Exactly, I'm sick of guardian stuff! I've been doing this for over 10 years and I deserve at least a few months of serenity after giving birth, the very least! If that's not a reason enough for that retard the Oracle to give me some time off, then I don't know what is! And it's not just that, forget that I'm always on alert and that Meridian is currently Phobos's biggest target. I don't want to be close to toxic, fake friends. And such will attend."

"What are you talking about."- Caleb rolled his eyes.

He was getting annoyed with her attitude already. The tall blonde huffed and went around him, but she didn't slam the bathroom door behind herself. She left it open as she proceeded to brush her teeth.

"Who did you fight with this time? Will? No, wait Hay Lin said something about T-"

"I love how you assume that I've just fought with someone and that it is all my fault!"- Cornelia snapped bitterly as she glared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He gawked in astonishment and opened his mouth to protest:

"When did I even say that it's your fault..."- this time she tried to slam the door, but Caleb put his foot behind the door and its frame, walking in.

"Get out of here, Caleb! If you're not going to be on my side, don't even ask me about what happened!"

"Listen, Cornelia, I was just asking you what the hell is wrong. It's obvious by your words that some sort of fight did take place, but I haven't said that it was your fault!"

The guardian tossed her hair in his face and went on with brushing her teeth in silent sulking.

"Cornelia tell me what has happened!"- the young man gritted his teeth impatiently. "If you don't talk to me, I'm not gonna talk to you either and I'm sleeping in the den!"

"We don't have a den, that's my Pilates room!"- Cornelia shouted in response after having rinsed her mouth. "You want to know what happened, don't you? Fine, I'll tell you what happened!"

The man blinked as she roughly put her electrical toothbrush back in its place and then pushed him to sit on the closed toilet.

"I was helping a friend out. A friend who hasn't always been just a friend to me."- she began. A brief flush of shame warmed her cheeks as she went on. "And I purposely did that without talking about it, because I knew that some people might make the wrong conclusions if they knew. And boy did they do! I was meeting Peter Cook to help him cope with the fact that his girlfriend is a guardian, Caleb. His whole depression story- it was mostly him fighting with the truth. Fighting with other things that he wasn't happy about, but mostly Cassidy who apparently didn't manage to keep her secret. I know she was dead for the longest time, but this is plain irresponsible. How do you let someone catch you when you're not even an active guardian anymore..."

"Taranee's brother?"- the man interrupted her with a harsh look written over his handsome face. "You mean that...that guy from the ice-skating ring?"

Cornelia just growled.

"See, this is exactly why I didn't tell anyone about talking to him! Everyone recalls that stupid day at the ice rink from ten fucking years ago! Everyone, even Taranee who called me a cheater."

"What!?"

"Oh, don't act like you're genuinely surprised, you were thinking the same thing a few minutes ago!"- she frowned and folded her arms on her chest. "None of you trust me, because of my 14year old self and that period of my life when I lied in order to date Peter, how unfair is tha..."

"Cornelia you're crazy!"- her boyfriend exclaimed. "Yeah sure, I naturally don't like that man too much because of that story, but I never said that I don't trust you. Around him or around anyone, I'd never accuse you of cheating on me, because I know you."

The young blonde could only stare at him as a small sincere smile of appreciation snuck on her face. His words meant the world to her at a moment like this, and knowing that he trusted her the way she could only trust herself, unreservedly, was more than one more sign, proving that she had found it. True love at its finest.

"Thank you, Caleb."- she said quietly as she leaned to give him a quick but meaningful kiss.

"For what?!"- his genuine fail at understanding his own irreplaceability amused her as he wrapped his arms around her. Cornelia allowed herself to rest in his embrace:

"For never doubting me. Even when given my past mistake..."

"Are you still talking about that."- the man rolled his eyes. "What mistake, Cornelia? Seeking another man's attention when I was forced to neglect you, wasn't a mistake. It was a natural thing to happen, neither of us was at fault. Or if we were, it was a joint fault, OK? I chose something over you, I was wrong."

"Hey, you were making a mature man sacrifice. I was just being a dumb teen. We were both wrong to fight about it."- and Cornelia sighed as he cupped her face in his palms. "I wish Taranee had understood me as well as you."

Green orbs melting the layers of her soul and his softened voice reaching her ears, had her forget all her turmoil:

"Screw it, Cornelia. You Earth girls constantly do stupid things like that, you'll be friends again before you know it."

"This time, it will take more than that. She really hurt me. Our problems from the past, which she used to be sympathetic to, she now used against me. I feel like I don't even know her anymore!"

"What matters is that our relationship went through the storm, is it not? It became stronger. That wouldn't have been possible without these problems between us. Problems that we overcame together."

"You're damn right, rebel leader. You even made me a son, and that just seals the deal. You're mine forever now."- she changed the entire tone of the deep conversation to a husky one before he could make her cry and ruin her mascara. Sure, the Earth guardian had refused to go to Meridian, but she had been getting ready to attend the engagement after all. What her boyfriend had given her had been just the push she had needed to drop her anger and refusal.

"Let's be honest about it, that's a vow you made more than ten years ago."- he smirked daringly, winning himself a poke from her.

"Speaking of vows, my dream wedding is being sooo late. You proposed like almost two years ago, what's taking us so long? When do you plan on talking about that, huh?"

It was true, he had proposed marriage to her on her birthday, almost two springs ago. Life had been good, but busy, and even though the young rebel had planned on making her his wife sooner, something had always been in the way. First, it was university life for Cornelia and his different jobs that kept them occupied, then she had gotten pregnant. The wedding had been totally sent in the background.

"Easy, we will get to that."- Caleb grinned as he felt her hands shamelessly slide down to his behind. "I know it's a big deal for you. It's important for me to- we'll have an Earth and a Meridian wedding. Once Queen Elyon ties the knot with the Coronian guy and the situation is under control."

Cornelia snorted at that, but Caleb kept her lips busy with his, so she couldn't voice her thoughts. She had never thought that Elyon would get married before her, even if it was an arranged marriage. Being best friends back in Heahterfield, they had talked about their happiest days many times.

"Now, before we go to that engagement."- the man began slyly with a playful glance directed at her. "I still need to take a shower. Come!"

"Caleb, nooo! I'm halfway done with my makeup already!"- she screamed, but it was too late. He had lifted her up and taken her in the bathtub with him, letting the warm water rain over them with a swift move of his hand.

"You jerk!"- she glared, but with a crawling smirk across her face, as he pulled his shirt over the head, throwing it out of the shower, only to proceed to drown her with kisses.


Meridian, a little after 5 PM

The image of the palace, festively decorated again, after the horror that had erupted in the late Queen's Ballroom less than two weeks ago, was somehow surreal. The Grand Throne Room and the Great Main Ballroom were ideally suited to the occasion of Queen Elyon's engagement ceremony. The walls gleamed in fairy-tale purple hues created by many garlands and fresh flowers that adorned every corner.

Alborn waited outside all the hustle and bustle, for the official ceremony had not yet started, but the halls were almost full already. He'd never understand as to why his wife and the royal counselors had insisted on this ceremony to be a public event. He knew that his daughter herself would've preferred for this event to had been held in a more close-knit circle, especially after all that had come to her head lately. Yes, the people of Meridian did need a distraction for their worries after what had happened on the last ball, but given the circumstances, the man sincerely didn't find the decision sensible. Not now, not so soon, not until Phobos was down for good...But they had the veil to keep them at least somewhat secure and traditions couldn't and shouldn't change just because of his opinion.

The Head of the Royal Guard had another reason to wait outside, of course, and that was none other than the Royal Coronian family's arrival. His people and the guardians were supposed to safely transport them through the dimensions and most importantly- the veil. The portal in the Infinite City had done an excellent job on that part, even if the royals had had to pass through Heaterfield before reaching their final destination, to be able to use it. Still, it was the safest way for that to happen and the least dangerous alternative when the veil's integrity and solidity were in question.

At last, Alborn caught a glimpse of three large chariots that were headed for the Palace. How had these three babies made it through two worlds and the tiny places the portals led to, was beyond the man who watched them approach along the winding path leading up to the entrance he was guarding.

The moods were contradictory, of course, the weather was cloudless, and the father was praying only for this to be successful. Elyon's engagement had to be a success.

"Granny, is this the Meridian Palace? Why it's so ordinary!"- the six-year-old prince exclaimed as he looked at the scenery through the back window of the chariot.

"Dua! Do not forget your manners!"- Queen Magana scolded the boy and pulled him back to his seat. "Classicism is always modern and sophisticated, he's just too young to understand."- she smiled at the young women that were facing her, in an apologetic manner.

It was obvious that she feared making a bad impression the entire time, even though she was royalty, but Will was quick to smile back reassuringly. They had already met about 9 years ago and they knew the kind-hearted, maiden-like queen, treated them as equals, especially because they were guardians sent by Kandrakar, who had helped save her daughter at the time. It was sad to think that in such a short period of time, so many things had changed for the Royal Coronian Family.

Sad changes that made Taranee shiver with terror and compassion. In nine years, Magana had not only been widowed, but had lost her daughter as well. The same Princess Leonida that she and her girlfriends had once rescued from the evil graumer* Dua. ("The Golden Spring" original W.I.T.C.H. book series)

The same monster that the late princess had apparently named her son after and Irma didn't know what shocked her more. Whether the name her late Majesty had chosen for the little one or the fact that she had given birth and died just like that. Good God, that girl had almost been their peer. It was disturbing, but the Water guardian didn't dare ask for the details. Not so much because she didn't want to be tactless, but because Will had sharply warned her not to do it, the first thing in the morning.

Irma pouted and impatiently flickered with her wings. When would they finally arrive?! The way from the Infinite City to the Palace felt like an eternity. Her friends were engaged in a boring, courteous talk with Magana, and her eyes fell on the prince next to her Majesty. No, not Dua, the little restless devil that reminded her of Chris when he had been his age, but the timid, silent young man sitting on the other side of the ruler.
The son they had never once mentioned before, and Irma didn't quite get why. The guy was handsome, he was definitely eye-catching and he was marrying Elyon. They were supposed to get to know each other as they would all meet more and more often from now on, but the prince didn't seem to think so. He was either too shy or too snobby, the water guardian decided. If only all her attempts to start a conversation with him, while traveling, hadn't been a flop, she would've been able to tell which one was true. Was he just a big snob? Irma made a face as she remembered his maddening sister.

Psst, Hay, she sent her friend a telepathic message. Is it me or is Mr. Mysterious over there nothing like his crazy sister.

Next to the Latina, the Air guardian stirred startled in her place, as if she was just waking up from a nap. Maybe she was, Irma wouldn't blame her. The conversation which Taranee was having with Magana, about some tile patterns, was after all, dull as a dishwasher.

You shouldn't bad mouth the dead, Irma, Hay Lin scolded her. It's awful that Leonida has passed away at such a young age-

Babe, I'm not saying that it isn't awful, but the girl almost gave away her kingdom's riches and power to the mutant worm she was dating. She was pretty insane... Whatever, forget about that. Tell me about our boy Andan.

What do you want me to tell you? He's hotter than his picture, but I'm not surprised, good looks run in the family, Hay Lin admitted, returning to her optimistic tone. If he has a good heart too, Elyon will be very lucky.

Yeah, Irma was still thinking about the quiet man, when Will's voice broke her off of her thoughts:

"Your Majesties, we have arrived. I give you the Meridian Palace up close. And this is Alborn, father of Queen Elyon and Head of the Royal Guard."

"Your Majesties, it is an honor to have you here. Thank you for making it on time, despite the circumstances. Please, be our guests."- Alborn smiled, through the now open door, offering his hand to Queen Magana.


"We have gathered here today to mark the beginning of a relationship. The beginning of the new beginning. We're here to celebrate my daughter, her royal Majesty Queen Elyon Escanor's engagement with her future partner, Prince Andan of Coronia. Thank you, people of Meridian. Thank you, dear guests, from Coronia. Today truly is a ray of sunshine in a month of darkness."- Miriadel's speech might've been cheesy, but it was sincere.

She wasn't pretending or playing and that was what was worse, Nerissa thought as she watched the army captain wipe her eyes before walking down.

The Royal Family from Coronia appeared to be acceptable, though slightly strange. A mother and two princes, her son and grandson. And she couldn't manage to rule her kingdom herself, because? She didn't even look older than 40 something. But the ex-guardian had little interest in all that, anyway. She was curious to see them, mostly the little wretch's new husband-to-be. He sat on the throne next to her and he looked good, too good for her, even. Nerissa smirked barely noticeably as she fixed the deep neckline of her pink garb.

There was nothing funnier that came to her mind than the way the future newlyweds were sitting on the thrones, side by side, as the annoying people showered them with flowers and rice. These villagers were not representatives of the rebellion and therefore were so unbearable. Just like the exiled aristocracy of Meridian, some of whom had returned after Phobos, and were now watching the Queen's ceremony with envy. Nerissa didn't envy her; anger was the only thing she was left to feel for the young monarch. She didn't even hate her anymore- Elyon was despair in human form.

The old clerk and the shy young maid were some of the few staff that Queen Magana had brought with her from Coronia. The clerk was in a hurry to get the documents signed and make the union official, while the veiled maid smiled and took on the rings of the young couple. The beautiful jewelry, crafted by skillful hands, was of pure gold with beautiful angel prints. The yellow satin ribbon, the two rings were connected by, was to be cut off by the groom's mother and the bride's mother.

Elyon fought the obvious inconvenience she was experiencing the entire time. The truth was that even though she had agreed to this political decision and had agreed to give it a chance, hoping for the spark of love to ignite between her and the prince, after what had happened to Galgheita and Phobos's escape, she couldn't even think about, herself.

Her feelings must have been written on her face because upon cutting the ribbon and the applause that followed, Queen Magana made a gracious bow in front of her and said:

"Queen Elyon, we are humbled, truly humbled by the fact that you gave my son and this marriage a chance! What is more, I was dearly pleased when you agreed to look at this marriage as something more than just politics. I vow that my Andan will do what it takes to prove himself worthy of being your husband."

"Oh, no, your Majesty, please, you don't have to treat me like royalty."- and abashed, Elyon was quick to stand from her throne. "You're elder to me, you're Andan's mother. I would love it if you treated me like family."- she didn't quite feel what she said, but it had the public erupt in approval. It also made the older Queen openly happy, as she smiled warmly at her and touched her shoulder:

"You're such a well-mannered girl, Queen Elyon. I would be honored."- her velvet hazel hair and hazel eyes seemed to glow with her kindness and royalty.

Elyon fought to keep her smile on. These people were apparently kind and hearty, and she- she was a fool who went into this marriage with a huge lack of desire. Elyon sighed in thought and prayed for her fate to give her a new will and mindset to continue on the path to happiness. Happiness, as a maximum, that so eagerly escaped her.


"I'm proud of Elyon."- Taranee stated an hour later when the party was going smoothly while the Queen and Prince were given a moment of seclusion in the royal gardens. "She's willing to give this a try, despite knowing that it is a serious matter. I admire her courage."

"Courage is one way to call it."- Will murmured under her nose. "But I'd still call it a desperate shot in the dark.

Taranee almost gasped, obviously not having expected the redhead, out of all people, to say such a harsh thing.

She and the other guardians were all taking their time in one of the sitting rooms in the palace, finally having received the chance to take a moment of peace, approximately away from all the hubbub of the party. Something which, frankly speaking, none of them were in the mood for.

"But Will."- the fire guardian protested. "Why do you say that, you know that this wasn't even her idea. What do you mean a 'blind shot in the dark'?"

"What does it mean, Taranee?"- Irma repeated with annoyance. "It means that she's taking the chance while she still can, otherwise she'll grow old and alone, I think it was pretty understandable what Will said and it's true."

"Elyon's our friend, why are you two so negative about it. I know it's not the most fairy-tale-like relationship, but we..."- Taranee still couldn't believe them.

"But we nothing, quit trying to make it a happy day, even Elyon herself isn't happy about it!"- Irma cut her off.

Hay Lin, who was absently flying above them while looking at the bookshelves, just shook her head. Will didn't say anything, she crossed her legs and rested her elbows against the writing desk nearby.

"But..."

"Let her talk. She most probably wants Elyon to fall into an unhappy relationship so she can then accuse her of being a cheater and be right about it for a change."- Cornelia entered the room alongside her spite, drawing everyone's attention.

"Cornelia! I apologized to you a hundred times, why are still blaming me, I was going crazy over Peter's case, I couldn't even think ra..."

"A-a-a! Don't waste your breath, Taranee, I don't want to hear you."- and the blonde haughtily raised her chin up. "Hard times bring the truth out of us, and that what you said back then is clearly your actual opinion of me."

"Cornelia, that is NOT true..."- but even though she was on the verge of tears, her friend's open palm made Taranee shut up. She was too ashamed to argue about her truth and too tired to try to excuse herself. She needed to give the other woman her time.

"But enough about Elyon's lame engagement."- Cornelia tossed her hair back, as she urged the casually lying on a couch Irma, to make her a place to sit. "I'm here for the Coronian gossip. Tell me everything which I missed today."

"Someone had a change of mind."- Irma didn't miss the chance to taunt her. "Didn't you use to encourage Elyon to accept this marriage proposal, Corny? Now you're siding with us when you saw that we were right to be skeptical about it."

"Yes, I did, but I expected that she and Andan would get to know each other and date for a while before signing an engagement agreement."- Cornelia defended herself coldly. "How is it my fault that they jumped straight into documents and politics? I was beside myself when I saw that old guy being so eager to get the signatures. Huh, desperate much."

"That's what they do in such cases."- Will shook her head. "Anyway, let it be. Elyon can take care of herself and do what she pleases with this marriage, right? It's not like marrying Andan needs to be for life."

"I guess."- the Earth guardian rolled her eyes. "Now tell me what happened already, did they say something on the way here? Something worth hearing? Andan and Magana..."

"Well, would you look at that. Gossip-hungry, curious Corny, makes a new appearance. We haven't seen much of you lately, did evil Corny's anger and bitterness keep you locked?"- Irma mocked her and the blonde was just about to snap when the Air guardian interjected:

"No, Cornelia. We haven't talked much."- Hay Lin shrugged, as she levitated back to the level where she was only slightly above their couch.

"You should talk, you even took the time to snore."- Will rolled her eyes at her before turning to Cornelia. "We did talk, but it was mostly just small talk. We did a little catching up and that was all..."

"Well duhh, that's what I was talking about."- the blonde made a face. "It's not even gossip-gossip...Don't tell me you weren't intrigued to find out what exactly happened to that princess, Irma."

At that, Irma stretched up, outraged, pointing her finger and glaring at Will:

"I was! Of course, I was! But she forbade me from even asking! Pink poopy perky pumpkin here thought it would be 'too rude'."

"Because it is awfully rude to ask about deceased relatives, trust me. I should know."- Will replied grimly. That had everyone quiet and done with the topic, but not Cornelia:

"Will, it's nothing like that. Maybe Irma would've blown it with her impropriety-"

"Heeey!"

"- but I don't see why you couldn't ask Magana in an apposite way. After all, her son will be Elyon's husband, and given their unusual history, I would like to know about everything that might possibly threaten Elyon in some way. You know, just so that it doesn't happen like the last time we trusted your judgment regarding her."- she said the last part coldly, making Will clench her fists and teeth. She was way too tired to fight with Cornelia now.

"Cornelia, what does that have to do with an..."

But before she could finish, the cozy, darkened room was invaded. Raythor took a quick second to catch his breath, before wheezing right in their bewildered faces:

"Guardians! An escape! There has been another escape... We must take care of it without alarming the guests. Come with me!"


Nerissa threw her hair to the back. This was her chance to have a word with the Queen of Coronia and see what she was all about. Why she felt like she actually must marry her son for power, despite being perfectly capable of ruling on her own, at least externally. Out of pure curiosity that was, and now that Miriadel had finally left the Coronian woman's side, the ex-guardian was getting ready to make her way to her. She had even already formed a plan in her head, regarding how she was about to get the information she was interested in. Nerissa was just walking to her target when she came face to face with her husband.

"Careful there, my handsome, you're going for a bumpy ride."- she pursed her lips as he grabbed a hold of her hips and waist, swinging her in the rhythm of the music. "Or a dance, fine, I don't mind."

"As much as I would love to, we have an emergency on our hands."- he said quietly, as he pressed his face against her's. "Keep your calm and follow me. No one should learn about this, especially not the people from Coronia."

The smile on her face quenched, being quickly replaced by a deep frown.

"What kind of an emergency."- she nearly hissed, but the veteran rebel just held her hand and slowly led her out, unbeknown to guests and hosts.

"Julian."- she spoke again, once he started leading her through the gardens. The sun was going down in the distance, making the flora around them even more yellow and orange than the autumn had already done. "Will you tell me what exactly..."

"We're being attacked from the inside."- he went into explanatory mode without further ado. "Remember the Cavigor fugitives' mass escape, you were able to thwart? Well, when we imprisoned them again, we had to do it on groups. We had no other choice, some of them had already managed to run away, anyway...Somehow, I do not know how, one of the most dangerous groups has been broken out yet again."

"What?!"

Julian shook his head at the sight of her shock. He knew no better than her. Then a scream came to them, a scream which made them rush in its direction.

"What did you do to him, monster?! WHO ARE YOU?!"

"It's the Queen."- Julian declared as they ran.

"If she can't take care of herself, I don't know who can!"- Nerissa snorted with contempt. "This has to be a diversion, Julian, leave her, we have to stop the prisoners-"

"The guardians and Caleb are already on that, Nerissa. We must think of the Queen, she is in danger."

Terribly dissatisfied with this answer, the woman followed him, gasping for breath. Running in high heels and no extra power source was disgusting, especially for a person like her, who preferred flying ever since she had mastered it. At last, they passed through the last turns of tall bushes, reaching a small open space, where an unpleasant scene took place. The Coronian Prince lay unconscious in Elyon's lap as she glared at the dark figure coming towards them.

"Your Highness, what happened?"- Julian exclaimed as his eyes moved from her to the figure. "Who is..."

But before he could finish, the wight dove towards him, predatory and with inhuman speed. Julian reached for his sword, but if Nerissa's lightnings hadn't surrounded him like a grid, he would have been knocked to the ground.

"I don't know, Julian!"- Elyon uttered in distress. "This thing came flying from the sky, it attacked us and did something to Andan with this odd dust which it threw at us. I'm worried, we have to get him to the hospital at once!"

"How about you help us raze this creature first, you useless wimp!"- Nerissa raged as she blasted at the said creature with no success. It was too fast.
Too fast for her in this miserable state and too fast for Julian who was having a hard time battling it with his sword. This creature, whatever it was, was making them look like fools while Elyon stood by the victim like some damsel in dismay. As if she wasn't aware of her powers... No, she would just never have what it takes, Nerissa glared at her as she tried to catch up with the flying creature. Such an incompetent little...

Elyon finally stood up and fired her spell at the creature, but unfortunately, that happened to be just when the other woman was aiming at it as well as if to bring evidence to her thoughts.

The Queen's bright spell collided with the lightnings, creating a backlash that the creature deftly avoided by flying high into the sky, but the two spouses, who fought it on the ground, didn't have the same luck. Furious, Nerissa was sent flying back, and while Julian tried to reflect the wave with his sword's blade, he also found himself at a great distance from his previous location.

"Enough!"- Elyon yelled, preparing to give the assailant her best shot. The strong magic that erupted from her palms struck the surroundings with strong gusts. The creature landed on the ground, just in the path of the powerful beam that was breaking through the air madly, on its way to its target.
The wight had landed right in the spell's way, as if even deliberately. But Elyon had no time to think over its actions. Just before her magic struck it, however, its hood disappeared, revealing a shocking face.

"You!"- Elyon exclaimed, having stopped the destructive spell in the last moment. "How did you cross through the veil?! Answer me immediately!"

"A mogriff..."- Nerissa murmured from the ground. The Queen kept talking to it, blind for its true nature, but the sorceress had already figured it out.

"This time, brother, you will pay! You will pay for all of your sins!"- Elyon shouted at the creature wearing Phobos's face.

Nerissa shook her head with disgust. Was this blonde fool really that slow? Then her gaze fell on the sword that lay next to Julian, who had just started to struggle with standing up.

"Quintessence!"

Seconds later, Elyon found herself gasping soundly as the weapon pierced the creature, the tip coming out from the other side of its body. Nerissa finally stood up. It was no near the relish doing this with the real Phobos would've given her, but at least this idiotic manner was finally taken care of. The mogriff exhaled one last time before returning its original form, closing its lurid eyes forever.


"I don't get who keeps doing this!"- Irma yelled in a temper, as she used her powers to cease one of the last waves of fugitives. Her water cage started moving, pushing them all together back to the dungeons they had all so suddenly escaped. "Field trip's over boys! Back to the cells!"

"Phobos, obviously."- Will frowned upon charging the cells with newfound electrical bars. "And that's what bothers me the most. How does he manage to cause such an inner crisis if he's on the other side of the veil?"

Cavigor was still a ruthless place, even after being put into the good guys' use, and breaking out of it was never easy. The giant monstrous bugs might've been removed from the security system, but whoever or whatever was setting these prisoners free a second time, wasn't to be underestimated.

"The numbers of the exiles here have dropped again. After the first escape, ten percent of the prisoners were missing. Now they are already twenty."- Caleb announced grimly once all the guardians gathered at the top of the dungeon entrance. "Another break-out must never happen, otherwise God knows how much will crimes increase."

"Well, we did do our best to scout the area. We caught all that hadn't yet managed to find hiding or escape somehow."- Taranee pondered.

"I don't hear any other prisoners out of their cells nearby either."- Hay Lin called in.

Taranee thought about it before going on:

"But of course, all that isn't enough, we still need to organize a national search for all fugitives whose identities we know."

"That is going to be harder than you think."- Cornelia interfered sourly. "When whoever did all this, came to do all this, they not only put all the guards to sleep with magic, he, she or it stole the data book. All the names, all the identities of the prisoners- gone."

There was a tense silence as everyone exchanged glances. Aldarn, who had been the one to discover the escape action during his passing though the region, scratched the back of his head helplessly and suggested:

"Maybe her Majesty has some copies of these records? I mean, why keep them in the prison itself in the first place. That's actually..."

"Stupid, yeah."- Irma helped him. "Wasn't she going to bring computers in Meridian or something? Had she done that, it would've been ten times easier to keep track of names, identities, etc."

"She postponed it for the next year over and over again."- Will murmured grimly. She had to forgive Elyon for her mistakes, but how could she, when the young Queen was making new ones every other minute.

"No, this was our responsibility."- Caleb shook his head. "I'll ask Alborn, we should have something to back this up. We can't be that unprofessional-"

"Forget about that. If the escaped criminals try to cause any trouble around Meridian, we'll quickly know where they are and we'll put them under lock and key again."- Irma dusted her hands and glanced at her friends. None of them looked calm despite her words of reassurance.

"If they are to even stay on Meridian."- the group turned around to see the delegation that was approaching them. Nerissa's face looked even more frowning than that of Raythor, who was coming behind her. Julian just appeared to be despondent.

"But I thought they can't leave Meridian."- Aldarn exclaimed with confusion. " The veil is..."-

"The veil is useless."- Nerissa interrupted him. "It has never worked the way it is meant to, but this time it yields from the very beginning. And these two acts of distraction from today speak for themselves."

"Acts of what now?"

"It appears that this escape hasn't been the culprit's main goal. Whoever did all this is still here. This is a damn inside job."- Raythor growled. "They broke the prisoners out of Cavigor to distracts us and get to the Royal Dungeons in the Infinite City."

"Who has escaped the dungeons?!"- Caleb asked with a dry throat. "Do these guards do nothing, I ask?!"

"Oh, don't blame them, Caleb. Neither their capabilities nor the defensive spells could resist the power that stormed the dungeons. This power, being held by no matter who is huge. The culprit has powerful magic"- his mother continued darkly. "Magic which temporarily tampered with my vision over the Infinite City, long enough for them to break the real purpose of their actions from today."

"Will you tell us who broke out or not."- Cornelia asked in annoyance. All this was getting on her nerves. "And how did this, quote on quote, strong magic get pass the veil?!"

Julian and Raythor exchanged glances while Nerissa just closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The guardians stirred in their places in anticipation, but when the veteran rebel opened his mouth to tell them, Will felt like she already knew the answer:

"Cedric. The culprit freed Cedric of his prison cell."

The deaf silence that followed enveloped them in its oppressive snare for a full minute

"Phobos is gathering his old most loyal soldiers. An army, a general for the army... and apparently, there are allies too. It is a matter of time before the eve of another war with him eclipses the universe."- Will summarized gloomily, gathering the others' anxious glances on herself. Some of her friends were worried, others were angry, but no one would lose hope. A war might be coming, but they certainly weren't going to surrender without a fight. They were not losing either.


"No, there is no place for worries. Andan is allergic to sunflower seeds. I can tell that this is what caused his faint by the residue on his garments."- Queen Magana said after a closer look at her son, who had already recovered his senses. "This mogriff creature...it must have hurled a generous amount at him and the Queen during its attack."

Only minutes had passed since the crisis had been diminished. The private room in the hospital wing where Andan lay, was occupied with the guardians, Elyon, and a few other people who could not help but be present. They all looked back puzzled at the Queen of Coronia, upon hearing her statement.

"No place for worries?"- Cornelia repeated in disbelief. "Your Majesty, first of all, the situation is almost deplorable. And second of all, mogriffs don't just fly around, carrying powdered sunflower seeds with them, this was clearly a planned assassination attempt on your son. I think that you should worry."

Caleb grabbed a hold of her arm warningly. It was enough that the discretion had completely failed and that part of the details of the Meridian crises had nevertheless been made available to Coronian royal figures. They didn't need to further defame themselves with unethical behavior, even though the rebel leader knew his girlfriend was right. This wasn't a coincidence.

"Cornelia, please. This is my fault."- Elyon shook her head bitterly, looking at the man on the hospital bed.

"No, honey. Don't say that. It's Phobos who is at fault and everyone knows it."- Miriadel said.

"No, mom. I couldn't provide security for my guests. Despite the veil, despite everything."

"Excuse us, your Majesty, we're just a little worried about some things."- Will took the word before any of these women could make matters worse.

Magana was already visibly in wonder of what to say, perturbed by everything that had happened, and by the words that were being said in the hospital wing. Knowing her at least a little, Will knew that the woman could not thrive in such an environment, and for that reason, tried to arrange things for her. But no. Taranee had to be quicker:

"What we're trying to say is that the prince's allergy being added to the whole picture makes matters a little bit more specific."- Will glared at her friend as she watched her speak. "What are the odds of Phobos knowing such a personal thing about his Highness? Maybe there is something more..."

"Large, actually."- Magana finally found the right words to reply with. "Andan's allergy has long entered the public domain. It is enough for this Phobos, you speak of, to have done just a little fieldwork to know this and use it in his attack plans. But please, there is absolutely no reason for you to be concerned about my son, I assure you. Such things often happen to us when we leave Coronia..."

"They do?"- Irma raised an eyebrow.

For a moment Queen Magana seemed to regret the way she expressed herself, but quickly managed to tarnish the situation by saying:

"Well, yes...Not that I want to blow my own horn, believe me I do not, but Coronia is, after all, a wealthy realm. We have many enemies that have used Andan's allergy as means of dishonoring us and attempts to hurt us."

"You have?"- this time Will poked the water guardian in the ribs, preventing her from interrupting the Queen again.

Magana offered them a smile of courtesy:

"Thank you for everything, the engagement ceremony went well...Except for that unplanned situation of course, but all in all, I think that we should all be well pleased."

I'd say, Irma rolled her eyes. This Queen is either wise water drunk or completely out of her mind.

"This is where we leave you to deal with your state issues in peace."- the hazel-haired queen took the dazed Miriadel's hand in a pompous manner.

"My family, entourage and I should head back to Coronia. We have obligations of our own. We will keep in touch, Queen Elyon. Thank you all of having us. Thank you! It was a pleasure."

She's off her rocker. Period! Cornelia raged. Just what was a pleasure in this entire day? Phobos sent his lurchers to ruin Elyon's engagement and he totally succeeded. Plus, he almost got her son poisoned, yet she's still satisfied with the ceremony?!

Then again, after Leonida's death, she must be having a hard time. The union between Elyon and Andan is of big importance to Queen Magana. After all, I'm sure the last thing she wants is to fail her kingdom, Hay Lin joined the telepathic chat by rushing to the Queen's aid. I think there's nothing wrong in being optimistic...

Optimism is one thing. Being dunce is a totally different science. - Irma crossed her arms on her chest and glared at the royals engaged in a talk. Andan had just completely woken up.

Besides, Leonida died years ago, Hay Lin.- Cornelia pointed. You can't convince me that her mother is still under such a strong affect. Yes, her pain has hardly disappeared, but that can't justify her actions forevermore.

Well, her husband died too...

So did her common sense.

Cornelia!

Enough, Will silenced their thoughts. They're wrapping this up. We have to get ready to escort the royals back to the portals. We can discuss all this later.

"Andan, are you sure that you're alright?"- Elyon wanted to know.

The prince gifted her with one of his rare, but Irma had to admit, charming smiles. He took a more comfortable sitting position as he patted her hand:

"I assure you. I'm fine. I have to leave now, Coronia awaits, but I will dream about the next time we will meet until we do. You really captivated me in some way, Elyon, and I have a big desire to get to know you."

And he had to ruin it. Cheesy much, Irma made a face, but Elyon seemed more than flattered.
From her silent corner, next to Caleb, where she had remained inactive almost the entire time, Taranee could even assert that she had seen the young Queen blushing.


"I do not care what it takes, Raythor. It takes strength, it takes power and creativity on our part. But it takes more than that for Phobos to be able to do this to Meridian as long as I'm Mage."- Nerissa hissed in the captain's face. "Do what you have to do. You know your ways best. Find me that pawn. He or she is still here on Meridian, they cannot leave because of the veil so that should narrow the search. Find them and bring them to me. Dead or alive! Alive is my preference. So that I can personally squeeze every drop of life force out of the pitiful likeness of a ..."

"Easy Mage, take it easy."- the man growled under his nose. "What do you think, that I don't want that scum working for the royal brat to be executed? Of course, I'll do everything to get them. In fact, there is a trace..."

The noisy crash of the silver tray falling on the floor interrupted their conversation. Raythor and Nerissa turned sharply to the only others present in the large reception room. The little Dua and the veiled helper they had never noticed being in the same space up until the woman had dropped the tray.

"Could you get that child away from here?"- Raythor raised his voice at the perturbed maid. "It's not exactly a nursery you know. God, damn maids these days!"

"Forgive me..."- the veiled woman murmured, but the man had already gone on, ignoring her presence:

"One of the guards in front of Cedric's cell was able to see a veiled figure in black. A female figure. She nearly killed Vathek with one sweep of her hand after he attempted to capture her. He is stunned and can't yet tell the details, but the second guard saw the bundle of blond hair that Vathek had torn off the culprit's head under the scarf. Now what we have to do is find this enchantress and discover her connection to the darned prince."

"Why didn't you say any of this earlier?!"- Nerissa exclaimed. "Where is this hair? Show me it!"

Raythor nodded and began to dig through the pockets of his cape and pants for the pouch. The lock of hair had to be in the leather pouch. He had put it there after the soldiers had brought it ... But the pouch was gone.

"It's gone."- he realized shook. "But I don't understand, it was in me just before I walked in this saloon. How-"

"How the hell do you lose something as important as that, you ignorant fool!"- Nerissa attacked him and, much to his dismay, started rummaging through his pockets in her turn. Trying not to sweat from the awkwardness created by her hands practically touching him everywhere, the man just took a deep breath waiting for her to finish.

"I told you I didn't lose it."- he stated firmly once her nails brushed against his abdomen for the last time. She didn't seem to care about what she was doing to him. "It has vanished. Someone has used magic. The culprit, she must be near!"

"Arzu, where's granny? Can we go home yet, these people are odd!"- Dua's voice reached Nerissa's ears, breaking her off of her deep ponderings.

"Indeed she must..."- a sudden realization hit her, as the hiss slid her lips and she turned around abruptly.

"Yes, my prince, we are going. Let us find the Queen,"- the veiled maid took his hand and started leading the child to the exits.

"Your scarf, Arzu."- Nerissa's ice tone stopped them. "Take it off, if you will let me see your hair."

Raythor stared dumbfounded, as the ex-guardian made her way to the maid with big steps. Her face was sealed in a cold expression as well, as she reached for the woman's attire.

"No, Mage, my face, it was burnt in an accident many years ago, I wear this scarf in order to avoid troubling people's sight."- Arzu tried to explain herself, but Nerissa was relentless.

"I said take your scarf off, you fool."- she hissed and pulled the scarf down without further ado. Arzu gasped as the other woman did that, carelessly pulling her hair all the way to her eyes.

"Granny!"- Dua almost screamed.

"What the hell is going on around here?!"

Nerissa tightened her full lips as she stared at the locks on her fingers. Blood-red, a few shades more intense than the ones of the redhead that was making her way to her in that same moment. Not a hue close to blonde...How disappointing.

Nerissa lifted her eyes up to Arzu's almost completely burned face and then moved her focus to the guardians who had just entered the room, followed by her majesty Magana and her son.

Everyone looked in confusion and reproach directly at her, and her successor's words of indictment were not delayed:

"What in God's name are you doing again, Nerissa?!"- Will glared at her and then looked at Arzu's scared face. Dua looked even more terrified before he ran to hide behind his grandmother.

"Did you do this to her face?!"- Irma couldn't help but exclaim in shock.

"No, Arzu's face got to be like that years ago in a terrible fire back in our Palace. It's too sad for her youth, ever since then she has been wearing something over her head to hide the scars."- Magana explained. "But I don't understand, why are you holding our maid like that?"

Nerissa didn't reply to that, she just ran her fingers through the redhead's hair one last time before letting her go.

"Never mind."- she put it simply. "I'll see you at home, Cornelia. Oh, pardon me. Your home. And don't bother, I'll pick up my grandson from your parents."

Will shook her head angrily after the brunette teletrasnported, and turned around to Cornelia.

"You know how she holds grudges."- the Earth guardian huffed. "Of course, she'll be mad at me for lashing out at her the other day. But we all know whose fault that was, actually."- and she gave Taranee, who closed her eyes with a silent sigh, the stink eye.

And for that, she yanked Arzu's head like that? Hay Lin was still dumbfounded as she and the others gathered around Will for the group teletransportaion to the Infinite City's gates.

She's totally crazy, Will reminded them.

What else is new, Irma's unimpressed tone could be heard crystal-clear even in their telepathic connection, right before they disappeared, leaving Raythor alone and with, finally, less strained pants.


The Hidden Mansion, 10 PM, local time

"You lied to me! You knew that only the true heir to the throne of Coronia can lead anyone else to the Spring, yet you sent me on a misleading trail. How dare you?!"- but the woman completely ignored his yells of protest as she entered the Hidden Mansion. It had been a long day and even she needed her rest.

The whines of that man would be cut off when she handed him the toy he'd asked for, or at least she hoped.

"Forgive me, my King. But I needed to occupy your attention with something for the day, otherwise, your impatience could've gotten in the way of my...of our plans."

Phobos's eyes shone dangerously as he cornered the young woman. She took steps back until her back was touching the wall.

"I do not like that, my squeeze. I do not like that one bit."- his voice was low, yet clear. "I don't like it when you try to outsmart me, because you cannot do that, no one will. And you will not do such things behind my back again, or you'll see me very, very bad. Much worse than you dreamed of having me, and you'll regret ever wanting me and taking me as an ally. I warn you for the first and last time."

Having sensed the state of affairs going south, the young woman placed her hands around his neck and spoke gently before he could push her off. She was determined to calm him down and be heard:

"My love, I'm so sorry, please don't be mad at me. I would never do this if it wasn't to protect you."

"Protect me?"- Phobos frowned. "Protect me from what-"

"From yourself, of course."- the woman shook her long blond locks. "Tell me, my King, if I hadn't charmed you with the idea of the Golden Spring, wouldn't have you insisted on coming to Meridian with me? Wouldn't have you exposed yourself to great danger in your desire to punish your sister and all those who've done you wrong?"

Phobos thought on her words for a few moments. Frankly speaking, she was wrong. He wasn't going to risk his freedom before obtaining more power, but he liked the concern in her voice. The idea that this beautiful, yet crazy girl, couldn't quite read him out, gave him the feeling of supremacy and maybe even something else:

"Whatever. Let's not dwell pointlessly. Tell me about your action on Meridian. Did you have success?"

"Did you even have doubts?"- and with a meaningful smirk playing on her lips, the young tanned woman used her magic to make a seemingly ordinary leather bag. "This magic satchel origins from ancient times. It has the power to gather whatever its owner desires. I've put aside much of what we needed inside of it."- she smiled at the man. His own lips were slowly stretching in a grin too as he listened to her. " And just like goddess Rhiannon*, gave it to her husband, Prince Pwyll, I now give it to you. To serve your every need and desire during this war. The war of the ungraced rulers!"

Phobos took the satchel from her with hungry eyes. He reached to put his hand in it, naming the one he wanted to pull out of its enchanted void. Truly, such a delightful thing Coronian magic could be. The walls opened and a bright light blinded their eyes.

A moment later, the body lay on the polished floor. His former second-hand man and confidant who had betrayed and forsaken his trust, so brutally, during the last war with the guardians and Kandrakar.

"Welcome, Cedric."- Phobos's face twisted into a sinister, black smile, as he looked at the man in his feet. "I am so glad that after such a long wait, it is finally time for you to face the consequences of the path you chose for yourself by robbing me of my power."


Trivia:
graumer*- a mystic worm-like creature that feeds off emotions and the powers of others. It can change shape and form to whatever it desires. The more power it obtains, the more dangerous it can be. (in the book, Dua had devoured so much power, he had reached the size and form of a giant cobra that almost seized the power of the Golden Spring)
Rhiannon*- a major figure in the Mabinogi, the medieval Welsh story collection. She appears mainly in the First Branch of the Mabinogi, and again in the Third Branch. She is a strong-minded Otherworld woman, who chooses Pwyll, prince of Dyfed (west Wales), as her consort, in preference to another man to whom she has already been betrothed. She is intelligent, politically strategic, beautiful, and famed for her wealth and generosity.