Iolene: Chapter Twenty-Five
"It's time to go my lady." Eleya grabbed my shoulder bag full of little items. I looked around my mother's room for the last time. I made sure that the room remained as it was before I lived there for the past few days. The sheets were the same, I made sure every detail that I remember could be kept. And like that Eleya and I left.
I still feel conflicted about everything. I don't want to leave here… But I wanted to leave after everything that happened. My now constant reminder of myself now becoming a woman is also now haunting me. My flowering has ended at long last after a week. Eleya finally glad not to keep on repeatedly making sure nothing showed.
Eleya found out that Akvor has been at a small village a few days south of here. Still under heavy guard and restraints. I hope remains like that for the rest of his life… Thanks to him I still struggle to sleep. So not only are my dreams becoming more prominent as of late. My memories now haunt me as well… I ask Eleya to sleep in the bed with me however I notice by morning she is sleeping in the bedroom sofa.
I walked through the palace halls for the last time. The carved marble pillars and unique tapestries covered most of the walls. It's going to be a long journey so I will not be back here anytime soon. So I wanted to make the most of it.
At breakfast, the family gave me and Murray some parting gifts. It felt like a name day. Murray says they always give him items before he leaves for a meeting out of the country. But I felt so happy because it felt like I am actually apart of the family. Something I never really had, I have received gifts. But to receive them in person is so much better. Even though I really am part of the family… Most don't know it. All of the king's children except for Murray don't know that I am an ancient. Murray found out by accident and knows I am his actual second cousin. Not a bastard child who was abandoned and adopted because my grandparents were grieving. But I still wonder how my life would have been if I didn't have my childhood in the priesthood.
It is also because of Murray that I managed to make some kind of bond with the King's children. We all spent time together when the family snuck me out to their royal visit to Watersgate. But after that my time in the priesthood we spoke mainly to each other through letters. Most that Akvor threw away soon after… It broke my heart. After thinking about Akvor it made me feel angry. I had to try and not think of him again… He is out of my life now… I must try to move on.
The King and Queen gave me new outfits and makeup accessories. They said I need to be as presentable as I possibly can. I am seeing another nation Empress after all. Grandmother and grandfather gave me a gold and brown leather journal. It was huge… It's like as if I could actually write a novel. She also gave me a large yellow feathered quill from an unknown bird. As I tested it I realised that you don't need to have an ink bottle! As I wrote a short sentence "Today is the big day!" The writing I noticed for a split second was gold before it turned to the dark black ink.
I was so excited! I loved it so much! I could write a book and I didn't have to worry about ink! Grandmother leaned in close to me. "It's called a Repleo quill. Very hard to make. The gold priests of old used to create them. That's how they used to write so many books without ink fuss." Grandmother then leaned in closer to earshot. "It's fused with gold draconium. Your mother gave us a few when she became Empress. Write about your journey. Your grandfather and I expect to read it when you get back." I smiled at her as I was still so excited. It's such an amazing gift! With a few more tests I notice that I can even change the colour of the writing as I wrote. My grandparents looked at in complete surprise. They didn't even know the quill could do that.
Princess Marina gave me a large curved dagger. I looked at it in shock. I have never learned how to fight… Covered in a light blue sheath engraved with wave patterns. I took the dagger out of its sheath and looked at the shiny blade, it has recently been sharpened. The handle is green and had scales engraved into it that shined in the light. Like a fishtail. As I placed the blade back into the sheath I looked at it close and I notice that it looks like a mermaid diving into the ocean.
"It's beautiful! Thank you, Princess Marina! But… I don't really know how to fight." Even though priesthood can train to be immensely powerful. They never taught me how to fight as they do. I have asked to learn in the past. But they said I would never need such skills. So they made Marianas teach me how to be a lady. She did try to teach me some fighting techniques to help protect myself but was immediately chastised by the priest elders. She wasn't allowed to see me for a month. So the teachings of me learning to fight stopped so Marianas can teach me again.
"Lesson one: You see the sharp pointy part? You stab it into your enemy! End of lesson." As Marina makes stabbing motions with her butter knife. I laughed and wrapped the dagger belt around my waist. But hope in my naiveté I hope not to stab someone… I want to save people not to send them to their deaths.
But regardless of our different ideas, I admire her so much. She has such a flare of adventure that I wished I had. Reading her letters is really like reading an adventure novel. She has been back home a month now. But she said many times that will be heading out soon enough. She misses her true love which is the sea.
Her twin Prince Clifford gave me a unique looking bracelet. It looked like pearls but the center has raw light Blue draconium in it shaped like a diamond.
"It's a draconium shield bracelet! Everyone in the family has them. Since you are technically family, even though… Your adopted you can still get one. It can create a draconium shield for a minute. Perfect for your holiday adventure to Macdan." I thank him graciously. I cannot help but have a feeling that I would need this in my life. As unsettling as that sounds. At least he still thinks this trip is just a holiday so I can have some freedom from my old life.
Nerida has been wondering and asking many questions about me going to Macdan. Murray has just been saying for me that a visit there is due. Even though Nerida has been kind to me to my face. Eleya has overheard her on the odd occasion to her handmaiden. That the court hearing and the priesthood should have been left well enough alone. Because all of the political matters that were supposed to be on that day have been pushed back. Making everything very frustrating for her. Eleya told me last night in my room after seeing my mothers' mausoleum. I admit hearing it did upset me… I know Nerida didn't write many letters. But I presumed that she is busy with royal duties. After all, she is the Grand Princess.
"Why is it such a big deal? She is only going on holiday! Murray is the one who is actually doing work!" She asked at the breakfast table. Everyone looks at her as the atmosphere immediately changed.
"Well after being stuck in a stuffy temple for most of her life. And after everything that has happened to her… Having some nice things that won't be taken of her will be good for her." Marina said to her in a serious tone.
Nerida still doesn't know the truth… To her, I am still an adopted daughter of my grandparents who lived in the priesthood… I wanted to tell her the truth. She herself will be a future ruler and will have to know eventually. I looked at the king and it seemed that he had the same idea. He demanded that it will just be me, Nerida and him. The breakfast table is now quiet. Even the guards had cleared off.
"Father what is going on?" Nerida chuckled in nervous anticipation.
"Nerida it's time you know… We should have told you sooner. But circumstances are difficult."
"Know what?" She sternly asked and looked at me in complete suspicion.
He explained the whole situation to Nerida. Who my parents are, how I was born, why I was raised in the priesthood. Everything. She looked in shock the entire time. It was almost like she was thinking her father is mad.
"You're joking? You're seriously joking father? She is an ancient? She is Laelias and Aelius's daughter?" As he finally finished the story.
I looked at her with complete nervousness. There was smarminess in her attitude now. Probably feels betrayed that her own father didn't tell her this sooner. I don't blame her…
"Remove your contacts, I need to see myself. Are those eyes gold?" She demanded. I removed them and with force, she pulled my chin forward and looked down deep into my golden eyes. In the meantime, I looked into her piercing light blue eyes. After a few minutes of looking she finally released me from her grip.
"How could you keep this secret from me?!" She shouted.
"Keep your voice down Nerida." The king said with complete restraint.
"I knew you had secrets looming around… Just not like this." She sits down on a nearby chair. Leaning on her right hand holding her head up. "Even having her here could give the Black Draconium Empire reason to invade. Unless that is what you are actually planning? To start another war?" He looked at her with seriousness and it didn't take long for her to realise it.
"This could destroy everything we have built since the Dragon separatist war ended. We have lost so much father! The Black Draconium Empire won! They have settled, Dragon-City and Suravi is now their territory! You just want to start the suffering all over again?"
The king did not like this response at all… His face said it all… All of the wrinkles that were gentle suddenly became harsh.
"The Black Draconium Empire has too much influence in the world! Just because they have settled does not mean they are not preparing. You know about the ambassadors who have been releasing our secret information and laundering slave trade money. It is clear that they have gone back into their old ways and desire of taking over the world."
"A bit paranoid father? The world? That's an impossible feat." Nerida scoffed.
"Um… Your majesties." I tried to interject I wanted them to stop fighting. "A war does not have to happen. Uncle, you promised after Macdan I can make a decision If-"
"OH NO!" Nerida shouted once more. "You have no decisions here girl! I am not sacrificing my home for a useless endeavor!" As she threateningly pointed her finger at me. Her friendly façade had completely deteriorated. Immediately I backed down… Some leader I would be… But I get flashbacks of how I am treated back in the priesthood. I looked down at my feet. Murray has always known about me… I do wonder how she would have acted if she knew from the start.
"Don't speak to her like that Nerida! It's unnecessary. It was my decision to keep all of this quiet." As the king sat across from her talking in a more gentle tone. She just looks at us in anger. The atmosphere in the room felt so tense.
"Father… You cannot bring the old world back. This is the new world… You just have to accept it. The gold legacy is gone! How many times have I told you over and over again in the past fifteen years?"
"You know I will never accept it! After what the Black Draconium Empire has done for thousands of years before the short peace. Which they have ruined. My niece! YOU'RE COUSIN! Is dead! I am disappointed that you have forgotten this!"
"I will never forget it! I love Laelia too! Don't you dare ever assume that I have forgotten! She was like a sister to me! But there has to be a point knowing that the old world is lost!" Nerida then looks at me and stands up. "She's not going! We are at peace! It has been fifteen years father… You have to let go!"
"You forget your place Nerida! You are a Grand Princess! Not Queen! Iolene is the Dragon-City's only living heir! I will help bring her to power! She can restore the grand peace!"
She looked at her father in complete disdain. Like she was slapped across the face. It was like she was about to say something in retaliation but in a wise decision. She sighs while shaking her head and storms out of the room.
I stood there in disbelief. I have always thought this family was perfect… Everything seemed so good… I didn't know what to say… I have always been lonely. But after this, I have never felt lonelier… Even with me around causing a close family to argue. Oh, I wish I was just a normal girl, with a normal childhood, playing in the sun. Then no one would have to argue about me and my lineage.
"Pay no heed to her Iolene… She is headstrong like her mother. She will come to terms about you… She loved your mother like a sister, as she said. They were raised together in this castle. For her to just snub you like that… She will regret it… But she has her points. Our country is at a time of peace, but the rest of the world is not. Red, Green, and Brown are at war. Light-Green is occupied by the black Empire. Blue apparently has been quiet, but always has the looming threat of civil war. Turquoise usually has their Emperor assassinations every few years. White has been barely keeping itself together since the fall of Dragon-City. With the constant threat of the Purple Empire occupying them. Nerida is naïve to think that the Black Empire will not do anything… I have seen some terrible atrocities caused by them in the past… And that was part of their peaceful years."
I looked at him with curiosity. I know that time is getting on before I need to leave… But no one has actually never told me what the whole Empire is like. I know of the personal side of the betrayal of my family. The political struggles they have had for thousands of years. But I don't know how they live, what their cities are like, and their natural environment in the north. I had no idea… There is so much a book can tell you and much of it is vague… All I know is that they are all bad people and dragons who seek power non-stop. Their creation to end my family reign which they finally succeeded.
"Have you been to Inclementia uncle?" I sat across him and he is thinking of his answer.
"Yes, I have thirty years ago. When I was a much younger and very youthful-looking man. Nerida and Laelia were twelve, Murray was two and the twins were a few months old. The political climate was very different back then. Before the dragon revolts and the destruction of the royal family. The world was a very different place. Now, of course, going there today will be a complete death sentence."
"What was it like?"
"Dark and cold… There was never any sun, the sky was always covered in the darkest of clouds. Trees and grass struggled to grow. The buildings are always grey since the stone was mined from the mountains north of the city. All of the buildings and temples are towers… It has the nickname the tower city for a reason. Especially Seers Tower. I would be lying if was not impressed by it. The oldest building in the center of the city. That stretched upwards and touched the clouds."
I could have only imagined what that city looked like. A tower that touched the sky? How tall must it be? Hundred-thousand feet? I could not imagine walking all those steps and levels. But yet in a weird way it feels like I have been there before.
"What were the people and dragons like?"
"Just like everyone else… I suppose. They have bakers, priests, teachers, artists, many people like we would here. However, their attitudes are very different from the rest of the world. You walk into their city and you're from another country. You are looked down upon. It was very hard to be happy there… I cannot imagine how the enslaved citizens who lived there felt. Those who are of noble birth are all educated in their old arts of draconium energy. So throughout the city seeing humans and dragons use black draconium magic and technology is an everyday occurrence. I even saw a noble creating a whip out of draconium energy and suck the energy painfully from his poor slave. Seeing that disgusted me. We reserve that kind of power to the priests and royalty. Those who deserve such strengths."
I stopped trying to envision the city and listened intently to the king. I have read in books that my ancestors' home was like this as well. Using draconium energy for personal uses. It even helps create special gear and technology that other draconiums' cannot master. Dragons can use it easily, it is natural to them. They can control the energy to push and pull. A stream of physical magnetic energy that can connect to objects or beings. They even have an aura of energy that can hold saddles and gears made for the dragons. It helps them with tasks that they are physically not able to do. Humans, however, need to train to master the ability. How they master it I don't know… The priests only teach such things to their apprentices. Since I was technically not an apprentice under a master they did not teach me. Their guidance was to teach me how to read, write, and learn about history while also learning how to be a lady. Even though I have asked Marianas to let me be her apprentice so I can learn more about draconium. I was denied by her knowing the consequences of trying. She instead chose a young and bright initiate who is from a fishery. That initiate eventually betrayed both of our trust which caused chaos in the priesthood and the royal family. One of the other reasons why I want to leave here…
"The food that is grown from there tasted and looked very different. Apples were not red or green, they were a mauve colour. They even tasted a bit strange but they are apples non-the-less. There have been studies about the effects of Black Draconium. Of how it affects the mind and the environment as it has shaped their country and their way of life… They even celebrate if they don't lose their mind to it…The madness they nicknamed it… They pride themselves if they didn't go mentally crazy if they reach the age of sixty. But it just wasn't the draconium influence… It was also slavery and brutal practices they used... Such as having torture sessions in public view… Like a show… The largest country with the largest amount of slaves of both humans and dragons. It was your grandfathers' Emperor Odysseus goal to abolish those practices. Which was why many leaders went there. Me, Emperor Odysseus, Lord Nero, Master Priestess Tulia with her second in command Priest Stein. Blue Dragon Ambassador Shun Shun, Prince Consort Montahan who went to represent dragon, Queen Hara. Constant Mercer, Who was a young political anti-slave Savant to the Turquoise Emperor of the time. We all went there for a purpose and the Emperor welcomed us with open arms and we all discussed ways to change their economic system."
"I take it that it didn't go well?"
"It actually went very well. Or so we thought… Nothing bad happened there as far as I know. The Emperor of the Black draconium Empire himself guided us through the city and how they view their history. Emperor Edhem Marrick was actually a very kind man… He was the one who wanted slavery abolished with great personal risk to his rule and life. He was great friends with Odysseus which I can also imagine the old fashioned nobles there would have looked down upon. He was a very rare man in that country. A few weeks after we all left Inclementia, the country's gates shut. Some ambassadors and visitors who were there started to disappear… They started to isolate themselves again."
"Isolate themselves?" I didn't fully understand what it meant. I have heard of the term Inclementia the city of loneliness and isolation. But how can they just close their gates? At least Dominus Sahara has a desert sea surrounding it. Where it is very hard to cross because of nature.
"Inclementia and the black draconium Empire as a whole never invited or let anyone into their borders. Unless of great importance and the guest is another leader. They are very secretive unless it is they who want to spy. Many citizens at one point in history never wanted to mix with other powers. It was until hundreds of years after Inclementias creation and the first Black and Gold war that the rule was softened. They knew eventually they couldn't isolate themselves forever… Other Empires started to form and started creating their own world powers. The Black Empire was created as an equal and destroy its mother country after all. So they communicated to others as a means to an end. After thousands of years and many wars between the two world largest nations. They had a treaty made. It was useless for the nations to keep on fighting, the leaders who had rivalries have been long gone. And that was hundred-fifty years ago."
"What happened to Edhem?"
"He still ruled Inclementia for a few years after our visit. But when we had communication with him. He seemed different, for you see he gave us communicators. We didn't write letters to him. After everything that has happened, I can see that he was probably under mind control. Edhem tried to forbid the use of mind control gear but most of his senate voted against it. He must have been so alone fighting for change within his own home. But how his successor the Shadow Emperor came to power over Edhem, no one knows. But he was revealed to be the master behind the creation of the dragon separatists, the purge of Dragon-City, and reinstated the old ways of the Black Empire. As for what happened to Edhem after the war? We don't know… We never heard from him again… I believe he is dead. All the effort of him trying to evolve his country from their hateful past immediately ruined…"
I looked down thinking about Inclementia. There was a time when they want peace? There was a time when they were fighting to abolish slavery? There was a time when two enemy Emperors were friends? Could it have been a ploy to fool my grandfather? But when the king mentioned Lord Nero… I can't imagine what he must have done… That man betrayed my family. Being thirty years ago he must have been really young. Nero must have had a role in the whole bigger picture of this. I thought this all began during the dragon separatist war… But to think this all could have started at least thirty years ago.
But through thinking about all of this, I cannot seem to think of the mystery about the Shadow Emperor. Who is he? No one knows… Nothing about him in the library. Even the King and priests just refer to him as the Shadow Emperor. He must have a name with a history… He went through all of this effort to destroy everything that everyone tried to accomplish.
As we both sat there the quiet and solemn moment stopped when the family re-entered the room. I didn't realise that the King signaled for the family to return. Nerida was not amongst them. The others except for the queen and Murray did question as to why she left in such an angry hurry. The king just brushed off their concerns and pretends not much had happened. As I looked at Murray though… He looked worried. We probably should have had him in the room as well. But I had to quickly re-think that if she knew Murray knew before herself, she would have been even more furious.
The breakfast quickly ended and Murray packed his farewell gifts into his bag. He was very happy as they gifted him a new journal set similar to mine. With a cloak and few tomes to read on his trip.
Eleya grabbed my bag and we all walked through the castle for a final time. As we finally entered the large marble entrance hall. We walked past Nerida who is talking to her handmaidens. She looks at me and I look at her back. Her anger seems to have eased but instead, there seems to be a sense of sadness. Murray even takes notice of her and he nods. But Nerida does not nod back. I walk over to her. I was so nervous I had no idea how she would react.
I walked over to her and bowed. "Can we please talk alone?" I asked her politely. And to my surprise, she agrees. We walked into an empty small waiting room where no one could hear us.
"Ummm" I uttered. I didn't really think about what I was to say to her. We stood there in silence for a moment. Why did I ask to see her alone if I didn't know what to say to her? How smart of me… Great start Iolene… Great start… What will happen if I'm like this to other nobles who are strangers? I'd be nothing more than a fool. I can think of my future nicknames because of this. The stuttering princess? The shy wonder? The beggar queen?
"So your Laelias daughter?" She said softly.
"Um… Yes, I am her daughter…" Snapping back into reality.
"I want our conversation to be only in this room. You will say nothing of it and I will say nothing. Be aware of everyone you know." She said in a stern tone.
"Everyone, I know? I already have problems with people knowing my identity. You stormed out of the room not too long ago! As I have seen throughout my life I am very aware!" I questioned her in frustration.
"Everyone will begin using you… Do you think that my father is using you?"
I looked at her in shock. How could she even think such a notion?
"What?! Uncle, YOUR FATHER THE KING wouldn't do that! Aunty, Grandmother, and Grandfather… They love me." As I pointed to myself. They have been good to me. I explained to her that they kept me in the priesthood for my education. The King got rid of Akvor, because of his corruption and misdeeds.
"Do you honestly think, they would have taken you out of the temple if it wasn't for your lineage?" As she sharply gives me questions.
"I… I don't know…" I have always loved my family. They have always done their best to provide for me. Why does Nerida want to put doubt into my mind? Why does there always have to be some kind of doubt…
"Did father manipulate you to go to Macdan?" She folded her arms and looks at me intimidatingly.
"We all spoke of it. But the final choice is mine… I told my grandparents that I am going while they took me into my mother's mausoleum. I read the letter they received. Even though it was vague I want to go to Macdan and meet with Queen Hara. I want to know what she has to say. He didn't pressure me. As far as I know. I just want to see other countries. I want to make my own way in the world. After everything that has happened this week I need to be away from here."
Nerida smiled sweetly. "That is exactly what Laelia said before she departed for Dragon-City… She wanted to make her way in the world… To become a senator in the Emperors council of twelve. Now she is buried in our palace gardens. But there is a little something I must tell you."
"And what is that?" I asked her sternly. What could she possibly tell me that others haven't?
"Did you know that it was meant to be me, who was meant to go to Dragon-City?"
I looked at her in complete surprise. "You? But you are a Grand Princess! Heir to the water throne! Isn't the heir meant to remain here? To be safe?"
"Oh, what better match to Grand Prince David future Emperor of the most powerful, safest, and beautiful country… You see the other female heir was Marina. But at that time she was still very young." She said in a serious tone. "David was a very fine man don't get me wrong. Very charismatic and handsome. But I already fell in love with my husband at that point. Even though I was fifteen I loved Calder with all my heart. I refused to leave Aquarius City… Calder already proposed to me for marriage. And since his family is an obscenely wealthy noble family by owning many shipbuilders that supply our navy. It was a match that couldn't be ignored…" And Nerida saying that she gives her cheekiest smile.
"Okay… But what does this have to do with my mother?" I find this sort of conversation interesting. I learn much more about my family. But I admit I just want to know about my mother and father.
"Laelia… Was sent to Dragon-City in my place."
I looked at Nerida in complete shock.
"What? My mother was meant to… Wed Grand Prince David?"
"Your mother Iolene was a smart woman. She was also beautiful and kind. She was a young ambassador here. She naturally loved politics, working under my father and alongside me. You know she was only ten when she started working under my father and she was fifteen when she traveled to Dragon-City. She also thought it was going to be a simple trip of working and seeing our mother nation. But father, mother, along with uncle and aunty. Had underlying motives while Laelia was there. For you see my father wanted more political power… He has always felt inadequate in the large world. You see our Empire is quite small against many others… Gold, Black, Red, Green, and Blue. They are the most powerful countries in the world. He was hoping a powerful match to strengthen our position."
"So… Mother…"
"Was sent to charm the Grand Prince David and marry him. She, however, did not know of this plan until she was in Dragon-City after their official introduction. My father and her parents thought she would be perfect to be his equal. And back then she said those exact same things you did when she left Aquarius City… Little did she realise our family used her as a political pawn."
I felt so upset by this… Did she manipulate and lie? But I don't think so since she married Aelius who is Davids' younger brother. But Nerida is implicating that my mother was only used to try and advance their own agenda.
"When you spoke to Uncle Mortimer and Aunt Vivian in the mausoleum. When they spoke about your father. Was there any kind of… Annoyance?"
I couldn't ignore when Nerida said that… They did speak about my father in a tone that I wished they didn't. He is my father after all. They didn't like him at first they said… But they said they liked him in the end. I told her about what they said about my father in the mausoleum.
"They didn't like him at first because he was a well-known annoying, lazy, prankster. But they hated him even more because they knew Laelia was falling in love with him… He was not the intended target. He was after all the heir to spare. Your grandparents chastised her in Dragon-City many times over this… How do I know? She sent me letters… And I kept those letters still. It is all I have left of her. Laelia and David did spend many alone times together by coincidence because of her parents. But she did not have that same spark that she did with Aelius… Who was getting better and maturing after also spending time with her. Aelius was a spoilt royal teenager, but we all knew he was good at heart. He was never malicious, I like him very much myself."
I looked at Nerida as she softly smiled at me. Talking about this did make her seem much softer in personality than what she normally is. It also made me feel happy because she spoke about my father as he was…
"When the news of the wedding happened I was very doubtful meeting Aelius… Should I believe the writing from Laelia who could just be the lovesick teenager? Or believe the writing from your grandparents? But when I met him… Your grandparents were very wrong about him. He was very cheery and kind. He was a good man. Vivian and Mortimer did make sure that Aelius felt… Inadequate against his older brother to make him less appealing to Laelia. Even before the wedding took place, they even tried to make me convince her in person to choose David. David was so perfect in my family's eyes. Perfect by looks, manner, personality. But that man did have his flaws like the rest of us. Laelia confirmed to me that David did not like her romantically… In fact, he was very happy that his younger brother found a love who loved him for who he is."
I looked down at my feet. This is so much information to take in… But after telling me this… What is Neridas' point? This has only brought doubt in my mind. I have always thought of my family as perfect in the priesthood. But as soon as I have lived in the palace. Cracks have been showing between the family members. Mainly between the Grand Princess and King. Is Nerida trying to falter the kings' plans? By making me uneasy and to distrust my own family? Does she have a plan of her own? I don't know what to think of all this.
"Do you trust your fathers' judgment?" I asked in complete curiosity.
"I do, of course. We may have differing opinions, I still do not support you going to Macdan. I love my father and I will never try to doubt his good intentions. He is a great ruler. But the lesson here is… Once you enter the field of politics. You cannot escape from it. People will eventually find out who you are and will try to kill you or use you for their own gain. Every action you take, someone will lose or benefit from it. It's just part of the royal game."
"A royal game? I have read fictional stories about this kind of thing but… You can't honestly be serious? A game?"
Nerida ignores what I said and continues. "When you leave here Iolene you will no longer be the little girl in the priesthood. As you have said that is what you wanted. And if you make the foolish decision of attempting to back the golden empire. The only thing you will be doing is climbing the ladder… And you will have no choice but to climb higher and higher. Many innocents will die as you climb and who knows you might not even reach that high until they take your life… And I have heard you don't like violence all that much correct?"
I looked at her as I tried to think. It is true I am not a fan of violence. Even more so after what happened with Akvor. He attacked me and it all resulted in him losing an eye… Which I believe he deserved… But it was all such a mess which only caused harm to both of us. He is an awful man who loved control even with some violent force during his leadership as a priest elder. I'd rather wish to settle matters in a more peaceful way.
As we stood there Murray knocked on the door and tells us to hurry up. We have been hiding in here long enough. By the urgency in his voice, he really wanted to leave.
"It has been nice talking to you Iolene. It was nice talking about Laelia and Aelius it has been a very long time… But if you desire to take back your home. I will contest it against my father. I must protect the present than the past as I myself had to learn quickly after Laelia's death. Trying to regain the past does no one any favour. We have our own problems to deal with, you must understand this. Don't fall into the illusion of your ancestral homes past glory. I have given you comfort as to what your parents are like. But I can tell you right now this is not what Aelius and Laelia would have wanted… They would have wanted you safe and secure. Many leaders in the past have always tried to reclaim their past glory and failed."
I looked at her in earnest as I tried to take her final sentences in. I know how she doesn't want me to go for it. But for me to be responsible for the suffering of innocents. The way Uncle spoke about Inclementia with wars and fighting already happening. Innocents are already suffering. I need to keep an open mind as Marianas used to teach me. Nerida stood up and I stood up and bowed to her.
"Thank you, you're highness." And she leaves the room in a graceful fashion. I walked out of the room soon after her with Murray looking a tad annoyed.
"You know we are trying to leave Nerida. We should have left half an hour ago!" As he taps his fancy watch in a ridiculous fashion. I chuckled as I stood next to him. I notice that the rest of the family and servants are outside. I can just see the dragons and the carriage waiting for us.
"Sorry plucky brother. I regret giving you that watch… But wait a moment." Nerida leans close to her handmaiden and whispers in her ear and she rushes off out of sight.
"What are you doing Nerry?" He questioned.
"It is only mine and iolenes' business brother. Nothing always has to involve you." She retorted.
"You do know that I know right Nerry?" He jested.
"Know What? There is nothing for you to know." As Nerida turns and looked annoyingly at her brother.
"You know about Iolene and her very pretty eyes…" He said in a smooth fashion. As he nudges me I realised I have left my contacts out and I place them back in.
"Have you been listening to my conversations again? When are you going to learn to stay out of other people's business!?" As she whispers in anger with restraint.
"No Nerry I really mean that I know… I don't always need to snoop in on your conversations."
"How in the magna draconis did you find out then?!" She crossed her arms and looked down at her shorter brother.
"By complete accident." As he says in complete pride as if it is an accomplishment. I couldn't help but chuckle. Nerida just sighs at him and feels defeated. "Of course you found out by accident… That is the only way you find out about anything around here…"
"Oh! I resent that Nerry! " As he mockingly feels offended.
The handmaiden comes back rushing with a small chest in her arms. She held it like it was a baby. It was a simple small wooden chest that had a normal switch lock. No padlock or key lock. The handmaiden placed the chest on my hands as I stretched them out.
"You know when I spoke about those letters. You can have them… I keep on forgetting to take them to the other palace across the sea. Read your mother's words. I know I said I disapprove of you going to Macdan and not relish your Empires' past. But… You have every right to know about your parents."
I choked up with so many feelings. They are letters from my mother… From her mind and her quill. I hugged the chest and thanked Nerida profusely. She smiled in return. Murray asked me to wait for him outside with the rest of the family. It really is time to leave. As I turned to walk out the entrance front door. I hid outside out of their sight. They were talking… But I could not hear what they were saying. But seeing Murray's face he looked uncertain.
After five minutes of me wondering just outside the door. Murray walked out alone and joined the rest of the family and servants who are bidding us good luck on our journey. By complete surprise, Marianas and her dragon Highdive has appeared to also bid us farewell. I haven't seen her since court day. It must have been so busy for her. Since many of the elders stepped down after Akvor and was voted in by the lower priests to lead them during this period. Now she has the wonderful duty of cleaning the temple up of corruption and dealings. Turns out there was so much more dirty laundry than what she anticipated. It could take years to get it to the way it used to be before Akvor and his associates took over.
The carriage they have given us is larger and catered for us to sleep in. The guards are all wearing their high-end draconium magic light blue armour which is the best armour that is hard to penetrate. There were twenty guards and twenty-two dragons. Two of them pulling another carriage of supplies and weapons. We both hugged the family members and they all waved goodbye.
Murray and I entered the full furbished carriage and sat across each other. Before I knew it we were off. The carriage is on the move and I wave my family a final goodbye as we left the palace garden gates. And an hour later I looked out the window and notice we have left the city. Watching it as it disappeared from view.