End of an Era
Zaid walked into the room as the dressing maid finished straightened his son's tie.
"Thank you," Zan said as the maid smiled, curtsied towards the King, and exited the room.
"It's hard to believe Larek's being crowned a king today," the slightly pudgy man came to the middle of the room. "I remember when you two were toddlers waddling around the Palace."
Zan smiled, then the look on his face turned more serious. "His father passed last night. The healers did what they could to reduce the pain." He shook his head. "I can't imagine what he's going through."
"Losing a father can be very hard but while he was here," Zaid paused briefly. "Verrin gave a great example for his son. He was a remarkable man."
"He was," the Prince nodded. "I don't know what I'd do if I were Larek."
"You would be the strong leader I know you are and you would guide the people of Antar." Zaid placed his hand on Zan's shoulder. "But you don't have to worry about that for a long time; I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."
"I'm glad," he eased into a smile.
"So," Zaid smiled. "You're escorting Princess Sanaa of Lantis; she's a lovely girl.
"Father," Zan let out an exasperated breath. "I've known her my whole life."
"That's a good thing son," Zaid smiled. "And it would unite two worlds."
"She's like family," Zan countered.
"Okay Zan," he smiled again. "Your mother and I have a few things to take care of before we go to Vanay; we'll have the other ship waiting for you, Loni and your dates."
"Good idea," Zan laughed. "It'll probably be a while before Vilandra is ready."
Zaid opened the door and started to walk out but stopped abruptly.
"Father…" Zan look towards him. "Is everything alright?"
"Fine," Zaid turned around. "I love you son."
"I love you too."
Vilandra sat the communicator on the desk and stood in front of her chiffirobe, trying to make a decision on what to wear.
She'd just gotten a call from Kivar. The Princess had only seen him once since the day with the rebels but she kept him at arm's length. They'd always flirted but since the kiss, she'd tried to keep things almost formal between them. It wasn't that she was not attracted to him, she was but she knew them being together would complicate things. And then there was Rath, whom she cared for very much. They'd begun dating and spending quite a lot of time together.
Vilandra couldn't stop thinking about both of them. She shook her head, resolving to think about it later. Rath will be here any moment and I still haven't found a thing to wear.
She finally pulled out a dress. It was metallic lavender with no sleeves. The bodice had lace-up detailing on the front panel and on the sides with embroidered beads in the same tone as the dress. It cinched at the waist then fit closely over the hips and came down evenly until it flared slightly at the bottom. There was a see through shawl hanging over it in the same color.
She quickly changed into it, summoning her maid to help and gathering her hair up in a loose bun. She waved her fingers across her lips, changing the hue until she settled on a soft pink.
Vilandra turned around excitedly as she heard a knock on her bedroom door. "Come in," she called over her shoulder. She was still seated in front of the mirror.
"Princess," a familiar voice said as he opened the door.
"Rath," she smiled. "Thank you Aimie." Vilandra looked to her maid, then back to Rath.
Aimie curtsied, then quickly exited.
"You look beautiful," he walked to where she was seated.
"So do you," she giggled as she saw a strange look come across his face. "I mean, you look great."
Rath was dressed in his formal wear uniform: navy blue trousers, navy blue coat, white shirt and a four-in-hand tie.
"Thanks," Rath took her hand and kissed it softly as she stood up. "Zan is waiting downstairs for us, he said your father and mother left already."
"Yes," Vilandra replied. "They had to take care of something first." She paused for a moment as a thoughtful look came across her face.
"Loni," Rath looked in her eyes. "What is it?"
"I'm worried about Zan," she took a deep breath. "It will be the first time he's seen Ava since the night I went missing."
"She will be there then?" Rath asked. He hadn't really spoken to Ava much since that night either. "Zsar's kept her pretty sheltered since then."
"He's accompanying her of course," Vilandra then added. "I spoke with her yesterday; I've been wanting to thank her for her help." She shook her head. "Do you think she loves Zsar because I thought she had feelings for Zan?"
"She does love Zan," Rath said matter-of-factly.
"Do you think it's possible to be in love with two people at the same time?" Vilandra tried to seem like she was worried about Ava instead of herself.
"No," Rath answered quickly. "She doesn't love Zsar."
"Then why is she doing this?" Vilandra questioned.
Rath did not answer. He glanced towards the clock on the wall, then back at her. "We should leave now, before we're late."
"You're right," she smiled. "And let's not mention any of this in front of Zan."
"I won't," Rath replied as they walked out of the door.
"Ava!" Ema yelled from the side of the bed. She was crouched on all fours, searching for her new shoes.
"What?" Ava said calmly as she walked to her sister. "What in the worlds are you doing?" She giggled slightly at the sight before her.
"I can't find my new shoes," the brunette looked up at her.
"These shoes," Ava held up a gold shoe with thin straps that cris-crossed up the ankle. "The other one's on the chair over there."
"Thanks," Ema jumped up and hugged her sister. "I want to look perfect tonight." She smiled giddly.
"Why?" the blonde rose her eyebrow. "Do you like Larek?"
Ema blushed. "No." She grabbed the shoe from the chair and then retrieved the other one that Ava'd been holding.
"You do," Ava grinned at her. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"I don't know." She shrugged, then sat on the bed and began to put her shoes on. "So how do I look?" She twirled around.
"Beautiful," Ava smiled, thinking her sister looked ambrosial.
Ema was dressed in a white evening gown with spaghetti straps, a v-neckline, off-the-shoulder ruffle and trumpet skirt. There were golden flakes weaved into the fabric and floral beading encrusted in the neckline and the top of the skirt. The top of her hair was pulled back in a gold barrette, leaving the back flowing.
Ava was wearing a peach colored dress. It had a peasant top that came off the shoulder, exposing a little cleavage. It had a satin bow at the waistline and an a-line shirt. Her hair was parted to the side and pulled up in a ponytail, leaving her golden curls spiraling down.
"Thanks," she said stalely as she looked out into the distance.
"Ava," the brunette waved a hand in front of her face. "What's wrong?"
"Zan will be there," she shook her head as her mind came back to the present moment.
"Isn't that a good thing?" Ema asked. "I thought you wanted to see him."
"See him," Ava repeated. "I'd love to see him but I can't wish for that anymore; I'm marrying Zsar."
"You say that like it's a death sentence," Ema replied.
"Sometimes I feel like it is," Ava paused, then breathed out heavily. "I need to stop feeling sorry for myself."
"Yes you do," Ema agreed.
"Thanks," she rolled her eyes.
"I'm just saying, I don't think Zsar is such a bad guy but if you really think you're going to be miserable, get out now." Ema looked her directly in the eye. "If you feel it's a mistake, do something before its too late."
"How'd you get so smart?" Ava questioned.
"I get it from my sister," she smiled warmly.
"She must be really smart," Ava nodded as she returned the smile. "We better go before we're late."
"Yeah," Ema giggled. "At least one of us should end up with a prince tonight."
Ava just shook her head and followed her sister downstairs.
Zan glanced at the rows behind him, catching a glimpse of Ava and Zsar a few rows back. His eyes shifted to his date, who was obviously interested in what he was looking at. He gave her a slight smile.
Sanaa smiled back at him as she reached over and grabbed his hand, squeezing it a little. They both stood up with the rest of the guests inside the large hall as the trumpets began to play.
They looked on as a group of Royal Soldiers walked in followed by Her Highness Anyankah, Larek's mother. Everyone bowed their heads in respect to her. A few feet behind her, Larek, who wore a deep blue velvet robe, proceeded to the front of the room, followed by more Royal Soldiers of Vanay. You could hear cheers from the crowd outside. They'd watched his procession through the streets of his kingdom.
The soldiers lined up on the side of the hall as the door was shut and Larek came to the Chancel area where his mother was now standing. Two Provosts stood on the sides of the altar while the Chancellor Marquis, who would be conducting the ceremony, stood behind it.
"People of Vlach," the Chancellor Marquis began. "Residents of Vanay and honored guests of Lantis, Antar, Crite and Harpo; I present to you the undoubted king of Vanay. All you who attend this day, will you pay homage and service?"
"All hail King Larek of Vanay," the crowd said in unison.
"Your Highness," the man began to speak again. "Will you take your oath?"
"I will," Larek replied proudly.
"Will you undertake this promise and swear to govern the people of Vanay and respect the laws and customs of the Intergalactic Council of Vlach?"
"I will," he answered again.
"Will you to the best of your ability wield law, justice, and mercy in all your judgments?" The Chancellor Marquis questioned. "Will you maintain and preserve the teachings of the Caveat and will you put this planet's welfare above that of your own or an individual's?"
"All this I promise," Larek replied.
Anyakah rose at this point and carrying the Caveat of Vanay and the symbolic torch, walks to her son. "As an era comes to an end, so a new journey is to begin. I besiege that you, my beloved son, will carry on this flaming torch of dedication and devotion to our people." She hands the lantern to him. "I pass this and this kingdom to you."
"Thank you mother," Larek took the torch and then gave a bow to honor the former queen.
The Provosts came around the altar and sat cushioned pillows in front of the altar for Larek to kneel on.
The Chancellor stood behind him as a great light illuminated in his hand. He placed it behind Larek's head and as the new king gasped, the man began to recite a few words. "I infuse you, by way of the Intergalactic Council, showing that you are the one true king of Vanay." The light burst through in a stream and disappeared quickly.
One of the Provosts carried a sword while the other carried a deep velvet crown. They were both encrusted in diamonds, sapphires, and glass chalcedony. The first man brought him the sword.
"Receive this kingly sword my Liege and with it, do justice." The Marquis began to speak again. "Fix what has been broken, reform what has gone awry, and guide us in our destiny."
The second man came around and knelt down as he held up the crown. The Chancellor picked it up from the pillow. "Let this crown that shall sit upon your head fill you with grace, knowledge, and truth and help you lead us." He slowly placed the jeweled crown on his head.
"All hail King Larek of Vanay," the Chancellor Marquis said and then the crowd repeated the same words.
The guests erupted into cheering and clapping. The group of soldiers began to exit the way they came in as a couple of them brought the carrying throne to Larek. He sat in it and they carried him out as the rest of the soldiers followed him.
Immediately following the coronation, there was a banquet held at Larek's Palace in the ballroom. The floor was a flossy marble in a checkered pattern of taupe and navy blue. There were beautiful blue balls of light hanging above, casting their iridescent light on everything. To the end, there was a large picture of Verrin to honor his passing.
The ballroom leads to a dining area. The tables were covered in white linen table cloths with dark blue embroidered edges. The chairs were upholstered in Alwarian silk and there were bouquets of proteas, the national flower of Vanay, in blue turquoise, wisteria, and indigo.
Vilandra smiled as a goblet was handed to her from behind. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," a honey-dipped voice replied.
"Kivar," she spun around. It was not who she was expecting. "How are you?" Her eyes darted around the room nervously.
"Why do you look so nervous my pet?" he whispered.
"I didn't expect you to be here," Vilandra stepped back. "Rath and I have gotten very close lately, I told you that."
"Is he really what you want?" he asked icily.
"Yes," her answer was firm.
"He'll never see you the way I do," Kivar replied. "Not who you really are Vilandra." He brushed her hand and she felt chills move through her body.
"He sees me," the Princess protested. "I'm with Rath now, accept it!"
"It means nothing Loni," Kivar stepped closer to her.
"It means I have to be through with you," she flashed a fake smile as she saw Rath approaching with a young woman.
"Hello Rath," Kivar said a little too pleasantly. "I see you've found my sister."
"Hello Courtney," Vilandra forced the nicest voice she could pull off. Something about Kivar's sister irked her and she could tell the feeling was mutual. "You'll have to excuse me a moment." Her eyes searched the room. "I see my brother over there."
Vilandra rushed over to Zan and Sanaa. Kivar quickly excused himself as well and went to join a small crowd at the edge of the dance floor.
"You need to be careful," Courtney said in a hushed voice. "Zsar, Nicolas, and my brother are up to something."
"Like what?" Rath squinted at her.
"I don't know," she shook her head. "But I know there's something going on." Her eyes shifted to Kivar's, who were on her. "I better go; we'll talk later."
Vilandra looked out into the distance with a pensive look on her face. Zan had left to get her and Sanaa drinks; she'd left the one Kivar had given her on her way to her brother. The two women had stood in silence ever since he left.
"Are we okay?" the red-head turned to look at her friend. "I know you were upset with me for canceling our lunch date before and then that thing with the rebels happened."
"What?" Vilandra shook her head. "No, I'm not upset at you." She really hadn't given it much thought with all that had happened last week. "We're fine."
"Are you sure?" she looked at her friend's eyes and could see that something was clearly bothering her. "Then what is it Loni?"
Vilandra shook her head. "It's nothing."
"You know you can tell me anything," Sanaa stood in front of her. "You, me and Viala; we've always been like three moons in a sky."
"I know," she sighed heavily. "But I can't discuss this here." The Antarian Princess looked around the room, "not with Zan, Rath and Kivar all walking around."
"Kivar?" the other Princess questioned. "What does he have to do with anything?"
"Not here," Vilandra enunciated both words. "My brother's coming; please don't say anything."
"Here you are," Zan handed a glass to each of them. His eyes focused on someone in the distance. He'd been looking at her all evening.
"Why don't we go and say hello," Sanaa put her hand on his shoulder as she noticed he was once again staring at Ava.
Zan looked down at her with an odd look on his face.
"C'mon," she tilted her head to the side. "It'll be fine."
Zan shrugged. "Okay," he agreed, knowing he wanted to see her, even if she was with Zsar. "Are you coming Lon?"
"I think I'll sit this one out," Vilandra looked like going over there was the last thing she wanted to do.
"Let's go," the red-head grabbed the Prince by the hand as they moved across the floor.
Zan, Sanaa, Ava, and Zsar stood at the edge of the floor making small talk. It was obvious that they all weren't friends but the conversation remained cordial.
"We haven't seen you on Lantis for quite a while Zsar," Sanaa said. "We were sorry you couldn't attend our last gala and I had saved a dance for you." She hoped someone would pick up the hint.
"Well I wouldn't want you to be disappointed," Zsar squinted his eyes at her but his voice remained friendly. "I'll be sure to make it next time."
"Or you could just dance with her now," Ava smiled brightly. "I'll be fine, really. I'm sure Prince Zan can keep me company."
"That sounds splendid," Sanaa turned to wink at Zan. "That is if it's okay with my escort."
Zan just smiled at her, trying not to laugh.
"Splendid," she repeated again as Zsar looking forced and slightly annoyed, lead her to the dance floor.
"What was that all about?" Zsar asked as they began to dance.
"I don't know what you're talking about Sir," she replied innocently. "What was what?"
"Princess Sanaa," his grey eyes stared into her. "You wouldn't be lying to me."
"Of course not," her voice became a bit softer. "But what ever your plans are tonight, I'd suggest you change them."
"It's not nice to make idle threats my dear," his grip tightened.
"I assure you Zsar, nothing I ever say is idle and I don't make threats," she looked up at him with a smirk in her eyes. "I make promises and I always keep them."
"Hmm," Zsar whispered in her ear. "I would think this would help you get what you really want."
"I wouldn't worry about me getting what I want," she whispered back. "I always do."
"So how are you?" Zan looked down at Ava. "I tried calling you a few times."
"I know," she bit at the corner of her lip. "Zsar's been there a lot lately."
He reached up and stroked her hair. "You look beautiful tonight."
"Don't," her eyes betrayed her true feelings. "Someone will see."
"Then take a walk with me," Zan grabbed her hand.
Ava shook her head. "We can't."
"Sanaa will keep him distracted," the Prince nodded his head to where she and Zsar were dancing.
Ava shot a look at her fiancé, whose back was turned, then nodded happily.
Zan quickly lead her out of the ballroom and into the corridor. He'd been there so many times, he knew this Palace just as well as his own. Ava followed him around a corner, down a hallway, and finally into an unoccupied room.
"I probably shouldn't be here," Ava looked around the room and then at the man in front of her.
"Yet here we are," Zan looked into the sapphire eyes that stared up at him.
She reached up and touched his cheek, her gaze never leaving his. Ava stepped closer to him and rose up on her tip-toes as Zan dipped his head down to kiss her. It was an intense and passionate kiss, full of eagerness and an innate longing. After a few moments they broke the kiss but remained in each other's arms.
"I know you don't want this marriage," he said softly. "You've told me you don't love him."
"I don't," her eyes were wide.
"Then tell me why you're doing this," Zan quickly added. "Does he have something on your family? If he's threatening you, you know I'll protect you."
"I know," she gave a soft smile. "He's not; it's nothing like that."
"Then what is it, money?' Zan questioned. "He couldn't possibly offer you more than I have."
"I can't ask you…" Ava started but he cut her off.
"Do you love me?" Zan asked bluntly.
Ava took a breath and smiled. "You know I do."
"Then I would give anything, everything I own if it meant being with you." Zan held her face in his hands. "You are all that matters to me."
"Zan…" Ava was cut off again as the door suddenly opened.
"Mom," the Prince looked shocked to see her, Anash, and Larek's mother.
Ava stepped back and curtsied. "Good evening Duchess, Your Majesties." She looked a little embarrassed.
"Perhaps I should walk Miss Avalena back to the ballroom," Maya smiled at them.
"I'd like that," she glanced at Zan, then followed the Queen of Antar out of the now very occupied room.
After they returned to the ballroom, Maya spoke. "Zsar was looking for you; I told him I left you in the garden."
"Thank you," Ava replied.
She quickly scurried to find him, hoping he believed what Maya had told him. A few people said they saw him, Kivar, and Nicolas duck into the hallway on the east side on the ballroom.
Ava wasn't sure why she creped up quietly as soon as she heard their voices but something told her not to make her presence known right away. The door was slightly cracked so she stood outside and peeked in silently.
"I still can't believe you got her to agree to this marriage," Nicolas laughed. "So how much do they want for her?"
"That's none of our business Nicolas," Kivar gave a smirk.
"We're still negotiating a few things but they'll take whatever I offer as long as Nadia can stay comfortable," he paused. "Or I'll make sure everyone knows how they got their money to begin with."
"I thought we were bad," Nicolas said sarcastically. "Killing your own brother and his wife, getting their money, and now selling their niece."
"Even I could learn a few things," Kivar laughed.
"Do not let that get out Nicolas," Zsar said sternly. "I'm warning you."
"Right, relax." Nicolas hit him on the shoulder. "As long as you hold up your end of the bargain, I won't say a thing."
"Have you seen to it that things are in order?" Kivar questioned.
"Everything is in place," Zsar answered.
"Good," Kivar smiled. "It's only a matter of time now." He quickly changed subjects. "Now let's go enjoy the rest of the party boys."
Ava quickly rushed into the room next door. She kept trying to calm down but she was shaking. She sat down and tried to catch her breath as he mind swarmed. Was what they said true? Did my aunt and uncle really kill my parents? Are the responsible for the end of my family?
After about an hour, most of the guests had left. The only people left were Sanaa, Zan, Vilandra, Rath, and Maya. She'd stayed with her children when the rest of the Royal Four left because she wanted to visit longer with Anyankah.
Maya and Anyankah were in an upstairs room; speaking of their children, their kingdoms, and the recent loss of Larek's father.
"It must've been so hard to lose him," Maya looked out into the night sky. "I don't know what I'd do if I ever loss Zaid."
"I hope it's something you won't have to face anytime soon," Anyankah placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Is something troubling you?"
"Here I am, suppose to be making sure you're alright." Maya got a strange look on her face as she moved unsteadily.
"Maya," the sienna-complexioned woman steadied her.
"I'm sorry," she put her hand on her head. "This wave of despair just … passed through…" The queen suddenly hunched over in pain.
"Maya," Anyankah yelled as her friend fell to her knees.
Maya's eyes began to glaze over as she saw visions from a ship. It was under attack in what was usually a neutral flying space. She saw the body of the pilot and the falling aircraft ensued in flames.
Suddenly she saw the face of her friend. "Anash!" she yelled out loud as she saw the woman's hand trying to hold the gapping wound in her chest. To the right of the Duchess laid her husband, already dead.
"Where are the healers?" Maya cried as she saw the bodies of General Tsan and two soldiers from Antar's Royal Army. Then she saw a vision of what was left of the healers bodies. It was a horrific scene.
"Maya honey," Anyankah was at her side. "What is it?" She got up and rushed to the door, flinging it open. "Help! Someone come quickly!"
Maya reached her arm up as she saw the face of her husband. She couldn't tell where the blast had come from, only Zaid falling to the floor as a pool of blood rushed from him.
"NO!" came her blood curdling scream.
I love you Maya. She could hear his last words in her mind.
"Oh no, not my love! Zaid!" Tears poured down her face as she hunched over on the floor; the vision had ended. "Zaid!"
"Mom," Zan rushed in the room, followed by the others and security guards.
"He's gone," she turned back to look at her son and daughter, the tears still streaming down her cheeks. "You father's dead."