A/N: Sorry it's been such a long time since my last update. I've been really busy at work since I got back from vacation catching up and fixing the work they had other people doing for me whan I was gone. Anyways, here's the next part of the story... btw, the poem in the wedding is by Kahlil Gibran, I take no credit for his work and some of the vows are borrowedbut I don't know who first wrote the traditional wedding vows. I'll stop rambling now... please read, review, and enjoy!
Missions, Vows, and Promises
Zan walked towards the room slowly. All night he'd wrestled with the idea of saying something or letting it go but what he'd seen yesterday at the luncheon kept nagging at him. Zan couldn't get the image out of his mind; he had to know just what it was he saw and exactly what it meant and he was on a mission to do just that.
He strolled down the last corridor and finally approached the door, hesitatingly slightly before knocking. After he heard a woman's voice say come in, he entered and closed the door behind him.
She was sitting, as she usually did in the morning, in front of her vanity as a dressing maid brushed her tan blonde tresses.
"Zan," she smiled brightly as the maid bowed.
"Would you please excuse us Lavinia," The Prince looked at the maid. "I need to speak with my sister."
"Of course Your Highness," the maid took her curtsy before exiting through the sitting room's door.
Vilandra turned around in the chair. "What is it? You look so serious." The words rushed out of her mouth as a sinking feeling dropped itself in the pit of her stomach.
Zan pulled the stool that was underneath her window in front of her chair and sat down, wordlessly.
"Zan, you're scaring me." She looked into her brother's eyes. "Is it… is someone hurt?"
"No," he shook his head. "It's nothing like that."
She took a relieved breath. "Then what is it?"
"I saw you when you went off by yourself yesterday," Zan began. "I was going to talk to you when Rath showed up."
"Okay," the word came out slowly as she studied his features. "What is you wanted to talk about; was it important?"
He shook his head. "I just wanted to check on you; make sure you were okay after that dream you had."
"About father," Vilandra paused. "Look Zan, I know you don't believe he really came to me but…"
"That's not what this is about Loni," his voice sounded a bit harsh as he cut her off.
"Well then, what is it?" The Princess demanded. She'd been through a lot these past couple weeks and couldn't take the suspense of more bad news. "Just tell me already."
"Someone else was out there," Zan said as he looked directly in her eyes.
"Who?" her eyes shifted down as the thought of Kivar flashed in her mind.
"I think you know," he replied accusingly.
"What?" she stood up. "Why would I know?"
He stood up as well. "Because I saw the way you looked at him Vilandra."
"Zan, I really don't know what you're talking about." Vilandra swept her hand through her hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "I don't know who you saw or…"
"Stop it!" Zan cut her off again, his voice raised. "Stop lying to me!" He ran a hand through his blue-black hair as he took a calming breath. "Ever since we were little, we've always been able to come to each other; we've never had that rivalry like other siblings and we've never lied to each other."
"I know," anguish washed over her face.
"Through everything, we've always been able to trust each other or was I wrong?" Zan watched her shake her head no.
"You weren't wrong," her voice was soft.
"You saw Kivar out there," it was not meant to be a question.
Vilandra nodded.
"And you saw the way he was looking at you and Rath," still there was no question.
"I can't control where anyone else is or how they look at me," she tried to compose herself.
"No, you can't." The Prince agreed. "Or I probably wouldn't have seen you. What concerns me the most is not the way Kivar looked at you but the way you looked at him."
"Zan please," her eyes were pleading for him to drop it.
He paused before he asked the question whose answer had brought him there. "Is there something going on between you and Kivar?"
"It's over," the words came out in a rush as a tar slid down her cheek. "Now please, let this go."
"I can't Loni," Zan replied.
"I am committed to Rath," she explained. "I love him and I'm committed to us being in the Royal Four with you and Ava; my loyalty lies with you."
"Are you sure about that?" he questioned. "Because he doesn't look like he's going to give up on whatever it was that was between you two and I'm wondering if you have."
"I have and it doesn't matter what he wants; it's over." Vilandra looked into her brother's eyes. "Now please Zan, drop this. I am asking you as your sister to let this go."
"Not until you tell me how long this has been going on," Zan pressed. He couldn't stop the feeling in his gut that told him Kivar couldn't be trusted and he would not let him take advantage of anyone in his family, especially Loni.
The Princess let out an exasperated huff as she sat down on the edge of her bed. "There's never really been anything going on; we just had these feelings for each other but nothing really happened; I swear." She looked at him solemnly as he sat next to her. "I love Rath and I don't want him to get hurt over nothing Zan."
"You're asking me to lie to my best friend," Zan ran his hand through his hair.
"No," she answered. "Because there is nothing to lie about."
"Kivar is dangerous Loni," he turned to look at her. "I know you don't want to believe that but we can't, you can't trust him." He paused as he took a breath. "Someone on the inside murdered our father; we can only trust each other now, more than ever."
Vilandra nodded.
"And you promise me that whatever was going on is over?" He peered at her. "Vilandra?"
"Yes Zan." Her dark eyes looked up at him truthfully. "I will never lie to you again; you're my brother and I love you."
"Okay, I'll drop it," he replied as she hugged him. "I love you too. I promise I won't mention this again."
"Thank you," she said as she sank into his shoulder.
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Ava stood still, her eyes closed tightly as she clenched her hands into fists and concentrated on the task at hand.
"Relax Avalena," her instructor's voice echoed through the empty white room. "You can't force it."
"I'm trying Nacedo," she replied.
"You look tense and if you are tense you will fail," he said curtly. "You can do this but you have to relax; let it come to you."
Ava unclenched her fists and relaxed her eyelids as she took deep breathes in and out.
"Now reach out with your mind and show me what you'd like me to see," Nacedo directed.
Suddenly a little boy and girl ran into the room, her with a small toy in her hand and him chasing after her teasingly.
"Who let these children in the training room," Nacedo grabbed at the little boy but the whole scene vanished before him.
Ava's eyes popped open. "Like that?"
He nodded approvingly. "Very good; I didn't think you'd try something like that so soon." A thoughtful look came across his face. "Prince Zan was right."
She raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"Your strength," Nacedo answered. "I can see why he has chosen you."
"Thank you," Ava replied. "That means a lot to me." She stepped closer to him. "With everyone's doubts before, it's nice to know that I've got at least one member on the board who believes in me."
"You'll win them all over soon, I'm sure." He stated matter-of-factly.
"I hope so," she smiled.
"Never hope," Nacedo said sternly. "Know; even if others around you or even you have doubts, ignore them. Never question your instincts and you'll do just fine."
Ava nodded as she took in his words.
"Now this time try to hold the scene longer," Nacedo returned to the mission in front of him; building her powers. "You are ready to go again?"
Ava smiled. "Absolutely."
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Rath chocked slightly on the red dust that laid heavily in the air as he was blasted into a hillside. The attack had been strong but not strong enough to keep him down for long. He rose quickly and returned the blast to the enemy solider, knocking him to the ground this time.
They were both bruised and bloody but it was no mystery that Antar's General was winning this fight. Rath stood over the enemy he'd been battling for over an hour and brought his sword up swiftly, channeling an electric energy ray through it as he finished off his opponent.
Within a moment, his surroundings suddenly changed from a hillside to a room void of furnishings with two people at the end, nodding approvingly.
"You did very well," Vipan replied. "Didn't he Aveda?"
"Yes he did," she replied.
Rath walked towards them, the bruises and blood gone. The battled had been part of his training, a simulated mind-warp by Aveda that placed him against a formidable challenger and although the person had been fictional, his fatigue was real.
"Here you are," Vipan held a cup of water out to him.
"Thanks," Rath accepted the drink he was being offered and drowned it quickly.
"I think we are done for the day," Vipan looked to the woman beside him.
Aveda nodded. "I should check in on Miss Avalena's trainings anyhow." She looked towards Rath and curtsied. "Good day General. Again excellent work."
Rath nodded. "Good day Aveda and thank you."
After she left, Vipan began to speak. "I sense there's something on your mind."
The General scratched at his eyebrow. "You've known all the ambassadors for a long time."
"Yes," the man furrowed his eyebrows. "The Royals and your family as well; what is this about?"
"What do you think about Kivar?" the question rushed out of his mouth.
"On or off the record?" Vipan questioned.
"Off," Rath replied. "This whole conversation is off the record."
"Understood," the shape-shifter nodded. "I've never trusted him." He looked at the General curiously. "Do you think he had something to do with the deaths of The Royals Sir?"
"My gut says yes but there's no proof," Rath replied. "We combed that ship and it was clear it was attacked on both the outside and the inside."
Vipan said nothing.
"That doesn't surprise you though," it was almost a question.
"No," he shook his head. "To take out three Royals there had to be traitors on the ship." He paused briefly. "I had been looking into it for Queen Maya."
Rath looked a bit surprised. "She never mentioned that."
"She wants the four of you to focus on what's ahead," Vipan stated. "Your training, the weddings, the coronation and protecting this kingdom."
"Has your investigation ended?" Rath asked.
"I haven't got the killers yet but I will," he continued. "I have made it my mission."
"I want you to report any other findings to me," his voice was firm.
"I will have to let Queen Maya know but I'm sure it will be fine," Vipan replied.
"I'm sure it will be," Rath agreed. "With the wedding coming up and the coronation, I just want to make sure we're prepared."
"Speaking of preparations," Vipan turned to a lighter subject. "Zan will probably need you about now."
"You're probably right," came his chuckled response. "I'll be in touch."
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Vilandra stood in front of the mirror, admiring her dress. It was a dark magenta, strapless with a beaded empire band and flared skirt with a matching shawl. Her hair was free with the left side pushed behind her ear and accented with a pale peach flower.
"The color is gorgeous on you," Ema walked through the door from the adjourning room.
"Thank you," The princess turned around. "You look really pretty too."
Ema was wearing a sandy beige dress. It had a beaded belt above the waist and she wore a dropping necklace the v-shaped neck.
"Did you see Prince Zan?" the brunette glanced out the window.
"Yes," she answered. "He and Rath left already." She paused briefly. "I've never seen my brother so happy."
"I've never seen my sister this happy either," Ema smiled.
"So," Ava stepped through the door as the two women turned around. "What do you think?"
Ava was truly a vision. She wore an Alwarian Satin gown in ivory with a corset back and a scoop neckline. Lace adorned the bodice in a deep red hue, creating off the shoulder sleeves that were richly accented with crystals. The bead work on the front cascaded down the skirt in a linear design and she wore a jeweled tiara of red and white diamonds as her hair came down in soft waves.
"Oh my goodness Ava," Ema almost cried. "You look amazing."
"Really?" came a somewhat nervous reply.
"Really," Vilandra answered. "You are one of the most beautiful brides I've ever seen; I mean that." It was uncommon for her to give such a compliment.
"Thank you," Ava blushed slightly.
"Hello," a soft voice called as the door opened slowly.
"Come in," the bride knew just who it was.
"You look amazing child," Lili walked towards her and took Ava's hands in her own. "Just beautiful; I've missed you Avalena."
"I'm so glad you're here," her eyes watered. "You are the closest thing I have to a mother."
"Do you think I'd miss your walk down the aisle dear," Lili smiled in her comforting way. "Now don't cry." She waved her hand over Ava's cheeks, drying the tears. "Oh excuse me," she turned towards Vilandra. "Good afternoon Princess."
"Sorry," Ava shrugged. "Vilandra, this is Lili."
"It's nice to meet you Lili," The Princess smiled.
"It's an honor to meet you Your Highness," Lili curtsied. "And Emilia, I've missed you the last couple days."
"I don't want either of you to go back there," Ava looked between her sister and long time maid. "I've already discussed it with Zan and Her Majesty Maya; you'll stay here."
"Ava I told you…" Ema began but was cut off.
"We can talk about this later," Lili interrupted. "Today is you celebration, the day where you'll marry the man of your dreams; everything else will wait."
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The early afternoon sky was still; a mix of orange, pink, and golden hues as the suns hid behind the mountains, casting just the right amount of light. It had rained last night and the air still smelled fresh and new with the scent of Venti flowers wafting through the air. It was the same type of flower Ava was trying to pick the night she and Zan met and they had been used to decorate the gazebo and the surrounding area for the wedding.
Unlike most royal weddings that were held at the Palace or The Hall of Ratna, Zan and Ava's nuptials were being held outside at Dimiras on the rock, right over the lake.
A white gazebo sat on the rock, decorated with the same Venti flowers and Ice Lilies down the pillars. A claret-colored carpet led from the steps through the middle of the temporary tilan that was set up, creating an aisle between the rows of chairs on either side that were full of royalty from all of Vlach, high ranking officials, family and friends.
Although most coronations were broadcasted through communication devices, typically weddings were more private but Zan and Ava wanted their people to be part of their special occasion. Ava even provided communicators to homes that didn't have them in case they wanted to witness the event and if not; the devices would still be theirs to keep as her gift to them. It was a small gesture but one that won over a great amount of people's respect.
The Chancellor Marquis stood in the center of the gazebo near the stairs, facing the guests. After a few minutes the trumpet and lute musicians began to play and a woman dressed in a peach dress walked down the aisle scattering exquisite flower petals. Zan followed behind her in a black tux with a deep red vest. Once down the walkway, he stood to the left of Zander.
As the trumpets ceased, the lute player continued the melody as a white horse, carrying Ava, came around the corner to the edge of the carpet behind the guests. Everyone stood in awe as she was helped down by two Royal Guards and began her decent down the petal covered aisle.
Zan beamed as he watched his glowing bride practically glide towards him. He couldn't stop his heart from beating rapidly with anticipation and by the look in her eyes when they joined hands, he could tell she felt the very same way.
The Chancellor Marquis glanced back at The Queen, who was sitting in a jeweled chair in the gazebo, before stepping forward. "You may all be seated now."
They did as they were asked.
"Friends and family, honored guests, those of you watching from afar," Zander began. "We are all here to witness a coming together of the spirit and of the heart, and of two lives." He paused briefly. "This marriage signifies the birth of anew so it's appropriate that the wedding of Prince Zan and Miss Avalena be in the spring and underneath the open sky, where all new life is born." He paused again as he looked to the first pew. "I now invite Lady Viala to recite a poem by Kahlil, which is dear to and best expresses the feelings this couple shares."
Viala rose from her seat and stood by the gazebo as Zan and Ava, as well as all the guests, turned to watch her speak:
"You were born to be together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in your silent memory.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heaven dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bondage of love.
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not of the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone, though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping,
For only the hand of life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together,
For the pillars of the temple stand strong apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in shadow."
Both bride and groom smiled as Viala gave a nod and returned to her pew.
"I now ask of you Prince Zan," the Chancellor looked to the groom. "Will you receive Avalena as your wife? Will you pledge to her your faith and tenderness and cherish her with a husband's loyalty and devotion?"
"I will," Zan answered confidently.
"Miss Avalena I now ask you, will you receive Zan as your husband?" Zander continued. "Will you pledge to him your faith and tenderness and cherish him with a wife's loyalty and devotion?"
Ava nodded happily. "I will."
"Will both of you receive each other from your families, who give you into each other's keeping by pledging your love?" Zander looked to the groom first.
"I Zan, take you Ava to be my wife." His soulful eyes stared into hers lovingly. "Tending you in sickness, rejoicing with you in health, as long as we both live to love."
"I Ava," she began to cry tears of joy, "Take you Zan, to be my husband. Tending you in sickness, rejoicing with you in health, as long as we both live to love."
The Provosto handed Zander the rings. "Will you now give and receive the rings?"
"We will," came their unified response.
"This circlet of precious metal is a fitting emblem of the purity and infinity of marriage." Zander continued. "For a circle, like love, has no beginning and no end and sarron is so enduring a metal that it can not be manipulated by powers nor tarnished by time," He smile, looking at the couple in front of him. "May their marriage be as incorruptible in its purity and more everlasting than time itself."
He hands the ring to Zan, who begins to speak. "Take this ring as a symbol of my love and all else that is unending." He steadied his bride's hand as he slipped the ring on her finger.
"Take this ring," Ava held his hand as she slipped it onto his finger. "As a symbol of my love and all else that is unending."
"As Prince Zan and Miss Avalena have declared their love and devotion to one another for all of Vlach to see, I now greet them to you as a husband and his wife." Zander paused momentarily. "Go now and enter into the days of your togetherness; Prince Zan, you may kiss your bride."
Zan caressed her face as he lowered his head to kiss her tenderly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she stood on her tip toes; the symbol that they were now man and wife.
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The reception was held in the Palace Ballroom. Once the guests were done eating and after Zan and Ava's waltz, everyone took their turns dancing with the bride and groom.
Ava glided around the floor as one of the captains from Antar's army whirled her around, leaving her a bit dizzy. After a few minutes, he was tapped on the shoulder and another man cut in.
She was grateful until her eyes popped open and she realized who it was. "Zsar."
"I suppose congratulations are in order," he gave a flip smile as she stood in shock. "Everyone's watching dear, we should probably dance."
"Ava rolled her eyes and put her hand in his. "What are you doing here?"
"I, unlike you, have been a member of high society for quite some time Your Highness," Zsar said the last part condescendingly. "It wouldn't look right if I weren't invited; besides that, I escorted Princess Mameha."
"How wonderful for her," Ava smirked.
"Always full of sarcasm, aren't we Avalena?" He smiled icily. "How wonderful for Zan."
"Why are you really here Zsar?" Ava was a bit irritated. "Still upset that I called off our wedding so you thought you'd come to what, ruin mine to Zan?"
"I came because I was worried about you my dear," Zsar replied.
"Really?" her eyes became sapphire slits.
"I told you before that getting close to them was not a good idea," Zsar whispered. "Now you've gotten yourself caught in the middle of something you shouldn't be in."
"What are you talking about?" Ava looked up at him. "You once asked me to trust you, so earn my trust; tell me what you know."
"I wish I could Avalena," Zsar paused. "Just be careful; the worst is not over and I won't be able to protect you now."
"Is that a threat?" Ava stopped dancing.
"It's a promise," Zsar answered calmly. "There is always calm before a storm."
"Are you planning on doing something?" she demanded. "Did you have something to do with the attack of the Royals? Tell me."
"Hey," Rath grabbed Zsar by the shoulder before he could answer. "I think you better step away from her."
"Excuse me General but it is my turn to dance with the blushing bride," Zsar glared at him as he pushed him back.
"Stop," Ava got between them. "I won't have either of you making a scene at my wedding."
"Your dance is over," Rath stated firmly.
"Very well," Zsar turned to Ava. "Remember what I said and good luck, you're going to need it with them." He gave a smirk before walking away.
"What was he talking about?" Rath took her hand and began to waltz.
"He kept alluding to something but I couldn't get him to admit to anything," she looked up at her friend. "But I will." That's a promise.
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Zan had danced with quite a few women but he was glad to be dancing with Sanaa now. This was the first time he'd really spoken with her since she found out about his engagement to Ava and he wanted to make sure she was taking it alright. He'd never realized before that she had those types of feelings for him but he wanted to preserve their friendship.
"How have you been?" he asked, a bit unsure of what to say.
"I'm okay," she smiled "I'm sorry for the way I reacted when I found out you were marrying Ava; it was just a shock."
"I realize my mother may not have been as clear with yours that she was just weighing things out," Zan cleared his throat. "We've known each other a long time and I just don't want to lose our friendship."
"I know," her eyes glanced behind him and caught sight of Kivar watching them. "I don't want to lose your friendship either."
"Good," he felt relieved.
"That's why I need to tell you something," Sanaa paused briefly. "Actually, you and Vilandra both."
"Okay," concern spread across his face. "You look worried; is everything alright?"
"It will be after I tell you two this," her eyes roamed the room again noticing Kivar was gone. "Let's go find your sister; I want to get this out right away."
"Okay," Zan replied as her heard the anxious tone in her voice.
Just as they walked up to Vilandra they heard the music stop and a small bell ringing. It was Maya, who was standing up at the podium, announcing the gift she had for the bride and groom. She'd arranged for a famous singer from Vanay to perform a song in dedication of Zan and Ava.
"We'll talk a little later, okay?" Zan whispered to Sanaa before walking over to enjoy the music with his bride. Vilandra also walked away, joining Rath near the middle of the room before the other princess had a chance to say anything to her.
"All alone Princess Sanaa," she cold feel Kivar's breathe on the back of her neck as her whispered.
"Ambassador Kivar," the red head turned around cheerily as a couple walked by. "What do you want?"
"I want to make sure you're holding up your promise," Kivar replied.
"I can't do this anymore," Sanaa glanced back at her long time friends. "I have to tell them and you have to let this go."
"I wouldn't do anything stupid Princess," he said harshly. "I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you." He smiled at her before walking away.
"I don't care what he says," Sanaa thought as she saw how happy Zan and Vilandra looked. "I'm going to tell them everything."
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After they saw off all the guests, Zan and Ava walked back into the empty ballroom where she'd left her tiara.
"I barely got to dance with my bride," he took her hand and led her to the middle of the floor where a golden orb of light was still shinning up above.
"You want to dance now?" she looked up at him coyly. "But there's no music."
"We'll make our own," Zan twirled her out before bringing her close to him and humming softly.
Ava wrapped her arms around his neck, giggling as he dipped her. She stroked his face lovingly as he closed his arms around her waist tightly. They were completely in sync with each other, both knowing how the other was feeling just by looking into the other's eyes. Zan bent down and pressed his lips too hers in a soft but sultry kiss as they danced the night away, just the two of them, wrapped in their own bliss.
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Vilandra laid in her bed unable to go to sleep. She'd spoken with Zan earlier about what Sanaa wanted to tell them but with so much going on throughout the evening, they never got to speak with her. Every time she had a moment Zan would get pulled away and vice versa and the seriousness on The Princess of Lantis' face had unnerved her.
Just as she was trying to settle in, she heard her communicator start to beep. Vilandra sat up and grabbed the shiny orb that was sitting on top of her nightstand. She waved her hand to turn on the lamp on the other side and then held the blue rock in her hands, slowing her powers to flow through it.
"Princess Vilandra," a hologram of Sanaa appeared from the stone.
"Princess Sanaa," the blonde looked surprised. "Is everything okay?"
"I know it's late but I really need to speak with you and Zan," the red-head said. "I can't keep this to myself any longer."
"I'll send for him right away," Vilandra started towards the intercom, still holding the orb.
"No," Sanaa continued. "This is something I need to do in person, okay?"
"Okay," Vilandra could hear the determination in her friend's voice. "This must be important for you to leave at such a late hour."
"It is," she said solemnly. "I promise I'll tell you everything when I get there; I will see you soon."
And with that, the transmission ended.
Sanaa hurriedly grabbed her traveling bag and rushed out of her room and through the corridors quietly. It was late and she didn't want to risk waking anyone. The Princess walked outside through the side door on the west, making her way to the shipyard. Sanaa had taken her own shuttle before without a driver but it was usually to travel short distances only and when security was alerted.
Sanaa placed her hand on the ship, sliding the door open so she could toss in her bag. Just as she was about to step in she heard a rustling noise coming from behind her. She turned around quickly to see a shadow rushing out of the darkness towards her before her world went black.