The sun was setting when the Council of Twelve drew to an unsatisfying close, the discontentment and worry hanging in the air like thick fog. The representatives of the Twelve and their trusted company either lingered or retreated to their assigned quarters after the council was adjourned to the following day, the ones remaining continuing to speak or ponder about what was shared and discussed during the important council meeting.
Alys bowed when Qilby took his leave with Adamaï, King Sheran Sharm and prince Armand, the disappointment they felt emitting from them like a dark storm. Master Joris was in their tow after he asked the female Eliatrope if she wanted him to escort her to her chambers but she politely declined, wishing for a moment of solitude even though she didn't say so aloud. The trouble she felt was apparent on her face after she straightened up from her curtsying, watching the five she sat by during the council disappear over the arched bridge.
The hope she had to see and meet her people, the people she involuntary forgot and couldn't remember, faded more this day. What ever negotiations were proposed during the council, hardly any stuck or were accepted. So few showed the willingness to care for the children while others feared for their arrival. Ill rumors and uneducated guesses had given the Eliatrope race a bad reputation. Some were curious about the ones that laid down the very foundations of this world, while others didn't trust the reasons behind the return of the ancient race that disappeared without a trace so long ago. No matter what Qilby told them, there was still doubt and prejudice. And all she could do was watch the unsatisfying development in silence...
She felt it. Eyes were burning on her back while she gazed into the distance, her mind feeling empty after such a long day. Whispering voices sounded behind her when she steadily became aware of her surroundings, her curiosity slowly turning her head so she could look back over a bare shoulder to find whomever was watching her. The Sram and Xelor representatives fell silent the moment her turquoise eyes met theirs, the silence lingering and growing uncomfortable before she turned around without a word said and walked away. She knew she was part of the main gossip that began to spread shortly after the council was adjourned, the distrust towards her people far too obvious. As long as nobody approached her or Qilby to discuss further matters, she wouldn't engage into any conversation on her own accord. She crossed the long bridge to return to the main land before she steered herself away from the path to follow the lake's shore into the gardens of the palace, seeking a certain serenity she knew she could find there.
There was a moment of peace when she found herself amidst the colorful scenery after leaving the delegations of the Twelve behind her, gazing upon her rippling reflection on the lake's surface shortly after coming to a slow stop. She held no grudge to anyone present on the council, but there was disappointment present. The Sram and Xelor representatives, both kings to their people, had every right to wonder about the four Eliatropes and their dragons present on the World of Twelve, but like most, they hesitated to step forward and ask questions. Was it because of fright? Arrogance? Or was it misunderstanding? In her heart she hoped that whatever impression the council attendees had of the Eliatrope people were mostly positive and not as bleak as it appeared to be, but even she had to consider that schemes and plots were developing at this very moment. Dark plots she didn't wish to be a part of.
"Ahh, there you are."
The voice sounding behind her made her close her eyes with an invisible shudder, the sound unwelcoming. It was the very same high pitched voice which brought discord to the council by spreading rumors about an Eliatrope child causing a rebellion within the city of Brakmar. Alys didn't believe them. To hear that Yugo was responsible for such devastation seemed very unlike the boy. If the young Eliatrope truly started a rebellion, it would only have been for a good and justified cause... or so she told herself. There was no evidence, only the word of the Prince of Brakmar.
Alys slowly turned around to acknowledge the one who spoke to her, her head held low in respect. The golden crown and hand shaped scepter shone brilliantly in the rays of the setting sun, the pale painted face a ghastly appearance among the vibrant scenery. The smile he wore on his jutted chin sent a chill down her spine, knowing fully well that he was royalty but she couldn't sense the regal presence one would associate with such status. "Your Royal Highness," she said respectfully while courtesying, trying to be as well mannered as possible by laying aside the bad impression the Prince of Brakmar left throughout the meeting.
The prince nodded in approval before he exchanged glances with his much taller associate, a Brakmarian general who matched the Prince's smug expression. They gloated over how well mannered the female Eliatrope was after how the Prince badmouthed her whole race during the council, believing she was either naive or meek. With his scepter held up, the Prince seemed to grow a little in Alys' submissive presence and said with somewhat pursed lips," I am pleased to find you alone. I have patiently waited for a chance to have a private discussion with you." The prince smiled, the corners of his mouth digging upwards into his cheeks as his smile balanced between a smirk and a grin, his yellowed teeth sharply standing out against the pearly white of his face.
Alys looked from the Prince to his general, the tall but quiet presence toppling over the meaning of a private discussion but she made no remark about it. She had a feeling that wouldn't be the wisest thing to do. "What would you like to discuss?" she asked while keeping her head low, her hands resting against her stomach. She looked at the two men from under her eyebrows and pale blond bangs, suspicious of their intentions but giving them the chance to make themselves and their thoughts clear to the female Eliatrope. Joris' teachings about Brakmar were mostly in a negative light, no matter that the master didn't speak ill about Bonta's rivaling nation when he presented historical and political facts to her.
"Anything you didn't share during the Council. You seemed to have a lot on your mind yet never spoke a word while you sat there next to the dragon. As you should, it shows you know your place among men, but it did made me curious... why would a queen not come to the defense of her people?"
Alys rose her head with a slight jerking motion and blinked slowly but bewildered when she felt herself fluster due to the prince's words. While she was treated by the people of Sadida as someone of importance, she was but a confidante to Qilby and nothing more. She was far from being a queen or anything remotely similar. Though the misunderstanding was not what truly shocked her; it was the insult about her not standing up for her people that caused her heart to skip a beat and feel offense. Qilby requested of her to observe, to let him do the talking and she obediently listened, even though she had to bite in the inside of her cheek numerous times to not speak out of turn or break her vow. There was much she objected to during the Council meeting. "I beg your pardon, Your Royal Highness," she said slow and softly to keep her posture," but I am no queen to my people."
"You're not?" the Prince asked, a hint of sarcasm tainting his questioning words while his head tilted to the side, his associate mimicking the motion," I assumed you were with as you were present the kings' sides and are allowed to roam these grounds freely without a chaperone. Perhaps a courtesan then, or a servant to King Qilby maybe?"
"She would make a fine courtesan," the tall Brakmarian general with thick black lips and dark circled eyes snickered. His Prince quickly joining him with an amused chuckle of his own before he cleared his throat with an overdone cough, having trouble with wiping the smirk off his white painted face when he looked back to Alys with a taunting glint in his eyes.
Not giving them the answer they desired to not partake in their act of mockery, Alys took a short but deep breath to calm herself and look beyond the insults the Prince and his associate slid her way, asking as she kept herself as poised as possible," what exactly is it you want from me, Your Royal Highness?"
The prince's grin died off when the female Eliatrope didn't take the bait, his teasing falling upon deaf ears. Pulling his shoulders up while sticking his chin into the air with a deep inhale through his nose, his fingers caressed the long shaft of his golden scepter as he spoke," I would like to know more about your people." Cogs were turning in his head. No matter the appearance the female Eliatrope tried to uphold, he knew he could get under her skin.
"Qilby has told you everything you should know..."
"Has he really?" the Prince asked a little nonchalant and took a few steps forward, his over sized robes sweeping behind him as he shortened the distance in between himself and the Eliatrope. His gaze was inquisitive, uncomfortably so. Alys couldn't help but swallow as he came closer with his general right behind him, the feeling of dread beginning to swell in her chest. "He told us a very pretty story with charming images, but I know better. The city of Brakmar had been in disarray for days, the costs for repair incredibly high. I have seen what your kind is capable of with my very own eyes," he said after coming to a stop before her, the meaning of personal space gone while the general nodded in agreement to his prince's words. He too had seen what one single Eliatrope could do with their Zaaps," and who is going to pay for all that? The boy disappeared soon after, leaving the mess he created with his friends and the traitor Kriss la Krass. Who is to say that all those other children you wish to bring here wouldn't leave a similar trail of devastation behind?"
Alys' eyes narrowed when the many Eliatrope children were mentioned with a faint accusation, unintentionally giving the Prince a tinge of satisfaction as his anticipation and certainty to get under her skin was starting to take its course. "The Eliatropes are a peaceful race that strive for a better world for all," she answered, her eyes fluttering over the Prince before she looked him straight in the eye," we are willing to share our knowledge and technology with the rest of the world, no strings attached. We have no ill intentions; we only seek for a home."
"This world was never your home to begin with, my dear," the Prince smirked and leaned a little closer," you have no right to come crawling back after you left it to its fate. From what was told, you fled from your problems, hid here on this world and then fled once more when the problems found you again. What is to say you won't do so again? Old habits are hard to break."
She lost her voice while she stared at the Prince's grin, repeating everything he said in her head. There was a certain truth and logic to his words, but there were things he didn't know about... and neither did she. A piece of the puzzle was missing, a piece which she had been trying to find ever since Qilby entered her new life. She averted her gaze from the Brakmarian Prince to make the attempt to dig deep into her memories, something she had done numerous times before but was never successful in as there were no memories to dig through. "We fled, yes... but we tried to fight the threat once it found us," she said, repeating what Qilby had told her and everyone else," we fought and-"
"I am aware," the Prince said a little snappy to interrupt her before he leaned to the side to meet Alys' averted gaze and spoke as straight forward as possible," but who is to say that what you fought was completely eliminated? There are only four of you here, two adults and two children of which one is but an infant. No one would pay heed to such a small number, they would be completely unaware... but if all those children come here, by the thousands, wouldn't you heat up that trail you left behind? You are putting this whole world in danger by bringing your people back, children or not!"
She finally took a small step back when the Prince rose his voice, the pressure he put on her and her struggle to recover lost memories overwhelming her. She was not mentally prepared for this. It was Qilby's word against everyone else's. Only he knew the true story behind what happened between the Eliatropes and the Mechasms so many years ago and what he shared with everyone seemed true and sensible enough. There was no reason to question him. She had to be honest to herself and the Brakmarian prince; she wasn't the right person to demand answers from. "I am sorry, Your Royal Highness," she said after finding her voice while slightly inclining her head in an apologetic manner," I have no recollection of my people's history other than what I have been told. I was there during the last battle against the Mechasm, this much I know for certain, but I cannot remember that day... neither the days before or after it. Qilby has all the answers you seek..."
"Cannot remember...?" the Prince repeated baffled before he looked at his general with raised eyebrows as if he held the answer, though the thick lipped Brakmarian only shrugged with a shake of his head after catching the Prince's inquisitive glance. The Prince's eyes squinted further in skeptical suspicion while looking closely at the female Eliatrope after she slightly regained herself from his vocal battering, his thin lips pursed. "Amnesia...?" he asked her before the unimpressed expression shifted into a malicious grin," how delightfully convenient!" He chuckled while baring his yellow teeth with a broad disgusting grin, the pointing index finger of his golden scepter resting against his jutted chin. He appeared to be rather pleased with the new bit of information, very pleased indeed. "So for all you know, your King could be spreading lies... Or are you merely pretending not to know anything so you can hide your people's true intentions? Very clever."
Was he accusing her of playing pretend, after all she gone through and still not having fully recovered from her lost memories? Alys' eyes narrowed in discontentment before she asked with a hint of spite as she couldn't hold back on expressing her own suspicion about the prince and his beloved Brakmar," like you, My Prince? What happened in Brakmar could be but a twist of your own words to save your face."
"Watch your tongue around me, woman," the prince said with a serious but threatening tone, not appreciating the slip of Alys' tongue nor her attempt to rebuke his insults," and know your place like you did during the Council. Mark my words... the coming of your precious children will be an ill fate befalling this world. Brakmar will have no part in it unless your kind compensates for the grief it has already caused."
"Compensate...? They are but children, they can't possibly-"
"You and your king expect us to blindly trust you and take care of thousands of children without receiving anything in return for decades to come," the prince cut in before seeing Alys' cheeks flush in either anger or embarrassment. Either was good enough for him," you promise to share your knowledge with us, yet the Eliacube is locked away within the kingdom of Sadida with only the royalty of Sadida, the dragon and your king having access to it. Are you certain you are truly willing to share like your king said you would? So far proof is saying otherwise."
Alys felt cornered on the bank of the lake and the growing darkness of dusk, the accusations piling up and weighing her down. She would defend her people and she told herself she was capable of such, but she wasn't so certain anymore after the prince of Brakmar demanded answers she couldn't give. He was correct. The Eliatropes wouldn't be able to satisfy the greedy until the retrieved children had grown and that would take years. "The moment all the Kings of the World come to a decision and are willing to welcome the Eliatrope children into this world, the knowledge of Eliacube will be available to all."
The prince's eye twitched a little at her quiet words before he took a large sweeping step back and pointed his golden scepter at the Eliatrope, saying harshly after he made her flinch with jabbing that polished hand at her," so those who are cautious will be considered enemies, hmm? I see how it is!"
"What? No, I didn't-"
"You did, my dear. Very much so. Even if some were to doubt and not give their support, they are shunned by your people for being careful with their decision! All knowledge will go to the other races, helping them advance and become capable to wage a war on the less fortunate," the Prince said, a fire flaring in his eyes. He looked amused, pleased and yet irritated at the same time. He was twisting the truth right in front of her, turning it to his favor to feed his unexplained hatred for her people. All because of what had happened in Brakmar with Yugo... It felt too bizarre. "Don't lie to me, 'queen'," he spat," the people of Brakmar will see right through your act!"
Just when the Prince rose his voice towards Alys and the building tension grew, a shadow dropped down from above, taking away the shine of the golden scepter before something small landed on it with excellent balance. The sudden happening threw off both Brakmarians and the female Eliatrope, staring either offended or surprised at the one taking advantage of the Prince's love for materialism. With the prince not able to hold the suddenly added weight to his scepter with but one hand and yet refusing to let go, the hand-shaped scepter tipped downwards till the stuck out pinky finger almost touched the grass. The prince huffed and puffed through his nose and the corners of his mouth as he struggled to keep the scepter in his possession rather than drop it, his eyes growing and his pupils shrinking in anger after recognizing who rudely interrupted his interrogation. "You!" he spat in seething anger at the small ambassador of Bonta balancing on his scepter," get off!"
"Joris..." Alys whispered in relief, a weak smile forming on her lips though it quickly turned somber in worry as she reminded herself of the important fact that Brakmar and Bonta were known to have an intense rivalry. The tension between the Brakmarian prince and the master of Bonta had been high throughout the whole Council, even after Armand reminded them they had a truce to prevent an outright war. She hoped this wouldn't put it in jeopardy...
The small hooded figure got off the scepter with a swift leap, causing the prince's arm to catapult upwards with the sudden missing weight on the long golden stick and his tensed arm muscles. A high pitched yelp escaped the prince when he lost his balance and tipped backwards with a frantic stumble while juggling with his scepter to not lose it, barely keeping himself on his feet. He straightened up with with a growl and aggressively adjusted his crown with a firm, the glare he shot Joris one that could kill but it hardly phased the master.
"I suggest you step away from the Lady Alys, Your Royal Highness," Joris said while gazing up to the flustered prince and his bewildered associate before he tugged at the spotted pelt draped around his neck and turned his attention to the one he came to defend. The stern glance he held faded the moment his eyes met hers, asking Alys while ignoring the frothing glare burning against his back," are you all right?"
She slightly nodded in response, her hands clenched together in front her chest like an improvised shield to protect herself from the insult that was the Brakmarian prince. Words nor thoughts could describe how grateful she was for Joris' sudden appearance and although the appreciation showed in the glance she exchanged with him, the worry she felt shrouded it.
Joris gave a nod in return, satisfied with the silent answer before he turned his attention back to the Prince. The Brakmarian royalty managed to regain himself and was busy with cleaning his scepter with the general's sleeve, a storm brewing on his face. "You are on neutral ground, Prince of Brakmar. It would be wise to show the same manners and respect you expect to be treated with," Joris warned, his visible eyes narrowing as he watched the Prince and his tall companion intently.
The Prince sniffed while trying to keep a straight face, failing as he was too vexed by the presence of the master of Bonta and the humiliation he was put through in but a few seconds. He straightened his posture to make himself taller than his much shorter adversary and snubbed while sticking his nose up in the air," you don't need to remind me, Master Joris, I am well aware. I merely made a few inquiries to the Lady Alys about her people and she was... quite informative."
His forming grin was unsettling and caused Alys' heart to sink as she realized she opened a pit of trouble by allowing the Prince to talk with her. Her hands clenched into fists and lightly shook as she needed to hold back on all sorts of feelings and thoughts, all negative in nature until Joris diverted her crumbling state of mind. "It is growing late. If you will excuse us, I will escort the Lady Alys to her chambers. If you have any more inquiries, you do well to bring them to His Majesty Qilby's attention tomorrow, when we resume the Council of Twelve."
"Ohh, don't worry. I think I have gotten all the answers I was looking for," the Prince smiled smugly before he turned his gaze to Alys and bent his right arm across his waist like lazy attempt on a mocking bow," it was such a pleasure, my 'queen'. I hope we can talk again very soon."
The corner of Alys' mouth pulled downwards into a grimace, an expression which only made the prince's grin grow before he looked back over his shoulder towards his general and nodded to show it was time to retreat. They both left with a certain grace in their steps, forced and stiff as if the whole conversation didn't happen at all while wary eyes watched them until the scenery hid them from sight. The silence following the prince's departure was a moment of respite, the birds and bugs singing their songs while the beating of Alys' heart drummed in her ears. She felt dreadful, the whole experience having backfired on her... on her people. What had she done? The world was spinning around her, tears stinging behind her eyes the heavier the realization grew but they didn't flow.
"Did he harm you?"
The thoughtful question made her swallow to remove the lump in her throat before she shook her head and lowered her shoulders in defeat while wrapping her arms around herself," no, he did not. He was only persistent with a flare for the dramatic." She spoke very softly, fearing that if she were to speak any louder, the Prince would instinctively return like a bow meow drawn by the scent of freshly caught fish, hungry for more torment and insults.
"The prince of Brakmar is known to be a catalyst for trouble," Joris explained," I would have warned you for him if I had figured out sooner he would prey on you. He is not someone to take lightly. Brakmar is known for its crime syndicates and faulty justice system... It is a city which reflects him perfectly. I am certain he knew he couldn't break His Majesty Qilby into submission, but you..." He looked apologetic before he lowered his head for her. "I beg your pardon, but you were the perfect victim for him."
"I should have accepted your offer to escort me when you asked, hmm?" Alys asked in faint jest, trying to force a smile but she only managed to bring up but one corner of her lips. She had a feeling this wasn't the last time she would come face to face with the prince of Brakmar and that thought alone scared her. "If only I knew more about anything... I feel so uncertain." A soft sigh escaped her when she rubbed her arms in an attempt to comfort herself, the sensation of dread not dispersing. She looked to Joris in thought before she lowered herself down onto the grass to bring herself to his height, saying to him," thank you for coming to my aid, Master Joris. I don't wish to think of what could have happened if you hadn't."
His dark eyes wandered over her after she considerately brought herself to his level to express her gratitude, a little taken back by it but he kept himself composed like usual. "Canar and Renate came to me wondering where you were. They wished to prepare you for the evening meal, but couldn't find you in your chambers or anywhere in close vicinity of the palace. The least I could do was search for you... I picked up on the prince's voice and followed it as it seemed uncharacteristic of him to be spend time outdoors at this late growing hour, only to find he was harassing you. How could I not intervene? And if I may... you would make a better queen than he makes a prince."
Alys couldn't help but blush at the compliment, suspecting that Joris had eavesdropped before he decided to get in between her and the Brakmarian prince to settle the escalating situation. It wasn't the first time for Joris to linger unnoticed in the background and make a sudden but well timed appearance, something she came to appreciate rather than question. "Thank you..." she whispered to him while holding back on the urge to take his hands into her own, her forming timid smile causing Joris' head to lower in response.
"Come, you must be hungry," he said as he was swift to turn his back to the Eliatrope, hiding his already concealed features from her to prevent the situation from becoming awkward and keep his thoughts on the task at hand. Things were far from over... He gestured for one of the paths leading back to the palace, unable to see her nod but the agreeing hum she let out was enough for him to start walking and escort her back to the safety of the place she called home.
She felt a little better in Joris' presence, but the unease from meeting the Brakmarian prince lingered and refused to leave her. She knew it would haunt her, but for now she would take in the scenery rather than hear the prince's words echo in her mind. The walk she shared with the master was pleasant and calm enough to not get weighed down by the new worries. They didn't exchange any words, content with being like they were while the glowing flower pods hanging from the trees and glowing mushrooms in the tall grass illuminated their path.
"Alys! There you are!"
"Flower, we were so worried!"
"Sooner than I expected," Joris muttered though sounded a little amused as he watched the two Sadidas who took care of Alys' needs in Amalia's absence jogging towards him and the female Eliatrope with flailing arms and ridiculously tall hairdos. They panted and waved themselves some air to catch their breath after they reached the approaching couple before they stepped up beside Alys and hooked their arms around hers. The absence of the Princess had deprived the flamboyant servants from someone to pamper, their eagerness to get Alys inside and ready for the evening an obvious sign they were in dire need of it. It surely beat taking care of an angry, ungrateful and fire spewing baby dragon. Watching over Grougaloragran hadn't been much of a success, the return of Adamaï greatly appreciated by the scorned servants.
"We have to make you all pretty for dinner, especially with the guests that will be present," Canar said before he leaned a little closer to her and lowered his voice while eyeing Alys' quiet escort," and not just for dinner, it seems." He winked for the Eliatrope who couldn't help but nervously chuckle with a matching smile, the soft sound drowned out by Renate suddenly bursting out in laughter while he wove a hand towards Canar.
"Ohh Canar, you tease!" he laughed before he and Canar homed in on Joris walking ahead of them, their smiles and the look in their eyes betraying a knowing which could be either true or false. Joris on the other hand felt himself break a sweat with the stares drilling into the back of his hood, trying to ignore the two and their teasing. Their behavior seemed to cheer up the female Eliatrope and he wouldn't therefore try and change their point of view on the relationship that had developed between him and Alys. There was no harm in it, and even he couldn't help but smile a little at the upbeat attitudes of the two servants.
As they entered the large tree to prepare for the evening and the dinner at hand, nobody was aware of the dark plot that was brewing in the background, except for one. None could have foreseen what would disappear later that night or ever have guessed who was behind the treacherous deed.
To be continued