Chapter 4
A/N: Hello Again! Here is another chapter! Thank you all so much for the support I really appreciate it! Please let me know what you think in the reviews; I want to improve and I appreciate all the feedback I can get! Thank so much enjoy ;)
The Planning
Later that evening, Rosalie walked through the corridors with two other ladies in waiting Ashbel and Solana toward Bella's chambers. While the other two were dressed in the purple and black of their Lady, she stuck to her family's blue. It was uncommon for Ladies in Waiting not to take on their mistress's colors or even for the said mistress to have a lady serving her outside her clan. Rosalie came into Bella's service after they both graduated from The Solar. They both became fast friends despite coming from different clans.
She never thought that she would be friends with anyone outside the Kai clan, especially not the heir to the throne. Her father was against it at first but came around to the idea of the possibility of getting her to push her brother and the princess closer together. Needless to say, her father was sourly disappointed that she and her brother failed to steer her affections. She tried however Bella only ever had eyes for Samuel. How she could stand to be around the mountain brutes was a mystery to Rosalie.
She had just come from a sit down with her father Lord Kalan, who informed her that she would return home with her family in a couple of days. 'It's time for you to present yourself to the other clansmen and find a good match to produce more water mages' he told her. She would be sad to leave Bella but a part of her did long for home. Her homeland, Kaimana, was a beautiful city with luscious green forests surrounded by waterfalls. Her favorite was the waterfall outside of her family's estate connected to the Tha'lassa sea. She went there often as a child to water dance and run through the Ice Gardens something she hasn't done since she became one of Bella's ladies.
She opened the door to Bella's chambers shocked to find her mistress sitting at a table in conversation with Lord Demetri, who sat across from her with an eagle sitting on his shoulder.
"Princess," Rosalie said as she and the other two curtsied. Bella looked up just noticing her Ladies' arrival. "Ah Rose, Ashbel, Solana I don't think you have properly been introduced to my cousin Lord Demetri. Demetri these are my ladies" Bella said standing and motioning to Demetri.
"Good evening, ladies" He replied standing up and causing the eagle to take off from his shoulder and out the nearest window.
"Good evening, My Lord" Ashbel and Solana replied while Rose stayed silent with a blank expression. "Well, I best be getting on then I should let my mother know about today's events," Demetri said feeling the tension coming off the water magician.
"Of course, enjoy the rest of your night. I hope to see you and Zephyr tomorrow before you leave" Bella told him. Demetri bowed his head and replied "Of course cousin" before leaving.
Once he left, Rosalie turned to the other two ladies and said, "Why don't you two go and prepare a bath for the princess". Solana and Ashbel silently agreed and left for the connecting bathhouse. Now alone, Rose turned to Bella with an irritated expression.
"What's with you Rose," Bella asked. "What's with me?! You were alone in your chambers with a Zonda clan male!" Rose expressed. "Oh, Rose it wasn't a big deal we were just talking" "It doesn't matter! Think of the scandal it would cause if this got out"
"If what got out?! That I was having a conversation with my own cousin?!" Bella said frustrated with Rose's piousness. "Please Bella there are so many generations removed from you two, you can barely call him such'' Rose replied.
"What was he even doing in here," she asked. "He was telling me about some of his family's histories. The Zondas have such an amazing history" Bella told her friend. Rosalie sighed not knowing what to do to make Bella understand her point.
"You seriously don't see the problem here?! What if it was Lord Samuel that walked in instead of us?! How would he react to seeing his betrothed cuddled with another man"?
"Samuel was here actually you just missed him" Bella replied with confidence. "He knows that I am devoted solely to him and how dare you suggest otherwise". Bella has had it with Rosalie.
"Rose, I love you truly I do but you need to remember where you are. Things are not as uptight here as there are back home for you the sooner you realize that the better" she told her friend.
"I've been thinking about a match for you". This surprised Rosalie since she has never expressed interest in anyone but knew that noble women often made matches for their ladies in waiting. "A match? Who?" she asked.
"Well, I think it is time for the Kai's and Hallams to put their hostilities to rest. So, I am suggesting that you Lady Rosalie, and Ser Jacob Hallam begin a courtship" Bella told her.
Rose was speechless! Her and the second son of The Rock?! It was ridiculous! "What could possibly convince you that I would be interested not only in a second son but Ser Jacob?! She said in disbelief. "Out of the question".
"Come on Rose have an open mind. You might find that you like him" Bella said to her taking her hands. "I hardly doubt that Jacob the troubled and I would have anything in common" Rose replied pulling away from the princess. "Rose, please. You know what I've been planning with the clans this could be the first step in the right direction" "And you expect me, me, to go and live in the mountains away from any water sources? Without any connection to my people"
"Of course, not Rose. I'm sure there is a compromise that could work between you two. Just think about it for me please" Bella asked, giving her those doe eyes of hers.
"Bella don't look at me like that" Rose begged knowing she hated that look. But Bella kept looking until she caved.
"Ugh! Alright I will think about it," she said finally causing Bella the squeal and hug. She only did this to appease Bella, but she knew her father would never agree. Besides she was to be leaving soon anyways. Before Bella could respond the doors opened revealing Queen Renee. Both Bella and Rosalie curtsied to the queen.
"Good evening, Your Majesty," they both said. "Lady Rosalie, daughter" Renee replied. "Lady Rosalie I need to speak to the princess alone," she said causing Rose to head to the bathhouse with the other two ladies, leaving the heir and queen alone.
"Bella, I have thought about your proposition today and I believe there may be some merit to it,". Renee turned toward the window, preparing herself for what she was about to say. "I saw what you did today for Demetri, and you were right this country would do much better if all the clans were united. So, I have decided to allow your expedition".
Bella was shocked! She didn't expect such a change of heart from Renee so suddenly. Before she could react, her mother continued. "However, there are some conditions that I will make that are non-negotiable. You will take two guards with you that will always remain at your side! The moment it seems things are going poorly you are to leave. You must stay in constant contact with me or your father so that we know that you are safe. Am I understood?" she finished.
"Yes of course" "Bella I have all the confidence in the world in you, but you must understand that the world is a dangerous place you must be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times I cannot bear it if I lost you," Renee said taking Bella by the shoulders.
"I understand mother truly I do, and I promise you I will take every precaution for my safety I won't let you down" "I know dearest" Renee brought her daughter closer to hug her tightly. She prayed to the Great Mother that she wasn't making a mistake.
The next couple of days were full of planning and discussions. The Queen informed all the clan heads of her daughter's arrival into their lands. Since Rosalie would be returning home, Bella would travel to Kaimana first to visit the water tribe. After that, she would take Vysta and fly to The Sky Temple. And finally, she would meet Samuel at The Rock and return home with him. The expedition should take four months at minimum to complete just in time for her to return and prepare for her wedding. So here she was in The Temple of The Great Mother Selosia kneeling before one of the priestesses who was performing a blessing before her journey. Anytime one of the Royal Family left their lands, they had to make this stop first so that the Great Mother would protect them. Her Lady Aunt did the same before she left on her journey overseas; now it was her turn.
She was dressed for comfort today in simple loose-fitted black pants and a shirt wrapped in a dark purple travel clock with her family's crest, a purple and black Ying and Yang symbol, embroidered on the back. She held the black rosary in her hands that her mother had given her when she was still a child while listening to the priestess pray over her. She wasn't foolish enough to think this journey would be an easy one, however, she knew that she could handle whatever came her way.
After it was done, she made her way out front where her parents, guards, Samuel, and Rose were waiting for her. She curtsied to the King and Queen before hearing, "Good Luck to you on your travels daughter" from her father.
"Thank you, Father". She turned to The Queen who was expressionless while staring at her daughter. Renee was struggling with this decision. She couldn't help the feeling that something terrible was going to happen to Bella. However, she also knew that keeping her locked away wouldn't do her any good either. As if reading her mind Bella approached her mother to embrace her tightly. "I will be fine mother, I promise you'' she said. Renee didn't respond just hugged Bella back as tightly as she could holding back the tears that desperately wanted to fall. Renee finally let go after a bit "Let me know the moment you reach Kaimana do you understand" she demanded.
"Yes, Your Majesty" Bella responded. She then turned to Samuel. They had said their goodbyes the night before, so no more words were needed. Besides, they would see each other when she arrived at The Rock before traveling back to the capital for their wedding. So they shared a simple kiss filled with the promise of seeing each other soon.
She turned towards the carriage where Rose waited. She looked back at her family and gave a confident smile before getting inside. "I can't believe you are doing this Bella," Rose said to her once they began moving. "I can't wait to show you all of my favorite places" "I know! I can hardly wait to see Kaimana you tell such beautiful stories about the wildlife and forests there" Bella said. "So, have you given my proposal any more thought about Jacob"?
Bella had approached Jacob a few days ago before he left with the Hallams with her idea. He, like his twin, laughed at first before he realized she was serious. And while he was receptive to the idea of uniting the clans, he hesitated on the idea of courting Rosalie. But he did promise her that he would give it some thought.
"I have and I don't think that Jacob is the right choice for me Bella" "But why Rose? He's charming, handsome, a strong magician and warrior what's not to like about him"
"He isn't a Water magician," Rose said to her. "Is that so important I'm marrying an Earth Magician and my paternal grandmother was a Nulumental" Bella replied.
A Nulumental Magician is a mage who practices magic however their bloodline is so diluted that they aren't tailored to a specific element. Most were common-born citizens living in each of the four cities. Nulumentals usually weren't born with much magic and had to work twice as hard to increase their strength. However, there were some exceptions like Master Brande and her grandmother who were able to call their magic with full force.
"I get that, but I want my children to be pure-blooded. You know how mixing my bloodlines could anger Athena" Rose told her. Athena was the Goddess of the Sea from which the Kai's and all water mages get their magic. Each clan has its lore and history surrounding a God or Goddess that blessed their ancestors and descendants with their magic.
Bella sighed and said, "We don't want to offend Athena I understand that, but I don't think that she would care if you fell in love with Jacob just as I know the Great Mother Selosia doesn't care about my marriage to Samuel".
"Fall in love?! Bella, I think you're thinking too far ahead I haven't even had a conversation with him. I won't even see him again for another six months".
"Just promise me you'll keep it in the back of your mind Rose please" "How could I forget with you reminding me every chance you get" Rose laughed.
They continued the rest of the ride with pleasant conversation filled with Rosalie telling Bella all about Kaimana and what she could expect from her stay at the Kai Estate. It took three days before they finally reached the outskirts of the town.
Rose, realizing where they were, said to the driver "Stop the carriage". Bella gave her a confused look and before she could ask what the problem was Rose stepped out of the carriage beckoning Bella to follow her into the forest.
"Rose where are you going," she asked running after her friend. "Come on Bella I have to show you this" Rose called over her shoulder. Both ladies heard the guards call out to them asking them to halt but they were ignored and had no choice but to run after the two ladies.
"Where are we going," Bella asked after catching up to her. "You said you want to learn about our history so I thought you could start by seeing one of our most sacred places" Rose responded stoking Bella's excitement.
They ran deep into the forest until reached it. Bella was amazed at what she saw. Rose had always told her about the beautiful places in her homeland. The area was filled with beautiful clearing filled with wildflowers and luscious green trees. But the most amazing thing was the lake right in the middle which seemed to glow even in the daytime.
"Is this what I think it is?" Bella asked. "Yes, this is Athena's Lake Princess. It's where every water mage comes for their blessing to be accepted as one of Athena's children" Rose told her.
"La Natare is what it's called correct?" "Yes, The Swim in common language," Rose said while she began removing her shoes triggering Bella to do the same. There were no shoes allowed in this sacred place; Bella could feel unearthly magic surrounding them even in the air causing her to shiver in... fear, excitement, anticipation, all three? She couldn't tell.
Rose grabbed Bella's hand and lead her to the edge of the lake, both feeling the spiritual pressure increase the closer they came to it and kneeled. "This is where it all began for us in the Kai clan and all who are born to the element water".
"Where Athena fell in love with a mortal man Aalto was his name right," Bella asked. "Yes, it is. The story goes that he was just a humble squire and stumbled on this area while hunting and saw Athena in her human form and they fell in love instantly. She came to live with him on land as his wife and had four children with him, two boys and two girls. But Athena found it difficult to live as an ordinary wife and could not resist the call to return to the sea from which she came so once her children were old enough, she returned to the lake. But before that, she left her children with a blessing, the power to control the same waters that she came from so that they would always have a part of her".
"Wow that's a beautiful story Rose," Bella told her. "It was one of my favorites as a child. Now every mage comes here as a coming-of-age ritual I guess would be a way to describe it and does La Natare, seeking Athena's blessing to officially become a part of the clan".
"What happens if she doesn't bless you," Bella asked. "I've never seen it myself, but I have heard that people will drown in The Lake if Athena finds you unworthy of her gifts"
It didn't surprise her as Bella thought about her own clan's coming-of-age ritual. The Gods were easily offended and if you came to them unworthy of their blessing, you could forfeit your life.
"What's it like, La Natare," Bella asked. Rose thought for a minute before answering. "Honestly the memory itself is kind of fuzzy however I do remember the way my body felt. I've been swimming before of course but here it was like an out-of-body experience. Like something in me was being awakened. I can't explain it". Rose shifted to put her feet into the water feeling a pulling for her to do so. It was warm and soothing to her very soul.
"I remember getting to the bottom of The Lake and then a beautiful light flashed before me. Then the next thing I knew was my mother pulling me from the water, crying and giving thanks to the Goddess for returning me".
Rosalie's blue eyes began to glow as she summoned her powers causing the water before them to ripple. Suddenly it shot into the air swirling in a circular motion before taking the shape of a small being with wings, a fairy would be the best way to describe it. Mira, Rosalie's familiar, looked as if she was made totally from water.
"Hello Mira," Bella said as Mira came to sit on Rosalie's lap. She didn't speak however she did nod at Bella in acknowledgment. Mira would only speak to Rosalie as do all familiars with their partners.
"Lady Rosalie, Princess Bella we should return to the road to keep moving" they heard one of the guards call behind them. The ladies looked at each other smiling. And turned back towards the lake. They weren't in any rush.
"You said everything was under control! Just how do you expect to get that blasted girl to choose you if she marries Samuel and now she is to gallivant about the countryside until it will be too late for you to intervene?!" Victoria shouted. She was in her private chambers when she contacted her associate with a communication spell using the sacred gem embedded into her staff. They had been planning for this for a few years when he first approached her. He would steal Bella's affection, and their firstborn child would be betrothed to one of the eligible members of the Zonda clan. It was the first step in getting The Zonda's back onto the throne.
"Calm yourself, Weather Witch! This provides us with the perfect opportunity a lot can happen in six months. Once Princess Bella will be in my grasp within the next few days and then I will make my move" he said with confidence.
"And what of Lord Samuel? Do you expect him to just give up his claim on the Princess so easily?" She asked him.
"Leave Samuel and Hallams to me they are of no consequence," he told her.
"Very well then just get it done and quickly," Victoria told him and ended the call. She had her doubts that it would be as easy as the boy thought to steer Bella's affections. But it didn't matter, let him live in his delusions the results were all she cared about. Soon she would be sitting as Queen of all of Keegan as she was born to be, like her ancestors before her.