Chp 2

The Royal Palace of Aerilyn also known as the wind palace, was located at the edge of the continent overlooking the glistening seas, guarded by the lush green forest on the West and mineral-rich rocky terrain in the North. Aerilyn was considered one of the strongest kingdoms of the century.

The troops from the Oliver Kingdom descended from the rough mountains of the north to the capital city, Mendrove. The colorful city was far from what King Beckett expected, the place was ringing with music and bustling with joy. A group of Royal guards escorted them to the palaces the onlookers stared at the newcomers.

"Welcome King Oliver" The retired King greeted, "Pleasure to meet you, your majesty" Beck replied.

"This is my wife, Holly …" he began introducing everyone in the throne room, " And lastly the most important person in this room my eldest daughter Katrina Silvia Vega" King Beckett bowed and kissed her hand, "Your majesty you are much more beautiful than I heard"

"Nice compliments King Beckett, but right now you all must rest, a ten-day trip is really tiring. You can start courting me tomorrow!" She replied curtly and motioned for the guard to escort them to their chambers.


King Beckett's Room, Aerilyn

Beckett, or Beck as he liked to be called, sat with two of his most trusted and loyal men, his advisor Sir Ryder, and his general in command Sir Andre Harris. One of noble bloodline and another attaining knighthood after saving his life. It may be odd, but King Beck considered these two people his friends, so they were allowed to use first names in private.

"Beck, I know this courtship could be a potential lifesaver for our kingdom but Queen Katrina seems difficult person, You remember what happened last time you dated a difficult person"

"I know what happened with Jade Andre but Katrina Vega is not that type of person"

"There is something that is bothering me though"

"What Ryder?"

"The king only introduced his eldest daughter. What about the youngest one?"

"She could be busy or somewhere else?" Andre chimed.

"Ah my friend Harris, you still need to learn something about nobility, it's disrespect to not be present when the King of another kingdom is visiting"

"It is, but Andre is right too it could be she is not in the kingdom right now also"

"Yeah, you could ask this to the queen in the morning "

"Yes, this alliance is of utmost importance. The rebels are getting more aggressive day by day, we need all help we can "


On the other side of the palace

Queen Katrina's room

"How are the preparations going?" Katrina asked.

"Good! People are really excited. This year's moonlight festival will be great!"

"You can handle it, right? I mean it's really on short notice and it has always been the two of us preparing for the festival not you alone"

"Relax sister, I can handle it! Besides you have a prince charming ready to sweep you off your feet"

"Charming yes, but I need to know what kind of person is he from the inside"

"Besides I am a bit concerned none of our spies has reported back"

"They are two of our best spies they will be fine"

"I hope so!"

"And Tori I need to know why weren't you there when they came"

"I was at the stables." she sighed.

"Let me guess, you didn't want a repeat of what happened last time?"

"Yes"

"Tori, it was not your fault, you did the right thing by protecting Louisa"

"Mom says otherwise, she was disappointed that I humiliated a prince and destroyed a trade relationship."

"He was lucky that he didn't face my wrath, I don't stand with anyone disrespecting my people!"

"I know, besides I might meet this new king he seems to put a good impression on you"

"He seems kind and is attractive that's all I know"

"That's a huge compliment from you," Trina blushed.

"Anyway Trina I need to get going, goodnight" She kissed Trina's forehead and left.


A few days later

Andre Harris roamed about the city market, dressed up as a commoner. The afternoon sun shined fiercely like a warrior, making the air hot and humid with the occasional cool breeze from the ocean. He was amazed by the work ethic of these people, they were rushing here and there in full energy selling their goods and helping each other. There seemed to be some kind of festival mood as colorful banners were being hung around the streets. He went to a little gift shop to buy something for his grandmother and sister, the only family he was left with. The war led by the rebels four years ago took everything from him, his brother, his father, and his mentor, he vowed to protect the King and Kingdom at all costs, he wouldn't let them fall at the hands of rebels.

As he walked around the shop to find a perfect present for them, he noticed multiple arrays of jewelry made of pearls and seashells, each unique from another, "Looking for something son!" an aged man asked.

"Yes, I was looking for a gift for my sister and grandmother"

"I have to ask, are you new 'cause I have never seen you around?"

"I am not from here, I am with King Beckett," he said

"Oh, my apologies sir! What would you like to see?'

"Something special"

"Well, how about this? It is an amber pendant not only beautiful but also helps calm someone "

Andre didn't know if that would help calm his grandmother's nerves but it was indeed beautiful. The man took out three other boxes, one had a pearl bracelet, another a ring, and the last one contained a flute. Andre picked up the flute smiling. Their father used to play a mouth organ each night, when he died the mouth organ was lost but his sister was fascinated with music, flute is something she always wanted.

He was about to pay for those gifts when he noticed one of the ladders slipping. There was a little girl arranging flowers in the roadside shop and the ladder was about to fall on it, he quickly rushed and pulled the girl away just before the ladder fell destroying the beautiful bouquets.