Elyon paced around her room like a tiger in a cage. A week. That's how long she's been locked away, with no knowledge of the outside world. After a few days of moping and lamenting the fundamental unfairness of the world, her brother being an ass, and worrying about Cedric, she became bored. After a while, with no internet, TV, or cell phones, tedious monotony sets in. Elyon attempted to read, but most books lacked the sophistication or a deeper understanding of the culture required, so she gave up on finding a good romance novel. One book about local legends and beliefs caught her attention. According to it, the Guardian of Metamoor bestowed magic on the Meridian royal line. She once asked Cedric how her magic came to be. He told of a battle with unimaginable evil in which the planet's Guardian was severely injured and unable to continue his duties, and how he won the battle with the help of a sorceress. In exchange for the assistance, the Guardian offered some of his magic as a substitute and asked to be laid to sleep—never to be seen again. And the sorcerer rose to become Metamoor's first Queen. It was a fascinating tale. The legend of the Guardian remained a certain point in Metamoor's religion, and they even made theater plays about it and held festivals in his honor. The Guardian's sacrifice and the sorceress's rise to become Queen became symbols of selflessness and power in Metamoor. People revered the Guardian as a divine figure, attributing their safety and prosperity to his legacy. The festivals held in his honor were grand spectacles, filled with enchanting performances that brought the legend to life for generations to come. She had yet to see one of those celebrations but was filled with anticipation for one to come. The stories she had heard from her servants painted a vivid picture of the festivities, with colorful costumes, mesmerizing music, and breathtaking displays of magic. She couldn't wait to witness the awe-inspiring rituals and feel the energy of the crowd as they celebrated the Guardian's legacy. The fantasy made her days less mundane, transporting her to a world of wonder and enchantment, even though she already lived in one.
Another thing was that her lessons continued on schedule. Elyon would have been grateful for the distraction. However, if she sees another embroidery needle, she's going to start screaming in frustration. The etiquette lessons were driving her insane. How to sit, how to stand, how to eat, and how to dance were examples of the proper activities required of the lady of the respectable lineage. It felt suffocating and antiquated to her modern sensibilities. She longed for a break from the rigid expectations and yearned for a taste of freedom. The constant scrutiny and pressure to conform to societal norms were suffocating her spirit, making her crave an escape into the outside world. The head matron was a strict teacher. She ran the castle like a well-oiled machine, from the cooks to the maids, all the way down to the stable hands. Everyone has a role in society. There were also history, law, and economics classes. Everything was so different from what she was used to that her head spun from the amount of information crammed inside. It wouldn't be so bad if Cedric's magical lesions continued. He always explained the additional questions she asked, but he was unavailable. That's what her guards said after she tried to sneak out, and they politely escorted her back inside the room. It was like living in history, only with magic. It would have been easier if she had grown up in Meridian, but it was difficult. Overall, she could think clearly for the first time in weeks, as all of her anger had vanished. Sometimes her chest hurt, and Elyon wondered if something was wrong with her heart, but there was no one to turn to for advice.
Her only other interaction was with a maid, who brought her food and cleaned the room. She spoke with her, but she was still a little unaccustomed to the general use of everyone's status. The deference they excluded quickly got old because she was above them all. A Lady. A Princess. A future queen—even if they did not know about it yet, she still could not fathom all the responsibilities the titles required of her. It just felt like an enormous burden. Elyon wondered if she could someday change the world into a better modern version of Earth. This world was archaic and bloodthirsty. She still had nightmares, hearing the flesh being torn apart by the whip.
Someone knocked on the door, and a young woman dressed in a dark gray uniform entered. It was made up of a long, puffy skirt, a tunic-style shirt that doubled as an apron with an elongated front, and hair pulled back under a small white embroidered hat.
'My lady.' She curtsied in greeting, placing a covered tray on the table. 'I brought you supper.' The young woman smiled as she placed a basket of bread, butter, jam, meats, and fruits on the table. Elyon missed good old-fashioned pizza, but this was a healthy meal, and she couldn't complain about the simply delicious food when her skin became brighter by the day, removing the artificial chemicals from within. She thanked the young woman with a nod, her eyes lingering on the vibrant colors of the fruits, and took a seat at the table, appreciating the effort put into presenting the meal so elegantly. The young servant's attention to detail and commitment to providing nourishing food made Elyon feel grateful for her presence in the castle.
'Thank you, Flora,' Elyon smiled at the maid. 'Any news from outside?'
'Perhaps, my lady,' the girl said quietly, listening intently to what was going on outside the door.
'What?' Elyon looked confused but stopped when the maid motioned to remain silent. She soon heard two quiet thuds from outside.
'Apologies, my lady. I was looking for a sign that the guards should be sleeping. I offered them some fruit cakes laced with sleeping syrup. 'We only have an hour to get out and back in,' Flora explained politely, pulling another servant's uniform from the bottom of the basket. Elyon's eyes widened in surprise as she realized the extent of Flora's preparations. 'You clever girl,' she whispered, a mixture of admiration and apprehension in her voice.
'Quickly, miss, dress up! Lord Cedric awaits.' She promptly handed her well-worn clothes and motioned for her to undress. Elyon quickly agreed, slipping out of her own clothes and into the servant's uniform, feeling the blood rush to her head. Finally, something was happening, and she was overjoyed as they dashed through the castle's shadowy corners to the secret meeting spot.
For the first time in a long time, Phobos was at ease. There were no annoying nobles who required his immediate attention, and he finished work in the early evening and had free time to roam to his heart's content. Unsure of what to do with his free time, the Prince went to the stables. The structure was large and stood on the outskirts of the castle, housing the horses and war rhinos—the big, hunkering beasts were bred for battle. Every stall was clean and full of hay, and he could smell the leather and sweat of the horses. Underneath it all was a strong odor of manure, a reminder of the constant care and maintenance required to keep the stables in order. Despite the smell, the Prince found solace in the familiar sounds of neighing and hoofbeats, as they provided a sense of calm amidst his busy life at the castle. His Guardian side rejoiced, feeling closer to the animals. He couldn't understand their language anymore, but he could sense every living being in the area and interpret their emotions. From the noble's horses to the cat and her kittens in the hay bay, she was happily purring, feeling all warm and content. The life she created was so innocent, small, and warm. The kittens felt like small balls of fur, content with their little piece of home. When Phobos entered the anteroom, a magnificent silver steed greeted him with a loud snort and a hoof digging the ground. He stroked the muzzle and strong neck, admiring the animal's raw strength. It was his horse, which he had raised from a small foal, and the steed now wanted to run. Phobos could sense the impatient request to hurry up and ride out into the open fields and forests.
'Soon, Arian, my friend...' He scratched the pale horse mane and was rewarded with a satisfied neigh that shook the stall walls. Other horses responded to the steed's joy with jealousy and encouragement. As soon as he decided to open the stall, the proximity wards reacted to someone approaching, and Phobos closed his eyes in annoyance. He crept into the shadows at the stall's corner, sharing space with a cat who hissed at the intruder in her domain. He soothingly patted her head to calm the animal.
Soon, or so it seemed, two maids came into the stables. Looking closer, he noticed the distinct pale hair falling out of one woman's hat. Phobos almost growled in recognition of her magic. What was Elyon doing here? This was a violation of her punishment, and how did she get out of the rooms? He examined the maid, retaining her appearance in his mind. How dare they defy his orders? He was about to step out of the shadows when a third figure appeared. Cedric. Well, that explained a lot. Nobody else could have gone against his wishes, and his general had just been released from the hospital. Phobos observed, deciding not to make a scene and wondering why they were meeting behind his back. For one thing, it aided Cedric's planning; Elyon will definitely trust him now. It was, however, extremely aggravating to be unaware of those plans. Cedric had blurred the lines of his orders yet again. He'll have to do something about it because feeling like an eavesdropper was not on his agenda for the day.
Elyon was nervous, so her hands were sweating. Being outside felt liberating, but she was also afraid of being seen. What capital punishment would her brother impose on her if she disobeyed his orders once more? She did not want to put his patience to the test. Especially after seeing the display in the throne hall. He was ruthless and commanding, and Elyon had a healthy dose of fear of him. At the same time, she wanted to push her boundaries, and the excitement of doing something forbidden caused her heart to race. She refused to be an obedient little lady. It was not in her blood.
'My lady, come here.' Flora opened the double wood door, motioning her inside the spacious hall filled with stalls. Inside were the separate animal pens, saddles, and other items lined up along the walls. She'd seen how a war rhino looked, but the vast rooms where they were kept were something entirely different. Elyon had never visited the stables. Actually, she did not have the opportunity to explore the castle grounds beyond its main wings.
'Miss, if you excuse me, I will wait by the door. Lord Cedric should arrive any minute now.' The maid nodded to her and hurriedly rushed away. Elyon stood alone, taking in the sights and smells of the unfamiliar surroundings. The air was heavy with the scent of hay and manure, mingling with the earthy aroma of the animals. She marveled at the sheer size of the war rhinos, their powerful presence filling the vast rooms; there were also horses of all breeds and sizes, their gentle eyes and sleek coats catching her attention. The sound of hooves on cobblestone echoed through the courtyard, creating a rhythmic melody that added to the uniqueness of the place.
When Cedric walked in, Elyon felt a wave of relief wash over her. He looked great—much better than the previous image of him, all bloodied and hurting. His long hair was braided, and he dressed simply in a stiff white shirt with a high collar and gray pants. Elyon did not even realize she was stepping closer to his approaching form. As Cedric drew nearer, his piercing gray eyes met hers, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, instantly melting away any lingering doubts she may have had about his health.
'Cedric…' Elyon greeted him in a breathless whisper. 'I'm glad you are okay.'
'Elyon,' he nodded. 'Apologies for the abrupt breakout; after a week of being cooped up in your suite, I figured you would appreciate a little freedom.'
'Well, this certainly beats my room; even with all the lessons, I was going insane from boredom. How are you? I'm sorry you were hurt because of me the last time we met.' Elyon bit into her lip, conveying how conflicted everything was. In a way, she was to blame for his punishment. Yet, it has been hard to think about the situation objectively because of the exposure to the cutthroat and bloodthirsty reality of the Court.
Someone had to shoulder the blame for the incident. I have represented a better example. You cannot place the fault on your brother. It is not the first time he has had to take a particular stand in unexpected affairs.' Cedric hid a grimace as he recalled the pain inflicted upon his body. The political games they played were beyond Elyon's understanding, and the Prince's decisions were a mystery to everyone but himself. Even this meeting was more for his benefit than anyone else. Elyon had to trust them. Getting her out of imprisonment even for a while, would gather some points in their favor. He still could not believe Phobos offered his sister a silver platter. His calculating mind saw advantages and many more disadvantages. For the time being, he wished to remain her friend, confidante, and teacher. Because she was prone to impulsive behavior, any unnecessary emotions would complicate matters.
'Can you honestly tell me you are feeling all right? I still have nightmares about this whole thing...' Elyon frowned thoughtfully, trying to inspect Cedric's body language for any apparent anomalies.
'I'm doing fine right now. The healers undoubtedly did an excellent job. Elyon, you can relax. There was no lasting damage.' He tried reassuring her, feeling the searching gaze.
'Prove it!' Elyon demanded, his gaze fixed on him. She had no idea where her courage had come from to demand such proof, but she couldn't let her worries consume her any longer.
'I beg your pardon?' Cedric asked, astonished at this girl's boldness. At the same time, his mind was working overtime, trying to see the benefits of the action.
'Show me there is no injury, or I will stay in this spot until somebody finds us and we both get in trouble.' Elyon pressed, wanting to make sure everything was fine. Yet she couldn't believe she said that, feeling both mortified and giddy at the same time. 'As your Princess, I command you.' Elyon held Cedric's contemplative gaze, attempting to appear aloof and uninterested. This was her one and only chance to get a close look at a perfect male body. Later, in her room, she will die of embarrassment. Elyon's heart raced as Cedric finally broke his gaze and nodded. Relieved, she let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
'Fine, but… After this, your maid will escort you back to the castle.' Cedric gritted his teeth, annoyed by the unforeseen power play. It was against basic etiquette and would be considered inappropriate behavior, but his orders from Phobos were clear: do everything in his power to keep Elyon on their side. And possibly, he recognized some benefits in that. It was always good to have options in case of emergency, and the Princess represented one wild string in this convoluted web. Cedric smirked as he slowly undid his shirt. Two can play this game. Button by button, the pale, unblemished skin gradually revealed itself, followed by the lean, athletic muscles of the stomach. He opened up the immaculate shirt and slowly slid it down from his shoulders, then chuckled and turned around, showing a perfectly healed back. After a few breathless seconds of suspension, he neatly dressed up again.
Elyon realized she was in big trouble when she saw the long fingers painfully slowly unfastening the buttons. With each step, more of his skin was exposed, and her mouth dried out. Her heart raced in her chest with anticipation and shyness. When the entire alluring canvas was revealed, Elyon blushed, her gaze trailing on the naked skin. Her fingers trembled with a desire to caress it, but as she involuntarily stepped closer, the display was over.
'Everything up to your expectations?' Cedric inquired, looking very smug.
'Ahh… Yes, you look good. Thanks for the show. I mean, thank you for meeting me.' Elyon stammered out, looking at her shoes. Her cheeks were on fire. 'I think I will go now... Bye.' She murmured and swiftly fled. Seeing the flustered girl, Cedric chuckled. His laughter followed her out of the stables. Then, out of nowhere, silent claps echoed throughout the hall as Phobos emerged from the shadows. Phobos approached Cedric with a sly smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief. 'Well, well, Cedric, what an unexpected and marvelous performance. It seems like you've made quite an impression on our little Elyon,' he remarked, his voice dripping with amusement as he praised his general.
'My Lord?' Cedric asked in a frantic voice at the unexpected appearance.
'I cannot decide if I should feel angered by your disregard for communication between us or commend you for your actions towards Elyon.' Phobos stood beside him and tilted his head in contemplation.
'My apologies, Prince' He put his hand on the heart and bowed in deference.
'Cedric, why do you always try to vex me?' Phobos lifted an eyebrow and crossed his arms, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. 'Is it your way of seeking my attention, or do you simply enjoy testing my patience?' Cedric's eyes widened in surprise as he struggled to find the right words to respond.
'I did not intend to keep this meeting secret, my Lord. I had to act swiftly and would have reported to you after everything.' The general explained, trying not to be embarrassed by the circumstances in which he was discovered.
'I believe you...' His chin was lifted, and icy blue eyes bore into his face. 'There will be no next time. I want to know about each move you make and every step Elyon takes. No more secrets or you will regret it. Sometimes the lesson has to sink in. Remember it well, Cedric.' Cold fingers released their hold.
'Definitely, my Lord!' Cedric bowed even lower.
'Get up! I wanted to have a joy ride. However, plans change. Vathek has requested that I inspect the construction site for the new barracks, and I'd like to meet the troops. Saddle your horse. We have work to undertake.' Phobos commanded, promptly preparing for a venture out.
Cedric stood up and nodded, heading to prepare the horse. He double-checked the steed and brought it to the yard after carefully putting on the required harness with the saddle. Placing a foot into the stirrup, Cedric mounted the horse and slowly trotted to the already-waiting figure of Prince Phobos. Before long, the two experienced riders were sprinting through the city streets on their way to their new destination.