Page 4
1519 Words
Crimson can't fly during the day so we are forced to travel on foot, yet we arrived in Lyviaria in a span of 1 day and a night despite the distance and luckily we landed in a place near the border of this kingdom so the soldiers stationed there lent us their horses to get here. I can still remember the shocked faces of the soldiers when they saw him there.
That aside, I only read this place in magazines or newspapers. I never imagined that I will be able to go to one.
This place focuses on simplicity and elegance. With marble floors and huge arch windows drapes with red curtains. The ceiling is designed with tinted glass with an image of a white dragon, the walls are a mix of gold and white colors.
"Your Highness!" A loud but horse voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
Crimson, answered the owner of the voice cooly while waving his hands in the air.
"Where have you been?! Are you hurt somewhere?" The old man that seems to be in his late 50's walked around Crimson searching for injuries until he finally noticed my presence.
He was busy studying me until his face crumpled as if he realized something and shot Crimson a narrow-eyed stare.
"Your Highness, what have been up to?" He asked suspiciously making Crimson raise his hands in the air.
"Hey! It's not what you think it is!"
The old man elegantly bowed his head and apologized if ever Crimson had done any mischief to cause me inconvenience.
"N-no he helped me actually-I just don't have an idea what is happening now.." When I said the last words I purposely sent a glare towards that red-eyed man's direction who only answered me with a grin and a peace sign making me sigh.
I should refrain from doing unnecessary things or it will cause unnecessary trouble, despite the urge to hit him.
"What do you mean, young lady?"
Before I could answer his question another voice echoed throughout the hall we're in.
"Crimson Lumiere Lyvaria!" The voice boomed throughout the hall halting us from our conversation. The knights on guard saluted making their armor create a metallic sound
Crimson nearly jumped and suddenly ran behind me pulling me closer using me to cover himself. Which is practically useless, considering the difference in our height.
"What are you doing?" I hissed.
I roamed my sight to find where the voice came from until my eyes landed on a man making his way down the grand staircase, he is wearing a black doublet, his red cape billowing behind him furiously, matching his pace.
"Where have you been?!" He asked again.
"You-" When he reached the last step he cut his sentence when his attention falls unto me.
"Who is this maiden with you?" He asked with a frown, and just like what Sir Neil did he narrowed his eyes at Crimson.
"Hey! Neil and you have the same reaction! Do I look that kind of man to you!?" Crimson complained
Is this the kingdom feared by many lands? Am I in the right kingdom? These two are Lyvarians, right?
These thoughts ran in my mind as I stare at them.
"Sort of.." the man said averting his eyes to the side
"What?!"
He ignored Crimson's protests and went straight to me to apologize if ever Crimson did something to cause me inconvenience, which greatly stunned me. He then went back to where Crimson is and caged him in his arms, literally strangling him while giving him lectures.
I can't help but notice their similarities as I watch them wrestle, the man who is currently strangling Crimson seems like his older version except for their eyes, Crimson's eyes have a brighter shade of red while the other has a darker one.
"Pardon this sight of my Master, this happens every time" My attention was shifted to my side where Sir Neil is standing.
"Ah yes! Pardon my late introduction, My name is Neil Brien I am the head butler of the royal family." He introduced himself and bowed elegantly
"This is the main castle of the Lyvarian empire, the one strangling Prince Lumiere is our King, Scythe Livius Lyvaria, also known as King Livius. Sorry to ask this but how did you end up with our young Prince?" The head butler asked, I explained what happened, and by the time I finished the brothers are also finished with their brawl.
"Man that hurts!" Crimson complained while rubbing his neck and head.
"So what is your name, young maiden?"
King Livius snubbed his younger brother's complaints and just brushed him off by shoving him aside.
I lowly bowed my head to pay respect "Rayvenne, Your Highness,Rayvenne Zoe."
To my surprise, the King suddenly patted my head.
"You've been through a lot. I know you are tired let's decide on what to do by tomorrow, it is a bit late but welcomes to the proud Kingdom of Lyvaria" He said with a smile and told Neil to help me around the castle before he left.
"Treating me like a child" Crimson pouted while approaching me his face is crumpled like a bullied kid.
"Ahem. Well, as the King said. Let's put this case to rest. I shall escort you to your quarters."
The head butler motioned us towards the staircases and lead us to our quarters.
Silence lingered as we stride through the corridors, Crimson is just walking carelessly, with me trailing behind him eyeing every feature of the castle. Until he suddenly stopped leaving me no room to react and I ended up bumping in his back with an 'oomph' sound.
"Seriously," I muttered under my breath while rubbing my nose.
"Sorry. I didn't know you would bump at me" He did try but he failed to contain his laughter for his lame prank. I opened my mouth to speak but then I closed it again.
"Cat got your tongue, My Lady?" Crimson teased me making me narrow my eyes at him
You're lucky I'm in your domain
I cursed mentally...
"That's rude. The lady is tired already" Sir Neil intervened, "The games can wait until tomorrow, Your highness"
"Oh right, sorry about that. Anyway, I'm here so Neil I'll leave her to your care."
Neil bowed as a sign of respect and assurance that he will.
"See you tomorrow then, Rayvenne" Crimson suddenly called me by my name which surprised me.
I paused for a while, my irritation forgotten.
"Yes." I muttered "See you"
With a smile, the Prince entered his room leaving the two of us alone.
"We better take you to your room as well."
Once again, silence filled the air while we stride at the endless corridors until Neil stopped in front of a huge oak door.
"This will be your room, for now, everything you need is already inside. Have a good rest, my lady"
Sir Neil bowed before leaving me alone, the door made a creaking sound before the knob clicked.
Lyvaria,
I made my way towards the window. The castle is placed at the highest point in the kingdom allowing me to see its main city fully. Warm orange lights filled the streets battling the darkness of the night. A tin fog covering the lower areas.
This is where I'll stay now.
A place where I can stay.
An empty smile made its way to my lips. I felt the coldness of the glass window the moment my palm touched it
Why does it still hurt?
Why am I not happy?
Maybe I am...I just have forgotten what it is like to be one
Why do I still feel empty?
Crimson's cheeky smile appeared in my mind again
Can I stay beside you?
Memories came rushing to me once again, like a nightmare playing in repeat
Run Rayvenne!!
Mom loves you, remember that
Althea come back here!
No!
I-I'll chase them away you run!
What no-
I'm older so you follow me!
Go!
That's the last time I saw her brave smile. That's the last time I heard their voices. That's the last meal we had. In the last conversation we had.
I gripped my shoulders tightly starring at my reflection. My clear blue eyes glaring back at me furiously. My eyes stung, but no tears left them. Maybe I had shed so many that they dried already
"What do I do?" I asked myself.
"Can I stay here with you?"
Flashbacks flooded my dreams, more like my nightmares, every night
I never asked to be born with these features
I never wanted this power
I never asked for it
I never wanted to use it I just wielded it to protect them yet they turned their back against me, instead of thanking me they took my family away from me.
I hate this world, I despise it
I want to be free
I want someone to set me free
And accept me
But how can I start over, if this hatred I have towards myself is enough to extinguish my desire to live?
- Writer
