Shackled Sorceress

Inside the lavish ballroom of Aleria Royal Palace, a party was on full swing. As usual, the Princess Venus was the centre of attention. Dressed in a gown like woven aurora and so much jewels her body sparkled, it was difficult for any of the suitors to draw their eyes away from her. Not when the slit on her front dipped so low, they could almost see her navel, when her chest rolled with every laughter, and how her sun-kissed skin glowed under crystal light. Venus was enchanting, with her honeyed voice, golden curls and green eyes that were inviting and innocent, yet spoke of so many enticing secrets. It was almost impossible to imagine the same woman, the same Princess, was spreading wide, naked over the banquet table, a Noble’s head between her legs, another suckling on her round breasts and a guard’s manhood in her mouth. Just one night ago. On the other side of the room, almost hidden behind drooping curtains, Princess Kalliope watched her sister with critical eyes. Venus was acting out the charming Princess role well, just as their mother, Queen Virille, planned for her. And Kalliope, as always, played a good role of being invisible. Oh, it was not to say Kalliope was any less beautiful than her sister. They were twins, after all. Perhaps Kalliope was a little pale, but she was delicate and mystical. Her hair was the colour of moonlight, fluttering like silk even when the air was stillest. She was willowy, noble and elegant under the simple gown she wore. Sapphire eyes were piercing, yet always sparkling with knowledge that far surpasss her tender age of nineteen. No, Kalliope wasn’t at all unappealing. Kalliope was simply given a different role in the grand scheme of things. Growing bored of seeing boorish men leering at Venus’ breasts, Kalliope plucked a wine glass from a servant and slipped out to the balcony. Regardless of which suitor she would choose tomorrow, tonight, Venus would have her fill in pleasure, and Kalliope would rather not know which ones they would be. The night wind was a balm to her skin, and the full moon put all the luxurious decorations in the castle to shame. Leaning over marble railing, Kalliope relished in blissed silence. Tonight’s party was a courting ball. A ritual to decide which one of the sisters would become Crown Princess of Aleria. Of course, it was all a ruse, as the Royal Family knew full-well which one of the twin princesses should be on the throne. Venus was groomed from day one, before Kalliope could even remember, to be the next Queen. She was well-versed in statecraft, dignified when she had to be, cunning in a way that she had all the rumours and schemes of the court in the palm of her hand at the age of twelve. Venus also knew how to use her womanly wiles to the fullest potential, as demonstrated with all the suitors who flocked in tonight. And almost every night for as long as Kalliope could remember. Anyone who successfully courted the beautiful Venus would count it a blessing, unwittingly succumbing himself and all his wealths to her alluring spells. Heaving a sigh, Kalliope pushed strands of silver hair behind her ear, and let her thoughts washed away with the waves below, lapping at the cliff where their palace was built upon.  “I thought I had mistaken the invitation upon arrival. But now I see the Queen Virille did not lie. This party is for two Princesses, after all.” Kalliope almost groaned into her wine. Putting on her most polite and diplomatic smile, she turned around. Looking no older than late twenties, he stood tall and proud, bottomless blue eyes were distant yet had a strange siren call to them, making Kalliope unable to tear her gaze away. He was wrapped in a cloak, pitch black with no markings, fluttering gently in the wind to reveal ironclad legs. His arms were armored as well, the same colour as his dark hair. There was a small smile to his handsome lips, and Kalliope didn’t realize she was staring until the man approached her. “Would you mind terribly if I join you, Princess Kalliope?” She averted her eyes quickly, feeling a blush rising.  “Not at all, Ser…” “Malus. Crown Prince of Caelora.” Blinking, Kalliope found herself staring again as the name registered. “Forgive me, Prince  Malus  . ‘Tis a long way from the Far North, Your Highness.”  Elegantly,  Malus tipped his glass, “No distance is too long for such enticing betrothals. And just  Malus would do, Princess.” The reminder had Kalliope looking away again, “Is my sister’s company not suitable to your likings, Highness?” His chuckle was deep like distant thunder, “Not at all, milady. However, I do believe your sister is far too busy to grace an obscure figure such as myself with her time, I'm afraid.” Kalliope’s brow arched up, “Highness, I would hardly call you ‘an obscure figure’. Though distant, Caelora is famous with its military might, and you are well-known for your conquests.” “Ah, but what good would fame be, if the elusive Princess Kalliope of Aleria does not know who I am?” Turning away to hide the rogue staining her cheeks, Kalliope swished her wine around, “And you must forgive me, again. Unlike my dear sister, I am not as well-versed in statecraft, and thus am not well-informed of all the figureheads of our world.” “And yet, you are far more well-spoken.”  Malus’ words had drawn her eyes in disbelief. His smile was gentle, and perhaps lethal to her heart, “No disrespect to Her Highness Venus, of course. If I may ask, why are you here, Princess? Hidden away, when this grand ball was supposed to be for the both of you?” Perhaps it was because of the moonlight, perhaps it was the way she could see the reflection of herself in his endless blue eyes, Kalliope found herself unable to lie. “I have no desire for marriage nor the Crown.” Malus’ blink was slow, not unlike a cat’s, his attention focused solely on her. “How so?” Kalliope sipped her wine, sapphire eyes cast over the open sea, “My...interests lay elsewhere. A marriage would put an end to my studies and discoveries. A crown would turn my eyes away from sights otherwise unknown to palace life. So...no, I would prefer to stay elusive, as you put it, and serve the Crown when the time comes.” The prince inclined his head, not once had his eyes strayed away, “If I may be so intrusive, but would the Queen not be against this? Was this betrothal ball not to marry you off, dear Princess?” “It is but a farce. A tradition that we must uphold. My mother the Queen has no intention of giving her away for marriage unless the offer was too great to refuse. I am far more useful within the borders of Aleria than being pawned off to a marriage.” There was a drop of surprise in  Malus’ eyes, as he leaned in closer, “And, pray tell, why would it be so?” “Do you not know, Your Highness?” Kalliope’s lips quirked up, amused that, for once, it was her who enraptured a man of such powers, “I am a Sorceress.” This had  Malus quickly stepped back in surprise. Kalliope’s smile became tight, both amused and disappointed, “Do you see, my Prince? Only a mad man would want a Sorceress for a wife. Any Royal would be fearful of a wife who could kill them without a trace. Many Kings and Crown Princes know this, thus my lack of a line of suitors. Now, if you would excuse me.” She stepped back, one hand pulled back her skirt, purposely showing Malus a taunting sliver of long, milky leg, and curtsied, mockingly. “I have a party to return to, Your Highness.” Kalliope relished in the dumbstruck expression on  Malus’ face. However, as she turned to leave,  Malus’ hand snatched hers. Even through the leather of his glove, she could feel the warmth he radiated, and Kalliope froze, as he rose her knuckles to his lips. “Have a good night, Kalliope the Elusive.” “...And you, Highness.”