Shackled Sorceress

Chapter 2 - A Dream and a Banquet

As with most royal conducts, the banquet with Venus’ suitors was stifling. 

The Princess was dressed in crimson, her dress’ cut was even more audacious than the one she wore to the ball. Her midriff was exposed, with a drooping silk heavy with jewels to cover her chest and a skirt with slits so high it was a miracle they didn’t expose everything every time Venus moved. She was blatantly dressed like a w***e. 

No matter how rich everything that draped over her was or how free-spirited she had always been, Kalliope couldn’t imagine Venus was alright with this, being shown off like a piece of meat for all these men’s grubby eyes.

 In contrast to Venus, Kalliope was dressed in a simple gown, with a modest slit and very thorough coverage. On her head was a crown of flowers, pine needles and wild berries. However, the clothes she wore were dyed indigo, the rarest of hues, and a subtle nod to her status as Sorceress. 

A subtle warning for all the Royals to not approach.

Throughout the feast, many toasts were made and many compliments were showered over Venus and Queen Virille’s generosity. At Venus’ feet, riches piled high, gold, silver, precious gems, rare silk and curio of every kind. Every well-wisher and prospective suitor would bow before her, eyes lingered a bit too long on her body, and left satisfied after Venus granted him a charming smile.

It was all going according to plan. Even the tight smile Queen Virille was wearing had loosened, as she watched man after man fawned over her daughter.

Kalliope was caught between falling asleep on her high chair and puking into the nearest wine pitcher. She was in a room full of strangers, the whole ordeal was suffocating, and she would rather read her spellbook for the hundredth time rather than waiting around the whole night.

The Queen would detest her for it though. And with Venus going to be sent away soon for marriage, Kalliope would have to be the one dealing with her whims. 

It was not to say Queen Virille was cruel or favoured Kalliope less than her sister. If anything, the Queen was more lenient and loving towards her younger child, as Kalliope was more obedient and easier to manipulate. And Kalliope, while knowing full well that her mother was mostly using her to further strengthening the court, cared very little. She and Venus made a pact long ago, when they were but children. 

Once Venus was in power, they would do whatever they wished. 

Even though, over the years, their wishes had changed (Venus to have a full harem of the finest men and women she could find, and Kalliope to travel across their country to bring knowledge to the common folks), the foundation of their pact hadn’t changed.

Despite Venus’ more and more daring debaucheries and Kalliope’s growing distance, the latter of the two had no reason not to believe what they wanted wouldn’t come true, someday. Venus would marry, and fulfilled her role until the day came that she would be Queen. Kalliope would study and become the greatest Sorceress Aleria could offer.

They only needed the patience to see it through.

So deep in her thoughts, Kalliope didn’t realise someone had approached her until her name was called.

“-Kalliope. Princess Kalliope the Elusive.”

The entire banquet hall had gone quiet. Feeling a sudden bout of dread, Kalliope slowly lifted her head, and came face to face with the Crown Prince Malus’ smiling visage.

She blinked once. Twice.

“Greetings, Prince Malus. How may I help you?”

His smile widened. 

“You look lovely tonight, dear Princess.”

She wasn’t expecting that. Offering him her hand to kiss, as per protocol, Kalliope crammed a polite smile onto her face, “I thank you, Highness.”

Now that she was past her initial shock, Kalliope realised that, unlike the other suitors, Malus was suited in ceremonial armour. Jet black, just like the plates he wore when they first met, but also line with silver, intricately woven at the edge like vines. His cape was off the shoulder, spilling like shadows, and his hair was brushed back, away from his startling blue eyes. In his hand, the one that wasn’t holding onto Kalliope’s, was an iron box.

Wary, Kalliope made to pull her hand away, but his grip was unrelenting. Warm, as she remembered, but it made her stomach churn with nervousness. 

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the Queen watching them like a hawk.  

“Princess, if I may.” Malus’ voice, rumbling like distant thunder, pulled Kalliope’s attention back to him, “My kingdom is not rich in land like Alari. The weather is cold and harsh, with ice encasing life three seasons of every year. It is not known for trade routes, nor great wonders of ancient civilizations. But what it has is riches deep beneath the soil. People hardened with will and patience. And, if you can look beyond the rough and inhospitable environments, you would find the beauty in wilderness, hidden away from mortal eyes.”

Finally, Malus let go of Kalliope’s hand, and opened the box. Inside, nested in ebony velvet, was a hair pin made of ice. Nevermeltice, it seemed, as cold mist seethed from it, and yet not a single drop of water soaked the fabric it laid upon. On one end, a sapphire was set, the same colour as her eyes, surrounded by a cluster of diamonds that shaped into a curling dragon.

“Would you accept my gift, and accept me, as your betrothed?”

If the hall was silent before, now it was like everyone had whisked out of existence. No-one dared to even breathe.

“What???” Gawking, it was all that came out of Kalliope’s mouth.

“Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffft….”

Everyone’s eyes snapped to Venus, except for Malus who was still looking at Kalliope. The elder princess seemed to be having a terrible time keeping her composure, having covered her mouth with both her hands to desperately stuffed back her laughter. 

Queen Virille threw Venus a withering glare, before turning to Prince Malus with her most diplomatic smile.

“My Prince, I am sure Kalliope is grateful for your generous offer, and I, as a mother, is beyond humbled that someone as famous as you is asking for her hand. However, I do not think Kalliope is fit to be your wife.”

Without even looking at the Queen, Melas asked.

“And why is that?”

The only indication of how insulted Queen Virille felt was the slightest twitch to her cheek.

“Why, my daughter is a Sorceress. Surely you would understand someone of her talents would be difficult to be put directly on the Throne.”

 At last, Malus’ eyes tore away from Kalliope’s petrified face, “On the contrary, Your Majesty. I believe someone who possesses such talents would be excellent by my side. To have dear Kalliope’s support would solidify my future rule beyond imagination. I understand it is not traditional to marry a Sorceress into the Royal bloodline. But this feast, the exquisite ball you held, are for both the Princesses, are they not? And is Princess Kalliope not a Royal already? Why should it matter if she gains yet another family?”

Queen Virille’s smile twisted into a scowl, “Yes, my Prince. However, if you desire one of my daughters so, would Princess Venus be more suitable and less...controversial to your case?”

Something danced in Malus’ eyes, “I believe not. As I desire Kalliope and Kalliope alone.”

Said Princess felt her head spin.

What the hell is going on??

Before her mother could come up with an argument, Malus spoke in a conspiratorial tone.

“If you agree to bless our union, I vow to protect and aid the kingdom of Aleria whenever the need arises. Her dowry would be her weight in gold and jewels, a thousand horses and a thousand soldiers at your expense, and a hundred of our finest craftsmen.”

The glint of steel in Queen Virille’s eyes terrified Kalliope.

“I accept.”

And, just like that, Kalliope’s world fell apart.