The Phoenix King

New Enemies

We all gathered in the grand hall. I looked over at Selene entering last. She was wearing a sheer red gown with two slits on each side. The top was lace and had fine details all over it. It had a cape attached to it that flowed with each step she took. She looked stunning and like a queen. I could see Sam's disapproval but Selene always had a presence about her.

 I wasn't told what this was about but soon Paul came and announced the arrival of a lady Serenity. She was dressed just as royal as Selene. She was also wearing red but her dress was full with no slit and a long-sleeved coat belted at the waist. She said hello to me and everyone in the room but then went to give a tight hug to Selene. She said something to her in a language I didn't understand. They both then looked at me and lady Serenity stormed up to me and slapped me in the face. No one seemed shocked but Sam, Hunter and me.

"Is she allowed to do that," Hunter said.

"I am his grandmother, I can do as I please," she retorted. I was shocked. Hunter had to close my mouth at how wide I had it open. She took Selene's hand and they walked out of the room like they were in charge.

~

To see lady Serenity after so much time is exactly what I needed. Since Alexander went missing she has gone into hiding. We didn't know if someone would want to kill Serenity just to take over the throne. She left me in charge because she knew my relationship with Alexander and she was also a trinity spirit. She gave up her spirits a long time ago to grow old with Alexander's grandfather. Lady Serenity was his mother's mother so her husband was not the phoenix king. They both lived a long life though. She was a trinity spirit and he was a water spirit holder. Unfortunately, he died 75 years ago and she has been aging very slowly. She thought about ending her life but when Alexander ascended the throne he had no family left but her. She thought it was unfair to leave him all alone.

 We went to the sacred trinity spirit church. She loved it here as much as I did. I was so honored and glad to meet another trinity spirit. She gave up her powers a long time ago but she knew what it was like and how rare it was that you could only understand if you were one of us. There was even an old secret language for trinity spirits. She told me that very long ago they were more common and liked to live together on the planet Siah. Sometimes, I would have dreams about it and see the beautiful forest and mountains. The planet was lost along with the trinity spirits. I try to pray so I may know what happened to them but I have never heard any answers.

"I know this new development troubles you," Serenity said.

"What can I do?" I asked her.

"Ask the spirits," she said.

"There answers are never definite and hard to interpret," I told her.

"You miss him, don't you," she said.

"Every day with each passing breath I take," I said. "I need my king."

"He will come back to us," she said so reassuringly.

Noctis and Cloud then appeared.

"Lady Serenity, Selene, The king said that Hunter and Cloud are too stay by your side at all times," Noctis said. I looked at Cloud and he looked concerned and upset.

"That's fine," I said to Noctis. "Thank you."

"You are being watched," Lady Serenity said in the trinity language so Hunter could not understand.

"Seems so," I replied in secret.

Hunter did not leave our side at all. I tried to send him to get things for me but he refused. He said the king ordered him not to leave my side. With Lady Serenity by my side, I was able to attend dinner with everyone. She would not let me stay in my room all day. Even when Sam asked why I was there, Lady Serenity told her to stay silent. "Concubines have no voice in the presence of royalty and that includes future queens." I was a bit displeased at her comment but I was happy to be with everyone. I missed Axel and I could see by his glances he missed me too.

"So has anyone invited the high council members to meet with the king now that he has returned?" Lady Serenity asked.

"No, we have been trying to focus on the war," Noctis answered.

"So unusual to have a guard speak of such matters no matter his rank," Lady Serenity said.

"The king has made me a member of his council," he replied.

"You are still in no place to speak with any authority," she said. Axel looked scared and did not respond but Noctis was staring at him waiting for him to defend his actions.

"Who are the high council members," Axel asked.

"They are the leaders of the five vast planets in the galaxy," she explained. "I bet high council member Gabriel will be happy to see the two of you again." She looked at Axel and me as she spoke. I knew what she was up to but I wished she would stop.

"We can have a gathering for the fire spirit festival," Paul said.

"Wonderful," Lady Serenity said. "I will arrange everything."

"Having a party in the middle of a war," I said to her in the trinity spirit language. She just smiled.

After dinner, I decided to go for a walk.

"Is she a good person?" Axel said walking up behind me. He had been following me for a while but I never said anything.

"She is," I said softly. He was still walking behind me.

"I'm sorry," he said slowly.

"Axel, you are the king, you should never be sorry," I told him.

"Where is Hunter?" he asked.

"Your grandmother is keeping him occupied," I said.

"Oh," he said concerned.

"Don't worry I won't run off anymore but you're here with me right now, so I'm safe," I said as I reached out for his hand. He took my hand in his and I could feel his heart beating faster.

"You will like the fire spirit festival," I told him. "It always was your favorite."

He closed the distance between us and kissed me. I felt my body become warm. He brought his hands to my face and deepened the kiss.

"Axel," Hunter called out. Axel was surprised and annoyed at Hunter's appearance.

"Uh, yeah, what is it?" he asked.

"Noctis was looking for you," he said.

"Okay," Axel replied and kissed me on the cheek before he left.

I began to walk back to the palace.

"You don't deserve him," Hunter said harshly. "Sam will be queen and I'll make sure of it."