Whisper Before the Journey
1326 Words
Seraphine sat quietly by the window as the morning sun bathed her chamber in soft golden light. The air in the room trembled with anticipation. Today was no ordinary day—it marked the beginning of a sacred journey, one meant to strengthen alliances, prove loyalty, and test courage. Her mother, Vyreth, moved gracefully around the room, adjusting silk robes embroidered with protective runes and whispering incantations under her breath to bless her daughter’s steps.
Outside, the palace buzzed with energy. Footsteps echoed down marble halls, guards polished armor under the banners of House Draven, and dragons were being groomed in the skycourts. Emissaries from the distant kingdoms of Fangs, Claws, Grills, Wings, and Sea had begun to arrive in grand chariots pulled by elemental beasts. The world, it seemed, had taken notice.
“I’m going to miss you, Seraphine,” Vyreth said suddenly. Her voice trembled, heavy with emotion and cloaked fear.
Seraphine paused, turning from the mirror to meet her mother’s eyes. “I’ll miss you too, Mom.”
Vyreth stepped forward and took Seraphine’s hands into hers. “There’s something I need to tell you. Perhaps, along your journey, you’ll meet those who remember the truth. Allies, Seraphine. Allies who still believe in what was before Alaric twisted everything. People who might help you bring him down.”
Seraphine’s fingers tightened around her mother’s. Her heart thudded heavily in her chest. “You really think someone out there would help?”
Vyreth nodded slowly. “Yes. Somewhere in those five kingdoms, someone remembers the truth. Someone sees the lies for what they are.”
Seraphine swallowed hard. “Do you know of anyone specifically?”
Before Vyreth could answer, the door creaked open, and Queen Celeste stepped in, her presence as commanding as a thunderstorm. Her crimson robe flowed like a river of blood behind her, and her eyes gleamed with scrutiny as they landed on Seraphine.
“You look beautiful,” Celeste said in a tone that made it sound like an accusation more than a compliment.
Seraphine blinked in surprise. “Thank you,” she said cautiously.
“That is why you won’t be going,” Celeste declared.
“What?” Seraphine asked, voice rising with disbelief.
Celeste stepped further into the room, her sharp gaze cutting through the air. “You are with child. We will not risk a repeat of what happened last time.”
Seraphine’s breath caught. “But I’m stronger now. I can handle the journey.”
“No,” Celeste said firmly. “You’re a symbol now. A vessel. And that child in your womb may be the only heir we’ll ever have. We cannot lose it.”
Vyreth stepped in with a calmness that masked the fire behind her words. “Then I shall go in her stead. I’ll represent my daughter before the courts.”
Celeste’s lips curled into a stiff smile. “Of course. How noble of you.”
She turned on her heel and exited the room with the finality of a slammed door.
Seraphine turned to her mother, a storm of questions burning behind her eyes. “What are you doing?”
Vyreth looked at her softly. “Just representing you.” She leaned in and whispered, “And maybe… finding someone who can help the Empress of Isies. The tide is changing, Seraphine. Maybe even the werewolves and vampires will join hands this time to rid the world of that imposter.”
Seraphine stared at her mother, stunned. “Mom… I carry his child.”
“I know,” Vyreth whispered. “And I know you still love him. But love can’t blind you from destiny.”
In another wing of the palace, Alaric stood before the tall, stained-glass window of his chamber, watching the sunrise paint the sky in molten gold. His thoughts were elsewhere—on Seraphine, on their child, on the throne he would soon be paraded across the realms to protect. His mother, Celeste, entered quietly behind him.
“I wish she were coming,” he murmured.
Celeste placed a hand on his shoulder. “But you didn’t stop me.”
“I would’ve protected her,” Alaric said, voice cracking.
Celeste’s voice dropped. “If you fell once, you might not rise again. The people need strength, not sentiment.”
“She’s carrying my child.”
“And that child must live. Even if it means you walk this path alone.”
He didn’t answer.
Celeste kissed his cheek and whispered, “Rest, my son. Tomorrow we leave. The kingdoms will judge you—not only by your power but by your heart.”
The morning of the departure arrived with wind and fire. Drums thundered, dragons roared, and magic filled the air like lightning waiting to strike. Alaric emerged from the palace dressed in ceremonial armor, silver filigree wrapping around black obsidian plates. His presence commanded silence.
Beside the gates, Vaelrik stood with Celeste. “Is Vyreth coming with us?” he asked quietly.
“No,” Celeste said coldly. “I’ve sent guards to ensure she doesn’t leave her chamber. We will not let history repeat itself.”
Vaelrik raised a brow. “You had her arrested?”
“She’s a danger. We cannot risk her interfering again.” Celeste’s voice softened. “Our child must shine as the brightest star.”
Alaric walked past them, his eyes locking briefly on their interlocked hands. Something inside him twisted. Betrayal. Jealousy. Dread. He looked away quickly.
Meanwhile, deep within the palace, Vyreth was donning her traveling robe when the door slammed open.
“Lady Vyreth,” a dragon guard announced, “you are under arrest by order of the Queen.”
“For what?” she asked calmly.
“No charge has been named. You are to be detained for questioning.”
Vyreth closed her eyes. “So it begins.”
They took her through hidden corridors to a secret chamber beneath the east wing, a place forgotten by all but those who trafficked in the shadows of power.
Back in Seraphine’s chamber, her handmaid Selyra burst in, breathless.
“They took your mother,” she whispered.
Seraphine turned sharply. “Where?”
“I don’t know. Somewhere hidden. The guards moved fast. Silent. As if they were trained for this.”
“They were,” Seraphine said grimly. “She knew too much.”
Selyra hesitated. “Why now?”
“Because she’s the last who remembers what this kingdom used to stand for. And because they fear what’s coming.” Seraphine stood, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly. “They fear this child.”
“The prophecy?”
Seraphine nodded. “The child of the sun, the moon, and the night star. A child destined to unify what was divided. To burn away lies with truth.”
Selyra gasped. “You believe that?”
“I do,” Seraphine whispered. “And they do too. That’s why they’re trying to silence my mother. And why they want to keep me locked away.”
“So what will you do?”
Seraphine’s eyes hardened. “I’ll find her. And I’ll find a way to reveal the truth.”
That night, under the silver light of the moon, Celeste stood in the royal garden, cloaked in a sapphire shawl that shimmered like water. A robed figure emerged from the shadows.
“Did she receive the message?” Celeste asked.
“She did,” the figure replied. “The Empress of Isies has been informed.”
“And Vyreth?”
“Secured in the east wing. No one will find her without your word.”
Celeste smiled coldly. “Excellent. Soon, all challengers will be removed. And the path for my son will be clear.”
Unbeknownst to her, in the trees above, Seraphine crouched silently, eyes wide with horror.
The time for playing princess was over.
Now, she would become the storm.
- Writer
