Dark Illumination

Chapter Twelve

During the summer of her ninth year, the princess was told that she would be meeting the prince for the first time. It had been particularly hot at the time and the robes they made her wear were not only heavy and cumbersome, but they also reached the ground. So, while Serena help onto the High Queen’s hand, all her attention was focused on not tripping. The last thing she wanted was to make a fool of herself in front of the Prince of Light.

He had arrived a few days ago, but they hadn’t run into one another once. The Onyx Palace was big enough that it was possible and Serena had been caught up in her studies. She was a few months ahead of the new prince in her training, which gave her an air of superiority towards him.

But, as sweat trickled down her back, making the chemise she wore underneath cling to her skin, she wasn’t so sure of herself anymore. The intricate headdress the maids put on her bit into her scalp. They actually had to sew it into her hair to keep it from falling. It made her head look like it had candy frosting on it—the kind the head chef liked to put on top of cakes. The only thing she liked about the whole ensemble was the tiny bells attached to the billowing sleeves of her outer robe. They tinkled sweetly each time she took a step.

If there was a time she felt like a true princess it was right this moment. Her lips were rogued. Her cheeks pink. Even her nails were painted. And she was about to meet a prince. It was magical, her new life. Simply magical.

“Are you ready?” the High Queen asked as they walked along the corridor, flanked by massive manticores on each side. A contingent of six. Serena learned about this a week back. For all ceremonies and special occasions, the monarch must always be accompanied by an honor guard, no exceptions.

She looked up at the beautiful woman holding her hand and caught herself wondering if her fingers would ever be as slender and elegant as hers. And a palm as soft as rose petals. She wanted to take it to her cheek and nuzzle all day. But they had responsibilities. That was the first thing Serena had been taught. Her responsibilities to her people were paramount.

Smiling, she said, “I’m nervous. What if he’s mean?”

The queen used her free hand to cover her mouth when she laughed. A soft sound so much like the tinkling bells on her sleeves. Ah, Her Majesty was truly stunning; especially in the ivory gown she wore with thousands of pearls sewn into the fabric to create the sacred-heart design. Her only other adornment was the crown on her head. She wore no rings or other forms of jewelry. Best of all, she smelled faintly of night blooming jasmine. Such a wonderful scent that reminded her of the meadow outside of the old shack she lived in with her uncle.

That life seemed so far away now. Memories so distant she had to think really hard to recall them. A simpler time where she did nothing all day but play in the forest. There were days when she missed that life. More so when her tutors were teaching her something mind-numbingly boring like the genealogy of past kings and queens. Why she had to learn that she had no idea.

“He is young. And a boy,” she said sagely. “It is understandable that you would think that way.”

“The boys in my village were mean. I caught them tormenting a cat in an alley once.” She frowned at the memory.

“And what did you do?” she asked with a seriousness that made Serena love her even more. Nothing was too small a topic for the High Queen.

“I picked up a stick and threatened to beat them with it.” An impish grin stretched her red lips. “They ran away crying to their mommies.”

The queen laughed again, this time not bothering to hide it behind a hand. When she regained her composure just outside the great hall, she squeezed their clasped hands and said, “That tells me you’ll do fine with the young prince. If he steps out of line just once go find a stick and make him run crying to his mommy.”

Serena’s grin turned into a bright smile as warmth infused her chest. She should never blatantly threaten the Prince of Dark that way. Well, at least she would think twice about it first. She was a princess now after all. But the queen’s words did come a long way in calming her nerves. If there was a time she was ready, it was right this second.

Taking a deep breath, she lifted her chin high and returned the reassuring squeeze she had been given. The queen nodded at the chamberlain with a long staff. He signaled for the gargoyles posted at the entrance. They placed their might clawed hands on the polished black crystal and pushed inward. A mighty creak filled the entryway and great hall as the massive doors swung open.

The bright sunlight streaming into the massive windows blinded Serena for a moment. She blinked several times in an attempt to clear the spots she began seeing floating in front of her. When her vision cleared enough, a sea of courtiers greeted her entrance with the queen. There were more than usual gathered today since it was a Ceremony of Introduction. Not very many of those happening.

To Serena it seemed like every creature in Teare and Lumeria were represented. The banshees came out in style in shining black dresses. Their yellow eyes were filled with delight. There were ghouls and goblins. Trolls and dwarves. Pixies and nixies flew on gossamer wings. There were sprites too. The Knights of Lumeria were present also, along with their high ranking legionnaires. And larger creatures like dragons and gryphons opted to stay in their human form as a matter of convenience. Serena imagined one dragon in its original form would fill half the great hall. A giggle bubbled inside her at the thought.

She and the queen began their procession toward the dais where the High King stood amidst murmurs of wonder from the courtiers. The men bowed while the women curtseyed as they passed. Wonderfully positive energy surrounded them, almost making the air shimmer. Or was it merely a trick of the light?

Once Serena was done marveling at the festive atmosphere, she allowed her gaze to land on the boy standing beside the king. His dark hair was barely tamed by the circlet around his head. It seemed like the strands begged to spring out of their golden mooring. She barely suppressed a chuckle until it turned into a gasp as her gaze lowered to his eyes. They were the bluest of all the blue she’d ever seen. Even from a distance they were enough to make her stare in wonder. On his chest was a smaller version of the breastplates on the Knights, but his was emblazoned with a five-pointed star at the center while the others had suns, moons, lightning bolts. Serena read somewhere that varying the symbols signified the different names for the many different Knights. And like the strapping warriors, the prince also wore a cape, but judging from the way the fabric pooled around his feet, it was too long for his gangly height. He was all long arms and legs, yet his posture was impeccable—ramrod straight, albeit a little tense around the shoulders. She took great comfort in the fact that, despite standing still like a good little soldier, he seemed just as uncomfortable with all this as she was.

With each step toward the dais, Serena knew her life would forever change once again. Like the day The Dark came for her. And from the way he looked those startling blue eyes on hers, he must be feeling the same. At least, she hoped he was feeling the same. If they were to be married in the future, she wanted them to be able to stand one another. Maybe even become friends. She didn’t expect the kind of relationship the High King and Queen had. Falling in love? That was one in a million and the stuff of the fairy tales she secretly read under the covers at night.

When they reached the bottom of the dais, the High Queen let go of her hand and positioned Serena in front of her. Once she was in position, gentle hands settled on her shoulders. Her tutors said she needed to stay still and answer accordingly, like they practiced.

A hush fell over the great hall as all eyes were on the monarchs. The High King and Queen shared a loaded pause then a nod.

Then the king addressed everyone, “We are all gathered here today to witness the introduction of the new Prince and Princess. They have been chosen by The Light and The Dark in fulfilment of the first prayer in the Scroll of the World.”

“May The Light and Dark bless them,” answered the courtiers.

“And it is in this introduction that they begin their journey,” the king continued. “So that one day they may take up the mantel of High King and Queen.”

“In order for the balance to be maintained,” came the reply in perfect unison.

The entire time the king spoke, Serena’s gaze didn’t waver from the prince’s. He looked at her with the same seriousness. It was like they were playing an intense game of Stare. The first one to blink loses. She grinned knowing the prince was the one who had to look away when the king ushered him forward.

“May I present Dillan Sloan, Prince of Light.”

The prince took a knee and bowed his head. Then he spoke the words taught to him for this ceremony. “It is both an honor and a privilege to be introduced here and now. I am your humble servant.”

The queen reached out her hand and placed it on top of his head. “From the Light you were chosen, from the Light you shall reign. Rise, Your Highness, and greet your princess.”

Dillan brought the queen’s knuckles to his forehead as was the tradition of their people then got to his feet and said, “Princess of The Dark, I am but your humble servant, ready to serve.”

Serena inclined her head. “I accept your greeting, Prince of The Light.”

Then the queen faced the great hall and recited the same words the king had when introducing Dillan. Serena waited patiently for her turn. She said all the words expected. Nailed the curtsey despite the stiff robes. Then she formally introduced herself to the prince. It all seemed so surreal to her. Like she was living a dream.

The ceremony seemed longer than she had initially thought when she had practiced with her tutors. Apparently, they were just practicing her parts. There were still offerings key officials made. Lengthy prayers were recited, including all the responses. Then there was the benedictions given by the high priestess—an old crone of a woman—and the blessings shared by the head sorcerer, which consisted of a scroll for Dillan and healing crystals for Serena.

Soon things no longer held that dream like appeal. Her feet ached from standing too long on shoes that pinched her toes. All her undergarments were officially stuck to her body from the amount of sweat that left her skin and may take a battalion to pry off later. How anyone could stand the heat, she had no idea. The discomfort reached a point where she was reduced to counting the number of people inside the great hall just to take her mind off it.

Once the queen joined her king up at the dais to stand in front of their thrones, Dillan reached out for Serena. Finally, they had come to the final part. At first she had forgotten what she was supposed to do. In all the tedium of smiling, nodding, and bowing, it slipped her mind that she had to hold hands…with a boy. A prince. Whom she just met. They might as well have asked him to kiss her then and there. Her heart climbed up her throat so fast she almost choked on it.

Doubt creased Dillan’s brow as she left him hanging, arm stretched out, palm facing the ceiling. Then he rolled his eyes, huffed, and stomped down the dais to where she stood, cape flowing behind him like ethereal wings. Not too long at all.

When he reached her side, he took her hand in a strong grip. She looked down at their clasped hands. Already his palms showed signs of rough calluses forming where the grip of a sword would be. And, for the first time, she noticed the gem on the vambrace he wore. Unlike the obsidian on her circlet, this gem was opaque and held a faint shimmer inside.

“That’s pretty,” she found herself saying absentmindedly.

He grimaced. “There should be nothing pretty about a Lumerian Knight’s uniform.”

His tone of annoyance irked her into dropping all formality. “Well, then the armor of a Knight shouldn’t have such a girly gem stuck to it.”

“Girly?” he asked, aghast. Then he puffed out his chest. “There’s nothing girly about the home of Lightseeker, the greatest blade that ever lived.”

Serena’s face puckered in irritation. “We’ll see about that. I’m going to train and beat you with a much better sword.” So much for thoughts of them trying to get along.

“Oh yeah?” He arched an eyebrow at her. “I’d like to see you try. Lumerian Knights are the best swordsmen in the two kingdoms.”

“Not only will I beat you, Dillan Sloan, I will make you cry!”

She hadn’t noticed that she had shouted her declaration until complete and utter silence followed her words. Then the entire great hall burst into peals of laughter. A great and mighty blush colored Serena’s entire face. She must have been redder than the rogue they used on her lips. There went her chances of making a good impression. Worst of all was the smug look that Dillan gave her as he pulled her up the dais so they could take their places between the king and queen.