Chamber of Hope

As I lay on the silky sheets of my bed, the blades of soldiers from Larydan thrashing at friends and strangers, peaks a memory within my mind that never ceases to come through. The burned landscapes of the previously nurtured woods haunts my closed eyelids. The bloodshed from the families of faeries, Lyami’s, and people only there seeking a home, pierce through my sleeping mind, reminding me to not forget. The faces of the ones that I was never supposed to say goodbye to linger long, as their eyes gloss over, proving to me once again that they’ll never shine again- and the memory of me killing the men that did that to them, with one sound, stays fresh in mind. I open my eyes from the dreadful nightmares and my hands emit a blue glow, my magic sensing my whirl of emotions and protecting me from my memories. I close my hands tightly and close my eyes whispering, “Reverso.” I feel the heat disappear from my hands and open my eyes to see that I’m in the same place I was the night before-alone in the King of Larydan’s castle. I move my way out of the bed and see the balcony doors lying open, casting a welcoming moonshine through my room. I pull myself out of bed leading myself towards the balcony, I stand there in my pink nightgown, waiting for the calmness of the night to seize my nerves. I let out a frustrated air of breath. “What do you want Nax?” I turn around to find him appear from within my room walking his way over to me. Although he hides them well, I can see the glint of silver from his knives within his boots- an unfair advantage to me as he was the one to teach me that trick. “Can’t a girl’s best friend say hi every once in awhile, without getting the third degree?” I continue to glare at him with my arms crossed, soon letting a groan escape my lips before captivating him in a hug. “You shouldn’t be here, nightly check ups weren’t part of the plan.” I let go of him and lean myself against the cold, stone pillar behind me. “You’re losing control again, Avina.” My body goes stiff at his accusation. “It’s Serena, Nax. Avina doesn’t exist as long as the king’s alive.” I let out in a cold tone. I wear the face of Princess Serena for this to work, if I had simply allowed my own form to show, I’d never be allowed within any lengths if this Castle- they know my face too well. “And I’m not losing control, it was just a nightmare- I can handle this.” He mimics my actions and leans against the balcony as I do, handing me a bottle with a clear liquid inside. “To keep you calm. We don’t need you blowing our cover because of a few bad dreams.” I open the potion and take it in one sip, it’s affects not yet giving me that calming effect, I wait for it to work and dwindling my magic to become nothing but hidden- allowing only my disguise to remain in tact. I close my hands over the bottle, before opening them up again to reveal nothing but water, that I let fall onto the ground below. “He doesn’t deserve to live, not after everything he’s done.” I whisper to my oldest friend beside me. Nax has been with me since I was eight in the prisons of Caradon, we escaped together when we were sure that we’d survive the journey out. “There’s still people dying under his hand out there,” His eyes remain rooted to the kingdom, it’s distance surrounding us at all sides. “Remember the plan, stick to the plan, and then we’re done with the princess act. Avina’s not that far away.” I nod my head, finally feeling the calm seat itself inside of me, I stand myself up tall. “Well, Princess Serena never lets a boy keep her from her beautyrest, goodbye Nax and stay away for now. It’s not apart of the plan.” I make my way back to the room and as I settle back into bed, I don’t have to look back to know that he’s gone and I’m once again back to being alone. ~ The sunlight glistens from the sun’s rays as I walk along the courtyard of the Castle, with my guard in tow. Afton wears his Navy blue cloak and the symbol of the king lays on the hilt of his sword, as well as the circular token clipping his cloak together. We make our way towards the throne hall of King Keir, entering the palace- although my hatred for him is stronger as the days I spend here grow, I can not deny the beauty the castle holds. The entirety of it seems to be made of a pure white stone, with decorative symbols of Gold placed thoroughly within its walls- reflective ceilings in the ballroom and bedrooms, and the blood red rugs of the palace are an incredible delight for the eyes. “I heard that the king has a very bad temper around this time of year,” I look towards my guard Afton, seeking out his voice to respond. “You haven’t spoken a word to me, since I’ve come upon this place,” I start, “At least groan, sigh in annoyance, I don’t know, breathe loudly.” We continue to walk within the palace, walking besides one another. “How long have you been with the family?” I know the answer to this, I had to study every guard within the fifteen-mile proximity, before I decided that it was time to come here- if only he’d open his mouth. “Ten years.” I keep my eyes forward, at least he’s telling the truth. Before I can open my mouth again, trying to indulge in conversation, he interrupts me, “I’m here to guard, not entertain you, Princess Serena.” He opens the door and I give him a roll of my eyes- still adjusting with them unfamiliarity of the name- before I enter the hall, immediately I become overwhelmed with the amount of Gold placed inside of the room. Everything from pillars, tiles- to the throne he sits on is cascaded in the item, not leaving a trace of anything remotely undervalued. Now I can say that I know where the money to feed the rest of Caradan has gone, here, for the King to walk over and enjoy, while everyone else has to watch their friends die of starvation or freeze to death, while the roofs of homes are still destroyed from the wars. I continue my steps down the room, making sure to keep my eyes trained low, as not to show any sign of disrespect and to hide my disgust at the man himself. “Your majesty.” I bow down, simmering down the side of me that desires to end him here, to get my revenge and disappear for good- but even then it wouldn’t be enough. With that thought in mind, I calm myself down and allow my eyes to shift back to his direction, standing tall with my eyes trained towards his chest. “Princess Serena,” I finally meet his eyes and see the darkened gloom that falls over them, the tainted smile staining his face as he nears me. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?” I give him a sickening, sweet smile that takes over my features, keeping up this facade is proving more difficult than I thought it’d be, especially when he’s so close that I could easily take him down- if only I could... “I'm experiencing the life of a true king sir,” I reply back, “Don't tell my brother, but I think that he could use some improvements in the kingdom,” I give him a shy smile, my eyes looking up from my eyelashes, peering towards him. It's unusually easy to say the right thing to him, to get him to see what I want him to- how he has taken over nations, when he remains a fool, is beyond my understanding. I sense him draw himself closer to me as he lets out a deep chuckle, “Well whatever the circumstances, it's good to have you back.” His eyes roam up and down my body in a manner that makes my blood run cold, “Last time I saw you, you were still wearing pigtails and now- Now you're a woman. Nineteen. Have your eyes always been that hazel-blue?” This body that I impersonate is beautiful, everything from her hair to her body build is extraordinary- an exact replica. The only thing that remains a sign of me are my eyes- the only distinguishable factor that could give me away, my eyes, “It’s been so long, I’m ashamed that you don’t remember my traits, your majesty. Last time I checked you had a daughter, how is Clem?” Although his face hasn’t changed, I can see a small flicker in his eyes at the mention of his daughter. “You know what it's like being groomed for the royal life, it's hard. I imagine that you'll be paying her a visit soon?” Oh he has no idea. “If that would be alright with you, King Keir" I question with eyes described as daggers. As if I need his permission. “Clem Is in her chambers, she'll be glad to have a guest.” He extends her arm towards the golden door her, “It was a pleasure seeing you, I hope to not find this just a one time encounter?” She bows with her head held low. Hell be begging for this to be their only encounter once shes destroyed his life- just as he'd done to her. “I wouldn't dream of it.” ~ The walk to Clem's chambers remains a simple short walk, a few twists and turns, but I had been able to distinguish the path on my own- thankfully, Afton hadn't found the need to take me on such a short walk. This is the start to the plan- the king’s pride and livelihood remained in his only daughter, the heir to his throne. Once I can obtain her trust, I can terminate her and finish the mission- it would not only destroy the empire, but destroy the king himself. The only worry is that the time strain on the mission will be displaced, but I can do this- for him, for us. I find her door, the only one seeming to be made of a smoother material than the rest, and softly place three soft knocks onto it. I wait for her to answer the knock, I wait, and wait, and wait some more- until I find myself knocking again. As my knuckles once again hit the smooth wood, the door bursts open and I look down to see a girl- round brown eyes, freckles along the bridge of her nose. “I’m looking for Clem?” I ask the girl, who only looks up at me, before shaking her head. “I’m Clem, I know, I’m really pretty for my age.” I shake my head in confusion, this girl is so young, too young. No, there had to be a mistake, Max knew better than to involve someone so.. I close my eyes, again, not comprehending what was in front of me, “I’m sorry to intrude, I’m princess Serena, I’m looking for the King’s daughter.” She nods her head with a smile on her face, stretching from cheek to cheek, “Yeah that’s me, I’m the big eight in a couple of days.” I grit my teeth in anger, distrust, upset, and so much more. Nax had so much to explain. ~ I let the cold air cascade through my hair as I stood on the balcony once again, letting the moonshine illuminate my features that remained mine, as I shifted back into my own face. I’m tired of this princesses features, yes she was beautiful, but she wasn’t me, but I would still go on with the plan. I would be her and continue to cloak myself in the magic of her, but how far would I go? What would I have to do for the sake of retribution? Yes, the King deserved suffering, he deserved the pain he brought upon nations, but did his daughter have to pay the price for him? I was fuming. Nax knew, and he let me keep going, believing that this was the way- but he kept this from me. “I know you said not to come back, but I couldn’t fight the feeling that you wanted to talk.” My back is to him as I hold an air of breath within my lips, fearing that once I let it out, that this will have all been for nothing. “You lied to me,” I throw at him, “You know how I feel about kids getting in the way- it’s not worth it. It’ll never be worth it.” My voice is deathly calm, he seems unphased as I turn to face him. “I never lied,” He lets out, “i just didn’t tell you.” “Please-” “Because I knew that it would cloud your judgement, and I was right. Look at you! You’re a mess, your clinging onto this excuse, not because you care, but because you’re scared of the plan. You’re scared to win.” I let out an exasperated sigh, “That is not true!” You know what it’s been like for me, to endure what I have and still continue to even attempt-” He cuts me off, “Fine! We’ll stop.” Silence fills the empty air. “That’s what you want right, no more putting on this mask anymore, no more fighting for the ones you love- just give up and live your life. I’m sure Quinton would love that.” My blood grows cold and my throat becomes hoarse, “Don’t-” “Don’t you remember what it was like to feel his lifeless body in your arms? Or watch the life we built burn at our feet? That was the king! He did that! But, if you want to let him off the hook then, that’s okay. Let’s just let him have his fancy dinners and happy endings while we sit here and reconcile the mess he made.” I look at him, a silent tear coming from my eye, I turn my head and towards the land of the Kingdom and the water that flows within the ocean. I hold my breath once again, this time afraid that letting go means giving up on everything, but I hold it together and with one hard stare at the sky I say, “We’ll make sure they burn.”