Shadow Winged Prince

Chapter 5 - Laying Foundations

“Your luggage and things have been boarded on one of the royal ships called ‘Pinora’ and it has set sail for the palace already. You will be leaving in the next few hours and traveling on the ‘Turtuga’, but grandmother Hong would like to dine with you for lunch. She's asking for you now.”

I heard what the servant said but I don't remember uttering any response. I am so in my head about this trip and my duties. Besides, my head keeps going back to the other night with that man. How didn't I get his name? That was rude and unwise.

“Um, where is grandmother located?”

She makes a slight face of annoyance and automatically I can tell that maybe I didn't hear everything she said.

“Yansa, she's having tea in her chambers and is waiting for your arrival to start lunch. We should get you dressed.”

I stand up and, for once in my life, I am allowing these servants to dress me. I feel the pulling and tugging, but I feel like I'm not in my body. I am not grounded, I am nervous and terrified about leaving my home for an undisclosed amount of time. And the phrase "be careful what you wish for" is floating in and out of my mind. I need to find my center and get my head on straight.

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“Abrou Aboye Grandmother, may I sit?" I asked gently, but it felt so routine. Grandmother waves me in and I sit across from her.

“Today your real life begins, Yansa. Today is the beginning, and also the end. We have taught you so much and you have grown into an admirable daughter. I am so proud and honored, and yet still saddened to see you leave, though I knew this day would arrive. But in order for the mothers to be able to guide and protect this world, your sacrifice, this sacrifice, is needed. I hope you understand not only what I'm saying at this moment, but that of your role in all of this. This is your destiny and your fate… You still have free will and you're going to have to make some tough decisions. So please keep in mind your training, your intuition and your duties. Make the best choices you possibly can. I know you of all people will be great in the surface world."

“I am the one who is honored grandmother. Your love and faith in me has known no bounds. I will not disappoint you or the House of Night.” I'm going to attempt to be vulnerable here and I hope she receives it, “I will miss you.. you have been my mother my whole life…"

“I love you my Elyansa!”

Grandmother looks moved, so my heart is happy and I say nothing else about it.

“I'm excited about this new chapter,” I said joyously.

“Well, let's get you caught up and talk about duties and expectations.”

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“I will be escorting our fleet through Poseidon's path and I'll be back to escort your ship through the path and all the way home.” Cerulean traces the route with his fingers on the large map laid out on the table.

“I'm sure we will have no trouble. Have you given any thought about when you're going to introduce yourself to our young educator?”

Cerulean makes a face and rolls his eyes like a teenager. “I imagine the exchange of formalities will be done at home, of course. Father, I want to make a good impression, so please give me some time.”

“ Time!” The King exclaims, slamming his hands on the table, “this is the time for action! Your fate is no longer in my hands, but that of your own, that of Elyansas, wherever she may be in that compound and the divine mothers.. Grow a pair Cerulean!”

“Geeze, father, please don't spare my feelings about how you really feel.”

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“Dusk is beautiful on the water, is it not?” Says the king to Elyansa, who is looking at the waters from the top deck of the ship.

“Your majesty.” Yansa bows her head in respect.

“New beginnings can be difficult to navigate, but hopefully, in your case, it turns into something worthwhile.” The king glances at Elyansa and gives her some wiggly eyebrow action.

“Pfft stop it my king!” she laughs. “I've never experienced leaving home to this extent but I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to the possibilities.” She says genuinely. “You know, since you've been here I've only seen you.. Where is this shadow price you keep hiding from me?”

King Elias laughs a hearty laugh, “you are a bold one!”

Dammit she automatically thinks, “forgive me if I have spoken out of line. My tongue moves faster than my thoughts.”

“Yansa, I have known you since you were a baby brought to the House of Night. I enjoy the informal and personal conversation with you. And to answer your question, it is not I that keeps Cerulean. My shadow prince hides himself all on his own.”

“I can understand that.”

“Can you?” The king looked at her positively.

“Yes, even though I can move fluidly in and out of the spotlight. I prefer very much watching from the shadows, there's a power within it that I haven't found anywhere else. It's comforting.”

“Ceru would absolutely agree with you there.”

“Mr. Elias, why did you bring him to Agartha?”

“Well, he's never been to the middle, but mostly because you both will be working closely together in New Edo. I thought it would be wise to start this new relationship with the House of Night on a good foot.”

“You are a good man, you seem to be a wise king and are definitely a loving father. I am honored to be in such good company.”

The king chuckles and is beaming a proud smile, “you're making me blush and you're too kind. I know in my spirit my children will enjoy you. I'm going to turn in and get some rest. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast.”

“Good night Mr. Elias,” she gave a slight nod and returned her attention to the darkening water.

From behind her the king spoke again. “Don't stay out here too long my dear, the sea is known for showing people fantastical things that you'll never see twice and can't prove.”

Elyansa turns her head over her shoulder, “I'm counting on it.”

What no one had noticed was the humanoid webbed hand sticking out of the water in an attempt to latch onto the boat. Meanwhile, Elyansa looks up and sees a large bird flying and it is intriguing because birds hardly fly at night and this far out over the ocean. She watches it and it watches her. The closer it gets, the larger it becomes. She is questioning what she is seeing but she watches in amazement.

He lands and immediately she notices the smaller wing. Just as quickly, he knows that she has seen his deformity and instantly tucks his wings behind him.

“Hello again..”

Sounding out of breath, she replies, “ Hello.. You're a Petyris Oso,” totally in disbelief. Petyris Oso are men with wings essentially. They are rare and associated with monster stories told to small children who misbehave.

“I am.. And you are the, not, scholar?”

“Noo, I am not,” still slightly memorized, but came back to reality as soon as she spoke, “uh yes.” She says awkwardly, “yes, I'm a teacher now.”

“I am Ceru.”

“The shadow prince,” she blurts out.