Dark Whispers

chapter 5

But you have an important meeting with the emissary from the neighboring kingdom. It's regarding the trade agreement, sir."

The king sighed, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. "Ah, yes. I had forgotten. Very well, I'll come at once."

He turned to Calantha. "I'm sorry, my dear, but we'll have a talk later. Don't forget, you have sword training at 12. Be sure to be there early."

Calantha nodded, trying to hide her disappointment as her father hurried off with Sir Edward.

(Calantha POV)

As the door closed behind them, Elena appeared at my side, a discreet cough catching my attention. She's a vampire, so she's always so... silent . I just nodded at her to go ahead, and Elena whispered, "Her Majesty is in the garden, milady. She was asking about you earlier."

My eyes lit up, and I quickly hurried off to find Mom, with Elena following close behind.

I found Mom in the rose garden, surrounded by a flutter of butterflies and the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

My eyes scanned the garden, finally spotting Mom sitting on a stone bench, absently pruning a rose bush. I rushed over to her, Elena following discreetly behind. "Mom," I called to her as I sat beside her. "I need to talk to you about something."

Mom looked up at me with a gentle smile. "What's wrong, my dear?"

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. "It's about a dream I've been having lately. I don't know if it's a nightmare or what." I told her everything about the dream.

When I was done, Mom's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing slightly. "How long have you been having this dream?"

My eyes searched Mom's face. "I think it's been up to 6 times now."

I could see the hesitation in Mom's eyes, her gaze drifting off into the distance.

"In the ancient stories I've heard, there were said to be demons who could enter people's dreams, manipulate their thoughts and desires. We witches can manipulate people's dreams, but not frequently."

My eyes widened. "Demons? Mom, you mean like the one from the old tales?"

Mom nodded slowly. "Yes, exactly like that. But it's just a myth. So far, I've heard... I'm not sure it still exists."

My face fell, with disappointment. I had hoped for answers, but Mom seemed just as puzzled as I was.

"Don't worry, dear. If you happen to see him again in the dream today, ask him where you should find him."

I just nodded, curtsied to Mom, and turned to leave. Elena followed close behind. My mood dulled.

As Elena and I walked away from the queen, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was one of the castle guards. "Milady, I was sent to escort you to the training grounds. It's time for your sword training with your father."

"Oh, thank you. You can go. I'll be right there. Elena, help me change, please."

."

Elena nodded and hurried me back to my chamber, quickly helping me out of the beautiful gown and into a practical leather tunic and breeches. I rushed to the training grounds, my hair still slightly rumpled from my hasty change.

When I arrived, Dad was standing with his sword at the ready. He smiled at me. "Calantha, right on time. I was beginning to think you'd sleep in all day."

I grinned at him. "Sorry, Dad. I got... distracted."

He raised an eyebrow. "Distracted by what, if I might ask?"

I hesitated. "Oh, just something I wanted to talk to you about earlier, Dad."

Dad's expression turned curious. "What was it, my dear? I know I left you hanging this morning."

My eyes drifted to his face, and suddenly I felt a little mischievous .

"Actually, Dad, I'd rather not say. It's not important."

Dad's face fell comically, and he clasped his chest in mock hurt. "Not important? Ah, Calantha, you wound me! I'm your father, the king. How can what you have to say not be important to me?"

"

I laughed, feeling a little guilty. "Oh, Papa, don't be like that. It's just... I'd rather not talk about it, okay? Can we just forget it?"

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Forget it? Ah, but now I'm intrigued. You must tell me what it is, just to prove to me that I'm still important to you."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, smiling. "Dad, you're impossible."

(Author POV)

Calantha strode over to the rack of swords, her eyes scanning the array of blades until they landed on her trusty sword. Its hilt was worn from years of use. She grasped the hilt, feeling a surge of confidence flow into her hands.

Her father, the king, grinned, his eyes sparking with anticipation. "Ready to soar, I see. Very well, let's see what you've learned, my dear. If I win, you'll tell me about what's getting you distracted. But if I lose, I'll have to fulfill all your daily tasks myself."

Calantha nodded with a mischievous smile, raising her sword as her father charged forward, his own sword flashing in the sunlight. The sound of clashing steel echoed through the training grounds as they engaged in a spirited bout, their swords dancing in a choreographed pattern of attacks and defense..

The king, his face set in a fierce expression, pressed Calantha hard, his sword striking hers with a series of rapid-fire blows. Calantha stumbled back, her arm aching from the impact, but she refused to yield. "Move, Calantha, move!" her father bellowed, his voice like a whip crack. "Don't just stand there, dance!"

Calantha grinned, her feet moving swiftly as she parried her father's blows, her own sword striking back with a ferocity she didn't know she possessed.

.she was a true warrior, fighting alongside her father, the king

The air was filled with the sound of their breathing, the clang of steel on steel, and the rustle of their leather tunics as they moved.

The King laughed, his eyes shining with pride "Ah, that's it! You're getting it, my dear!"

Alethea's heart swelled with pride, her movements becoming more fluid, more confident. She was a true warrior, fighting

But just as she was gaining momentum, calantha's foot slipped on the uneven ground, and she stumbled, her sword wavering

The king sized the opportunity, his sword striking hers with a resounding clang. Calantha's sword flew from her hand. Landing with a thud on the ground

The king stood over her, his chest heaving, a triumphant grin on his face

"Ha! I win !"

Calantha laughed, panting, her face flushed with exertion. "you cheated, dad! "

The king chucked, offering her a hand up

"all's fair on love and war, my dear. New let's try again. "