Princess of my Immortal Heart

Chapter 5: Zaria

She and Vince had been sitting in the library before the fire playing a game of chess. She had been beating him, which is probably why he had brought up the topic, to distract her. “Zaria, when mother and father step down and we are crowned king and queen, how would you feel if I built a castle to our southern border and left this one to you?” He’d asked. Zaria had looked at him puzzled. Then, after a move that had put him in check, she replied. “Vincent, whatever do you mean? This castle is our home and the headquarters for IAKM. We are centrally located to everyone and in a strategic location should war erupt. Why on earth would you want to leave?” She’d asked. “I don’t, dear sister. You’re right; this is our home. However, we are further north than south, though we are, as you say, centrally located. If we had another stronghold to our south, we would be better protected on every front and have a safe place should this castle ever be under siege, even though that is highly unlikely.” He replied and moved his king out of check. He had a made a strategic error, though, and placed his king right where Zaria wanted it. She moved her knight, and then smiled up at him wickedly. “Check mate, my dear brother.” She said quietly. “Blast! You win again. You have the unfair advantage, though, as you have spent more time playing with grandfather Valtar than I have.” Vince said, and got up to pour himself a glass of blood. “Oh, don’t be a sore loser, Vincent. It doesn’t suit you. Besides, you’ve gotten to spend more time with Father and Grandpa Ulrik down in the bailey sword fighting and such. So who really got the short end of the stick here?” she teased, pouring herself a glass of mulled wine. They both returned to the table and sat down to sip their drinks and stare into the fire. “I’m sure your reason for asking me this question is a good reason, Vincent. I just really don’t like the idea of you leaving, is all.” Zaria finally said, after a while. Vincent reached for her hand and patted it affectionately. “I understand that, sister. It is not that I wish to leave you or our home. I merely seek to ensure all our borders are protected and that this land remains safe and peaceful for our future children and our people.” He replied quietly. “Have you spoken to Father about this idea?” she asked, looking up into his golden eyes. “Not yet. I wanted to discuss it with you and ensure that you agreed before approaching Father with it.” Vincent responded, grinning at her. “Ah, that’s it, is it? You know that if you cannot convince Father of your crazy idea, surely I, his beloved daughter, could,” she said simply and sat back smiling at him. “Oh, please, fur face. If I cannot make Father see the brilliance behind my plan, he surely won’t listen to you either.” Vincent replied, sitting back and crossing his arms over his chest. “Whatever, blood breath.” Zaria said simply and rolled her eyes as she sipped her wine. “A wager, then; if I convince Father of my plan, you give up sword play and never enter the lower bailey again when I am with the Army. Deal?” Vincent said, smiling wickedly at her and offering her his hand. Zaria looked at him for but a moment, and then responded. “Okay. However, if you cannot convince Father of your plan, yet I come to bat for you and he agrees, then you shall allow me to fight beside you and train with you anytime I wish.” She took his hand and they shook on their wager. Zaria knew that Vincent would not even approach the subject with their father until after the ceremony. She just hoped he would remain calm enough to hear Vince out before turning him away, least Vincent make a complete fool of himself. However, she was almost certain that their father would not only hear her out, but also quite possibly melt in her hand. She smiled as she pictured her fighting side by side with her brother in the lower bailey. It would be amazing.