Chapter Eight

Valora Three

As her door opened, she stopped breathing, terrified of how her mother would react when she saw the scar. She knew Cerelia would force her to use the same Shapers she used, the ones that changed her appearance to keep up with the latest trends or her whims. That was if she didn't disown her for her shame.

Instead of a tall Autem in an elegant dress entering, it was Cenric. Immediately his eyes went to her naked body, looking it up and down, before remembering his place and looking up so fast Valora wondered if he hurt his neck. At seeing it was him and not her mother, the tension in Valora’s body vanished, as her head fell to stare at the floor.

“What are you doing? I should have been awoken hours ago and dressed?” She demanded, as her head raised so she could glare into his eyes.

“I am sorry my Lady, I was coming to wake you, I did not mean to startle you. I told your servants to let you sleep an hour longer, you were injured and I thought you could use the rest.” Cenric rushed to explain, his eyes not even blinking as he attempted to regain his composure. Valora was angry, yet not at him, she was sure the footsteps sounded like her mothers. Her heart continued to beat like a war drum, as she tried to mask the fear she had felt with anger. Cenric had done nothing wrong, he always woke her, and she never saw reason to hide her naked form from him when in private. She knew this and yet was angry, angry he had scared her even by accident.

“You think me startled? Did I say I was startled? Just find my servants, I need to get ready for the night and you have delayed me enough.” She ordered, before giving him a wave of her hand to show he was dismissed. He turned on the spot and left without another word. Valora made her way to her dressing table, collapsing into the chair rubbing her temple.

She had no doubt her mother would be there soon, and she was still not dressed, no doubt she would have much to say about that. Why had Cenric done something so stupid as to let her sleep in, she was not a child. Valora looked down at her body and saw the bruising and scrapes had all healed, even the ones on her leg. The only signs of the fight, were a thin white scar on her leg where the bent armour had dug in, and of course the white scar on her forehead that was longer than her fingers. She attempted to hide the scar using her hair, thinking she could perhaps escape the Shapers clutch by simply styling her hair differently. It would not work though without hiding her right eye, a messy and improper look.

She was not naive; she knew she was gifted by the Gods; her appearance was beyond beautiful. She knew she could have any male or female she wanted on appearance alone, many in the court having often claimed she was the gem of the Midnight kingdom. She was proud of this beauty; it was hers and she enjoyed the lust that anyone that saw her had in their eyes. As she looked into the mirror now though, she couldn’t help but see an ugly face looking back. What had she done?

When Cenric returned he came with Reine and Cosette, both wearing matching simple white dresses that ended at their ankles. They had the golden lily of her family proudly engraved at the bottom, marking them as hers. Their exposed dark purple skin and red markings seemed more prominent in white clothing, making Valora’s eyes linger on the smaller Reine and her inviting form.

The two girls began the daily ritual, one that made Valora feel rejuvenated, even if it had become monotonous after so many years. They would clean her body from top to bottom, using spring water from the caves below mixed with a remedy of her family. A bucket of the spring water would be left for three hours over a lit fire, several leaves of the Nimona tree floating inside. The leaves smelled of fresh lemon, coming from the sap they were drenched in from the trees sap. While boiling in the water, the sap dissolved and mixed with the water to make a slightly thick liquid, that both cleansed the skin and left the user smelling of lemons all day. Valora loved it, even with the time it took to apply, although she wondered how long it would be until the smell was sickening to her again, just like it had become before her banishment.

She noticed as they rubbed the liquid onto her body, that Cenric did not once turn to watch her like usual. It made her sadder than she thought right, as her nightmare of him now thinking her hideous came back to her.

After cleaning her, they searched her body for anything that needed to be removed. While pure elves tended to have long beautiful hair, unlike the ugly hairy humans, they never grow any below their necks. House Lilium however had a single human ancestor, Valora’s great grandfather, much to their eternal shame, as he had poisoned their bloodline with imperfection. Sometimes a single hair would grow from the oddest places, the most alarming of which to Valora was a single shoot she had found below her armpit.

No words of importance were spoken during the process, while Valora doubted that Cosette would be able to, she didn’t want to risk her repeating their words now they were in The Midnight City. With everything but her hair done, she turned to the mirror and stared at herself, she looked and felt like a Queen, except the scar. Cosette was excused, Valora deciding Reine would do her hair alone, trusting the girl more than her. Cosette glared at Reine before leaving, seemingly always envying when Valora showed favoritism to the other girl.

Valora rested herself in the chair, feeling Reine gently run her hands through her hair, the sensation had always felt oddly erotic to Valora. Her hands moved with practiced purpose, braiding her hair the way she liked. She worked like a craftsman, her hands felt as though they were made for such work.

“Why has my mother not shown herself?” Valora asked Cenric, needing to distract herself from the pleasant sensation.

“I learned after you were asleep, she is not here, she has gone to your uncle’s wedding. She will not be back for a few weeks at least.”

“Uncle Edmund is getting married?” Valora questioned, feeling hurt she was not told or invited.

“Yes, it appears he was told you were too busy abroad regaining your honour to attend. Your mother sent your regards.” He revealed, watching Reines hands like he was hypnotized.

“Merwath Den,” She cursed, using a term that closely resembled ‘heartless one’.

“Don’t lower yourself to cursing her name, you are better than her and she knows it.” Cenric warned, showing the side to him he reserved for her in there private moments. “Regardless of her intention, she has done you a favour. She removed herself from the city and freed you to act as you wish. With her gone, she cannot force your hand, freeing you to act as you wish, use this time while you can. As your father always said, ‘don’t linger on what someone has done to you, instead, twist it to your advantage.’”

“You are right, we have more pressing issues to deal with. The kentu that attacked us, what did they tell you?”

“They made many claims at first, mostly that they were not paid and were simply acting on their own judgment. This changed however as the pain continued. A name was given, one of a kentu that owns a rather prominent pleasure house. His name is Germon, he paid them to push the crowd over the edge. He did not tell them why however, simply that they were to cause the riot to break out as a distraction.”

“A distraction, what for I wonder? And you said they were paid? I assume they do not belong to any of the Houses then?” She questioned, unwilling to accept a member of her own race was not involved.

“That is correct, I saw no signs of ownership on their skins, they were adamant they were not a member of any House.”

“We must pay a visit to this pleasure house; I have words for this Germon.”

“I advise caution, it appears as though this pleasure house is frequented by many Autem. We have the three prisoners’ confessions; however, their word will not hold against a kentu with powerful allies at court. You may also risk upsetting other Autem and their Houses if you disrupt their pleasure.” Cenric warned, being the wary protector that she admired.

“I understand your concerns, however I will not allow this kentu to get away with this blatant attack towards me. I can only assume he intended me to be killed. While he failed in that, he did get many others killed, including two of my own. I will not allow this to go unpunished.” How words held finality as she intended vengeance for these crimes even if she must upset other Houses.

“Very well my Lady, do you wish to deal with this first or visit the King? If we delay, we could upset him?” Cenric reminded, making Valora feel foolish that she forgot the reason she had returned to the city.

“No, we shall deal with this matter on our own time. I intend to visit court immediately when we are done here. I am curious to know what the King expects of me, after our last talk he made his thoughts clear, we must be seen to distance ourselves until my name had regained its glory.”

“Perhaps this means your name has gained its glory again?” Cenric offered but both knew it was wishful thinking. The timeless elves remembered, if nothing else was true about them it was that. Yet, Valora had regained the island of Nesskar, a feat that had cost many lives. She had even gone as far as to install new leadership, one that would favour the Midnight City’s laws and desires, much to the distain of local rebel groups. With the braiding done, Reine helped Valora into her regal dress, before being dismissed. As she looked to the mirror, her heart started hurting as she stared at the scar that dominated her features.

“We will need to deal with the scar, unfortunately that will mean using a Shaper.” Valora spoke in defeat, hoping Cenric would disagree but knowing he wouldn’t.

“Unfortunately, I would have to agree my Lady, the court would see this as an insult, like you did not think you needed to be your best before them. You would make many enemies.” Cenric confirmed, his eyes locking with hers in the mirror for a second, both full of sadness.

“Perhaps…” A voice with the confidence of a mouse started, before two sets of elven eyes turned on her. Reine had been Valora’s servant and hostage for long enough to know not to speak out of turn. Cosette still forgot herself, thinking that her old title still held power, even though she lost that when Valora beheaded her father.

“What is it girl, I hope it is important if you interrupted your future Queen to say it?” Cenric demanded, the warmth he showed Valora not present when he spoke to Reine. The girl stammered before taking a step back, fear of the towering Cenric present on her lips, before she rushed to say.

“It is just, back home we used a chalk powder in rituals to Nara. We use it to make symbols on our skin that are white. Perhaps my Lady could use it to hide the scar instead of Shapers?” Reine had to gasp for breath when she was done, not stopping to breathe once. Her idea intrigued Valora, but sounded absurd in practice.

“We do not have time to search for the powder your people use. It is also not the way my people do things, you should know how close we hold tradition.” Valora told Reine with annoyance that the girl waisted her time.

“I understand it is not the way my Lady, just…” She hurried to say, before once more two sets of elven eyes bore into her. “I hear this is a common practice back in Eden, human females use it often as magic wielders are not as prominent. Getting the powder would not be difficult either, as I am sure the kentu that serve your family would have some.”

“You dare to tell your Queen to use human trickery?” Cenric roared, his anger making even Valora jump. Since the ambush he seemed to be hoarding more anger than usual. Reine looked ready to cry as she backed away and hit her back to the wall.

“Enough Cenric, the girl meant no harm and is trying to help her future Queen. Isn’t that right?” Valora ordered with a commanding tone. Reine clutched to the offered protection and nodded eagerly to Valora before bowing, keeping her head low for longer than needed. The tension in Cenric deflated at his Lady’s words, seeming to be confused by his outburst himself.

Reine’s idea seemed perfect, a way to keep the Shapers at bay and still regain her beauty. The flaw however was clear, if she was found out to be using a human technique she would be shamed beyond measure.

“Go, find me this powder and bring it here, speak to no one of its purpose.” Valora ordered, hope pulling at her heart.

Reine rushed off, clearly eager to escape and perhaps prove her worth. The girl had always been quiet, unlike Cosette who had struggled at first, Reine had taken to her position with ease. Being a hostage, Valora made sure to keep the girl at a distance, knowing that one day she might be required to kill her or use her to bend her family to her will. Valora always preferred her to Cosette though, she had a kindness to her, combined with being a hard worker.

When she returned, she had several small sacks of powder in hand, that Cenric stared at with distrust plainly on his face. Valora understood the worry, it could have been poison or worse. He examined it closely, even rubbing the powder between his fingers and onto his wrist. The effect was intriguing to Valora. While not perfect, the powder painted the skin a white that almost matched Valora closely. The issue was evident though, it was not close enough and would hide her glowing skin.

“I don’t know how to help the glow come through. The colour though can be altered by mixing the other powders I brought. With the right combination, you could make any colour you desired.” Reine explained, surprising Valora that the girl was wiser than she looked. The idea still unnerved Valora, it was a risk, if she was found out she would be shamed. She also disliked using human tricks, having been the subject of them already during the war. The alternative was using a Shaper though and that worried her more.

“Thank you for your suggestion, wait outside the door while we discuss it.” Valora ordered, allowing a slight smile to show as reward for the girl’s work. Cenric however was still clearly angry. He stepped closer to her and lowered his head, his face staring into hers.

“I also thank you for this, even though you spoke out of turn. However, you will not speak of this to anyone, not even Cosette. If even one rumour reaches my ears, I will hold you responsible. The punishment will be… severe.” Cenric’s voice was kind, as though they were having a friendly chat instead of a bloody warning. The desired effect was achieved however, causing Reine to bow eagerly before leaving in a rush.

Cenric placed the bags of powder in front of her, before washing his hands clean of their stain. He came to stand behind her, his hands gently running along her braid, just the way she liked it. She watched him examining her golden hair like it was a piece of art. Cenric then fastened her lily to her dress, retrieving her tiara that had another lily at its centre and sapphires along the front. Finally, Cenric plucked a single rose from a nearby pot, sliding it behind her ear. When she looked to the mirror again, she was a work of art. The hands of three beings had sculpted her to appear even more like a Queen than she already appeared. The only issue, the scar. Both stared at the bags, the powder calling to her.

“What do you think is more dishonest? While shaping is far from honest, at least it is using elven trickery instead of human?” She asked, her heart pulling her to the powder while her mind pulled to the Shapers.

“I am unsure, the thought of using human tricks makes me sick. However, I do not wish for you to become like your mother, using Shapers to twist and warp your body into something that is no longer you. Perhaps there is more honesty in this trick, at least beneath the surface you are still you? The choice is yours, do what you believe is right.” And so, she made her choice, hoping she was making the right decision.

Valora walked at the front, her regal energy drawing eyes throughout the streets. At her right and a single step behind was Cenric, he wore his armour and had styled his blond hair into a small ponytail. Valora loved getting to wear a dress again after so long in bulky armour, however after the attack she secretly wished for practicality more than beauty. She could not deny that the form fitting dress was lovely. It was white with a long golden cape that was see through, falling from her shoulders. The lily of her House was resting on the cape with a single word below, ‘Dovanga’, the word of House Lilium, meaning defiance in the true tongue.

Behind them was Reine and Cosette, both wearing matching white dresses with thin veils over their faces. Valora had even given them small jewellery to wear, mostly armbands and necklaces, knowing that hostages were seen as decoration in court. Behind them was Poe and his fellow hounds, as well as an assortment of guards from both her House and from the Silver Guard. All of them wore shining armour, even the hounds although their armour was looser, revealing more of the body beneath. The entire group and their guards had capes engraved with the golden lily of House Lilium, along with their word, even the Silver Guard to show she was a candidate to be future Queen.

There steps were in rhythm, a practiced walk that even the rowdy hounds practiced tirelessly to get right. The sight was both a powerful show of force and a reminder of the elven supremacy. Valora walked without hindrance, everyone from guards, slaves, free and Autem parted before her and fell to their knees. The closer they got to the world tree the less kneeled, being powerful enough to just bow instead. The area was filled with the most powerful Autem and leaders of the other races in the Midnight Kingdom. The buildings this close to the tree had trunks of their own, large offshoots from the tree growing around its base that had been turned into buildings through song.

The buildings this close were all official, many being given to leaders of races or powerful groups to hold their own courts within. No court however held a candle to the elven one, that resided within the World Tree. The opening was magnificent, no door but a large archway that went almost a hundred feet into the air. All around the frame was gems that had been sung into the wood, making it look like the tree was growing them. Skulls were also around the frame, one from each race that was a member of the Grand Design. Many were around the size of a humans, however many more were so big it was a wonder the weight didn’t tear them from the tree. Some were also tiny, one being no larger than a mug, belonging to the Liness.

Many of the races on the archway had died out, either through war, plague or simply disappearing. Some of those races were still alive back home on Eden, such as the dragons, however the race could not survive in the harsher land of Scarvo, the cold being said to hinder their flight. Some races on the archway were old allies that formed their own Kingdoms, their ties with the Midnight Kingdom still running deep with one another, such as the Yulma and merfolk.

Valora entered through the arch, finding herself amidst a massive corridor, with countless archways leading off from it. She knew at the end was the entrance to the throne room, however that was not her destination, she instead looked to the right passage from when she entered. She knew it led to an endless staircase that would take her high into the tree where the King would be.

“All hail Princess Valora Lilium, Second of her Name, future Queen of Scarvo, Nesskar and the Midnight Kingdom.” Cenric roared as she passed under the archway. All around creatures of all shapes and sizes fell to their knees or lowered their bodies in a bow. All except one.

“Sister!” Prince Becket Sorbus called, his presence surprising and unnerving Valora. He approached her with a faint smile on his lips, his tall body glowing with his Autem blood, even through his silver armour. Valora took note of his armour, the chest plate engraved with a small tree with rubies for berries, the words of his House ‘Ils Dorei,’ meaning all seeing, were engraved below. The sight confused her, as why did he wear such a thing to court. Only when he reached her did he bow low, taking her hand and kissing it with his soft lips. “How I have missed your beautiful sight my dear, the capital is brightened by your presence.” Her heart stilled, terrified he might see through Reine’s hard work standing so close.

“Brother, how I have missed your smooth tongue.” Valora replied with a tight smile, giving him the slightest of courtesy. Prince Becket Sorbus was a viper, one that despite her best efforts Valora couldn’t help but enjoy. His yellow eyes were almost orange, a colour that resembled a sunset. He was handsome, dangerously so, leading to no end of females clambering to become his concubines. Valora knew he sometimes used Shapers; however he used them for minor changes, enjoying true beauty instead of the unnatural kind many of the younger elves and her mother enjoyed.

“You think I have a smooth tongue, I never realised I had such a thing? Your charming personality must bring it out in me.” He replied with a smile that Valora imagined he used to ensnare many a female. Without asking, he looped his arm through hers, guiding her towards the endless staircase. Valora allowed him, trusting the rest of the group would follow closely.

The World Tree was oddly quiet, instead of the crowded passageways filled with Autem and leaders from other races plotting, it was mostly filled with guards. Valora climbed the staircase with Becket, not needing to ask if he knew where they were going, he of course did. When Cenric had told her the King had been moved to such a low level in the tree, she had gotten more worried. When she had last been there, he was fifty levels up the tree, by the time you got there you would be dripping in sweat and exhausted. Valora often wondered if the King intended that to manipulate his guests more easily.

“Since I heard you had been ordered back, I have been plotting to ambush you, my curiosity being peaked to a dangerous level. Why has our beloved King asked you to return, nothing to worry about I hope?” He asked with a soothing voice, clearly trying to keep the talk between them.

“I was about to ask you the same question, last I heard you were in Eden, acting as a diplomat? What brings you home?” Valora inquired, unwilling to believe it was a coincidence.

“You are just as elusive as ever; I have merely returned to be pared. My father wishes to force a wife on me, he is tired of my concubines producing Pendula and lesser beings. He wishes with all prayers for a true Autem to keep the line strong.” He replied with a laugh, whatever he found funny Valora did not see. Nothing scared the Autem elves more than the need to produce more Autem, especially since the war killed off so many, and elves struggled more than any race to conceive.

“Have you met your future wife yet? I hope she is to your liking?”

“I have and she is, although I am unsure about her. I do not wish to linger in the city, a wife would force me to, until I have succeeded in my duty at least. Before leaving the Iron City, the humans were getting very interesting. This Emperor is not a true Ironheart, many are looking at him like he is there pray, you should see the backstabbing.”

“I am sorry your duty to continue your lines is hindering your fun.” Valora replied with a smile, while wanting to strike him for finding enjoyment with their enemies.

“Don’t be, there is always more fun to be had, even here. Now I have revealed why I returned, why have you?”

“I do not remember making an agreement to divulge that information. Regardless I do not know why.” Valora replied, not wanting to reveal the King’s weakness encase it was not common knowledge.

“Interesting, did you at least have a pleasant journey back from Brecastell Edmonda?”

“How did you know where I was?” Valora questioned, guarding her words.

“Please my dear, you can stop the word games. Do you forget my House has eyes everywhere? I know everything that happens, including about the attempt on your life.”

“Is that so, do you know who is responsible?” Valora probed, unsurprised he knew about the attack, yet unnerved he knew her forces movements. The Sorbus House was young, yet very large and had eyes everywhere. Their seed was strong, causing many to collect even the Pendula they produced in hopes of using them for breeding.

“No, I do know your return has turned heads though. Even my own father has been unnerved by the glorious Princess Valora Lilium returning to the capital. Especially with the King growing weaker.”

“Are you saying your father is responsible?” Valora asked with a held breath.

“I doubt it, he has other plans for you. I merely mean that I would not put it past the other contenders to the throne to make a move. Even Darius was driven out the city along with Slade, both my brothers were forced into the east just to avoid further issues. The King nears his end, the backstabbing has begun, just as was foretold.” He warned, his eyes shifting around them looking for danger.

King Folas was the first King of the Midnight Kingdom, having led their people to Scarvo after their homes were destroyed back on Eden. However, Folas was not the first elven King. There had been many elven kingdoms during the first and second age, many of which were destroyed by the infighting that a vacant throne caused. Because of their ageless blood, an Autem would be lucky to live long enough to see their King die, causing them to do whatever they must to not let that chance slip through their fingers.

“I am sure you are warning me out of the kindness of your heart and not some trick?” Valora stated, knowing Becket was the favoured to succeed the King.

“No, I am telling you this because I don’t want you getting killed. I want to be King, I make no attempt to hide that, I have no doubt I am the best choice and would bring about a new age of greatness for our people. However, killing my fellow Autem when we grow fewer by the day will only ruin us in the future. I will deal with you when the time comes without taking your life, that is if you stay alive long enough for me to remove you the less violent way.” He stated with no shame or guilt, before stopping before a heavily guarded doorway.

“Thank you for your honesty, brother. I will be sure to repay it one day by removing you with just as much kindness.” Valora stated with a short curtsy, giving a practiced smile.

“My help is always yours, sister. Your smile is all the payment I require.” His face was no longer serious, replaced with the charming smile the Prince mastered young. He bowed low, leaving without another word. Valora knew she should hate him, he was her most dangerous ally and his pride knew no bounds, yet even she could not deny he was charming, even if he was not her type. She could not help but grin as he walked away, overjoyed he had not seen her scar, feeling smug that she deceived a deceiver.

After the King was informed of her presence, she was allowed to enter alone. The King was waiting inside, while his face did not show it, there was a tension to him that Valora had never seen before. King Folas Tulpia, the Defiant King, Last King of the First Age, True Guide of the Grand Design. Once Folas was beautiful, his body radiating energy and power, now he was a husk of his former self. His eternal youth taken, replaced by a barely living corpse.

When Valora had last seen him, the aging had started to creep in, wrinkles and tiredness clear on his face. Now he was old, his skin no longer glowing and turning darker as the glowing white light left him. His body was wrinkled and worn, Valora had seen humans in their twilight years with less wrinkles. His fingers, nose and ears had extended, appearing as though someone had attempted to pull them from his body. He was slumped in his chair behind a large desk, as he looked up at Valora, she saw both his eyes were pure white, he had become blind.

“Valora, my daughter!” Folas called, attempting to stand but needing to hold the table to not fall over. Valora rushed closer, feeling herself age back to when she was a child. She embraced the King in a hug that left him practically being held up by her. He was frail, his weak hands barely able to squeeze her. She buried her face in his long dry hair, not caring to act strong for him. After her father’s death, Folas had taken his place in many ways. He brought her gifts; he showered her in praise and even had her visit him to play.

“Fol, how I have missed you.” She said with a smile into his hair. The name she called him as a child had caused issue when she had grown, she had called him it by accident in public many times, making many glare at her until she shrunk. When she did it in the throne room before the entire court, her mother had looked like she would strangle her.

“Come now child, sit, we have much to discuss.” He said with a smile that eased her worries, before guiding her to a balcony that overlooked the city. His walk was little more than a shuffle, a sloth would outpace them. They sat in a soft seat, Fol holding her hands and rubbing them as they overlooked the once beautiful city that now was hideous. In the east Valora could see the harbour, where the Midnight Fleet was anchored, now a fraction of its former glory. She could also see the southern part of the city. It still had an enormous crater, where the Wraith of the West had caused a fiery explosion that killed thousands. It had killed most of the Singers, as well as set fire to many branches of the World Tree above.

“Tell me Valora, how have you been, I have missed you something terrible?” He spoke with the pain of age; his once mighty voice having been withered away to a slow dull tone.

“I have survived, just as you ordered me.” She said with a warm smile, leaning into Fol like she had as a child.

“I knew you would, you are strong, just like your namesake, you have the heart of a fighter.” He pressed his palm into her chest, as though he were petting her heart. Valora wondered if he felt the flutter of her heart at the mention of her namesake, the one that few dared mentioned. “I never doubted you girl, even if I did worry. You look just like her, I told Rhys the same, I knew you would grow to be a survivor.” He sighed, looking off in the distance with thoughts of times gone by. “Rhys, how I wish he were here, I would ask so much.”

Valora was left speechless, the powerful King she once knew was now old and withered, his mind dancing from one subject to another. It scared her, the thought that she might one day become like him. The idea that her immortal body might one day betray her, it scared her more than any other death.

“What would you ask?”

“Many, many things my dear, yet two above all others.” He laughed, running his mangled fingers across her hand. “I would ask him how he made those pastries he would often serve for dessert, they tasted divine, yet were so simple.” He reminisced, making Valora smile at the thought of her father baking.

“And the other question?” He tightened his grip, as if needing her support.

“I would ask how many chains were left, as for the life of me I cannot seem to recall.” His voice was an almost deranged laugh, so she laughed with him, even though Valora did not understand the joke.

“I missed this, I have grown older, the sight has changed but the company is still perfect.” Valora said, trying to make Fol’s smile last longer, as she imagined he rarely felt joy anymore.

“I think it is me who has grown old, not you my daughter. While my eyes cannot see, your soul still shines like a gem in the starlight. How I wish I could have looked upon you with my eyes one last time, this so-called true sight is not the same.” He said with a sadness as he leaned his head on her shoulder. Valora had never had the mind for magic, its constant contradictions puzzled her.

“So… I was right then, you asked me back as your time is near?” Tears begun forming in her eyes, the answer was so clear even he could see it.

“Yes, I hear the song of Lady Death growing stronger. My time is nearing its end, so I must plan for the future. That is why I wanted you here, I have decided who shall inherit my throne.”

“Do you mean to make me the next ruler?” She asked with bated breath, not believing it was possible.

“That is the question on the lips of many. I have spent years trying to decide. Whenever I think on the subject, I am faced with conflicting emotions. In the last year, many have been removed you may have not heard about. Darius Sorbus and Nima Rubra failed the tests I gave them. Slade Sorbus and Kendall Regia lusted for the wrong kinds. Even Trench Phalaen… my beloved brother, would rather fight a pointless war against humanity out of a blind need for revenge.”

“I did not realise so much was going wrong?” Valora wondered how much she had missed in her absence, yet was glad to hear Trench was no longer amongst them, as few hated her as much as that monster.

“More than that has gone awry. The warrior races are flocking to the Sjee in search of new leadership, some even joining traitors in revolt. Raiders in the east have taken to revolting methods to keep our race from going extinct. The merfolk have cut ties completely, their last words were that of warning. The Yulma grow silent, not one of their number has ventured to these halls in many years, along with others. Phoenixes have been seen flying around the coast, along with ships from Truestar, showing the humans are watching us again.” He explained with a tired sigh. “And to make it worse, as I grow weaker the infighting increases.”

“I am sorry, I should have returned earlier to help. I did not know it had gotten so bad.” Valora said with guilt stabbing at her, she caused this.

“I am not looking to make you feel guilt, I sent you away to retake Nesskar, a task that was not easily completed. I hear the reports, the rebels are all but gone and the new leadership has fallen in line. You have helped more than most Autem, a fact many have begun to notice. However, now we must leave the rebels and look to our own issues. We must stabilize the Kingdom while we can, before the rebels become organised, or the humans come for us again. And for that we all must make sacrifices. I have spoken with your mother, as well as Oswin Sorbus and we have come to a decision. One that will merge two great Houses into one that can bring our Kingdom together again.”

“You mean…” Valora started but couldn’t finish, she knew what had been agreed.

“Yes, I intend to make you Queen, but not in the way you imagined. I intend to make Becket my heir, and you his wife.”

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