CHAPTER 8: Hope.

  Trumpets rang through the throne room of the castle. Many people squeezed in tight to get a glimpse of the handsome soon to be knighted Damien.

  The hall was decorated with beautiful spring flowers. Hydrangeas, zinnias, cone flower, lavender. It smelled divine. The afternoon sun drenched the stained glass windows, scattering the walls and floor in a rainbow of colors.

  When I had arrived the room was buzzing with conversation while I took my place on the smaller replica throne to the right of my father. My mother to the left.

  The powerful sound of drums joined the trumpets and the wooden doors swung open at the far end of the hall. I looked at Damien briefly, but I didn’t dare catch his eyes. If I did, I feared I'd fall apart at the seems. We all arose from our seats once he started to walk the long way up the isle to my father.

  My gaze scanned the crowd, but all the attention was on him, except for Ares, who caught my glance from the front row to my right. He rolled his eyes, followed by a feigned yawn in boredom.

  My mouth restrained a smile, the blush rising in my cheeks when Ares winked at me. A bashful grin of his own emerging. I think we both were recalling the events that took place last night. I had shamelessly replayed a particular part over and over again.

  Waking up in his arms had felt like a dream. My chambers trickled with pink sunrise. The warmth of our bodies under the covers against the chilly morning. For a moment, the world had finally stilled.

  Damien came to the base of the stairs, removed his helmet, then kneeled. My breathing hitched when he glanced at me.

  His eye…I thought, taking in the side of his face. It was black and blue, but not entirely swollen shut. I didn’t know that Ares could throw such a punch, neither did I think Damien would have bruised so easily. I wondered what excuse he had come up with, since he couldn't hide it.

  I dropped my gaze the second they met his and felt my palms dampen with sweat. In turn my heart felt more sorrow than anger for him. If I wasn’t for my role in the ceremony I wouldn’t have attended today. I regretted not acting sick to get out of it.

  I took a deep breath in and let it out slowly to keep my heart from jumping out of me and begging him for answers. But at the same time I wanted to punch him. I wanted to stuff his head in one of the trumpets and push him down the castle steps.

  I grimaced, and shook my head of the unkind thought.

  Another breath would do the trick. I inhaled and exhaled as Damien bowed his head before my father. His perfectly polished black armor glinting on the sunlight. His eyes like sapphires threating to boil me alive. I could feel them on me, begging for me to look at him. But I kept firm. He wasn’t getting an inch from me.

  My father gave some insightful words of promise and wisdom. He blessed Damien to keep his strength and serve many. My father spoke of Damien’s attributes of his kindness, loyalty and compassion. It took everything in me not to interrupt and scream out his true colors. He wasn’t worthy of this achievement.

  I looked over at Ares again, he scrunched his face at the mention of loyalty and integrity, giving reassurance that Damien had been the opposite last night.

  Guilt settled in my stomach. I hadn't been completely faithful either. Sure my sins had been less in measure. But the guilt felt all the same.

  Someone handed my father a long polished sword forged for dragon scales and the like. My father tapped each of Damien’s shoulders as he bowed his head in submission to his king.

  Vivian sat in the crowd, her gaze apathetic towards me. Something about the air around her dripped with arrogance. If I had learned anything about pride, it came from empty people.

  “Do you promise to throw your life down for your people?” My father asked Damien.

  “I promise my life, to serve and protect the people of Elisnora,” Damien kept his head bowed.

  "Do you promise to defend the weak, to devote your soul to the crown until your dying breath, to lead with kindness, to be the example of your brotherhood?"

  "I do."

  "Do you promise to uphold truth, reject all deceit, be honest, true, and virtuous?"

  There was a defining silence.

  Damien cleared his throat, "I do."

  "And if you fail to keep this vow..."

  "Then may my own blade rise against me."

  Silence. All breaths held.

  “I hear by Knight thee, Damien Healson, guardian of the realm. Protector of the people, a devoted Iron Vow Knight of Elisnora.” The audience cheered and clapped as he arose to his feet. My father smiled at him, unknowingly what he had done last night. What he had been hiding.

  Damien was handed the sword my father held as the weapon he would now wield. A steel so polished you could see your refection like a mirror. A gold hilt with brown leather, expertly made for balance and grip.

  Damien turned to his excited people who buzzed in amazement and raised his sword triumphantly. A typical, tradition for knights to do. The audience roared and clapped as he sheathed it into the holster on his hip.

  I knew it was my turn now to do my part as princess. It was a kiss for good luck as future queen. As one day he would be mine to command in my reign.

  The audience one by one began to chant, “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” I approached but before I could reach him my father came between us.

  “Settle, settle down.” My father waved his hands to quiet the people.

  “I have an announcement before we go any further. Since I have most of the kingdom here...” Father called out, waiting for the room to calm. “Elsinora has fallen into a great bit of debt. With the uptick in dragon raids as you know, rebuilding your homes and feeding your loved ones has been our top priority. As your king I refuse to tax you anymore then I already have.”

  The crowd began to murmur, whispers exchanged.

  “King Archibald of Thule has offered his riches, in exchange for Jade’s hand in marriage.”

  “BOO!” Ares yelled, and many other followed suit in the sentiment, an upset increasing among them. I noted Damien, his face vacant with emotions as he stared at the floor ahead of him.

  “Because of this, and to avoid war, Jade has graciously accepted him. Archibald will be here in two weeks for the wedding.”

  “Anything but Thule!” a person said.

  “Is he serious? Archibald is a tyrant.” Another said.

  "I thought her and Damien were an engaged to be married?... The poor souls." Gasped another.

  I had to admit, the symphony of discourse, the way I felt in my soul, was a bit satisfying to see among my people. But I don’t think they completely understood the circumstances we were truly in.

  I had seen the rations dwindling, the pain on the family’s faces as I attended mass funerals for the knights that guarded the kingdom. It was cutting it too close.

  “Unfortunately, we have no choice. With loss of men, and money we cannot afford war even more.” My father hung his head as more people murmured.

  I placed a hand to my fathers arm, and he looked up at me, tears brimming in his eyes. I gave him a reassuring small smile and took a step forward, making the people go quiet. I took a long look at Ares before addressing them. His lips pressed together in a line, uncertain of what I was doing

  “Being royalty isn’t just gowns and jewels. It is not just grand parties and sitting on a throne.” I swallowed, placing my hands in front of me. “You are a beautiful kingdom, full of kind, sweet people. In so many instances I have seen your brothers, uncles, fathers, friends, husbands fight for this place we call home. For my family’s honor." My throat tightened. "This situation is grave, but I would do it a hundred times over for you to avoid anymore heartbreak.” Tears streamed down my face, as I tried to keep my composure. “My father and I agree, this is what is best.” I turned to Damien, who was already staring at me, his eyes wide with surprise. It took two strides to reach him, getting me close enough to kiss his cheek.

  “May you prosper, in this reign and the next." I whispered to him, my voice breaking, my hand shaking on his cheek.

  The audience was deadly quiet once again. I immediately turned and walked out the back door, my head held high.

  “That was quite the speech,” said Ares familiar tone coming from behind me as I sat in a hallway windowsill. My heart felt warm seeing him, I didn’t think anyone cared where I went.

  “It felt like a lie…” I said as he made it to my side. “I left out the part where I didn’t want to follow through with this either.”

  A soft hand pushed my hair back over my shoulder, then a thumb to wipe my tear stained cheek.

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  “Regardless, you caused such a stir that your father had to be escorted by three Iron vow knights,” Ares smiled. "I think your people are just as upset."

  I gave no retort on the subject. “I shouldn’t have kissed him,” I told Ares. “It was out of spite.” my gaze moving from the window to his face.

  Ares clicked his tongue, “I think it hit its mark. I havent seen him that drained since the mirror trial.” Ares stuck out his arm for me to take, an offer to go on a stroll. I arose and took it.

  “Why not call him out on what happened last night?” he asked, his hand placed on mine in the crook of his arm.

  I winced at the thought of outing Damien. Especially with all the labor he had put into become a knight. Iron Vow Knights were not allowed to be unfaithful to a spouse or partner. If they did, it meant they were unfit in mind, once they could let temptation get the better of them, they lost their title. It was incredibly serious, to a point of public shame. His own sword would be used to kill him. Even if the vow broken wasn't so severe, his life would be threatened from the mere rage it would build among the people in the kingdom.

  “Depending on a court hearing, it would ruin him. All his hard work to become an a part of the Iron Vow would be taken from him... He could die.” I sighed.

  “What if he does it again?”

  "That isnt any of my concern..." I shut my eyes for a moment. “I’d rather just say we grew apart. I leave soon anyways..”

  “What about me? Did your father have anything to say about my proposal?” Ares nudged me with the arm I held. I smiled and shook my head.

  “I brought it up. Though my father was intrigued and surprised at the offer, he couldn’t settle on it. He really wants to put off war, and I don’t blame him.”

  Ares went silent for a moment, he smoothed his finger tips over mine. “I could come with you,” he said.

  I scoffed. “Why would you do that?” I asked.

  “So you’re not entirely alone. Besides, who is going to make sure they tease all day every day? I can be personally hired for that,” Ares chuckled. I gave him a playful glare and nudged his side with my elbow.

  “For that alone, no thank you,” I laughed.

  “Awe come on, sounds like fun to me. I heard they were looking for a new mage anyways, and seeing as I am highly sought after, they might not be opposed to it.”

  “What about here?” I asked.

  “True. But I certainly would still apply if it meant you would be there,” he winked.

  “Your flirting is insufferable,” I rolled my eyes.

  “Flirt back and maybe it wont feel so insufferable.”

  I chuckled. “Let me guess, we would move there. I marry the king, but you and I end up falling in love and meeting in secret? Hmm?”

  His eyes twinkled with mischief “Are we not doing that already? Secret lovers is my kind of trope you know,”

  “Sure it is,” I teased. Ares looked behind us, then all around; no one was in the hallway in either direction. Sunlight casting beams through the arched windows to the right.

  Ares pushed me gently to a wall in an alcove out of view from the hallway, and placed his hand above my head to lean on for support, trapping me. I swallowed my nerves and put on a mask of confidence.

  “Am I really that annoying?” he smiled.

  “Hmm…The last few days, you have been somewhat pleasant.”

  “Better than the king of Thule?” he said quietly. There was a pause as I gave him a slow once over, replaying what happened between us last night, again and again.

  “I would rather marry a Dragon than Archibald.”

  “Then its settled,” he chuckled. “Secret lovers it is then.”

  My heart had fluttered at his presumptions. Part of me hoped too wake up from this confusing dream. I felt guilt. I felt just as bad as Damien for cheating on me. My heart liked Ares, yes… I liked him. But it hurt all at the same time.

  “You are incorrigible,”

  “I’m a lot of things you’re Highness. Incorrigible, unrepentant, frustrating, handsome and suave. All I lack is a pretty princess like yourself,” he gave an arrogantly teasing sigh as his face came closer to mine. I instinctively lifted my chin to kiss him, he received a peck, just one.

  “You are stubborn,” Ares groaned, tilting his head to the side in a curious dog sort of way.

  “I'm a lot of things…” I replied with a bit of self loathing.

  “You are kind and selfless, with an enormous heart… But your stubborn, that beautiful brain stops you even from indulging in a little kissing,” he winked.

  I picked at my nailbed discreetly, the truth rolling off my tongue. “If I'm being completely honest, your confidence scares me a little is all.” I dropped my gaze to my feet. Ares, to my surprise backed up half a step, sliding his hands into his pants pockets. “All of it scares me…” I admitted, regaining some stability in my breathing.

  “I'm sorry. I’ve been worried I’m coming on too strong.”

  “Ares, I-” I reached for his hand, studied his face, “Its not like I havent enjoyed it… It just scares me…”

  Ares twitched a small smirk. His free hand moved up to fix a stray strand of my hair. “When you’ve only loved one person your whole life, I imagine this would be terrifying.” His expression softened.

  “I like you Ares… Some part of me, I think always has…” I smiled faintly. “It might take me a while to get used to this, is all.”

  “Then lets think practically. Ill come with you to Thule, keep you safe, and in the mean time, we can explore this a little more,” He read the slight uncertainty on my expression. “Your kingdom, safe; out of debt.” That same free hand moved softly along my jaw, like a feather, running a knuckle across my skin, “A loyal, powerful mage by your side,” he whispered and placed a kiss on my forehead

  “I wont ask that of you,” I sighed frustrated with his hopeful ideals. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt, or give up their life for me, its unnecessary…”

  “Jade, you’re not hearing me. I’m applying to Thule, to be with the woman I love. I'm not giving up my life. I’m gaining it.”

  I sighed heavily, closing my eyes tightly, “This would be considered breaking Mage Law. You can’t meddle in royal affairs. If caught your powers will be stripped from you. You would lose everything that you are.”

  Ares rolled his eyes, “Its technically, just waiting around and kissing until the old man dies.” He winked.

  I raised a tired eyebrow, “I can’t risk it. Besides, I need Eli in good hands.”

  “Jade.” Ares smiled exasperated.

  “Ares.” I gave him a stern look.

  “Respectfully, my dear, I'm going. And you can’t stop me.”

  I blinked a few times. My dear. Warm hands seemed to cup my heart back together.

  In a perfect mind, I’d be crying with happiness at his offer. The hope, I admit was nice and I longed for it. But could I trust it? It would be easier to have no one involved if I could avoid it.

  That little glimmer of hope, kept snagging at my attention, and I couldn’t squash it.

  “I have something I want to show you.” Ares said holding his arm out for me to take once again.

  “Stand right here,” Ares pointed to the center of a cobblestone mosaic, I chuckled but followed along. This spring day had been particularly warm, even with the sun on its decent.

  We stood on the furthest outskirts of the garden over looking the valley where the path ended in a view point. It was far from the noise or sights of anyone at the castle.

  I watched Ares find his place in front of me, taking my hands in his. “Think of your fondest memory, or a place you would really like to be.”

  “This better not be one of your pranks...” I eyed him suspiciously.

  “Just trust me. I promise you will love it.” He squeezed my hands.

  I sighed and thought for a long moment, tossing the time I had met the dragon, or when my grandmother let me paint for the first time.

  “A memory you really want to go back too.” Ares encouraged. “Once you’ve got it, close your eyes."

  Out of my own curiosity, I made my selection then shut out the world. “I'm ready.”

  A second or two passed, then we simultaneously sucked in a breath, and my eyes shot open. Worried he had given me some funny curse, I felt around my face for boils or spiders.

  “What did you do?” I said running to the waters edge to see my reflection.

  Wait.

  Water?- We had not been near any water.

  “Jade, quit fussing and look.”

  My heart seemed to suspend once my eyes focused and recognized the scene around me. The sun, hot and sitting above us instead of setting.

  “Where-" I said softly and the wind danced along my features. The familiar smell it carried, the sweet scent of pine in the high desert. The earthy twist of wet reeds and moss.

  I couldn’t believe it.“Opal Lake…”

  My memory had been about the last time Ares, Damien and I had spent a week out here. It was exactly as I had remembered it. To think five years had passed since then.

  “This was your fondest memory?” Ares said quizzically. A flutter in my chest began to grow when I whirled left and right. Everything down to the fallen logs, the shade of the pines, the translucent rainbow sheen of the water.

  I clasped a delicate hand over my mouth and laughed, awe filling me. I had missed this place dearly, to escape anything royal I begged to come here, especially the last year.

  Opal lake was in Elsinora borders, but was neutral ground regardless of any agreement. No man made treaty kept this place off limits, if anyone dared fight on the shores with ill intent they would certainly turn to dust. The waters were sacred, said to carry magic for good souls.

  I had always heard the story of a man who had lost his family, his home along with. After several months of sadness he came to Opal Lake seeking to end his life, but instead found a dog wandering the shore, to which the two became something of kindred spirits.

  No one knew the extent of the magic, or what it was fully capable of. Whatever had made the lake had also been forgotten to time, leaving it a mystery.

  It was the safest place anyone with good intent could be. Meaning most monsters and creatures avoided the area, dragons included.

  “Ares are we really here?...” I took a step and stumbled slightly on the river stones.

  “In a sense… It is Opal Lake. Just in our own dimension. The spell is called the Soulveil. You get five dimensions, and 5 only.”

  I walked a few steps back to look at Ares, my mouth agape. “You did figure out the spell then? How- I thought it had been a wild goose chase. I thought-"

  “I had given up?” Ares shook his head. “I couldn’t. Especially not after the raid. I had to learn it in case you ever asked for it.”

  I pulled him down by his jacket collar and planted a kiss to his lips. “You’re incredible! I have been itching for some time away.” I laughed and hurried back to the waters edge on the sandy shore, bending down for a closer look at the lake floor. I scooped in a hand and dug around for a moment till I felt one.

  “Ah! Aha!” I pulled out a small opal stone, and rinsed it of the sand. “Look!” I called back to him. One of my favorite things to do here besides swim was hunt for opals. I once had found enough to have a crown made one summer, it had since been my favorite to wear.

  “Can we stay for the rest of the day?” I asked, holding out hope.

  The smile on his face held back a laugh,“I don’t see why not.”

  We had spent the rest of the day swimming, exploring the lake until it was dusk. Gathered by a warm fire, a blanket draped over our shoulders, Ares arms around me while I sat between his legs, my back to his chest.

  My mind in deep thought. The day had been magical to say the least. It had been like heaven to be with Ares, no worries or impending doom lurking at the back of my mind. It was like my life had vanished, and this was all I had.

  I struggled to close my eyes, each blink stung since I had been staring sort of mindlessly into the fire before me. That impending doom couldn’t hold off for much longer and I didn’t want to leave this sanctuary.

  “I wish the day didn’t have to end…” Ares voice a whisper while his cheek found its place against my forehead.

  I managed a long blink, knowing I had too, the pain was inevitable.

  Fireflies began their dance in the under brush of the forest. A doe and her babies drank from the shore.

  “Ares…" I smiled. “Maybe coming with me to Thule wouldn’t be so bad...” My tone a bit coy.

  “Wait- you mean it?” Ares chuckled.

  I giggled. “Yes, but on one condition.”

  He laced his fingers between mine, “Anything, I'd do anything.”

  “When we get time in Thule, I want to come back here. Just the two of us. Simply, Ares and Jade.”

  His arms pulled me in closer, the corner of his mouth resting against my eyelash now. “Hm, fine with me…” he said, a thumb running over my knuckles.

  “That shouldn’t be too hard.” I said with sarcastic confidence.

  “No...But…We should use the spell sparingly. It requires a good portion of my magic, and I'll admit I’m starting to get a headache.”

  “Then lets not wait a moment longer.” I said pushing out of his arms then pulling him up to stand taking his hands in mine. “Thank you, today has been the best I have had in a long time.”

  Ares smiled tiredly while I stood on my tip toes, kissing him softly. His hand and fingers smoothed across my cheek, tangling in my hair as he kissed me back, a deep rooted sigh escaping him.

  Both of our breaths caught and my eyes shot open. We were back at the view point, the sun setting like no time had passed. My dress and his clothes untouched, our hair no longer damp from the swim.

  Our eyes met once again, the cold breeze drifting through our hair. I got lost in his gaze, like I couldn’t believe he was real. Something in my heart stirred, and I couldn’t quite name it. It was like some sort of knowing him before this life, or finally seeing him for the first time.

  “You are so beautiful, even the sun bows to you…” he murmured softly, his own study of me getting lost on my face. Our complexions painted in soft pinks, yellows and oranges.

  A thoughtful kiss followed.