Little Quiet One [bk. I][Finished]

[<3 Valentine <3]

Prologue

You are about to be thrust into a world already devastated by war and massacre. Before you go I must inform you of past events that have lead up to this point. This story has no hero, has no villain, just two men with different views who decided to butt heads to often and get on each other’s nerves one to many times. Both of these men rule over a kingdom, the first- Set, is a kind king typical of children’s fairy tales. He rules fairly and has earned the respect of his kingdom. It’s this respect that leads his followers to follow him blindly. Ruling beside him is his family, including Queen Myra, the Princes, Mikhail II, Mercury, Neptune, and Pluto, rounding out the family is Princess Citrus. Things are not all perfect for Set; he’s growing old and longs to do something great before he dies. This determination to be remembered has driven him to do some insane stunts… The second man, as I told you, was of much different demeanor then Set. But please, don’t peg him as the bad guy… he’s not really, no one is. The second king is known around as Sir Haunted, and he’s respected as highly, if not more, then Set… but it’s out of fear. Sir Haunted rules with an iron fist and commands the largest and most feared army in the known lands. He watches from a castle, perched high on a cliff side, his entire kingdom. You can see, it’s easy to pin the villain title on Sir Haunted, but you should really listen to me when I say he’s not. There are many that respect Sir Haunted not out of fear, but for their own reasons. He protects his family with a ferocity never before seen. He has a large amount of honor and his fighting skills are unmatched. Sir Haunted has his own family beside him along with a large following, his Queen Scorpio, and countless sons and daughters.

From the way I’ve told things so far it sounds like life is happy for our two men eh? They have lovely queens and kids to carry on their family names. They have a following and are respected. But didn’t I say this land was torn by war? How easily you must forget things that I must remind you of the situation. This war that I speak of started not long after the birth of the triple princes, Mercury, Neptune, and Pluto. Queen Myra and Princess Citrus were kidnapped into Sir Haunted’s Kingdom, and tensions between the two kings escalated until we reach this point, the oldest Prince, Mikhail II and one of his knights, Elijah, are immersed in a battle against Sir Haunted and a few of his followers.


Chapter I

Mikhail II, prince of Castle Carrlin, could have been the mostly eligible bachelor around if not for his current circumstances. After his mother and twin sister were kidnapped into the cliff side castle of Sir Haunted he spent as much time as he could spare out in the yard, practicing his sword fighting. He’d gained a fair deal of cuts and bruises this way, and he was constantly a mess. His hair had grown long and shaggy, almost never brushed. Instead of the lovely prince garb he wore armor and a warrior’s uniform. Not to mention, a certain lady had already caught his eye, but more on that later… his lady wasn’t on his mind now. He was in a tight spot to say the least, with Sir Haunted’s warriors surrounding him and the knight Elijah. Mikhail had encountered one of Haunted’s sons, a prince called Immolation, attempting to kidnap a member of Set’s court and had leapt into battle. Unfortunately more of Sir Haunted’s followers were not far behind, with only Elijah to come to Mikhail’s aid. With the scene set properly now, let’s join them shall we?

Mikhail felt Elijah’s heavy breathing against his back as the two stood with their backs to each other. Although he wasn’t aware of it, Mikhail was breathing in the same heavy way. His armor felt heavy on his shoulders and arms, but he knew that without it he’d be dead already. His sword was held close to his body in defense, his intense dark brown eyes watching the rival warriors across from him. Without looking at the knight he spoke to Elijah. “It’s been a pleasure Elijah.” The knight smiled- his own sword pointed outwards as a few of their foes grew to close. “You speak like this is the end Prince Mikhail…” He said confidently- moving his sword closer to his body he gave a sigh. “I must admit things don’t look good, I’d say a quick retreat might be best.” Mikhail bit his lower lip, he didn’t like to run away- he’d rather stay and fight, but things looked back here… and if he wanted to get his mother and sister back he’d need to be alive to do so. “Alright Elijah, on the count of three run foreword and I’ll see you back at the castle.” The young knight grinned as the prince began his countdown. “One, two…three.” At the same time both men sprang foreword, hoping that they’d find a hole and escape. Mikhail’s sword arm flailed wildly while him enemies attempted to prevent his escape. He gasped, eyes going wide as one of their swords caught him in the back of the leg, spilling his blood. Despite the pain he continued to run, but it was more of a hobble now. Suddenly the men in pursuit of Mikhail turned back. The Prince, hearing no foot steps behind him turned to look over his shoulder- he saw nothing. With a bit of alarm he started to walk back towards the battle, which when you think about it is quite a stupid thing to do. With a gasp he saw why the men following him had turned back, Elijah was trapped in a circle of them- his crimson stained sword flying wildly. Similarly Sir Haunted’s men were putting their own swords to work- and as confident as Elijah had been before, that confidence was lost as one failed block caused a sword to plant itself in his chest. The knight’s body fell limp and Mikhail felt his do the same, only a nearby tree caught him. Suddenly the prince realized that danger was still near, and with as much strength as he could muster he pulled himself up onto a tree branch. Sitting close to the strong trunk he pulled his injured leg close to his body- clenching his teeth as the pain finally started to set in. But he would not call out and alert the warriors to his hiding place. The pain in his leg was not the only thing setting in, he was just realizing now that Elijah was dead, it felt like hours ago that the knight sounded so confident that they’d get out of that alive… biting down hard on his lower lip he fought back the urge to cry out, to scream at the sky. Closing his eyes he leaned his head against the tree. Tilting his head off to the side he noticed the warriors had gone, probably to find the Prince who was right under… or above, their noses. In the center of the battle field laid one body, that of Elijah. Cautiously the prince lowered himself from the tree, grimacing as he touched his injured leg to the ground and put weight on it. Limping he moved towards the knight. He stripped off what armor Elijah had on and lifted the knight’s body over his shoulder. Turning in the direction of Castle Carrlin he started his long walk back to the castle….

[<3 Valentine <3]

Chapter II

Queen Myra’s smooth and elegantly shaped face peaked around a corner into another room. Her peach hair was tied back into a bun but a few strands had fallen out and were hanging around her face. “Sir Haunted? You wanted to see me?” She questioned. A large shape stood, looking out the window. His head bobbed lightly and he turned around to face her. His face appeared to be chiseled out of the rock that his castle sat on. His body would tell you that he’s fought all his life, but surprisingly not a scar was visible on his body. “Yes Myra.” With his large hand he beckoned Myra into the room. The graceful queen walked into the room and moved to sit in a large chair as Sir Haunted indicated it to her with his outstretched hand. He turned his gaze back out towards the window. For minutes the two sat in silence- with out the sounds of breathing filling the air. Uncomfortably Myra shifted in her chair, her intense green eyes never leaving Sir Haunted, who never stopped looking out the window. Finally Myra broke the silence between them. “You said you wanted to see me…” She asked quietly, expecting more then this from Sir Haunted. His large form turned to face her and he gave a grin. “But I do see you… I never said I had anything to say to you.” He gave a soft chuckle, and finally broke away from the window. He moved, settling down in the chair across from Myra, his icy blue eyes locked with hers and again silence fell between them. This time it was Haunted that shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Her intense eyes never left him- blinking very rarely. “If you’re not going to say anything I am…” She trailed off, and Sir Haunted gave a nod for her to continue. He was clearly amused by her comment and he did call her in her, he didn’t have anything to say but maybe she did. Myra rose to her feet and began pacing behind the chair- her eyes darting around the room. It was a study of sorts, with books lining the walls from floor to ceiling on three of the four walls. The fourth had the window in it. She noticed, even the door was a bookcase. It seemed as if this room was a prison, with no escape but the window. She floated over towards the window, placing a delicate china doll hand on it. “It’s quite clear to me why you want me here… but my daughter? Can’t you let her go back home to her father?” Sir Haunted didn’t appear surprised at her question, he’d been expecting it. Slowly he lifted to his feet and followed the path she took to the window. He crossed his arms across his chest while thinking of a good answer. While he thought his eyes drifted around his kingdom, from house to house while the ant-like people ran around. He had an answer. “I rule with fear, so long as they fear me I have control over them…” Myra looked at his reflection in the window, her face creased with confusion. “Why fear? You could change and your people would love you…” She turned around to face the real Haunted and not his reflection. He was again thinking, but he didn’t spend nearly as long doing it this time. “It’s not that simple Myra, if I suddenly go soft I’ll lose control, I must keep the fear up- I must keep your daughter here for that reason, besides…” He moved to stand beside her at the window instead of behind her- his gaze drifting out towards the horizon. “I’m not sure you’ve noticed, she’s always in the court yard with those flowers… and someone else is always there watching her.” Myra frowned; she hadn’t quite paid attention to who else was in the courtyard besides her daughter. ”What? Who?” Sir Haunted turned to face her, a snake-like grin on his face. “Why my own right-hand man, most people call him Paladin because that’s what he is and that’s his life, a knight in my service. Honestly, now that I think about it I don’t know his real name…” He shrugged and then turned to Myra for a moment, blue eyes gazing over her body before he drifted to a desk, a half written letter on the desk. “What’s this?” Myra questioned as she turned and noticed the letter. “It’s to your King, I’ll agree to leave both you and his daughter unharmed… “ He smirked and Myra frowned.”The catch? " Myra crossed her dainty arms across her chest, frowning at him. Haunted grinned and laughed lightly. “Both you and your daughter must become permanent members of my Kingdom….” He turned back to the window, looking out towards the horizon again, his face creased in a grin. Myra appeared undisturbed by the news. “Set is already trying to get both me and my daughter back- why should he agree to this?” Haunted turned his head over his shoulder to face her. “He’s losing.”

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[<3 Valentine <3]

Chapter III

Recently Prince Mikhail had become a rare sight to anyone. His room was always locked, the curtains always drawn shut. The only ones allowed in was his doctor to tend to his leg, which was healing although he was told he might have trouble walking. It meant nothing to him, Elijah was dead- and no one would let him forget it. The worse was that scholar Subire. The day he came back to the castle Subire wouldn’t leave him alone about it, constantly questioning him and just driving him nuts. What drove Mikhail nuts more was the fact he might soon be related to Subire… a knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. He didn’t say anything to who ever was on the outside- everyone knew he was in here. A soft, almost fragile voice echoed on the other side. “Mik? It’s Peach, please let me in… I haven’t seen you in so long…” Mikhail buried his face in his hands and sighed, pulling his legs up on the bed he curled into a ball like a helpless child. Peach, he couldn’t look at her- not now. He didn’t want her to see him like this- weakened, not only physically but mentally as well. Suddenly the door to his room opened a crack and light came flooding in. Peach’s voice called out again. “Mikhail?” Swiftly Mikhail rose to his feet and flew to the door- jerking it wide open. He glared at Peach, who was nearly the same height as him. He bit his lower lip; as he raced to the door he’d been mad at her for breaking into his room, but at the sight of her his anger left him. He turned, walking back into his room he sat on his bed. “Come in, turn on a light and close the door.” Peach did as she was told; just grateful Mikhail hadn’t exploded on her. The fragile-looking girl lowered herself on the bed beside Mikhail. Gently she grasped his hand in hers. Brining it closer to her she began to examine it, running her fingers along the deep lines in his hands. She smiled and looked up at Mikhail who was looking down at the floor, giving no notice to Peach. She set his hand back on the bed and moved her own hand to brush his hair away from his face. “You’re hair, it feels like it hasn’t been brushed in days…” He turned his head slightly to look at her- it hadn’t. She sighed and returned her hand to her lap. “I worry about you Mikhail, you’re not yourself anymore…” She again picked up his hand and clasped it in between her two hands. “You’re not the man I fell in love with…” At the mention of love he yanked his hand from her- turning so he was looking away from her. She sighed and stood up; gracefully she moved to stand in front of him. She kneeled down on the floor, her arms resting on his knees and her chin was on her arms. She looked up at him, trying to get some eye contact. “I know you’re still morning over Elijah, but you couldn’t have done anything to save him… you’re just lucky you weren’t killed yourself!” Finally she managed to catch his gaze and she smiled as she stared into his deep brown eyes. They were hypnotizing, such a strong intense color- they sat in silence as they just looked at each other. Finally Mikhail spoke up. “Peach…” He smiled and lifted his hand to run through her hair, which unlike his was very soft, it smelled nice too. He closed his eyes, but was still smiling as they sat, his fingers running through her soft brown hair. She herself was smiling, quite happy to see Mikhail out of his slum, even if for a few moments.

Suddenly a knock at the door disturbed them both. Mikhail’s eyes jolted awake and he looked towards the door. Peach leapt to her feet and sat down on the bed beside Mikhail, smoothing out her dress she looked at Mikhail, giving him a nod. “Come in” The prince said. The door opened and standing there was a rather skinny fellow. His hair fell around his head in odd patterns and looked as if he’d just run his fingers thought it instead of brushing it. Mikhail sighed. “What do you need Subire?” He pinched the bridge of his nose between his two fingers. Subire stepped into the room, giving a nod to Peach. “Not you Mikhail, I’m looking for Peach.” With a wave of his free hand Mikhail beckoned Subire to continue. The scholar gave a nod and glanced back at Peach. “You sister Pom is searching for you; she has some… good news.” He gave a small smile and turned to look back at the door. Standing in the hall was a young woman who didn’t look unlike Peach herself, she was a bit shorter and her hair was tied back into two buns. Pom stepped into the room and locked arms with Subire. She smiled and glanced back and forth between Mikhail and Peach. “I’ve just accepted Subire’s hand in marriage.” Peach smiled and leapt up- wrapping her arms around her sister’s neck she squeezed Pom tightly. “Oh Pom, I always knew it!” Mikhail smiled but kept his eyes focused on Pom. One step closer to becoming related, to Subire… He wanted to shiver at the thought but he figured it wouldn’t be a good move. Instead he stood and walked out of the door, giving his congratulations to Pom as he passed her. With a concerned look Peach pushed past her sister to follow Mikhail.

The Prince drifted towards the courtyard, flowers of every color scattered the grounds except for a few paths cutting their way in between the rainbow of flowers. Slowly he lowered himself against a tree that was growing in the middle of the courtyard- leaning his head back against the tree. Peach cautiously entered the courtyard- drifting silently over towards Mikhail. She gently lowered herself beside him and leaned to rest her head against his shoulder. Surprised Mikhail’s eyes opened and he glanced over at Peach. She smiled and gazed out over the flowers. “Do you remember the day we met?” Mikhail gave a soft nod. “Yes Peach, down in the market I spied a little girl and boy playing. The little girl had a cut on her face and I was worried the little boy gave it to her. You kept insisting that little boy didn’t mean to hurt you and that you two were rough housing. I cleaned you up and apparently fell head over heels for you at the same time.” He smiled and moved to wrap an arm around her and hold her close to him. Peach smiled and gave a small nod. “Why do you dislike Subire so? It’s not like he’s ever given you trouble…” Mikhail glanced out towards the flowers; he gave a grin and then kissed the top of her head. “Because, I hate anyone that hurts you, even if you two were just rough housing.” He chuckled and picked a blue flower from the ground. Carefully he tucked it behind her ear and again kissed the top of her head. Peach’s eyes closed and she snuggled close to Mikhail, her eyes darted around from flower to flower. “Your sister, she planted all of these didn’t she?” She spoke softly, not sure how Mikhail would react to her mentioning his kidnapped sister. Mikhail sighed and gave a nod. “She planted all of these, and if she didn’t they grew here on their own from flowers she planted. This whole garden, she planted it for my mother…” He smiled lightly and leaned to rest his head against the tree- closing them. Peach gave a faint nod, she knew the story of the garden but just wanted to hear it again- she rarely heard Mikhail mention his mother or sister. She also closed her eyes and slowly began to fall asleep beside Mikhail.

Chapter IV
(to come)

[<3 Valentine <3]

Chapter IV

Princess Citrus sat on a bench in the courtyard- her eyes scanning around her for a moment until she gave a heavy sigh. This place was so much smaller then the courtyard at home in Castle Carrlin. The courtyard at home had been built as a place to relax, but this one- it was just a simple square in the middle of the castle, meant for walking through in order to get somewhere quicker. It was dull and had no color or life in it at all- that was until Princess Citrus came along. In this area she’d been able to find very few flowers, but the ones she did find were growing wonderfully in the courtyard. The majority of her flowers were orange in color; they matched her incredibly stunning orange eyes. She knelt among the thickest part of her flowers- running her hands over their petals, a large smile on her face as she felt the soft petals tickle her fingers. Plucking a flower she gently dusted some pollen into her hand. Carefully she blew the pollen around her to the other flowers. She hadn’t yet seen any bees or other pollinating animals around and had taken up the job herself. Dusting off her hands she smiled- glancing up towards the sky. As her orange eyes traveled up towards the sky she caught sight of a figure in the shadows, he was always there. Her mother might never notice him, but she always did. She gave a smile and a wave of her hand. “Come out Paladin, my mother’s not around today.” The dark shape carefully stepped into the sunlight. Paladin wasn’t very tall, about the height of Citrus who was a woman and shorter then most men. He appeared very rugged, with his tangled, uncombed black hair that hung around his head in an uneven pattern. He was still dressed in the clothes he wore for training, sweat soaked and all. His tan eyes locked on Citrus as he moved closer. Carefully he knelt beside her- his eyes never leaving her. “Princess Citrus…” He took her hand lightly and placed a kiss on the back before releasing it. His voice was soft and sounded ragged and unused. She smiled and placed her hand back in her lap after he released it. She twirled the flower she’d plucked from the ground earlier between her thumb and forefinger. Carefully Paladin held out his hand and Citrus placed the flower in his large hand. He took it and sniffed it, sneezing suddenly. Citrus burst into a fit of laughs- falling back into the flowers, sending more pollen into the air. Paladin quickly stood up and sneezed again, and then a third time. Citrus wiped a tear from her eye and stood up- offering her handkerchief to Paladin. He shrugged and took it- wiping off his nose. “I think I’m allergic to flowers.” Citrus nodded in agreement. She latched her hand around his thick wrist and lead him out of the flowers and to a corner of the courtyard that didn’t have flowers in it. She sat down with her back against the wall and Paladin did the same beside her. His eyes drifted up towards the sky and Citrus’s eyes drifted over to him. “Why are you being so nice to me Paladin? I’m a prisoner in this castle; couldn’t you be risking something by being seen around me?” She moved to her knees, turning so she now faced him. Paladin’s eyes turned towards her and he bit his lower lip. “It’s just that… I shouldn’t tell you…” He quickly turned away from her- still biting his lower lip. Citrus edged closer to him- setting her hand on his knee. He quickly stood up- leaving her kneeling on the ground. “Sir Haunted is sending a letter to your father as we speak, you won’t be harmed if King Set agrees to the demands…”Citrus peered curiously at him, moving to her feet she brushed herself off. “What are the demands?” Paladin gulped and locked eyes with her. He obviously wasn’t happy to tell her what the demands were. Citrus glared heavily at him and Paladin sighed. “Fine I’ll tell you… Sir Haunted wants both you and your mother to become official members of our kingdom, and should that happen….” He paused and looked away from her. Citrus placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling. “You can tell me….” Paladin didn’t look at her, he began to tremble at her touch. “When you become a member of the kingdom, I am to be engaged to you… “ Citrus wasn’t sure how to take this. Her hand dropped from his shoulder and Paladin turned away from her, still glaring at the ground with a cold expression. Citrus regained some feeling in her face and she glared angrily at him. “That’s it then? You’re being nice to me because you might end up having to marry me? That’s the only reason you’re spending time with me isn’t it?” Paladin didn’t react to her words. The man that had once appeared to her as a quiet, gentle giant she now saw as nothing more then a cold, ruthless, cruel snake out for his own gain. Angrily she pounded a fist into his shoulder. With warrior-trained reflexes his hand snapped up and grabbed her wrist. Turning to face her he glared at her. “Yes… I’d much rather live with someone else, someone of my own choosing, but I can’t can I? I’m stuck with you… and you’d have never known if you hadn’t started preying into my life. We could have had a happy life… I could have pretended to like you long enough for us to get married, have a few kids and stuff… but you just had to know didn’t you? Well you know now.” Citrus snapped her wrist away- looking at Paladin in shock a moment before she turned, running out of the courtyard and into the castle. Paladin glared back at the ground a moment before silently leaving the courtyard as well.

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[<3 Valentine <3]

Chapter V

“Ha! I’ve got you now Neptune!” The fiery red-headed Prince Pluto had one of his brothers pinned to a wall with a wooden toy sword. The Prince doing the pinning, Pluto, was very scrawny for his size, but from the looks of things he was incredibly powerful- able to overpower his brother. Neptune, the one being pinned, was nearly twice the size of his brother but much less agile and skilled at fighting. His own wooden sword was at the ground near his feet. He glared at his brother across from him. The almond haired prince stuck out his tongue at Pluto and in retaliation Pluto tapped Neptune’s shin with his wooden sword. Neptune’s leg shot up into his arms and the prince hopped up and down on one foot. “Hey… that hurt.” Neptune’s gaze shot towards a nearby tree where the third prince was sitting, Mercury was as tall as Neptune was but weighed as much as Pluto, making him very twiggy looking. His nose was buried deep in a book. At his brother’s cries Mercury looked up, brushing his black hair from his face he gave a grin. Neptune called over to him. “Come down and help me will you?” Pluto tapped Neptune’s other shin and Neptune switched which leg he was holding, still jumping up and down on one leg. Pluto again tapped the leg his brother was standing on. The red haired prince chuckled and finally set down his sword, letting his brother rest. Throwing his wooden sword to the ground he turned, marching to the tree. He reached up and pulled himself onto a branch below Mercury.”What’cha reading?” He questioned, standing on the branch so he was eye level with Mercury who was sitting on the higher branch. Mercury flashed the title to Pluto quickly. It was something about Julius Caesar. Mercury quickly returned to the reading, his black hair hanging around his face and forming a shadow over his soft light blue eyes. Pluto leapt up onto the branch, sitting with one leg on either side as he looked at his brother. “You really don’t ever talk do you? But I know you can, father told me you can…” He gave a proud nod and looked down to Neptune who was gathering up the two wooden swords he and his brother had been using. “Right Neppy?” Neptune looked up, he hadn’t been paying attention and to appease his brother he nodded. Pluto smirked and looked back at Mercury. Using one finger he tentatively lowered Mercury’s book. “Say something, anything… come on brother.” Mercury grinned and glanced down, throwing a glance at Neptune. “Duck.” Mercury’s voice was very frail and weak. A large grin grew on Mercury’s mug as Pluto looked at him confused… duck? “Duc…?” Suddenly he felt an acorn hit him in the back of his head. Whirling around Neptune stood below them, tossing a second acorn up and down in his hand. A large grin on his mug. With fake fury Pluto leapt from the tree at Neptune. Landing in front of the almond haired prince he leapt foreword, tackling Neptune to the ground. The two brothers began to tussle around on the ground. Meanwhile Mercury returned to his book, smiling to himself.

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King Set sat in a large and overly stuffed red velvet chair- his right hand pinching the bridge of his nose while his left shuffled through papers. Honestly he hated being King, there was a lot to do and everyone had high expectations of him. He’d restored Castle Carrlin to its former glory and now his people were expecting more out of him. When in truth Set had little more to give- he was tired and although he wouldn’t admit it, he was growing old. He moved his right hand to brush his thinning brown-grey hair out of his face as he stared blankly at the papers at his desk, not really reading them- just staring at them. The door across the room clicked and opened. Set looked up- quickly recognizing his son. He smiled warmly and stood up, moving around to the other side of his desk he gave his son a strong pat on the shoulder. “Mikhail, how have you been?” Mikhail shrugged but didn’t give a verbal answer. He was quiet mixed up to tell the truth, morning over Elijah and at the same time he was happier then ever, his relationship with Peach was reaching a new high and he was enjoying it… it was this relationship that brought him before his father today. He shuffled around lightly and glanced towards the fireplace in the room- not really wanting to meet his fathers gaze when he spoke. “I have a request, two actually…” He paused a moment, glancing at King Set. Set gave a nod to Mikhail, signaling him to continue. Prince Mikhail drifted towards a window- lifting his right hand to rest against the window as he gazed out it absently. “I no longer want to be heir to the throne, give it one of my younger brothers…” King Set appeared startled, taking a few steps closer towards his son. “What? Why Mikhail, why? You are the oldest and rightfully should inherit the throne when the time is right…” Set was old, he didn’t expect to hang onto the throne much longer, Mikhail was more then old enough to become King- his three younger brothers weren’t quiet ready to become King yet. This would mean Set would have to rule longer before Mercury, Pluto, or Neptune could take the throne… then the problem came of picking one of them. Mikhail sighed and turned quickly to face his father. “I have no desire to be King, I want to settle down and have a family and not worry about anything else… that is where my second request comes in.” He walked quickly over to his father, kneeling before King Set. “Father, I want to marry Peach- as soon as possible…” King Set gazed quizzically down at Mikhail… although he wasn’t surprised at Mikhail wanting to marry Peach, he knew that would happen eventually. He sighed and closed his dark brown eyes, nodding lightly. “I’ll make a deal with you- you and Peach will be married as soon as possible, if you remain heir until one of your brothers is ready to take it over.” Mikhail’s face began to glow with excitement and he leapt back to his feet- smiling like no tomorrow. “Oh thank you father thank you!” He turned, sprinting towards the door to go find Peach. Just as he reached the large door it opened and Subire appeared in the threshold- a letter in his hand. “King Set, a letter…” He held out the letter, his hand trembling. Mikhail moved to the side as his father took the letter from Subire. Opening it he read it to himself, biting his lower lip as he finished off. Both Mikhail and Subire looked on anxiously, waiting to find out what the letter said. King Set sighed heavily… holding the letter out to Mikhail for the prince to read. “It’s from Haunted…” Mikhail gulped and took the letter, this time reading it aloud for the benefit of Subire. “King Set, the time for fooling around has ended… you wife and daughter will not be harmed….” Mikhail’s voice faded away and Subire angrily snapped at him. “Go on. Mikhail handed the letter over to Subire who finished reading it. Subire quickly finished the letter and glanced back and forth between Mikhail and Set. “It’s an ultimatum… Queen Myra and Princess Citrus will not be harmed… if they become official members of his Kingdom…” Quickly Set grabbed the letter from Subire and crumbled it up, throwing it into a corner of the room. “Nonsense! I will not give in that easily.” Quickly he returned to his desk, scribbling out a letter of his own. Folding it up and sealing it with his wax seal he handed it back to Subire. “A reply for our friend Sir Haunted…” Subire nodded and left the room. Mikhail curious looked over at his father. “What did you say?” Set sighed heavily and looked out towards the window. “I’d agree, if he sent both of them home and allow them to gather their possessions.” Mikhail glared angrily at his father. “How could you do that? Don’t you love them anymore?” Set glared over at his son, taking a step towards him. “Don’t you dare talk to me that way boy! It’s because I love them so much I’m willing to give them up and keep them from harm.” Mikhail shook his head, turning he stormed from the room. Set sighed and sank back into his chair- and suddenly he began chuckling. “Sir Haunted, you are quiet the idiot you know that? Send them back here and you’ll never see them back in your castle again…” He twiddled his fingers on the desk, chuckling still.

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[<3 Valentine <3]

Chapter VI

Sir Haunted’s eye quickly scanned the letter, behind him stood the heir prince Immolation. Immolation didn’t look unlike his father, with the same warrior build and frightening blue eyes. He looked like a younger version on the man sitting at the desk. His arms were crossed over his chest and he exhaled heavily. “I don’t like this father- sending them back? That could start some trouble.” Haunted gave a nod and set the letter back down on the desk. He lifted his eyes across the room. Sitting in a chair on the other side of his study, her nose in a book, was Queen Scorpio. Her long black hair was pulled back in a simple bun and her clothing was simple and nothing like what a Queen should be wearing. She glanced up and gave a grin. “If I may make a suggestion…” She rose to her feet and drifted over towards Haunted, whispering something into his ear. Sir Haunted grinned and nodded. “I like that… Immolation, go find Myra and Citrus- they are going home, and you and Scorpio will be their escort.” He grinned as both left the room. Rising to his feet he drifted over towards the window, looking down into the courtyard he spotted Citrus and Myra, sitting there talking to each other. In a few moments Immolation and Scorpio appeared, they conversed with the two of them and the four returned to the castle. Haunted’s grin widened. Returning to his desk he scribbled out a note and then another and glanced back up just as Paladin entered the room. “Good Paladin, I need you to take a note to Immolation before he leaves. And then take the second one directly to Castle Carrlin, before Myra and Citrus get there.” Paladin had started to say something as he entered the room, but didn’t get a chance to and took the note and left, walking quickly down the hall to catch up to Immolation before they left. Haunted set his pen down and turned to look at the fireplace which was crackling orange and yellows. “The game is on Set, we’ll see how long you can last…”

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Mikhail glared unhappily as he noticed Paladin riding up the path towards the castle. He quickly walked down the hallways, reaching the front gate just as Paladin reached it. The mounted knight glared down at Mikhail, but held out the letter he was told to deliver. “Make sure your father gets this.” He wasn’t to eager to enter the castle and actually meet the King, so he was more then happy to hand the letter off to the Prince. As Mikhail took the letter Paladin turned his horse and rode away. Anxious Mikhail ripped open the letter. He mumbled allowed as he read it- it was only two words. “I agree.” Grinning from ear to ear Mikhail darted into the castle to find his father. King Set was sitting in the library, his nose in a map book while his pen drifted around the page.”Father! Mother and Citrus are coming home.” Set looked up from his book- a confused expression on his face. Mikhail handed over the letter and Set scanned the two words. He smiled happily and then turned towards the door where a guard was posted. “Assemble the men… tell them to take up arms and be ready” Mikhail looked a bit confused- he followed his father as he left the library and moved towards the study. “What? Why?” Set pushed open the study door and went it- glancing over his shoulder as Mikhail continued to follow him. Set sighed and nervously glanced out the window. “We’re going to kidnap two members of Haunted’s kingdom, Myra and Citrus.” Mikhail blinked- glancing down at the ground. Suddenly things seemed to fall into place. He followed his father towards the other end of the study- tracing around his palm with his finger while he figured it out. “Myra and Citrus are coming here, and you’re not going to let them leave?” Set nodded and went about reading some papers on his desk. Mikhail smiled and darted off to spread the good news. Set leaned back into the overstuffed chair- eyes trained on the window blankly- a happy grin on his face.

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Mercury, Neptune, and Pluto were all hanging out in the courtyard- the three of them sitting in a tree like fruit. Mercury as usual was reading a book with far too many words for either of his brother’s liking. Neptune and Pluto were bickering- only quieting as Mikhail ran out to them. “Brothers! Prepare yourself; mother and Citrus will be here any moment!” All the brothers appeared quiet surprised
but had no time to question Mikhail before he ran off. In unison the three leapt from the tree and darted towards the front gate, the old teens pushed and shoved as a crowd started to form, word spreading quickly of the return of Myra and Citrus. Pluto scrambled up a wall- sitting on top to get a good view. Mercury followed but not as quickly as Pluto did. Neptune looked up and groaned. He wasn’t built for climbing. With much trouble he started up the wall- taking twice as long as Mercury did to climb the wall. When he finally got the top his fingers and knee caps were scraped and bloody, but he made it none the less. He sat down beside Mercury and trained his eyes towards the front gate as four horses appeared. The figures came into focus just as Mikhail, Peach, Subire, and King Set arrived on the seen. The crowd parted to let the four come towards the front. Neptune sighed and poked Mercury in the shoulder. “How come they didn’t do that for us?” Mercury just shrugged and glanced down at his father- waiting to see the reaction on his face as Myra and Citrus arrived home. King Set shifted anxiously back and forth from one foot to the other. Mikhail placed a hand on his father’s shoulder and smiled. “Calm down…” Set nodded and sighed- waiting as the four horse’s riders came into focus. The front one carried Prince Immolation, a blank expression on his face. The second horse carried both Myra and Citrus, the daughter clutching the horse’s mane and the mother holding onto the reins. Scorpio followed on her own horse. Large lumps adorned the fourth, mostly baggage and stuff they might have needed on the ride from the other castle. Immolation dismounted at the front gate, Scorpio did the same and took Immolation’s reins from him as he lead Myra and Citrus’s horse foreword towards King Set. Both Myra and Citrus’s faces appeared pale and clammy. Quickly Set took his wife’s hand and helped her dismount and then his daughter. He and Mikhail turned to lead them back into the castle when Immolation spoke up. “Wait, just incase you try anything…” He tossed the second letter Haunted wrote to Set who caught it. Ripping it open he looked down at the letter. He could feel the countless eyes of the crowd on him so he read it aloud. “Don’t try anything or worse will happen…” He blinked and looked up at Immolation who had remounted his horse. Scorpio, still on the ground lead the fourth horse forewords and she grinned. “Here you go, a little gift… and there’s another but you’ll have to ask Citrus about that.” Mikhail moved protectively, placing himself between Citrus and Scorpio. Scorpio grinned and held out the fourth horse’s reins for Set who took then tentatively… the whole situation was starting to frighten him. Citrus tentatively touched her brother’s back and glanced over his shoulder at the fourth horse. She whispered into her brother’s ear. “Get Peach and Subire out of here now… please…” Mikhail glanced over his shoulder at Citrus, obviously confused. Citrus didn’t explain, she drifted back into the crowd and Myra followed. Mikhail moved to tap Peach’s shoulder when Scorpio spoke up again. “We must be going now…” She took out a small knife and quickly cut a long gash in one of the sacks on the horse’s back and darted back to her horse. Immolation had already started to ride off and Scorpio mounted and began to ride off. Suddenly something fell from the bag, limp on the ground. Gasps from the nearest members of the crowd quickly carried around as they saw what had fallen on the ground. Mikhail saw Peach’s face go white before she fell. Quickly Mikhail reached out, catching her before she hit the ground. He glanced up at Subire who was also going pale, he started to tremble as he looked at the limp body that had fallen from the bag. “Pom… she’s… she’s…” He stumbled over his words and felt himself wringing his hands over and over again. Mikhail turned to look at what had fallen from the bag, not yet having a chance to get a good look at it. It was a body that was for sure, and judging from the lack of movement and pale color of the skin it was a dead body. He felt his knees go weak as he recognized the face on the body… he turned towards Subire. “…dead.” Suddenly Subire burst into tears- turning he ran from the crowd, past the wall the three brothers were sitting on. Mercury felt the silence fall around the crowd, not a single soul said a word. He could feel Neptune trembling beside him. Glancing over his other shoulder he saw Pluto who wasn’t watching the crowd, but was watching as Immolation and Scorpio disappeared in the distance. Quietly he spoke. “They killed her… father was stupid to try and pull a trick like he was going to, I knew it sounded like something Haunted would try himself… you can’t trick the trickster….” Mercury nodded lightly and glanced back towards the crowd. Set had started crowd control and was telling people to go home. Mikhail had lifted Peach into his arms and was starting back towards the castle. He noticed Citrus and Myra standing at the gate of the castle, watching Mikhail. The three brothers looked at each other before one at a time leaping down from the wall and running up towards the castle. Gradually the crowd faded and it was then Subire returned with Set and Mikhail. Mikhail took the horse’s reins and Set and Subire lifted Pom’s body onto the back of the horse. Silently the three of them walked up towards the castle, the horse following behind them.

End Book One

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[<3 Valentine <3]

(yep, I’ve decided to make it a trilogy series xD Here’s a little preview of book two: The Rise of Nero)

Start Book Two

Prologue

Nero, the Hitler of ancient Rome. His mind was amazing, but at the same time he wasn’t right in the head. He was most well known for his eccentricity. He commonly not only held sporting events, but also participated in them himself. He used his power for his own gain and was one of the youngest emperors of Rome. Even the way he came into power was strange. He was the adopted son of the emperor before him after that emperor’s marriage to Nero’s mother. Using her new power Nero’s mother eventually persuaded her husband to name Nero his heir and not his own son. To make sure things went the way she wanted she had Nero’s rivals killed off to ensure he’d be made Emperor. Nero’s reign started off amazingly- Nero had a good relationship with the senate and together they brought Rome to new heights. But Nero’s mother was not done mixing in her son’s life. She began to influence him to kill off all those who apposed him. Eventually one of those murdered was Nero’s own mother. He grew into a fearsome dictator who even the senate didn’t dare cross. At the height of his rule Rome caught fire. It is well believed that Nero himself started the fire in order to level Rome so he’d have room to build himself a lavish new palace. As Rome burned Nero stood out on his balcony playing his violin as the city rose up in flames. Finally the senate took charge, making Nero public enemy number one they sent out the guards to kill him. Nero knew he’d be soon killed and took matters into his own hands. With a trust servant by his side Nero slit his throat and died moments later, his last words ‘What an artist dies in me’.

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