Chapter Text
The Dark Mage
Prologue
The Sanc Kingdom was compromised of five main provinces that covered rolling hills, open meadows, deep forests and plentiful streams. It was also surrounded on three sides by high, steep snow covered mountains and the fourth side buttressed up against the wide ocean. The Sanc Kingdom considered itself a Pacifist country that was not interested in warring upon their neighboring countries or being involved in wars, but did believe in protecting itself and its citizens from those who wished to wage war against them.
Thus, each province was responsible for the training and care of their own army for the protection of the entire kingdom, with the largest army being housed in the Capital, New Port City. The towering white castle was partially carved out of the side of the mountain that protected it from an attack by water, but had been expanded throughout the decades. The large port brought in much commerce from around the world and the people lived happily in peace with their ruler, King Milliardo Peacecraft and his wife Queen Lucrezia.
The two were well loved by their citizens and were often found wandering around the city with only a guard or two. The citizens would protect their monarchs with their lives in an instant, but the guards were mainly there for emergency purposes. Assassination attempts were rare, but did happen as Milliardo knew too well since that is how his father died when he was only six. His mother had ruled for him until he was old enough to reign himself and had happily passed the kingdom to her young, but more than capable son. He had ruled for almost ten years before he married Princess Lucrezia Noin from a neighboring country and had been pleasantly surprised at the dark haired beauty who was soft spoken, but no pushover. The two had fallen deeply in love and enjoyed each other’s company often, though had yet to produce an heir.
The Queen Mother enjoyed helping her daughter-in-law in learning her role as Queen and taking the young queen under her wing as she learned how to handle the day to day running of the castle and kingdom. The two were often conspiring together during tea along with King Milliardo’s younger sister Relena, who at 17 was almost reaching maturity and marriageable age. The fair princess was greatly loved by all around her, but she was stubborn to a fault and often wouldn’t budge once her mind was made up.
“Mother, I don’t see why I must be married off as soon as I am eighteen.” Relena said, her blue eyes glinting with frustration. “And who will Milliardo ever approve of? Any offer to court me has been quickly rebuffed and I have not even been able to speak three words uninterrupted to a man other than family.” She shook her golden locks in annoyance and pressed her red lips angrily together.
“My dear,” Queen Katrina tutted, “You are a princess of the Sanc Kingdom, any suitor will certainly need to be worth their salt and able to stand up to your dear brother.”
Queen Lucrezia reached a hand over and squeezed the princess’s hand comfortingly. “I will talk to my husband and see if we can set up a dance in honor of your impending birthday where you will be allowed to mingle with eligible suitors. While the law may state you are to be engaged to marry when you are eighteen, it does give you an entire year to meet and speak with them before making a decision. And we will let you make the decision.”
Relena smiled at her sister-in-law, “Sister, I do love you so!”
The Queen Mother smiled at the two young women. She knew it was very difficult for the new queen to travel across the mountains and leave behind everything she knew of to marry a king she had never even met, but from the letters between her son and Lucrezia, she knew it would be a good match. She had still had reservations though until she met the ebony beauty and saw how she complimented her son’s strengths and weaknesses so well.
“Mother,” Lucrezia called, bringing the elder woman out of her reverie. “Do you believe we can plan a party in the next two months with enough time to invite any eligible suitors to attend?”
Queen Katrina smiled widely, “Absolutely!” The three women laughed and chattered about the upcoming party, planning colors, food and entertainment. A few serving girls who overheard the royals quickly spread the news and the whole castle was soon abuzz with the news of the elegant party.
~*~
King Milliardo sat in his study, looking over the collected taxes and auditing the books to verify that nothing was amiss. His straight platinum blonde hair falling briefly into his eyes as he calculated the numbers in his head, his graceful fingers smudged with ink. While he did trust his advisors, he had learned treachery can come from the most unlikely sources and kept himself busy by periodically checking the books. His personal servant, Adin Barnett, sat near him, ready at any moment to help the young king, but as usual, he often spent him time staring at the same picture on the wall of a meadow stream surrounded by trees. The Barnett family had long served the Peacecraft monarchy, but due to a sickness that had swept through the Capital Adin was the only one left from his family. As an orphan and only being a few years younger than the young prince, Milliardo had immediately appointed Adin his personal servant even though Milliardo was only 10 and Adin was barely 8. The two had grown as close as brothers and other than his Captain of the Royal Guard; Adin was the only man that the king trusted explicitly.
A quiet knock had Adin up and crossing the room with swift practiced strides as the king leaned back in his seat to see who was at the door. A smile graced his lips as his wife stepped into the room, Adin quickly falling into a low bow as he held the door open. “My dear Queen, what brings you here?”
Lucrezia smiled, “You mean you haven’t heard yet?”
A pale eyebrow arched up questioningly, but the widening smile gave away that he knew, “Do you mean this rumor of a grand party being planned in celebration of Relena’s 18th birthday?”
His wife laughed, shaking her head and quickly pressed her lips to his. “I swear there are no secrets in this castle! At least not longer than a few minutes.”
Milliardo stood, glancing at the clock to see it was almost supper time. “I detest secrets, so I certainly do not mind in the least. Adin, I will walk my dear wife back to our chambers and we will take supper in the informal dining room along with my mother and sister.”
“Very good, Sire.” Adin said, bowing once more as he opened the door for the monarchs. As soon as they were in the hall, the servant quickly locked the study and made his way to the kitchens to inform the staff where the royal family would be dining.
At dinner, plans of the upcoming party were first and foremost the discussion of the four. King Milliardo acquiesced to everything his wife and sister wanted, within reason of course. When the two women mentioned fire throwers in the grand hall, he did firmly tell them no, but relented to them being outside at the front gates. The talk continued long into the night as the three women schemed and planned while the young king amusingly listened.
The two months passed quickly and soon the eve of the grand party was upon them. The castle was abuzz with barely contained excitement and the pattering of feet as the servants rushed to finish their duties before the guests began arriving. The party was to start once darkness fell so that the flame throwers would look majestic in the black open garden. Lanterns were lit, food and drink were ready and all that was left to wait for was the sunset and guests.
Upstairs, Princess Relena exhaled as her lady-in-waiting, Dorothy, pulled the strings of the sea green bodice tightly. “Leave me room to breathe!” The princess exclaimed, but Dorothy only chuckled.
“Beauty takes pain, my Lady.” The long haired blonde answered, but she did loosen the strings just a hair. Dorothy always looked severe due to her angular frame and face, but mainly because of her sharp, jutting eyebrows that made those who didn’t know the lady-in-waiting believe she was constantly angry. Finishing tying the strings, Dorothy stepped back and smoothed down the skirts of her burgundy gown that contrasted beautifully with her pale skin and features.
Relena huffed, stiffly sitting down. Her cream ballroom gown was lightweight so that she wouldn’t tire from dancing as quickly and the beautiful green bodice complimented the skirts exquisitely. A single delicate gold chain hung around her neck and her hair had been piled around her tiara in simple curls. “I swear, whomever I marry will promise me I won’t need to wear these darned contraptions no matter what style is in fashion. Bring me comfort over beauty!”
Dorothy laughed, the shrill sound echoing around the two blondes. “I do believe you are expected to withstand pain and discomfort, my Lady.” Relena smiled softly and reached out a hand to her maid. The two had been introduced when Relena was only 6, but had become fast friends with the long haired blonde who had made herself protector and lady-in-waiting to the princess. Almost twelve years later and they were still as thick as thieves and Dorothy had promised to follow Relena to wherever she went.
“With you next to me, I know I can withstand anything, even finding a suitable husband.” Standing, she took one last look in the mirror at the delicate makeup that Dorothy had applied and turned to her best friend. “You did a lovely job, Dorothy, thank you.”
Glancing out to see the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon and darkness had descended, Dorothy clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head at the other woman. “Are you ready, Princess Relena?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Linking arms with the long haired blonde, she slipped on her sea green slippers to match her bodice and straightened her posture before stepping into the dimly lit hall.
“The men will swoon and throw flowers at your feet, my Lady.” Dorothy whispered conspiratorially, causing a blush to spread across Relena’s face.
“Dorothy!” The princess admonished lightly, but the smile on her lips just made Dorothy chuckle.
As they stepped into the ballroom, the girls paused to be announced and took the chance to look around the transformed room. Relena was used to the large ballroom being covered in drapes that protected the intricate scrollwork and paintings that covered the walls, the room full of dust and so silent that every step echoed on for what felt like eternity. Now, the draperies were gone, the floors shined with polish and not a speck of dust could be found. There were small tables and seats for resting or small talk nearby a refreshment table and a four string quartet played to the side while the middle of the floor was filled with dancers.
Dorothy leaned in and whispered, “I see some cute men and they’re certainly looking hungry, my Lady.”
Relena turned to rebuff the wicked blonde as her blush deepened, but stopped short as the Hall Master stepped forward and called, “Her Royal Highness, Princes Relena Peacecraft and Lady Dorothy Catalonia of Coretes.”
Everything came to a standstill in the ballroom for a minute as the princess and lady walked into the room. Light clapping filled the hall as people to either side of Relena bowed and curtsied with murmurs of “Happy Birthday Princess Relena” echoed throughout the room. Relena smiled graciously, nodding to those who were close enough to personally greet her and came to the dais where her brother and sister-in-law sat. Curtseying low, but not as low as Dorothy, Relena smiled at the monarchs as Milliardo stood to address those in attendance.
“I wish to thank you all for attending my dear sister’s eighteenth birthday. I cannot impart to you all how much it means to us all that we have the joy of ruling such a wonderful nation. The citizens truly are the fabric of our gracious country and we would not be here celebrating today if not for your support. Please, enjoy the party and help me in wishing Princess Relena a happy birthday.”
Relena smiled lovingly at her big brother as the king stepped down and held out his hand to her. “Oh brother!” She said, giving him a quick hug before she regained her composure.
Milliardo laughed lightly and took her hand. “Would you honor me with your first dance?”
“Certainly brother!”
The quartet began again, a waltz, and the two royals spun effortlessly around the hall. Before long, more couples joined them on the dance floor and Relena dizzyingly danced the night away. Faces and names blurred as she danced with various men once her brother had relinquished her hand to a new dancer. Though none really caught her interest, she had a wonderful time and laughed gaily until she was so exhausted she had no choice but to sit down.
Dorothy was immediately at her side with some refreshments, “My Lady.” She smiled, taking the seat next to the princess.
“Oh Dorothy, isn’t it a wonderful night?” Relena asked breathlessly, sipping a bit of the spiced wine. “I do believe this is the best birthday I’ve ever had!”
“Does that mean you’ve met someone?” The long haired blonde asked, a Cheshire cat grin on her lips.
“No! I’ve barely spake more than thirty words to each partner I had, but I certainly saw many that were quite handsome.” Her cheeks were so red from the dancing that it was impossible to tell if she was blushing beneath the flush, but her blue eyes glinted with mirth.
“Do point them out!” Dorothy whispered, gripping one of Relena’s hands in hers. “I will find out their names, ranks and place of residence for you.”
“What would I do without you, Dorothy?” The princess asked before leaning in close to her best friend and pointing out the various young men she had most assuredly enjoyed dancing with. Her eyes slid across one particular figure that she was quite familiar with and she resisted the urge to bite her lip as her heartbeat sped up.
Dorothy saw how the princess had suddenly quieted and followed her gaze to stare at the stoic young man near the King and Queen. Dressed smartly in the country’s colors of white, blue and gold, the wild chocolate locks framed a tan face that remained blank, yet it was his piercing blue eyes that called the most attention to the young man. They were the color of the deep ocean on a sunny day and it felt like they could see directly into one’s soul when one was before them. Dorothy knew that Relena was completely enamored with the young Captain of the Royal Guard, Heero Yuy, but unfortunately his station was too far below the princess to ever be matched with him. “Captain Yuy is certainly dressed very smart tonight; it even looks like he tried to tame that wild hair of his for you tonight.”
“Dorothy!” Relena hissed, but she had to admit she couldn’t fault her friend’s words. The Captain looked downright delectable and as if he felt her stare, his eyes suddenly slid towards her and he gave her a slight smile, dipping his head in acknowledgement. Relena felt herself blush down to the tips of her toes and lamely waved to the handsome man.
“I’m certain that King Milliardo could spare his captain just for one dance, my Lady. Would you like me to go ask?”
The princess gasped, “Oh, I’d about die! Whenever Captain Yuy is near me, I find myself a little schoolgirl again and stumbling over my feet and my words. Don’t you dare, Dorothy, you hear me?”
The lady-in-waiting snickered, but relented. She didn’t want to see her best friend swallowed up by a hole in the earth from embarrassment when the princess tripped in front of her crush. “As you wish, Princess Relena.”
A trumpet sounded and all gazes were brought to the door of the ballroom where the Hall Master stood stiff and tall. “May I present, the Magician Koristaja.”
King Milliardo stood from his throne, a frown on his lips as he watched the dark hooded person step into the room. The person’s face was shadowed and not a single inch of skin could be seen as the figure walked slowly towards the dais. “Lucrezia, did you hire a magician?”
The queen frowned and shook her head. “No, we discussed a circus troupe, but not a magician. Could he have heard about the celebration and came to give Princess Relena a show?”
“Captain.” The young king murmured, causing Heero to immediately step forward to intercept the figure who was now halfway across the room.
“Stop!” He commanded, but the figure didn’t. “In the name of the King of Sanc, you are ordered to stop, Magician.”
At this, the magician stopped, but as soon as it did, dark and thick black smoke spread out in tendrils from beneath the robes. Youthful laughter filled the room, almost manic sounding, as people gasped and pushed away from the spreading smoke. “Here’s a magic trick for you,” the magician whispered mirthfully. A pale hand suddenly appeared and threw something into the air that glittered and sparked before a strange darkness fell over the entire room. Shrieks and screams filled the hall as blindness overtook all of them, but it only lasted mere seconds.
Suddenly the darkness and smoke were gone as was the magician, yet laughter still echoed throughout the room before resonating down the halls. Heero immediately started for the hall, but stopped short when a blood curdling scream pierced the air. All eyes fell on the long haired blonde who was always at the princess’s side.
“She’s gone! Princess Relena is gone!” Dorothy cried, “I was holding her hand just moments ago, but she’s disappeared!”
And chaos erupted.
Dhampir
Page 5
4/28/2021