ZURIA ELENFOND
Three years had elapsed since the fateful day known as the Bonderee Revolt, a day that would forever be etched in the annals of history as a turning point for the kingdom of Zouran.
The incident had left an indelible mark on the kingdom, claiming over a hundred and fifty lives and leaving at least two hundred more scarred for life.
In the aftermath, the King had formed a new council, determined to rebuild and restore what had been lost. The kingdom had observed a national day of mourning, a somber reminder of the lives lost and the sacrifices made.
Now, three years later, the Elven Kingdom had begun to flourish once more, its former glory slowly being restored. The once-vibrant streets were now bustling with life, the sound of laughter and music filling the air.
In a quiet corner of the castle, I stood before Master Reynod, my voice rising in frustration as I pleaded my case. "But I'm stronger now!" I exclaimed, my words echoing off the stone walls.
Master Reynod's expression remained unyielding, his cold, distant stare piercing through me like a dagger. "No," he replied, his voice firm and unshakeable.
I felt a surge of anger at his refusal, my face burning with indignation. "You let Katherine join," I pointed out, my eyes darting towards Kathrine Rose the new Vice Commander of the guard, who sat sipping her tea with an air of detachment.
Katherine Rose, a woman I had grown to admire in these past three years, had joined the Royal guard only a year ago and had quickly risen through the ranks. Her silence was a clear indication that she wanted no part in this conversation.
Master Reynod's tone was commanding and authoritative, brooking no argument. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, you will not be joining the guard, Lady Zuria."
His words were like a slap in the face, and I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. Why was he so determined to keep me from fighting for my people?
"I'm seventeen now, neither you nor grandfather have any right to treat me like a child," I argued, my voice low and even.
For a moment, Master Reynod remained silent, his eyes locked on mine. I dared to hope that he might finally see things from my perspective, that he might finally understand that I was no longer the child he once knew.
But then, his words shattered my hopes. "You're almost a woman, your grandfather is making arrangements to find you a suitor who will rule beside you on the throne."
I felt a cold fury rising within me, my heart racing with indignation. How could they make such decisions without my consent?
"I'm not some prize you can give away," I spat, my voice venomous. "You and grandfather are way in over your heads. If you want a suitor that much, why don't you marry him?"
Master Reynod's face was a mask of calm, but I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface. He vanished in a spark of lightning, leaving a burnt mark on the carpet.
Katherine's sarcastic scoff was like a balm to my wounded pride. "Oh, come on, you don't think I'm qualified to join?" I asked, taking a seat beside her and leaning my head on her shoulder.
"Of course, I do," she replied, her voice soft and gentle. "I did train you for most of these three years."
Her words were a comfort, but I knew that Master Reynod's mind was made up. I would have to find another way to convince him.
"How did you convince him to let you join?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Katherine's eyes clouded over, her expression distant. "Show him your capable," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Her words stuck with me, echoing in my mind like a mantra. Show him your capable. I knew that I had to prove myself, to show Master Reynod that I was more than just the fragile princess he had know for all these years, but how?.
And so, I set out on a journey to do just that, to prove my worth and show the world what I was capable of.
***
The darkness of the prison cell was oppressive, the air thick with the scent of mold and decay. I stood before the cell, my heart pounding in my chest.
"So, that's why I'm here," I said, my voice steady hoping my well detailed flashback was clear enough.
The silence was oppressive, the only sound the soft rustling of fabric as the person I had come to see moved closer into the light.
Amy's eyes were like two cold stones, her expression unreadable. "And so, of all people, you chose to torment me," she said, her voice low and husky.
I smiled, my heart racing with excitement. "Think of it as a free ticket out of here," I said, my voice persuasive.
Amy's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "You do realise I tried to kill you, not only that I helped stage a revolt against your grandfather the king," she murmured.
As I stood before Amy, I could feel the weight of our complicated past bearing down on me. The memories of the Bonderee Revolt, the bloodshed, the pain – it all came flooding back. But I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment.
"Everyone deserves a second chance," I said, my voice firm. "Even you."
Amy's expression was unreadable, but I sensed a flicker of interest behind her eyes. She leaned in closer on the cell bars, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
"You think I'm just going to follow you blindly, Princess?" she asked, her words laced with skepticism.
I smiled, a plan forming in my mind. "I think you're smart enough to know a good opportunity when you see one," I replied, my eyes locked on hers. "And I'm offering you a chance to join me, to be part of something bigger than yourself."
Amy's gaze narrowed, her eyes searching mine for any sign of weakness. But I stood firm, my resolve unwavering.
"That kind of optimism will get you killed princess," she said, signs of a faint smile forming on hee face.
As we spoke, I could feel the tension between us building. It was a delicate dance, one misstep could mean disaster. But I was determined to make this work.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Amy nodded. It was a small movement, but it was enough.
I felt a surge of relief wash over me as I unlocked the cell door. Amy stepped out, her movements fluid and controlled.
Instantly I stopped her, staring her directly in the eye and cautioning her," this goes without saying but. If you even think of double crossing me once...I'll cut you down on the spot," he expression remained unreadable as though she expected as much.
As we walked through the castle, avoiding the guards and making our way to the safety of the shadows, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was it – the start of something new, something big.
And Amy, the girl who had once tried to kill me, was now standing by my side, willingly no, forcefully yes. Non the less I was one step closer to proving myself.
We reached the edge of the castle, the night air cool and crisp. Amy turned to me, a hint of a smile on her lips.
"You're crazier than I thought," she said, her voice low and husky.
I grinned, feeling a sense of freedom that I had never known before. "I guess that's what makes me so lovable," I replied, my eyes sparkling with mischief.
Amy chuckled, a low, throaty sound. And in that moment, I knew that we were going to make a great team.
As we slipped into the night, the castle looming behind us, I felt a sense of possibility unfolding before me. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear – I was ready to take it on, with Amy by my side.
We moved through the shadows, our footsteps quiet on the stone floor. The castle was a labyrinth, full of hidden passages and secret doors. But I knew it like the back of my hand.
Amy followed close behind me, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and caution. I could sense her tension, her uncertainty.
But as we walked, the tension began to dissipate. Amy's footsteps grew more confident, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
We reached a small door, hidden behind a tapestry. I pushed it open, revealing a narrow stairway that led down into darkness.
"Welcome to the undercroft," I said, my voice low and mysterious.
Amy's eyes widened as she peered into the darkness. "What's down there?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I smiled, a sense of anticipation building inside me. "You'll see," I replied, my eyes glinting with mischief.
And with that, I led Amy down into the unknown, the darkness swallowing us whole.