Chapter III

Chapter III           

           “You sure are not one for giving up, are you? It is a miracle you’re still breathing.” Kaiser teases with a wide grin, beads of sweat rolling down the sides of his face and soaking his built stature through his linen clothing. The two occupy one of the many training facilities the castle has to offer. The floor is composed of pure quartz and a slightly cushioned mat. Sunlight peers through the glass panes lining the top of the walls. Various paintings occupy the wall-space, anything that could be salvaged from the fire years ago was hung in memoir and served as a daily reminder to why they fight.

Lana groaned, slowly picking herself up from the mat yet again. Panting softly, she wiped the crimson liquid from her rosy lips on her palm. She too is drenched in sweat. Wearing black trousers and a soft green tunic, the girl stands before him.

            “I wouldn’t say it’s in my nature.” She mutters in retort, turning her head so piercing green eyes could lock on her target. Kaiser’s dark eyes meet hers.

            “You may just be worthy of being a Knight in my court after all.” He chuckles, swinging his sword at his side. “However, it will be earned. Especially because of your gender, I must ensure you will excel past the rest of them in case they attempt to pick a fight.”

            “My gender?!” She growls, picking her own sword off the ground. He only chuckles, amused.

            “Yes, it isn’t exactly traditional to have a woman serving as a Knight. However, I see your potential and if you want a place to stay, you must earn your keep. I suspect you’ll cause too much trouble if I kept you indoors all day. And if you choose to pick a fight, I want you to be able to hold up your ground.” He has taken a quick liking to the girl since her short time at the castle, taking her under his wing immediately.

            “Pfft, I can handle it.”
            “Do not pick fights you know you cannot win. Now, charge at me again.”

            “Why?! You keep doing the same thing and—“ She quickly caught onto his lesson, a playful smirk tugging her lips. She did as she was instructed, beginning to stride towards him but rather than her usual approach at slashing him immediately, she used the speed to her advantage and spun around him, sending a swift kick to his backside. He tumbled forward, caught completely off-guard but regaining balance in a swift motion and turning, jabbing his sword towards her. She knocked it away and kicked him square in the chest, sending him to the quartz floor for a change. She smiles with pride, looking at the King on the ground and tilting her head to the side.

            “YES! There it is!” He beams, wearing a warm grin as he jumps to his feet again. “There it was, yes. Now, instead of taking the most obvious approach, you used that brain of yours and out-thought your opponent. Excellent.” He tousles her hair with a laugh, unable to stop smiling. She finds herself grinning back at him, nodding.

            “Well, /sir/,” she emphasizes, seeing as she’s been reminded countless times to address her superiors properly. “It is all thanks to your training.”

            “Yes, and on the battlefield it is of utmost importance that you—“

            “I hate to interrupt—actually, I don’t, but Kaiser I do believe we have a banquet this evening that requires careful… planning and attention to detail.” Luke had appeared in the archway after opening the wooden door, eyes fixed on the pair in the spacious room. “We are expecting an important guest who I do believe we need to accommodate.”

            “Ah, yes. Very well. Call it a day, Lana.” He nods to her and she gives a bow. He turns swiftly and sets off down the corridor with Luke at his side, the two falling into deep discussions about preparations for that night, disappearing in the distance of the corridor.

Lana lets her mind wander as to who could be so important but her mind doesn’t hold the thought for too long. She turns, letting out a breath as she sheathes the sword. She adjusts her long braid and smoothes out her tunic, unaware of the new presence. The voice nearly causes her to jump out of her skin.

            “You’re still bleeding,” an all-too familiar voice calls from the still-open doorway.

            “You’re still following me? I am no longer a prisoner, Leon the Reckless; you have no need to keep watch over me anymore.” Lana sends a glare towards him. “Or has Kaiser assigned you to keep me out of trouble?” She crosses her arms curtly, expression unwavering.

            “Something like the latter, yes.” He grins at the girl, taking a step inside the room. He grabs a hand-towel off the hand-crafted wooden shelf in the corner of the room, before striding towards her.

            “I do not need to be babysat, I am a woman!” She furrows her brows, looking up as the Knight approaches her.

            “Oh yes, right. I forgot. ‘YOU ARE WOMAN, YOU ARE STRONG, right?’” He lets out a laugh, inching towards her and dabbing the towel lightly on her lips.

            “I am strong…” She grumbles, pouting up at him.

            “I don’t doubt that despite your size you could kill me..” He winks, chuckling as he dabs away the crimson from her lips, tossing the towel aside for the maids to find. “Now you’ve been here for a couple days now and have yet to see the most amazing view of the grounds.”

            “Gee, I wonder why. Maybe my guide was a total dull-head after all.” Lana smirks at him, tugging the string from her hair to unravel her dark ringlets from the braid it’s been bound to all day.

            “Oi! I am a fantastic guide!”

            “Maybe instead you can tell me about our guest tonight?” She dares to ask, running her fingers through her locks as she begins to walk down the hallway at his side.

            “Ah, yes. King David Grai of Diruo.” His playful tone has quickly faded, causing her to frown.

            “And why is this King so important to Kaiser and Luke?” She presses on, wondering how much she can get out of him.

            “Why don’t I take you to the best part of this Iron Kingdom and then I’ll tell you all you wish to hear about King David?” Leon suggests, glancing down at the petite lass beside him.

            “Well, how do I know you’re not just going to kidnap me and sell me to labourers when I go with you?” She quirks a brow, hiding her smile.

            “I’ll let you bring your bow.”

-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

“David Grai’s attendance tonight to the banquet is vital to our standings in the war. If it does not go well, we can kiss another ally goodbye.” Luke states as they enter the meeting room. The focal point of the room is the giant map of the realms in the middle, the parchment sprawled across a wooden table with extravagant chairs around it. The curtains are drawn shut and doors are closed to ensure their privacy.

            “I do believe it will be most wise to make our guest feel as welcome and as at home as possible.” Kaiser mutters, taking a seat at the head of the table. He rubs his temples with a sigh, shaking his head. He longs for the day of peace. Perhaps… perhaps the war doesn’t have to happen.  He ponders that thought, wondering if he could get the Kings he’s known since birth to all agree to a peace treaty.

            “They’re selfish, Kaiser. They will never be satisfied.” Luke notes, almost as if he were reading his mind, speaking of Grai and Hue.

            “If we do not have to go to war, Luke, think of all the lives that would no longer be sacrificed. Of all the civilians and men we would spare.” Kaiser opens his eyes, meeting those of his fellow King.

            “Unfortunately, the Beast King will not rest until he takes what he believes he owns--everything. The man thinks of himself as a God, for fuck’s sakes.”  Luke grumbles and takes his seat beside Kaiser, eyes skimming over the parchment. “We will impress David tonight and he will pledge his allegiance to our cause, and vow never to bring harm to any of our people. He will not have a fleet accompanying him on his visit. However, if events do happen to turn South, we will neutralize the situation.” Kaiser’s mind floats before he slams his fist on the table.

            “If events turn South, I want the innocent evacuated. My Knights will handle it.”

            “Oh, even your female one?” Luke smirks, gaze flickering over Kaiser.

            “No. You know as well as I do what is at stake, Luke. David Grai is not to know a damn thing about her.” He gets to his feet. “If events turn out of our favour she is to escort my Queen and Princess to safety.” Luke gives a nod at Kaiser’s statement, also getting to his feet.

            “And if he disagrees formally to our proposal?” Luke folds his arms across his chest, longing to see action.

            “We do not kill him unless he gives us a reason to.”

-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

            “It’s… beautiful.” Lana breathes as she slips off Leon’s horse, taking a step towards the large meadow. Enormous oaks and maple trees dot the horizon and enclose the flowery field, making it appear as a hidden place of refuge.

            “I thought you might say that.” Leon grins, stepping down from his horse. He ties the reins to a nearby post, stroking the horse’s muzzle before following the dark-haired girl into the open field. Flowers of nearly every colour imaginable sprout throughout the tall green grass, the distant sound of running water serves as a gentle hum in the background. Lana cannot wipe the soft smile lining her lips, running her fingertips along the tall grass before she lets out a laugh and allows herself to fall back onto the ground, sprawling out on her back as the sun beats down on the creases of her face. Leon sits loyally at her side, leaning back. His eyes skim over her, and he lets himself chuckle.

“Are you laughing at me?” She asks, arms folded behind her head with her eyes closed.

“Never, Milady. I am only observing you. I think this is the first time you have been in my presence for longer than a few minutes without wanting to stab me.” She laughs at that, sitting up and sending him a warm smile.

“Maybe if you weren’t such an idiot, I wouldn’t want to stab you every five minutes.” She adds before laying back down, this time with her head in his lap, eyes falling closed again. He finds himself running his fingers through her chestnut ringlets. The two sit in content silence for what feels like forever, before Leon speaks,

            “According to legend, the Kingdom of Nahoa had meadows like these as far as the eye could see. It was a place of peace, one of the only Kingdoms that had been left untouched by the darkness. It was magical. I heard you were from there, a long time ago. There was only light, it—“ He was suddenly shoved backwards into the dirt, feeling a cool blade pressed to his neck.

            “That is all it is, legend. I do not wish to hear of petty faerie tales and old wives tales, Leon.” Lana growls, sending him a cold glare with eyes of ice. He shivers, swallowing.

            “Milady, I-“  She crawls off of him, dropping his dagger in the grass beside him. She strides towards the horse, folding her arms across her chest and popping her hip.

            “Take me back. Now.”

-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

“Preparations are all in order, sir. King David Grai’s arrival will be within the hour.” Gerard, a Knight of King Luke Vane reports, standing at attention to his superiors.

“See to it that the moment his party is within our sights, the Kings are notified. He has only kept us waiting all day…” Luke utters with a nod to his right-hand man, smoothing out his formal attire. He adjusts the crown on his head, fingertips brushing against the cool metal before he turns to Kaiser. “All will go swimmingly. After dinner, after dancing, we will take him on a tour of the grounds and isolate him to approach him about the proposal.”

“Yes. We need no chaotic outbursts on my grounds.” Kaiser growls, his entire body tense. Queen Gwendolyn, the wife of King Kaiser, strokes his arm soothingly.

“Relax dear, your crown is going to slip off if you keep sweating so profusely.” She flashes him a warm smile, readjusting it before placing a kiss on his temple. “Everything will be just fine.” She reminds him gently, rubbing his arm. Kaiser gives her a smile in turn, pressing his lips to her temple and muttering something. She then excuses herself, turning to attend the maids and cooks for the pending meal, as well as their child. The Kings stand in the hall, gazing out.

“Erg… Sirs?” Lana approaches the two Kings standing in front of the frosted window, overlooking the cobbled path they expected to see David appear on momentarily.

“Ah, welcome, Lana.” Kaiser mumbles, patting her on the shoulder though his gaze doesn’t dare leave the path.

“What is it?” Luke asks gruffly, growing impatient with the waiting for their guest.

“You two seem to have gone mad waiting for the arrival of this man. Who is he? David Grai?” She dares to ask, smoothing out the soft blue dress she’d been forced to wear for the formal occasion under William’s request.

“David Grai is a sick bastard.” Luke answers without missing a beat, but Kaiser sends an elbow to his ribcage.

“King David is of the neighbouring Kingdom of Diruo. He holds many resources and possesses a… dark, magic of sorts. Hence, why Luke deems him as sick. He would be a vital member to our alliance if he chooses our side in the pending war. However, if we make an enemy out of him, it would not be our… most wise choice. He is none of your concern, Lana. We shall deal with him upon his arrival. You’re to be on your best behaviour, you understand me?”

“The pending war? What? Wh--” She begins, only to be cut-off by a Knight.

“Sir, David Grai has been sighted. He is approaching the castle doors as we speak.” Gerard reports with a bow.

“It’s about time.” Luke turns to follow his Knight to the gates, taking a deep breath.

“Lana, I mean it, you do not speak to this man. He is sick, unpredictable.” Kaiser sends her a stern look before following Luke down to the gate to meet their lovely guest.

            Lana stands in the hallway, abandoned by the Kings and only left with more questions. She glances down as the carriage pulls up, bearing the Sigil resembling that of a pumpkin. She blinks, curiosity getting the best of her as she picks up the hem of her dress and hurries down the staircase to catch of glimpse of what was to come.

            “I am so sorry to have kept you waiting. Traveling across Diruo at this hour is not particularly ideal.” David noted with a chuckle, handing off his cloak to the nearest maid. He turns, gripping Kaiser’s hand firmly.

            “It has been years, David.” Kaiser gives him a nod, clasping his hand and shaking it.

            “Ah, yes. Too many years.” David smirks and then turns to Luke, giving him a firm handshake as well.

            “You must be particularly parched after your journey, David. Follow me to the dining hall, we will feast as true Kings do.” Kaiser spoke rather stiffly, beginning to head towards the hall through the corridor.

            The three men’s boots scraped against the stone floor as they passed, signalling Lana to peak out from behind the nearby wall, watching them enter the dining hall. She went to follow, before feeling a firm hand clasp around her wrist.

            “And just what do you think you’re doing, little lion?”

            “Will! I… uh, I was just—going to dinner?” Lana bit her lip, looking up at the older man with gentle eyes, batting her lashes quickly.

            “The Iron King has warned you about this man. Do you not trust his judgement?”

            “No! Of course I do, I just…” She huffs, sticking out her bottom lip. “Nobody will answer my questions, so I’ll get the answers myself. And maybe I can help.”

            “Little lion…” He warns but she manages to wriggle free of his grip.

            “I’ll be fine, promise!” She calls behind her as she takes off jogging down the corridor, holding up the skirt of her dress as to not step on the hem. She arrives just outside the dining hall, situating herself before entering, attempting to blend into her surroundings and not draw much attention.

            “Your journey was smooth then, correct?” Luke asked, bringing a goblet to his lips and taking a sip. It was quite a strange atmosphere between the three men, tension hanging in the air. David nodded, taking a sip of his own drink.

            “There were no troubles.” He assures Luke, eyes skimming over the hall. The three are sat at the head table overlooking the rest of the diners, who include the likes of the Knights and other noblemen and women.

            Lana finds a seat at the table for Kaiser’s knights, smoothing out her dress as she takes a seat. Leon glances over her, smiling.

            “You look—“

            “Leon.” She warns, sending him a sharp look.

            “Listen, about earlier, if I hit some kind of nerve or—“

            “Leon.” She warns again, raising her voice slightly before drawing her attention to the meal in front of them. He gives a sigh and decides to occupy himself with the task of eating, though heaven knows he’d attempt to talk again the moment he finished. The entire hall falls quiet aside from the clinking of utensils against dishware, nobody seeming to strike up any conversation. The tension only grew with this, an awkward vibe hanging in the air.

Kaiser was one of the first to finish his meal, carefully dabbing his face clean and setting his dishes aside to the optimal position for the maids to take. He awaits his fellow Kings to finish, as well as the rest of the hall. However, he catches the hint of blue sitting among the armoured knights and nearly lets out a growl, though manages to repress it.

            “You alright?” Luke questions in a hushed tone, brows furrowing in concern.

            “Fine.” He replies through a clenched jaw, teeth gritted.

            “Kaiser, is that a woman I see sitting at the Knight’s table?” David hides his smirk, seeing Kaiser’s fury towards the particular girl.

            “Pay her no mind, David. She is a bit of a loon. I do not know how she managed to escape the infirmary yet again. Mad, that one.” Kaiser grumbles, taking another sip of his wine in attempts to calm himself.

            “We’re all a little mad, aren’t we?” David points out, glancing over at the two.

            “No. There’s sane, and there’s insane. No in-between.” Luke states, to which David chuckles.

            “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, chap.”

Lana glanced over at the table of royal blood, eyes skimming over the three men who all looked less than enthused to be there. She met Kaiser’s harsh gaze, swallowing back the fear she had of what his wrath would be later on in the evening. She looked to Luke, who seemed to be more interested in the chicken wing in his hand than anything going on in the room. She then dared to let her eyes wander further to their guest. She was startled to find herself meeting his eyes, holding the gaze for a moment before hastily looking away, clearing her throat.

            “I would like to dance.” She declares to Leon just after the band begins to play, gently tugging at his sleeve. He quirks a brow, glancing at her hand then at her face.

            “Are you ill?” He presses the back of his hand to her forehead, to which she huffs and pushes it away.

            “Just dance with me, you idiot.” She grumbled, getting to her feet rather gracefully with his help. He leads her away from the dining room towards the connecting ballroom, though he supposes his lead is only because she allows him to. The ballroom is connected by a single door to the dining hall, and though it’s quite spacious, with dozens of people filing in upon finish their meal; it’s almost suffocating. With a hand resting on her waist, the other clasping hers, Leon begins to dance.

            “What’s going on? You’re acting… strange.” He mutters, leaning down so that his lips almost graze her ear.

            “That man. There is… there’s something about him.” She whispers into his neck, though finds herself put at ease with the gentle movements.

            Kaiser escorts his wife to the dance floor, wearing a gentle grin as he tugs her closer to his frame, beginning to sway to the gentle sounds of the instruments. Luke is left alone at the table, though he is still gnawing viciously on the chicken leg, savouring each bite and determined to finish ever last piece of meet on it.

            “He is dangerous, Lana.” Leon reminds her softly,

            “Perhaps he is, Leon, but I need to—“

            “No, you don’t need to do anything. This is not concerning you, it is left to the Kings to handle. Just…” He pulls away slightly to look down at her, cupping her chin. “Trust me.”

            “Leon, you—“

            “Mind if I cut in?” David interrupts with a charming smile, nodding to Leon to back off. Leon nearly looks like he wants to slay the King right there, but instead he takes the order from a King and sends Lana a look before disappearing into the sea of people.

            David takes over, his hand firmly clasping hers, the other on her hip. “You’ve been staring at me all night, dear-one.” He smirks down at her, dark eyes flickering over her face.

            “Well, you’re all the castle has been speaking of. I was curious as to what all the fuss was about.” She replied softly, studying his face. He chuckles.

            “Need I remind you of my birth? I am a King, after all. It is usually important when we visit one-another.”

            “Right, sir.” She ensures to emphasize the word, dragging her eyes away from him.

            “What exactly were you anticipating upon my arrival?” He asks, not daring to take his eyes off her.

            “If I told you, we both would be beheaded.” She replied rather dully, gaze falling elsewhere. He laughs, shaking his head.

            “You don’t seem concerned.”

            “Because I haven’t told you anything.” Her eyes flicker up to meet his intense gaze.

            “Well, what would you like to tell me then, dear-one?” He sends her another charming smile.

            “Why don’t you tell me what your business is here instead?” She suggests coolly, giving him a grin in return.

            “Well, it appears these two men are trying to ‘woo’ me.” He chuckles, swaying with her though he spends little time on the particular topic. “However, I am much more interested in you. We’re not so different, you and I. Very much alike indeed.” She quirks an eyebrow at this, opening her mouth to speak but he starts first.

            “You see dear-one… ‘Round these parts of the realms they deem you as ‘sick’ or ‘insane’ for being different. Diruo embraces us, allows us to develop and grow strong.” He begins to explain, leaning closer to whisper in her ear. “Let me show you what I’m talking about…” He takes her hands, beginning to guide her towards the exit. She nods several times, intrigued by his words. The two slip out through the sea of people and into the corridor. He guides her to the courtyard. Upon their arrival he releases her hands.

            “Now, let me see here…” He presses his two index fingers to either side of her temples as he stands in front of her. She visibly tenses, eyes locking on his.

 “Just, relax, alright?” She decides to trust him, exhaling. His own eyes fall close as he concentrates. Accessing her mind is a bit difficult with her slight resistance at first, but he eventually finds a way in. It’s much messier and foggier than his own, but he finds what he’s looking for.

“Just as I suspected. You hold great power within you, dear-one.” He whispers before dropping his hand and opening his eyes. He frowns immediately, seeing tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Did I hurt you? I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” David cradles her face in his hands, speaking in hushed tones.

“What did you do?” She murmurs, pulling back from him and rubbing the palm of her hand with her fingers.

David quirks a brow, following her in a haste. “Focus. What’re you feeling right now?”

“I-I…” She looks down at her hands, furrowing her brows in confusion. A faint white glow radiates from them, causing her yelp. “What did you do to me?!”

“I only unlocked your potential.” He replies coolly, studying her with a fascination. “We will be able to truly see what you’re capable of if you come to my Kingdom. There, we have the resources we need in order for you to succeed. Come with me, and you will not feel like an outsider.” He smiles, holding out his hand to her. “And I will show you what I am capable of. Together, we can end this war.”

“I-I…” Lana stammers, a million thoughts running through her mind. She had a duty to the Iron King, especially as her training to be a Knight of his court intensified. However, if he found out… what we he say? “I can’t just… leave. This is my home, David. These people, they—“

“They will kill you the first opportunity they get if they find out what you are.” He warns, dark eyes locked onto her. She glances back at the castle, then to David. She takes his hand but he jerks it back, shouting out in pain.

“Ah! Erg, pure accident… I understand you have no idea, just… fuck, be careful?” He grumbles, rubbing his head and gesturing for her to follow his lead as he heads to the stables.

“Sorry!” She calls after him, biting his bottom lip, following at his heels. She glances back as the doors swing open, the silhouette of Kaiser and Luke appearing down the corridor.

“Lana!” He shouts, his booming voice echoing throughout the grounds. “I told you of this man’s deceptive nature, I warned you of his danger! Get inside, now!” He draws his sword, storming towards them.

“Op, I suppose we best hurry then?” David smirks and picks the girl up with ease, setting her atop his horse. “Reasoning with these two is damn nearly impossible, I wouldn’t attempt it.” He coos, climbing up in front of her and clutching the reins. He digs his heel into the horse’s belly and clicks his tongue, the horse beginning to trot off. Lana glances back as the alarm bells begin to sound, furrowing her brows before leaning forward.

“Why is he mad? I thought—“

“Trust me, dear-one, if you think this is him mad, you’re in for a hell of a lot worse.”