The Castle Attack
POV: Lucien
I had explained what I was going to do that very night to Blake and a look of relief came over his face. I always thought he was basking in the glory of being a pseudo king so I asked, “You look relieved. Why is that?” He sat twiddling his thumbs before he tapped the table then leaned back casually in his chair, “I thought it would be different, you know? I hate all that stupid paperwork and there’s little I can do if I have to operate within the rules. It’s just not for me, it suits you much better. I’m glad Aphrodite found a way to help you but, in a sense, she’s also helping me so I’m more than happy to join you tonight. I assume Panshad cannot come?” I looked over at his assistant and apologetically shook my head, “She explicitly told me two escorts. I am already bringing Malinus, naturally. Sorry about that, Teddy.” I glanced at the young would-be duke who pushed his glasses up his nose as he brought his face up from the paperwork he brought with him to review. He shook his head, “I’m perfectly fine with that, Your Majesty. I don’t do well with those outdoor temples, I’m assuming that’s where you’re going.” I nodded, “To be specific, we’re going out to the moon temple in the Glades. I was going to take horses instead.” Blake rose from his seat, “Sounds like a good plan, brother. I might wonder if Panshad can take us to the site and then leave. Might be quicker and easier.” I hadn’t thought of using the services of Panshad to get us there faster but I nodded in agreement, “Sure, that sounds better.” I looked over at her and nodded in appreciation. Blake ushered the group out of the room to go finish up the work of the day.
I pulled on my outfit so that I could disguise myself and was promptly escorted to my room. I thought I would take another shower, and figure out what I was going to wear among my casual outfits. I figured it wouldn’t be a good idea to wear my usual three-piece suit to the outdoor moon temple. Malinus would usually assist me with everything but since he was temporarily Blake’s assistant, I couldn’t have him assist me. I walked into my bathroom to pull out all the things I would need to shower. I crouched to pull out the basket of soap and shampoo. I was using much less these days since Loki had cut off my hair. It was growing back but it was very slow. It made me angry every time I saw Prince Cal or any of the Seely cohorts since all of them had that long blonde hair. I sighed in frustration just thinking about that loss. I loved the long hair, I felt it made me look dignified. Admittedly, I was always a bit worried about looking the part to my people. I felt the three-piece suit, the long hair tied with a bow and the stature that I carried in public gave my people the confidence that I would rule them properly. Putting on those airs was important to me so I was adamant that I would continue to wear my work clothes even though I wasn’t working. Even the guards were my people and I didn’t want them to think I was slacking even if I wasn’t allowed to rule them for now. I was excited to get back to work and felt more determined to get ready for the night now more than ever. I placed the basket in the shower and walked into the room. I looked at the clothing in my wardrobe and thought about the few rituals I had attended in the outdoor moon temple. White was the proper color for the worshippers of Artemis, I knew that. I pulled out a white sweater, white jeans, and white shoes. I knew the color that one wore was important to any ritual so I was careful in selecting the shade of white even.
I stepped back into my bathroom and took my shower. The steam and warm water dripping down my body were a welcome feeling. I hadn’t realized but, ever since the council had removed me from the throne, I was feeling so tense about my brother working as my regent. The warmth of the water was melting the worry away. I continued the motions of washing my body and my hair. Both soaps had that signature lavender and sandalwood scent that I was known for. I was thinking about how I had really missed seeing Alexandra today and the worry for her was washing away as well. This was more than a body-cleansing shower, it was a soul-cleansing shower. It was a perfect thing to do before a ritual. I finally felt light and clean so I stepped out of the shower and wrapped the towel around my waist. I stepped out into my room but I heard some noise outside of my room. I could hear a woman shrieking outside of my room as the guards kept having to tell her that she was not allowed to come in and see me. I heard Elder Enzo ask what was the meaning of the behavior she was displaying and she explained that she wanted to see her love. Enzo told her it was impossible for anyone but my family and the Elders to see me. He told her if she didn’t leave now, that she would be disqualified from the competition, and that made her leave. All the while I was getting dressed listening to the encounter.
I heard a knock on the door just after I slipped my pants on, I beckoned the knocker to come in. Enzo walked into the room, “That young lady is the worst when she doesn’t get her way. I chalk it up to not getting told no enough in her life and maybe a swift kick in the knickers wouldn’t hurt either.” I chuckled, “I don’t think you are wrong, Elder Enzo. What brings you here this late in the afternoon?” He smiled, “I had a letter from Blackwood and from that woman’s father as well. I wanted to discuss both with you. Regarding the Maigny’s petition, I worry that you won’t be able to dispute their claims in a court setting…you know…given your condition.” I smiled at him, “I had a letter from Aphrodite. She’s going to lift the curse tonight, I’m getting ready to go out there right now.” He smiled and sighed, “I’m relieved. I was going to see about delaying it for as long as possible. I don’t want anyone to cheat their way onto the throne. Every Elder knows the curse you carry but if they could somehow prove you wrote that letter before you were cursed, it would not bode well for Vellum. This has only convinced me to not vote for Melody Maigny.” I was relieved to hear that she had one less vote on the council. I knew of two sure votes for Alexandra: my mother and Elder Edgar. I could never count on Grand Pretre to vote how I thought she would. She would vote for whoever fate told her to vote for. He cleared his throat, “Anyhow, how do you plan to handle the young lady who caused the disaster in the Glades?” I sighed as I sat down on my bed, “I’m going to let Blake handle the further investigations. He can do things we cannot. What do you think?” He hesitantly nodded, “As much as I hate that His Highness goes rogue with investigations, I believe that his ways might be appropriate here. I will just forget I heard what you told me.” I nodded, “Probably best, I will also forget.” He turned to leave, “Prudent decision, Your Majesty. I will leave you to finish getting ready for your ritual. Do let us know if it was successful.” I thought to myself then that I wouldn’t know it was successful until I was around Melody. Perhaps Aphrodite knew of another way.
A portal opened in my room and I grabbed a dagger that was always under my pillow. I stood up and pointed it at the portal but saw Jynx step out. I placed the dagger back on my bed. She smiled at me nervously, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I hadn’t thought about how a portal suddenly opening in your room might make you feel.” She handed me a scroll, “I’ve been told to deliver this to you from my lady. You have to dress a certain way for this ritual.” I took the scroll and read the fact that I had had to wear formal white attire. I was on the right track but in the wrong form of dress. I nodded, “I will need to change then.” She nodded, “I can stay to escort you back, it might be easier to take you to her.” This was more convenient than asking Panshad to take us and come back. I nodded, “Why don’t you go and let Malinus know the change in plans then while I change.” She nodded, “As you will it, Your Majesty.” She walked out of the room and quietly shut the door. I turned back to my wardrobe and pulled out the white three-piece suit I had. Luckily, I didn’t have to change my shoes since they were multifunctional. I continued to get dressed and walked out of the room to the office. Jynx was sitting at Alexandra’s desk playing with a dagger she had. I had placed a dagger of my own on my hip. I didn’t think I’d need it but I was always prepared for things like this. Sometimes I went out with a rapier but I didn’t think it would be a good idea to bring a full-on sword to a ritual. Malinus shot up out of his seat, “Your Majesty, I don’t know if you want to be here right now.” I looked at him confused, “Why is that?” He looked at the door to the office nervously, “The Maignys are inside trying to petition His Highness to see you.” I turned back to my room and quickly ran into it just as I heard Malinus greet the old man and his daughter in the office. It was in the nick of time and I waited in my room until I heard a knock at the door.
Blake stepped into the room, “I heard you almost had a close encounter, brother. They seemed really pissed, talking about how I would regret the day I said no to them. I told them to bring it on.” A challenging smirk spread across his face at the thought of it. It was the reckless behavior that Blake was known for, he would often write checks with his mouth. I was hoping that he wouldn’t regret it one day. He looked up at me snapping out of his mischievous thoughts, “I heard about the change of plans. I will send Panshad home then. Are you ready?” I nodded, “Yeah, I was coming to gather us up. Did you send Teddy home yet? I didn’t see him in the waiting room.” He nodded, “I sent him home before the Maignys came. I figured he wasn’t needed anymore for the day. Is that okay?” I nodded, “Yeah, it’s fine. You just need to send Panshad on.” A hurried knock sounded in the room and Malinus burst into the room, “Your Majesty, Your Highness! We’re under attack!” I placed my hand on my dagger, “What do you mean attacked?” He caught his breath, “Some hooded figures burst through a portal in the hallway as Panshad, Jynx and I stepped out of the room. Panshad ran down the hallway to the Queen Mother’s room to get her out of the castle. Jynx is holding the soldiers off so I could warn you.” I walked over to my wardrobe and pulled out two swords. I threw the other sword at my brother. We ran out into the hallway where Jynx was sending fireballs at men and women in robes. One of the women sent a fireball at Jynx that hit her in her hand which stopped her from sending more out. This prompted Blake to jump in front of her to fight off the men with their swords.
I went to join but we heard a scream come from my mother’s room and Blake shouted, “Go check on Mom!” I ran away from the scene to my mother’s room. It was almost empty but a woman had a knife to Panshad’s throat, “You better not make another step, Your Majesty. It would be a shame if I were to slip with this knife. It’s amazing to know that you won’t be lifting your curse if you’re late. We’re going to take your transportation now.” The Order must have not understood we had other means to get to the moon temple. I had wondered then, how they knew about the ritual. It seemed we had a mole in the castle, feeding information to The Order. The woman opened a portal and stepped through as she sent out a maniacal laugh. I walked out into the hallway to see Malinus fighting back the horde while my brother had a gash and lump on his head leaning against the wall. Once Jynx saw me, she gathered up Blake, tapped Malinus on the shoulder, and opened a portal. She turned to me and shouted, “Quickly! Let’s get going!” We all ran through the portal that led to a field just outside of the moon temple. I could see Alexandra and Jheelis walking toward us. She gasped and asked, “What happened?” Aphrodite called out behind her, “We don’t have time. We need to start now.”
