Witch Princess: Part 1: Chapter 6.2
Witch Princess by Verlie
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“The Sun of Aurelius, His Majesty the King Galien Aurelius! The Flower of Aurelius, Her Highness the First Princess Amirya Aurelius!”
 
She swallowed and clenched harder at her father’s arm as they descended the steps into the sea of piercing eyes. The nobles bowed as Galien stepped in front of them. “Be at ease.”
 
Despite herself, Amirya shivered. The auras clouded the room in a haze. Prior to her recent training, a situation like this would have easily intoxicated her, but she blocked their sentiments from permeating her.
 
Galien turned to Amirya with a hand out, palm up. She placed hers on top, and they walked to the center. The music started the moment they took their positions. Thankfully, the princess learned to dance properly, at the least. As they finished, she bowed, and he left, ascended the stairs, and sat on his throne. She considered following him to sit up there, out of the reach of the nobles, but it was bad etiquette. 
 
But do I really need to care about that? The only benefit about my current status is that no one expects anything out of me.
 
To her relief, Sephine and Yanafir approached first. They both bowed and in unison, said, “Happy birthday, Your Highness the Princess Aurelius.”
 
“Ah,” she waved her hand up and down. Seph grinned while Yanafir straightened her back.
 
“Look at you,” Amirya whispered, “Seph and Nanny did you right.”
 
“I would hate to embarrass you, My Lady,” Yanafir said in an apologetic voice. Meanwhile, Sephine mouthed ‘did you right’ to herself with a furrowed brow.
 
“Eh?” Amirya shrugged. “Sure.” 
 
“Your Highness Princess Aurelius,” someone called. Amirya shifted. The prime minister, Baron Vonne, bowed and wished her a happy birthday. “This is my eldest son and heir, Winn.”
 
Winn, the same age as Valerian but already in his special year at the academy, begrudgingly bowed, a distinct pompous air around him. His features mirrored his father’s with light brown hair and dark blue eyes. He assisted Finri in the books by tutoring her and bringing her up to a level she could participate within the academy, but after Finri and Valerian engaged, he supported Cassivan instead.
 
“Ah,” Amirya hummed. “What of your twins?” Of all things to remember about the book, Solomon and Fayetta were wild little geniuses.
 
“You remembered?” Prime Minister Vonne said, pleased. “Those two - they’re starting the academy this year at age fifteen. They’ve received special permission since admission typically isn’t until sixteen, which of course you know, so they’re still too immature, but they are really quite the tinkerers. Ah, they haven’t even debuted yet, so they elected to stay at home. This isn’t really their… area. Instead, they-”
 
“Father,” Winn sharply interjected. Minister Vonne cleared his throat.
 
“I see. I’ll be sure to greet them at the Academy,” Amirya responded. The only thing she had done to earn Winn’s hostility was to exist. It was bothersome.  “You’re blessed to have such talented children. Thanks to the Vonne Barony, the Kingdom will continue to prosper.”
 
The bewildered expression on Winn was not hidden, but the prime minister laughed happily and humbly brushed off the compliment. Amirya never spoke empty words, though. Truly, Aurelius would crumble under Cassivan alone, and if Amirya succeeded, she was far from enough to adequately rule. The family, for past generations and for them to come, were integral advisers. Minister Vonne gripped his son’s shoulder, and they left with a simple goodbye.
 
Now that she was thinking about it, she could copy Finri’s early moves in the book. Instead of Winn though, if the twins tutored her… That’s a good idea.
 
Amirya encroached into Sephine’s personal space and whispered in her ear, “I’m already exhausted. Its’-”
 
Someone nudged her from behind. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop the expletive.
 
“Oh - I’m sorry!” A firm hand clasped her upper arm as if to steady her, and she pivoted to yank herself free but failed due to the taut grip. 
 
Who is this? A male, around her age with dark brown hair and orange eyes, smiled. “Oh my - the princess! Forgive me.” He bowed. “Happy birthday.” He slid his hand down her arm and grabbed her hand. He kissed it, and Amirya regretted rejecting the gloves Estel proposed. “I’m the heir of Viscount Rowley, Maertel Rowley.”
 
“Oh, gross,” Amirya said unintentionally and immediately froze. No - this. Is. Not. New. York! What happened to your plan of getting nobles on your side? Huh? Are you making friends right now, Amirya? Are you? Well, it’s not like he’d be a good one anyways…
 
Maertel grinned lopsidedly, an astonished contour on his features. Amirya cleared her throat. The Rowley Viscounty was indispensable to the early plot, so she recognized the name. They adopted Finri, brought her into the aristocratic world, to make her a noble for their own gain. Finri and Valerian, her fiancé,  grew close as they worked together to expose Rowley’s criminal enterprise. In fact, Finri cut Maertel into a eunuch after he failed in his extremely unsavory plan to guarantee that Finri would become his bride. Zee cackled at that part of the story, and when Amirya recalled it, she cackled a second time.
 
“What are you doing!” Sephine interrupted and saved Amirya’s face. “How dare you touch the princess so casually! Apologize and release her!” 
 
She glared and Maertel hesitated, obviously infuriated, and if the environment differed, he may have given into his belligerence. But this was a royal débutante that the king himself attended. Amirya’s trepidation melted thanks to Sephine’s anger on her behalf.
 
“I apologize on my cousin’s behalf,” a pretty black-haired girl said. Her straight ebony hair reached beneath her hips, and the short bangs rested across her brow with two framing pieces cut at the chin. It heavily contrasted her pale skin, and her eyes were an arctic blue that matched her vibrating aura. 
 
Her blood red, tight dress did not suit her. She approached and greeted the princess properly in a calm voice all while a vein throbbed in her neck. “I am Felicity Rowley. Please excuse us, and may Astyris bless the Princess.”
 
“I know you don’t care, but as a princess, you ought to have more tact.” 
 
Amirya and her ladies faced the new voice and found Valerian Beaumont. The two children of the Rowley family took the chance to slip away. 
 
Valerian had warm olive skin, dark navy blue hair and lighter blue eyes. His thin but sturdy frame stood only a few inches taller than Amirya. Underneath his dove gray robes, he wore a black turtleneck, and his sleeves on his forearms were covered with dark royal blue fabric bracers with black lacing. The robes nearly hung off his shoulders, ended above his elbows, and intersected into his belt. They were lined with a golden trim, and his royal blue vest underneath had golden details that crossed over each other. The robe went over his thighs in a slant and hung lower in the back with tassels while gold bands wrapped over his black fabric belt to keep it in place. His matching blue pants were tight and tucked into high knee high black boots that had laces lined with a golden thread to match his vest.
 
Across his shoulder, a shadow with a glittering mouth and pointed eyes peered at her - his contracted spirit. Not many people besides elves managed to contract with spirits, but it allowed one to use the spirit’s power as their own. Valer earned the title ‘spirit user’ at the age of fourteen. 
 
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His dark blue aura, a calm and stable force, blended into the black spirit perched on his shoulder. When Amirya first saw the spirit, she sobbed and called it a demon. Valerian, and others, thought it a ruse - they assumed she knew of the contracted spirit before that meeting, so she concocted the reaction for attention and to prove she saw spiritual energy. 
 
 
She discovered that Valer could not perceive his spirit with the clarity Amirya did from that experience. The princess intrigued the spirit, and it would investigate her and invade her space ever since that time. When she tried to explain why she was scared and upset to Valer, he berated her. Every time.
 
Yet all I did was shut up about it to try and please him. Amirya’s eye twitched slightly. Even though he spoke in a low voice to prevent others from overhearing, people nearby zeroed in on them. As a princess, I could probably get away with a smack or two?
 
“As a noble, he ought to have more common sense,” Amirya said coldly. Only an idiot would bump into a royal by accident. It was intentional. His aura wiggled with lust. He probably wanted to brag about his conquest of the princess. She held out the kissed hand to Yanafir and remarked, “It’s dirty.”
 
Yanafir timidly wiped it with a handkerchief. 
 
“Thank you,” she said pleasantly.
 
Valerian schooled his expression, but disapproval flashed by. He sighed and provided his hand while he looked off to the side. 
 
“What?” Amirya asked, intentionally oblivious. 
 
A polite asshole is still an asshole.
 
Valerian blinked, momentarily stunned. “A dance, My Lady.” 
 
Her fiancée performed the bare minimum of his position when it came to her. Besides their small engagement celebration, he only danced with her exactly once at important functions. She searched her memories, and it seemed unlikely he ever danced in the future either despite her pleas. 
 
I guess my débutante with my father present was enough to meet his standards of ‘necessary.’ But. I don’t wanna.
 
“Oh, what to do, I already agreed to a dance with My Lady Sephine,” Amirya said in a slightly musical voice. “As a princess, I must have tact, so I need to keep my promises.”
 
She grasped Sephine’s hand and dragged her away before he responded. Seph sputtered without any words forming, and Amirya cut in, “You lead or me?”
 
“I can lead - let’s do Midnight Dream,” Sephine said blankly. When they learned to dance as children, she always led. Midnight Dream matched the beat the orchestra currently played, and it was also one of their favorite dances. Even outside of classes, they’d play in the garden and dance around the flowers. 
 
“I’m thankful our society here isn’t so uptight that we can’t dance together.” Amirya said happily.
 
“Huh?” Seph said with a quizzical stare. It would be a confusing statement, since nothing was odd at all about two people of the same gender dancing.
 
“Actually, there isn’t anything in the law about homosexuality. There are groups against it, but they’re the minority. It’s a nice change. There’s even same sex marriages, even though they’re among the commoners. Since nobility need their heirs and all that. If there were a same sex lover for a noble, typically it would be a consort or mistress situation. So aristocrats look down on it, but they look down on the concept of love in general. Even in the temple, there aren't any complaints about it; in fact, it helps keep orphanages at a lower capacity…” Amirya prattled out loud to herself. 
 
She had appreciated the setting in ‘The One to Save the Planet,’ but now, living it, she was especially thankful.
 
 “What? Change?” Sephine said, louder. “I’m confused.”
 
“But you’re dancing just fine.” Amirya praised. Their steps moved in sync. “This is my favorite part.” They spun around; their backs touched, and they overlaid their wrists. Sephine slipped to the side; one set of their hands turned over to clasp together, and Amirya twirled into Seph’s arm.
 
“No, not that…” Sephine let it go and chalked it up to a tactic for Valerian’s attention. As they danced, people peeked at them and muttered. None of them, besides the one dancing with her, held any affection for Amirya. Some of their spirits already wiggled in malicious delight, and others eagerly anticipated whatever mess they were sure she’d cause. Some whispers grew ambitious.
 
‘Her eyes are so pink, just like the consort’s… it’s not really fitting for a royal…’
 
‘Well, didn’t they say that the woman bewitched the king with her eyes? Maybe… I mean, the princess is pretty, but besides that…’
 
Sephine glared and swiveled her head to try and find the voice. “The audacity…” She gritted through her teeth.
 
A group of girls giggled. In the middle of them, Izelle Rivertill fanned herself. She was seven months younger than Amirya and was the queen’s half-sister. When the queen’s mother, the Rivertill duchess, died, her father remarried someone only a year older than his daughter, who grew pregnant in only a few months. 
 
As a duke’s daughter, Izelle was also called ‘princess,’ and she loved to remind Amirya that in every single way, she was more of a ‘real’ princess. Strawberry blond hair fell to her knees, a natural and delicate wave to them, and her skin was a fair beige. Her striking scarlet red eyes had an apricot orange hue to them, and her aura core shined muddy apple red with an orange glaze on the edges. 
 
She already debuted, but her lavish gown outshone the princess’s. The pink in it exactly matched the original fabric that Estelle picked out. The top of the dress also wrapped around Izelle’s arm which showed her shoulders, the lining hemmed with ruffled lace and a ribbon across the middle. A large purple flower adorned the center of her chest and a string of pearls circled around it. The sleeves puffed out, tightened above her elbow with a ribbon, and the rest of it loosely fell to above her wrist where more lace ruffle swished underneath. 
 
A purple corset decorated with gold and flowers hugged her waist, and strings of pearls dropped in an overlaid fashion over her skirt. Her skirt puffed out wide, a style nearly of fashion, with a split in the center tied apart to both sides near her calves with large purple bows. Frills and ruffles layered the white undercoat, and golden sheer flowers were sewn into the pink skirt. On her neck, white and pink diamonds created a faux butterfly. Another jeweled butterfly sat behind her ear with purple flowers and pearls intermingled. Her earrings were the gold and pink ones she received from Valer on her debut - the same ones that sent Amirya into a conniption. 
 
“Cousin,” Izelle called in an overly affectionate, familiar way. “Happy debut!”
 
“Yes.” Amirya said boredly. 
 
“I toned down my wardrobe for the event. I wouldn’t want to steal all the attention on our princess’s coming of age,” she called and hid her face behind the fan. She scanned around Amirya in search of Valerian. 
 
Her first dance was with her family’s knight, a count’s son who escorted her. She stayed in the capital even though her father, the Duke, resided in the south lately. The moment she saw Valerian, she goaded, “Cousin, cousin, I’ve thought of a fun game! What colors are we?” She and her friends giggled again. A young woman approached from behind the group - Iyanna, Izell’s mother and the duchess of Rivertill. Amirya and Iyanna politely greeted each other by their titles.
 
“What game, darling?” Iyanna said and smoothed Izelle’s hair. 
 
Did they plan something this juvenile? I wonder what would happen if I said they’re the color of shit…  Then again, she always rose to the most juvenile of taunts.
 
“Mother!” Izelle exclaimed. “Cousin used to do this hilarious thing. She said she could see everyone’s aura, and that it would change shapes and colors. She could see spirits too!”
 
“Oh my,” Duchess Iyanna covered her mouth. “How cute.”
 
“She insisted it was real, didn’t she?” One of Izelle’s friends courageously added.
 
“Young Lord Valerian! Come here, come here,” Izelle said jovially and waved him close. “Lord Valerian, you have a shadow spirit, right? Cousin, tell us about it. Didn’t you sob the first time you laid eyes on it?” 
 
“Lady Rivertill,” Valerian started. Amirya looked over to him, but her eyes slid to his shoulder where the dark mass nuzzled against him. The shape resembled a cloud with perky ears, the wide mouth and eyes visible. It looked back at her. An odd feeling arose in her. 
 
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Wait, are those ears or horns? 
 
See me? See me?
 
Amirya’s eyes widened. Her ability had increased lately, but she kept distance from any ghosts. They’d impress their feelings and wants into her. Sometimes she could deduce their thoughts, but this was the first time she ever heard one so clearly. 
 
Though, ghosts and spirits were different.  The voice was like static and deeply unnerving. The spirit slithered like a snake over Valer’s shoulder and eyed her. Back then, it eventually lost interest in her due to her diligently ignoring it. She shouldn’t have looked directly at it. 
 
Hehehe. You see.
 
Sephine diverted Amirya’s attention when she twisted the front of her dress in anger. Seph’s jaw clenched and her eyes narrowed. Amirya side-stepped to block the view. If Iyanna caught the disrespectful expression, this would turn worse. 
 
Actually, this is so childish that I don’t feel hurt, just annoyed… 
 
“Yes?” Izelle answered innocently while she fanned herself. She jumped back to her provocation towards Amirya before he could chastise her, “Young Lord Valerian, you simply must dance with me! I haven’t had the chance since my debut, and it would just be an honor for the heir of the north to dance with the family of the south, right? What unity we’d show for the kingdom.”
 
She spoke well. 
 
Amirya blinked. Why is she staring at me so expectantly? Oh.
 
Valerian and she hadn’t danced yet, and even if they had, Izelle requesting a dance from Valerian would have Amirya in a fit. Valerian stiffened. 
 
Oh, come on!
 
Hehehe. Special girl. Girl can see. Hey. Hey. Look at me.
 
Amirya swallowed the lump in her throat. This thing rattled her, and they misunderstood her tense shoulders.
 
“That’s a good idea,” Amirya said coolly. Six months ago, shortly after Izelle’s debut, the Rivertill duchy hosted a tea party. Izelle revealed in a calculated rant that Valer’s engagement with Amirya was due to her status as a princess, but she, too, was a princess and better in all aspects in comparison. Amirya promptly flipped the table and dumped tea on Izelle. Her father grounded her within the palace until the start of the Academy. 
 
I took the bait every time. 
 
“As you said, the South and the North. A good match.” Yes, please take him; we don’t even have to wait for Finri. “Visually as well. Young Lord Valer’s dark attire will only serve to make your bright appearance pop more.”
 
Sephine choked on her spit. Everyone stared at her. 
 
It’s not that surprising, dammit!
 
The spirit cackled, and Amirya flinched.
 
Look at me, girl. Look. You’re weird. I smell it. I smell it!
 
Yeah, not gonna happen.
 
“My, Cousin, how you’ve matured… I heard that after the dragon ceremony, you were quite unwell and changed as a result…” Izelle switched her innocent approach to one of concern. The smirk on her face showed she thought Amirya was affected by her but hiding it. A venomous air swirled within her aura. “And you’re still going to the Academy even though that happened. Does this mean you won’t play games that involve spinning up stories anymore?”
 
“Who knows, I like games,” Amirya said blandly. 
 
The girls next to Izelle muttered to each other. She basically admitted she liked to lie. 
 
Damn it. 
 
Play with me. Girl. Hey, special girl.
 
You - you shut up!
 
Amirya whirled her head towards the spirit, but she caught eyes with Valer. She froze and quickly hid the irritation on her face while a small frown spread on Valer.
 
She opened her mouth, unsure what to say to turn this in her favor, when Queen Corentine waltzed to their small group. She was also dressed magnificently. Her dress had a deep v cut below her breasts and pulled back together at the neck with minimal ruffles that looked like feathers. A sun and star brooch fastened at the bottom of the v cut, a long tassel with a couple of jewels on it. 
 
The top wrapped around which showed slivers of the skin on her ribcage, and gold decorative chains looped around her waist attached to the brooch. Her white skirt had two thigh high splits, a gold decoration at the top of each, with small feather-like ruffles that matched the top. Gold bands circled the top of her arms, and open detached sleeves flowed from them like a curtain, the bottom transformed into a large gold feather like effect. 
 
On her forearms, she wore bracers that resembled golden dragon scales. Two smaller gold chains wrapped around her forehead with a white diamond in the center, and a matching necklace rested at the top of her cleavage. Her dress swished as she walked and showed white heels with straps crossed over her calves. 
 
If she wasn’t such a terrible person, I would think she looked like a goddess.
 
“Well, what child doesn’t like games?” Corentine smiled. “Oh, but is it not your coming of age? Well, I guess it doesn’t matter. Your brother never had time to make stories, so perhaps you must enjoy enough childish things for you both.”
 
Valerian, unsurprisingly, said nothing to her defense. He edged further and further from the group and waited for his chance to escape. 
 
Well, I can’t blame you for that.
 
“Forgive us for being late, little Princess,” Corentine continued before Amirya argued. Cassivan stood across the hall with Othid Kayd, the son of Corentine’s lady-in-waiting Petra, and one of Cassivan’s future retainers. Petra trailed behind Corentine, and Amirya's heart beat faster as her mouth went dry. “Shouldn’t you take your seat so we can bestow our gifts?”
 
Corentine smiled, but really, she was shoving Amirya away from the situation after insulting her. The queen detested her step-mother Iyanna and wanted to exert her control over the entire group. Amirya easily acquiesced. They already spread rumors that she was an immature liar. Now they’ve simply said it in front of a wide audience right before school at the princess’s own party. It wasn’t new.
The best thing to do is to not be bothered by worms. Amirya excused herself and turned to leave. The spirit whispered at her, and she resolutely ignored the itchy sensation in her ears. 
 
 
 
 
She plopped in the seat to the left of Galien and noted Sephine and Yanafir’s place a few paces behind her. The king did not comment on her improper manner. When a servant offered a drink to Galien, Amirya leaned forward and snatched one of the pink wines on the tray with a mutter of ‘me too.’ 
 
Cassivan sauntered up to Galien with a lazy smirk, and Amirya let her lip curl. He bowed to their father before he approached her, and Amirya leaned as far back as possible in her seat.
 
“That hurts my feelings,” he whispered. His shirt wasn’t buttoned properly. The royal children were a mess.
 
“Be hurt,” Amirya whispered back. 
 
Sephine stepped forward and took the small gold box from Cassivan and opened it, presenting the gift to Amirya - a necklace and earrings. Again.
 
I’m sure it’s not cursed or anything. No, wait, could I curse some jewelry and present it to them? Her eyes sparkled. Clear distaste colored Cassivan’s face in response. He shoved another box toward Sephine.
 
“That one was from the Royal Mother. Here’s my gift, dearest. Little. Sister.” 
 
Amirya scoffed but watched as Sephine opened and moved the fabric inside which revealed a small dagger with a gemstone embedded in the hilt.
 
“A wizard put a rune and stone on it,” Cassivan explained. “If you manage just one cut, they will fall asleep and be unable to rouse for a day. Try not to nick yourself. And, the stone will run out of magic, so try not to go around terrorizing people with it.”
 
The jewelry and dagger both were not great gifts for a princess, as the former was too common and the latter implied Amirya was not invulnerable in the palace.
 
“I’m so. Overjoyed.” Amirya said with the most deadpan voice and blank stare possible. 
 
Cassivan glared at her and reached out with his pointer finger, aiming for the center of her forehead.
 
“Cassivan,” Galien said gruffly.
 
He obediently dropped his hand. He smiled at their father and retreated. Amirya stuck her tongue out.
 
“Amirya,” Galien said, exasperated. She sank lower in her seat.
 
Sephine handed the gifts off to a different servant. 
 
Duchess Juniper Beaumont, Valerian’s mother, emerged from the crowd. It was the first time Amirya saw her aunt in a year, though it felt like lifetimes, and her mouth gaped slightly. Juniper’s black and ultramarine blue aura was always large and electrifying, but now, Amirya grasped how strong the woman before her was - perhaps stronger than her father. 
 
Her black hair was cut in a blunt line above her shoulders; it held a hint of blue, and her mauve purple eyes regarded her without warmth. Valerian stood by Juniper’s side, his little brother and his fiancée also present. Octavia, Valer’s little sister, was not there, perhaps due to her young age of thirteen, but most likely because of Amirya’s last embarrassing visit to their duchy. 
 
Finally, Alfie, the half-elf knight loyal to the Young Lord Beaumont, stepped forward with a large silver fur coat or blanket folded in his arms. The poor man had also been subjected to Amirya’s harassment, but his spirit exhibited no ill will towards her. His soft pink hair fell over his shoulder in a braid, his pointed ears decorated with silver earrings. 
 
Juniper flicked her hand, and one of her knights stepped forward with a box and placed it on the ground. He opened it to display a wide array of exotic, foreign plants and seeds - an extremely thoughtful gift for one with a earth spiritual attribute. Amirya also loved her gardens and wondered if Juniper knew that. Juniper nodded, and this time Alfie walked forward, bowed, and extended his arms with the fur. Valer grew rigid when his knight approached the princess. 
 
What exactly do you think I’m going to do in the middle of getting presents?
 
That dark spirit on his shoulder began to cackle again.
 
“There are many species here, including from across the sea and desert both.” Anything across the desert was extremely pricey. 
Trade and travel was intensely restricted due to the demons prowling around outside the walls of the kingdom - the Never-Ending War broke all relations to other communities on the continent. The Aureliun kingdom was also large enough that a collection of seeds from all four regions would have served as plenty. Across the sea was the Tefran Kingdom, the only civilization Aurelius had active contact with. It was truly a marvelous, perhaps extravagant, gift. 
 
“I pray the princess enjoys the flowers and herbs. The other present is from your fiancée. It is the hide of a wolf-like monster from the north, killed by Valerian. It is unaffected by the demonic infection, of course.”
 
The fluffy silver hide refracted light, pinks and blues glimmered off it. Monster items also turned into a limited, expensive item due to the demons. The numbers within the kingdom dwindled over the last hundred years, even within the labyrinths, dungeons, or uninhabited forests, due to over-hunting. The monsters that came from beyond the wall were often infected by the demon’s curse, which made their corpses beyond useless - they were dangerous.
 
“I’m at a loss for words for these precious gifts,” Amirya said seriously. “Truly. This is beyond considerate. Thank you.”
 
Galien chuckled, “My sister remains perfect. We’ll meet before the trade council later this week. I want to hear more about your region.”
“Your words are too much,” she said. Older aristocratic families disliked Juniper for her commoner origins on her mother’s side. And not only did she command the northern army and govern its’ dukedom, she was a pillar of the current king - his most trusted vassal. They tried to sabotage and demoralize her when Galien bestowed the region and title on her at the young age of seventeen, but she did not seek nor need his help to crush them and rejuvenate her land.
 
…My aunt must be one of the coolest people in existence, and she has a horrible impression of me.
 
Several other notable families presented their tributes next, which included the Rivertills, their branch family that the queen’s brother headed - the Harrindalls, and Luciun Clodius, one of Galien’s closest vassals. 
 
Raven presented a gift on behalf of both the Marquis Overyn and Duke Cowles family - a string of pearls crafted into a floral headdress like a small crown. The East was the poorest region, so the gift touched her. When they finished, Galien motioned for Zephyr to come forward.
 
Zephyr was the head of the palace’s wizards of which there were only four. Few wizards existed in Aurelius, and they typically lived in the Magic Tower located in the Academy under the guidance and control of the Magister, the head wizard. Wizards studied spell-casting, but the time and intricacy of the work prevented it from overtaking the role of aura in fighting. They often focused on magical artifacts, transmutation circles, enchanting, or other types of sorcery. 
 
 Zephyr rubbed his hands together. “Ah, Princess, er, your royal highness. I have added a transport platform at the Green Palace to the Academy. Just for you. Teleport back and forth. No dormitory needed for you. Quick. Fast. A gift from your father, of course. But, I made it. Teleportation is some of the trickiest magic circles, you know…”
 
What an odd man. “Thank you,” Amirya said. It was exorbitant, but Amirya felt gratitude.
 
“I suppose you want your other gifts now,” Galien said.
 
Amirya paused. Other gifts? It was tradition for parents to give three significant gifts on the birthday their child officially joined society, but Amirya wasn’t expecting it. Rather, she spent time wondering how to off-set the stigma that would transpire after she failed to receive basic recognition from her royal father. After all, in the future-past, she did not receive a third of the gifts she got today.
 
Wait. Amirya closed her eyes and concentrated. The only thing sent to her before was Valer’s gift. If… people sent these precious gifts, and I never responded to them, it would only serve to tank my reputation further. And the only person who could intercept gifts like that…
 
Her eyes trailed over to the queen who blithely smiled when she caught Amirya’s gaze. Heat crawled up the back of the princess’s neck.
Luciun Clodius came forward once more, a scroll in his hand. He knelt as he presented the item to her. She glanced at her father, who nodded, and the princess gently took the scroll and unrolled it - a deed to land.
 
“It’s not much, but it will do. The land is near your mother’s home.” Galien said briskly.
 
Land rights to noble children was a common coming of age gift. Amirya’s toes curled in her shoes. She’d have to meditate to try and remember specifics at a more appropriate time, but she knew in her heart this never made its way to her. 
 
No, in fact, there was something about a land dispute in the book because the Rivertill’s mined land in the northern regions, and somehow, she was dragged into the case between them and the Beaumont duchy. She rubbed her thumb against the paper, a fight in her heart between awe, shock, and anger. Since she publicly accepted her gifts, it was impossible for the Queen to pull nefarious schemes to block them. Corentine must have also been responsible for spreading rumors that Galien hadn’t bothered to bestow anything on her.
 
“Thank you,” Amirya said, softer than intended.
 
 
 
 
A small commotion came from the floor as people parted ways for a group. Four men with a distinctly different style than others in attendance bowed shallowly and without proper form to the king.
 
Two of the men were close shaved, another had barely an inch of hair with patterns shaved in, and the last had the sides of his head shaved, the middle row of hair slicked back into a french braid. Their clothes were loose and a bit worn, but they wore half-robes with geometric patterns on them. Their skin was heavily tanned from the sun. 
 
The group was obviously Tefran - from the Tefra kingdom over the seas. The source of everyone’s ruckus became apparent when guests backed away, revealing the small beast harnessed to a chain held by one of the men. 
 
“We’re late?” The man with the braid said as he grinned. He headed the group, and his aura was composed and self-assured, even more so than Raven’s. A black tattoo of circles and geometric shapes sprawled over his arm that was not covered by the robe, and another one was tattooed under his right eye, over his cheekbone and temple, and a few inches into his shaved side. Large gold hoops glinted from his ears and matched the small one in his nose. 
 
“You’ve come at the right time,” Galien responded. In Tefra, those of notable status arrived late to gatherings. The cultural significance was unknown to Amirya, but she learned this after she snapped at a Tefran guest for his late appearance and disrespect at the last party they attended. 
 
Of course, I’d been goaded by the queen at that time…
 
“Princess!” The man called. “Do you remember me?”
 
“Yes,” Amirya stood from her chair and went to her father’s side. “I made a fool of myself last time.”
 
The man didn’t even blink; he merely laughed. It wasn’t mocking - his aura shifted happily, “One is only a fool should they remain ignorant. I’m happy you understand me this time.” His genuine nature floored her for a second. 
 
When he looked at her, there was not a hint of judgment nor malice, and he wasn’t searching for any shortcomings. The simple interaction brought a jovial mood to Amirya, and her expression turned soft and receptive.
 
The Tefran kingdom was located on a series of islands closely situated together. In history, other societies shunned Tefra for their abundance of pirates, outlaw cities, and ship-dependent nature. But, their placement saved them from the Dark Night and Never-Ending War, and that same nature was the most beneficial one to have in the current state of the world. 
 
Tefra had relations with several surviving communities, but most only had the connection with Tefra. While Aurelius was large and self-sufficient, others depended on Tefran seamen for necessities and trade. Aureliun ships did not compare to the vessels Tefrans commanded, and with their importance, these men easily could have swaggered in with a haughty attitude, but their vibe was cheery and unwavering.
 
The small beast was the size of a cat and had a fox-like appearance. In this world, the line between animals, beasts, and monsters was thin. ‘Animals’ were typically creatures that were farmed or utilized by humans, like dogs, cattle, or horses. Those animals were capable of becoming ‘beasts’ if they ever used their spiritual energy. 
 
Otherwise, a ‘beast’ was an imposing, more intellectual creature. They had an instinctual control over their aura and used it, or they were more fantastical creatures like griffins and manticores. Not every beast could utilize their aura. Still, if there was a bear that lashed out with aura, then humans would regard it as a beast instead of an animal. 
 
Monsters, instead of classified by a biological or spiritual component, were classified based on their adversarial nature towards humans. Should a griffin attack humans and show hostility, it’d then classify as a monster. Some species were widely known as malevolent, like orcs or goblins. 
 
Orcs, goblins, and the like were a rare sight in Aurelius now. After the walls were built, over-hunting of almost everything became an issue. Monsters like that existed deep within forests, mountains, or inside dungeons, which guild adventurers often travelled.
 
“My greetings are late,” the man said. “The representative of the Tefra Kingdom, Peri Philo at your service. Your Majesty, I’ve brought what you requested last time. And, happy birthday, beautiful princess.”
 
The casual speech did not bother Amirya at all. One of the men with a shaved head, that held the chain to the beast, stepped forward. He clicked his tongue to get the creature’s attention. It stalked forward and sunk its head low, and a growl reverberated lowly through the now quiet ballroom. 
 
The fur on it ranged from black, gray, to white. The tips of its ears and tail were black, along with its feet, and there was a black ring of fur on the chest and neck area. The fur on the neck and tail was much thicker and fluffier than the rest of the body, where it was relatively short. White tufts of fur stuck out of its ears, and the snout was also white, along with two stripes of white around the neck and chest. Otherwise, the rest of it was a silver-gray coat. 
 
The eyes, outlined with black fur, were an electric light blue. The vibrant aura, the same color, jolted around, full of distress. It reached one paw up, claws extended, and scratched at the black muzzle strapped around its head.
 
“This beast is a vixen type, I do believe.” Peri said, excited. Not only exceptionally rare, vixens were supposedly impossible to catch. Not much was known beyond the fact they were highly intelligent and swift beasts, and records of encounters were almost all history, which noted their playful but shy behavior. “There are several types of vixens, as I’m sure you know. But not much is known about the different species. I can’t tell you how big this guy will get. He may forever stay this size, or he may grow large enough to ride one day.” He laughed. “But, I can tell you for certain that he is a magical beast.”
 
Magical beasts referred to the ones who could naturally use their aura. Air, Amirya pinpointed. The beast never stopped examining the room, and his eyes finally fell on Amirya. He still growled, but it grew softer. Galien motioned for the man to continue his approach, and the king took the chain. 
 
“He has a fine temperament, but of course. A beast is a beast,” Peri warned.
 
The vixen peered up to Amirya, trained on her, and the growling finally tapered off. The pieces aligned - this was her third gift. Only a few people in the entire kingdom had a beast companion, and no one had ever seen a vixen. The creature was a treasure.
 
Amirya held the creature’s gaze, a familiar and warm feeling spreading throughout her chest. She had never seen him, so why did it feel like she recognized him?
 
Cassivan emerged from the crowd with wide eyes and a grin.
 
“Wow! How magnificent.”
 
I already see where this is going. She glanced at Corentine who concealed her expression behind her fan. Her other hand on the armrest of the chair while her index finger tapped away agitatedly.
 
“I thought such a creature befitting of my wild daughter,” Galien chuckled. “You’ve outdone yourself, Peri. I’m sure everyone will agree.”
 
“Just remember how well I did at the trade council,” Peri said shamelessly.
 
Amirya stepped forward slowly. Perhaps Galien’s remark was to shut the queen and prince up before they tried to swipe the young beast. The remark was a double-edged sword: on one hand, his last comment warned no one to refute this amazing present given to her, but on the other, he implied she had the nature equivalent to a beast. But, it did not feel like an insult.
 
“Really?” She murmured. She held out both her palms, and Galien, after some hesitation, placed the handle of the chain in them.
 
“Careful,” he cautioned.
 
“Your Majesty, you are so generous,” Corentine said loudly and elegantly, “but isn’t this a bit dangerous for the princess?”
 
People saw the princess as brash and immature - they’d assume she was terrible with, and to, animals. The rumors said so - like the gossip about dead animals in her palace. Only a few knew the truth, that Amirya had a kinship with animals. They were drawn to her, and she liked them back. 
 
Already, she burrowed into the soul of this creature through their connected eyes. He was nervous. The sea trip made him sick. He wanted to return home. They caught him because he was wounded by another creature. Just when his guard was down from the human’s assistance, they snatched him away. He wanted Amirya to comfort him.
 
She crouched. “Don’t be afraid,” she whispered and ignored everyone else. She stroked behind its ears and tried to share her own spirit to the animal, a two way connection. She couldn’t stop thinking of Cinnamon, one of her two familiars from earth.

“Father, wouldn’t a mutt or some birds be better? Such a creature could be much more useful to a knight or warrior.” Cassivan included. “It would need proper training, after all.” Those who kept a beast companion typically did not have them as pets but brought them onto the battlefield. 
 
Something like this could not have been requested with a short turn around. The Tefran representatives’ last visit was long before the dragon heart ceremony when her attitude changed, and the trade council was scheduled the same week as her birthday a long time ago. Her heart thumped in her chest. 
 
This baby was always intended for her. But no matter where she searched in her memories, not even a glimpse of him existed in the book nor future. A sharp pain throbbed in the back of her skull and spread over her temples. Etora’s voice, the maid who answered to the queen, rang in her ears, teasing and chastising her for tormenting and killing an animal. Confusion and offense colored her emotions in the memory. 
 
Soon after that, she experienced the worst backlash from the public and nobles alike. The contempt was so vile, she defended herself without thinking. She had exclaimed that nobles often illegally fought creatures to the death for entertainment, even precious beasts, so even if she had done something, it wasn’t illegal. She was so flustered that she couldn’t explain herself. No one would listen after that. Corentine instructed Petra to punish her, too.
 
Amirya’s eyes grew hot.
 
This creature did exist before.
 
He was just killed. He must have refused to listen to Cassivan.
 
She felt something twist inside her, and the beast threw its head back and yowled. The primal cry ended in a ferocious hiss. His fur raised and his tail bushing up. 
 
Peri’s eyes widened, surprised, and Galien grabbed Amirya’s upper arm and dragged her back while he seized the handle with his other hand. Simultaneously, Corentine gasped and leaped from her seat.
 
“King Galien, you must detain that beast-!” Corentine yelled. “Cassivan-”
 
Amirya pried Galien’s hand off her. She scooped the creature up before anyone could tell her not to. She cradled the youngling to her chest and soothingly caressed his back. 
 
Peri laughed while his aura was overjoyed, and he spoke in another language to the other men. The vixen calmed down in her arms. His large eyes wearily darting around the room. Amirya unbuckled the metal trap around his head.
 
“Amirya!” Cassivan called and took one step forward, reached out but halted as the muzzle clattered on the ground. 
 
Calling me so familiarly, Amirya thought hatefully, I’d bet you’d delight in this beast biting my face off. It’d be a sweeter death than being sacrificed to a demon, I bet. 
 
Something irritated her nose, and she scrunched her face like a bunny to get rid of the itchy feeling. She wiped with the back of a finger and a small smear of blood coated it. The vixen tilted his head up and licked Amirya’s face. She was thankful, since it would hide her nosebleed in front of all these nobles. She stroked the beast’s face and smiled.
 
“I love him,” Amirya said in a sweet voice.
 
The room remained silent, not only due to the commotion and rare magical beast, but also because - for most of the attendees - it was the first time they witnessed such a serene, soft expression on the princess’s face. It was also certainly the first time they heard such a tender inflection in her words. The innocent scene was enough to change a few of the guests’ perception of the princess slightly, but the princess did not care to notice them. Then, she ruined it.
 
“If anyone dares hurt him,” she said in the same sweet voice but with a stern edge, her smile then dropping and her eyes hardening, “I’ll have them killed.”
 
She felt it. Their connection. Cinnamon and hers.
 
“Amirya, no,” Galien said with a palpable tinge of distress. He placed his hand on the back of her head, barely touching her, as if to subdue her. Her abrupt threat was not as arbitrary as everyone thought; she really meant to warn them.
 
Corentine’s hands trembled at the scene, and she sent a scathing look to her son as he stood with an undignified, shocked expression.
Amirya felt too exhausted and her head hurt too much for her to enjoy the small victory over the queen and prince. “Father, thank you for such a wonderful birthday. Could I be excused now? I’m going to take him on a walk. I’m sure there’s too many people here for him to relax in his new home.” 
 
“That’s fine.” His hand twitched at his side. 
 
Sephine surfaced from the crowd of people, but Amirya shook her head. She turned to leave when Galien addressed the knights lined behind the seats by raising his hand.
 
“Your Majesty, I can escort her,” Raven offered. Galien nodded. The king returned to the Tefran guests and smiled. Amirya left before Raven to avoid his escort, and he treaded behind her. Like earlier in the day, his presence made her head ache.
 
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*I've been excited to post this illustration, it's my latest one*
 
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