-Chapter Two: The Kingdom in the Clouds-

Although Findara is allied with most of the nation's kingdoms, there are still some kingdoms that will simply not ally with Findara. One of them being Asterin. Asterin is against everything Findara stands for, however, when there is word of another pointless Findarian ball, the Asterians will attend. They go for one of three reasons. The first is that King Harry Sterling loves to make King Oliver mad by flaunting his and his kingdoms affections to anyone and everyone around him. The second is that some of the Elites and castle staff have ties in Findara; whether that be friends or loved ones. The third is that while King Harry and a select few Asterians dance, there is a small group of Asterians helping Findarians escape.

Now the Asterian king in waiting, Prince Jack, is an enigmatic character to look upon. He, albeit a man of intimidating looks, has a huge heart. However, even a heart as big as his hates Findara with a passion. He would rather die than to ever step foot into the kingdom. The prince is not clueless as to what goes on in that kingdom, although he has never seen the rulers of Findara. He simply chooses to ignore it. Prince Jack focuses on tightening Asterin's relationship with other kingdoms in hopes of giving Findara a taste of their own medicine. King Harry, on the other hand, focuses on distracting Findara and their allies by playing the fool.

Asterin, to an outsider, looks like utopia in a constant state of euphoria. The kingdom itself was built up against one of the biggest hills in the nation. The vibrant blue, white, and gold villages leading up to the castle seems to make the city more celestial-like. It is as if looking at the night sky during the day but at night it was a kingdom in the clouds. The fairies who travel in and out of Asterin bless the kingdom with beauty and riches. Asterin was ethereal; covered in flowers and with a natural flow of fresh water running through the whole kingdom. No one really knows where it comes from, but no one questions it either.

There was no class system aside from the royals, their people, and the story of how things came to be this way. The first rulers of Asterin were tired of seeing how a majority of kingdoms used a class system as a way to control people. So, Asterin was built on the idea that everyone should help one another. Farmers feed the people, seamstresses dress the people, educators teach the people, and so on. Of course, there is a currency of bronze, silver, and gold that goes throughout the kingdom, but if an Asterian is ever in the need of money, they simply make a case to the king and a small audience of Asterians. This is their secret to their happiness.

Although Asterians live in euphoria, that does not mean they cannot fight. It is known that Findara and Asterin are currently in a power struggle for the strongest kingdom. The other kingdoms around them do not dare to interfere with their struggle. Findara has the strength, weapons, and fear to control people, but Asterin has the magic and numbers to overcome any fight. Most kingdoms think that Findara is still the strongest kingdom around, but that was before Jack.

"Good morning everyone!" Jack yelled as he entered the dining room and received a 'good morning' back from two of the three people. The dining room was big and consisted of three, long dining tables, enough for all the castle staff to come and eat with the king and prince. Jack was happy to see his childhood friends already sitting in the dining room waiting for food to be served. Although Jack was a prince and his friends were castle staff, he would never dare to treat them any different.

"Too early for you." Vulpecula groaned adjusting a bandage that hugged her curves as Jack sat down next to her.

"Well maybe if you didn't take that assassination on the giant last night then you would have been much more awake." A tan, blonde girl said huffing as a lean boy with wavy brown hair and a light scar across his face pulled on her hair to make her look straight across the table. "Leo Percy! What did I tell you about doing that?! You know I have a sensitive scalp."

"Well Zehra, unless you would like to look like a jester, I highly suggest you stop moving your head." Leo Percy said.

"You wouldn't dare!" Zehra yelled at him as he smirked.

"Jack. I will stab this fork into their hearts if you don't get them to-" "Good morning everyone!" King Harry yelled as he entered the dining room. "Oh Vulpecula, will you be staying long?" he asked noticing the

"Sorry your highness, but I have business to attend to. I was just staying for breakfast, no one and nothing could make a hangover breakfast like those fairies." Vulpecula laughed as she played with the one silver streak in her hair from which she had received in an assassination attempt gone wrong many years ago. If it weren't for Jack, she knew she would be dead.

"Rough night?" Harry asked as Zehra and Leo Percy giggled.

"Oh, hush you two. And no, giants are not fun to mess with, but it was a hefty price I couldn't turn down." Vulpecula answered seeing more staff of the castle join in with their 'good morning' and 'how are you'.

"Right well, I'll just have to have my chess rematch with you some other time." Harry said noticing the dining room started to reach max capacity as Vulpecula nodded her head. "Good morning to all! Please do not forget to thank the fairies!" Harry's voice boomed as the doors to the kitchen opened and food of all different scent and flavours started to pour out. It looked as if the food was flying on its own, but if the wandering eye paid close attention it could see the bunch of small creatures.

These creatures were the fairies. They had grey, pale skin that was often covered in a black designs, like tattoos. No two fairies had the same set of wings or looked even remotely alike. They often had sharp teeth and their hair differed in style and length, however, they all shared the same white colour. The fairies were often nice and loved to be petted, but push their buttons and they'll band together to chew their way through anyone's limbs.

The meals were often held like this. Then, King Harry and Prince Jack usually take a morning walk together to different parts of the kingdom to talk to Asterians about the most recent problem they are facing. But today was different.

"Good bye Vulpecula, try to stay safe this time!" Leo Percy shouted as the muscular assassin walked out of the castle. Adjusting her cloak, she quickly turned around to wave goodbye to the trio.

"I bet you five silver pieces she gets a new scar!" Zerah said turning her back away from the big white doors of the castle and flipping her hair onto her shoulder.

"Awe, come on. I just want her to come back safely." Leo Percy said, adjusting his helmet that rested in the space between his side and arm. Jack laughed softly.

"Knowing her, I'll take you on that bet Zerah." Jack said as Leo sighed.

"No, no, no... Come on. Let's hope she comes home safely." Leo Percy pleaded as the two laughed.

"I'll make it one gold piece." Zerah and Jack said at the same time looking at each other.

"Hey! Cut it out!" Leo Percy snapped.

"Awe, Leo Percy being the protective guard he is." Zehra cooed. "We're just messing with you. We hope for her safety as well." Leo Percy's cheeks went red as he realized that he had snapped at them ever though they were playing around.

"I cannot believe you two sometimes." Leo Percy huffed as he walked the opposite direction from them. "I'll catch up later, I'm about to be late for guard duty." Leo waved goodbye and headed out towards the gates of the castle.

"Do you have anything planned today Zehra?" Jack asked as they continued to walk down the corridors of the castle.

"I do as a matter of fact; I have to run an errand and collect some intel." Zehra said casually, keeping her posture straight.

"Oh?! Where at this time?" Jack asked. It's been awhile since Zehra has last gone out to collect intel for Asterin. Although Zehra keeps an amazing façade of being prim and proper; she is willing to do anything for her kingdom. One of these being collecting intel, so she's a spy.

The tall girl stopped in her tracks allowing her flowy dress to hit her legs lightly before saying, "Do not get mad. I decided to take this on myself, but it's in Findara with this servant named Lilith."

"Are you crazy?! Do you have any clue what they will do to you if they catch you?!" Jack exclaimed holding onto her by her shoulders.

"Yes. I do." She huffed, shoving his hands off of her. "That's why I volunteered. I've been doing this longer than the others. Now if you don't mind." Zehra finished as she walked away leaving Jack to stand alone. He knew the type of girl that Zehra was; the mysterious and clever cliché. Although he knew that she could do this, he still worried.

𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥. Jack thought as he scratched his forehead and started toward the gardens where his father should be waiting.

On his way down, Jack studied the intricate castle designs that never ceased to amaze him. Fairies and castle staff giggled and waves as he passed by, but his mind wondered elsewhere. He thought of how the kingdom was a gift. The Old Witches, before the extermination, saw that Jack's great, great grandfather was most fitted to be a ruler and bestowed the position of king to him. No one, except for those who have stepped foot into the castle, know of the clouds that covered the ceilings. Or how the stained glass is constantly changing to a new design, only ever being the same twice a year.

"There you are my boy." King Harry said brushing his hands through his white beard. "If you would excuse me ladies." He said to a few of the gardeners.

"Dad, how could you let Zehra spy on Findara? I thought we had one within the kingdom to let us know." Jack said furiously.

"Listen I was just as opposed to the idea as you were. Our informant, Madalyn, got caught and passed away earlier this morning. It's just this one time and the next ball I'll try to seek out for another informant. We can't just let people continue to suffer there." Harry said as Jack nodded his head.

"Speaking of Findara." A guard named Eris said entering the gardens, the guard had a curly pixie hairstyle with an undercut that made them look masculine. On the other hand, their defined jawline and structured cheekbones allowed for a feminine look but most ignorant people get confused when they see Eris. To Jack, Eris is a beautiful human being who was simply androgynes. Eris' muscles popped out beautifully and they always held their head high. Jack simply adored Eris, but only platonically.

"What about Findara?" Harry asked as Eris looked over their shoulder. Entering through the garden walls was Percy Leo and two men who wore gold and red amour: Findarian guards. "Oh, a Findarian? To what do I owe the pleasure to?" Harry asked as the guard bowed in front.

"King Harry and Prince Jack of Asterin, I'm Silas and this is Cain. We are here on behalf of King Oliver of Findara to invite you and the Asterians to Prince Ace's 21st ball." The olive-skinned guard announced. Harry, Jack, and the eavesdropping gardeners all started to laugh.

"I'm sorry. You're telling me that Oliver actually invited us?!" Harry cried out between his hefty laughs.

"Well it technically was Prince Ace who wanted to send a formal invite." Silas clarified and the other guard, Cain, looked down at them ready to strike but he understood where they were coming from. Their laughter died down and Harry and Ace looked at each other with confusion. Prince Ace's name was usually never mentioned in Asterin, but then again not many Asterians had seen the Findarian Prince before.

"I know. Leo Percy and I had the same reaction, but I think you should hear them out." Eris said as Harry ran his hands through his beard, contemplating his next choice of words.

"Very well. Gardeners spread the news. Fairies please prepare some afternoon snacks for our guest." King Harry ordered with kindness as he walked up to the Findarian guards and wrapped his arms around their neck. Both guards instinctively flinched by the sudden touch from the king, which would not go unnoticed by Jack who followed behind them along with Eris.

In the grand room both guards sat awkwardly as all eyes of Asterin watched them with disbelief. Silas could not help but shift his weight from one foot to another waiting for King Harry and Prince Ace to take a seat on their thrones. "I think we should go." Silas whispered to Cain who only grunted a 'no'. A fairy fluttered in front of Silas and he stared at the creature in admiration. Cain's face scrunched up as he looked at the creature.

"It's cute don't you think?" Silas asked as Cain once again grunted 'no'. The fairy who fluttered in front of Silas instantly gave off a small screech signaling for a couple more fairies to come. They instantly circled around Cain who spun around in place trying to swat them away. The Asterians, who stood on the side lines, giggled watching Cain pathetically swatter the fairies away.

"We apologize for the wait, right Jack?" King Harry said with a change of tone towards the end, as if he and Jack were fighting about something. "Now fairies leave the poor man alone and bring out the snacks." The fairies instantly left Cain alone and some fresh cookies and tea came floating down from the clouds. Again Silas watched in admiration, this time Cain joining him. Once the Asterians had their cookies and tea the fairies flew over to Silas who was smiling at them and saying 'thank you'. Cain on the other hand got hot tea poured on him leaving him to curse aloud at them.

"Sorry about that, they're nasty little tricksters." Jack said as the fairies giggled while flying back up into the clouds. "So, what about this ball and why are we getting a formal invite." Jack asked leaning forward in his chair.

"Prince Ace is turning 21 in a few days. As a Findarian tradition, he needs to find a suitable wife during this ball." Cain started to explain.

"What so she can cheat on him?!" An Asterian yelled out and a bunch of them laughed.

"No need to state the facts, let's be mindful and respectful to our guests." Harry said as everyone quieted down again.

"Um, well... King Oliver said all women should get a chance at this and Ace thought it would be appropriate to invite Asterin as well." Cain finished.

"So, Ace wants our women too? What's next, our land?!" Jack exclaimed.

"Jack." Harry snapped.

"No. We are not going to accept." Jack stated as both guards nodded their heads.

"Jack, maybe you don't have to go. I will be attending, invite or not." Harry said standing from his throne and walking over to the guards once again. He took the dishes from their hands and threw it up into the clouds above them where the fairies would catch it. "Thank you very much gentlemen."

"Oh, we also have it written down. Ace wanted to make sure you got a real invite." Silas said taking a rolled up scroll out from his armour.

"Thank you very much." King Harry said with a smile as Eris and Leo Percy escorted them out of the kingdom.

"You got to be kidding me." Jack huffed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"No," Harry said snapping his attention to his son, "they came all the way out here with a formal invite and all you were was rude. I did not raise you to act in such a way. Not only were you disrespectful but you also tried to decline the invite." Harry was fuming and some Asterians did not want to stick around to find out what would happen.

"Yes, because they are Findarians. Do you think they know what we are up to?!" Jack exclaimed.

"No. If you would actually bother coming to these balls you would see how aloof they are!" Harry yelled back causing Jack to step down.

"KING HARRY!" Zerah yelled entering the grand room. "I have big news!" She said between breaths.

"Very well. Asterians please continue on with your day. Guards and ball attendees please join us in the war room." Harry said as everyone went on with their day.

In the war room it consisted of King Harry, Prince Jack, Eris, Leo Percy, Zehra, and two witches named Emily and Sam. At times Vulpecula and some of the older guards would be in the room with them, but today they were away attending other matters.

"What's the news Zehra?" Jacked asked as she smiled.

"There's going to be a lot of people leaving this time and along with them is an elite! This is our biggest break yet! She has close ties to the prince and king!" Zerah beamed.

"Well that's great news!" Leo Percy said as everyone nodded their heads.

"We should try to schedule this during the grand ball." The taller witch with light brown skin and piercing eyes said as she locked eyes with King Harry.

"If this is going to be a big escape then it would only be suitable for Jack to join in. This way all attention is diverted to Jack and no one would notice the abundance of people missing." The beige skinned witch with sharp almond eyes suggested.

"I already said I will not be going. Instead I will stay back to help the newcomers get adjusted." Jack stated.

"Come on Jack, daddy isn't going to always hold your hand." Eris said as Zehra laughed.

"Guys cut it out." Leo Percy demanded looking at Jack. "Why don't you want to go?"

"I have already stated it a thousand times, and I will say it a thousand more; I will go to Findara once they have had a taste of their own medicine." Jack stated as he crossed his arms.

"It's okay." King Harry said with a soft voice. "He will stand his ground; we can assemble a small group to go to this ball and that will be it." Harry finished.

The rest then began to plan their next few days.