3 The News (Chapter 2)

Flying down the corridoors of Valtor Castle to my father's chamber (with Isla close behind) I say good morning to all the servants I pass. These people all had a hand in raising me. They are my family. News of Lightnings has already spread like hell fire, everyone is on edge. I mask my own suspicion with smiles as I speed walk through the corridoors.

Finally arriving at my father's chamber I fix my hair and straighten out my clothes outside the door. Breathing to slow my heartbeat I take a deep breath and open the door.

"You are late" my father says pointing out the obvious. Ryan stands behind him sticking his tongue out at me like a child claiming his victory. I glare at him pretending to be unfazed by his child like behaviour. Isla curtsies and stands to the side taking sneaky looks at Ryan when she can.

"Apologies Father, I was given the information LATER than expected." Glaring at Ryan as I speak.

"Late as usual Kitty." I hear from the back of the chamber. From the shadows emerged a figure I knew only too well. Drake Salvadore. He called me Kitty due to my fighting style from when we would spar together in our youth. He described it like a cat, Rapid and swift. . Hence giving me the nickname 'Kitty'. Noone else could call me that. Only him.

Drake was the last Piece of the group that was me, Ryan, Isla and him. We all grew up together, we are still to this day as thick as thieves.

"From what hole did you emerge from Salvadore?" I responded with a playful taunting intention. He smiled at my response and looked at the floor. Flashing the smile that could get angels to fall at his feet.

His eyes flashed up at me filled with pure joy as I saw him curl his lips.

"Always good to see you kitty. Looking better than ever." That last comment caught Ryans attention as they both locked eyes. Ryans eyes screamed with irritation but Drake didn't care, he turned his eyes back into mine. My father coughed loudly as if to get all of our attention. We all instinctively looked toward him.

"As I'm sure you have all heard, The king and Queen of Haydren are coming to valtor."

Suddenly uneasy we all exchanged looks of concern now that the rumour has been confirmed. No Lightning has ever set foot on Valtor. Why now?

"It's been 200 years since the banishment. I decided to invite the king and queen to a banquet we will be hosting to try and rectify the bond between the lightnings and nightslayers."

"You..INVITED THEM!" Ryan quietly shouted.

"Did you forget about what they did to Mother? They Killed her Father!"

"THATS ENOUGH RYAN!" Ryan Held his tongue with great difficulty at our Fathers order. Silence filled the room as everyone remembered the queen's death. My Fathers eyes fluttered forcing his sadness back into his internal box.

"My King" Drake started "No lightning has ever set foot on Valtor. It is a place for all Nightslayers to roam free without fear of being judged or ridiculed for using the Dark arts. Is it really wise for them to come here?Considering all that we stand for?" Drake calmly explains. His sensible thinking actually surprises me.

"You make a good point Salvadore. But it is the first step to peace. And I have always wanted peace." Father looks at me as he knows I do not feel the same.

" I would like to visit my wife's grave at least once before I die, and that requires peace."

My mother was buried on Haydren before my father was banished. I have never been able to visit my mother's grave neither had Ryan.

Again we all exchanged looks as we know my mother's death was most hard on my father. He loved her. He loved her so much. He lost half of his soul when she died.

"My King what would you have us do?" Isla says standing behind me.

"Good question Isla.

Ryan and Drake. I want you to take the CREE and keep them on high alert. You never know with the lightnings, they may not want peace after all.

Isla I will need your help to set the Queen, you will also be her handmaiden for the time being." Isla curtsies and Drakes bows before leaving. I turn to leave.

"Karina, Ryan a moment please." Both me and Ryan stand side by side facing our father.

"Ryan please excuse Karina from the CREE duties, I will need her from today." The CREE is a group of the highest trained fighters and strongest Warlocks in all of Valtor. Ryan, Drake and I are all members of the CREE. We are the Kings personal guard and are sent out for the most important of tasks. It is so important to me. I am the only woman and the best fighter and sorceress of them all. Ryan simply nods and is dismissed leaving me and father alone.

"FATHER! I am a member of the CREE why am I being-"

"Karina." he says stopping me from spiralling.

"I'm not doing this out of spite. I need you do to something else."

Intrigued I wait for him to explain.

"It's not only the King and Queen coming. Their son, Damien Lucent is also coming to the banquet tonight."

"Is that a problem father?"

He seemed pained but his anger overthrew it. Something was bothering him. But what was it that he couldn't say Infront of Ryan?

"More than peace. I want revenge." He growled darting his eyes away from me.

"I want you to kill Damien Lucent."