Chapter 19 - Meeting of Heirs

After my realization yesterday, I had immediately gone into my tent. I had kept Leone summoned and before heading to bed had asked her how she had summoned herself, but she had said she didn't know and that she simply felt a sudden sense of danger and appeared next to me. That had got me thinking but before I could come up with any solid ideas I had drifted of to sleep in leones arms. I had awoken the next day and had unsummoned leone before heading to find Adarra. I hadn't wanted to unsummon her and my declaration yesterday rang in my mind when I did, but I wasn't in the mood for Adarra's questions or another interrogation and I figured if she wanted to kill me it would be after she got her throne. After this quest, I would keep a summon out at all times.

Now here I was just outside a hidden gate that led directly into the palace area of the city. Adarra had explained that it was actually an emergency gate for the noble families that were staying in the capital, but we would be using it because it would make the trip easier. Adarra was in front with Aldith and Allard by her side, while I was just behind her with Gisela. I hadn't seen Leubast seen the meal I had days ago, and I wondered where he was. Wasn't he one of Adarra's advisors? I shook the question away. It didn't matter, after this meeting I was gone.

"Are you all ready," said Adarra as she surveyed her chosen advisors and personal guards. Compared to the revealing dresses I had seen her in, the one she was in today was much more modest and sensible. It was a long silver dress that reached her feet with long blue sleeves. Everyone nodded and she smiled and turned, "Then onward."

We walked past the gate and into a wide alleyway. Compared to the alleyway I had entered with Gisela, this one was clean and two glass balls filled with magic blue light were on either side. We left it and arrived out into an area just outside two towering gates, the outer castle entrance. There was a troop of silver and black armored guards waiting and when they spotted our approach they bowed to Adarra, and one, an old man that looked to be the captain of the group, stepped forward, "Welcome Princess," he said, looking slightly nervous. "I'm afraid we can only allow you to take two of your personal guards with you. The same restrictions have been applied to your brothers, so there's no cause for alarm."

To my surprise, Adarra and none of her advisors complained, not even Aldith or Allard. She simply nodded to the two closest of her guards and the rest stepped back bowing. The guard captain bowed once again and order his men to open the gates. We entered into a lush garden area and walked down a path in the center to two large doors, which opened as if pushed by invisible hands the moment Adarra was a few feet away. We entered and the inside wasn't what I was expecting. It was fancy and all, but it was boring and underwhelming, but then again this was just a minor kingdom, the lowest of the low. Fancy paintings and statues lined some of the walls and servants and guards bowed to Adarra as we passed them.

It was only 5 minutes later that we reached two large silver double doors. There were two guards on either side of it, and I noticed that these wore much heavier armor, and their features were hidden behind full helmets. They didn't say a word but one of them waved a hand, causing the doors to swing open.

The room we entered was large and circular in shape, with a large round table in the center. Golden magic lights adorned the walls and a chandelier filled with them was in the center of the ceiling. Around the table were 3 large seats that looked like small thrones. In one of the thrones sat the first prince, his bulk barely allowing him to fit in the seat. behind him stood 3 guards in silver and red armor, and 4 men, his advisors, in intricately designed clothes. On the other throne sat a handsome blond. He looked tall and well built, and his silver and green pants and a vest fit him perfectly. His face was smooth and sharp with no blemishes and his green eyes were the same color as Malorns and Adarras, I guessed green eyes must be a strong trait in the family. The second prince also had two guards behind him in silver and green, but all of his advisors were women. there was also a lanky man in a silver and black robe man who was stood apart from any of the groups.

Without examing either of her brothers Adarra stepped forward and took a seat on the empty throne, which I noted was closet to the entrance.

The lanky man stepped forward and cleared his throat, "Today we are gathered here, to find a way to end this war without further harming Larra and its people." He waved a hand at Malorn "Malorn firstborn of the late king." Malorn stood and performed a bow, which looked like it took all of his effort. The lanky mand waved a hand at the second prince, "Harren, second son of the late king." Harren stood and with a smile and flourish bowed. The lanky man turned to Adarra and an excited smile? appeared on his face.

"Now I present the only daughter of the late king and true queen of Larra. Adarra Talonore Larrain!"

Deafening silence filled the hall, as the first and second prince turned confused eyes on the man. The first prince went to speak.

That's when everything went dark.