Chapter 4: The Castle at the Edge of the World

To come from the Blue Sea and move into the Devil's Sea was by no means treacherous. A path that had earned itself the position of being a category five spectre zone. Filled with serpents that playfully peaked their heads above the waters, constantly mocking Nilla and calling her obscene names. The thick mist hovering about the waters filled her head with the images of beasts burbling beneath, hiding their existence to keep themselves confined to myths. A sea that was almost a murky black at night, but during the day was crystal blue shimmering like diamond dust filled the waters.

They spent three days voyaging through the Devil's Sea, patiently treading the waters till they reached their destination.

Standing on the deck as the wind rocked the waves, Nilla watched the soaring Castle on the Island. Cold layered bricks rising into the sky, surrounded by a rigid iron gate that menaced against the crashing waves.

She kept her footing steady as they came to a gradual stop, the ship's crewmates rushing about to get things together for their arrival. Daphne, rising from beneath deck, went to Nilla's side and said, "I can't believe we're actually here."

"Don't get too comfortable," Nilla warned, eyeing the thick brewing clouds in the sky.

By the ships landing port, stood a procession of Imperial Guard soldiers. Dressed in their blue and white uniforms, their dove insignia a sure sign of their formidable presence. Hardened by years of training, their eyes remained utterly lifeless, gloomy as they pinned their eyes on the ship that had come to a stop.

Heading the line stood their commander to be. His eyes locked on her, eyes of stone with no warmth within their grey spirals. His muscles thick, a burly body concealed by his black cape that draped across half his body. It was meant to cover his axe; one Nilla knew he had strapped to his hip.

The ships men helped her ease down the steps, onto the dock, and the man stepped forth, meeting her halfway across the peer.

"Hello, Yuri," she said, extending her hand.

He took it, holding her gently as he planted a light kiss on the back of her palm, "Princess Nilla," he dragged her name of his tongue with his strong and deep-toned voice. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Daphne and the other emissaries the council sent along with them appeared behind. With her cheeks blushed pink and her shaky eyes, Daphne, took shrew steps and rushed to Nilla's side. Her fingers trembled as she pinched her skirt, curtsying to Yuri.

"This is my Lady-in-waiting for this mission, Ms Daphne Valentine. She's the daughter of the Valentine Fruit Company's Chief Executive Officer, and an Azurian National. So please, look after her," Nilla said.

He glossed over Daphne, then brought his eyes back to Nilla.

"Shall we?" he asked, extending an arm out to her.

Nilla nodded, hooked her arm on his and began walking towards the castle's entrance.

With the Guards and emissaries following close behind, Yuri and Nilla took slow and stiff strides. He squarely looked ahead; muscles stiffened by her touch.

Nilla expected him to go further and engage in conversation, acknowledge, or compliment her looks at the least. It had been months since they last met, and judging from their last encounter, there was plenty he could say. But Yuri, as he was, simply looked ahead, not paying anything attention. She kept herself ready for his voice, longing to hear him speak. But the further they walked, the more she tingled in anticipation.

Bothered by the odd silence and timed steps of those trailing behind, Nilla cleared her throat and asked, "What have you been doing lately? I assume you've been busy, flocked with countless missions that surely are more important than this one."

"Ah, Yes," he said, a small smile curling up his lips. "The conflict over the river Fury in the Northern Ice Forts has been worsening. I'd been stationed there for about, 6 months, I think. And I must say, I've grown bored staring at their ice pillars day and night protecting a river that's frozen for most of the year. But you're my top priority. It's only natural that I leave everything to come to your aid."

"Natural? Don't make me laugh."

"I'm being honest," he said, turning to catch a quick glimpse of her face. "You're more than just another princess to me. You'll be my wife."

She parted her lips in response of that reminder. But, after carefully thinking about the choice of words she was about to utter, she decided against it. Choosing to stay silent was an art she had mastered, to never utter words that were useless and vain for the consumption of human ears.

Daphne huddled close behind, creeping to her ear and whispering, "I know it's not my place to pry, but he doesn't seem too bad."

"What makes you say that?"

She chuckled nervously, "I mean when you were on the phone with Sir Vernon, it appeared as if he was heartless and utterly detestable."

"I can hear you, you know," Yuri said, peering down at Daphne. "And I'm aware of the state our relationship is in at the moment, Ms Valentine."

"Is it that bad?"

"Who are you to ask in the first place?"

"Oh!" she gasped, clasping her hands together. "I didn't mean it that way. I was just curious as to what her highness meant the other day. I mean, one would only assume that you're a terrible human being from the way her highness wanted to avoid you. I mean it's rare for her to avoid anyone, so I just put things together and assumed..."

His eyes narrowed.

Daphne, bashfully looking to the side said, "Forgive me if I've said something offensive. I was just curios. I don't want to be caught in the crossfire of whatever is going on between you."

"I understand," he said curtly. "My only wish is that you prove to be a worthy confidant to her highness currently. If you catch wind of any danger to her life, any plots, anything to be suspicious of, let me know."

"Surely."

He nodded with a brief smile.

Their pace quickened as they neared the castle gates. A still silence in the air as if to say that what lay beyond the bitter iron was something so horrific, one wouldn't dare say anything in its presence.

Yuri pushed the heavy iron gates open, the screeching of metal painfully sharp and bitter. He led her to the castle door, where they filed in and were greeted by the castle's keepers, the Venturi Priests.

They bowed upon their entrance, standing in the dark stone hallway that filled with a cold breeze whistling down its way. The meek men and women who watched Nilla and her emissaries, neatly clad in their black priestly robes. As the candle's wicks were almost finished, and the wind continued to gust down, the flames that lit the hall danced to survive. Keeping their dying flame shining on the priests, lighting up their uniform smiles.

The head priest stepped forth, a young man with silver hair.

"Good day your highness," he bowed. "I'm Stephane Judoc, the Head Priest here at the Castle. I shall personally see to your spiritual and political needs while you stay here. As was communicated, the Castle will remain fully functional as it has been during the Three Months Trial. But I assure you, our endeavours as Priest shall not disturb what you have been assigned to do."

Nilla bowed with a gentle smile, "It is well," she calmly said. "I prefer it that way. Perhaps our guests would find it helpful in solving the problem at hand."

"I hope it turns out that way."

Nilla turned to the other Priests, scrutinizing their animated smiles. "What about them?" she asked.

"They're just here to welcome you. After this, they will continue their duties."

"And did you manage to set up what I requested?"

"Yes," he answered. "Though we weren't sure of your size. If adjustments are needed, please let me know."

It calmed her to know he was keen and up to date with what was to be done. He seemed reliable, judging from his tender smile and eyes that lit his face up in a way that was rare to see in the world. A pure, refined light that harboured no darkness.

Stephane led them to their rooms and gave them a brief tour of the castle. They waltzed down the dining halls, to the living quarters and spun round to the garden of earthly paradise. After having rested there, and briefly chatting, he took them to the lighthouse on the other end of the castle, a quick look at the giant light that shinned out to the sea. Apart from these, and the courtyard, there was nothing else worth seeing or noting for specific use. Other parts of the castle had been cordoned off, barricaded by doors of thorns that bared their teeth to those who dared peek through.

After the tour, they all went to rest for the afternoon, meeting up later in the evening for dinner.

The table was set with the finest silverware, and frosted glasses all set neatly with folded napkins over the Priests' expensive plates.

Nilla was led to her seat at the head of the table, Yuri following suit and seated next to her with Daphne.

Yuri brushed a few strands of hair off his face and smiled at Nilla's with eyes of a loving husband. Daphne couldn't help but gawk at the sight, looking to Nilla's eyes, silently pleading she hadn't fallen for his tender grey and brooding eyes.

"Yuri," Nilla called as the rest of the table melded into chatter. "Has my father spoken to you yet?"

"He'd prefer not to get involved in our affairs."

"Meaning? He's not a simple man who'd ship his daughter away. I find that statement hard to believe."

"Do believe it," he chuckled, scooping a piece of chicken on her plate. "And eat up as well. I hear you've been skipping meals. That'll have to change if you're to stay healthy."

Nilla rolled her eyes and sipped on the glass of special wine the priests made catered to her age. "Do you think I have bad eating habits?"

"I don't think, I know. You tend not to eat well during missions. I assume it's cause of stress. But because of that, you frequently develop stomach ulcers. I don't think it's right to torture your body in the process of peace."

"It's not torture," she sharply answered. "And I do eat. The ulcers are a different problem".

"Regardless, eat up." He picked the chicken and held it up to her mouth, keeping his hand beneath the to keep the dripping sauce from spilling onto the table.

"I'm not a baby."

"Well, you're my baby."

Daphne snorted, "That's cute."

"Is that so?" Nilla asked with firm eyes.

"In a good way. It makes me think there's hope for you and it won't be a marriage of simple convenience."

"You know what," Yuri said, placing the chicken down and leaning forwards toward Daphne. "I'm curious. From the eyes of an outsider, what do you think our relationship looks like."

"You're both stubborn. But that yields a kind of thorny love like a bouquet of roses. Alluring to look at, but painful to the touch."

"Cryptic much," he laughed.

"I learned from Nilla. She never says anything straight."

"I do," Nilla protested. "Sometimes. Or at least I try."

The three went on in their talk, but as the festivities of feasting went on, Nilla withdraws her voice from the conversations and observed. The stiff priests who had finally let down their britches and talked like a comradery of friends. The Imperial Guards let themselves loosely enjoy, no more staunch and stiff shoulders and creepy glares.

Yuri and Daphne seemed to have much to talk about surprisingly, which let an air of relief clear Nilla's head. She worried they would be at each other's throats since they both held different views and opinions about everything, but from their banter, it turned out that they instead had much to learn from each other's contradicting lives.

It left a little sting in her chest seeing all this. How it was just a moment of relief while being painfully aware of what kind of storm was barrelling towards them. Listening to their sweet laughs as the thunderclaps played outside. There were no windows to the dining hall, but she could clearly picture the raindrops slicking down windows: her only view to her state of her mind.

This moment of joy was precious in her sight, for who knew when Daphne would get the chance to laugh again. Or when Yuri would let his hardened exterior finally soften?

A smile cracked up her lips for a second. But, as it widened, she almost chocked on it, her throat swelling as she remembered the last dinner she had. Jonathan's pearly smile spreading across his cheek as he pressed a knife against her neck, watching the Royal Family that hosted her be gunned down. She bit her lips shut, trying to suppress the memory as the rain pattered on outside.

Not again would she lose these smiles.

Compared to the demons of the devil's sea, Jonathan was the worst of them all. A stain on this earth she desperately wanted to get rid of, even if it meant murdering him in cold blood. But alas, that would go against her vows.

If she wanted him dead, she would have to use another way.

She looked around, at each face hoping there was someone worthy enough to do the dirty work. The Priests were too clean to be sullied by such a disgusting thought, and the Imperial Guard would face much worse consequences if they so much as dared killing an unarmed civilian.

Who was worthy?

Then it dawned upon her: would it be possible to have Jonathan kill himself?

*

Two weeks had pasted, and Nilla had adjusted to life in the castle. Sure, the days were filled with work on preparing for the coming delegations, and they spent the nights cooped up in their rooms, but the company of both Daphne and Yuri proved to be comforting.

Occasionally they'd hear gruesome howls of pain and demonic screeches echoing down from the cordoned off sections of the castle, but she tried her best not dwell too much on what laid on the other side. They were in the Devil's Sea after all.

After breakfast, Nilla quickly went on to prepare for the arrival of the delegates of both the Kings and the Azurian state. She rushed about with Head Priest Judoc to ensure things were prepared. And by the time the afternoon had come, they were standing at the shore with smiles pinned to their cheeks as the ships sailed in.

As the delegates poured on to the shore, shuffling to get themselves together, Judoc elbowed Nilla and said, "I must say, after catching sight of their faces, the Ina Island was an excellent idea to implement."

She chuckled, eyeing Jonathan who lazily took his place beside Lady King and some of his cousins. "I believe it's results will be pleasing seeing we are in the middle of the Devil's Sea."

The last of the ship's passengers had lined onto the shore. Peaceful and dressed in dark toned bustle skirts and suits. It was easy to separate them; the pale skin and golden hair of the Kings against the tan skin and black hair of the Azurians. Stereotypical for Nilla to assume, but blood never lied.

Upon checking that everyone had been there, she noticed an odd dwindling of the Azurians numbers. Two key delegates where not there, the men who had attended the meeting weeks before.

She leaned over to Yuri and whispered, "Where are Senator's Benoit and Roque?"

"About that, your highness, I had been informed of their untimely passing by the guards."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"We only found out this morning. In your preparations of the Ina Island, communications had been temporarily cut off. Once the lines were re-established, we found out that they had passed away in quite the unseemly manner." He turned and gave her a brief bow, "My apologies. After the guests have settled in, we can discuss the matter further with Lady Valentine and the Head Priest."

She nodded, knowing there was nothing else she could do, stomaching the radiant glow of Jonathan's face.

There was a silence that pierced through the air as they all waited for one of them to take the first step in a greeting. Neither Nilla nor Head-Priest Judoc could say anything. According to rules of high society, royals and priests never greeted first. A confusing rule from the Arcane that often pained both parties.

The bitter frosty wind blew against their faces, setting Nilla's smile.

"Greetings everyone! It's such a pleasure having you all at the castle," she proudly uttered, stretching her arms out towards both crowds.

Jonathan, taking bold steps, went towards her. He bowed, taking her hand, and kissing the back of her palm. A slow and tender kiss, savouring her smooth cinnamon scented skin.

"The pleasure is ours," said Jonathan. "As head of the Kings, it's an honour to accept your invitation, your highness."

Jonathan got up, and looked Head Priest Judoc up and down, "Leader of the Venturi Priests, God's faithful servants. Thank you for having us."

He was surprisingly tame, with his softened eyes and milky voice.

After the Azurians offered their greetings, they turned around and were led into the Castle. As they were taken for a quick tour around the castle, Jonathan had made sure to wedge himself between Nilla and Yuri. He hooked arms with Nilla as they walked, and she did not put up any resistance. It would be best if he kept up the idea that there was a little relationship between them. Not romantic, at least not yet, but a constant push and pull that could flare Yuri's temper. Maybe that would get him to knock a tooth out of Jonathan and ruin his horrid smile.

If she could explain to Yuri now, she would, feeling that it wasn't princess-like to use her future husband like this. But it was better if he didn't know. That would at least make him good for something.

As they took a round through the garden of earthly paradise, Jonathan suddenly stopped.

Yuri tripped to catch Nilla from stumbling, ensuring she had steady footing over the grass. But as he retracted back to his place in their pattern, Jonathan exclaimed, "That reminds me!"

He promptly turned to Yuri and said, "I'd like to extend my apologies to you, Yuri. It had completely slipped my mind, but I intended on clearing this up as soon as I arrived."

"I'm afraid I don't follow," Yuri said blank faced.

"I don't want you to hold me in contempt for a blunder I made with the princess a few weeks ago. I can assure you I did not see her fully naked body. Though I did fondle with her hair a little." He held a hand up to his lips as he laughed. "Regardless, as a man, I respect your future wife and wouldn't dream of her."

As they fell back into step, following the Head Priest, they moved on. But Yuri stood still for a few seconds, gazing at Jonathan with cold eyes. He flexed his arm, took a deep breath, then followed, catching up to them and the rest.

When night fell, they followed custom and held another dinner in honour of the guests who had just arrived. They were taken up to the banquet room as their numbers had grown, many Priests were excused to accommodate the delegates. All in all, a total number of 15 delegates from all 3 companies attended, alongside the Head Priest.

Food was laid out, and chatter ensued as they dined together. Merry cheers as they shared fables of faith and fate. From the sound of it, the Azurians felt lucky to be in the presence of God-fearing men, knowing justice would prevail as they believed. One of them even joked that perhaps the Kings would get a quick exorcism. The table rumbled at the mention of it, but even through the snide remarks the Kings answered in response, playing along with the banter, Nilla could tell that the single comment might just cost someone's life.

As she had learned, the evil die quick, but the good die quicker.

Head Priest Judoc, carefully pouring a glass of wine for both Jonathan and Nilla said, "Do enjoy your stay at the castle and have a lovely time. I hope this time spent will foster healthy relations between you two and the Azurians."

"Indeed," said Jonathan, gulping a glass and pointing for Judoc to pour more. "Tell me Stephane, what do priests do here for fun?"

"Whatever we wish to do."

"I see. So, if I wanted to spend my afternoon in the company of Princess Nilla I would be permitted?"

"If she desires the same, then yes."

"Actually," Yuri interjected, plaiting a piece of chicken for Nilla. "That's on the contrary. The princess cannot be in the company of a man on her own."

"But you're allowed to see her," Jonathan said. "So why can't I? I mean, we are good friends and I absolutely loved spending time with her at Crystal Palace. I hoped to do the same here."

"We're not the same." Yuri shot a frosty glare. "I am her lover."

"Correction. You're her betrothed. That doesn't mean she loves you."

Yuri picked up a knife and began sawing away at the piece of meat on the plate. "Think what you may, Jonathan, but you still cannot meet her on your own. I say this now not as her future husband, but as her guard. The Imperial Guard is aware of the massacre at the Crystal Palace as well as how the Princess was held hostage for several days. You honestly think I'd leave you alone with her?"

"If I wanted to kill her, I would have done it already. Besides the tables have turned, now I am the one being held hostage by her highness. I couldn't possibly hurt her," Jonathan raised his hands in defence with a smile.

He quickly turned to Nilla. Pouting he asked, "My Princess, you forgive me for the incident, don't you?"

She scooped food into her mouth. An answer was far from her mind that wasn't obvious enough.

"Do you really think she'd forgive you after you splattered the blood of innocent lives right in front of her?" Yuri asked, clenching his jaw.

"She does have the prerogative of mercy. Why not?"

Yuri's hand shot out momentarily, but as the horrified looks of attendees focused on him, Nilla pulled his hand away, lacing her fingers between his.

"Don't be angry on my behalf. I have exercised my mercy and pardoned him of his crime."

The feasting ended and each was escorted to their chambers.

Nilla had already changed into her night gown, sitting in bed as Yuri sat at her bedside. He reacted to Jonathan quicker than she anticipated, but if he was the Yuri she remembered, then things would only escalate at their current pace.

She took his hand, and studied his stormy grey eyes, empty and dark as he watched the candle wick. His face was tight, making her more nervous as he never had the kindest features. Perhaps she went too fast in the test, maybe he hated how she entertained Jonathan.

No, she couldn't be bothered with what he was feeling. Affairs of the heart would doom the mission. Priority was the mission.

"Please look at me," she softly said, her eyes begging for his attention.

He turned to her, gloomier than before.

"What's on your mind? Talk to me."

"I love you, Nilla," he said. "But please, don't tempt me."

"What do you mean? I haven't done anything. I mean, everything was fine the past week, and we were getting along."

"I know what you're doing."

"Is it Jonathan?" she nervously laughed. "If it is, it's nothing serious. You should know this.

"It's," he huffed out. "Using my anger won't help. Do the right thing, please."