Chapter Three

I was pretty sure my heart was beating somewhere around my throat by the time we crossed the palace gates. The phrase 'mother will kill me' kept dancing around my mind like a broken record.

Not only did I sneak out despite her warning, I also got a potentially deadly object wedged into my back. Of course, none of my internal turmoil showed on my face.

We soon arrived at the palace. "Your highness, Ivines, the queen requests your presence at the Royal Court."

Well, that escalated quickly. It's just me getting into some trouble, again. What's with the royal court?

The Ivines were surprisingly cooperative this time, obediently accompanying myself and the royal guard to the court.

I thought the day couldn't get any crazier, now imagine my shock when I entered the court to see all of Mirac's royalty on seat.

King Caden and Queen Teagan of Ethrea.

King Liam and Queen Imelda of Spartia.

King Phoenix and Queen Sage of Avalon

King Aeon and Queen Dawn of Decan

and last but not the least, Queen Regent Aira of Xeroy. All five kingdoms of Mirac represented by their royalty. To say I was nervous was an understatement. The Royal guards alongside The Ivines immediately got down on one knee while I took a simple but respectful bow.

None of them uttered a syllable in acknowledgement of our greetings. I chuckled nervously. "So, what's popping?"

Mother cleared her throat and I immediately corrected myself. "I mean, I'm honoured to be in your presence, your highnesses."

They all nodded. Queen Imelda was first to state the obvious. "Why are the Ivines here?"

Mother turned her gaze to the soldiers. "I thought you were supposed to be tracking the power orb."

Mother knows these people? Could the orb in my back be some sort of national treasure? Perhaps global?

The captain to the Ivines spoke up. "Yes, your majesty."

"Then, where is it?" King Aeon enquired.

The captain once again gestured to my shirt. I sighed in resignation before shrugging it off. Then I slowly turned my back to them.

Multiple gasps of surprise rang out across the court. Mother immediately ran down towards me, grace and elegance out the window to inspect my back in concern. She could be strict and imposing, but she cared about my sister and I.

"How did this happen?" She asked.

I was about to answer her when I was interrupted by King Phoenix. "Let me guess, you were going about your day when the orb crashed into you."

Mother turned to address him. "What do you mean?"

King Caden sighed. "The power orb isn't the only one missing, Aira. Over the past few days, all the orbs have mysteriously escaped their holding cells, seemingly of their own volition. It's like they finally woke up from sleep."

"A couple hours ago.... " Queen Imelda continued. "The Nature stone was found in the back of Anastasia Coryll, an Ethrean. She also had patterns like him. All efforts to get it out so far has proved abortive."

"But why now? The orbs stay dormant for hundreds of thousands of years, wake up all of a sudden and begin implanting themselves in people's backs?"

"We have no idea."

While all this was going on, I was carried away by something strange. It felt like there was a presence in my mind, just out of reach, teasing me to catch it if I could. After toying around with it for a while, I felt like I could finally reach out and.....

Pain crashed into me like a knee to the gut.