Prologue

The days are long, dry and blistering, and the nights are bustling but treacherous; this is life on Antares. Where the mountains are jagged, as sharp as stingers; the ground is but sand, the crimson colour of blood; and the Antarion sky is as intense and aggressive as its people.

There hasn't been total peace and harmony on Antarion for many generations. Civil wars have broken out between various provinces on the planet, particularly those that aren't visited as regularly by the emperor; those that get away with starting trouble and not getting noticed in time. As well as the Reptilia Order and Aves Colonies from the neighbouring planets, invading to conquer the Scorpiones Empire and make them fall, stopping any growth or expansion. The Kingdom is run by one ancient monarchy, the past few generations have been of the Imperator family; the current rulers are the Emperor (Pandinus Imperator), his wife and Empress (Paloma Imperator), and their only daughter, heir and the Imperial Princess (Scorpii Imperator). Against the wishes of her parents, Scorpii has turned her back on long standing tradition, by becoming a member of the Emperor's Elites, instead of focusing on her princess duties and choosing a mate.

This humanoid arachnid race are predators by nature; ruthless and fierce hunters. Although they are primarily nocturnal, they have adapted, like many other species, to a more efficient and functional lifestyle; they leave the daily life and political matters for the daylight hours and the hunting, socialising and more lively activities for night-time. As a general rule, they are fundamentally aggressive and make naturally born warriors, but there are those that deviate from this stereotype; those that became healers or teachers, for example. Their natural leadership, determination and loyalty traits make them successful rulers; but their stubborn, secretive and resentful tendencies can make them cruel and short fused at times, with conflict and infighting ensuing.

*Translated from Antarion*

"*It's too late. They have us outnumbered; they have the palace surrounded, the nest held hostage and we have no time to escape and regroup before they break into this room. Tityus, run and take Scorpii to the emergency burrow. She is the heir, for if the worst happens, and she is the Imperial Princess so if she is captured then I doubt they have anything pleasant planned for her.*" The Emperor, Pandinus, glances towards Liocheles for confirmation before instructing the young guard in line, Liocheles' son.

"*I can't just leave you and run away. I can fight and protect you too!*", Scorpii pleaded whilst taking up arms.

"*Please, Scorpii. We don't have time for this, we need you safe. We love you.*" The Empress, Scorpii's mother, strode towards her in haste, before pulling her into her arms and touching their foreheads together.

"*Alright, but I will be back for you all.*"

Sadly, their short farewells were a fraction too long. As Scorpii and Tityus turned away from their parents and towards the far wall, the throne room door was crashed through. The doors blown off their hinges and enemy invaders swarming around the group inside, cutting off any chance for escape now.