SEVENTEEN

King Alaric is well known all over Ataraxia and the neighboring kingdoms for his abilities and might. Long ago before now, the king went to war. As you know some of the inhabitants of Ataraxia are not originally from Ataraxia. Some are war prizes, prisoners brought back from war.

Thanks to the decisions made by king Otis and his council of elders, the foundation of Ataraxia was built and certain laws and practice where set in stone never to be changed. One of those laws where for no prisoner of war to be kept as slave. So the people captured where given the choice to either find their way or stay in Ataraxia. Through out the years due to this kind and just act Ataraxia has grown not just in population but in strength and thanks to the seed of love, acceptance, peace and unity planted by our forefathers, Ataraxia is a kingdom known for its love peace and unity.

My mom Erin was one of those prisoners, till now I don't know which kingdom she came from. The king brought her back as a prisoner of war as a young prince. Already he was betrothed to the current queen.

My mom was so beautiful and her abilities were special. My father the king fell in love with her or rather her beauty for he has been betrothed to the current queen since childhood and it is known all over how in love he is with the queen.

Despite his love for the queen he started having an affair with my mother. My mother had no home or family to go to so she decided to stay in Ataraxia and work in the palace. My mother rejected the king's advances till one fateful night he overpowered her and took advantage of her.

Now you might be wondering if my mom was that powerful why couldn't she protect herself?

Do you know that except you are a member of the royal family you can't harm any member of the royal family using magic within the four walls of the palace?

I'm not aware of that Lucien.

My mom though excellent in combat was no match for a prince used to war.

Few years later my dad became king and got married to his betroth.

However his affair with my mom still remained unbeknownst to his wife.

My mom tried countless times to end things with him to no avail till my mom became pregnant.

Emmett was born a day after I was born.

The king despite knowing my mom and his wife was pregnant at the same time did nothing. Maybe he was thinking it is unlikely for both of them to give birth to sons.

Emmett was born a day after I was born. The king realizing how unfavorable the situation is to him decided to tell his wife. The verdict that came out was that my mom charmed the king with her powers and placed him under a spell that's why the king could have a child with her. Given that the king's love for his queen is known to everyone it was believable.

My appearnace also helped his cause for I was an unsightly child at birth. My face and coloring was unnatural I look more like an animal than human.

So it was believed that my mom's evil caught up with her.

The king banished my mom and I to this place and cast a spell on this house to never allow my mom leave this place.

My mom could talk to animals and these animals brought us foodd and told my mom everything that was going on an ability I also inherited. Though my mom couldn't leave I however can do as I please. My mom did not tell me where she came from all she told me was that she has no family that they all died and that I am a descendant of a great family.

I remember when I was five my dad came to pay us a visit and when he saw me he was so irritated that he made a mask for me telling me to cover my ugly and stupid face, I've worn a mask since then.

Later my mom told me not to worry that that's how the members of her family look like due to the different kind of people they married making their blood mixed that I would look better with time.

My mother trained and guided me. She taught me everything I know, from spells to potions to herbs and even combat. When I was seven I ended up freeing her from the spell my father placed on her. She was happy and proud she went to go look for my father.

She has been locked up for seven years with no contact with the outside world save the animals who brings us food and gossiped with her.

When she went in search of my father everything has changed and she disccovered that everything about her was forgotten no one knew of her or myself.

My father found her in the palace and brought her here, and when he discovered I was able to break the enchantment he placed on my mother he found me useful.

My mom begged him to accept me as his child for I am innocent. My father told her that I am nothing but an abomination with my hideous appearance.

Not long after, my mom fell ill. Despite my efforts I couldn't help her. I suspected she was not just ill in body but in spirit as well.

She died when I was eight.

Two days after her death my father came visiting and that's when I started using the image of a hideous monster.

He was shocked to see me at first looking like that, but he got over it and instead told me that as his son I am bound to him and that I should help him with his enemies. He did not even ask about my mom. And when I finally told him of her passing, he said nothing.

I was ten when I went to my first war and i've been fighting for him ever since.

Lucien, if he did all this things to you while still fight for him?

I don't want to, and at first I hated him but now that hate has turned to indifference.

And to answer your question my mom made me promise to respect and obey him regardless. For at the end of the day I am and always will be a Draconia.

By the spirits Lucien!

This is unbelievable, I mean I can't seem to get my head around it. I know despite my family treating me like nothing i've always told myself that some people have it worse than I do but this, hearing your story and how you've lived all these years I'm speechless.

How can someone go through all that and remain sane. Looking at Lucien with his eyes closed and his body leaning on the wall, a position he often used especially when he's thinking. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the little boy who was made to grow up too fast. The little boy who was all alone and at the same time I'm proud of the man he grew up to become.

So even you don't know how you look like, you haven't taking off your mask since?

Well I've always known I am ugly so there was no need to see myself, I do change the mask but that's it. i've never tried to see how I look like.

Not everyone get to be as beautiful as you are Ionia, he said with a little smile.

Oh please spare me the flattery I said rolling my eyes.

So what happens now Lucien? To be honest I don't feel like going back.

You have to Ionia this is no place for somebody like you.

What's wrong with this place? There's nothing wrong with this place Lucien and i've already taken this place to be my home. I can go with you to do whatever it is you do and you can teach me.

Ionia listen, I grew up watching my mom being caged and that's something I will never do to someone else.

But I won't be caged Lucien I can go wherever.

Ionia.

You have to go back, there is a war coming and I don't want you to be in the middle of it.

I know you mean well for me and I will never think of you as an enemy on the contrary you've been my little shining star he said reaching out to stroke my chin.

So I will continue your training and you can come here whenever but you won't be leaving society.

Am i clear?

If you say so, I reluctantly told him.

Come, let me take you back.

What do you mean you got her but someone came and rescued her?

My lady we are telling you the truth, we shot her and she was unconscious we where bringing her here when someone attacked us.

And who was it?

We can't say my lord.

What do you mean you can't say?

My lord it's so strange but all we know is that the person was highly skilled and incredible and we don't know who it was or what he looked like.

You mean someone beat the both of you up and you can't even tell what he looks like and you want us to believe you?

Adryll calm down.

You may go.

Thank you my lord.

Father what's going on.

I don't know Adryll but I think it's time we take your sister seriously.

After Lucien brought me back to my room i've been pacing.

I couldn't get what he said out of my head

Ionia are you in?

Is that not Illaesa's voice I wondered, what could she be doing here.

I opened my door to find Illaesa there.

My lady , I greeted.

How are you Ionia?

I'm fine my lady.

May I come in?

Of cause you can, I told her making way for her.

Your room is clean.

Thank you my lady, and please sit down I told her gesturing to the only chair I have.

Thank you she said sitting down.

You might be wondering why I'm here.

Yes my lady.

Why did you decide not to go on the mission Ionia? You are stronger and more skilled than majority of the people going and you can't tell me you are scared.

My lady I know my recent display seems to make me appear fearless and powerful but I really don't think i'm up for something of that magnitude.

Hmmmmmm, do you know why we are called the soulshadow sect?

No.

The first queen of Ataraxia queen Olivia was the first member of the soulshadow sect and also the founder.

The queen loved and cherished her husband. When other kingdoms started waging war against Ataraxia she gathered a group of the best magic and non magic wielders and made them protector of the king, herself included. She was often called herself the shadow of the king for wherever the king is she also is. That's how we got our name.

The soulshadow sect was created to protect the king you can call them the king's private security.

Over the years after the death of the king and queen and the succession of different kings the purpose of the soulshadow sect seem to have faded to the background and now we are more like defenders of Ataraxia than protectors of the king.

My lady, why are you telling me this?

Ionia you are special, I can feel it, I know it.

You are a member of the soulshadow sect that means you are under an oath to protect the ruler of Ataraxia.

Your kingdom needs you, your king needs you. Duty dictates that you protect your king and people.

Despite your rejection i've pleaded with the king to allow you train with us with hope that you might change your mind.

We haven't seen someone with a light ability for years now and it is a waste to let you go.

But my lady,

no but Ionia I'm not asking you to fight with us or change your mind. I'm telling you to train with us to hone your skills we have people from other kingdoms training with us as well as masters from other kingdoms teaching and impacting their knowledge. It is a waste if someone with your potential don't benefit from it.

I expect to see you tomorrow in the room we gathered earlier.

I stared at the door after Illaesa left not quite believing what just happened.

I mean what's everyones problem can't I be left alone? What's all this?

Ionia are you in?

That's Celeste's voice, what now!

Oh Ionia, why are you looking like that?

Like what?

Like you are about to lose your patience.

Maybe because I am.

Really? Why is that?

Not to worry Celeste so how was your date?

Ohhhhhhhhh! Ionia it was incredible I am also going out with him tomorrow and I want you to follow me to the market to get something nice for me to wear.

Why should I go to the market with you to buy clothes, your dad is the best tailor in Ataraxia and dare I say even the neighboring kingdoms.

Don't be stupid Ionia I can't possibly go to my dad's.

Why?

Well I don't think he will be in support of my relationship with Tyrone.

Why?

He does not like Tyrone's mom.

I think your dad is wise, why not end things with him since obviously your family won't be in support, plus how sure are you that Tyrone's family will also like you.

Why invest your emotions in a relationship that is doomed to fail?

Ionia that's very mean, if it weren't for the fact that I know you mean well and you are very blunt with your words I would have taken offense.

I love Tyrone Ionia and I'm willing to fight for him this is my life no one will tell me how to live it.

Now are you coming with me or not.

I did not mean to offend you Celeste I just want what's best for you.

I know Ionia and that's the reason I'm still talking to you.

Now come let's go.

Celeste and I walked around the market looking for a dress for her.

I don't know how to tell her about Tyrone, I have no experience in things like this and I don't know if she will believe me or not.

I wonder if we might see Tyrone and his lover the way Lucien and I saw them yesterday.

Taking a bet I decided to take her there.

Celeste let's go this way, I saw a dress shop yesterday while walking around this area maybe you might see something you like.

This place is deserted Ionia are you sure we are in the right place.

Leave me alone Tyrone I told you I don't want this anymore.

It's unfair to Celeste and I what you are doing.

Julian I love you please don't leave me, you are my heart. You know the reason why I'm with celeste.

Ionia is that not Tyrone's voice, come hurry let's go look.

I ran after Celeste to see her standing in the middle of the deserted street.

I looked at where she was looking to find Tyrone and Julian in a passionate kiss. With Tyrone pinning Julian to the wall unbuttoning his shirt.

Tyrone! Celeste shouted.

Celeste what are you doing here questioned Tyrone looking at Celeste with widened eyes.

What am I doing here?

Are you for real?

Instead of asking me that, why not tell me why my boyfriend is kissing someone else and professing his love to that person?

It's not what you think.

Are you trying to tell me that I'm blind?

Hmmm Celeste you don't know me but I know you.

My name is Julian and i've been In a relationship with Tyrone for a while now. Some weeks ago I found out he is dating you and when I confronted him about it he said his mom cannot find out about us.

I however think it's unfair to the both of us. I'm sorry if you are hurt with what you just witnessed. It was never my intention to cause you pain for you are a victim of his love like myself and I admit that when it comes to him I am weak.

Aren't you going to say something, anyththing? Shouted Celeste at Tyrone.

He's saying the truth.

What is wrong with me how did I end up falling in love with someone like you screamed Celeste.

It's not my fault Celeste that I'm in love with someone of the same sex.

Do you really think I'm angry because you love a guy?

Are you mad do you not see anything wrong with all of this Celeste asked crying loudly.

It's okay Celeste I told her hugging her.

Tyrone or whatever you are called I said.

You have two people here who loves you.

It's funny how he's the one with more brains than you, considering he is also in the same situation as Celeste in fact his is worse because you actually cheated on him with Celeste I said gesturing to Julian.

You are selfish and weak.

I promised you unimaginable pain if you hurt my friend didn't I?

I will come back to that but for now I have many important things to focus on. I promise though this is not the last time you will hear from me.

I brought Celeste back to her room and tried consoling her.

Is anything wrong with me Ionia?

No of cause not Celeste. You are beautiful and kind. This is no fault of yours it's his problem don't think less of yourself.

Trust me someone better will come along. Be grateful you found out on time and use this experience as a lesson moving forward.

After making sure she was alright I went to my room.

Finally Celeste's issue has been resolved now back to Luciens's.

Lucien I called.

Are you alright said Lucien appearing before me.

Yes yes I'm fine, you won't believe what happened I told him. And I narrated how Celeste and I saw Tyrone and Julian.

Is your friend okay?

She will survive.

That's not why I called you though. Illaesa visited me remember i've told you about her before.

Yes I remember her.

Well she said I'm to train with the other selected people with hopes that I might change my mind and join them, however she wants me to benefit from the teachings the masters from the other kingdoms will give us.

She also told me the story of how the soulshadow sect was founded.

Do you know the story?

Yes I do.

Well apparently we are meant to serve and protect the ruler of Ataraxia.

What am I to do Lucien?

Is that why you are troubled?

Is that not reason enough for me to be troubled?

I've told you already just relax and do whatever it is you want to do.

Are you not worried that I might betray you?

You said it yourself no one but me knows how you look like, what if I betray you are you not even worried about that?

That's the thing ionia you won't.

Lucien you cannot be too sure?

Yes I can.

That's a lot of faith to put in one person Lucien even if that person in question is me.

We've both been abandoned by those we call family, trust is not something we should give out easily.

I'm not giving just anyone my trust Ionia.

It's you.

Now if that's all, I will be leaving. It's night time already and your day has been chaotic enough. Sleep and rest you need it.

These are trying times he said disappearing.

What is wrong with that guy?

I miss my peaceful life.