Gates of Annika

"And the land was peaceful as it once was, all thanks to the sacrifice of a warrior who put aside her desires to save others... THE END"

"Read it again (yawns) please"

"No no no,that will be for another day for now, time to sleep... Goodnight Oona"

She opened her eyes slowly, staring at the plain concrete ceiling. The same ceiling she greets everyday. "Another dream" the room was dark and dimly lighted with worn out candles.

A young lady laid gracefully on a white wooden bed, it had no sheet or blanket only a white pillow, which held her head and cushioned her water fall black hair that fell over the edges of the bed. She's wearing a light white silk nightgown that sticks to her slender curves.

"It's another day Oona"

Oona stood up from her bed and walked to her window. For as long as she can remember she has always done this every morning. She sat on the frame of the window and let her legs outside to feel the morning breeze.

She watched as the sky turned slightly orange as the sun gradually peeked through the eastern mountain. She heaved out a breathe of relief as the sun rays touched her pale white skin. A gentle smile drew across her face and her light blue eyes glimmered.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Good morning milady" a maid walked in with a tray of tea in her hand. Fear was plastered all over her face and her hands were shaking nonstop.

Oona didn't reply to the maids greeting she stared at the rising sun with hope in her eyes.

The maid carefully placed the tray on a white wooden table at the edge of the room. She began to arrange the room immediately, sweat rolled down her face nonstop.

A few minutes had passed when the maid stood by the door.

"I'm done milady" she bowed waiting for the order to leave.

Oona didn't reply causing panic in the heart of the maid.

"Yesterday..." Oona's voice came out like a melodic harp being played. "...it was cold in here, please send me a blanket. I can't take the cold anymore"

"Yes milady, right away" the maid hurriedly said.

"Marki" Oona turned to the maid with a slight smile on her face. "He told you to poison the food didn't he?"

The maid Marki stared at the floor, her eyes had tears brimming.

"Do you feel the same way about me Marki" her voice was filled with pain but regardless she held a warm gaze.

"I'm sorry milady, it's as his Gr..." Marki looked up and stared at Oona directly in the eye. Tears flowed down Marki' eyes. "No please I don't want to die"

Oona looked away immediately and covered her eyes with her hand but it was too late there was a thud on the floor.

"Again" she whispered to herself before releasing her eyes. Tears rolled down her milky cheeks.

Oona stepped down from the window and walked to her bed. There was a bell hung on the bed post. She ring it gently and sat on her bed. The next minute, two silver knights walked in and carried Marki's body away.

"It's been years, so many years, yet mother my sins burdens me" Oona wiped off her tears gently.

"I thought you promised to stop crying" A man's voice echoed in her room like a siren's call.

"Nohr" Oona turned to her door but there was no one, when she turned away she jolted back a little. A man stood in front of her, his curly black hair covered his face lightly only leaving his eyes and lower face open. He wore a black russet adorned with golden threads and buttons.

"You seem surprised to see me" Nohr smiled warmly and rubbed his sister's head slowly. Oona held his hand on her head with affection. This was the man she was in love with, the backbone of her today's existence is all because of the man in front of her.

"I didn't expect you till the crescent moon" Oona's face was pale red, she could hardly stop blushing around her brother. He was a very handsome and elegant man.

"I'm here now" Nohr pulled away from her and sat beside her. "Eaten yet?"

Oona turned to the meal served on her table and shook her head disappointedly. Nohr didn't need words to know what had happened, his hands balled into fist but he still smiled at his sister.

"Let's go eat" he stood up and stretched his hand to her.

"Father wouldn't allow it..." She protested "it's against the rules"

"Do I look like I follow the King's rules?" Nohr pulled her hand and dragged her outside. He was enraged by the thought of his father trying to poison his sister once more.

As Nohr walked out of Oona's quarters, servants stared at them in shock, disapproval, fear, irritation and lots more.

"Why did the crown prince bring the demon out this time?"

"Shh.. do you wish to die early, people who wish I'll against her die on the spot"

"I heard another maid was killed today"

"She's really a blood tasty witch "

"Why is she still alive anyway?"

"Have you forgotten she's a war tool for our kingdom"

"The king should dispose of her quickly before she harms the prince"

Oona digested the words coming from the maids as breakfast. This was her reality, being hated by people, cursed all day by the loved ones of those who has died by her hands.

"Don't listen to them" Nohr turned to her with a gentle smile. It was easier said than done. No matter how hard she tried she could still feel their hatred.

"Stop right there" a voice echoed in the hallway of the palace. Oona jolted in fear, she looked at the ground immediately and pulled her hand away from Nohr's hold.

Nohr's gently smile turned to a grim and annoyed frown. He sent a death glare to the man in front of him.

He wore a black and golden regalia outfit, His grey hair rested on his shoulders rubbing off on the long black cape. He's blue eyes were as striking and deadly like the turbulent sea. "Go back"

At his command Oona scurried off like a rodent. Though Nohr tried to grab her, she maneuvered herself.

"You keep disobeying my laws" the man took domineering steps towards his son. Trying his honest best to intimidate him.

"You keep making stupid laws" Nohr retorted indifferent to his father's gaze and aura. He stood tall as well and showed no sign to back down.

They both glared at each other intensely. "You will be a king someday, I doubt you would love your subjects disobeying your orders" The King arched a brow

"Stop tormenting the girl, it's bad enough you've turned her to a war tool. Poisoning your daughter" Nohr suppressed his anger, trying not to yell at the king in the open.

"What daughter?" The king acted oblivious to his actions. "I don't have a daughter, only an aloof son"

"Have you no heart?"

"Heart, I did" the king smiled brightly "but that beast took it along with my beloved. You had better cut ties with the girl, or else"

"You'll kill her, take the throne away from me" Nohr scoffed "be my guest, I'd rather be a mere servant than to sit on that blood soaked throne of yours, excuse me Your Grace"

He walked out on his father.

A silver knight walked out of a pillar to stand beside the king. "Preparations are ready Your Grace"

"Good"

_______

Oona curled on her bed clutching her shoulders tight. Though she had shut the windows and lit up her fireplace, she still felt cold. It was expected since her room was located at the top of the tallest tower in the palace.

Her lips were pale purple due to the cold, it kept vibrating. Tears rolled down her face, her eyes became heavy gradually until she fell asleep.

"Someone help me" a little girl held the bleeding stomach of a woman leaning on a broken pillar. The woman breathes heavily and tries to calm the girl.

"Oona calm down" Little Oona has sweat, tears and mucus rolling down her face. Rains falls heavily on them.

"I'm sorry Mother" she wails uncontrollably.

"Calm down, I'll be fine" the woman coax her child with affection, even though death is calling unto her she refuses to succumb to fear and regret.

"Nohr (wails)" Oona turns to her elder brother who is standing there shocked and scared. "Pl-lease help me" a silhouette ran past Nohr and dashes towards them.

"Maja" The King pushes Oona aside with so much force her body rolls on the ground.

"I'm f-ine" Maja smiled warmly. Her body grew pale.

"You monster, what did you do to her" the king snaps at Oona with bloodlust and rage in his eyes. Oona gasp in fear. The king stands up swiftly and unsheathes his sword to kill her.

"Father, stop" Nohr stretches his hand but can't move a muscle.

"Anker stop please!!!!" Maja yells with horror in her eyes. She tries to move but falls to the ground.

Oona sat still on the ground terrified to her bones. She can't even lift herself all she could see was death heading her way and below death was her father with hatred filled in his eyes. Oona felt her heart banging against her chest viciously.

"Fath-" Oona opened her lips to speak but it was too late the sword had already cut through her flesh.

"ANKER!!!" all she could hear was the voice of her mother. It all went blank after that.

Her eyes shut open, sweat rolling down her face like she was being marinated.

"You monster?"

Tears rolled down her eyes, Oona sat up gradually. Her head hurt but at least she was able to sleep. She turned to her window from which the sky appeared to be changing color.

"Morning?" She wiped her face gently and ran to her window. She opened it slowly and sat on the frame. She awaited the sun to rise up like it always did.

KNOCK KNOCK

An hour had passed since Oona woke up, she didn't bother turning to the door. She had rather not kill another maid.

"Sulking this early" she smiled when she heard her brother's voice behind her ear. His arms wrapped around her waist gently and his head rested on her shoulders, hiding in her hair. "Good morning my beautiful sister"

"Good morning Nohr" her voice quivered.

Nohr frowned and placed his hand on her head. "You have a fever"

"Hmm, I'm..." He picked her from the window and took her to the bed. "I'm fine (sneezes)"

"Why weren't you given a blanket and your fireplace look at how weak the fire place is" Nohr nagged continuously.

"I'm fine"

"Lay down, I'll be back" Nohr hurriedly left the room before Oona could say anymore.

"Nohr" Oona has always wondered why her brother loved her regardless of the sin she has committed. Everyone hated her for killing the queen, from the maids to her blood father. A man who even tried to kill her.

Oona had the memory of that day planted in her memory. The beginning of the worst days for the rest of her life.

A few minutes passed and Nohr came back holding a tray in his hand and a folded blanket in the other. He dropped the tag on the table in her room then unfolded the blanket and walked to her, covering her body completely.

Oona's skin flushed in an instant. She could scent it. "Nohr's scent" she whispered under breath.

"Sit up let me feed you" she turned to his approaching figure.

"You don't have to do that" she sat up slowly trying to climb down the bed.

"Sit up Oona" Nohr used his free hand and pushed her shoulder back. Once she sat down Nohr open the meal on the tray. He had a bright smile on his face. "I made it, mother's special healing soup"

He scooped a potion of the sumptuous soup and stretched it to her mouth. Oona didn't want to eat, she felt guilty eating a meal from her mother's recipe. "Eat it or I'll feed you through other means"

Her entire body flushed at the thought of what other means might be. Opening her mouth she ate it slowly. "Good girl"

Nohr fed his sister with affection in his heart. He swore to his late mother and to himself that he would do everything and anything humanly possible to protect Oona, even if it would lead to his end. He wasn't able to protect her from his father eleven years ago but not this time.

"Nohr" Oona looked at her hands resting on the blanket covering her laps. "Do you not hate me?"

She turned to him with desperate eyes

"I killed mother, you saw it. Why? Why don't you hate me when I deserve it?"

Nohr put away the soup and stood up from where he sat. He turned around the bed and got in. Oona felt her entire body get hot. He laid on the bed and pulled her to him, hugging her tight.

"I love you more than anyone in the world, you're the reason I can smile, live and be strong" Oona buried her face in his chest.

" but I'm a monster"

"No you're a Chrisus, never call yourself a monster" Nohr stroked her back gently "I'm blessed to have a descendant of the anointed one as my sister"

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So that's chapter 1 guys tell me what you think

I'd like comments and reviews

Chapter 2 would be out soon.