*20 years later*
The imposing castle of holostoria stood proud, gleaming and bathing in the golden sunlight was one of the most impressive sights known in the three realms. It had a unique luxurious and impregnable structure that had seen great kings in the past hundred years.
Holostoria was the biggest human kingdom In the mortal world . It was also a prosperous civilization. It's king was greatly feared by humans and demons and was respected by mystical masters. King Jorian Arthas vanclad was truly seeing the golden years of his reign. The war between humans and demons which had been going on from a time not many people remembered had seen the demons on the losing side for years.
On this particular day the third princess of Holostoria was getting engaged to the Duke of corneal. The Dukedom of corneal was very important to holostoria so the ball that evening will see important ministers,generals,princes and mystical masters in attendance.
While the preparation was on going every servant in the castle worked carefully to avoid making a mistake and dismissed for their job and to avoid offending a noble or a royal which was equivalent to death. But a particular servant girl was seen frantically hurrying without caution towards an almost secluded part of the castle. She reached a double door and without knocking she pushed it open and stepped in. At that moment a flower vase which was suspended on the air above collapsed on her head.
"Goodness,Vivian you startled me are you alright? "
Before Vivian the servant girl could reply the person spoke again" I almost had it. I was going to drop that vase carefully on that table behind you. But you just had to startle me and i missed . What did i tell you about knocking gently? "
"My lady."Vivian bowed"You know practicing the mystical arts without the guidance of a qualified sorcerer is strictly forbidden. You are lucky it was just me and not one of your vile sisters"
The lady turned back to her book. She was princess Maltilda the daughter of one of the kings concubine. She was practicing spells when her personal maid came in unannounced and she accidentally dropped the vase on her head
"Vile sisters? That's new. I very sure if second sister heard you she will have you slowly boiled in oil." Maltilda said
Vivian snickered : "Which part, the part where I called her vile or your sister?"
Maltilda glanced at Vivian and muttered: I supposed the vase didn't hit you hard enough "
"Why are you here?" Maltilda asked turning a page from her spell book.
Vivian bent to pick up the vase which luckily wasn't broken:"To get you ready for the engagement ball. Where did you get that book from My lady?"
"If I told you it just fell into my room this morning would you believe me?"
"It's prohibited for a princess to practice mystic arts. You will get into trouble, my lady "
" It's prohibited for a princess to anything other than dressing, smiling, bowing and getting married. " said Maltilda.
"It's not just that" said Vivian. " You could practice the wrong magic and get on the darkside and...turn... well..."
"Into a demon" asked Matilda playfully "Dont worry I know what I am doing "
Vivian sighed "It's almost time. You should get ready."
"Ready for what?" Maltilda asked purposely
"Princess Mikaela is getting engaged, which you know already. Time to get dressed "
"Of course. One more vile sister is leaving. Five more to go"
"You should look forward to this opportunity, my lady." Said Vivian leading the princess to her dressing table. "The ball tonight would definitely host the noblest men in world. With luck and charm you could attract one of them. And you would be cared for and protected for the rest of your life."
"Dont be so gullible. Being protected? Isn't my mother's death enough to tell you being married to the highest rank isn't enough protection?"
"It might be different "Vivian said most gently ,while applying make-up on the princess
"With my status, I can only look forward in oblivion. I never know who I might be forced to marry and for what reason. I never know if I might be given out to demons as hostage. I am just a tool in the hands of the king."Matilda chuckled bitterly
"That would never happen my lady. More reason you should look forward to this ball."Vivian said gently
"I just want to be a soldier or mystical master. Slay demons and protect the kingdom."
Vivian stared at her dumbfounded for a moment then said "I think it's better you get ready quickly. I don't want you to be late."
Matilda frowned "You don't think I can be a solider, do you? You think I am extremely fragile right?"
"Of course not My lady. I just want you to be safe . Because in our world it's impossible for you to have such aspirations. It's in your best interest My lady. Please abandon this poisonous dream and think properly of your future."
"If I told you I have a plan would you believe it.? In the books I've read I have seen noble women change their identity to join the army. I could pretend to be a man...."
"My lady" Vivian exclaimed " you are courting death at this point"
The relationship between Vivian and the princess was not like a master servant relationship it was more like an older sister and younger sister since they grew up together.
They went silent for a while. Matilda was deeply immersed In her thoughts while Vivian brushed her hair. Then Maltilda spoke up sullenly ;"My mother must have been so happy when she was my age. She must have assumed she would have the best life being married to a king. Too bad. How could she have known she was only a tool for his amusement, which he could easily discard when ever he pleased. She must have died with enormous regrets. "
"I think your mother's main regret was dying before seeing the beautiful woman you will grow up into."
"How could she?"asked Matilda, her voice dripping with venomous hate. "Abadoned like an orphan by her husband to be killed by demons. You ever wonder why I study mystic arts? This is the reason. I want to kill them. Every single wretched demon in this world. "
Vivian patted her her then said " Rest assured, My lady that's what our soldiers do all the time. Kill demons. "
In a dim lighted tent he stood. Quietly. He couldn't even hear the sound of his own breathing. The cold steel blade in his hand ran across his naked skin in a deadly silent rhythm. He moved the dagger back and forth until he could feel the warm gush of liquid flowing out in sweet satisfying pain. He almost smiled.
"My lord?" A voice called outside. He opened his eyes regretfully and put on his robe. The guard called again and knocked.
"Come in" He said gravely.
The person came in and bowed. He was the right lieutenant of the king's army "My lord. I have received news from our spies. General Falsus and his troops were staged by a great flood in zhomir. They're currently disorganized most of their supplies have been destroyed. If we attack now the war would last no more than two days. "
There was silence.
"Anything else?"
The lieutenant looked uncomfortable. Then brought out an envelope.
"There's a letter from the crow" He stepped forward bowing and handed it to the lord.
He took it and waved to the lieutenant. The lieutenant bowed and left.
He opened the envelope and saw the letter written with bold red ink. He read it in predatory silence and when he was done he crumbled it.
"Damien." He called put to the lieutenant who he knew was standing outside tent.
The lieutenant came in and bowed
"My lord."
"I need a hundred and fifty men. We are going to Zhomir."
"My Lord, you shouldn't worry about that. I can personally lead the troops to Zhomir. You are expected at the capital. The king has sent an edict,you should be at the castle this evening. "
"What's happening at the castle this evening? "
"The third princess is getting engaged to the Duke of corneal. You are expected to be there"
The lord stood up. "Get the men. We go to Zhomir."
The lieutenant hid his disappointment "Yes my lord"
"No Alden. You shall be at the capital and at the castle " A new voice said coming inside the tent.
The lieutenant quickly bowed obviously surprised "Lord Stephen "
Lord Stephen stood in front of Alden and said:"I personally came out here because I suspected you will disobey another edict. Do you want the lords In the court to critize you in front of his majesty? You mighty be a mighty general but once you unfavored by his majesty,it's your doom."
"The war would end quicker if I get Falsus head. Tell his majesty It can't be prosponed" Alden answered shortly
Lord Stephen pinched his brows "I raised an unfilial son. We are going to castle now. Let someone else handle it. "
"I can't delay it no more " Alden replied and started leaving the tent
"The captain of the Morris Army,would be there of course. And since the king is high sprited this days he hopes to propose the destruction of the dam at sketingham village."
Alden stopped and stared at his father. "If he does that it would flood the village"
Lord Stephen sighed "It would. It would also stage those rebel soliders hiding there. Making it easier to capture the territory. I know you have a soft spot for that place. I was hoping you could come and talk his majesty out of the idea. Afterall you are a better General than Morris. "
Alden stayed silent for a while then said to Damien "Take the troops to Zhomir. I leave for the capital now"