Chapter One:
Elysium Seraphiel toyed with her emerald necklace in the gardens. The moon shone over the fountain where she stood. She looked at her reflection in the water, her emerald eyes staring back at her. She felt a presence behind her. Celeste Tybalt, her attendant and best friend, placed a hand on Elysium's shoulder.
"What are you so nervous about?" She asked softly, tucking her short blonde hair behind her ear.
Elysium shook her head, her eyes meeting Celeste's.
"I just worry about the other kingdom's crossing borders into Alaria."
She replied quietly. Celeste took a breath, then sat in front of her, fluffing her navy gown around her ankles.
"Ely," Celeste started. "We've had these balls for years. What makes you so nervous about this one?" Elysium frowned at Celeste and furrowed her brows.
"You know why." She said flatly.
Alastor Kaelthorn hadn't attended a Summit in years and had just recently made the decision to come to this one. Alastor was flippant and egotistical, oftentimes causing conflict between neighboring kingdoms; Alaria being one of them. Elysium was constantly bombarded with reports of his people attempting to cross their borders. Elysium's distaste had been relevant to her since she was a little girl, when her parents had always warned her about the Kingdom of Sheol. They'd caution her from ever nearing the borders, for danger lurked at every corner. Elysium had assumed the throne at seventeen and had led the kingdom for just over a year now. Sheol and Alaria were known as the two most powerful kingdoms, although they were incredibly polarizing. Alaria was a kingdom filled with light magic, scholars, and harmony. The people of Alaria were friendly, kind, and hardworking.
The kingdom was blanketed with flowers and valleys, where the kingdom sat looking over all the others. Alaria was a place where nature, animals, and the citizens all lived in harmony. However, the one thing they struggled with was their ongoing war with Sheol. Alastor Kaelthorn had assumed his throne at sixteen and had been ruling for three years now. He assumed the throne early after the death of his father, an assassination set out from Valkareth. Alastor would never forget his father's murder, and that was what kept him so cold. After the death of his father, he disappeared into his kingdom, never setting foot on other borders. He never attended a single event, ball, or meeting until now. Elysium couldn't figure out what his change of heart was, but one thing she knew for sure was that there had to be a reason to pull Alastor from the shadows. Elysium brushed her skirt, then turned to Celeste.
"Enough worrying," She forced a smile. "Let's go socialize."
Celeste followed Elysium out of the gardens and into the torchlit pathway. Elysium's Jade strapless gown dipped down her back, where it was decorated with small golden designs. Her chestnut hair had been curled, placing her golden tiara perfectly on top, which held small emerald gems across it.
When she reached the doorways, her guards bowed down to her, opening the crystal doors. She was met with pairs of eyes, bows, and curtsies. Ursus Mattias, her guard and general, stuck out his hand for her at the doorway. His broad build intimidated many of the other guards, and he'd spent his whole life protecting Elysium from harm. He had dedicated his entire life to serving the royal family and had grown quite fond of Elysium.
Elysium curtsied to him when she reached the row of thrones for the leaders. Her throne was decorated with different crystals, glimmering in the candlelight. Next to her sat Sylvan Peru, one of her greatest allies from the kingdom of Laseau. Sylvan and Elysium had grown up alongside each other, always excited to meet when their parents held meetings. His crystal eyes lit up when he saw her sit beside him. He smiled at her, his dimples at each corner of his mouth. His curly brown hair fell over his forehead, and Elysium rested her hand on his arm.
"It's good to see you, Sylvan." She said softly.
"Likewise, Ely."
Elysium took a moment to account for all the other leaders who had attended. There were four kingdoms, including Alaria. Sheol, Laseau, and Valkareth. Alaria, kingdom of the north, overlooked all three kingdoms, beyond the mountains and forests. Sheol, the kingdom of the south, sat at the lowest point, littered with the harshest terrain, surrounded by dak mountains, stale vallies, and brutal communities. There was constant chaos in Sheol, between crime, violence, and territory battles. Above Sheol, sat both Laseau and Valkareth. Laseau, the kingdom of the East, sat near the ocean, where most of its people had adapted to being so close to the water, where most of their work was in trade and education.
Finally, sat the kingdom of the west, Valkareth. Valkareth was filled with fortress cities, rolling hills, and wide open battlefields. Their specialty was in iron work and brute strength.
"You haven't seen him yet, have you?" Sylvan asked.
Sylvan's blue vest decorated in gold rope and lining, his golden crown sprinkled with royal blue sapphires. Elysium shook her head and chewed the side of her cheek. She was anxious for his arrival, possibly because of his absence, but also because of the havoc he wreaked upon her kingdom; She would find it difficult to bite her tongue. The crystal doors opened again, and Lupus Ironheart was next to arrive. His maroon cape was tied around his chest with golden chains, and his ruby-decorated crown sat upon his head. His eyes immediately met Elysium's, and he brushed past the crowd to reach the grand staircase. Elysium felt her cheeks get hot, and she looked down at the floor for a moment, trying to save herself from embarrassment. When Lupus reached her, he bowed in front of her, kissing the top of her small hand. She curtsied back to him, and they each headed to their thrones.
Lupus sat on the left of her, leaving the last throne vacant for Alastor in the far left. Lupus took notice of Elysium's gaze at the empty seat.
"Did you truly think he was going to come?" Lupus asked. Elysium shook her head.
"No," She paused. "I just was curious as to why he was attending in the first place."
Lupus didn't reply; he just looked over the crowd, a chalice of wine sitting in his right hand. After some time observing, Elysium decided to get up and socialize. Having all the leaders combine in one palace made Elysium tense, especially because she was the host. However, it was the only way she knew to keep the peace, and it had worked so far. Then and again, that was before the announcement of Alastor's plan to attend. Her golden heels clicked against the crystal floors as Elysium scanned the crowd for Celeste. Her eyes finally caught Celeste from across the room. Just as she was starting to push through the crowd to reach her, she felt a shift in the room as the sound of the doors opening filled the room. Gasps and murmurs floated throughout the ballroom. Elysium looked up and froze.
Standing at the entrance was Alastor Kaelthorn. His Tousled raven-black hair fell over his forehead, and his deep brown eyes stared up at his throne from across the room. Elysium swallowed when all eyes fell back to her. Throat dry, she walked through the pathway made by the crowd until she was standing in front of him. Alastor towered over her, his broad shoulders and broad frame making her feel smaller than ever. His strong jawline was met with dimples on either side of his cheek. A gloved hand, encased in supple black leather, rested heavily near his side. It was the hand of a man who knew he'd just changed the entire aesthetic of the night. His suit held a striking triangular inset that ran down the chest, textured with metallic charcoal embroidery that mimicked the organic patterns of obsidian. Alastor stood over Elysium with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a half-smile.
"Dreadful etiquette, I know," Alastor sneered, brushing past Elysium. "Better late than never, I suppose." Elysium rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. "I'm surprised to see you here." Elysium snapped back.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures, Princess," Alastor replied flatly.
Together, they walked up the grand staircase to their thrones. The crowd all exchanged worrisome glances when they saw Alastor take his seat; it was like everything froze all at once. Neither of the other princes acknowledged Alastor's presence; they acted like he was invisible. Lupus was already drunk, talking up a storm about their military to Sylvan, who shuddered at the idea of such violence. He'd dedicated his leadership to providing peace and prohibiting the use of weapons or any sort of violence; He'd experienced too much darkness in his past already. Elysium decided she needed to get some air. She walked down the diamond hallways and out into the gardens. The gardens had always served as her haven since she was small. Her entire castle was scattered with animals of all kinds, as small rabbits and fox traced at her heels. She picked up one of the small rabbits in her hands and held it against her chest. She sat underneath one of the willow trees, crystals hanging at the ends of the branches, which shone a vivid light across the grass.
"The party's inside, you know." A low voice said from behind her. Startled,
Elysium's head snapped around. She heard one of her dire wolves growl in the distance. Alastor emerged from the darkness, a mischievous smile painted across his face. He looked down at her, trying to keep himself from bursting into laughter.
"What's so funny?" She asked, frowning.
"You're just so pure," He snickered. "Sitting out here with bunnies and animals." Elysium rolled her eyes. "It certainly is in contrast to the violence that pollutes your kingdom." She huffed. This amused Alastor even more. Kneeling beside her, the startled rabbit sprang from her arms, rushing to a nearby bush. Frustrated, Elysium glared back at Alastor.
"Why are you here?" Elysium asked.
Alastor paused, opening his mouth to speak, but then closing it.
"Sheol got boring," He sighed. "I had to see how my comrades were." Elysium scoffed and stood up, brushing the grass from her gown.
"You do realize that Sheol and Alaria are at war, simply because of your lack of leadership." Alastor cocked a brow.
"It's a tough world out there, Princess. Not everything is as pure and innocent as it is up here."
Elysium clamped her mouth shut, embarrassed. She knew that her kingdom was free from any crime or violence, but the lower kingdoms struggled more with tariff wars.
"Your people are enslaved to you," Elysium finally replied. "They live in constant chaos."
"Well," Alastor replied. "Power is power."
Elysium didn't reply; She and Alastor would never agree on how they chose to run their kingdoms.
"We should be getting back before they notice we've gone missing." Elysium walked through the pathway. She paused when she realized Alastor was still standing underneath the tree.
Are you not coming?" She asked. Alastor shrugged and walked in the opposite direction.
"I've had my entertainment for the night," He smirked at her. "Sheol needs their Prince."
Elysium stood frozen as Alastor disappeared into the darkness.