Reza let out a deep sigh as she fell back on her bed. All her life she had prepared for her naming ceremony, she could not count how often she pestered Roderika about what it was like. She read the books, practiced her walk and how she would accept the new title and responsibility that came with being a Crown Princess. Most of all she was excited about finally being able to leave not only castle Altieri but Lunaelia as well.

However being here, in Talterra, in Castle Blackrose, Was more work than she had thought it would be. Ever since her arrival she had encountered countless lords and ladies all who clamored to meet her. Their desire for her, the manner in which they carried themselves, the lust in their eyes. It was exhausting. She felt that she was treated more as a prized possession to be had than a girl soon to be a woman, and possibly a queen. Queen, the word lingered on her mind for sometime. Her thoughts inadvertently turned to King Antares. Another reason why she was so tired. The little time she had to herself was spent with scholars who taught her about Stygian culture. Admittedly, they were more like open discussions than lessons. Very little was known about the Stygian way of life. Even after a hundred thousand years, there was still a great air of mystery surrounding the fantastical beings who lived so far to the north. Their desire for an isolationist way of life made it difficult to ascertain most things. But of the things she did learn, she knew when provoked into action, no other realm spilt blood like those of Iliad. It made her nauseous, and also explained why throughout the castle both servants and nobles were tense. It was as though an ominous storm was approaching and everyone did what they could to prepare.

She still struggled to accept this was the man she was meant to wed. Someone who could stir such fear among people without even being present. The stories she had heard of him were even worse. The scholars had referred to him as a great warrior, a true master of warfare, the heir to the title of Demon King, hints of admiration and fear mixed in their words. The servants in hushed whispers, called him 'the Earl of Lavender' a womanizer that spent his exile in pleasure houses surrounded by the company of ladies of the night. She did not understand why her father had forsaken her as so, to marry her off to a monster. But if it meant she could ease the burden of her siblings and their responsibilities…Reza battled with a thousand thoughts. Finally grabbing the silk pillow off her bed and screaming into it for silence.

When she was satisfied that her lungs worked, she rose from her bed. She would not allow anyone to dampen her mood, certainly not the man she was meant to marry. She had heard from some nobles that the marriage was not completely decided upon. Reza held out hope for… she was not quite sure what but nevertheless she would not be sad. She stripped herself of her morning attire, deciding to choose something far more comfortable. She looked at her figure in the grand mirror in her room. Slowly but surely she looked more like a woman, her breasts had grown noticeably over the years. They started to carry a lovely shape and volume. A grin crossed her face. She knew how Roderika was jealous of the size of her bosom. Even her rear was beginning to carry the traits of a healthy and fertile woman. She liked how she was slowly starting to resemble her mother in many ways. Although she doubted if she would ever be as tall as her.

A loose emerald dress was her weapon of choice. Between her raven wild hair and azure eyes, the attire highlighted her best features. When she was satisfied with how it looked, she moved over to one of the four large windows that occupied her room. She gazed out to the city below, to the first city ever settled by humans when they arrived in Aurum—to Longshore city. As far away as she was from the city streets, she was still so overwhelmed by how many people were here. There was talk of well over a million people within the city walls and still each day thousands more were pouring in. All of them here for her great ceremony. Reza was scared, but was mixed with the excitement of responsibility. They had been celebrating for days and through all hours of the night. She did not know the people of Aurum could come together like this. In her mind, this is what she envisioned peace to look like. The princess wondered why it could not stay like this, why there was so much worry on the faces of the nobles. Why the Stygians could not see that they were no longer needed to govern the lives of men.

Admittedly what quickly caught her eye was the open sea right next to the city. From the moment she had arrived, Saturn and the rest of her siblings made it a point to take her to the ocean; she had spent hours walking along the seashore and feeling the cold salty water beneath her feet. She could never have enough. Even now she wanted to return to the sea, like a sailor tired of life on land, and explore further. A mischievous grin crawled across her face. There was still time before her next lessons and rounds of ceremonial practice.

Her royal chambers were far too high for her to climb out the window, instead she looked to the large wooden doors that guarded the entrance to her room. She carefully moved over towards them not wanting to alert the guards who were stationed outside. She placed her ear on the door and strained quietly to hear any commotion. It was as quiet as ever, she was placed in one of the higher towers away from any prying eyes. Saturn sought to give his sister some privacy, likely knowing what was in store for her. Reza was glad for his consideration of her feelings. A myriad of thoughts ran through her head on how she should proceed. The guards were under strict orders from not only the King of Talterra but the emperor himself to not allow her to leave unescorted. But Reza was a wild spirit, seldom able to be contained or controlled.

The words of her mother echoed in her head, Under no circumstances are you permitted to use magic. I will know. Reza puffed her cheeks at the remark. She was more than capable of using magic without her mothers knowledge. She had done so on multiple occasions prior. She knew her mother was only ever aware of her more liberal use of the arcane arts. But a simple enchantment spell could be used without disrupting the flow of mana in the air, too much. The young witch closed her eyes, remembering the first time the spell came to her. Slowly and carefully she directed the mana towards her lips, she could taste the power. In between deep and careful breaths she thought of what she wanted to say. She had no need to completely sway the guards, just enough of a suggestion for them to not question her too greatly. When she was satisfied and confident of her control, she opened the door slowly and put on her most vulnerable expression.

At the sound of the door opening the guards stood at attention. "Princess Reza, is everything alright?" The one on the left spoke with concern in his voice.

Reza nodded slowly, "Oh yes sir." The softness in her voice like the playing of the harp. "I had just grown restless in my chamber."

The guard blushed at her appearance, taken aback by the beauty of the youngest daughter of the emperor. "Forgive me princess but we have been ordered by King Saturn to keep you safe."

Reza batted her eyes, "And you have done quite a wonderful job." The guards could not hide their smiles. "I have never felt so safe before in my life."

They exchanged shocked looks with each other, both unable to believe the praise that was heaped their way was by the soon-to-be crown princess.

"Which is why I feel so sure of myself in asking if you would permit my quiet excursion. I only wish to stretch my legs a little." She lowered her chest, exposing some cleavage. Her eyes holding his own.

"P-permit your majesty?" The soldier struggled to remain focused. His mind wrestled to latch on to any thought, between having a conversation with a real princess, that not only acknowledged his duty. But she also acknowledged his power over her—no matter how much of it was only perceived—it was still enough to shake him. It would shake most men.

Reza stepped further out of the door, and the soldiers retreated to give her room. "Why yes of course. My brother put you in charge of my protection. That means I have to listen to. Whatever. You. Say." The innocent look of her sapphire eyes made her ethereal in theirs.

The soldier swallowed hard, "Yes-yes he did my princess." His armor becoming noticeably heavier with each second passing. " Which is why I cannot permit you to leave, for there may be danger."

"Danger?" the princess gasped. "Am I in danger? Please tell me you will protect me?" False fear gripped her.

"No, no!" the guard quickly responded hoping to calm her down. "I mean why yes of course princess! But there is no danger. It is just precaution"

"Oh my," she began. "How gallant of you, of both of you." She exchanged looks of ease with both of them. "I know my brother would not have chosen you, if you were not strong enough to protect me. That is why I feel safe asking for permission."

Her words soothed their hearts. Reza was a talented witch, much of it was because she was under the care of her mother and Karla. She had an innate ability to ease the hearts of those around her. Her skill with enchantment magic rivaled that of seasoned witches centuries old. She dipped her words with mana, and they carried with it the sweetest of tastes. The guards hung on every word. The enchantment had taken root, they were hers to do as she pleased.

The guards exchange unconvincing looks with their eyes. An hour long conversation was had in mere moments. The left guard spoke again, "If you are only gone until your afternoon lessons-"

"Wonderful!" Reza yelled, grabbing his hands. He wore thick leather clothes and yet he could still feel her warmth through them. "I promise to be back very soon." The princess giggled and left the men red faced and at a loss for words. What a woman, they thought.

Reza triumphantly walked away with a smile on her face. Her escape was far easier than she had thought. She barely disturbed the mana in the air and she knew she was far enough that her mother would not be able to feel the difference. She longed for the sea, the water beneath her feet and the scent of the ocean. It allowed all she had experienced so far, to be bearable. It was the only reprieve she wanted.

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She made her way down several stairs, expertly making sure she was not seen. Her appearance would cause commotion and with that it would catch the attention of her family. Castle Blackrose proved to be more complicated than she had anticipated, its cold and lonely marble walls were no different between each hallway she crossed. She remembered one of the scholars remarking that the castle was built by a human with the intention of mimicking Stygian architecture. This peculiar design did nothing but add another reason she did not want to marry the King of the Stygians.

"Not even seven days and you are already sneaking about."

Reza yelped and placed her hands over her mouth. She turned with her heart still demanding to escape her chest. A thousand thoughts ran through her mind, but it all stopped when her eyes met his. He looked at her with the curious expression he always did. As though he was unsure of whether he was allowed to or not. His hazel eyes were soft and welcoming. His brown hair rich in color. But most of all, he carried a look of desire he tried so hard to mask.

"By the Gods, Gawain!" she slapped the exposed leather of his light armor. "Do you wish to kill me?" Gawain rested on his sheathed sword, and cocked his head to the side. Studying the woman he loved. "My my, only thieves or disobedient children react in such a manner." He grinned a proud grin. "I wonder which one you are."

"Well," Reza relaxed, placing her hands behind her. "I have been told I can be…difficult." She moved closer to him.

Reza threw her hands around Gawain and he spun her around. They both shared a loving laugh. The passion of youth burned brightly within them both. Outside the sea, the rare moments she had to see him again brought her great ease. As much as she was surprised to see him, she thanked the Gods that he was allowed to also attend her naming ceremony. There was very little she could not handle with him by her side. But soon after sharing a moment, Gawain, as though regaining his senses, quickly pulled away from the princess.

"Forgive me, we should not do that." His expression soured, "We do not know who may be watching."

Reza's expression followed suit, "I do not care who sees. I want to be held in your arms." She reached for his hands, and he took hers in kind.

Gawain placed his forehead against hers, "I want nothing else my love." His words warmed her chest. "But honor dictates-"

"That you must follow the rules of the land. And remain pure hearted." Reza finished Gawain's knightly vows.

He smiled. Slightly embarrassed at the realization that he had repeated the words so many times that the princess knew them by heart. He more than enjoyed her ability to always have a response ready. He lowered his eyes towards her soft lips, and then again towards her bosom.

Reza smiled when she noticed where he looked. "Kiss me," she demanded.

"You know I cannot."

"I command it."

She raised her head towards his. Gawain did not push her away when their lips met. The exquisite taste of her sent a rush of electricity throughout his entire body. It was as though he was engulfed in flames that did not burn. She took his hand and placed it on her hip and he pulled her closer to him. They missed each other terribly, and for a moment they shared a fiery passion that only they could match. In this moment they were all that existed, all that they needed.

Gawain was the first to yield, "Reza…" His voice tense with fear.

She kissed him again, but this time he pulled away after. "Are you that afraid?" a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Gawain looked around making sure they were alone. He had only come to see how Reza was fairing. Running into her here out in the open was not part of his plan. If caught by other guards, or worse a knight. He could have been resigned to cleaning the stables throughout the entire ceremony.

"Yes," he admitted with profound introspection. "Everyone is on edge. The common folk may be celebrating and putting on a show. But the nobility and the rest of the highborn are frantic and besides themselves. Even some of the knights are uneasy."

Reza was aware of the air of uncertainty within the castle since her arrival. Even behind the false smiles and many many praises. She could feel the faint traces of fear in the air. "What is going on?"

The young knight in training, took a moment to best articulate himself. He did not want to bore the princess with his long winded thoughts and feelings. Instead he searched within himself to summarize the fear of all within castle Blackrose in a single word.

"Stygians."

There was a cool breeze that carried through the air as the words left his lips. Reza furrowed her brow slightly, Gawain wanted to kiss it.

"Must they ruin everything?" a question she asked more to herself than to him. "Why would they come if they are so unwanted?"

"It is precisely the opposite," Gawain began. "There are few Stygians who live here in Longshore, and in the other realms. But…" He shook his head both in disbelief and in acknowledgement. "But the Stygians from Iliad, the royal family. They are different. Older. And their king…"

"Antares," she added.

The young man nodded, his face turning into a scowl. "He is a Lord of War, a kin killer and a womanizer. I do not know what the emperor is thinking wedding such a foul man to you." Gawain looked away in disgust.

Reza placed a hand on his face, leading his gaze back to her. "Have hope my knight, the marriage is not set in stone. I know he will take one look at me and reject me for what I am: a witch."

"Do not speak so poorly of yourself."

The princess smiled, "How would you like me to speak of myself then?" She moved closer to him ready to pull his head towards hers.

"So this is where you have been hiding."

Both Reza and Gawain jumped. Their hearts beating in sync. Enrieta Zxyphor towered over her mischievous sister and the boy she pined over. The Nephilim Queen was unimpressed by her antics and cocked her head to the side while a hand was placed on her hip. It had not taken her long to follow the faint traces of magic Reza left in the air. Naturally the guards who were enchanted were none the wiser to what had happened to them.

"Enri!" Reza laughed haphazardly, red faced at the appearance of her sister.

"Prince-" Enrieta narrowed her eyes, and Gawain quickly corrected himself. "I mean Queen Enrieta, it is an honor to meet you." The boy moved away from Reza.

Gawain had been subjected to patrol duty throughout the castle since he was allowed to attend the crowning ceremony. So many legendary figures and warriors would be attending the great event. But as he soon came to realize, there were many great people he did not know were related to Reza. Among them, perhaps the most notorious, the Queen of the Nephilim. She stood far taller than both of them, her skin resembled the marble walls that he now pressed back against. Her long snow white hair was pulled to the side. Gawain would have thought her beautiful, were it not for the utterly terrifying ruby gems she called eyes. As he looked into them, they were devoid of all life. He could not explain it, but he knew drawing the ire of this woman would lead to his death. And it would neither be slow nor painless.

"Why are you not in your room?" Enrieta asked, already knowing the answer.

"I wanted to go for a stroll," Reza did not meet her gaze.

"A stroll…?" she repeated the words, turning her attention to the boy next to her, wanting to confirm she heard correctly. Gawain slowly nodded. "And you thought the best way to go about it was enchanting your guards?"

Gawain looked bewildered, then towards Reza who managed a guilty smile and then back to Enrieta.

The Nephilim Queen sighed, "Come along. Father has called for a word with all of us."

Reza looked concerned at the mention of their father, her eyes soft and her lips quivering.

"Oh do not give me that look, I will say nothing." Enrieta waved her off. She would rather not have to explain to either her father, Tereza or Saturn why she was not watching Reza like she was supposed to.

Her little sister embraced her warmly with a big hug, "You are the best big sister." She said triumphantly.

"You cannot take it back, I am going to tell Roderika." Enrieta grinned, "Now come let us go."

Gawain cleared his throat. Enrieta stopped in her tracks, forgetting he was there. "And of me my queen?" Nervous about what her response would be.

"Run along and go play knight somewhere else."

Gawain did not need much convincing and was on his way before Enrieta turned around. He scampered down the hallway only stopping once to look back and meet Reza's eyes. She waved at him and with her gaze told him she loved him. He waved back and admitted the same thing.

Enrieta and Reza made their way through the halls in silence. Enrieta in deep contemplation, while Reza thought of a way to apologize to her sister for causing her to worry.

"You have no need to carry such a look." Enrieta kept her eyes forward, "I really will say nothing of the matter."

"And I am thankful, dear sister, But I am still sorry for making you worry."

Enrieta abruptly stopped, and Reza nearly ran into her. The monarch turned to face her feisty sister. There was so much life in her face, the innocence of youth was something many were envious of. Enrieta was no exception, there was so much Reza was unaware of. There was so much to come.

"I will always worry about you," Enrieta was unsure if she believed the words she spoke. "So at the very least let me know when you are going to break the rules. I just might help." Her smile warm and inviting.

Reza smiled back, her mood softening. She nodded in agreement, "Okay." The Queen of the Nephilim placed a hand around her dear sister, and teased her about the knight she was lovingly embraced by.

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