.Prologue.

DEZOLTERAY

“Greetings, your majesty, magnificent King of Dezolteray. It is such a pleasure to meet the royal family again.”

The messenger kneeled, his sweeping cardinal cape dusting the ground. He rose and kissed the hand of the woman accompanying the King. “The Queen, as beautiful as ever.”

Moving along the line, like a parasite, he bowed before the eldest daughter. “Alexandria, you are becoming as beautiful as your mother.” She smiled politely, even though she was well aware that he was simply spurting obligatory flattery.

He approached the youngest. She rolled her eyes as he attempted to compliment her. “You are becoming quite a lady too, little Lauren.” She flashed a fake smile that quickly evaporated as she jerked her hand away from him. Any displeasure he might have felt for the stuck-up girl was hidden in his plaster smile.

“Someone is missing…” he commented, his puzzled gaze sweeping back and forth between the members of the royal family.

“That would be my other daughter… Audreyandra. She is no longer with us, because of the plague…” The King solemnly said as the Queen pulled out a handkerchief to dab her eyes, trying to quiet her delicate sobs.

“I am so sorry to hear that, but I come bearing news of the Elysiam Tournament that might interest his majesty-” His speech was cut off by the gigantic stone doors of the palace opening. A young, thin fellow sprinted in.

“The head of the guards sent me! I have a message! A quick one! But I must tell you in private.” he reported, casting a glance at the messenger.

The King hurriedly shooed the annoyed messenger away. The Queen’s crocodile tears suddenly vanished, and the young guard continued, “Someone has stolen two horses from the stables! And a large sum is missing from the treasury!”

The King placed his head in his hands, rubbing his temples. The Queen rested a hand on his shoulder, an act of comfort and necessity. After a long sigh, he faintly mumbled, “Audreyandra… what have you done now?”