A King for a Queen

Chapter 1. Inferno

     Glancing into the mirror Onex sighs, praying for an escape from the ball her father is throwing. The Chambermaid has pulled and tugged her long ebony hair into an elegantly styled curly bun on the side of her head. Now that the maid has finished, Onex continues examining  her porcelain figure in the mirror.

    “Onex,” her mother's voice erupts through the silence, “what are you doing gaping at the mirror?! The ball commences in two hours!”

    Once again Onex sighs, deeply exasperated with her mother's tendencies. Her mother, being Queen Althea, is very particular in the ways of a lady. Ways of which she believes are paramount to Onex’s future within the Kingdom.

    “ Mother I am aware! I, however, was hoping you would grant me the pleasure of being truant.”

    “Onex,” the queen exhales, pinching the bridge of her nose between two fingers, “must we continue the same routine every time.

    As she begins her lecture I let my eyes wander the room, examining the intricate patterns and golden designs lacing the walls. While paying particularly close attention to a portrait, most likely of some forgotten ancestor, her fingers fiddle with the onyx necklace around her pale neck. The necklace was a gift from her late grandmother, and frankly the only thing she had to remember her by. Onyx, her name sake, is very rare in Luminous and said to have magical properties.

    “Onex,” Queen Altheas shrieks exasperatedly throwing her hands into the air, “ have you heard a word I have said?!”

“Honestly, no.” The queen looks as if she will kill Onex, “But we’re wasting time arguing. I need to get ready.” Judging from the expression on her face it is clear that Onex has won the squabble, as the queen has completely disregarded her rudeness.

“Come on then,” she states, “you’re already behind schedule!”

    One and a half tiringly slow  hours later, Onex finally met her mother's approval: clad in a silver off the shoulder gown with a sweetheart neckline and many intricate black lace detailings surrounding the skirt.

    Standing at the top of the stairs Onex suddenly transformed into a picture of poise and sophistication. Aware of the fact that her father had an announcement to make concerning her, Onex hid her annoyance with a well practiced smile.

Walking leisurely down the lavishly encircle-style steps, the herald’s booming voice announced ,” Princess Onex Luminous.”

The loud chatter of the crowd ceased to quiet murmurs as Onex glided across the floor,casting a wave in one direction and a painfully fake smile in the other. Struggling to hold in her annoyance, Onex convinced herself to ignore the hungry looks of men and the envious eyes of women.

Upon her arrival King Larius calls for everyone’s attention, causing every eye in the room to turn towards Onex.

“Now,” the King starts, “ that my beautiful daughter has graced us with her presence, i believe I have an announcement to make. As you all know, the Stygian have been our enemies for centuries: however I have decided to rectify the years of hatred between our people. King Winthrop Stygian And I have decided that the best way to unite our Kingdoms is through the holy matrimony of my daughter Onex Luminous and his eldest son Ziddim Stygian.”

    Gasps and murmurs erupt from the crowd all eyes boring into her, waiting for a reaction. Consumed with outage and disconcert Onex clinches her fists. How dare he decide for her to marry their biggest enemy without her council, and Ziddim no less. The things that man has done are absolutely terrifying, there have been accounts of murder, theft, adultery, and rape! That is the man her father wants her to marry?! Absolutely not!