The Holy White Kingdom and the Shadow Kingdom.
For generations these two of the eight dragon kingdoms have held an unimaginable hatred. Years and years laid waste to lives through assassinations, war threats, violence, and battles that sent the nat...
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—Holy White Kingdom— Sting Eucliffe スティング・ユークリフ
I awoke to the all too familiar feeling off the sweet shining light dancing across my features.
In the distance and past my window sill I could already hear children laughing and playing in the courtyard. When I stretched my sore muscles my door clicked open.
On time as always. I was welcomed by my dear friend and maid, Yukino Aguria. She laid out a fresh set of clothes for me, explaining how nice the day seemed and how great the afternoon tea will be outside.
Simple days like these were the best of gifts. To have a day filled with simplicity was to live a peaceful life. Soon enough I won't be able to enjoy the gift of an overslept morning.
In two days time my eighteenth birthday will arrive. That day I will come into my inheritance and the kingdom will count down the remaining days my father has until I am renowned as king.
Out of the eight kingdoms in the country of Fiore, mine was named the Holy White Kingdom, after the Holy Dragon himself. Great beasts once ruled over the land and together they forged an alliance to create the grandest of nations.
The neighboring kingdoms praise the great dragons as well, each giving prayer to their original creators.
The kingdoms of Fire, Iron, Sky, Lightning, Poison, Sage, and our greatest enemies, the kingdom of Shadows. For generations, the Holy White, Fire, Sky, and Sage kingdoms have been at war with the Iron, Poison, Lightning, and Shadow kingdoms. What was once a peaceful union was now divided into a battlefield soaked with red. Split right down the middle.
My destiny was to eradicate the Tenebris Alliance: Iron, Poison, Lighting, and Shadow. That other half of the country (my father claims) is a land made drunk by their small victories and smothered by their ego.
My father and his allies make up the Lux Alliance and soon enough this war will be beared onto my shoulders. His place will become mine and I will then take over the role of King.
"This is a war that will live forever in the history books," he said. He also tells me how terrible it is having council with the Tenebris Alliance.
Every year each kingdom has to council together, since we aren't our only enemies. This was practically how these alliances started and how this civil war came to be. Too many disagreements and battles for one land. Our ancestors surely set the field for us.
"Lord Sting, your father would like to meet you in his study after you've eaten." Yukino informs me and takes her leave so that I may change.
In a tired fashion I dress myself and equip my sword. It was a simple blade only used in practice. I slick my hair back, eliminating my unkempt bangs and creating a more mature version of myself. Everything in order to impress my father.
Dressed appropriately, I leave my bed chamber and walk to the dining hall.
It was a fairly large room with nothing but a tall table and a few uneeded pieces of furniture and pictures. A simple style with white and gold lining. The whole castle was that way. Only one seat was set with today's breakfast and that seat was for me. I take my seat and eat enough to satisfy me plenty. I leave the cleaning to the servants and head to my father's study soon after.
Only two knocks were needed to enter my father's study. He sat at his large desk, writing on plenty of documents I was unfamiliar with. "How was your morning my son?"
"Twas well, Father." I was in no mood to talk. I only wished to go outside and spar for hours without a bother from anyone.
"That's good, I'm glad. Are you excited? Your birthday will be a joyous occasion. You should enjoy these small pleasantries before you'll have to start sitting in on council sessions. You know this don't you?"
I nod. "Yes, Father."
He looks up from his writing for a moment and tries and make eye contact. "The next council session is a week from your birthday. Are you ready?"
No. "Yes."
"Good. I thought I'd inform you beforehand." He returns to his writing. "You may take your leave."
"Thank you, Father." I stand and bow before him and exit his study.
I remember the days where I would laugh and play with my father. He would take me on hunting trips and tell me all the things I would have to look forward to as king. The idea use to thrill me... that was until I turned seven.
The first memory of a battle between us and the Shadow Kingdom.
They had ambushed a group of men on the outskirts of our land. Some of my visiting cousins were ambushed as well. Lord Jude Heartfilia and his wife, Lady Layla. By the almighty dragon's good grace they recovered after being transported to the Sky Kingdom.
I remember seeing Jude's bloody arm leaking with the red liquid I've come to be sick of. Just the smell of it has me gagging. The very idea of blood and death terrify me.
But that is something I can never show. I am a man. I am the prince of an entire kingdom. I will wedd, have children of my own, and rule this kingdom with a kind yet iron coated fist. Anyone willing to stand in my path with be struck down by my blade. My virgin blade that has yet to see the cut of a man's skin.
After that event sparring became rather difficult. With real blades t wast hard not to hurt anyone who was trying to hurt me. I couldn't bear watching anyone's life end because of me.
My advisor and friend, Rufus Lore, doesn't hold back the gameful jokes. During our sparring, he calls me the Iris of the kingdom for my femininity and frail attitude towards slaughter. If it wasn't for his masterful teaching skills with the blade, I'd have a flimsy grasp as a swordsman.
Even now as we're preparing to spar for the day, he stood patiently waiting for me to go on the offensive. All I could think about now was my responsibilities as heir and the blood dripping down my handle from the lack of attention.
"Look at yourself, my lord. Sparring until the handle gnaws away at your flesh. T's amazing how you can't handle blood but with your own you still lack a reaction." Rufus sheathed his blade and walked over to give medical attention to my hand. He took some cloth and wrapped it around until I could receive proper bandages.
He shakes his head. "Please pay attention to your surroundings, my lord. One of these days you're going to stab thy own eye out at breakfast."
I breath out a long breath of air. "That would be the day, my friend. That would be the day..."
Afternoon tea was no better than yesterday's. Different flavor, same setting, and same lack of a human presence.
These days I had my afternoon tea sessions alone. Father was busy preparing for the council meeting and everyone else was preparing for my birthday.
How tiring this all was.
If only there was another to spend this time with. Maybe sad hours wouldn't seem so long.
