Chapter 1 - Do You Want To Hear a Story?
Betas: GreenWithAwesome and Millyna (thanks for helping me english)
Royal Palace - Angeles Province, Illéa - X Years Into Kassim Schreave's Reign
The Crown Prince of Illéa could hear the laughter and giggles coming from behind the tall mahogany door. The sounds of the TV merged with the children's voices, creating a jumble of unintelligible words, and if he didn't know better, he'd assume something serious was happening. Quietly, he pushed the door open.
The room was spacious, with colorful sofas and stuffed chairs. The TV was on and the speakers blasted the sound of explosions from the film the children were watching. The little blonde girl pointed a wooden sword ata smaller brown haired boy that had his hands up, his own wooden sword left on the floor.
"Surrender!" cried out the little girl, her shining blue eyes sparkling with joy at her victory.
"Not fair! You stepped on my foot, Ginny!"
"Pirates don't play fair, JJ!"
They bickered about what pirates do, Ginny defending her "underhanded" tactics by quoting a "Captain Jack Sparrow" and JJ pouting when he couldn't find anything to argue back. It was custom for them to watch a movie and re-enact scenes. The week before, Ginny had been Queen Elsa and made her little brother play as Olaf, while in another occasion, JJ was Merlin and she was King Arthur.
Ginny turned her head away from her brother, pursing her lips with her arms crossed but she soon let a big smile take her features.
"Papa!"
At his sister's call, JJ turned his head towards the door, eyes glimmering with excitement, and ran to the arms of the older man.
"And how are my two cute children?," said the man.
"Nana said you'd only be back Friday!" cried out JJ, laughing when his father lifted him up.
"Papa, Papa, did you bring me new dresses?" asked Ginny, tugging on her father's pants, looking up at the brown haired man eagerly.
He laughed, patting his daughter's blonde hair.
"This time you will have to wait to get your presents, Guinevere. It is almost Christmas, after all."
"Ginny! I am Ginny, Papa!" said the young girl.
"Papa, did Mama come back too?" asked JJ, still in his father's arms.
"No, Mama is visiting her province. There's a really big event that she wants to participate in. Next week she will be back." The man laughed, seeing his son pout. "Now, I believe it is already bed time for you two."
"But Papa!" both children cried.
"No, no. You kids have lessons tomorrow, remember?"
The children nodded and continued to pout, making the older man chuckle. They were the cutest.
"How about I tell a story? But you two have to be in bed in ten minutes."
The children looked at him, mouths slightly open. It had been months since the last time their father told them a story.
"Really? You mean it, Papa?" asked Ginny. The man nodded, and the little girl ran out of the room, JJ squirmed and squealed, the man put him down, and let out a chuckle watching his son trip over his own feet in a hurry to get to the room he shared with his sister.
The brown haired man sighed and let out a small laugh watching his son trip on his own feet in a hurry to get to the room he shared with his sister.
-0-0-0-0-
The mansat in a chair between the two beds. Ginny was lying on her side, gripping the sheets and looking expectantly at him while JJ was playing with his stuffed rabbit, Greenie.
"Papa, which story are you going to tell?"
"Can Greenie listen too? She likes your stories!"
The man smiled."Have I ever told you about how Grandpa and Grandma met?"
Palace Gardens - Angeles Province, Illéa - Prince Kassim's 24th Birthday
Crouched behind a marble pillar, Kaz glanced left, then right, making sure he was alone before setting foot from behind his hiding spot. Kaz had spent the better part of the morning sneaking around the castle, trying to escape another session with the stylist, designers and interior decorators his mother had arranged. You'd think that the person having the birthday party would have more control over what to wear but his mother clearly had never thought of letting him choose his outfit.
(His fashion sense was, apparently, a disaster.)
He let out a sigh and raked a hand through his brown hair as he ambled to a small fountain in an isolated area of the gardens. Exhaustion had crippled his mood in the last few days with his mother's frenetic planning, the council members trying to throw their daughters at him and his father giving him most of the paperwork, claiming it was time Kaz learned (although, clearly, it was only a way for the king to go take a nap). Sitting on the grass and resting his back against the steps leading to the fountain, Kaz closed his eyes and let his shoulders relax for the first time in a week. His thoughts drifted away from royal business and formalities, and focused only on the sounds around him. He loved the solitude of the gardens and the chirping of the birds; it was all much calmer. A completely different world from the palace's fast-paced and dramatic lifestyle.
He was just drifting into a pleasant sleep when faint clicking noises jerked him back awake. A whirring sound like an engine, coming from his right. Kaz opened one of his eyes, just a slit. A flash of silver.
Oh fuck.
He scrambled up to flee but lurched forwards and flattened to the grass. Looking down, his feet were caught in a small hole. Fucking hell. Kaz tried pulling his foot free. Not fast enough. A heavy, mechanical animal weighed down on his back. Resigned to his fate, he let out a groan and stopped struggling.
"All right, you overgrown metal lizard. Get off me."
The mechanical animal huffed, clearly irritated with this BLATANT disrespect but it did not move. Such a dignified position for a prince, thought Kaz. He'd probably be stretched on the ground until someone found him.
Kaz heard the grass be stepped on, the sound coming closer and closer.
"The weather good down there?" teased the new arrival.
"Shut up and get the lizard off me."
"As His Royal Pain in the Ass wishes. Minerva, come off."
The weight on his back lifted and Kaz stood back on his feet, brushing his jacket to get rid of the grass blades that clung to him. He rolled his eyes, turning to look at the culprit.
"Don't you have better things to do than following me around?"
"I do, but nothing is more fun than watching you get your ass handed to you by Minerva," said Markus, the general's son and Kaz's best friend. His hand rested on the head of a mechanical beast; Kaz never was able to describe the thing, but it had golden wings and metal scales, its body white with silver eyes. Markus often told him she was a wyvern, whatever that was.
"Shouldn't she be with her owner?" Kaz groaned, glaring at the mechanical creature.
"Your mother called her and she sent Minerva to help look for you."
The two friends walked back to the Palace in silence, with the mechanical wyvern following behind, making sure Kaz wouldn't make a run for it. Thankfully Markus knew that Kaz was never in the mood to talk when he attempted and ultimately failed his disappearing acts. Markus let out a tired sigh and Kaz could almost hear his friend praying for Effie's return – Markus was a good enough voice of reason but he had no talent for listening and comforting.
"Is everything ready for the Report?" asked Kaz.
"Yeah, almost. Your mom was more preoccupied with the party and your clothes."
"I would be looking forward to it if it wasn't for my Dad and his need to maintain tradition." Kaz frowned and Markus laughed while they walked.
-0-0-0-0-
The throne room was too grand and too luxurious for Kaz's taste.
Maybe it was the accumulation of wealth through generations of Schreaves or just the bad taste of his ancestors, but Kaz was in no way fond of the overly decorated cream walls or how the portraits of the previous monarchs seemed to follow him wherever he moved, making him shiver with each step. The throne was the only thing in the entire room that didn't bother him in some way; it was made from marble (the same one that made the flooring) with sculpted vines and flowers that intertwine on the arm rests. On the seat was only a small red pillow but, according to his father, it was more comfortable than many pillows.
With Markus and Minerva, Kaz made his way to a double mahogany door on the wall behind the throne. He never understood why his father insisted on maintaining his office in such a place; it was hidden but still not that hard to find, but his father was of the opinion that keeping something so important in plain sight might be the best way of protection Approaching the doors, raised voices fluttered into Kaz's ears.
"Have you gone mad?! How… He is…"
Kaz couldn't hear all that was said. The doors did splendid work in blocking most of the conversation, but he knew the people arguing inside were his parents.
Lately, they had been arguing constantly. Kaz never asked about what. He only knew because the palace staff liked to gossip. Kaz looked back at Markus, he motioned that he could leave before knocking on the door. The raised voices immediately silenced and Kaz didn't need more than that to step inside.
King Brennan's office was not flooded by light or overly decorated. The place was dark with no windows, illuminated only by electrical lights, and the walls were hidden bookshelves from floor to ceiling. Right in the middle of the room was his father's desk with a mountain of paperwork. The office was much like his father in some way: simple, practical and serious.
"Darling!"
His mother, Lavinia, was a tall woman, always holding her head high. When he had entered, she had her back to him but soon she had turned and Kaz found himself in her arms as she guided him to the front of his father's desk. Her black hair flowed freely and the dress she was wearing was much more subdued than her usual risqué style with bold colors. Maybe she decided to launch a new fashion?
"Mother, Father." Kaz nodded his head to his father while putting an arm around his mother's waist.
His father, Brennan, had his eyes on one of the many documents occupying his desk and took his time before looking at his son, although Kaz admired him, he couldn't help but feel awkward in his presence. His father expected the very best of him and that pressure, though not always explicit, made Kaz feel inadequate most of the time.
"I've been looking for you the whole morning! We have to get your suit fixed!" exclaimed Lavinia.
"Yes, I noticed the 'looking' part. Why did you send the lizard?"
"I'll have you know, young man—"
"Can this discussion be pushed to a later time? More pressing matters must be discussed," said Brennan, his tone something that left no room for argument. Lavinia let out an annoyed noise, turning on her heel to make her way out.
"Mother—" Kaz's eyes followed his mother's movements, his right hand unconsciously reaching out to her.
"I will not stay to hear this nonsense." Lavinia glared over her right shoulder, green eyes lit in anger towards her husband. With her high heels clacking against the wooden flooring, she stormed from the office, shutting the door with force.
Kaz glanced at his father before turning his gaze to the floor. It took a few seconds before he had enough courage to look up again.
"What did Mother mean?"
Brennan sighed, the circles beneath his blue eyes much darker and deeper than the last time Kaz had seen them. Brennan passed one hand through his hair before pushing a document in Kaz's direction. Kaz took the documents and the first thing that caught his attention was the big REPORT SCRIPT written in bold. As Kaz read, his green eyes became bigger and bigger until they snapped back to look into his father's, his mouth ajar in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding me!"
-0-0-0-0-
"People of Illéa, welcome to tonight's Report! I hope our viewers at home will also have a great time with us today!" The host of the Report, Claude Amon, was a woman in her early 30s with curly black hair and beautiful chocolate skin. She had been the Report's host for the last five years and Kaz could never get used to her bright and bubbly disposition, the woman seemed to not have one bad emotion or thought in her body.
Kaz was seated to Claude's left while his sister, Yvone, sat at the older woman's right. Their parents stood off camera, waiting for their turn, apparently, the population of Illéa wanted more of the royal children than of the royal couple. Kaz didn't like that every week they had to do the same thing, fake smile and tell jokes just to keep up with an image and at that moment, his thoughts were more preoccupied with what his father told him earlier.
The Selection was a tradition among the Royal Family of Illéa, a way to appease the public opinion by having one of them become Queen. That was how his mother and father met and it was the same with his grandmother and so on, but Kaz had little interest in that tradition as he didn't believe that love could come in such a short time. Did he believe that his mother and father loved each other? Yes, and very much at that, but that love was built during their marriage and not on those short months in which the Selection took place… At least, that was his thought.
Kaz quietly listened to Claude talk with his sister, his head nodding or shaking automatically whenever a questions was shot his way. He looked down at his hand, moving his finger in circles and waiting for the images he wanted to appear. Small, translucent horses started to form and run around his finger, until he stopped moving it and just let the almost invisible animals ran free. He knew no one could see what he'd done or even see that he had moved at all, so he was in no way worried. Kaz only wanted to pass the time until it was his turn to be interviewed.
Being an illusionist had its perks.
"So, Prince Kaz, I heard very interesting gossip and I have a hunch that you can tell me if there's any truth in it." Claude turned to him, Yvone also looked at him with eyes glinting. Kaz smiles, feigning surprise.
"Already with that information? I only heard about it a little while ago! Claude, are you spying on me?" Kaz said it all in a playful tone, one of his eyebrows arched as he winked at the host and Claude laughed.
"So there is some news? Now you must tell me!"
"Alright, alright. I can't leave a lady such as yourself hanging like this." Kaz forced out a laugh again, turning to the main camera before continuing, "As most know, I am already 24. And there's a very well known tradition in our country for when an heir to the throne reaches his twenties."
Kaz looked at his father briefly, saw him nod his head while his mother had a scowl. He now knew why she was so unhappy earlier, she had wanted him to marry someone and now she'd have to withstand 35 unknown girls, none of which were her choice. His father had told him about his decision to make Kaz's Selection happen earlier, not giving his son any choice in the matter but he never told Kaz why it was such an urgent thing.
So, Prince Kassim also had a surprise for his dear old father.
"The tradition says that one girl from each province will be chosen to come to the palace and try to win the heart of the heir, in this case, me! Aren't you all lucky?" joked Kaz, and the people seated as live audience laugh. Again, Kaz glanced quickly at his father.
"I never thought we'd see the day! I bet most girls had already lost hope, after all, a certain Duchess seemed to be the only one in your eyes." Claude smiled, wiggling her eyebrows up and down.
Kaz laughed with her, although he didn't feel the humor of it. Duchess Elizabeth, Effie, his ex-girlfriend. She had been away from Illéa for almost a year and the two of them had been separated for almost two years, yet, people still seemed to believe that Effie would be the next Queen.
"Effie is a great friend, we parted on good terms. I can guarantee you that she'd be the first one to try and design my future wife's wedding dress." Again, he said it in a joking tone. He didn't want to leave any chance for someone to think otherwise..
"Well then, when can we expect the announcement of the lucky girls?"
"Soon. But, before finishing here I'd like to add something." Kaz smirked, "I've decided that of the 35 girls, half of them," he paused and glanced again at his father, "Will have to come from the Isle."
Kaz smiled to the camera, the people in the audience all had surprised expressions. Claude looked at him wide eyed while Yvone had her lips slightly turned upward, an expression of amusement on her young face. Kaz looked at his father and mother, who were still off the stage. Lavinia had a big smile of satisfaction while his father was now frowning, Kaz could almost see the wheels turning inside his head, trying to think of an excuse to get them all out of the situation.
"I've never been one for tradition and, truth be told, I never saw sense in keeping the children of villains locked with their parents for mistakes committed before they were born. It's unfair and we've ignored the problem for too long, so I want to give them a chance and that's why I've decided that 16 of the 35 Selected will be residents of the Isle."
The Isle. A prison for the worst criminals Illéa had to offer, monitored 24/7 by the best of their military. A prison for villains. And their children. Kaz never thought it fair, this system that punished kids for the wrongs of their parents so if he was to have a Selection – another tradition he never was interested in – he'd have it on his terms.
"I look forward to meeting the 35 lucky ones." Kaz smiled.
EXTRA - GREENIE THE RABBIT
"Papa, which story are you going to tell?"
"Can Greenie listen too? She likes your stories!"
"Yes, please tell the story adult." Came a new voice.
The man looked around the room, confused. He was sure that he and his children were the only ones present. He was still wondering who was it that suddenly spoke up.
"Can you start, nondescript human?"
The man's gaze turned in the direction his son. The small, white stuffed rabbit had one of its pawns pointed at him, green eyes blinking in his direction. The toy jumped from JJ's arms, making the young boy laugh.
"It... Talks?" gasped the man, mouth wide open.
"TELL THE STORY NONDESCRIPT HUMAN!"
Hello! I am Wondy and this is my first ever SYOC. The form as well as the rules, explanations and important info can be found on my profile.
I am part of a very awesome Selection Discord and those who want to also participate, say so in the reviews! I promise we are really fun people and it's a great way of promoting your SYOC. Because of the Discord, I already have most hero/Illéa spots filled but if your character is just irresistible, I will make an exception (the character may end up as a minor character but they will show up). Also, reviews are important and keep me motivated (especially if you end up with a character participating).
Any questions, feel free to PM me and I will try to answer as soon as possible.
I hope you enjoy Kaz's adventure!