Halos and Horns: Dark Embrace

"Amanah, your father wishes to see you."

Amanah turned from her mirror to stare at Milenu, her personal servant, who had entered her room.

"Do you know what he wants?"

"No, Your Highness, I do not. I was simply told to come get you."

"What about my sister?"

"I do not know if he called for her."

Pursing her lips into a pout, Amanah stood. Better go see what her father wanted.

Checking her appearance one more time, she left and headed for the throne room.

As she neared the room, she noticed an unusual amount of nobles loitering near the doors. Something big must have happened. She hadn't seen this many people since the death of her mother the queen ten years ago.

The crowd parted to allow her entrance. The nobles bowed low, their eyes full of awe and greed. The guards opened the doors and announced her arrival.

Gliding across the floor, she came to a stop a few feet shy of the dais to the throne.

King Bayrel, her father, sat there, his black hair shining from the glow of his magic. Her father's dark brown skin was a sharp contrast to his folded white wings.

Amanah curtsied low. "Good day, your Majesty."

"Welcome, my daughter. I have received news from the priests."

Amanah felt excitement fill her. Lately, the battles with their enemy, the Cornibus, were escalating. Not that she was complaining. She relished a good fight.

"In two weeks' time, our army will meet our enemy at the Plains of Tenroc and destroy them once and for all. My daughter, you and First General Perdere shall lead my army to victory."

"Did the priests foresee our triumph, Father?"

Her father smiled and she saw the flash of fire in his eyes. "Yes, it will be our win. We will finally grind them to dust underneath our feet."

A rush of adrenaline filled her. She would more than prove her worth in the upcoming battle. She had added some more offensive battle spells to her arsenal and couldn't wait to try them out.

"I look forward to our victory, your Majesty. Will my sister be joining us this time?"

Amanah flinched at her father's scowl.

"No, she will not. She is not suited to warfare."

Amanah curtsied and made sure to hide her smile. Her younger twin, Serenah, did not like fighting. In fact, Serenah had always run from sword training. If their father had not insisted on it and threatened punishment, Serenah would have never learned to fight. Not that Amanah cared. Any flaw her sister showed meant a stronger standing for Amanah as the Crown Princess.

"Is there anything else, I need to know, your Majesty?"

"You may go, my daughter."

"I will take my leave now, your Majesty, to begin preparations."

Amanah curtsied once more and swept from the room, her mind on the upcoming battle.

~***~

King Mikel sat at the head of the table and listened as his advisors argued about the upcoming battle. According to the priests, it was the will of their god, Autem that they meet their enemy, the Potens at the Plains of Tenroc to decide the victor of the world.

For the last five hundred years, the two kingdoms had fought. Never was there a clear victor. Even with his people allying themselves with the Succo and the Figura Muta, the balance of power could not be tipped in the Cornibus Kingdom's favor. The Succo and Figura Muta were small in numbers but their battle prowess was unmatched. Though the Poten were a larger nation they couldn't match the natural fighting skills of the Figura Muta nor the stealth and dark magic of the Succo.

Now the priests were swearing that victory would at last be theirs. He would have to see it to believe it.

"...your Majesty?"

Mikel frowned and focused his attention on General Vigar, the oldest of his advisors. The shrewd general had won many victories over the years.

"Yes?"

"The priests want to hold a ceremony to bless the upcoming battle. Also, they insist that Crown Prince Fidelis must fight to ensure our victory."

Mikel's frown turned to a scowl. Fidelis was his oldest son and a fine warrior. Lately, his son's heart seemed to not be on fighting. Perhaps his son was battle-weary. Fidelis didn't express his emotions well, which concerned Mikel. Once the long war was over he hoped to spend more time with his sons.

It was a dangerous sentiment to have. The Cornibus as a race valued strength and military prowess above all else. He would order his son to fight but would keep an eye on him. They would fight to bring about the peace they desired for their people and allies.

"Very well. Make the preparations."

"Yes, your Majesty."

"Is there any other business?"

Mikel almost growled aloud when Duke Fallo raised his hand. Duke Fallo was one of the leaders of the Royal Faction. It was a faction of nobles dedicated to keeping the imperial family strong and in power. They favored Fidelis over his younger brothers because Mikel's first empress had come from a ducal house. His current two wives came from lower houses. Though they had birthed sons, their power base was not as great.

"Yes?" Mikel curtly acknowledged the Duke.

"I know now might not be the best time to say this. However, I must speak. The people are anxious to know when the Crown Prince will pick a wife."

"We will table that topic for after the upcoming battle."

"Yes, of course, your Majesty."

"All right, everyone is dismissed."

All the advisors filed out. Mikel allowed a sigh to escape once the room was empty. He really needed to talk to his son about the future of the kingdom and the duty of the royal family to marry well. The topic was a touchy one with his son. And, Mikel, wanted to honor his late empress's wish to allow Fidelis to fall in love with the person he would choose to marry. So many things to worry about. He would take them as they came.

Rising, he headed for his room to rest before dinner.