Duty OF HEART OR KINGDOM

There are somethings that are never spoken. Some topics are fair taboo to be uttered for any to hear. Though they echo in the hearts of the ones who bare them. It is hard for a heart to love something because it is told to. Love is a gift that many forget. For many rulers and influencing family's love is just a word. It is meaningless to them. For they choose their duty over their heart. A topic that none dare to utter. A death that kills from the inside out. A heart with no love is not a heart at all. Now here is where our tale begins.


A young prince at the start of his life is sworn to duty. But will he break the silence and utter the taboo word Love instead of duty? Let us begin and see what unfolds of this young princes and his tale.

Characters

Name: Mace Silverwing
Title: Guard to the Prince/King
Power: He is not like most knights or people. He has some knowledge of healing and can use the element of fire at a cost to his physical health. He is well versed in many forms of combat.
Weapons: His knowledge of poisons makes him a formidable foe. He uses swords mainly but is quite deadly with a bow. He can use his wit and cunning as a deadly advantage. His ability to think on his feet and befriend any makes him a asset to invest in.
Extra: Mace keeps to himself and prefers to keep everything about himself a secret.
Appearance:
Appearance with some age on him:

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Name: Prince Valis D'Actrise
Title: Prince of the Kingdom of Trinity
Power: As the heir to the throne, he has been taught a variety of talents and powers, although as he has grown older his focus has been on learning and studying the history of the kingdoms and learning of ways to better his kingdom and fight for it without using violence. He does however know how to use elemental magic at least at a basic level, and is fairly talented with a rapier rather than longsword.
Weapons: His favored weapon is an ornate and gilded rapier that rarely leaves his side when he is out of the palace. He has been deemed paranoid by many as he never leaves it at home, fearing an attack.
Extra: Prince Valis had an attempted assassination when he was younger, resulting in the loss of sight in his eye which he now covers with an eyepatch due to being ashamed of his lack of vigilance and how ugly it looks. He prides himself on being the perfect son to his father and mother, the King and Queen of the Trinity Kingdom, but in doing so has pushed aside making many friends and focused on his studies and training as prince to the kingdom.

Name: Snow Erusirdhron
Title: Guard to the King/Advisory to PrinceValis
Power: Snow can turn the air frigged with a thought. She can change weather patterns based on her moods. If she isn't careful it will start snowing. She has power over ice and water making her a jewel of the kingdom. With great power comes it down side. Because of her power and using it it does physical damage to her body.

Story: Snow has protected Enron and Aura for many years. She fell in love with them making them her family. But due to her curse she couldn't bare to tell them her truth. She had slipped a paper into the Kings desk giving her rights to be adviser the Prince Valis to teach him about their land and values. The elders of the court had filled it out for her and got the King himself to sign it for her. To his and the princesses dismay she left without a trace leaving her Brother to take her place. The King has no idea nor the princess that their beloved Snow is on her way to Prince Valis to start her new journey.
appearance:

Betrothed

Name: Aura
Title: Princess of the Everlasting Kingdom
Power:As fair as any knows her only power is her beauty and grace. Her kindness is legendary as well as her forgiveness. She is known for her wisdom and virtues.
Weapons: The only weapon she has ever used or needed is her Voice and presence.
Extra: Princesses Aura Yolanda Nightingale is a true vision. Peace seems to follow her where ever she goes. She is loved by all and has never met a person who by the end of their meeting didn't fall in love with her. She is a good person down to her core and is the real deal. Many make fun of her saying she is as fake as they come. But she does her best to be the ruler that her kingdom deserves even if it means marring someone she knows nothing about.
Appearance:

NCP CHARACTERS

Name: King Enron of the Everlasting Kingdom.
Story: Upon his parents death he and his sister where thrust into leadership positions. He himself is still just a child and counts on his sister more than any knows. He is not happy with the idea of her being married but has no choice as he doesn't or so they think. Ruling is new to him and he has turned out with his sisters guidance to be a fair and kind king. He is well loved by all and his subjects are very loyal to him and adore him.

Name: Leavanton Erusirdhron
Title: Kings Guard
Story: Not much is known of him other than he was just made the kings guard after the orginal guard vanished. It's said that the King was rather fond of his guard. He isn't a normal guard by any means. He carries nothing but a staff with him and is always shrouded in mystery.

The personal library of Prince Valis was vast and sprawling. One of the things he had requested upon his coming-of-age celebrations was a personal library where he could relax in peace and quiet. He explained it would be better for his studies, but really he just wanted a private place to be alone in his thoughts that wasn't the more public library of the palace.

It was there where he currently sat, although he would soon have to move. He'd invited his most trusted guard to the throne room for a formal announcement upon some events that were soon to pass.

At the desk where he'd taken his perch, Valis sat with his head in his hands, fingers running through his long sandy hair in a nervous habit, book open and unread in front of him. He'd tried to get away from the fuss of the rest of the palace but couldn't seem to turn his mind off enough to actually relax and read as intended.

The clock nearby struck the hour with a fairy-like tinkle that was meant to be more pleasing sounding than the grandfather clocks outside. But in his moment it wasn't. It simply made dread grasp at the blonde prince's heart.

However, he swallowed his nervousness. There were duties to perform. He was almost 20 years of age now. Valis was a man who could handle such a simple task.

He arose, grabbing his belt and sword from where it hung on the chair nearby. He slid it into place, briefly checking his rapier before leaving the room, heels clicking along the marble floor of the ornate palace as he strode with his head high, back straight, to the throne room.

It had been a long time since he had seen Valis so unnerved. It honestly worried him most wouldn't notice or just write it off as him being paranoid. Mace himself knew better. He had been with Valis for so long he had stopped counting the years. None of the others could image what Valis went through on a daily basis. He had admiration for the young man and respect. He moved quickly with ease through the palace. His own steps matching perfectly behind his prince. He had been outside the library the whole time keep guard. Not that he was told to, but he did so for Valis. He never told Valis that he stayed up and kept guard of him as the prince slept. Or that on his off time he still kept a eye on him. His own sacrifice was of no significance. It was his job to protect the young man or it had been once.


Somewhere along the line it blurred and he had found himself captivated by the young man. He let his eyes run up and down the prince once as the followed beside the young man now. He did it quick so not to draw attention to himself. "You shouldn't worry so much. You are already their joy." He said trying to help the prince to feel better. He noticed that the prince looks as if he hadn't been outside much lately his skin was paler than normal. The robes that normally hung and shaped him well seemed lose. He followed the young prince into the thrown room where he took his place bowing before the King. He dared not to go further than just inside. Only the prince could move freely within the room and he king. Even invited every pawn had their place. He knew his roll and would play it well.

The Prince knew the instant he heard footsteps behind him that it was his faithful guard. Anything other than the familiar sound of clinking armour and steps that fell into line with his own would've set him on edge, but he knew Mace was always around. Perhaps he was too invested in his guard, but he couldn't think about that right now. There were more pressing things to hand than his own feelings.

Still, he felt reassured with the taller man's presence. Even smiled when he spoke. "Thank you, Mace." He said, wanting to say more but they had just reached the throne room, where he had to draw the line between duties and friendship. It perhaps wasn't simply friendship anymore, but they were friends none-the-less.

The steps behind him ceased, and Valis alone approached the throne. He took to his knee, bowing in respect to his father who sat before him, and once the old man had nodded in return, he stood and took his place in the third seat, on the other side to his mother.

With his arrival, it seemed to signal the beginning of the announcement. The King arose from his seat, gesturing to the room.

"My people, I invite you to enter this room on this truly joyous occassion. I have a formal announcement to make regarding my son, the young Prince Valis." King Mirias said, his voice projecting throughout the room, signalling those who had been waiting by the doors to enter.

Civilians were to the back, Lords and Ladies to the front along with other higher class members of society, with guards positioned to the sides at each door. There was a row specifically for people who each held papers and pens before them, writing down the news to report to their respective towns for newspapers and the like.

In his seat, Valis sat tall, his face neutral when inside his heart was pounding.

Mace grew nervous he had noticed the slight smile from the prince before hand but everything changed as he heard the king. He rose and kept his place as he felt his heart pound. He kept his eye on Valis not taken his eyes from him more worried for him. Mace honestly didn't like this for multiple reasons. He felt his hands clinch at his side. The king was to happy about this announcement. He had heard rumors but he didn't think anything of it. Maybe he should have maybe he wouldn't be here.
There where few reason's for such a audience. He could think of only one that would make the king so proud and happy. The prince had already fulfilled the others.

He felt himself turn pale as he prayed that the King would just say that the prince was to be named King. He didn't want to hear the other. No announcement of a marriage he prayed. He would lose the one thing he had learned to love. There he admitted it to himself. He had always had the worst timing. Memories flashed through his head as he stood there sweating not many would notice nor care. His mind took him back to a child when he had first met the prince right after the attack.

It had took him months to get the prince to even talk to him. It wasn't until he brought Duchess the white horse into his room along with other animals that the prince even spoke to him. He then read to the prince teaching him the different plants that called the kingdom home staying in his room doing each thing. His mind raced as he tried to figure out how he got to this place. Where had his duty because something more. When did he develop feelings for his prince more than just a figure.

His mind finally fell upon the day they had spent sparing with one another in the rain. He had landed multiple blows but the prince never gave up. He had loved that even though the prince was out sized in many ways and out skilled he had never gave up. The prince lessen to him and used his size and speed to take Mace out. The prince had accidentally nicked him with his scythe. Instead of just demanding to go in the prince helped him to his quarters and helped him bandage his wound.


Mace felt the same feeling he did then as he did now as he stared at his prince. He couldn't do this anymore. He couldn't protect something that could never be his. He had never said anything because it was wrong and he wasn't sure if the prince would have him. Besides men are only to love women. This was why the King had offered him a new position in the court. He hadn't had time to tell the Prince. The king wanted him to be the military adviser in the court. The request had surprised him at the time. But now that he was here it didn't. If it was to announce what he feared he would no longer be needed. The betrothed would have her own guards and the top from here would become the guards for the pair.

Mace stood there as he prayed for it to hurry and be over. He just wanted the pain to end so he could collect himself and be there for the prince. Before he didn't have a choice. The King felt that his son was safe enough with some of the other guards and the King himself needed the extra protection. Mace didn't really believe it but the King did. He wondered if the King knew how he felt about his son. But if he did he would be killed not promoted.

Valis sat in his throne, silent, witing for the King's next words once everyone was settled. He didn't want this, but his family had decided it would be the best course of action. The kingdom would gain more trade, the economy would boost, and together their armies could ride to battle under the same banner and defeat any threats to either kingdom. But his heart wasn't in it.

King Malias smiled widely, looking for all the world like the more pleased and proudest of fathers. "I am happy to announce that their heir to the throne of the Trinity Kingdom, Prince Valis D'Actrise, is to be wed to the only daughter of our neighbours to the south, Princess Aura of the Everlasting Kingdom."

The man couldn't speak a further word on the subject as the room echoed with cheers and applause and surprised gasps. It was well known throughout many kingdoms the wisdom and kindness of the Princess of Everlast. She was beautiful, and knew how to treat her people. She would be the perfect wife, there was no doubt about that.

But Valis didn't want the perfect wife. He didn't want to marry for politics. He wanted to marry for love. He wanted to find someone he loved to spend the rest of his life with. However, the prince knew it would never be possible for someone of his lineage. It would always be decided through an arrangement, as it had done countless times in the past.

Still the pouty child within him stomped and yelled while his face remained as neutral as possible, maybe trying to seem pleased at the announcement. He didn't want to marry her! He didn't want to spend his life with someone he didn't love! He wanted love, he wanted passion, he wanted Mace-

His eyes widened briefly, before regaining his composure. Of course he wanted Mace. He'd known about his feelings towards his guard for a long time. He had just never worded it in such a way. He couldn't. His duty was to his kingdom, not to himself.

The crowds quietened down with a wave of the King's hand. "On my son's 20th birthday, we shall hold a ceremony to bind the two together in matrimony. Such a ceremony will be preceded by festivities for the kingdom to celebrate his occasion. Before we begin such a thing, my son is to travel to the Everlasting Kingdom, where he will present himself before the King and seek his approval of the marriage. Such is already arrange however this is a tradition that we are to follow. It has not been broken in many many years."

The King turned to the prince, a smile on his aging face. "Would you like to say something?" He asked, in a voice quiet enough for the crowds to not overheard but loud enough to reach his wife and son.

Valis stood, while King Mirias returned to his seat on the main throne. The blonde prince cleared his throat briefly before addressing the room, projecting his voice in the way he'd been taught, to reach every single person before him. "I am pleased to be marrying Princess Aura. I am sure she will make a fine Princess to both her kingdom and ours. With our union, we aim to be symbols of peace and unity throughout both kingdoms, that people may take our example, and war and petty battles will cease. Such would be a wonderful birthday present." He added with a charming smile that didn't reach his blue eye, the one not obscured by his hair or eyepatch.

He wanted to run away so badly.

Mace felt as if he had been stabbed in the heart, as he heard the dreaded news. As everyone cheered he stood there emotionless, with the rest of the guards. He made up his mind, his last mission would be this one. He would accompany the prince to the Everlasting Kingdom and then he would leave. His skill set was not relevant for the life and politics of the castle. He would rather live alone in a forgotten village far away from the kingdom than be a pawn and decoration for the castle as most knights and guards here were. The king in his own way was being kind but that isn't what Mace wanted. He wanted his prince to be happy.


Everyone here looked so happy, but it seemed only the guards knew the real truth. No man on earth or under the heavens wanted to be forced to marry anyone. None of the people here thought of the Prince or Princess, they where choosing to be in a prison of their making to protect the people here who could care less. Mace concealed his pain and anger as he just stood there motionless, fading into the background as he was supposed to do. His eyes shifted as he saw a strange figure that he didn't recognize heading up the middle of the crowd. He then saw two others one each side of the room doing the same.

Without thinking he charged forward as he used his fire aiming towards the floor as he shot a hot blazing stream of fire from his hand propelling him forward. He did a flip from the force as he landed just in front of the thrones. He landed on his feet in a crouched position, then quickly stood. He held up his left hand as fired danced down his arm. The Three figures let out screams of anger knowing that their plan had been foiled. The crowed now screamed as the other guards took action helping getting the crowd of people out of the castle leaving only the small group of advisers and guards in the room with the royal family and the three intruders.

Mace stood there as he controlled his emotions and breathing. His demeanor changed as his eyes took on a gleam of sorts, but not from the fire dancing up his arm. He looked like an evil foe with the gleam in his eyes as the fire danced about his arm. He just grinned as he waited for the three to attack. He knew that the other guards would be no match from these three. He had seen the mark on their hands indicating they were no simple guards. They had blue markings going up their arms and the symbol of the Everlasting Crown formed into one simple tattoo on the back of their right hands. "I take it your King doesn't know you're here little witches." He said coldly as the three hooded figures let their hoods down reveling themselves to everyone there. The three blacked haired women seemed to glare as each one threw out their right hand with the marking as they drew water from the air forming bubbles around them.

The sight just made him laugh hysterically as he watched them. "So you're the rejects of the Kingdom? I take it you don't like the news? Your king didn't order you here, because you are only scouts compared to me. His own elemental soldiers wear their King's golden marking on their left eye. If your going to impersonate soldiers make sure you know your facts." He said as he let the flame grow on his arm the air becoming dry as the three became nervous. "I take it you haven't heard of me? " He said as he saw a flash of fear appear in the women's eyes as their water bubbles vanished with the water in the air. The only water source was further in the castle and they couldn't reach it in time to save their lives. He stared at the center woman as he let his flame loose on the woman to his left who lunged at him pulling a knife from her cape. The woman screamed in pain as she landed as fast as she leaped. Her body was covered in flames as she screamed in pain. The other two women screamed as they watched unable to help the woman.

Mace stood there as he gestured with his left hand turning it slightly as the flames disappeared instantly. He gave a nod as the other guards moved in capturing the other women. Two guards picked up the injured women caring them off to the dungeon until the king called for them. He spoke coldly. "I wouldn't celebrate so soon majesty. It would seem that not everyone in the Kingdoms is happy with this union." He said as he began heading out of the room. His armor on his left arm glowed red from the fire. " Before you declare this a state of emergency your majesty, you should know those are handmaids to the Princess. The Princess only has three, they are all masters of the Water element. But none of them have ever entered combat. You will find the Princess will be in tears over this. There are no others here as of now so you can relax. But if this is a sign of things to come, we should be prepared for more attacks. From the looks of those women their mistress the princess has no idea they came. I think you should let the Prince and Princess get to know one another and spend time together in each others kingdoms. It would ease tensions and help with attacks such as this.". He said as he made his was out of the room.

Other guards had charged into place around the royals, protecting them while Mace dealt with the threat. Behind them, Valis watched with worry. His eye twinged as if remembering the previous assassination attempt on his life that cost him the sight in one of his eyes. Was this one really over something so simple as a marriage? Already this was turning out to be full of bad luck and foreboding.

He was about to rush into the fray himself, hand on his sword to deal with the problem that faced his kingdom, but his father threw out an arm in front of him before he could take another step. Looking to him questioningly, Valis raised an eyebrow, and the King replied with simply, "He can handle it. Their target is you after all. It would be best for you to stay back."

Reluctantly, the blonde prince sat back down, though one hand remained on the rapier that sat on his hip. Witches from Everlast? What the hell was going on?

Everyone was in shock when things finally died down. King Mirias made to yell to Mace to get him to stay put while he said something, but Vilas beat him to it. In a flurry of motion the young prince got up and immediately followed the knight, not listening to his father's yells for order and the talking of the other guards and civilians in the room as things were sorted out. People wanted to know what was going on, and he only had one thing in mind; getting Mace's protection.

He ran down the hall after the knight, calling for him. "Mace! Mace wait up!"

Mace kept walking ignoring everything. The pain from his arm and heart made him useless. His armor still glowed red from the extreme heat, making him wish he hadn't wore it. Normally he only wore his chest piece, so he wouldn't injure himself. The flames he used tented to melt metal, making his choice in arm guards a bad one. He had to hurry, to get the metal off his burning flesh. The smell was sicking to say the least. He felt light headed from the pain. He broke out into a run, looking for anything to help.

He ran as fast as he could, trying to find anything to help get it off. He stopped running, once he saw the fountain in the middle of the court yard. Quickly he plunged his entire arm into the water, a scream escaping him. The pain was almost unbearable. Steam rose from the fountain as the metal started to cool. He let his arm rest in the water, waiting for the guard to fully cool. There was no need for him to move from the water, until the metal was fully cooled. He knew moving it before hand, would only do more harm than good. The pain started to lessen as his mind began to think more freely. He knew he needed help from an healer, due to the severity of his wounds. If he dared to heal himself it would end badly. The down side to using elements, was the physical backlash that occurred afterwards. It made the user weak and barely able to stand. Depending on how much power was used, depended on how weak the user would be afterwards. Lucky he hadn't use much of his elemental attacks. Maybe a hour of down time and he should be fine. His wounds however would take longer.

Mace fell to his knees, as he let his body rest against the fountain. The draw back to using his powers, hit him like a wall. He felt his body become weak, a feeling he hated with all his being. Pain began to flood his body as he groaned slightly. The pain made staying conscious a challenge. He soon found himself drifting in and out of consciousness as he laid there. All he could think about was the pain.