The funeral rites for Justinian and the rest of Rouya’s family were held in public in the atrium of the palace with the gates open. Anyone was free to attend but Rouya knew they all had their own losses to cope with and mourn.
“You’ve got talent and the will to become a great empress one day.” Rouya heard her father’s words echoing in her mind.
“They’re coming,” Markus shouted as he stormed out of the room and nearly collided with Rouya. “More of Kalim’s soldiers are marching on the castle. We have to escape from here at once.”
“My dear, I thought the worst when I saw the bodies outside.” The physician crossed the room, pausing as he noted Markus and Evelyn standing between him and the princess.
The guard slumped to the floor just as a whole shaft of arrows poured in through the window. The remaining guards drew their weapons but were struck down before they could move to cover.
Helodion leaned over the parapet and gazed over to the city of Kyrarae in the distance.
Markus crumbled the slip of paper together and held it to the candle flame, marveling as it caught and became fully consumed by the fire.
Shahzadi Rouya danced on her heels, letting herself glide over the patio as she spun the scythe above her head and brought it down in a swift motion. The blade silently cut through flesh and came out the other side. She held her stance and breath, readying herself to continue with a follow-up chain of motions. Her opponent gave in first and separated down the center where she’d cut a clean line. The melon fell to the sides and dropped from the stand, spilling its innards across the patio.
Read moreSummoners’ Rift Episode 1 – Dancing on the Edge of a Blade