Chapter 64 - FAMILY REGISTRY
The knight rushed off after the king, his armor clanking as he hurried to keep up. Kyle's eyes swept over the room, taking in every detail before landing on Daleyza.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAylYW3kj5nI
Daleyza stood rigid, her earlier composure completely shattered. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, knuckles white with tension. "THAT WENCH!" she exclaimed, bringing her thumb to her mouth and biting down on the nail. Her eyes, filled with unbridled fury, remained fixed on the door through which Hades had departed.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAf73x5BC1Hj
Kyle looked over Daleyza with an air of superiority, though she remained oblivious to his gaze. As he turned to leave, Daleyza's voice rang out once more, filled with venom and determination. "IF I DON'T REMOVE HER FROM THE FAMILY REGISTRY, MY NAME WILL NO LONGER BE DALEYZA."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAuwTAsqD3Zz
A smirk played across Kyle's lips as he silently exited the room, leaving Daleyza to her rage and the trembling maids to their fear.
-The Next day, Royal Hereditary Examination Chamber in The Shrine of the Hidden Springs Temple; 7.23am-
78Please respect copyright.PENANAK4PPIn1ydZ
The ancient chamber of the Shrine of the Hidden Springs Temple buzzed with anticipation as nobles, servants, clergy, and knights filled every available space. Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor. At the center stood King Hades, his regal bearing a stark contrast to the nervous energy permeating the room.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAUzicDtmwEl
"Today," he began, his voice resonating through the hall, "we embark on a journey of truth and transparency. All royal offspring shall undergo rigorous testing to confirm their lineage, ensuring the integrity and continuity of our royal house."
78Please respect copyright.PENANATmFIGz8Hog
The assembled crowd murmured, a mix of excitement and apprehension rippling through the gathering. The royal children were brought forth in groups, their young faces a mixture of confusion and nervousness.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAQxURES0OeX
High Priest Aldric, a wizened man with a long white beard, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we are prepared to begin the examination. Each child will undergo three tests: the Test of Blood, the Test of Spirit, and the Test of Essence."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAOpc3pV1Adz
King Hades nodded solemnly. "Proceed."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAT0sR9DzpVh
The Test of Blood began first. Court physicians, dressed in pristine white robes, approached each child with ornate golden needles. A hush fell over the crowd as the first drop of royal blood was drawn from Prince Fenris. The crimson liquid was carefully placed onto a crystal plate, where it swirled and danced of its own accord.
78Please respect copyright.PENANArikr6Qkg68
Whispers erupted among the nobles.
78Please respect copyright.PENANA6EsfKlaFlH
"Did you see that? The blood moved!"
"I heard it forms the shape of the royal crest for true-born heirs."
"Nonsense, it's the color that matters. Royal blood shimmers like rubies in sunlight."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAOndQKQy7vk
As each child underwent the blood test, the chamber filled with gasps and murmurs. The physicians worked methodically, their faces impassive as they collected and analyzed each sample.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAc8Ei3JZHwL
Next came the Test of Spirit. Clergy members in flowing silver robes formed a circle around the children. They began to chant in an ancient tongue, their voices rising and falling in haunting harmony. The air in the chamber grew thick with incense and an otherworldly energy that made the hairs on everyone's necks stand on end.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAYSdOYZc2pa
One by one, each child stepped into the center of the circle. A soft glow emanated from within them, pulsing in rhythm with the chants. The colors varied - some shone with a golden light, others with a deep blue or vibrant green.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAXxGHD4jDwe
"The colors represent different aspects of their royal lineage," an elderly noblewoman explained to her wide-eyed granddaughter. "Gold for leadership, blue for wisdom, green for prosperity."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAEimjUmvjYK
The Test of Essence was the final and most mysterious part of the examination. High Priest Aldric produced a small vial filled with a swirling, opalescent liquid. "This," he announced, "is the distilled essence of our kingdom's founding monarchs. It will recognize its own."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAcfWPihgPvG
A single drop was placed on each child's forehead. The crowd held its breath, waiting. Slowly, the liquid began to glow, growing brighter and brighter until it was almost blinding. Then, in a flash, it absorbed into the skin, leaving behind a faint, shimmering mark in the shape of a crown.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAvkdv8SkQLj
Hours passed as each child underwent the tests. The chamber grew stuffy with the press of bodies and the weight of anticipation. Nobles fanned themselves with ornate fans, while servants discreetly wiped sweat from their brows. Theories and speculations flew wildly among the onlookers.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAMboLY04ztx
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the chamber floor, High Priest Aldric approached King Hades with a scroll. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the pair.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAbGDDbXWw1p
King Hades unrolled the scroll, his eyes scanning its contents. His expression remained unreadable as he looked up to address the crowd.
78Please respect copyright.PENANATKSWPEJa20
"My loyal subjects," he began, his voice steady and clear. "We have undertaken this unprecedented examination to put to rest any doubts about the legitimacy of our royal line. I am pleased to announce that all children tested today have been confirmed as true heirs of their respective bloodlines."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAiunDj3APnt
A collective gasp of relief echoed through the chamber, followed by excited chatter and applause.
78Please respect copyright.PENANALwPXnO54fh
"Each child has demonstrated the unique markers of their royal heritage," King Hades continued. "Their blood sang with the song of our ancestors, their spirits shone with the light of true nobility, and their essence was recognized by that of our kingdom's founders."
78Please respect copyright.PENANADvdImx4HbS
The tension that had gripped the room for hours finally dissipated, replaced by a sense of joy and celebration. Nobles congratulated each other, servants shared relieved smiles, and the children, exhausted but happy, were embraced by their proud parents.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAiLPFNTOhC5
As the gathering began to disperse, the air was filled with excited discussions about the future of the kingdom, now secure in the knowledge of its unbroken royal lineage. The Shrine of the Hidden Springs Temple, which had stood witness to this historic event, seemed to glow with an inner light, as if the very stones were pleased with the outcome.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAQ73zXucF05
King Hades watched the scene with a mixture of relief and pride. The day's events had not only confirmed the legitimacy of the royal children but had also strengthened the faith of the kingdom in its ruling family. As he prepared to leave the chamber, he couldn't help but feel that a new era of stability and prosperity lay ahead for their realm.
-Helia Palace; King's Study; same day, around the time Cillian and Luxana were bickering-
78Please respect copyright.PENANADWDRzmi8xJ
"YOUR MAJESTY!" exclaimed Sir Eldridge, the royal messenger, bursting through the heavy oak doors of King Hades' study. His face was flushed, and he was panting heavily, having clearly run the entire length of the palace to deliver his urgent news.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAtTRo55O2UG
King Hades looked up from the stack of parchments on his desk, his brow furrowing at the interruption. "What is the meaning of this, Sir Eldridge? Speak quickly."
78Please respect copyright.PENANA4gvixbhPUa
Sir Eldridge took a deep breath, his voice trembling as he delivered the grim news. "Your Majesty, I bring terrible tidings. Lady Vespera Thornfield's carriage... there's been a dreadful accident on the road to the Hunting Festival."
78Please respect copyright.PENANA8kZHiSUsvs
The King's face paled, his quill slipping from his fingers and leaving an unsightly blot on the document before him. "An accident? What of Lady Vespera? And Prince Rowan?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAM1TwDxVwDN
"My liege, Lady Vespera... she did not survive the crash. Her body was found among the wreckage." Sir Eldridge's voice cracked as he continued, "But Prince Rowan, Your Majesty... the boy is missing."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAvjAoy9qUCV
King Hades stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone floor. "Missing? How can a child simply vanish from a crash site?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANA6aKdLNpuEd
"We don't know, Sire. The royal guards have scoured the area, but there's no trace of the young prince. It's as if he's disappeared into thin air."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAZdyBO6kjF4
The King's face contorted with a mix of grief and fury. "Assemble a search party immediately. I want every available guard, knight, and able-bodied servant combing the countryside. Prince Rowan must be found!"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAsUtzlMXyAa
"Yes, Your Majesty," Sir Eldridge bowed deeply. "Shall I inform the other members of the royal family?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANADT9w5ZB7E1
King Hades paused, his mind racing. "No, not yet. I'll handle that personally. For now, focus all efforts on finding Prince Rowan. And Sir Eldridge?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAtU5bkrfez7
"Yes, Sire?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAfgLEwedc9l
"Ensure this news does not spread beyond those directly involved in the search. The last thing we need is panic or, worse, opportunists taking advantage of this tragedy."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAvai0y3SdTW
As Sir Eldridge hurried out to carry out his orders, King Hades sank back into his chair, the weight of his crown suddenly feeling unbearably heavy. He stared at the portrait of Lady Vespera and Prince Rowan hanging on the wall, their smiling faces now a painful reminder of what he had lost and what he desperately needed to find.
-A few minutes later; Helia Palace; Corridor-
78Please respect copyright.PENANA2RewpDsyzs
"How slow," Kyle exclaimed, his voice dripping with disdain as he walked past Sir Eldridge in the corridor. His eyes flickered towards the knight, a hint of superiority in his gaze.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAE40Wj7jO6Q
Sir Eldridge paused, turning to face Kyle. "Excuse me?" he asked, his tone neutral but with a hint of annoyance.
78Please respect copyright.PENANA5F8GWpaf7K
Kyle stopped mid-stride and turned back to him. "I said how slow," he repeated, his smile cold and calculated. "News travels at a snail's pace around here."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAmuVN1ZU3mM
Sir Eldridge's expression hardened slightly. "If you're referring to the recent tragedy involving Lady Vespera and Prince Rowan, I assure you that every effort is being made to handle the situation swiftly."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAWpqZsBHQw0
Kyle chuckled softly. "Effort? Ah yes, effort is what they call it when incompetence masquerades as diligence."
78Please respect copyright.PENANA0drCQoQvKb
Eldridge took a step closer to Kyle, his voice dropping low but firm. "I suggest you choose your words more carefully around here."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAhIM6lreETK
Kyle raised an eyebrow but didn't back down. Instead, he leaned in slightly closer to Sir Eldridge before speaking again:
78Please respect copyright.PENANAzSJJUpGncB
"Or perhaps it would be wiser for some people not to get so defensive about their failures?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAKvMgSaKRoJ
With that parting shot delivered with precision and venom, Kyle turned on his heel and continued down the corridor without another word.
78Please respect copyright.PENANA2utTtfg0gs
Sir Eldridge watched him go for a moment before shaking his head silently and continuing on his way.
-Konira Palace; Around the time Luxana pinned Cillian onto the ground-
78Please respect copyright.PENANAcfyYWgZoug
The opulent tea room of Konira Palace buzzed with renewed excitement as the nobles digested Lady Furia's shocking announcement. However, as the initial surprise wore off, skepticism began to creep into their conversations.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAXtfliXMeA4
"Lady Furia," one noble began, her brow furrowed in confusion, "I don't mean to question your sources, but wasn't Princess Luxana supposed to attend the royal lineage test recently? I heard she never showed up."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAIObmzLC3V7
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Another guest chimed in, "Yes, and if she's truly engaged, why hasn't there been an official announcement from the palace?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANA3RsLf3HuxV
Lady Furia's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Well, my dears, perhaps the engagement is still being kept under wraps for political reasons."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAlYYECV7Pih
"But surely a princess of her age should be married by now," an elderly noblewoman huffed. "It's highly irregular for her to remain unwed, especially with her newfound power."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAuWTyFtYIg1
"I agree," another noble nodded vigorously. "The Dragon Flame heir should be securing alliances through marriage. It's her duty to the kingdom!"
78Please respect copyright.PENANATIW8mSQwkt
The room filled with a chorus of concerned voices, each noble offering their own opinion on the matter.
78Please respect copyright.PENANACgdU06HkpZ
"What if she's refusing to marry?" someone suggested in a hushed tone.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAJ83BL3xCwq
"Or perhaps no suitable matches have been found," another countered.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAHBmrnaWKfl
Lady Furia, sensing the shift in mood, attempted to regain control of the conversation. "Now, now, let's not jump to conclusions. I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for everything."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAKNob04b8KI
But the nobles were not so easily placated. One particularly bold guest addressed Lady Furia directly, "With all due respect, my lady, your information seems... inconsistent. First, an engagement, and now we learn the princess hasn't even completed the lineage test? What exactly is going on in the royal family?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAmeOuvENmkH
The room fell silent, all eyes on Lady Furia as they awaited her response. The atmosphere crackled with tension, the earlier excitement replaced by a mix of suspicion and concern.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAkOpjlpCMHL
Lady Furia's smile became strained as she realized her usual gossip had backfired, leaving her in a precarious position. The nobles' worried whispers filled the air, their questions about Princess Luxana's status and the stability of the royal family growing louder by the moment.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAAixobqAtbb
"I've heard whispers," one noble leaned in conspiratorially, "that Princess Luxana might have a secret lover. Has anyone else caught wind of this?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAqbXdB5XDeQ
The room erupted in excited murmurs as the nobles exchanged glances, each eager to contribute to this juicy piece of gossip.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAjFD5vEU6Mz
"A secret lover? How thrilling!" exclaimed another, eyes wide with intrigue. "But who could it be?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAgnLaakB9tl
"Speaking of scandals," a third noble interjected, "do you all remember the incident during His Majesty's birthday banquet? I heard that Princess Luxana was kidnapped by a charming prince who had invaded the celebration!"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAM77BqDZDJE
Gasps of shock and disbelief echoed through the room. Lady Furia, sensing the opportunity to regain control of the conversation, cleared her throat.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAN61JflqoA2
"Indeed, my dears. The princess's life seems to be full of excitement and mystery. But let us not forget that these are mere rumors and speculation. We must be careful not to spread unsubstantiated gossip about our beloved royal family."
78Please respect copyright.PENANAmkNnmtJNK5
As the nobles continued to speculate about Princess Luxana's supposed secret lover and dramatic kidnapping, a bold voice cut through the chatter, silencing the room.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAdnPudajbK8
"What in blazes are you all prattling on about?" Lady Amelia Blackthorn exclaimed, her piercing gaze sweeping across the gathered nobles. "Princess Luxana was removed from the Royal Family Registry. She's no longer part of the Royal Household!"
78Please respect copyright.PENANASQtKppWla9
The tea room fell into a stunned silence, all eyes turning to Lady Furia, whose face had drained of color. Her teacup clattered against its saucer as her hands began to tremble.
78Please respect copyright.PENANASWbKBfy7zt
"I...what?" Lady Furia stammered, her usual composure crumbling before their eyes. She blinked rapidly, as if trying to process this shocking revelation. "But... how... when?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAUcrVQJOXne
The nobles exchanged worried glances, their earlier excitement replaced by confusion and concern. Lady Furia's reaction only served to fuel their anxiety, as they realized that even their usually well-informed hostess was caught off guard by this news.
78Please respect copyright.PENANAolPgCQBU8J
"Lady Furia," one of the guests ventured cautiously, "did you not know about this?"
78Please respect copyright.PENANAWgL4XlHdy3
Lady Furia's mouth opened and closed wordlessly, her face a mask of shock and disbelief. It was clear that this information had blindsided her, shattering her carefully cultivated image of being always in the know.
To be Continued...
ns3.133.110.34da2