Chapter Text
Chapter 1: The Calm Before the Storm
It seems that the more time you have, the quicker it manages to slip through your fingers the second you look away. If you turn your gaze from the present, even for a moment, you will surely end up alone.
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The sun hung low in the sky above the Briar Valley from where Malleus stood by the window, faint winds rattling the window panes. This was the time of day when humans fell deeply into slumber and the world was at rest. Simultaneously, this was when the Briar Valley came to life underneath a vast sea of brilliant stars. Candlelight faintly streamed from the windows of cottages and houses, painting the inky expanse of trees with an inviting warmth.
Hm…I wonder, what it would be like. To be invited somewhere, anywhere, as someone who is truly wanted. Not simply as the creature bound to a noble title. A jester to those who wish to make a spectacle of others different from them.
Malleus’s string of thoughts came to an abrupt halt when he was brought back to reality by a voice. Straightening his posture, he looked down to behold a shy, yet seemingly kind pixie in a maid’s uniform. Giving a small curtsy, she spoke in a hushed, ghost-like voice.
“Your mother, the princess, will be ready for you soon. She requests you wait in the East Hall, just outside of the training room.”
Assuming his regal persona, Malleus rested his hands on his hips and wore a serene smile.
“Thank you, Alette. I shall head to the hall as soon as possible. Please tell my mother I will be waiting for her there.”
Alette gave another small curtsy, departing with the same silent manner in which she had arrived. Once again, the hallway was empty except for Malleus, and the silence was deafening.
Slipping through the dimly-lit corridors, Malleus watched as the reflection of green fire danced along the charcoal-black cobblestone walls of the castle’s interior. Many might have cowered in the presence of a place like this: figures appearing to dance in the shadows, dim lighting that made objects look a little…off. But this was the home of the Draconia family, and many of Malleus’s most vivid memories were formed within these walls. Listening to his mother hum distant lullabies as she stroked his hair until he fell asleep, Lilia turning his magical ice mishaps into snow cones for the palace staff, and his grandmother telling him the legends of old as he sat on her lap on a grand, emerald throne.
These were the memories of a child, which Malleus was not anymore, yet he cherished them in a secret place of his heart. After a few minutes, Malleus arrived in the East Hall, where there stood two grand doors with golden accents that resembled branches. As Malleus examined the detailing, the opposite doors that led to the hall opened with a small force. He turned around to spot Lilia, adorned in a white suit with a cape as green as sea foam and medals from his countless decades serving as the dragon’s right claw—a description given to those who swore their lives to the crown.
Lilia had been the Right General of the Briar Valley for many a year, someone who had fought alongside Malleus’s late father for more years than his parents had been together. One of Malleus’s greatest allies and dearest friends when the world seemed bleak and he had no one else to turn to. Lilia strode into the hall, wearing a teasing yet warm grin.
“Ah, Malleus! It feels as though you get taller every time I see you! Come here so I can get a closer look.”
Levitating, Lilia ruffled Malleus’s hair, extracting a rare laugh from the loner prince. Malleus grinned widely, attempting to suppress further laughter.
“Lilia, you know, only you, Mother, and Grandmother could ever dream of walking away freely from something like that. Had you been anyone else, I might just have had to send my lightning down upon you.”
Lilia chuckled, reveling in some much-needed banter. Expression becoming more serious, he examined Malleus’s facial features, somewhat concerned. After a moment of silence, Lilia spoke in a cautious tone, hoping to keep his prompting somewhat lighthearted.
“Ho ho, I can assume you will be going up against your mother’s lightning not before long.”
Malleus, understanding what Lilia was about to ask, gave him a reassuring smile.
“Yes, Grandmother strongly suggested that my magical strength training with Mother increase in intensity. There is nothing to worry about; it is so I will be prepared for any adversity I may have to face someday. Is that not part of what makes someone a strong leader?”
Lilia smiled pleasantly, letting out an amused huff, resting his chin on the palm of his hand and his other arm folded across his torso.
“Why, I suppose it does. And I am all for training to reach your fullest potential.”
Then, he frowned, only faintly.
“Your grandmother has always had a soft spot for young ones. I had just assumed she would not be the one to vouch for you to push yourself at a much faster rate than what was already working for you.”
A mutual calm filled the air, Lilia seemingly satisfied to see Malleus not being pressured to exert himself beyond his limit, at least for now. Malleus smiled again, a gleam of curiosity in his eyes.
“What brings you all this way to the castle, Lilia? I had assumed you would be off in another land at the moment, exploring secret places no one else would dare to visit.”
Lilia’s eyes became weary at the question, and for just a moment, Malleus remembered that age caught up with even the most youthful individuals eventually. Lilia closed his eyes, recounting the matter.
“Apparently, a major crop storehouse has been broken into, and more than half of the inventory is gone. Rumors have been spreading like wildfire that the Silver Owls are sabotaging our resources in an attempt to starve us during the colder months.”
Lilia sighed, taking a few steps toward the window and looked out at the night sky, as if searching the stars for an answer. Then, he glanced at Malleus’s hazy reflection in the window.
“Maleficia summoned me here in hopes of finding a way to put the citizens’ minds at ease and prevent further fear mongering among them. Once you swear your life to the crown, you are obligated to lend yourself to it in whatever way possible.”
Malleus felt uneasy whenever Lilia spoke in such a way; when it sounded like Lilia only involved himself with the royal family—with him—because of an oath he took on a whim as a vengeful youth. Before Malleus could allow himself to be drawn deeper into his thoughts, Lilia turned around to face him again, chipper as ever.
“But I am willing to do anything that benefits the future of the Briar Valley, and the lives of those in it, especially yours, Malleus. Even though Maleficia can be completely off her rocker—I mean, a wee bit stubborn at times—her heart is in the right place and she cares for you very much.”
Malleus exchanged a knowing smirk with Lilia, knowing all too well what it was like to face the queen’s wrath when someone angered her.
Then, the same doors Lilia had entered were swung open wide by two fae guards clad in obsidian armor with the Draconia family crest. Princess Maleanor glided across the marble floors gracefully, as if to be walking on water. She carried herself with a sense of pride and elegance, her sleek hair cascading down her back. Lilia and Malleus bowed their heads as per the etiquette taught to all in the castle. She stifled a giggle, tilting her head to look at the two.
“Oh, is that really the best you can do? I can pardon my son, but you, Lilia? I thought you knew better.”
Lilia looked up, pouting, appearing to not be very amused.
“Good evening to you as well, Maleanor. It has been some time since we last saw each other (maybe not long enough).”
Maleanor took long strides toward Lilia, resting her hand on his shoulder and smiling cockily.
“My, I suppose it has! We will have to catch up later, then. I know how much you must have missed me!”
Lilia surrendered his cool demeanor, expressing his relief at being reunited with another familiar face.
Malleus watched the converse, not realizing a soft smile had formed on his face. Despite the way Lilia could hold a grudge surrounding the tasks Grandmother and Mother often threw in his direction, they were family. Growing up, Maleanor had been like a sister to Lilia: a stubborn, impulsive elder sister with a deep love for those around her. She knew Lilia would do anything for her, even when she ran head first into danger. In that case, Lilia would run in after her without a moment’s hesitation.
“While you know I could stay and talk for hours, I fear I am holding up some others who are expecting to meet with me. I’ll leave you to it!”
Lilia bowed his head once more, speaking in a hushed tone. “Night’s blessings.” Maleanor and Malleus responded in unison, returning Lilia’s small nod. “Night’s blessings.”
With that, Lilia was off to attend to his business regarding the missing crops. Malleus wished there was something he could do to help, but for now, he had other obligations to see to. His mother was already approaching the grand double doors, which opened on command with a flick of her hand. After watching Lilia leave, Malleus walked after her, entering the room they had been using for their magical training sessions. The walls were constructed of obsidian crystal and tall, glass windows that reached the extensively high ceiling. Maleanor stood in the center of the white marble floor, staff in hand. She lifted it up high, the princess glow orb casting a soft light over the room.
“Whenever you’re ready, we can begin. The magical barrier has sealed us inside. Retrieve my staff, remove the barrier, and set yourself free. Too easy~.”
Maleanor stood firm, letting the staff hang loosely in her grip, as if inviting him to come and take it. Malleus grinned wickedly, allowing his competitive side to take over. He locked eyes with his mother, then began charging toward the center of the room. Chuckling to herself, Maleanor raised the staff, the entire room beginning to shake violently. Cracks began to form on the floor, stretching out from beneath where she was standing, and rapidly making their way to where Malleus was.
Malleus hesitated, his mouth opening slightly in surprise at his mother’s new tactic. Chunks of the floor began to levitate, becoming as unstable as buoys floating on the ocean currents. He quickly regained his focus, continuing to race across the marble, eyes glued to the staff. Approaching the edge, Malleus gathered all his momentum and leapt off the edge, landing with a powerful thump on a floating platform just below. Maleanor spectated Malleus as he managed to cross the uneven landscape with agility and power. However, an enemy wasn’t going to go easy on him just because he was earnest.
Just as he reached her platform, Maleanor shot up into the air, floating majestically over the chaotic training ground. Green lightning began to shoot down from the ceiling, striking faster than the average eye could track. The echo of the crackling bounced off the walls and caused Malleus’s ears to ring. Without stopping, he changed course and jumped down, hanging from the side of the floating platform. Lowering himself, he took shelter on the bottom of the thick floor, grasping roots that had been pulled up from the ground along with the marble tiles.
As Malleus swung from root to root, Maleanor’s lightning got closer to striking him each time. Determined, he kept a steady pace along the bottom of the platform, hanging several feet in the air, over a canyon where the floor had once been. Then, there was a blinding flash, and Malleus felt the root he had been hanging from split in two. In an attempt to preserve his cover, he stretched his fingertips out toward a piece of compacted earth hanging from the bottom of the platform. However, he wasn’t quick enough, and it set in that the anti-gravity in the room did not apply to him.
From high above, Maleanor held her breath as she watched Malleus plummet toward the canyon below. For a split second, she blinked, and then he was gone. The faint glow of green fireflies appeared in the corner of her eyes, and she turned to address Malleus.
“Ah, I see you have been practicing your teleportation spell. Not to mention, your flight~.”
Malleus floated about ten feet away, lifting a clawed hand as he tilted his head, green fire sparking to life from his palm.
“You know to never underestimate me, Mother, for I am your son.” He really was proud of himself.
In that moment, he had finally bested her by taking advantage of the element of surprise.
“Dear? I believe you are the one who has made the grave mistake of underestimating me.”
Malleus had hardly turned around to find the source of the voice when he came face-to-face with a green fireball three times his size.
Leaning back, Malleus’s eyes widened as he felt the heat of the fireball singe his eyelashes. The figure of his mother he had been speaking to mere moments had dissipated into floating golden particles. The real Maleanor came back into view from the same direction of where the fireball had come. Resting one hand on her hip while the other gripped the staff tightly, she scolded him in a concerned, parental way.
“A cloning spell, paired with an invisibility spell. AND a ball of fire that you were not prepared for. Always expect the worst. If you allow even a second for the enemy to reach you, they will—“
Before she could get another word in, Malleus began blasting fire balls of his own, smaller in size but a continuous onslaught meant to give no time for the attacker to react. Maleanor cackled, excited at the sudden change in pace. Malleus was able to soak up feedback and improve himself very quickly, which would be a trait useful to a future king. To avoid the fireballs, Maleanor teleported between each of them, effortlessly dodging all that came her way.
The fireballs increased in speed, and so did her teleportation between them. Minutes felt like hours, until one of the fireballs grazed Maleanor’s sleeve. Malleus discontinued the onslaught of magical fire, and they stared at each other, levitating high above the floating floor. Laughter broke the silence as Maleanor clapped her hands excitedly, exuding an almost childlike aura.
“Very well done! You have finally managed to land your magic on me.”
She lifted up her arm to examine the burn mark on her sleeve; their clothes were burn proof overall, of course.
“Next, all you have to do is land a direct hit.”
Heh, she thinks I will fall for such a basic distraction tactic. I have not forgotten the main goal of this training session.
“Thank you, but I have not forgotten our very first lesson: Do not allow your enemy to wear you out.”
Malleus teleported behind his mother and, this time, snatched the staff from her grasp and vanished, so she wouldn’t have the opportunity to grab it back. He re-appeared on the platform levitating closest to the grand double doors, and held the staff up high, a green glow beginning to emanate from it. The staff was enchanted so only blood relatives of the Draconia family could harness its power, but practice was still required to wield it properly. Ripples began to form across the walls and ceiling, the spell seeming to melt into nothingness.
Setting the staff down, he charged for the doors, swinging them open and slamming them shut behind him. Maleanor let out an amused huff, bringing her hand to her mouth. Slowly lowering herself to the platform where the staff lay, she picked it up, to be met with the double doors opening once more. This time, one of the guards from earlier poked his head in, presumably to make sure everything was ok after Malleus had bolted away so suddenly. The guard’s eyes widened as he took in the state of the room, the chunks of the floor floating over a newly formed canyon where it originally had been.
Noticing the guard’s reaction, she smiled smugly, lighting up the staff.
“Oh? What’s this, someone else interested in training with little old me?”
The room began to rumble again, more cracks forming in the floor. The guard shook his head ‘no’ frantically and quickly closed the doors, scurrying back down the hall. She let out a laugh that echoed through the empty hall; Maleanor enjoyed a little fun every how and then, even if someone did get a little intimidated in the process. The staff glowed again, and the pieces of floor slowly returned to their original spots, the marble tiles looking like there had never been so much as a crack in them. Maleanor closed the grand doors behind her, the room still as ever.
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Malleus found himself sitting alone in one of the castle’s many lounges, resting his cheek on the palm of his hand. In his other hand, he swirled around the remnants of his tomato juice in a delicately-crafted glass. Lilia loved the drink; it was his favorite, in fact. He had insisted that Malleus should try it, and he had found himself drinking it on occasion. After every training session, Malleus reflected on what he did right and what could be improved for the next time. He couldn’t get the memory of that blast of magical fire, flying mere inches over his head out of his thoughts.
If it had been a real battle, and he hadn’t been able to duck in time, that would have been the end of it. Not to mention, the surprise he felt when he realized his mother had been going easy on him during previous lessons. More of her strategic and magical knowledge was revealed when she had attacked from behind. Next time, he wouldn’t allow himself to trust his eyes alone so readily.
The last thing I plan to do is let everyone down. I will dedicate my life to becoming the most powerful and knowledgeable monarch in my lineage, if that’s what it takes.
With a newfound sort of motivation, Malleus clenched his fists, sending cracks shooting up through the glass around his hand. Some of the juice dripped onto his hand, and he let out a heavy sigh. Deep and commanding chimes could be heard from the clock tower, which resided in the town in the hills below, signaling to all that dinner time was approaching. Malleus’s stomach rumbled, but he was in no hurry to arrive at the dining hall. Doing his best to hold the glass together, he carried it out of the lounge and up a long, winding staircase.
Grandmother and Mother were usually very busy from sunset to sunrise, tending to their royal duties and putting the minds of the valley’s subjects at ease. As queen, Maleficia practically had to fight to find time away from her work. Maleanor was princess with fewer duties, but her role in the kingdom was still far from relaxing. They would join Malleus during meals whenever they could, and he was deeply grateful to have such caring and dedicated figures in his life.
On nights like this, when they were both busy, he would often sneak off to Lilia’s cottage in the woods. Dinner was usually on Malleus, of course, since Lilia’s cooking was…less than adequate (to put it lightly). The little cottage had become somewhat of a refuge for Malleus, when he felt overwhelmed by the dozens of servants who tended to him. But unlike most of the palace staff, who held onto a subconscious fear of their rulers, Lilia looked beyond the dragon horns and fire-breathing. Not to mention, Grandmother’s lightning of wrath.
However, Lilia was also busy that night, working to solve very important mishaps across the kingdom. Malleus felt out of place, at times. He assisted with smaller festivities and less taxing leadership positions, but those around him seemed to want him to only train before being able to make any truly significant impacts on the kingdom. He was born with strength and power that the average being could only achieve in their dreams. Yet, there was always going to be someone who could and would overpower him, which was why one in his position must never lower their guard. Though, how would he know once he was finally someone worth rooting for? Someone who was seen for their effort and welcoming nature?
Someone who could be considered a friend to others outside of my current world?
Lilia was all of these things, and he would always be Malleus’s best friend, after all those years of support and mutual trust they had shared. Although, Malleus couldn’t also help but acknowledge that Lilia sometimes spoke of him as though he were still a child. If he was going to prove that the Briar Valley could rely on him, he would first have to show he wouldn’t be a weak link.
Malleus made it to his room, where he had all the amenities a member of royalty could ever want: a balcony, a chandelier crafted with all sorts of magical gems, and a lifetime’s supply of pillows. However, there was one thing that stood out among the rest: gargoyles. Dozens and dozens of gargoyles all over various parts of the chamber. He set down the glass on his nightstand, intending to read up on how to fix it with magic later.
Waltzing over to a dark wooden cabinet, he opened it to reveal all sorts of tools and supplies used for maintaining stone statues. Malleus retrieved a jar containing stone sealer, and approached a particularly worn out and cracked gargoyle. Kneeling down, he dipped a metal scraper into the jar and gingerly began to smooth over each crack, one by one, with the sealer. Gargoyles could be found all over the castle, they doubled as decorative touches to the architecture and a way to prevent water from wearing down mortar and the foundation of a building. They had a clear and admirable purpose, unlike grotesques, which were purely for ambiance.
Truthfully, Malleus didn’t have one answer for why he took such a liking to the gargoyles he found around the castle.
Perhaps, in a strange way, he related to them. Maybe it was the way they appeared to be intimidating, but in actuality, were just waiting for someone to come along and appreciate them for their unique beauty. Or, maybe it was how they knew their purpose and fulfilled it well, serving the creatures in the castle diligently and without fail. But all the same, he was secretly yet deeply intrigued in old things, places, and anything that provided him with a feeling of solace.
Once the last crack was sealed, he smiled down at his work and felt proud of completing another successful restoration. Once it was dry, it could be returned to its rightful place to continue contributing to the greatness of the kingdom.
“You have nothing to fear, Jasper. You are all patched up. With some time to heal, you shall be good as new!”
Malleus chuckled to himself, imagining what it would be like if a gargoyle was able to express gratitude.
The day a gargoyle responded to him in conversation would mark the best day of his life. Although, he might just end up being the one expressing gratitude in that case. Simply being in the presence of a sentient gargoyle would be enough to send him into a state of blissful shock.
Allowing the stone sealer some time to dry, he decided to go onto the balcony for some fresh air. The castle overlooked a series of cliffs and canyons, then mountains beyond that. The one side was open to face the town below, with all its homes and shops and various institutions. As the capital, it was seen as the heart of the Briar Valley, which had shrunk in land over time due to the growing human kingdom. Malleus’s balcony overlooked the town, with the moon seemingly trying to reach for the tips of the trees as it sank lower into the sky. Simultaneously, the sun’s first rays were beginning to peak over the horizon.
Malleus leaned forward, resting both elbows on the steel railing. He was entertained by the thought that he would be chastised if Grandmother saw him like that in public. Mother, while more lenient in private, still cared greatly about the public’s opinion. A faint breeze passed through Malleus’s hair, and for a moment, the gentle wind was the only thing to be heard. Then, the sporadic sound of flapping wings interrupted the steady atmosphere. Looking up, he saw a small bat hanging upside down from the roof, which provided the balcony with cover.
Crossing his arms and looking up, Malleus quirked an eyebrow. The bat was attempting to blend into the dark backdrop of the castle’s stone exterior, but was illuminated by the moon’s glow all too obviously.
“I know it is you, Lilia. Why don’t you come here and transform already? Or are you too scared to admit your little attempt to sneak up on me has just gone to waste?”
With a soft red glow, the bat transformed into Lilia, who hopped down from the balcony roof and dusted himself off. Smirking, Lilia did not seem all too disappointed that his poorly-planned prank had failed.
“Khee hee hee! I see you are far past falling for jump-scares in the night, now. Eh, Malleus?”
Malleus returned Lilia’s smirk with one of his own. They both turned to take in the view, as the sun and moon slowly switched positions in the sky. Lilia heaved himself up onto the railing, taking a seat on its edge. After a moment of consideration, Malleus carefully followed suit. Examining his face, Lilia appeared to be truly content, for once. The stars seemed to bring him a comfort of sorts, one of the many small things Malleus appreciated about Lilia. He didn’t require much to have a good time, and somehow always knew how to lift the spirits of others.
”How did the meeting go? Did you and the board manage to come to a consensus on how to address the missing crops?”
Lilia met Malleus’s gaze, eyes full of uncertainty.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but not everyone is on the same page. It seems we are split down the middle. Some of the other board members and I are advocating for peace talks between fae and the humans. Though, others are advocating for reclaiming all the humans originally took, not just a few mere crops. Maleanor called for a tie, and the matter will be discussed further tomorrow”
Sighing, Lilia shook his head in disappointment.
“There is a deep-seated hatred between our kind and the humans, Malleus. There is a lack of understanding that cannot be so easily erased after generations of being conditioned to think in a violent and skeptical way.”
They both let out a huff, neither quite sure what to make of the current circumstances. Malleus turned to face the horizon, not resting his eyes anywhere in particular. The faint breeze began to pick up again, causing a shiver to climb up his spine.
“Lilia, what do you think of the children of man?”
Lilia perked up, clearly not having been expecting such a direct question. Lilia drew one knee up to his chest, resting his elbow on it.
“Truth be told, I used to despise them with all my being. In my youth, I saw them as thieves meant to be disposed of; that they lacked any moral substance or individual identity.”
As Malleus listened intently, Lilia smiled fondly, recalling a long-forgotten memory.
“Until, one day, when your father declared that he would learn the human language. I accused him of going mad, but he was adamant about learning to communicate with and build a healthy relationship with the humans. And when I questioned his sudden change of heart, he said it was because he realized everyone deserves a second chance. That, and Raverne always had a soft spot for redemption arcs.”
Bringing a finger to his chin, Malleus thought over the sentiment Lilia had just recounted to him. He had heard many stories of his father from Mother, Grandmother, and Lilia, so this one should have been no different. Just another moment where Malleus learned to love someone he admired, but would never meet in this life. However, something about tonight made Malleus particularly inquisitive. Besides, there had been something he had been meaning to ask about for a while, and now was as good of a time as ever.
”Lilia. What was Father like, really? Who was he behind closed doors, when he didn’t have to perform as a valiant war hero or enchant emissaries from distant lands?”
This time, Lilia’s expression became more solemn. He sat there for a moment, searching his memory for the best possible answer, as if afraid to taint Raverne’s legacy with an inaccurate description that didn’t do him justice.
”Your father was…carefree. At least, that was what he wanted your mother and I to think.”
Lilia’s eyes followed a group of clouds overhead, steadily moving across the open sky, which was beginning to turn shades of pink and orange. Now, Malleus’s eyes were glued on Lilia.
“Carefree. I remember, when we were little, he refused to eat any vegetables that crossed his plate. So much so, to the point he would go as far as to bribe the servants with his dessert to eat them and say he did it himself.”
Lilia chuckled at this, finding joy in their walk down memory lane. For Lilia, it felt…refreshing, to be able to speak about someone he had loved and lost so casually, as if they had been there with them just earlier that day. Half smirking-half frowning, he continued on.
“Though, as we got older, he seemed to have no issue finding ways to ensure his paperwork always ended up on my desk. Of course, I hardly ever did it, either, what with my obsession with training. Back when I had the agility of a predator in the night. My my~ what it was to be young!”
Lilia recounted bits of memories he had about Raverne sword training with him for hours on end, serenading their fellow men with tall tales, and fervently reading textbooks of human history in the castle library while everyone else was asleep. The two shared a laugh, the mood on the balcony becoming much more light-hearted. With the sun beginning to rise, it would soon be time for them to go their separate ways. Wanting to take advantage of this rare occasion to ask his burning questions, Malleus spoke up once more.
“Would you mind if I troubled you with one more question?”
Flashing an encouraging smile, Lilia leaned forward.
“Oh, no trouble at all, my boy! This is some of the most fun I’ve had all day.”
Malleus sighed with relief, grateful to have someone who would so readily entertain his questions.
“Do you ever think that you could ever love a human? Or are we simply too…different?”
Admittedly, this question threw Lilia for a loop. He thought back, to before Malleus hatched from his egg.
“Back then, before you had even hatched from your egg, I urged your mother to have a fail safe plan to hatch you, just in case the worst befell her. With your father gone at that point, and your grandmother getting on in years, no one else but Maleanor would have the strength to pass her magic onto your egg. As you know, dragon eggs rely on the love and magic of their parents to sustain them until they hatch.”
For a moment, he paused, holding his breath. Whatever he was about to say next, clearly impacted him in a special way Malleus couldn’t begin to imagine.
“She said to me ‘You, Lilia. In that case, I will entrust my son to you.’ Your mother was so certain you would be a boy, even before the doctors were able to tell. She had developed a motherly instinct very early on, and felt connected to you in an extraordinary way. So, to tell me, a heartless warrior, that I could care for a child I didn’t even know, was ludicrous. Growing up, I was closest with Raverne and Maleanor. I knew I had loved them, because they remembered the innocence and pure-hearted days of my childhood, even after I had become jaded through acts of war. Others despised me, because I had come into the good graces of Maleficia at a young age. But then, you came along, and everything I had thought to be true about myself was flipped upside down.”
Resting his hands on his stomach, Lilia let out a jolly laugh.
“I am glad you came into my life, Malleus. You showed me that someone could love me as I am, even after all these years. Even in my current state, I am still relevant in the eyes of someone who has yet to do great things.”
Something twisted in Malleus’s heart when he heard those words. The desire to be relevant had been something he had been turning over in his mind for weeks up until that point. Perhaps Lilia has a point. Relevancy is not based on who you are in the moment alone, but the people you are able to surround yourself with while getting to where you aim to be.
"So," Lilia went on. "I suppose I could love a human."
This revelation struck Malleus as something worth considering, and just as he was in mid-thought, the sun began to become more apparent as it traded places with the moon in the sky. Lilia chuckled one last time before wishing Malleus a good day’s rest. Malleus watched as Lilia transformed back into a bat and flew to some other part of the castle, presumably a guest room where he would be staying until the immediate political disputes had been resolved. With that, Malleus turned from the sun and retreated into his chambers.
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(Meanwhile)
Maleanor had been summoned to the queen’s private office, to discuss something highly confidential. While she loved her mother, she knew that she could especially be overprotective when it came to the safety of the kingdom. And if she began to become unreasonable, Maleficia’s stubbornness would keep her from opening her eyes to others’ perspectives. However, like her mother, she too could be stubborn, especially when it came to her son.
Maleanor swiftly shuffled down a winding staircase, Alette following closely behind her. As the princess’s primary servant, she had to be able to keep secrets and not be noticed unless prompted to be: that was how you stayed safe in this line of work, being so close to royalty. The pair came to a landing, where a thick wooden door stood. Maleanor nodded to Alette, signaling for her to wait outside. Upon entering the room, Maleanor shut the door just as quickly behind her.
A single green torch flickered in the corner of the cramped office, the faint smell of moss and some other herb swirling through the air. This is where the castle's most confidential documents were stored, tightly under lock and key. Therefore, it was only fitting for its most confidential meetings to be held here, too.
The office chair behind the ornately carved wooden desk spun around to reveal Queen Maleficia, a near spitting image of her daughter. Though, her hair was beginning to thin from age, and she had creases on her face that suggested years of smiling without regrets. Though now, in the dim light, Maleanor had to admit, her more intimidating side was incredibly evident here.
“Ah, my dear. Please, take a seat. There is a very pressing matter I would like to discuss with you.”
While Maleficia’s throat was on the raspier side, her tone was silky and sweet. Not breaking eye contact with her mother, Maleanor gracefully sat in the chair across from the desk, posture straight and hands folded in her lap.
“Mother, you will be pleased to hear that Malleus has been improving in both strategy and agility during our training sessions. I believe that, with time, he will be a truly refined king.”
Maleficia let out a hushed laugh, resting her fingertips on her collarbone.
“On the contrary, I believe Malleus is ready in the present. And with tensions higher than ever, the plan’s execution would be perfect. Don’t you agree?”
Maleanor gasped, her collected disposition dropping for just a second. Composing herself, Maleanor spoke in a firm tone.
“No, I refuse to let you use Malleus in your schemes. Perhaps, if he were more emotionally evolved, he could handle such a task. I am not willing to subject him to a potential threat such as what you are suggesting.”
Tilting her head, Maleficia looked her daughter up and down, curious.
“Maleanor, you know I treasure my only grandchild. Though, you are one of the most proud young ladies I have ever laid my eyes upon. Surely you would have high confidence in the genetics that you have passed onto the boy.”
Now, Maleanor was growing angrier by the minute. Why did her mother have to always go around and use her words against her?! Standing up, Maleanor slammed both hands down on the desk.
“Unlike him, I have centuries of experience putting those who assumed I was weak in their places! I got to where I am today through years of intimidation to hide my own faults and the carelessness of my youth! It is in my best interest to raise him to be better than that. I do not want Malleus getting involved with those humans, for as long as I can help it!”
Unfazed, the aged queen looked up at her daughter with sunken eyes.
“Is it because of what happened to Raverne?”
The princess gasped, lips quivering, not quite sure how to respond. Seeing her daughter’s frozen expression, Maleficia decided to dig a little deeper.
“That rainy night, Raverne stood on the bridge that led to the castle, more excited than ever. He was going to finally achieve his goal of leading a successful envoy and securing a peace treaty with the children of man. I watched from the front steps, how you ran to be in his arms for one last time in what would be weeks. Though, that would be the last time in a lifetime, would it not?”
Raverne hadn’t returned from that trip. Only a few members of the envoy made it back safely, with a letter Raverne had intended to send. According to the surviving soldier’s accounts, he had gone a little ways from the camp to fetch some extra firewood after seeing how exhausted the rest of his men were from the night’s travels. Human soldiers had attacked the camp, seemingly with the intention of allowing no one to escape alive. It had been assumed the human soldiers had discovered Raverne in the woods around that time, but he was the only one they were not able to locate the body of.
Lilia had insisted on accompanying him and the envoy, but Raverne insisted Lilia was needed stationed in the Briar Valley, to protect the castle and the egg. Maleanor suspected that Lilia never fully forgave himself for letting Raverne go without so much as more reinforcements, even after sweeping the area several times in search of him after the incident. After a few beats of silence, Maleficia spoke up once more.
“Do not limit what Malleus can do just because you lost your husband to them. Let him seek vengeance for those who gave their lives to an empty cause built on a childish fantasy. Raverne may have been a fool to believe for a second that mankind could be reasonable; they are selfish and cunning creatures. But—he was strong, and he would never let himself go easily. Whatever those animalistic brutes did to him is worth more than the bat of an eyelash.”
Maleficia rested her hand on top of Maleanor’s, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Please, do not be blinded by grief, but be guided by the pleas of those who sacrificed their lives to maintain peace. Do not disgrace your husband’s legacy and what his dreams stood for, no matter how rash. Let us use Malleus to get closer to the children of man, and strike where it hurts most: the heart.”
Maleanor gulped, grasping onto her mother’s hand for dear life. What would be the consequences of what she was agreeing to?
Author’s Note
If you have made it to the end, congratulations! I am very glad you enjoyed. This first chapter mainly serves to set up the rest of the story. I will have much going over the next few weeks, but I am excited to discover where this story leads us next!