Chapter 1

Four years ago

A starry sky hangs over a vast, empty prairie save for a lone stable in the distance. Three children lay among the thick, tall grass gazing up into the night sky. The chirping of crickets and other insects fills the air as they talk.

“Do you two always do things like this?” a girl with brown hair and eyes asks.

“Of course! Vincent is the one who thought of it. You can just relax and let your mind wander while looking at the stars,” a blond haired boy replies.

“Yeah, but it was Prince Winston’s idea to bring you out here though, Lady Lillian.”, Vincent says. He tilts his head up, straining a bit to look at her. “You’ve been looking down since you arrived,” he goes on. Winston doesn’t say anything. He did notice Lillian’s weird mood, but Vincent was the one who thought to bring her along. A look of regret appears on Lillian’s face as her eyes leave the sky.

“I suppose,” she says simply. Though he doesn’t see her face Vincent can tell she’s crestfallen.

“It only makes sense. I’m sorry that you’ve had to go through losing your family.”, Vincent tells her sympathetically, returning his eyes to the stars.

“At least you don’t have to go through it alone. Vincent doesn’t have his blooded family either.”, Winston says. His eyes widened suddenly. He turns to Vincent. “I-I didn’t mean it like that! I just meant…”

“It’s okay. I know what you meant.”, Vincent chuckles understanding. A relieved expression covers Winston’s face. “But unlike Lady Lillian I never got to know my family. My parents died when I was one years old.”, he shares with Lillian. She sits up and turns to Vincent to meet his gray eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she offers. Vincent nods simply.

“Anyway we’re family now. The three of us.”, Winston offers. Lillian’s eyes betray her shock while Vincent smiles.

“That’s right. We’re just the members each of us got to choose,” he says.

Four years later

“Alright, what’s the overall situation in Gordowe?”, the question comes from a young man at the head of a table. He is joined by four others gathered around. Light fills the room from behind him through the windows, yet the brightness from outside clashes with the intense and serious air that penetrates every aspect of the room. “Lillian?”

“Mother Margret’s detainment has caused an uproar in the town; however, her actions at the cathedral were successful in turning the people’s opinion in favor of the convent. As a result the soldiers stationed there by the church have been forced to back down for now, according to Selena,” a young woman with brown hair and eyes reported from his left.

“Even though the immediate threat has been removed the soldiers are still in the town. They are just on stand-by at the cathedral under Archbishop Rederick’s command,” a young man to his right speaks.

“So have the knights been able to leave as well?”, asks an elderly gentleman in golden knight armor.

“Yes, but they are still keeping an eye on the convent. Just now the situation isn’t as prominent to those that live there. The conflict is more between the people and the cathedral.”, answers Lillian.

“That sounds like a victory: though a small one. Lillian, what does Selena know about Mother Margret’s condition specifically?” the young man asks at the head of the table.

“From what Sir Marcus has told her, Mother Margret’s sentence has not been able to be carried out, thankfully, as a result of the people’s protest. She is, however, being held isolated from everyone.”, Lillian informs him.

“She is in danger as long as they have her. What was the response to me having her turned over to the knights?”

“Because her crimes are against the church they insist on handling it. Including her transport to Lumorra.”, Lillian replies. A thoughtful expression comes across the blond haired man’s face. “If they are allowed to do that she’ll no doubt be killed en route.”

“Winston, if I may ask, with the convent safe, what is your goal now?”, Alexander asks.

“The convent is only safe as long as Mother Margret is safe and the people support both. We need to ensure the church is unable to disrupt the delicate balance in Gordowe,” he answers. An older woman nods her head in understanding.

“Winston is right. Although I doubt even the church will do anything against Mother Margret or the convent. Not now that the people’s emotions are tied to them. A wrong move would cause a riot,” she says.

“So do we leave Mother Margret in their custody?”, Lillian asks. Winston leans back in his chair with his fingers entwined. He twiddles his thumbs as he thinks on the spot before answering. He sighs.

“Yes, for now at least. It’s best if we don’t antagonize them first.”, Winston finally answers.

“Is that wise for her safety?”, the older gentleman questions.

“Actually, she’ll be alright. The church isn’t who is watching her, but the knights. She is only classified as a prisoner of the church. It is the knights who oversee her.”, Lillian presents.

“That’s how Selena has been able to keep up with her condition.”, the older woman guesses.

“Yes, Queen Mother.”, Lillian tells her.

“Alright then. What about Vincent? How’s things on his end?” Alexander inquires.

“I last sent a letter informing him of the situation in Gordowe. I haven’t heard from him since.”, Winston informs them.

“Where was he headed?”, Lillian asks.

“Tymes and then Penoplice.”

“So he is heading to the Regece region?”, the queen mother asks.

“Yes, according to Selena.”, Winston says to her.

“I hope nothing happened.” Lillian voices worriedly. The room falls silent at Lillian’s words.

“Now, now, give the man some credit.”, the older knight speaks up. “The conflict with the church is not widespread. Therefore the chances of him being targeted are small,” he tells them.

“True , but would they send a squad after him after what he did in Gordowe? He did make it clear who he was siding with.”, Alexander offers.

“I don’t think they would, but even if they did. Something that small Vincent should be able to handle.”, Lillian says.

“I would like to agree, but let’s not count out the possibility.”, Winston speaks up as he gets to his feet. “At the same time I’m pretty confident that no one in the church’s service can match Vincent in a fight. Let’s wait to hear from him. It’s only been five days since he should have arrived in Tymes. Let’s end the meeting here.”

“Yes, King Winston.”, everyone present speaks in unison. As everyone gets to their feet Winston turns to the window. He looks out over the path that leads from the outer gates to the castle and spots them opening. Alexander comes to stand by his side. Despite the meeting ending and the good news it brought, the tension had not left Winston’s shoulders.

“I know what you are thinking. Trust me, everything is going to be fine.”, Alexander tells him.

“It’s been so long since we’ve been together just to hold court or for a family meeting.”, Winston says solemnly.

“At least now it’s us that’s handling it this time, but I get it. The influence of the older generation is still present and its remnants.”, Alexander reassures him. Winston turns to face his cousin.

“Can I trust you then?” Winston responds. Taken aback Alexander returns Winston’s gaze with raised brows.

“Are you just doubting me now, or are you finally making it known?”, Alexander retorts. Winston doesn’t reply right away. He turns away to leave and throws the answer over his shoulder without looking at him.

“Both.”

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