The color of Divinity I - The delusion of reality

The color of Divinity
By Ellnyon

Notes and warnings

Merry Christmas!

Once more, thanks to everyone reading this story, especially my reviewers. I’ll keep doing my best, always hoping it pleases. Review replies are in the end of the chapter.

Enjoy your reading.

Part I

Chapter 5

Edyane drew a deep breath and tried not to panic. Of all the people he didn’t want to encounter in his current state, that child had probably been very close to be the first on the list. Upon sight of the boy, Edyane felt even more reprehensible than he already was. And that was saying something. The young prince’s clothes were those of the night before. Only they were wrinkled, dirty, sweaty and reeked of alcohol and vomit. His hair was greasy and sticking in all places and his face had deep black circles round his eyes. His tall form was slouched and he had trouble keeping his balance due to his headache. The prince hadn’t looked himself in a mirror, but if his looks were anything like his mood or headache, he had to be a sight for sore eyes. Still, what he feared most was not having all his cognitive abilities functioning at the moment, in order to deal with someone as cunning and intelligent as Iadden probably was. Even if he was merely a child.

Edyane knew he had been watched all night by that boy. For someone with a mask, his piercing stare was too intense to pass unnoticed. It intimidated the prince in a way very few things could in his life and he felt a lot more than annoyed at the fact a small child, of all people, could make him feel like that. It made him angry even. He had indeed started looking at the boy as his nemesis. It was just his luck that that child was the beloved brother of the man he was starting to be infatuated with. How two brothers could be so different and alike at the same time, Edyane did not know. The fact was that he had the desire to impress not only Meanea but also Iadden. And what irritated him was that he knew the reason why he wanted to be respected and loved by the Ethen. However, he had almost no clue why he needed that boy’s approval too. At first he had thought it was because that would be important to gain Meanea’s appreciation. But, if he was really true to himself, he fathomed that was not the main reason. There was something very strong pulling him to the boy. Some innate, intrinsic knowledge that the boy was faithful and worthy of trust. The same instinct that told him long ago that he could depend on Quera, Tenaii and Andro, was even stronger referring to Iadden. The problem was that it looked like the one who was not good enough for the boy, was Edyane, himself. And the prince hated it. No one had ever made him feel like that.

The auburn-haired prince, along with Quera and his valet Andro had decided to escape to his quarters unnoticed before anything else, throughout the most unknown passages of the palace. And now, looking at the small black haired Eth, side by side with a lovely blond Ethen child, white mask in place and flawless posture, walking towards them, he regretted that choice. He should have showered first, at least. Still, Iadden had been the last person he had expected to find. And by the way the boy froze in the other end of the corridor when he looked at them as if shocked; Edyane thought with sadness that he had managed what he hadn’t the night before. He had finally impressed the Eth. Just perhaps not in the way he had hoped to.

After a few seconds, Iadden restarted the path that would face them with confident steps. And Edyane couldn’t exactly back out now, even though he sincerely wished he could.

The two children looked refreshed, both bathed and impeccably dressed into nice robes. The Eth’s one was made of forest green linen and the Ethen’s one of lavender silk. The masked boy carried a small, simple bow at his shoulder and the blond Ethen a quiver of arrows on his hands. They finally reached them and bowed. Iadden stepped forward and spoke first, nodding to each of them.

“Good morning. Prince Edyane, Lord Quera, Mister…hum…Andro, was it?” the boy asked the prince’s valet directly. Edyane and Quera bowed their heads in greetings.

“Good morning.” They replied in unison. The valet looked surprised for a second and then bowed, deeply moved. He wasn’t used to be noticed or remembered by nobles (save Edyane and his closest friends) much less acknowledged by a title and his name. Andro had expected this boy to be a lot more almighty and arrogant considering the child’s aristocratic background.

“Yes, milord. Just Andro is okay, though.” He said. Iadden nodded happily.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Andro.” The black-haired little Eth greeted in a perfect pronunciation. He then pointed to the blond Ethen behind him. “I don’t think you were formally introduced yet: this is my cousin, Lessin Midaen’niel Siekih.” The pretty child stepped forward and bowed again.

“Good morning, sires. It’s a pleasure.” He said in a candid accented voice, his pronunciation not as good as Iadden’s. Edyane smiled sweetly at the golden haired boy. Why were all the Ethen such charming creatures?

Midaen’niel was, in fact, a beautiful Ethen child with long golden curly hair much like Meanea. But his innocent and large eyes were of a rich sapphire colour. His lovely features were enjoyable either way, but when he smiled it was like the whole corridor was illuminated. The soft pale skin harmonized with the lavender robes and a golden ribbon tied his hair in a single loose pigtail, creating a pleasant combination. The child’s voice was low and proper, his smile not too wide or too shallow. His big blue eyes, however, were restless, passing from a man to another and examining every little detail. They spoke of an energy, wildness and excitement raging inside, only kept in check by the boy’s careful control and years of induced behaviour regulations. Somehow, that wildness kind of enchanted Edyane, he didn’t exactly know why. One thing was for sure. That Ethen would break many hearts when he grew up. He might even become more beautiful than Meanea. And that was a hard feat indeed.

“Same here.” The prince said bowing, coming unintentionally closer to the two boys. Iadden didn’t move a muscle, but Midaen’niel’s smile wavered and he slightly wrinkled his small nose. Edyane continued unaware. “I see beauty and finesse are a trait of your family. You and Meanea are fine examples.” He praised. Midaen’niel smiled shyly, embarrassed.

“Thank you, your highness.” He bowed his head, a bit flushed. A pink colour that made him all the more endearing. The masked boy looked at Edyane.

“Thank you, your highness.” He echoed. “Unfortunately, I can’t certainly say the same about you.” He continued, shrugging. “Forgive my forwardness, prince Edyane, but you stink. You do smell really, really bad.” Everyone looked stunned at the boy. Was that child reprimanding him? Well, it was effectively true, but the boy had no right to talk to him like that. He could hear Andro and Quera’s gasps of barely contained laughter. Even the small Ethen was slightly chuckling behind a small hand, eyes filled with mischief. But the Eth was not over yet. Taking advantage of the prince’s incredulous stupor, he spoke clearly.

“I would never imagine the heir prince of a great country such as N’Alaera could present himself in such ways.” Edyane continued to look baffled at the child, while the boy spoke in a disbelieving tone at him. Quera and Andro stayed quiet, probably because they agreed with the small Eth. It was Midaen’niel who tried to save him.

“Iadden, how mean…everyone has bad days.” He said matter-a-factly. Iadden turned to him.

“Midaen’niel, have you ever seen Prince Delaen’niel looking anything but perfect in any occasion?” The golden haired boy frowned, wrinkling his nose.

“No, but…”

“No buts, it’s not acceptable. I truly hope this is a one time thing and that your highness doesn’t look like this on a daily basis. I also expect we’re the only ones to witness this…careless conduct.” Edyane finally reacted. He bristled. Who did this child think he was? The boy was right. So what? There were few, very few, from whom the prince accepted this type of comments. That arrogant, nosy child wasn’t one of them. And Edyane could also be mean when he wanted to…

“Well, at least I do not fall on my face in front of the whole city.” He said accusingly. The boy grew stiff.

“I slipped!” he defended himself. Edyane shrugged.

“I know. I was there. Me and every citizen of this Capitol. Your brother must have been so embarrassed because of you.” The boy clenched his hands. Andro was glaring at the prince and Quera even discreetly elbowed Edyane.

“Stop it!” He whispered, angry. Edyane shrugged him off. He was going for the kill, now. The brat deserved it. After all he was only telling the truth too, wasn’t he?

“Well, at least I am what you see. I do not act nice in front of others to please certain people while being mean on their backs!” Iadden replied in a sharp tone. Edyane laughed cruelly.

“Really? Are you implying I am such a person?” he asked with a smirk. The boy shrugged nonchalant.

“If the shoe fits…” Edyane grinned at the black-haired Eth and lifted a hand to touch the masked nose.

“I’m not the one shielding my face.” He said in a sing-song voice. Quera shook his head in disapproval. Andro sighed. “If you’ve got nothing to hide, then why the mask?” Edyane continued. The boy got rigid.

“None of your business.” He said. Edyane got serious.

“My point exactly!” The prince replied. All the tension in the air dissipated as Iadden raised his head to look at Edyane’s face, surprised. Then he huffed and turned his head left, as he always did when he was annoyed.

“Fine, do whatever you want. I was just trying to warn you so that you won’t embarrass yourself. Because, believe me, I know what it’s like and it’s not good. Why do I care, anyway? You’re just a stupid man!” he said shrugging. Edyane looked bewildered at the small Eth once more and his companions glared at him. He actually felt kind of bad now, too. How could a brat like that make him so confused and capricious? “Well, I guess we should be going, right Midaen’niel? I wouldn’t want to keep bothering his highness.” Iadden continued. The golden haired child looked uncertain at the group, not knowing if he should agree with his cousin or not. Fortunately the small Eth didn’t need the Ethen’s approval. “We just want a little information, if you would be so kind.” Iadden asked Quera and Andro, turning his back on the prince. Edyane rolled his eyes.

“Of course, milord Iadden. Please ask anything you want.” Quera said with a smile, ignoring Edyane’s presence as well. The auburn haired prince huffed faintly, annoyed at the little dejected feeling he was experiencing. Midaen’niel looked at the prince and then at his cousin and displayed a small secretive, knowing smile.

“Well, I don’t know if you’re familiar with the palace, but…do you know if there’s a place where I can practice with my bow? Someplace discreet so that we won’t disturb anyone. A garden or something like that. It’s because Midaen’niel is coming with me and that way he could distract himself with the flowers and plants.” The boy explained. Midaen’niel nodded happily.

“Yes, a garden with flowers. I love flowers!” the blond Ethen affirmed. Andro and Quera looked at each other ready to speak, but to everyone’s surprise it was Edyane who answered.

“There’s a beautiful garden with a grand variety of flowers in the Eastern Wing. Has a few trees, shadow and even a fountain. It’s not far at all. Turn right at the next junction, go all the way to the end of that corridor and then turn left, go that way and when you reach the second intersection, turn right once more. There’s a balcony there. The garden is after the wooden door. It’s secluded and only a few know of its existence. You won’t be bothering anyone and I don’t think anyone will bother you there. Just make sure you tell someone where you’re going, so that your caretakers don’t worry about you two.” Iadden and Midaen’niel looked at each other.

“Thank you, your highness.” Iadden said carefully, after a few seconds of silence. Noticing the child’s suspicious tone, Edyane raised his hands exasperatedly.

“I’m telling the truth! Ask them.” He said pointing to Quera and Andro, who nodded, amused. Midaen’niel automatically did turn on that direction. To the prince’s surprise, however, the small Eth didn’t. A few more seconds passed in silence, the boy fixated on the auburn-haired young adult.

“Okay…” the black haired child finally spoke. “I believe you. Thank you, once more, your highness.” Edyane released a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“You’re welcome, milord. I’ll be going too. I’ll be sure to follow your advice and clean myself up.” Edyane replied with his famous bright smile. Iadden shrugged, disinterested. It appeared that Edyane had finally encountered someone immune to his natural charm. Damn. Quera and Andro looked at each other with their eyebrows raised, but didn’t comment. Midaen’niel’s secretive smile was stronger than ever.

“Now, that’s more like a prince…” He said satisfied, nodding. Iadden huffed. Edyane grinned and bowed to the blond Ethen.

“Will you two attend the tournament this afternoon?” the prince asked.

“We’ll be there.” The black haired Eth replied swiftly. Edyane smirked.

“Well, then you’ll be able to witness some of N’Alaera’s best knights in action. I’ll be fighting as well.” He announced, looking at Iadden, expectantly. The urge to be praised and admired by the boy was returning and the auburn haired prince was helpless to stop it. But his main target remained silent and seemingly indifferent. Weren’t young boys like Iadden supposed to be excited with knighthood and tournament heroes? Instead it was his cousin who spoke, surprised.

“Really?” he asked. ”But, isn’t it too dangerous? You’re N’Alaera’s only heir. What if something were to happen to you?!” The prince nodded, pleased.

“I do appreciate your concern, Lessin Midaen’niel, but you’ll see there is no need to worry. I’m one of N’Alaera’s best knights and swordsmen. It’s not that easy to harm me, much less defeat me. That’s why my Father doesn’t oppose to me participating.” He explained, smiling.

“Besides, it’s good practice. It helps him improve his abilities. And they’re not extreme fights to the death. There are rules to determine the winner.” Quera concluded, effectively interrupting his prince’s bragging. Edyane looked at Quera’s annoyed look and smirked. The blond Ethen nodded.

“I see. Best of luck, your highness. We’ll be cheering for you.” He said. Edyane bowed in thanks, wondering at Midaen’niel’s words. Somehow, he doubted Iadden would be encouraging him on. He had to admit he was a little crestfallen the Eth had not said a word about the subject. He had the impression from the previous night that Iadden was knowledgeable in the fighting arts. Damn, that boy made him feel eerie. He definitely hated it. He needed to calm down…

“Well, if you’ll excuse us, it’s getting late and I still have to prepare for this afternoon.” Midaen’niel and Iadden nodded at the prince’s words.

“Of course, your highness.” The little blond permitted. Quera and Andro bowed to the children, in parting and greetings. The children bowed as well.

“We’ll see you at the tournament, then. Milord Iadden. Milessin. It was a pleasure…” Midaen’niel smiled happily, uttering a simple “Same here.” Edyane smiled in return and resumed his way, following Quera and Andro’s lead.

“I’ll be looking forward to see your skills this afternoon, Prince Edyane.” Iadden’s childlike voice echoed in the hallway, stopping the auburn haired prince on his tracks. Slowly the surprise on the prince’s face grew to a victorious smirk glued to his lips. He half-turned to the cute Eth child.

“I promise you won’t be disappointed, milord.” He said confidant, showing his famous charming smile. Right now, he felt like he could take on the world, alone. Definitely that boy made him too fickle. Iadden didn’t say anything further, but stared at him for a long time. At last, perhaps finding what he was looking for, the small Eth nodded, bowed and turned, followed close by a mysteriously smiling Midaen’niel. Edyane did the same, praising himself on the fact his smile hadn’t wavered during Iadden’s scrutiny. That child’s unusual silences and manners unsettled him. And his own feelings didn’t help his case at all. For the life of him, he couldn’t decide if he loved or hated the kid.

TBC…

Ending Notes:

bambi4real: Thank you for your review, once again. I’m glad you liked it. Athios is suspicious that the accident was not exactly an accident. However, he doesn’t know for sure who was the responsible. And Mieri has been a part of that household for longer than he. Even if Athios thinks that Mieri was involved he has no evidence to confirm it. And he can’t exactly point fingers, because he also benefited from the Old General’s dying will. So, he’s keeping silent until he has proof. You’ll see that Athios is a lot cleverer and caring than everyone thinks. He’s cold to them, but he’s perhaps the one who loves and cares more for Iadden and Midaen’niel. They’re not left alone with Mieri or anyone. You’ll see further ahead in the story that those two children, more than anyone, are always being watched…

Scribbles: Well, happy belated Birthday to you too :). It’s cool that we have our birthdays so close to each other. I loved your review. Thanks. That was a great gift. This chapter is dedicated to you. I hope you like this gift of mine, as well…

Violetlove: Thanks for your review and words. I’ll do my best to try not to disappoint you.