Forgotten Kingdoms by Joyce Raley (free novels .txt) 📕

Anthem of the Forgotten Kingdoms (Tune to Come Little Children)

Sweet, sweet Lilliah
Beautiful princess
Be mine and thy shall find
That the blackness is not what it seems...

Cruel Prince Zero
Fuel is thy rage
Power is thy crave
Emptiness is where you shall fall...

Fire and Ice
cruel and nice
Together shall rule
Through the lands of Sorrow and Despair...

Lovely princess
Cruel young Prince
Together forever
In their place of nothingness...

Saviors who risked
Everything for us
Will never be forgotten
Deep in our hearts...

I walked through the battle field, saddened by what I saw. Dead warriors lay everywhere, from my Kingdom and His Kingdom. How I wish I could stop this ancient war. I would give anything to see children play without fear of going out, or my people to smile freely instead of frowning and glancing about...
I was snapped from my thoughts by a low, agonized moan. I quickly found its source and ran to the man. My guards warned me that he was of the Fire Kingdom, but I did not listen. I crouched next to him, my pale blue gaze locked on his ruby red eyes.
"Help...me..." He whispered. He reached his hand up for mine and I saw the Ring of the Royal, a small golden band sprinkled with red diamonds, on his index finger. He was one of the Princes of the Fire Kingdom. But still, I held his warm hand in mine and checked his wound. He had been stabbed roughly in the stomach and left to die. I couldn't save him, but I could help. I stayed next to him and sang the lullabies that my mother used to sing to me. Song of love and peace, ending the war and children laughing. I watched the life leave his shining eyes and his soft smile slowly fade, his last words being, "Make those songs come true...Princess..."
I left with my guards, who had stood by the entire three hours stiff and alert. And that night, with my older brother holding me close, I cried for that man and the thought that I may never be able to fulfill his dying wish.


"Princess, Prince..." A servant greets my brother and I as we step out of our room. "The Queen wishes to see you two. We have an unexpected...Guest. Everyone is waiting." My brother and I exchange worried glances and rush down the steps, to the Throne Room. Who could be here so early? It's barely a few minutes after dawn. And why would they need to speak with all the Royal House?
My questions were answered when we walked in. In the middle of the vast, delicately carved room, stood Princess Leta of the Fire Kingdom, last remaining child of the Fire Kingdom other than Prince Zero. She greeted my brother, Len, and I politely before turning to my mother. "May I speak now, Queen Floe?" She asked. When my mother gave her consent, she spoke loudly, for all to hear. "I, Princess Leta of the Fire Kingdom, have come here, unarmed and vulnerable to give you a message from my father, King Nieanz. He wishes for this war to end and by doing that, would like for Princess Lilliah and the Heir to the Fire Kingdom's Throne, Prince Zero, to marry."
The room went completely silent and my breath stilled. Marry him!? Marry the cruelest man ever known? How could I do that? "Prince Zero has already agreed.." And he agreed!? No. No, no, no! This is not happening...
"Tell me, Princess Leta, how it is possible for me to marry him?" I asked in a surprisingly calm voice. "I don't think I would trust him enough for that." I listened as everyone in the room let out a small breath or relief. Princess Leta flinched at my words, an unknown emotion flashing in her bright orange eyes.
"We have tried truces before, but it did not work." She stated carefully. "Marriage must be the only answer. My brother is not what the rumors make him to be, though he tries his best to live up to them. He wouldn't dare lay a threatening hand on you, Princess Lilliah. We have organized a meeting in the Wind Kingdom for they're judgement and would like for you to join us."
I thought about for a moment before smiling kindly. "We will join you in two week's time. Until then, Princess Leta." I dismissed her with and nod and motioned for my senior guards to follow me out, ignoring my mother's disapproving look. I was to be queen in less than two months. She will get over it.

Text: All Rights Reserved
Publication Date: 06-08-2012

All Rights Reserved