NationStates Jolt Archive

The water ran down the window, the sound of the rain pummelling against the glass beating a steady rhythm, like a hundred hearts pounding a tune. The falling darkness outside contrasting the light shining from inside, an orange glow edging the storm filled sky away from those dwelling in the warmth.

And the room inside was warm, so much so that the woman lying on the bed was breaking into a sweat, tiny droplets resting on her brow. A cool cloth applied to her head by the nurse sitting beside her, like she had for the last few hours. The woman’s cries growing louder with every passing minute, as the moment grew nearer, the doctor nestled before her encouraging her with every word…

* * * * *

The room was silent, all eyes turned to the man at the head of the table as he read through the latest reports of the riots running through Demonica, the people unhappy with the recent roundups of troublemakers. Not that the people of the Empire weren’t used to people disappearing in the night, that had been the answer to all the nations problems, get rid of the instigators and it would just fade into distant memory.

But this time it was different; they had managed to catch the leader of the uprising, but had made the mistake of not allowing him to be discredited before he was put to execution. Therefore he had become a martyr, and his image was now the banner that the masses followed.

Finishing reading the documentation, the man looked up. His anger could be felt even before he opened his mouth and uttered a word. His grey eyes darkening to black, as he made eye contact with those sitting around the table, settling at last on Lord Abominari, the governor of Demonica.

“How long before the situation is under control? The longer these rebels continue to run riot, we appear to be weak in our governing.” He again swept his eyes over his staff before resuming his speech, focusing again on Abominari. “I want the situation over by the end of the week. I don’t care how it’s achieved, just do it.”

Lord Abominari merely nodded. Everyone knew exactly what the Emperor wanted. And what Erebus wanted, Erebus got.

* * * * *

The crowd had been growing steadily, starting with a couple of hundred the numbers had now swelled into the thousands. Each mile saw the people leave their homes, gathering as one, to get seen and heard. Adding their weight to the growing body, mothers, fathers, friends, lovers, and children walking side by side.

Moving slowly through the streets, the crowd were uncharacteristically quiet, for the people assembled were strangely silent. The sound of their feet on the road and the odd lowered conversation, the only sound, the time for chants would arrive soon enough.

Although the demonstration was planned to be peaceful, a fear hung in the air. Something would happen, it usually did. If they could just say their piece, speak of their concerns, then they would leave contented, but there was a growing tension, people buoyed up by their companions were becoming brave, and with that anger.

* * * * *

The room had emptied of the suited and uniformed men and women, leaving just the man at the head of the table and two others. They had been watching a huge screen showing the current situation in Demonica, the growing crowds were beginning to amass in the centre of Cacodemon, the nation’s capital. The people marched towards the government building, with huge banners portraying the face of their fallen martyr smiling above their heads.

One of the men, Lord Abominari turned towards the Emperor, who sat eyes fixed to the screen, waiting for the final reel. “We await your permission, Your Majesty.”

Erebus removed his gaze from the scene unfolding before him. He nodded his head, his voice deep and angry. “Let it begin.”

Lord Abominari picked up the phone on the table and spoke, moments later the results of the call could be seen. As the crowds entered the main square, the full force of the Tartarian Military greeted them. The looks on the faces of those at the front did not show that much surprise…

* * * * *

He had led the crowds through the streets watching as the more and more people had joined the possession down the main roads leading to the heart of the Demonican capital, wanting only their voices to be heard.

Seeing the military force waiting for them came as no surprise. Like his predecessor, Brandon Moore was more than willing to give his life for the freedom of his country, free from the tyranny of the Emperor, who refused to hear the cries of his people. Too long had they suffered in silence, today they would make him listen.

Behind him, he could hear the gasps spreading over the crowd, as the men and women, who had left their homes for a peaceful demonstration, were confronted by the tanks and weapons of highly trained military lined up before them. As if one body, the march stopped as one of the soldiers stepped up onto one of the tanks, loudspeaker in hand, as he called out to the masses before him.

“This is an illegal demonstration. You are in breach of the Tartarian Riots Act. Disperse immediately.” His eyes scanned the crowd, instinctively picking out the suspected ringleaders. “You have ten minutes to beginning clearing the area. Failure to do so will result in the activation of Code twenty-nine.”

The crowd, that was once quiet, now began to grow in noise as the people found their voices, and began to question their course of action. Brandon stood silently at the front, his mind focused, his plan of action already agreed.

* * * * *

Emperor Erebus continued to watch intently, his eyes following that of his soldier, crossing the faces in the crowd, memorising faces, seeing them in different settings. Seeing their spirit begin to lose its fight as their dreams and life slowly ebbed away.

Leaning forward, intent on not missing a thing, he listened casually to Lord Abominari’s explanation of the events to come, knowing full well what was about to happen. His eyes glinted with the power that he possessed. Just one word. He smiled to himself.

* * * * *
Captain Horton continued to stare into the crowd, as instructed by his commanding officer. The message that had just been relayed had not been received as was expected. The crowd remained mostly where it was, the odd individual moving out of the square, children being dragged out of the way.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the movement all too quick. The sound and the falling motion as the body hit the ground from its position on the tank. Pandemonium ensued as the crowd surged in several directions, as different factions realised what had happened. The event panning out in front of them, not quite sure what they should be doing.

Suddenly the air was filled with the sounds of screams, as the military opened fire on the frightened crowd, causing those trying to escape from the flying bullets to fall and be trampled underfoot. The soldiers, indiscriminate in their targets, randomly fired at anyone that moved, regardless of age or gender.

* * * * *

The scene on the screen became harder to follow, as people shuffled and fled, in the slowly darkening city. The body count continued to grow as the retreating crowd ran into the military moving in from behind, effectively cutting off any chance of escape.

Looking over at Erebus, sitting proudly in his chair, hands clasped in front of him on the table, his eyes growing darker as he sensed his impending victory, Lord Abominari awaited for the word.

“Finish it!”

Within minutes the room filled with the sound of explosions as the tanks began to shell the now terrified crowd. In less than thirty minutes later, the mopping up exercise began.

Erebus sat back in his seat, his eyes finally leaving the screen and taking in the two men with him. “The leaders of this farce will rue the day they were born.” He looked at Lord Abominari, his eyes on fire. “Now they have witnessed the strength of Tartarus, I want them to pay for the privilege. Make sure that by the end of their stay, they are singing the praises of our great nation.”

He rose from his chair and left the room with a flourish. Now that this crisis was under control, he had another event to witness.

* * * * *

Lightning could now be seen against the darkness, highlighting the sky with its powerful flash, as heaven’s drums beat out a loud tattoo. The rain continued to pound against the windowpane, as if trying to enter, tapping out a rhythm. The loudest crash of thunder sounded, and was replaced by the sound of a baby’s cry.

The doctor took the newborn child, as the nurse continued to care for the mother, returning several minutes later with the baby wrapped in blanket, lying the bundle upon the new mother’s chest, her hand moving to caress the life that she had just bought into the world. A tear welling as she looked upon her daughter, her face brightened by love.

Making the young lady presentable, the nurse covered her with a sheet to protect her modesty, before the door to the room opened, and the Emperor walked in, his bearing showing the last traces of his anger. The room fell silent as he approached his wife and child, his disappointment at not being presented with a son clearly written in his expression.

* * * * *

As the blood flowed over the streets of Demonica, the Heir to the Empire of Tartarus was born.

I am an interuption.

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Snow had fallen through the night, a blanket of snow covered the ground, giving the scene a fresh and clean look. The sun shone causing tiny diamonds to be reflected where it hit the tiny flakes. The air was cold, and a breeze blew, sending a trickling of snow to fall from the branches.

A shrill sound of a child’s laughter filled the air, as a little girl played happily trying to roll a ball across the whiteness. Her dark brown hair was tied into bunches, and her red coat stood out against the pale background, her deep blue eyes shone with joy. Her hands covered with gloves that had managed to attract more snow to them then they would-be snowman was. She clapped her hands trying to dislodge the build up, and giggled as a fine spray of wetness flicked into her face.

Looking down on the scene from a ground floor window, Empress Maleficent looked lovingly down at her daughter, a smile playing at her lips. Sometimes it felt so much less than five years that she had been blessed with her one and only child. There had been other pregnancies, but none of them had come to fruition, and eventually her husband had given up hoping for a son, and had given up on her too.

Her smile grew as the little girl turned towards the window, and upon spotting her mother, waved her hand enthusiastically. Running towards the window, she slipped causing Lady Maleficent to gasp then resume smiling as her daughter picked herself up and brushed herself down, as her nanny rushed forward to help, but the woman was barely halfway to her before the child was back on her travels. As she neared the doorway, the Empress opened the French windows and greeted the new arrival.

“Gehenna, look at you.” She crouched down and gently brushed the excess snow off the red coat, causing a puddle to appear near the window. “Are you having fun?”

The little girl nodded her head, giggling happily as she attempted to aid her mother. “Yes, Mama. Isla and I are building a snowman of Papa.” She pointed back towards the small ball of snow she had left. “We have a crown for its head.”

Now blocking the doorway was the aforementioned Isla, looking slightly embarrassed as she dropped a curtsey to her employer. “I‘m sorry , Ma’am, I didn’t think she would run off like that.” She blushed slightly, knowing that the Emperor had set rules about what the child could and could not do, and disturbing her parents without invitation was one of the main ones.

Maleficent looked at the young woman before her, and smiled kindly. “It’s not a problem, Isla. I was going to call her over once you had finished.” She rose from the floor, taking her daughter’s hand lightly in hers. She looked down into the child’s eyes, and ran her free hand lightly over her cold cheek. “You may leave her with me. I’ll call you when she’s ready to return.”

“Yes, Ma’am.“ With another curtsey, the young nanny, little more than ten years younger than the thirty year old Empress, left without a word.

Looking over into the room, once the two of them were alone, Maleficent pointed to a table set near one of the couches. “There are some pastries if you would like one, Gehenna.” She laughed lightly as she watched the child’s eyes grow wide with delight.

* * * * *

Another set of eyes were watching as Gehenna played out in the snow, these did not contain the same love and affection that her mother had. In fact, they hardly showed much emotion at all, in fact, many didn’t believe that the man in question actually felt love. His life was the Empire, and he had little time for many of the people in it, except in the principle that the nation was made up of its people and he dedicated his life to the nation.

But it was not entirely true, though he may not have loved his wife and daughter in the ways that most people did, he did respect their position in the scheme of things as they sat in the nation, and he could not deny that Gehenna was his heir regardless if he had wanted a son or not, and the situation was not entirely lost. He would just have to ensure that the Empire was in safe hands by arranging his daughter’s eventual marriage to a strong man, who may not be head of state, but one who would be powerful enough to guide the future Empress in the way that Erebus would want.

He watched in silence as the child shot off towards the Palace, knowing that his wife would be responsible for the little girl’s behaviour. The young woman with her had spotted him looking from the window, and had taken after her. Huffing to himself, he moved away from the winter scene view and moved into the room.

Walking slowly to his desk, Erebus stopped and stared up at the portrait hanging over the fireplace, a life-sized depiction of the him dressed in his coronation robes, looking resplendent, bringing back memories of one of the happiest days in his life. His father had been a good Emperor, but Erebus knew that he was a better one. The nation was thriving, and he had managed to make it grow strong without the interference of the outside community, not that they were cut off from the world, but they kept themselves mainly to their neighbours.

He continued on to his desk, just making himself comfortable when a knock at the door caused him to sigh heavily, and before he could even answer, the door swung open and Lady Amelia Stratton walked in, followed by her son, Damien. And although he was less than pleased with seeing his sister, his nephew was a different matter. There was something about the boy that reminded Erebus of himself, and he had plans, if things turned out as he hoped.

“Amelia, how many times do I have to tell you? This is my private study, the one place I do not like being disturbed.” The frown on his face had scared away war hardened men, but the woman barely batted an eyelid.

She walked over and kissed her brother’s cheek as if nothing was said. “Erebus, I was passing and thought I would pop in to see you, it’s been weeks.” She indicated the snow outside. “And if the weather gets any worse than this, and it will probably be even more before my next visit. And Damien so wanted to see his favourite uncle.” The look on the boy’s face spoke otherwise, and Erebus imagined that the twelve year old had better things in mind. “How are Maleficent and Gehenna?”

“They’re quite well…” Erebus began, not being one for small talk, he stood and was about to suggest that Amelia would be better advised if she asked them personally, when she cut him off.

“Of course, they are. Actually, it was Maley that I dropped in to see, she’s been from her usual self recently, she’s not…?” Amelia stopped herself suddenly, knowing that rumour had it that the couple had not shared a bed for some time. “Well, I know you are a busy man, Erebus, I’ll let you get on.” She air kissed his cheeks, and made for the door. “Come along, Damien.”

The boy smiled at his uncle, who returned the gesture, with an almost caring feel. He liked the young man, and regardless of his age, Erebus saw great things in his nephew. He knew that the young man had much potential, and he would make certain that he was given every chance to shine.

* * * * *

The door opened to the sitting room, and Amelia entered, her smile growing as she caught sight of her sister-in-law. Walking up to the younger woman, she pressed her lips to each of her cheeks. “Maley, how are you, my dear?” Giving little chance for answer like she had with Erebus, she turned and spotted Gehenna. “And look who we have here?” She returned her gaze to Maleficent, and frowned. “I take it Erebus doesn’t know she’s in here?”

Maleficent sighed as she watched her daughter, still ploughing her way through her cake, sitting quietly on the chair, trying to stop the crumbs falling down her dress, her coat lying across an adjacent seat. “No, he doesn’t, and even if he did, I see nothing wrong with her being here with me.” She smiled at the little girl, before indicating a chair for Amelia, only then catching sight of the young man standing by the door. “Damien, please, help yourself to something.”

The boy walked over to the table, looked at the wares on offer, then sat quietly on the chair near his cousin, and began to consume his choice, his eyes travelling between the others in the room, until his mother’s voice drew his attention. “Damien, why don’t you take Gehenna outside? I’m sure she would like to play in the snow.” He nodded and offered his young cousin his hand, as he grabbed her coat, then guided her into the garden.

Settling into her seat, Amelia looked at Maleficent. “I take it that things are still strained between you two.” She shook her head sadly. She remembered when they had first met and been married, Erebus had shown the first signs of feeling towards someone, but the death of Emperor Acheron had been a terrible blow to Erebus, so much had he looked up to his father, and then had grown to learn that the Empire was not as he had thought it to be. He had vowed that his son would not inherit the throne in such a way. And that was when the couple’s problems had first started. As the years past, and no male heir came the distance had begun to grow, until they barely spoke, just putting on a show for the sake of appearance.

Even the eventual birth of their daughter was not enough to heel the damage, and had, if the truth be known, been the event that had caused the final bit of love that Erebus carried in his heart for his wife to die. But instead of languishing over this split, Maleficent had turned all her affection towards her daughter, which gave her husband a greater hold on her. He forbade her from seeing her daughter for more than a brief period every day; if she could not give him the son he desired, then he would stop her seeing the one thing she loved most in the world.

Maleficent laughed at the comment. “Strained? Oh, Amelia, there is nothing left to be strained.” She suddenly looked saddened, her problems seemed so less painful when she could pretend they didn’t exist. “But I’m happy enough.” Her smile returned to her face. “Have you spoken to him today?”

Amelia grumbled under her breath. “I don’t think it’s possible to speak to him.” She shook her hand and sighed. “Perhaps I shall just drop him a note next time.”

Suddenly the sound of playful screaming could be heard coming from outside, and Maleficent stood and moved over to the window, watching the playful antics of the two children outside. The ball that was intended for the snowman’s body was slowly beginning to grow as Gehenna watched, and helped as best as she could, as her older cousin gathered the snow, patting it into a ball shape before slowly rolling it along the floor.

* * * * *

The Emperor was also drawn to the window by the sound of the laughter, his eyes fixed to his daughter, and more importantly to the boy beside her.

“Yes, I have high hopes for you.”

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Sitting at his desk, Emperor Erebus worked his way through a pile of documents, his secretary sitting opposite, taking notes as her employer spoke, the list of things to do growing with every minute. He rushed through his dictation, barely taking a breath between topics. His speech interrupted by the phone, the woman leant over and picked up the receiver.

“Emperor Erebus’ office…Good morning, Lord Abominari, please hold the line while I see whether His Majesty is available.” She hit the secrecy button and looked at her employer, who nodded his head and held his hand out for the phone.

“You are dismissed.” He waited until his secretary had left the room. “Abominari, what is it?…Trouble?” Falling silent, he listened to the man on the other end. “I thought the man was ready to talk…Prepare him, I’ll deal with him myself.” He put the phone down with a bang.

* * * * *

A loud squeal filled the air, as a group of children ran around the palace grounds. In the middle of the back lawn, a marquee dominated the scene, with an array of colour brightening up the surroundings. The scene was one of happiness and joy, and no one was more happy than the young Gehenna.

Lady Maleficent looked over at her daughter, then cast her eye to her watch, noting that her husband was already an hour late. She smiled at the woman before her. “They appear to be having fun.” She turned her attention briefly for a sign of the Emperor.

“He’s a busy man, Maley.” Amelia took hold of her sister-in-law’s hand. It pained her to see the younger woman so miserable. “He’ll be here.”

Maleficient shook her head, remembering how prompt Erebus had been to Amelia’s son’s party. If I had given him a son, things would have been different. “He could make time, Amelia, even just a few minutes. He can’t even bring himself to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.” She swallowed down her growing tears. “She’s his heir. She deserves a little of his time.”

* * * * *

Erebus looked out of his study window, down upon the scene below. He knew he had to make an appearance, but this little problem wouldn’t take him too long, and then he could play happy families, smile to the crowd.

He watched his daughter playing, and running, her smiling face for the briefest moment making him think kindly of his wife, as he remembered her before they were married, before all the stresses of her inability to provide a male heir tore them apart. He turned at the knock on the door, his secretary walking in at his assent.

“Lord Abominari, your Majesty.” She opened the door a little wider to reveal the afore mentioned man waiting outside. “Shall I show him in?”

Erebus turned back to look out the window, seeing Gehenna waving enthusiastically at him. “That won’t be necessary.” He walked through the door and silently both men continued down the corridor.

* * * * *

Gehenna smiled with delight as she saw her father standing at the window, and waved. As he moved out of sight, she knew he was coming out, so she ran to the door, hoping to meet him on the way out. She shot off across the lawn, and disappeared inside the Palace, knowing where her father would be coming from. She continued to run up the corridor, her excitement growing as she longed to tell him what gifts she had received.

She reached the door of his office, the secretary smiled at her. “Lady Gehenna, your father is not here. You should go back to your party.” She rose from her desk and walked over to the little girl. “Your guests will be missing you.”

Nodding her head, Gehenna ran out of the door, continuing along the corridor in the direction that Erebus and Abominari had taken. She stopped running, walking along quietly as she heard talking begin up in front of her, listening to see whether one of the voices was her father’s.

The corridor was dark and dank, the walls were nothing more that bare rocks that made up the foundations for the Palace, damp with moss and trickles of water. The old dungeons has been left exactly as they had been built, little work other then general maintenance had been perform on them. Over the years their use had deteriorated.

The lighting was kept low, upgraded from the old wall sconces many years ago, the effect of the electric bulbs did little to detract from the essence of old. This also aided the disorientation of anyone being brought into the area, in an attempt to foil any attempted escape.

The echoing quality of the acoustics enhanced the sounds up ahead, highlighting the goal of the little girl that walked down the corridor, her footfalls lost in the noise of the voices up ahead. Gehenna was not afraid of the dark, yet there was something about the corridor that made her heart pound loudly. Her pace had slowed almost to a crawl as she edged towards the sound of her father’s voice.

As she reached the entrance to the room that the sounds were coming from, she carefully placed her hand on the wood and began to push it open, the wooden door given some resistance. The gap growing slightly, Gehenna peeked inside the room…

* * * * *

“Aaaahhhhh!”

The cry filled the whole of the room, resonating against the walls and bouncing back in on itself. The atmosphere was thick and tense, and the fear hung in the air; heavy enough almost to touch. Ages old, tied eternally to the very fabric of the room, the panic and fear of men and women lingered, bringing the place to life with its morbid memories.

Tied to chains in the middle of the room, arms spread outward and up, while his legs were pulled down and outwards, the man who had emitted the scream looked down at the blood smeared knife, his eyes wide. A long line of crimson welled up across the man’s chest, recording the trail the blade had taken.

“So, you refuse to tell us what we want to know?” The man holding the knife, walked slowly around the prisoner, his eyes scanning the body before him, looking for the piece of flesh to add a blaze of colour too. “I grow tired of your delaying tactics.” The Emperor toward Lord Abominari. “Seems we will have to teach him a lesson.”

With a nod of his Imperial head, a man standing in the shadows moved a large wheel, and for a moment all was silent, until the grinding of chains broke through the quiet, and shifted the pull on the prisoners limbs, dragging a moan from his lips.

“I will…not speak.”

The Emperor’s eyes flashed for a second, then the blade tore through the flesh on the man’s back, another scream filling the air.

* * * * *

The child stood motionless, unable to move; not sure whether to enter or run. Her eyes were transfixed to a tear of blood that welled and fell, running down the length of the man’s chest. The scream ripped through her body, causing her to jump, a tiny cry escaping from her, hidden amidst the man’s anguish. She did not blink, she did not turn away, she was frozen.

Once the noise had died down, she let her eyes move about the room, her gaze falling at first on Lord Abominari and then onto her father, the shinning blade, crimson coated held out before him, as he continued to moved around the man, talking to him, his voice edged with anger, which frightened her. She had never heard him sound like that before.

Gehenna watched in horror as her father continued to torment and torture the man tied in chains, watching as his skin became covered with an intricate pattern of lines, crossing over each other, each one spilling blood over an untouched patches of flesh.

* * * * *

The Emperor had grown annoyed, no matter what he threw at the man before him, he would not speak, in a fit of anger he thrust the knife deep into the man’s chest, and listened with an expressionlessly as the man once more cried out in pain, this time the sound was gargled, as the Emperor guided the knife downward, slicing through flesh. A pool of crimson began to gather on the ground between the man’s outstretched legs.

* * * * *

Gehenna screamed, as her father cut into the man’s body, her eyes fixed to the knife as it moved through his body. She saw her father turn towards the door, a look of rage on his face, then she ran. Back along the corridor, her tiny footfalls echoing along its length.

“Gehenna!”

She heard her father’s voice, loud and angry following her as she managed to negotiate the darkened passage finally finding the entrance, which returned her to a familiar part of the Palace, but still she ran, and ran, until she finally made it back to the garden.

She looked around the crowd of people until she found the face she was searching for and ran as fast as she could, almost crashing into the woman’s legs. “Mama.” She cried as she broke down into tears.

Lady Maleficent crouched down and placed her arms lovingly around her daughter, pulling her in close to her chest. “Gehenna? What’s the matter?” Her brow creased with motherly concern, she had never seen the child so pale and upset. As she cradled the weeping child, she looked up over the little girl’s shoulder and spotted her husband at the Palace entrance, his eyes blazing. “It’s going to be alright.” She whispered to Gehenna, as she felt even more hatred rise for the man she once loved.

Sitting beside the bed, her hand gently stroking the forehead of the little girl, who was finally falling to sleep. The child’s breathing began to slow and then become the rhythmic pattern that indicated Gehenna had reached the land of dreams. The woman sat with her, her hand continuing its soothing massage, as she waited to see whether her daughter would once again wake up screaming, as she had several times already.

Lightly, just above a whisper, Lady Maleficent began to sing a lullaby, the tune calming her own wrought nerves, as it eased the sleeping child’s mind, dispelling whatever images seemed to haunt the little girl’s dreams. Continuing her vigil for an hour, the young mother finally rose from her seat, and nodded to Isla, who would remain in the room with the young princess, in case she should awaken again. The woman had already been told that the Empress was to be called the moment it happened.

With a last look at her sleeping child, Maleficent left the room. As soon as she stepped over the threshold she could feel her anger rising, kept down only by her concern for her daughter. But she knew her temper would not subside until she discovered what exactly had happened. Anyone who saw the Empress walking down the corridors that day would attest to a determination rarely seen in the normally placid monarch.

* * * * *

The study was dark, the sun having set several hours before. There were no lights on, to break up the bleak interior, the single occupant wanting the calming solitude, following his rather busy day. And he was annoyed. He did not like things not going to plan, and today had not been anywhere near what he had expected. For one, he had not anticipated his daughter appearing just as he had ended the life of his enemy, nor had he wanted the disruption that her return to her birthday party had caused.

The child had been shaken and upset, in floods of tears as she rushed into the arms of her mother, who swept her from the proceedings, practically ending the festivities then and there, even though his sister and several other people present hand made certain that the guests continued to have fun, even without the guest of honour.

And he had felt the anger than emitted from his wife as she shot him a look, even if it was over the length of the lawn. The flare of hatred in her eyes could not be mistaken. But he did not care; in fact, he got pleasure in seeing her suffer. She had failed to give him the one thing he had wanted, even if he knew that it wasn’t from want of trying. She had cried long into the night she had been told she would not be able to carry another child to term.

He got up from his chair and walked over to the window, his eyes falling on the now abandoned marquee, the guests were long gone, and the staff had finished their tidying. Tomorrow evening there would be no signs that the party had taken place.

Walking back over to his desk, he sat down. Flicking on a small lamp, he picked up some paperwork and pushed all thoughts of the situation to the back of his mind.

* * * * *

Storming down the corridor, Maleficent could barely control her anger. She could not recall the last time she felt this way about anything. She was not stupid, she knew that the Emperor held the gender of his heir in poor light, and that he hate his own wife for the fact, but she would be damned if she would let him allow Gehenna to ever get into such a state. The child had been sobbing uncontrollably.

Finally reaching his office, she knew he would be there as it was normally where he stayed to avoid having to have contact with her. It was unofficially referred to as his ‘Sanctuary’ by her and her acquaintances, although none would ever refer to it as such in front of the Emperor. People knew that it was fine to tease his behaviour in secret, but if he was to find out, the retribution would be hard. He had exiled several people for merely disagreeing with him in the past.

Nodding to the man standing outside, Maleficent had opened the door before he could speak. The sound of ‘Your Majesty, he asked not to be disturbed…’ were cut off as she closed, or rather slammed the door behind her.

Looking towards her, Erebus could barely contain his own anger at his wife’s interruption. “What are you doing here?” His words echoed around the room.

“What did you do to her?” Maleficent’s voice sounded deadly from someone usually so placid. “What did you do?” She reached the edge of his desk before she had finished, barely giving him time to rise.

Erebus slammed his hands down on the desk. “She was where she was not allowed. You let her out of your sight.” He sounded oddly calm, despite the look on his face. “She is not permitted in the dungeons.”

“The dungeons!” Maleficent’s eyes widened with shock, her mouth opening and closing several times as she tried to form words. “She saw what you do in there?” No longer shouting; her pitch was barely above a whisper, as she suddenly realised what her daughter could have witnessed from the brute in front of her. “I thought you were stopping that?”

Erebus’ eyes flashed, as his voice grew loud and booming. “I am the Emperor of Tartarus. I am the Supreme Ruler of all I survey.” He glared at her causing his Empress to take a step back. “Not you. Not anyone else. Me.” His breath came hard as his temper grew.

“She is only a child! Do you know what you’ve done to her?” Her concern over her daughter’s welfare overcame her fear of him.

“She is my heir. She is will take over this great Empire.” He practically spat out the words. “She will see worse in her lifetime. She will order greater punishments on people.” Erebus’ voice lowered once more. “It is time she began her lessons.”

* * * * *

The moonlight shining through the chink in the curtain was the only source of light in the dark room. As tiny eyes flashed open, it took a moment for the child to realise that her eyes were open, and that the sound that had filled the room was her own voice. She felt the remnant of a tear trickle down her cheek.

Breathing heavily, Gehenna looked, seeking out the familiar and loving face of her mother. But she was alone, and in the darkness her mind replayed the images of the man, the crimson streaks pooling at his feet as they drained from his body.

Feeling a fresh welling of tears growing in her eyes, the little girl slipped out of the bed, wanting the safe caress of her mother’s arms. The woman who could make all the bad go away. Her bare feet made no noise of the carpet, as she headed over to the door, and pulled it open.

Slowly working her way through the private apartments, she wandered to each of the rooms she knew her mother occupied the most. As she discovered each one was empty, she felt her panic growing, and her eyes began to mist over again, as the tears threatened to come.

She continued to move between the rooms, opening doors and listening for the soft sound of her Maleficent’s voice. A faint trace could be heard coming from the hall, in the direction of her Father’s rooms. The need of her mother more important than the rules that she had been given about keeping out, Gehenna moved quickly to the door.

The security officer, who had been standing outside, had moved away from the door once the shouting had started, failed to see the young heir of Tartarus open the door.

* * * * *

“Don’t you even think about it!” The young woman was seething, her temper soaring higher than it had ever been. “You are not going to turn her into you! I won’t allow you to!”

Like a red rag to a bull, her words caused her husband to move around the desk, edging dangerously close to his wife. His face was set in a glare, his eyes glowing with anger that could be seen in the semi-darkness. “You won’t allow?” He growled at her. “You won’t allow?” As he neared her, his temper flared, and his are swung out, catching her across the face with her back of his hand, sending her onto the floor.

Instinctively her hand flew up to her battered cheek, as her eyes fixed to those of the Emperor, her own filled with fear. As he drew closer, she tried to edge away, but he caught hold of her shirt and pulled her to her feet, his other hand already pulling back for another swing.

“Mama?”

Releasing his hold, Maleficent moved quickly from the grasp of her husband, and crouched in front of Gehenna, wrapping her arms around the frightened child, as her husband glared angrily at them both.

“Get out! Get out of here!” Erebus’ voice bellowed around the room, as he turned his back on his wife and daughter.

As tears flowed down both of their cheeks, Maleficent carried Gehenna out of the room, and tried to comfort her as she fought to stop herself from shaking.

The Ewige Verdammnis Palace was in uproar, people were running left, right and centre as they made ready the Ballroom for the events up ahead, a celebration unseen since the Coronation of the Emperor. A gathering of dignitaries and other high ranking individuals, brought together to celebrate and in style.

The Ballroom had been decked in fresh flowers. Ribbons of red and gold sparkled under the dazzling lights of the chandeliers that hung in intervals along the length of the room. Once darkness approached, the full effect would be seen, as the sun streaming through the windows stole the glory. But at night, with only the gently glow of the moon and the twinkling of the stars, the room would come alive.

Lady Maleficent walked through the room, her eyes running over the décor, making sure that everything was coming along nicely. She knew that the people in charge of the proceedings would do the best job that was humanly possibly, but that did not stop her from giving it the once over, just to still her own mind. She wanted everything perfect.

Rushing up towards her, a clipboard held tightly in his hand, came a short weasel looking man, who seemed to scuttle around like the rodent he resembled. He dropped the Empress a low bow and faced her with a huge smile, but his eyes held a look of concern, as if the woman before him was here to pick up on some failure of his.

“Your Majesty, you honour us with your presence.” He fell in beside her as she continued to walk along the room. “As you can see, everything is well in order, and will be finished within the hour,” he spoke quickly, his speech similar of that of his movements. “This Ball will be the talk of the Empire for years to come.”

Maleficent smiled sweetly. “Kendrick, you have done an astounding job as usual.” She stopped in the middle of the room, and spun slowly around, taking in everything that surrounded her. “It’s perfect. You should be proud.”

“Why, thank you, Your Majesty.” He dropped another bow, his face transformed by the huge smile that spread over his face, no hint of the concern that lay buried in his eyes. “I always give the best I can, Ma’am.”

“And today, you have surpassed yourself.” The Empress positively glowed with her happiness.

The skittering man, lead his companion around the room, detailing tiny points of interest that he was most proud of. Maleficent followed along side, nodding and smiling as he spoke.

* * * * *

“Your highness, if you keep fidgeting, we’ll never get you ready in time.”

Isla sighed silently as the young girl before her sat still for a minute before once more turning her head as she tried to watch the two members of staff who were making ready the gown that the eleven-year-old Princess would be wearing. She knew that the child was excited about the day ahead, but it was poor Isla’s job to her dressed ready, and she knew that the Emperor would be fuming if his daughter was not ready on time.

“Isla, you really should not worry so, I know that you will get me ready.” Gehenna looked into the mirror before her, and watched as Isla skilfully arranged another strand of hair into the elaborate creation she was working towards. “You are very clever.”

Isla stared at the young girl’s reflection and watched the smile spread over her face. Whatever anxiety the older woman was feeling was momentarily swept away in her charge’s look. “We’d still be finished a lot sooner if you kept your head still.” She shook her head playfully, and continued with her task.

Sitting as still as she could, wanting to get her hair finished as quickly as she could so that she could put on her dress, Gehenna watched the actions of the room in the mirror, causing the barest number of tuts from Isla as she momentarily forgot herself and turned her head, only to return it to its straight position with a little cheeky smile.

Less than ten minutes later, Isla clapped her hands with joy, and smiled into the mirror, catching the Princess’ gaze with her own. “All finished.” She turned the girl’s chair around, and admired her creation from the front. “Perfect.” She felt her smile growing with pride. “You look beautiful.”

“You always say that, Isla.” But regardless of her words, Gehenna smiled with pleasure and gave her a hug. “Thank you.” She looked over towards the bed, where the enchanting creation, that was to be her dress for the day, laid spread across the top. “Come help me with the dress, Isla. We don’t want to be late.” She cast the older woman a cheeky grin, then moved swiftly to the bed, receiving a shake of the head from Isla.

* * * * *

Emperor Erebus stood in the main audience room, pacing back and forth as he waited for the two women in his life to join him. He looked at the clocked, sighed and took another sip of the wine he was holding. Shaking his head he once again began his pacing.

Beside him, his sister looked on, a slightly amused look on her face, as her eye’s followed her brother back and forth. “Erebus, you are going to wear a hole in the carpet.” She grabbed a bottle of wine and carried it over to the Emperor, refilling his half empty glass. “They will be here, on time. You worry too much.” She gave him a sorrowful smile and returned the bottle to its home.

“This is a big day, Amelia.” He turned and watched his sister nod in agreement. “You know as well as I do.”

Amelia laughed lightly. “I remember another on his tenth birthday who had his father pacing in agitation, and he made it on time.” She moved over to the couch and sat down, just as the door swung open and revealed Lady Maleficent, who looked resplendent in an ivory gown, her hair piled on her head, a tiara crowning her. “Maley, you look lovely.”

Rising back off the chair, Amelia walked over to the Empress and gently pressed her lips to each of her cheeks, as she took hold of her hands, then stepped back and admired the woman even more. “Absolutely charming.” She looked over at her brother. “Don’t you think so, Erebus?”

The Emperor looked over at his wife, running his eyes over her form and grunted lowly. “Very nice.” He turned then and focused on the door. “No Gehenna?” He raised his eyebrow questioningly.

Maleficent turned from her husband and faced Amelia, a large smile on her face. “She wants to make an entrance; I said we’d meet her in the hall.” She tightened her hand on her sister-in-law’s then turned to Erebus. “If you care to join us?” She did not wait for an answer as she led Amelia towards the door.

* * * * *

Gehenna stood at the top of the stairs, where they curve around and separate into two, waiting until she could hear the sound of the people below making their way to the bottom in the hallway. Beside her, Isla was patting a few strands of hair into place, ready for the Princess to make her appearance.

Hearing the gently cough of her Mother, a signal arrange between them, Gehenna moved from her position, appearing at the top of the sweeping staircase, her ivory gown brushing lightly against the carpet as she walked. The paleness of the silk contrasted with her dark brown hair. Her blue eyes bright against her skin, shined with excitement.

Giving her brightest smile, she walked down the stairs to the gentle applause of her mother and aunt, as her father watched on silently. As she reached the bottom, Lady Maleficent took her in her arms, careful not to crease her dress. As she placed a tender kiss on her cheek, smiling as enthusiastically as her daughter, she whispered in her ear. “You look beautiful.”

Lady Amelia clapped her hands with delight, and looked at her brother expectantly. “Are you going to say anything?” Her voice was low so the other could barely hear.

“We should be leaving.” Emperor Erebus walked passed his wife and daughter and headed towards the main door, as the two women and the child watched him silently.

* * * * *

The crowds had gathered along the route to the Amtseinführung-Palast, as the carriage carrying the Emperor and Empress of Tartarus moved through the streets of the Capital. Not that the people had a good view of the royal couple, as the mounted soldiers obscured their view. But it was more the taking part in the event that mattered more than actually seeing the participants. The fact that the couple were safely inside a bullet-proofed enclosed carriage only helped to hide them from view.

In a carriage following behind sat the ten year old Princess Gehenna, waving enthusiastically through the glass window, smiling brightly as she headed towards the place of her Investiture, marking the moment that she officially becomes declared Heir to Emperor Erebus, once a very important function in the royal ascension, now nothing more than a tradition.
The procession seemed to take and age, and eventually the carriages drew up outside, a huge red carpet leading up the steps to the entrance of the building. An officially pulled opened the door and bowed as first the Emperor and then his wife exited and made their way up the steps. Both had bright smiles on their faces, although one was not quite as real as that of the other.

Just as the two made their way inside, the second carriage, which had managed to fall behind, all part of the planning, pulled to a stop, and once again the official stepped forward and pulled open the door. As the Princess emerged from the door, a hand was presented to her, which she placed her own upon, and stepped down onto the carpet, a bright smiled on her face as she looked into the face of her seventeen year old cousin, Damien.

The two walked slowly up the steps following where Gehenna’s parents walked only moments ago.

* * * * *

The ceremony was full of tradition, each section of separated by a traditional song, full of praise for the ruling house, the Empire itself and the continued success and growth of strength of all those in a seat of power. The aspect of the ceremony followed age old doctrines that called forth the power invested in the Emperor, thanked him for his guidance and for producing a worthy successor for his throne for the sad time when he would be taken from his loving people.

As this was being delivered, from the back of the huge hall that was filled on either side by hundreds of guests, down the aisle walked a group of four men, elaborately dressed in the official colours of the House of Erebus. They walked in a diamond procession, one at the front, two side by side following him, and a single man bringing up the rear.

The first man carried a sword, the hilt held at waist level, the blade held vertically up in front of him. The two men behind carried the standards of Emperor Erebus and Princess Gehenna, while the last man held before him a velvet cushion, in deepest red, on top of which was borne a crown, sparkling in the lights hung above from the high ceiling.

The procession continued up towards the front of the hall, where the future Heir to Tartarus sat upon a large throne, almost lost in its size if not for the brightness of the gown she wore. The man standing at the lectern stopped his reading, just as the four came to a halt in front of Gehenna, the two standard bearers moving to either side of the throne, while the man with the sword sidestepped to the left, and stepped back, until he was standing level with the crown bearer.

With a loud fanfare of trumpets, Emperor Erebus stood up from his own chair, and approached the group. As he stopped before throne, and let his gaze fall upon the people present, his eyes lingering on that of Lord Nefarious, who had taken his place behind the throne once he had finished walking his cousin up the aisle. He then lowered his gaze to his daughter, who flicked her eyes to her father’s before returning them to a point directly ahead of her.

The Emperor was presented the crown, which he picked up carefully from its velvety bed, and held securely a foot above his daughter’s head. “Today, I proclaim my successor. The one, who will follow down the path that I lead, and who will take on the mantle when I leave the mortal realm.” He spoke clearly and loud, a proud look in his eye as he completed the tradition that his father carried out on him. “From this day forth, Princess Gehenna of Tartarus will be recognised as the rightful Heir to Tartarus.” As he finished his speech, he lowered the small crown upon the head of his daughter, as the sound of applause filled the hall.

Presenting his hand to Gehenna, Erebus aided her from her seat, so that she could stand before her future people. Her eyes fell upon the face of Lady Maleficent, whose face shone with pride, in contrast to that of her father, who stood beside her, picturing the scene he would liked to have seen before him as he crowned a son his heir.

The Princess Gehenna, smiled happily, unaware of the thoughts of her father. She was caught up in the excitement of the moment, that would continue back in the Ballroom of the Palace well into the early hours of the morning.

Galloping across the open field, Gehenna gave the horse its head, for a moment giving it control as she became nothing more than a willing passenger. The sun was blazing down from above, with just a light breeze stopping it from becoming too unbearable. Not that the princess minded, as she lost herself in the ride, forgetting everything for a while.

The scenery raced past, a blur of green beneath her mount’s hooves. She thundered over the grounds of the palace, being free of the constant tail she had, but she knew that they were within easy distance, and were watching her every move, just like they always did. But when she was out on her own, she let herself pretend that she was free, and more importantly had privacy.

Bringing the horse to a halt, she dismounted and led it over to the lake, allowing it to drink some water. She released the reins and watched as it moved to the water’s edge, bending down hits head to get its first refreshing drop. Gehenna walked a little to the right, near a clump of trees that would give her a little shade. Lowering herself to the floor, she rested her back against one of the trunks, as she worked off her riding boots and socks; her whip and hat resting beside her.

Making herself comfortable, she let her eyes drift closed, hearing the gentle lapping of water and the breeze as it rustled through the leaves above her. The horse whinnied, before wandering slightly, its tread gently against the grassy ground. Taking in a deep breath, she relaxed totally slipping slowly into a light sleep.

* * * * *

“You know we are going to get into trouble, don’t you?”

A laughed followed. “Only if we are caught.” Pushing aside a branch, and releasing it into the face of his friend, Jonathon moved through the clump of trees, heading for the lakeside, where he often enjoyed an afternoon swim. “You worry too much, Mark. It’s not like we are doing anything wrong, just having fun.”

Mark released a gently sigh. “That’s what you said before we were caught in Mrs Hilliard’s garden.” He rolled his eyes, knowing that this endeavour was going to end in the same way.

As Jonathon continued through the trees and bushes, he began to pull his t-shirt over his head, getting himself ready to jump straight into the water. “I didn’t know her stupid dog was going to be out, did I? Normally she’s taking him for a walk.” He stopped and looked back at his friend. “And anyway, this is different. We live in the Palace grounds, so this isn’t trespassing.” He faced forward grinning. “And no one comes out this way.”

Not feeling at all convinced by his friend’s words, Jonathon continued to follow, slightly behind his friend, wishing he could find some way out of the situation without getting ridiculed by Jonathon, but no matter how hard he tried, all of his solutions would make his friend think that he was a chicken. So despite his discomfort, he decided he had no other choice than to go along.

Picking up his pace, no longer worrying about Mark’s arguments, Jonathon continued to remove his clothing, or at least the articles that he could while on the move. Within moments, he reached the edge of the lake, and dropped his belongings onto the ground before he sat down and began to pull off his shoes. His socks followed, then his trousers, until finally his underwear was lying on the pile with the rest of his clothes. He was already naked and ready to go by the time his friend caught up with him.

“Jonathon, I really think this is a bad idea.” Mark barely had the words out of his mouth before his friend was lost in a splash of water. Sighing more heavily, Mark slowly began to work on untying his shoes.

* * * * *

The horse whinnied, pulling Gehenna out of the light sleep she had drifted into. She blinked her eyes, adjusting them back to the brightness, as she looked over at her mount. Rising to her feet, she walked slowly over towards it, stopping halfway as she heard sounds coming from behind her. Turning slowly, she looked towards the trees that she had moments before been resting beneath, realising that the noises were coming from beyond them.

Walking back the way she came, she picked up her riding crop, leaving the rest of her items where they lay on the ground, and made her way slowly through the trees, her whip held up ready to strike at whatever was there. Deep inside, she knew she should be raising the alarm, simply done by pressing the tiny device she always wore, but she certainly did not want to raise a full scale security alert for something that could be nothing more than a couple of animals.

Edging forward slowly, her bare feet barely making a sound on the soft grass, she made her way through the small clump of trees, pushing the odd branch and twig out of her path. As the greenery began to thin out into an open area, she stopped and peered ahead, seeing a boy standing there, working open the buttons of his shirt. Moving slightly, to get a better look of the whole area, she stood on a twig, revealing to the boy her presence.

“Who’s there?” Mark looked around him, trying to find the source of the sound. “Jonathon! Let’s go!” Without another word, he picked up the few items he had dropped and disappeared back into the trees.

Seeing him leave, Gehenna cast her eyes around the clearing, and stepped through the bushes, looking in the direction he had left in. She watched the trees for a moment, wondering if he would return, knowing it was unlikely as she seemed to have scared him off. She smiled to herself then turned preparing to make her way back to her horse. As she did so, she spotted something on the ground, and moved over to take a closer look.

There lying on the grass was a pile of clothes, next to which was a pair of shoes. As the boy had grabbed his before he ran, that could mean only one thing. She picked up a couple of the items, a shirt and a pair of trousers, and moved towards the water’s edge.

“Is anyone there?” She let her eyes scan over the lake, and was a little surprised to see no one. Just then off to one side, she heard someone move, sending the water crashing against some low rocks, that lay a small distance out in the lake. Slowly she watched the head of another boy appear from behind it.

“I’ve done nothing wrong.” He stammered quickly, as he looked at the girl standing before him, waving his clothes around. “I’m just swimming. That’s all.”

Gehenna looked at him a moment, trying to work out her best course of action, knowing that she should be calling for security to have him hauled out. But there was something about him that seemed familiar. “Who are you?”

“I’m Jonathon, Jonathon Aston.” He edged a little further around the rock. “My father is one of the grounds men here.” Keeping his nakedness hidden under the water, he moved out from behind his cover. “It was just so hot today, and we wanted to cool off.”

The thirteen year old Princess stared at the boy, not at all impressed with his reason. “You know swimming in the lake is not allowed.” She continued to stare at him. “You had better get out in case someone catches you.” As she spoke she walked back over to his belongings, and dropped the two items she was carrying on the pile then stepped past them. She kept her back to the lake, listening for sounds of movement as the boy climbed out of the water.

Rushing up to his clothes, Jonathon grabbed them quickly and dashed into the trees, before dressing. “Thank you for not reporting me.” He poked his head over the bush he was hiding behind, and looked to where Gehenna was standing. “You aren’t going to report me, are you?” He asked nervously.

Gehenna laughed and shook her head. “Not today.” She met his eyes with hers. “You really should be more careful. You were fortunate that I spotted you and not one of the security personnel, especially if you did not ask for permission to be here.”

“It was hot.” Jonathon began.

“You think the Emperor is concerned with your comfort in this heat?” Gehenna shook her head and sighed heavily. “You should hurry up and dress, and then go after your friend. I seem to have frightened him off.”

Jonathon laughed. “I think he was looking for any excuse to get out of swimming.” He emerged from the trees, his shoes and socks still in his hand, his other clothes were now covering his body. “He wasn’t keen on the idea.” He looked at the girl in front of him. “You haven’t introduced yourself, you know?”

Gehenna stood before him and looked incredulous. “You don’t know who I am?”

“Of course I know who you are.” He burst out laughing again. “But we haven’t been officially introduced yet.”

Laughter emitted from the young Princess. “I did not realise this was a formal occasion. I thought I had just caught you trespassing?” She raised her eyebrows questioningly.

“Does that mean we can’t be friends about it?” Jonathon dropped his shoes to the floor then followed them down. He looked up to her face.

Gehenna stared for a moment, open mouthed, unsure of what was going on, finding herself losing control of the conversation. “Friends?” She frowned at him, her brow creasing. “Are you sure you know who I am?”

“I can only assume as you won’t introduce yourself.” Jonathon pulled on a sock as he broke into more laughter. Returning his gaze to her, he smiled. “You are the Princess Gehenna, are you not?”

“Yes, I am.” She spoke quietly as she continued to look at him as if he were some kind of escaped maniac.

“Are you not allowed friends then?” Jonathon grinned at her, before grabbing his shoe and tugging it on his foot without untying the laces.

Gehenna looked sadly down at him before turning away. “I have friends.” She moved down towards the water’s edge and stared out over the lake.

Jonathon quickly pulled his other sock and shoe on, before rising from the ground and moving over to where she now stood. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to suggest that you didn’t.” He edged his way around her until he was standing in front of her. “But a person can never have too many friends, you know?”

Raising her eyes to his, Gehenna looked a little nervous. “I’m not sure Papa would be happy...” She stopped suddenly, realising what she was saying.

“I may not be like your other friends, but we can always just say hello if we see each other.” He pointed to the area around him. “Should we both find ourselves out walking or something.” He noticed her facial expression had not change. “Only if you are alone, of course.”

Gehenna smiled. “I’d like that.” She watched as he presented his hand to her, which she took. One large shake and he grinned at her, letting go of her hand.

“I’d better go, before Mark informs the world…or more importantly Father, that I have been caught by Her Imperial Highness.” Jonathon gave a little bow, and set off at a jog towards the tree line. “It was nice meeting you.” Not giving her a chance to answer, he disappeared from sight.

Laughing lightly to herself, Gehenna shook her head and made her way back through the trees, to where she had left her horse and belongings.

* * * * *

Entering the palace, Gehenna made her way quickly up to her room, nodding the odd greeting at the people she passed. Her thoughts were filled of the boy she had met earlier on her ride. He was certainly not like anyone else she had met, for one she had caught him by surprise, had made her fail to chastise him for not addressing her properly. In fact, he had failed to behave at all correctly given her status. She silently vowed that should she meet him again, which she hoped would not happen; she would instruct him in the correct form of address.

She pushed open the door to her room, and headed straight to a chair. Sitting down, she began to pull off her riding boots, when her maid entered from the bathroom, the sound of running water coming from inside.

“Your highness, I have your bath running. I thought you might desire one on your return. As she spoke she moved over to where Gehenna was sitting, and took hold of the young girl’s boot. “Let me help you with those.”

Grasping the edge of the seat, Gehenna took the strain as the woman pulled, almost flying backwards as the boot slipped off, before the same procedure was repeated on the other. She collapsed back in the seat, as the maid carried the boots to the door, placing them there for her to remove them later.

“Isla, do you know a Jonathon Aston?”

Isla turned and looked at Gehenna, nodding her head in a fashion which almost admitted how much the woman wished she did not. “There are few around here who do not know of the young scallywag. That boy is always in trouble. He’ll end up in prison or worse before he reaches twenty.” She turned and looked at the young girl. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason. I just heard his name today and wondered who he was.” Gehenna smiled, as she rose from the seat, her fingers working on unbuttoning her shirt.

“You’d be all the wiser to forget you heard his name, and hope that you don’t have the misfortune of bumping into him.” Isla shook her head again as if trying to sweep away all the stories she had heard about the lad, let alone the mischief she had witnessed herself.

Gehenna laughed. “Forget who, Isla?” She turned and smiled at her maid, before disappearing into the bathroom.

Sunlight edged its way through the gap in the curtains, a finger of light seeping into the darkness. Particles of dust danced in the natural spotlight, as it moved slowly across the room, finally touching then creeping over the bed. The covers moved suddenly, as the mound beneath came to life. A soft murmur and the flash of an arm indicated the wakening of the body beneath.

Suddenly the room was flooded with brightness, and the happy sound of a whistle. Beside the window, silhouetted against the morning light, the outline of a woman lowered her arms from the mechanism that operated the curtains. Inside the bed, the sound of a groan, as the limited flesh showing disappeared back under the covers, and the mound turned into a tighter ball.

“Come on, Your Highness. It’s time to wake up.” The cheerful voice filled the room, causing another groan to come from the bed. “Your parents are expecting you down for breakfast in an hour.”

The lump in the bed moved again, growing in length, and a head suddenly appeared over the top of the covers. “Isla, if I am not needed for an hour, there is no rush to get up.” The thirteen year old Princess rubbed her hand sleepily over her eyes. “I could have another forty five minutes.” And as if to prove her point, she pulled the covers back over her head, and snuggled under them.

“Gehenna, do you really want to upset your Father?” Isla shook her head as she watched her charge, before heading over to the wardrobe. Pulling open the doors, she began to look for the right outfit for the young woman to wear.

A large sigh came from beneath the covers, before the face of the Princess emerged once more. This time she sat up, and looked over at the maid. “You know I do not.” She frowned, curling up her features in a scowl. “I cannot imagine why he puts us through this every week. I know he is not fond of me.” She turned her body, placing her feet on the floor, and stretched her arms high over her head.

Turning from her task, Isla smiled as she looked at the young woman. “Of course he is fond of you. He’s your father.”

Gehenna looked at her maid as if she was some kind of two headed freak. “Isla, I know how he feels about me; he has made it very clear on more than one occasion.” Leaning over slightly, she located her slippers, and placed her feet inside. Standing up, she reached for her dressing gown, and pulled it around her body. “Maybe a few years ago I might have believed it, but not anymore.” She gave Isla a smile, before disappearing into the bathroom.

* * * * *

Forty-five minutes later, Gehenna stood outside the door of the dining room about to push it open and enter. Hearing voices inside, growing louder as they approached her direction, she stepped back just as the Emperor and one of his advisors came through. Erebus looked at his daughter briefly, enough time for her to drop him a quick curtsey. Her eyes followed him as he walked down the corridor before disappearing around a corner.

She stood where she was for a minute then walked through the door, her gaze instantly falling on her mother, who was seated at the table. The woman’s eyes lit up, and a smile spread over her lip. The young woman frowned as she indicated the door, no words needed to be uttered.

“Your father was called away to urgent business.” Lady Maleficent let her eyes roam over her daughter, commenting silently to herself how much her daughter had grown and blossomed. “We can still have breakfast together.”

Smiling happily for the first time that morning, Gehenna made her way over to the table, and took her seat. She looked at her mother, unable to hide the look of relief that she felt at being spared the company of the Emperor, a look that was mirrored in the Empress’ face. “Do you think he will be gone for long?”

As she spoke, a servant moved over to the table and presented the Princess with platter for her to choose her food from. Pulling off the lid, he displayed the bacon, eggs and other hot food that was laid out. Raising her eyes to him, Gehenna waved the food away, as another servant entered the room, carrying a newly filled pot of tea, which he duly poured the young woman a cup.

“It seemed very important, so he could be gone most of the day.” The Empress smiled and waited for her own breakfast to be served. Once the two women were settled with their choice of food laid on their plates, the servants pulled away from the table, and were eventually dismissed from the room. “Do you have any plans for today, Gehenna?”

Shaking her head slowly, she chewed the food she was eating before answering. “I thought I might go for a walk in the grounds or maybe a ride.” She gave her mother a wry smile. “Hopefully long enough to miss Monsieur Ducal.”

“Gehenna, you know how important Tartarian history is.” Lady Maleficent shook her head sadly. “Monsieur Ducal is a renowned professor of Tartarian military history. Do you want to be the only Head of Tartarus that knows nothing of her nation’s past?”

The princess placed her toast back on her plate and looked at her mother, the expression on her face spoke more than the words she uttered. “Mama, it is a beautiful day, the sun is shining. How can the past even compete with that?” Gehenna smiled charmingly. “Anyway, once I am Empress if there is something I need to know about the life and times of my ancestors or any other person or event that has shaped the Empire I will only have to ask.” She picked up her toast, and looked smug. “Just like Father does.”

Lady Maleficent raised an eyebrow questioningly. “I thought you planned to do things differently when you become Empress?”

“I do, but only the important things.” Gehenna smiled at her mother then took a bite of her toast. Swallowing she took a sip of her tea, washing down her breakfast. “It is so nice out. Do you mind if I go?” She placed her napkin on the table, waiting for the Empress to answer.

“Have fun.” Lady Maleficent shook her head again, and smiled. She watched her daughter rise from the chair, walk over to her and place a kiss on her cheek. Taking hold of her daughter’s hand, she held Gehenna beside her for a moment. “Try to get back for Monsieur Ducal.”

Gehenna nodded. “I will.” As her mother freed her arm, the young princess turned and made her way out of the dining room, through the French windows that lead out towards the gardens, and beyond them, the lake.

* * * * *

Escaping the confines of the palace, Gehenna stepped out into the beautiful summer day, feeling more than a little relieved that she had managed to be spared having to dine with her father. She knew that the whole thing was her mother’s idea, some way for her to get the Emperor to love his daughter, but the Princess was not foolish enough to think that it would work. Unlike Maleficent, Gehenna had no real desire for there to be any real connection between her and her father.

Moving over the lawn, walking slowly down towards the rose garden, she heard footsteps on the path behind her. She paid the sound little attention, assuming the sound was made by one of the security personnel, who liked to keep tabs on her. It was one of the reasons she tended to disappear into the rose garden, close to the palace and yet away from prying eyes…as well as there being an easy escape down one of the sides that lay towards the lake.

“Gehenna!”

Turning suddenly, the young princess was surprised to come face to face with not her security personnel but her cousin. “Damien?” She looked about her, suddenly feeling as if she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “Father is busy in a meeting.”

Damien nodded at the young woman and smiled. “I know.” He gave her a slight frown. “But what makes you think I came to see him?” The smile lingered on his lips, as he stared into her eyes.

“You always come to see father.” She raised her eyebrows triumphantly, smiled and turned, continuing on her way. Before she had taken a step, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Stopping, she sighed heavily as he made her way around her, until he was standing in her path. “What do you want, Damien?”

“For a future Empress, Gehenna, you really are going to have to work on your manners.” The young man practically spat the words out at her, keeping his hand on her shoulder, as if to stop her getting away. “I just thought it would be nice for us to do something together, it has been a long time since we even spoke to each other. We used to be friendlier than this.”

Gehenna brushed her cousin’s hand off her shoulder, despite the fact that he towered over her. “Damien, I have some place that I am meant to be. If you want to waste some time until my father is free, I suggest you use the library.” She shot him a glare. “Excuse me.”

“I will not be dismissed like some servant, Gehenna.” He grabbed her arm, and scowled. “I really do not know what has gotten into you. What happened to the sweet girl that used to reside in this body?”

Blinking several times, Gehenna continued to stare at Damien, as if he had spoken some strange language. It was not that she hated her cousin, but there was something about him that she distrusted. Over the years, it had been evident that her father had grown fond of Damien, and showed him more attention than he had ever giving to her. At first this had hurt her, but as time moved on, desiring her father’s affections had become less and less important, until she gave up needing it entirely.

Gehenna suddenly smiled. “What do you want to talk about?”

Taken slightly by surprise, Damien stared at the princess then returned her smile. “I just thought it would be nice to spend some time together.” He released his hold on her arm. “I would like us to be friends, Gehenna.”

Nodding her head, she pointed towards the lake. “Walk?”

Damien looked around the area then stood aside to let her lead the way, falling in beside her, the topic changing momentarily onto the weather and scenery.

* * * * *

From his office, Emperor Erebus stared at the two young people standing on the lawn. His eyes remained fixed to them as his advisor continued to ramble on in the background, before more voices joined in and fell away from the conversation. Even though he knew at the end of the discussion he would be asked to make his decision, he let them continue their debate, fighting over the best course of action. He picked up the important points, letting the rest roll over his head.

He had contacted the young man the previous day, invited him over for a talk. He had plans for his nephew, and over the years he had been moulding him, feeding the boy his ideals until they had become Damien’s too. Now the boy was a man, seven years older than Erebus’ daughter, and even if he did saw so himself, the boy had turned out better than he had hoped.

As the Emperor watched the way he dominated the conversation outside, a smile appeared on his lips briefly, his plans appearing to be coming into fruition. Nodding his head slowly, he drew his attention from the scene through the window, as the young couple disappeared from his sight.

* * * * *

Seething inside as she made her way from the palace, Gehenna could think of no polite way to shake her cousin from her side. Also she knew that if she did something to displease him, her father would be informed, and would take his side. Not just because Damien was his favourite – even if this was a big part – but also because he was termed an adult and her thirteen years left her in the minor league. That did not mean that she had to take his treatment lying down.

Finally reaching the rose garden, Gehenna led him to the nearest bench then sat down, making herself comfortable as he took the spot beside her. She let her eyes drift around the garden, loving the sight of the flowers. She took a deep breath, enjoying the summer scent.

Slowly she turned to her cousin, running her eyes over him, before fixing them to his gaze. “So, to what do I owe this pleasure?” She raised an eyebrow questioningly, suspecting that he had no desire to talk to her, and had just forced his presence on her because she had turned from him.

“Do I need a reason to spend time with you?” Damien gave Gehenna his most charming smile. “You really have become touchy. We used to spend hours talking to each other.” He leant forward slightly. “I used to be your favourite. You used to come running to me when I arrived, hid behind me for protection…” He looked at her, his expression mirroring hers. “And now you cannot even bear to talk to me.”

Gehenna leant back in the seat. “People change. Perhaps I can stand on my own two feet, and do not need your protection anymore.” She let out a slow drawn out sigh. “I am not a child anymore. I am a young woman, who needs to do things on her own, and not be hampered by others.”

“Hampered?” Damien looked stunned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” Gehenna turned away from her cousin and looked down the garden, before shaking her head, and once more catching his eye. “Damien, I really do not want to get into this, it is a nice day…and I have a lesson in a few hours.”

Shrugging, the young man reclines back a little. “You know, I am not trying to make your life difficult, I just want to mend the friendship between us.” He gave her a little smile. “Is that too much to hope for?”

Gehenna smiled, shaking her head slowly. “I guess not.” Unfortunately, I cannot trust you. You are in my father’s pocket, she thought, her face not giving away her feelings. “I really need to go. We will catch up soon, I promise.”

Damien rose from the bench, and presented his cousin with his hand. “I cannot ask for more than that.” He returned her smile, his disappointment in her reaction making it fail to reach his eyes. “I just want us to be friends.”

She took his hand, and let him help her from the seat. “Thank you.” Looking up into his eyes, she smiled. “Yes, friends would be nice.” She suddenly recalled another who had asked her the same thing only days before, and realised that out of the two, she knew which one she wished to pursue, an idea popping into her head. “I will bide you farewell, Damien. Mother is in the dining room, if you wish to call in on her.” Without another word, she turned and headed further into the rose garden.

Watching her go, Damien stood still for a moment until she disappeared then turned towards the palace, making his way to the door. As he went, he could not help feeling that things were not going to be easy.

* * * * *

Stopping just around the edge of the bushes, Gehenna peeked around to see whether her cousin had chosen to follow her. Watching him make his way back to the palace, she crept back into the rose garden. She let out a sigh, as she wondered just why Damien had chosen this particular time to approach her about a friendship. Deep down, she knew that he was merely using her as the Emperor had been called to a meeting. For a moment, she could not help feeling that he would have appeared in the middle of breakfast, where she would have been forced to have been more civil to him.

Men!

Shaking her head, she moved around the edge of the rose garden, staying close to the hedges, ready to duck down should her cousin turn around. Finally reaching the halfway mark, she pulled a couple of the bushes apart and pushed her way through the hole. Quickly she made the dash between the hedge and the clump of trees nearby, and made her way to the lake, where she hoped to bump into a potential friend.

Relaxing as she walked towards the lake, Gehenna began to wonder just what it was she thought she was doing. She knew exactly what she was doing parse, she was looking to make a friend, but her reasons for doing so were what where really troubling her. Was she doing in just to rebel against her father, knowing that he would hate the idea or was she really looking for a friend who saw her as someone other than the Princess Gehenna, Heir to the throne of Tartarus?

She walked for some minutes, her eyes flicking around, seeking, as she listened for signs of life. She was not sure why she had expected him to be around the lake again, she was certain she had scared him off the previous day when she had come across him and his friend bathing, not that the other boy had gotten anywhere near the water’s edge before he had run off at her appearance on the scene. She found herself smiling at the memory.

Moving through the trees that lined the lake, she walked along the water’s edge, her eyes gazing across the rippling surface. She was not sure whether she would find the object of her search, but she continued, hoping that there would be some trace. She began humming softly to herself, as she walked slowly, making the most of her own company, away from her usual way of life and the hustle and bustle of those around her. She liked to walk or ride around the grounds, away from her life though never really alone. Her hand moved to the little gadget she carried around with her at all times.

“Anne Heg.”

Gehenna spun around as the voice reached her ears. She instantly recognised the owner, and looked around for the source. As she turned, she heard the thud of feet as they touched the ground. Her eyes fell on him then looked above him at the tree he had been sitting in. Her brow was furrowed as she returned her attention to his face, though there was a twinkle in her eye.

“Well, I didn’t expect to see you so soon.” The boy took a couple of steps forward then stopped and looked at the new arrival, before letting his eyes flick around, his ears working hard to locate anyone else near by.

The young princess looked at him haughtily. “And what makes you think that I am here to see you?” A smile began to appear on her lips as she turned away, her eyes searching. “Are you alone?”

Jonathon grinned and moved a little closer, still unsure whether or not she was going to call for assistance. She had informed him the previous day that he could be in trouble for just being around, and he was still a little weary of getting in trouble for doing nothing. He had been in more than his fair share of scraps, and had earned a rollicking or two from various workers on the estate, and even a few that were none of his doing. He certainly did not want to become a victim of the princess’ desire to prove that he was above her.

“I’m on my own.” He let out a laugh and stopped his motions towards her. “Mark won’t come back since you scared him off yesterday.” He shook his head sadly, and let out a large sigh. “Now I have no one to talk to.”

Gehenna smiled, feeling a little more relaxed. “And who is Anne Heg?” She frowned, listening for signs of another’s presence nearby. She had not been brought up without being a little concerned for her welfare.

“You.” Jonathon laughed as he answered her question.

The teenager frowned, looking more than a little confused. “Me?”

Jonathon nodded and crouched down, writing the name in the dirt with his finger. He looked up at her as she drew close and gave her a grin. “I was worried that I might mention your name and that would lead us both into trouble. So I was thinking about it last night, and I wrote down your name, and realised that it spelt Anne Heg, if you wrote it backwards.” He wrote her name in the sand beneath the other, and pointed out each of the letters in turn. “So to me, you are now, Anne Heg.”

Gehenna looked between the writing in the dirt and Jonathon’s face. “You were so sure we would meet again?”

The young man nodded his head and grinned. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist my charm.” He rose from the ground and looked her in the eye. “I was right too.” He let out an infectious laugh, and moved over to the edge of the lake, the young princess remaining where she was. He looked back over his shoulder at her. “You looked bored yesterday, so I kind of hoped you might want someone different to talk to.”

A smile grew on her face, brightening her features. “I was not going to seek you out until I was told it would be unwise to have anything to do with you.” She laughed lightly as she moved over to where he was dusting off a rock, ready to sit down on it. “I could not believe anyone could be such a rogue, as Isla classed you. So you owe my being here to her.”

“I’ll be certain to thank her.” Jonathon grinned as he sat down.

“No, you must not speak to her about meeting me.” Gehenna’s voice echoed the expression of concern she wore on her face.

Her companion merely looked at her and laughed, before patting the rock next to where he was sitting. “I won’t. You have my word.” Jonathon came over very serious. “My word can be trusted, you know. I have no reason to speak to this Isla or anyone else about you.” He lowered his voice and whispered conspiratorially. “I won’t even mention it to Mark.” He offered his hand to her to shake upon it. “I promise.”

Feeling slightly more relieved, Gehenna felt the smile return to her lips. “And I promise not to tell anyone, either. It is our secret.” Oddly, though she felt more relaxed she felt saddened as the words passed her lips.

“Then it’s a settled. If our secret friendship is found out, let the loose-lipped one pay for its discovery.” Jonathon grinned and settled down on the rock, looking out towards the centre of the lake. “Do you swim?”

Gehenna turned her attention away from the view ahead, and looked at Jonathon as if he was speaking some foreign language. “Of course I can swim.” She shook her head as if he had just asked the weirdest question ever. “I was taught when I was very young.” She turned back to watch the water when the penny seemed to drop. “Oh, you mean do I swim in the lake?”

Her companion nodded his head. “Well, actually I was just trying to make conversation.” He grinned. “I know swimming in the lake is not allowed. Someone mentioned it the other day in passing.”

“Obviously someone blessed with wisdom.” Gehenna smiled to herself and continued to watch the wind blow ripples over the water. The day was warm for the earliness of the hour, the breeze helped to make the temperature bearable. “What do you do, other than swim and climb trees?”

“Is that not allowed either?” He looked at her, and then laughed. He almost toppled from the rock as she pushed him, and got to her feet. Her eyes were blazing as he stopped his laughter and looked at her. “What’s the matter?”

Gehenna looked at him, her eyes blazing with annoyance and confusion. “You are laughing at me, making fun of me.” She frowned, feeling more than a little hurt. “I thought you wanted us to be friends.” Turning she began to walk away. Behind her, she heard the sound of Jonathon’s feet as they rustled the grass and walked after her. She felt his hand on her shoulder, which caused her to stop and look at him.

Jonathon met her gaze with a frown. “But that’s what being friends is all about. Laughing at and with each other, and just enjoying each others company. Have fun and that kind of thing.” He looked at her puzzled. “Have you never had a proper friend before?”

The young princess stared at him, her eyes showing she was not amused by his question. “I told you yesterday that I had friends. You are obviously too stupid to remember such things.” She let out a long disappointed sigh, and turned, continuing her walk back to the palace.

“I never said you didn’t have friends.” He raced after her, coming around in front to stop her progress. His eyes met hers, and he smiled wryly. “I just meant you never had friends that you could have real fun with. But now you have me, things will be different. We can laugh, joke, do things that you’ve never done before.” Which is probably quite a lot of, he thought to himself.

Gehenna looked at him, slowly the frown disappeared from her face, and a slight smile took its place. She still looked at him questioningly, deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt. She watched him as he pointed back towards the rock they had been sitting on, and with a brief nod of her head, she made her way back, her new friend following behind her. If she had looked over her shoulder, she would have seen him shaking his head in disbelief, as he wondered how much work this friendship was going to take, but he hoped that it would all be worthwhile in the end.

* * * * *

The Empress Maleficent looked at her watch then returned her gaze to the young man sitting opposite her. She gave him a smile, before reaching over and pouring them both a cup of tea from a china teapot that resided on a tray on the low table before her. She picked up the cup and passed it over to her guest, before indicating the rest of the items laid out before her. “Do help yourself to milk and sugar, Damien.” Momentarily she gave her attention to her own cup to which she added a splash of milk and one spoonful of sugar.

Taking a sip, she made herself comfortable in her chair, her full attention once more on her guest. “This is a pleasant surprise.” She settled the cup in its saucer, and rested it in her hand. “I’m afraid you missed Gehenna, she disappeared after breakfast.”

Damien nodded his head and smiled. “I passed her outside. She was going for a walk, I believe.” He leant forward and added some milk to his own tea, but did not bother with the sugar. “She appeared to be in a hurry.”

Lady Maleficent smiled. “You know Gehenna, she likes her own space.” She frowned slightly as she watched the young man settle back in his seat and nod his head. “And it is a very nice day for a walk, it would be a mistake to dawdle and miss the sunshine.”

“Yes, I can understand her wish for space. One day, she will not get as much as may wish to have.” He looked at his aunt, with a knowing smile. “Like Uncle Erebus. I’m sure he would prefer to be able to spend more time with you and Gehenna.”

The Empress gave a small smile, which did little to hide her inner feelings on the matter. “We all have our tasks in life, and Erebus’ is to care for his country and its people. Mine is to spend time looking after our child and to be here when he needs me.” She raised her cup to her lips, her eyes remaining on Damien over the rim.

Damien smiled. “And you handle your duty perfectly, Aunt Maleficent.”

“Did Erebus’ secretary tell you when he will be free?” The Empress was never wholly comfortable around her nephew. There was something about him that reminded her of her husband, and it was not at all to her liking. “I recall you said you had an appointment.”

The young man shook his head. “No, no appointment. I was asked to call and see him today. I thought there was no time like the present.” He took a sip of his tea then placed the cup on the table before him, freeing up his hand and allowing him to sit more comfortably in the chair. “Of course, his being busy has allowed me some time to spend with you, and dear cousin, Gehenna.” He flicked his eyes to the window. “She is turning into a very pleasant looking young lady. You must be very proud of her.”

Maleficent frowned at the remark, quickly replacing the expression with a smile. “I am very proud of Gehenna, and not just because she is beautiful.” The mother in her suddenly came to the fore. “She is a very intelligent and strong willed. She will be a very good empress, taking her own council more than she will take that of others. The Empire will be safe in her hands, of that I am sure.” She shot Damien a curt look, and took another sip from her cup.

“No one can doubt that she is her father’s daughter.” Damien replied, not liking the tone his aunt had used. The emperor was a respected man in the eyes of the young man, and it did not please him to think of his cousin trying to replace him on his death. He, like his uncle, did not think Gehenna was capable of filling her father’s shoes.

The Empress snorted rather unladylike. “Gehenna is not her father’s daughter. She is her own woman.” She raised her eyebrows knowingly and smiled. “One day she will surprise the two of you, you mark my words.”

Damien opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted in his reply by a knock on the door. The Empress’ clear voice rang out, informing the unknown person to enter. The young woman curtsied after she entered, looking between to two people sitting inside.

“Your Majesty.” They young woman addressed the Empress. “I have a message for Lord Stratton from His Majesty.” Maleficent nodded and indicated for the woman to proceed. Giving a small bow, she turned and faced the young man. “My Lord, His Majesty, Emperor Erebus is available and awaits your presence in his office.” Not waiting for an answer, the woman returned her gave to the seated lady.

“Thank you. Inform His Majesty that Lord Stratton will be with him shortly.” Watching as the young woman once more dropped into a brief curtsey, Maleficent was not surprised to see that her nephew had risen to his feet once her eyes returned to him.

The young man bowed his head in respect. “Thank you for tea, Aunt Maleficent. I hope that we have the opportunity to do so again soon.”

Maleficent smiled, one that did not reach her eyes. “The pleasure is all mine, Damien. Please, you must not keep the Emperor waiting.” She rose to her feet, her gaze following as he walked to the door, and disappeared through it. As he left, she shuddered visibly, hoping that it would be some time before she was left in his presence again.

* * * * *

Gehenna sat on the rock, watching as Jonathon threw another pebble at the water, making it skip several times over the surface before disappearing, sinking to the bottom of the lake. Finally, she slipped out of her seat, and moved closer to the water’s edge. By the time she reached him he had crouched down, looking for another suitable stone.

“Is this all you and your friends do?” She looked at him quizzically. “Throwing rocks into the water is hardly the most exciting of pastimes.”

Jonathon looked up briefly from his task, and frowned. “What do you and your friends normally do?” He looked back to the ground, as he continued his search. Finding one, he returned his gaze to her face, waiting for an answer. He rose as she began to speak.

“Well, we talk and dance, and look at interesting artefacts.” She gave him a smile. “We fish and shoot, and do all that kind of thing. I would have thought you would know what we do on the Imperial Estate, being such an expert on things.”

Jonathon laughed. “Now which one of us is making fun of who?”

“Whom.”

Jonathon frowned. “What?”

Gehenna pulled a wry face. “The correct term is ‘which one of us is making fun of whom?’”

“Ah, lessons from a Princess on how to speak properly.” Jonathon shrugged and turned away from her. “Aren’t I the lucky one.” He lifted his arm, and prepared to throw his stone in the direction of all the others.

“Will you show me how do to that?” Gehenna suddenly spoke, breaking the boy’s concentration. He just managed to stop himself releasing the stone from his hand. “If you do not mind, that is.”

Jonathon turned around and grinned at her. “I’m not exactly doing anything else, and it will let me repay you for the grammar lesson.” He watched as she frowned, looking for once in her life a little bashful. “Come here then, and I’ll show you.

Giving him a smile, she listened intently, as he instructed her how to hold and release the stone. He watched and criticised her attempts, sometimes causing her to be less than pleased with him, but despite this, she continued to listen and eventually, with a helping hand, she managed to get her first stone to skip across the surface, bouncing twice before it disappeared under the surface. Following the hour long lesson, both collapsed on the ground in a fit of joyous laughter.

Suddenly Gehenna fell quiet, and looked at her friend. “What time is it?”

Jonathon looked at his watched and frowned. “Nearly noon. Why?”

Gehenna quickly got to her feet and brushed down her clothing, making sure she had no traces of the ground left on the material. She gave her companion a hurried look. “Lunch. Mama has asked me to eat with her. They will send out a search party if I am not back in time.” She gave Jonathon a smile. “Thank you for today. I had a lot of fun. I hope we get to meet again soon.”

“You can count on it.” He grinned as he watched her begin to turn to go. “I’ll be around. You are bound to find me.” He waved at her as she slowly began to head off back to the palace. “Bye Anne Heg.”

She turned and waved enthusiastically. “I will need a name for you.” She smiled, and without another word, she hurried off back the way she had come, using the cover of the trees and the rose garden to return safely back, free from prying eyes.