A lot of thoughts crossed her mind as she walked to library. It had been a really long time since she had set foot in the library. Not because of exile or lack of interest. It was a matter of choice. She loved reading. But she preferred her books delivered, neatly wrapped and quietly handed to her chamber rather than fetched herself. Still, not all books could be brought to her, and this was exactly why she had to come on her own. These books were either very ancient, contained the kingdom's secrets or they had very powerful spells. Not everyone could read them of course; you had to attain a certain status to be able to access them. Iris had by far surpassed that and had the privilege to access these books whenever she wanted.
Her boots echoed against the marble as she strode through the great halls of the library, and heads turned. But she neither acknowledged the stares nor paused her steps. She moved straight toward the second room, where these really important books were kept.
Eliara. That name had haunted Iris since they met. Since their conversation. What exactly was she? She was certain the answers she wanted were buried somewhere in these books. But where should she start?
She remembered seeing her name in one book, but for once in her life, she couldn't remember which one.
With a sharp sigh of frustration, she reached for a quill and parchment, scribbled a line in hurried ink and murmured an incantation. A ripple of air stirred then silence.
A crash. Seven books fell from the shelves.
Her brow lifted. "Of course," she muttered, staring at the scattered books. "Why does it always have to be seven?"
She cast the spell again but no more books fell from the shelves.
"This is going to be tiring."
Iris had lived long enough to know whenever anything included the number seven, whatever answers she was looking for had to be tied to the seven gods. Or sometimes, the seven devils. She didn't like it at all. Getting answers from those divine creatures was never easy. And if she hated something, it had to be struggling.
This is exactly why she gave up on trying to figure out what exactly Marco was back then. He is exactly whatever Eliara is. And she has to find out.
One of the books caught her eye. It was caked in dust, like someone had deliberately covered it in dust. She brushed it off, coughing as the particles swirled in the air. The book had some symbols on the cover she had never seen before. That alone was concerning. She had studied all the languages that are or were used in the kingdom and perfected them. Not once had she seen these symbols. But the title, she could read it. Though it was in an archaic form of their language. Which was used over two thousand years ago. How far back did this book go. The title was a single word.
"E…ex…excris…? what does that mean?"
Just as she opened the first page, she felt a presence in the same room as she was. She quickly stood up and scanned the room. Nothing. No presence. No movement, but she could feel it. She walked behind the shelves just to make sure, but she was all alone. Maybe she was just tired.
She went back to her table.
The book was gone.
No traces of it or anyone could be seen in the room. No traces of sound. No traces of spellwork.
What was happening?
Her hands balled into fists. She decided to cast the same spell she used to locate the book the first time, but she couldn't find it. It was gone. What exactly was that book about? Were all her answers in there? Whatever excris was, someone did not want her to know. And...that someone had access to these books? She had to ask someone…the council.
She stormed out of the library. Just outside she nearly collided with a tall, thin figure. Great!
"Your highness," the man greeted. His voice was weathered and amused.
"Old man Lucas, I desperately need your help. A book just-"
"You are not informed?"
"Informed?"
"Yes yes, a council meeting. In your honor."
Iris sighed. She knew they would do this. But she doesn't have time she has to find the book.
"I will be there I promise. I just need your he-"
"I, an old man, was sent to look for you, a young vibrant girl and you want me to wait? If you don't come with me this instant…you know what will happen."
Iris gulped.
"Fine. I will go to your little gathering of self-righteous bureaucrats."
.
.
.
The mood was even more tense than Iris would have expected. No one spoke. They just threw glances at her. Like blades. She didn't know they would be this serious about her defiance this time.
Her father looked the other way, trying to avoid looking at her. Of course he was tired of her.
All the eleven members were here.
The eleven pillars of the kingdom, as the people would call them. The full court, in her honor.
The king who was the sovereign ruler and head of the council. Iris, who was a royal representative and strategic enforcer. Marco, who was the commander of the royal army- the guardians-, Kaede was the captain of the magic corps and handled anything to do with magic in the kingdom, Lillianne was the captain of the long range corps in the army and the head of reconnaissance; information gatherer from allies and enemies, Old man Lucas was the informant; a keeper of ancient knowledge, Celine, an elderly woman served as the mediator and royal adviser, Lady Althea served as the head priestess of the kingdom and dealt with anything religious, Thorne served as the diplomat, Kaden served as the head of punishments and internal security while Ms. Eleen was the head of science and research.
Kaede cleared his throat. A subtle sound, but it cut through the tension like a blade.
"I asked for the meeting today. We may proceed," he said waving his hand as scrolls appeared before all of them. "This is a compiled list of everything her highness is held accountable for which was brought forth by the council. And so now, the judgement may begin."
"You had time to make a whole list?" Iris said leaning back.
Kaede sighed, trying his best to ignore her.
"In addition to that, Marco will also be punished for his failure to oppose her actions. He supported all her wrongs." He said smirking at Marco.
"Lillianne, who ignored protocol and allowed unvetted recruits to oin other trainees under her command. That is what we will be addressing today."
Lillianne's head jerked. Seriously?
This was such a non issue to her…she thought- IRIS!!!
Kaden then spoke, "I suggest we go through the counts one by one as we deliver the punishment."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Count one: abuse of authority. Her highness-"
"Guilty. Count two?" she said lowly.
"Disregarding his highness ord-"
"Guilty. Count three?"
Gasps rippled through the room.
"That is so disrespectful-"
"She is mocking us-"
"How dare you interrupt the pillar of punishments?"
"I am saving time. I am guilty of everything stated in the scroll. I did what I did and it's in the past. You can't call me here to narrate my crimes. I suggest you read it as a lullaby, if it helps you sleep."
The room fell silent.
The audacity she had.
It wasn't something new. She had always been like this. One of the greatest problems the kingdom had to handle; their princess.
"Now if you may, " she said standing up. "I have things to so so I-"
"IRIS!!!"
His voice cut through like steel.
The king.
"TAKE.A. SEAT"
She reluctantly sat down.
"I will disagree with the council on one thing. Marco and Lillianne will not get punished as their actions both trace back to Iris. It will simply be unfair." He turned to Kaden. "You may read the punishment."
Iris looked at her father like a stranger.
Why wasn't he on her side this time? Besides he never really talked much…was he pissed? Like really REALLY pissed?
"Her highness princess Iris will now be punished in the following ways,"
'two punishments?' she wondered.
"First, Her status as a high ranked guardian in the army will be taken away as it has been as part of her punishment for the past three times. In addition to that, this will be permanent and her weapon will be confiscated-"
"WHAT? That's harsh-"
"Quiet Iris." The king commanded.
"If her highness wishes to become a guardian again later in her life, she will have to undergo training over again. From the bottom."
'These two punishments are too harsh…' Marco thought to himself, while clenching his fists. Should he...defend her as Kaede had told him before?
"Second, her status as a member of the higher council is hereby revoked. Permanently. She shall never again qualify to become a member as long as she exists. We will get a new replacement as soon as today, to make sure she has no chance of becoming a member again. If anyone has any suggestions of more punishments, feel free to add."
The chamber remained hush.
No objections, no complaints.
Iris was shocked.
Who even came up with these punishments?? Too strategic…too perfect. Too harsh. Not anything she would get for disregarding her father's words.
"Meeting adjourned," the king said. All of the members rose from their seats and bowed to the king, and one by one left the room. Only the king and the princess were left.
"You…let that happen? You watch them strip away everything i had worked for...for years-"
"You were on the wrong."
"While I was on the wrong, was I still your daughter? Did you care to know why I did what I did?"
"Listen to me Iris. You have to know I am the king before I am your father. The kingdom comes before-"
"I know. The kingdom comes before me."
"I have defended you for a long time-"
"Mother would have defended me, and at least heard my side. I had reasons..i did it for 'your kingdom' " Her voice cracked.
"Carmella…don't bring up Carmella. She and I were diff-"
"I know that. She was the kindest person I knew. The kindest I've ever known. You on the other hand..."
The king fell silent for a while.
"She is the sweetest woman I have ever known."
"My mother would never have married you!" she said storming out of the room.
The king fell completely silent.
He didn't stop her.
Couldn't.
Maybe…Iris was right.
Carmella would never marry a man like him