The Longest Night

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There was no sun on that day. A normally clear and warm summer had turned grey and dark. The church bells were quiet, the streets held no happy merchants, and the navy had lowered the flag that rose proudly over the city. Even the harbor was still like a corpse.

It seemed like death had spread from the royal palace throughout the city.

Queen Starlit Eyes had one of her few moments of lucidness when the clock struck ten. She coughed and begged a servant for water, which was swiftly provided to her. The smooth blue skin of the Queen was draped in white sheets, her sickness having turned both yellow. The bed she was laying on seemed to have been afflicted with the disease as well, puke and yellow bile dried onto it. Her tail would trash around whenever a new coughing fit arrived and it would smack into the head of one of the servants. The queen tore into the bedsheets with her claws and moaned in pain as she was turned over by the two servants. One servant tried to prop up the queen’s head with a clean pillow, but the queen's gelatinous mane colored it green. The curved horn on the queen’s head too proved to be a problem, since when she trashed around it almost impaled itself in the servant's eye.

Another mare stood next to the bed, a piece of cloth wrapped around her muzzle. She was dressed in white and blue robes with a clasp around her neck depicting a seashell. Her eyes were a vivid pink in contrast to the dull grey of her skin. She too had her queen’s features, along with the two servants, both of which were male. The mare was dressed in the traditional gown of a healer, blue to signify a calm sea, and white to signify purity and holiness. She was a servant of the church, one who did her job with diligence, even when it tore her apart to do it.

These ponies were not the regular kind. Where their cousins held hooves, they held paws, and where their cousins had furry bodies they had thick rubber-like skin. They all had a long tail that ended in a wide paddle that was covered in gelatinous fur and the same fur could be seen on their head. They also had freckles over their bodies, with some of them being connected by black lines like they were constellations. They were Coseans, ponies that appeared more akin to an aquatic mammal than one meant for living on the land. Despite their oceanic nature, they were still living in a city much like their cousins to the east and their siblings to the north.

The mare clad in blue and white would pull out a vial with a dark green liquid inside it from her robes. She would remove the cork from it before ordering the servants to hold the queen still and open her mouth. The odor of the drink spread throughout the room, provoking the queen to gag. As the two stallions tried to hold Starlit’s head still the royal fought against them, choking and spitting. The queen’s tail smacked the mare in the side before one of the servants jumped onto it to hold it down. The healer simply ignored the pain and poured the vile-smelling concoction down the queen’s throat. The sickly queen cried and desperately tried to spit out the drink, but the healer lit her horn and forced Starlit’s mouth shut. With a sigh, the healer closed the queen’s nose as well. Starlit gagged and thrashed wildly, scratching the servant holding her head and kicking off the servant on her tail. Both stallions staggered back, but the healer would not back down. The mare would exert a magical field all over the queen’s body, a deep crimson covering blue skin.

“Swallow dammit!” the healer would hold Starlit’s head as she choked on the potion in her mouth.

“Swallow! Please!” the cries were more desperate now, the healer’s composure breaking.

The queen just whined in pain.

“Demos do not take her yet, I beg you...” the healer murmured.

Finally, the queen swallowed.

The healer sighed in relief and murmured another prayer as she released the queen from her magical grasp. Starlit Eyes just coughed and took deep breaths, tears staining her cheeks. The sick queen curled up and sobbed, the pitiful cries echoing across the room. The two male servants just looked away at the sight, their tails between their legs and ears pressed against their heads.

“I don’t want to die...” Starlit Eyes’ voice carried through the room like a divine whisper, filled with sorrow and fear.

The healer approached the queen’s side and the sick royal would cling to her. Starlit would sob into the shrouded mare’s shoulder and shudder like a winter breeze was shaking her body. The healer wrapped a leg around the sick Cosean mare, humming on a calm tune.

The queen would dig her claws into the healer’s chest, still crying. “It hurts to swallow... It hurts to drink... It hurts to eat… It hurts to move… It hurts to cry… Please just make it stop… Please...”

The healer’s stance wavered. “I’m sorry, your highness… But there is nothing left I can do. I can treat the symptoms but I can’t cure you... I am so sorry...”

For a second the queen’s eyes widened. There was such petrifying fear in them, the kind a child would make when faced with a terrifying monster. All the healer could do was hold her as the queen faced the reality of the situation.

She was going to die.

“I want to see my son...”

“I am sorry, your highness, but I can not allow him to see you. If the disease is contagious he could catch it as well. It is enough that I and your two retainers care for you,” the healer would release the queen and place her head on a pillow.

“He doesn’t know what awaits him… I need to tell him so much, and there is so little time...” Starlit Eyes would look towards a desk, a quill, and ink standing on it.

The healer noticed the queen’s gaze and walked over to the desk, bringing out a sheet of parchment. The mare would dip the quill in the ink before nodding to the queen. “I am ready.”

The queen would nod weakly before starting to speak. "Vigilant, you are such a brave boy. I remember how you valiantly would defend me against the monsters that hid in your closet as a child. I remember how you defended a little filly from being assaulted by her peers in school. I can still remember you telling me that you would defeat every horror that stood in my way. I am so sorry that you can not fight off this horror. I will not live to see your smile again. The disease is in my lungs, and I can feel myself slowly slipping. But there are many things you will need to know. There are so many things and so little time. You need to be careful in the court, I will no longer be there to protect you. There are dark forces moving inside our halls and fear they may have had something to do with my illness. You will need to learn quickly how to overcome the challenges presented to you. Rely on the council when you feel like there is nothing you can do. They are there to serve you and the nation, they are your greatest asset, so please trust in them, as I have trusted in them. You will not only face adversity from within but also from the outside. Silfy and Silvelt will look upon my death as an opportunity, do not let them use the situation to their advantage. Show them why our nation still rules the sea. Finally, there is a request I need to make of you my son. I need you to head west when the seventh tower is lit. There you must find the heart of the sea. I know I am being vague, but I can not let anyone know what I know. I hope that this will help you, my son, confusing as it is. Know that I love you from the bottom of my heart, I always will."

The queen started to cough the same second she was done speaking. She was wheezing and gulping for air. One of the servants exited the room and returned with a trolley. A teakettle and teacup were on it. He would pour some of the tea into the cup and hand it to the queen. She sighed as the honey in the drink soothed her aching throat.

"The high priestess sent you this day's tea as well, your highness. She heard that your throat hurt," one of the servants said.

Starlit nodded her head slowly. "She is too kind."

As the two male servants tended to the queen, the healer finished writing the letter. “Should I have this letter be delivered to the prince right now?”

“No,” she coughed and sipped on the tea before continuing, “I do not trust the guards outside. Give him the letter after my passing, once you’re sure that you are not ill yourself. Purify it with magic to scrub away any disease.”

The healer nodded. “As you wish, your highness. And what of this heart of the sea?”

Starlit Eyes looked outside the window, storm clouds flowing in from the sea. “He will know what it is when he sees it.”

The queen then gazed upon the two male servants.

“We will not tell a soul,” one of them said.

“We hold a duty to the crown and the church,” said the other.

“Good,” Starlit murmured and looked over her city.

“A storm is coming, I just hope my son can face it...”

The queen would soon have yet another attack, and this pattern continued throughout the night. When morning came the healer and servants exited the queen's chambers with their heads hung low, dark circles underneath their defeated gaze. The queen had passed in the early morning, just before the sun had resurfaced on the horizon. It had been a drawn-out death, Starlit having fought the disease until the end. The news would spread quickly through the city, and soon only one thing was on the people's mind.

The queen is dead. Long live the king.

Funeral For A Queen

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The weather was clear, bright sun and cool salty breeze washing over the city of Kos. The capital was shrouded like a grieving mother, black banners hung from rooftops and flags were at half-mast. Lanterns painted black and white had been lit outside almost every home and each pony in the city mourned their fallen ruler. The funeral of queen Starlit Eyes had taken all morning, hundreds of female clergy members and soldiers had marched down the streets carrying her casket. It began in the courtyard of the royal palace before it had been carried down the dark parts of the city on a designated route. Guards stood with spears raised high on both sides of the road, blocking civilians from interfering with the highly religious ceremony. The fallen queen had been carried past holy shrines to the gods, streets whose very bricks had been laid by her predecessors, and famous buildings connected to the long line of the Cosean royal family. The royal orchestra had been pulled on carriages behind the casket bearers, playing the soft melody of ‘Quiet storm’. The song had been written by a Silfy ambassador for the funeral of Starlit Eyes’ grandmother, and now it was being played for her.

The train of clergy mares and female soldiers had stopped at a marble building on the other end of the city. It was made from limestone and black marble. The entrance of the building had a staircase with a roof hanging over it, said roof being held up by thick pillars. The roof of the building had domes dotted about. Outcroppings in the form of seashells made from gold grew from each dome, denominating the building as a property of the crown. It was the last resting place of each king and queen of Cosea, the royal family’s original seat of power in the city. The queen’s casket had been carried into the building and placed in the middle of the grand room, with the clergy taking their place on stone benches and the military ascending one floor to the galleries above. The high priestess Seris Vitali had walked towards a podium at the far end of the building, walking past dozens of slots in the walls filled with the caskets of previous rulers. She was the only one that could stand up there, she was the leader of the church and the Shamën, the church representative on the Shekel council. The very council that had helped guide the queen. Next to her walked a young male Cosean, his ears pressed against his head and his tail dragging along the floor. When they reached the podium he would stiffly stand next to her, keeping his gaze on the floor.

As the high priestess took her stance at the podium light illuminated her from above, a window of stained glass depicting the constellations taking up a majority of the ceiling. The light would make her large headdress shine, the golden amalgamation made to appear like two fishes swimming west and east with a rolling wave between them. Her dress was not anything to scoff at either, made from the finest black silk. Seris even wore make-up, dark lines underneath her eyes, and red coating her lips. She was bright and dazzling, like a guiding star. Many of the clergy bowed their heads at the mere sight of her, muttering small prayers to Cerilin and Burthis. The high priestess’ light yellow skin also helped her stand out among the crowd since it only helped highlight her beautiful appearance. In comparison, the stallion was more grey, like a dulled autumn morning. He was light blue, with his mane and the tuft of hair on his tail being a bit darker. Even his eyes seemed to be darker in comparison to the high priestess’ shine. They were a light blue, covered in a dark haze as if something had come over their usual shine. His clothes did not help his case either, a dark military jacket with the royal seal sown into each shoulder.

Crown prince Vigilant Watch looked like he had the weight of building on top of him.

The high priestess would raise her tail high and the clergy and soldiers ceased their whispering and conversations, each Cosean watched her intensely. “Thank you all for coming so quickly to attend the funeral of Queen Starlit Eyes. I know the journey could not have been easy, and I know many of you suffer by being here. Starlit Eyes was a good queen, a kind leader who did her best to guide Cosea. She was a dear friend and mentor. She was also a mother, a mother who raised a son equally as kind as her.”

Vigilant was shaking. He gritted his teeth and kept his gaze on the floor. He was right next to the high priestess, so close. Her words cut deep, and they were not even meant to offend him. All the same his chest ached and Vigilant felt like he had to hold back tears.

Seris continued. “I am deeply saddened by her passing. I can still remember my first meeting with her. I was a young mare who had just become a mere scribe in the clergy and I was assigned to transcribe the queen’s letters. It was such an overwhelming feeling to be in the same room as royalty, the queen’s grace and authority flowed off her like water. I remember shaking with excitement and I decided that one day I would be like her. While I was just a scribe to her royal highness at first, in time we became friends. I remember serving her tea that I had made for the first time, and her praise made me feel like the gods had blessed me. She would mentor me for the rest of my time as a scribe, helping me learn important insights. Her wisdom is the reason I could achieve a feat never seen before, obtaining the title of high priestess before I had even turned thirty-five. That was the kind of mare Starlit Eyes was, a kind and supportive figure that guided everyone around her. There was no one else she guided as much as her son however, our beloved crown prince, Vigilant Watch.”

Vigilant felt every pair of eyes in the building on him. The clergy looked at him with smiles and tears in their eyes. He looked so much like his mother they whispered, oh how proud the queen must have been. The military was no better. They looked at him with proud smiles, many saluting. The mares in the building all seemed to eye him as some sort of gift left behind by their beloved queen. He wasn’t a person as much as he was evidence that starlit Eyes had existed in the first place. Vigilant would grit his teeth harder, tears escaping his eyes. He didn’t want them to look at him like that. He didn’t want any of this!

“Prince Vigilant, would you please step up to the podium and say some words about your mother?” the high priestess smiled at him and held out a paw.

He hated that smile. It was patronizing. She acted like she knew what he felt like. She just wanted to help a small part of him said, but he knew that look. It was pity behind that smile, not love or kinship.

Slowly he would make his way up to the podium, his movements stiff and rough. He would raise his head and look at the clergy and military in the eyes. They were smiling and crying, the adoring son had taken the stage. “I was very young when my father died.”

It was as melancholy as the rest of the situation they found themselves in.

“I was five years old when he passed away. Even when I attended the funeral I was too young to truly understand what was happening around me. I remember my mother going up on this podium though as a clergy sister hugged me. I remember her words very clearly. It was short, but it carried such emotion and resolve it stuck with me,” Vigilant looked at the attendees before continuing, “Do not cry. The dead care little for sorrow and pain behind the veil. Smile, smile for having been part of their life. Smile so they know that everything is going to be alright.”

There was a dead silence, not even Seris had managed to drain the building this way.

“She was happy to have been married to my father. She told stories for over three hours about their adventures in their youth and I was enraptured by every moment of it. I had only seen my father as some sort of cold soldier for most of my short life, and all of a sudden I was being told tales about him bringing down a Silfy warship with a crew of four and saving an entire island from civil war. These stories became such an integral part of me, and through them, I got to learn so much about the stallion my father was. He was one of the few stallions to ever get the title of commander in the army, one of the few soldiers who defeated a minotaur in single combat, and one of the few ponies who managed to capture the heart of a queen. I grew such a deep love for him and I had my mother tell me hundreds of stories about him through my childhood. It was only years later I woke up and truly realized what I had lost.”

There was a pause for a moment, Vigilant’s stance lightly swaying. When he spoke again he felt like there was honey at the back of his throat.

“I asked my mother to tell me the story about how my father had proposed to her a week before she fell ill. She promised me that she would tell me that story when she was feeling better.”

Vigilant looked towards the casket in the middle of the room. Inside laid his mother. He prayed that she and his father were finally reunited beyond the veil. He hoped that they could tell each other grand stories, and when it was his time he hoped to do the same. Vigilant closed his eyes and murmured a small prayer, the clergy and the rest of the ponies in the building soon joined him.

“I will tell stories about my mother like she told stories about my father. Because keeping their memory alive will mean that they live on, in more ways than one,” He would look at the casket one more time before adding saying his closing statement, "I love you, mother. I hope I'll see you soon," he finished his speech with a bow and took his place by the high priestess side, sniffling.

Every single mare in the building bowed their head in return, but some looked at others in concern.

Seris would take her place as the podium with a gracious smile. "Thank you, Vigilant. Now let us sing for our departed queen, so the gods may bless her journey across the veil."

The chorus would sing a song dedicated to Demos, the god of death, and pray for the journey of Starlit Eyes. As they sang the casket was carried to a slot in the wall right next to Vigilant's father, prince consort Anim Heer. Two lovers reunited at last, in the embrace of death. Vigilant found himself joining in on the song, tears sliding down his cheeks.

"Oh sleep now beautiful child, for the gods wait for no one, oh sleep now beautiful child, so we may play in the fields of wheat, oh sleep now beautiful child, so we may see each other yet again."

Vigilant would seat himself on an empty stone bench as the song continued. He looked at the rest of the attendees in the church, mumbling to himself. It was then one of the said clergy mares seated herself to his left. She was clad in white and blue like the other clergy sisters and she had a veil around her head, but her pink eyes and grey skin immediately gave away who she was.

"Healer Kira," Vigilant said cordially, keeping his gaze away from the mare.

He felt like getting up and leaving the room, but the funeral service wasn't over yet. He couldn't help but glare at the mare next to him. Vigilant exposed rows of sharp teeth and gave her a quiet hiss before he looked to the right. He felt his tail flicking aimlessly while his claw dug into the stone they sat upon.

"I am sorry for your loss," was all the mare said in response.

Vigilant looked back at her, his glare now even more intense. "You think an 'I'm sorry' is enough? It was your job to save her life and now... And now..."

He looked at the floor, more tears escaping his eyes.

"I know I have failed you, my prince. It was my duty to help your mother and I failed. I will always live with that failure. However, I came here to fulfill my other duty as a healer, to carry out her final wish," Kira said and looked over her shoulder.

Vigilant followed her gaze. The healer was starring right into the crowd of clergy mares before it shifted to the military on the galleries above. Sweat ran down her forehead and he tilted his head at her. Her tail flicked much like his own, only this wasn't annoyance as much as it was fear.

"I must give you something, your highness. It is a thing that some people in power don't want you to see. I can not show it to you here, it would be too dangerous, you are too exposed," Kira said and swallowed thickly.

"The royal guard is in the building, whatever you have to show me is safe. No one can get me when I am surrounded by the military and faithful," Vigilant would bring his paw to his mouth and nibble on one of his claws.

"I am happy about your faith in the people, but they could get you even here."

That made Vigilant look up, eyeing the healer suspiciously.

"What did you do?" he asked and looked over his shoulder.

Everyone else in the building seemed to eye the high priestess as she sang, there was not a single member of the clergy or the military that he could see watching them.

"I didn't do anything, your highness. I was given a message by your mother meant for your eyes only. I believe that someone is trying to take this message from me, however. I discovered that my office had been vandalized and searched through this morning," she said.

"Can I see this message now, please?" the crown prince asked, eyeing everyone around them.

Was that guard a bit closer than usual? Was that clergy mare making some sort of sign with her tail? Was that military captain eyeing him from the gallery? Vigilant felt himself sweat and much like Kira, he swallowed thickly.

"No. I can not show it to you here. I will try to deliver the message tomorrow night. I do not trust any armed escort at the moment. I will spend the night with a friend and then deliver the message to you."

The healer would stand up and bow to him before she left. Vigilant felt like his blood had turned to ice for a moment and like his heart was being played like a drum. He took a couple of deep breaths and looked around the room. Was he only imagining things, or were they all watching him? He swallowed thickly once more as he let his gaze drift over the room filled with mares. Vigilant was certain that they all were watching him now.

"Let us now leave this dark place and return out to the sun. Let us reminisce about the life of Starlit Eyes, and the large role she played in all our lives," the high priestess would decent from the podium and head towards the exit, the rest of the clergy following.

With that, the funeral of Starlit Eyes ended, and Vigilant could finally get some rest. Even if he felt like each mare bumped into him with infernal smiles on their faces.

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Vigilant was escorted back to the royal palace by a group of female guards and clergy mares. They walked in tight formation, with him in the middle flanked by heavily armed guards and being protected in the front by the clergy’s most powerful spellcasters. It was quite the sight to see, a royal walking down the street. Many citizens gathered to watch, some bowing their heads and other praying for Vigilant’s well being. The prince just sighed and had a tired look in his eyes, avoiding the gaze of the populace. At one point a firecracker was suddenly thrown in front of his paws and a magical shield was immediately put up around him. The small explosive went off and crackled in many different colors, washing the shield in sparks. He looked back to see a mare in plate armor casting the spell, her horn ablaze with a green glow, and the seal of the royal family proudly displayed on her chest. He recognized her immediately, another member of the Shekel council. She was the nation’s Felreth, the leader of the guards and the law enforcement, Sacred Shield. One of the few ponies in the crowd who was not a Cosean. Despite her face being hidden behind a metal helmet, he could feel her gaze, burrowing into the crowd for whoever had thrown the firecracker. Vigilant just eyed the small explosive with a raised brow. Who had been stupid enough to throw this at him?

“It is not right! A stallion should not sit on the throne!” one mare yelled from the crowd.

So that was the pony stupid enough to throw a firecracker at him.

Sacred Shield pointed her hoof towards the crowd and three of Vigilant’s guards rushed off after a mare in the crowd. It was an uncommon sight to see royalty marching down the street, it was an even rarer sight to see someone attempting to disrupt the walk of said royal. Sacred Shield would dismiss the magical shield and walk over to him. She removed her helmet, revealing a cascading red mane and green fur. Her horn was straight in comparison to Vigilant’s curved horn and her tail was made from the same red hair as her mane in comparison to Vigilant’s long powerful appendage. She put her hoof under his chin and lifted up his head, examining him with scrutiny for any blemishes or injuries.

“It was a firecracker.”

“And I am making sure that that was the only thing thrown,” she said and let go.

The Felreth would let go of the prince and put her helmet back on. She would push on Vigilant to keep moving and the rest of the royal entourage would follow suit. They would walk down grey cobblestone and dirt roads. They would also walk past small shrines and whitewashed buildings. Pearls and seashells lined the walls of many homes along with small lanterns in different colors. The buildings varied from small wooden shacks painted white to grand mansions carved from limestone. All they had in common was their color scheme, white and blue. Holy colors derived from the gods themselves. Many houses they passed had constellations drawn on the walls, showing special reverence for one particular god or goddess. The city was a painting brought to life with Coseans running around carrying crates of goods for the harbor, carts of food for the market, and important letters between different members of the royal court. There were mysterious shops tucked away in corners and friendly cafes open for business. It was a marvel to gawk at, though Vigilant was not impressed. Dark banners till clung to the blue rooftops and black lanterns were still lit. It didn’t matter how much anyone pretended, it was still clear what kind of day it was. A day of death, a day of new things. Promises of change and alliances had to be blossoming in the city on a day like this, with the old monarch gone. There were still a few months until Vigilant could even be coronated.

Right, the coronation.

Vigilant sighed and closed his eyes. He looked around him at the ponies who passed, bowing their heads and smiling at him. Was he truly meant to rule over all of this? He looked towards the clergy in front of him, eyeing their horns and the books strapped to their sides. Spellcasters in service of the church, in service of Cirelin. They were brave warriors, defenders of the faith. He had studied under clergy spellcasters like them, and he had worn blue and white robes like them. Wasn't that enough? He could feel his tail flicking back and forth in annoyance. Why did he have to sit on the throne? Wasn’t there some far off cousin that could just take the damn thing? His mother hadn’t prepared him for this. He hadn’t been allowed to sit in council meetings and he was barely allowed during the royal court. Now it was all handed to him with the expectation that he would know what to do? Damn them. His expression twisted into a snarl and he walked faster, forcing the guards and clergy to increase their speed.

When they finally marched up the steps to the royal palace Vigilant was out of breath. The large iron gate and stone wall that protected the palace was under heavy guard, a few mares whistling to open the gate. The large metal doors would swing open to reveal a grand courtyard with a graveled path among bushes and living statues of Cosean ponies. In the middle of it all was a grand silver fountain that gleamed in the sun. It depicted several seashells riding a torrent of water with the top spewing forth actual water in jets. It was quite the sight to see, but the palace was an even more beautiful sight. The domes that had been seen on the roof of the royal’s resting place were also present here, lining the blue roof of the royal palace. The building was intended to look like a coral reef, with the walls being washed in color and the construct being large and bulky. Many found the royal palace to be the most beautiful building in the city, Vigilant had always seen it as an eyesore.

“Arriving with his royal highness Vigilant Watch, prince of the realm, guardian of the people, and defender of the faith,” Sacred Shield called out and the guards lining the walls saluted him.

Servants would walk up to the arriving entourage, all males with the exception of one red-skinned maid. She seemed to be so different from every other mare in the courtyard. Her mane was blacker than a stormcloud and her eyes were a hazy blue like she was blind. Yet she could clearly see since she stared intensely at him. Her tail swished playfully, and her paws gripped the ground. She would wink at the prince, who just tilted his head in confusion at the gesture. When had servants gotten so bold?

The Felreth would suddenly pull Vigilant to the side, breaking him out of his thoughts. “Your highness, it is best that you rest up for tomorrow's activities. The first council meeting will be in the morning with every council member attending. Our beloved queen left us with much to do.”

Vigilant just nodded. “Like what?”

“Like what to do with the infernal red light district. Shamën Seris is quite eager to speak with you on the issue,” Sacred Shield would nod and then walk away to join the guards.

“Of course she is...” Vigilant muttered and walked towards the servants. They would gather around him and apologize for his loss, offering him baths and lunch. The cure red maid in particular was keen to offer him tea. Vigilant would simply decline it all and head across the courtyard. He just wanted to sleep.

He was going to have to decide the fate of all the whores in the city after all.

Council Meeting

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Vigilant did his usual routine when he awoke. He would order the servants to prepare him a bath before he would pray to the gods. His murmured whispers to the heavens were directed to Cirelin and Demos, the goddess of water and god of death. He asked for clear skies and good wind from the first and for the second to watch over his mother. The mere idea of praying for his mother’s soul felt wrong. It would be accepting that she was gone. He would grimace and do it anyway, however, because that is what his mother would have wanted. After praying he would bathe, washing away the events of the previous day. It was like a dark slick fog was cleaned away from his mind, though it was still there. Vigilant could feel his chest tightened as he thought of his mother, but he knew he could not cry. A prince did not cry, especially one who looked to earn the respect of his fellow council members.

The meeting would be a pain.

Vigilant sighed and leaned back in the bathtub as he thought about the upcoming meeting. He would have to take up his mother’s role during them as an intermediary and peacekeeper. Starlit Eyes had been able to play the council members against one another through clever words and political maneuvering. Vigilant could barely convince the castle cook to make him a sandwich after midnight. Once again he would sigh and look around the marble-clad bathroom. It smelled nice and looked quite lovely with gold ornaments and crystal lamps on the wall, but it just felt so empty and cold despite it being summer.

After cleaning himself Vigilant would get dressed in a white military jacket with light blue highlights and he would put a golden band around his head. It was his colors to wear as a prince. The following minute was spent convincing himself to not return to bed or to dive deep into the bookshelf next to the door. He even considered writing letters to the ambassadors rather than going to the council chambers. He could handle the ambassadors, especially the Silvetian ones. They were genuinely charming and good company, which was part of their job after all. Though the Silfy ambassador had always rubbed him the wrong way. It might just have been his denouncement of the Cosean faith or his predatory nature, but whatever it was Vigilant always got the feeling that he was planning to kill someone. It was the look in his eyes, the savage lust for blood. Maybe you couldn’t expect better from ponies that resembled sharks so much, but still.

Eventually, the advisors knocking on his door made the decision for Vigilant.

The walk through the royal palace to the council chambers was a long one. The royal quarters were at the opposite side of the palace to the council chambers, which allowed the monarch to speak with his or her advisors on their way to a meeting. The walk was through twisting hallways with endless sets of doors and balconies attached to them. Banners bearing the royal seal hung from the walls and a blue carpet lined the length of the hallways. Vigilant just walked with his shoulders slumped as mares rushed after him with legal documents and questions. His guards marched behind him as well, yet they did nothing to stop the onslaught of servants and advisors. He would pull his large ears down over his head using a simple spell, his horn glowing a soft blue. His eyes would drift to the mare closest to him, an advisor dressed in a fine white dress with flowers in her gelatinous mane. She was holding a paper in her left paw as she hurried beside him.

“Your highness, the church is asking for your permission to hold a festival in the town of Lout,” she said.

“Please, can we do this later?-”

A voice piqued up from the back. “Your highness! There are rumors of a noble daughter being pregnant with a bastard son! Will you bless the child? As the monarch, your holy blessing would give the child legitimacy!”

Vigilant increased his pace, his heart beating faster and faster as his breathing got heavier. “I don’t know how-”

“Your highness! You need to set the agenda for today’s court!”

“For the love of Cirelin let me think-” his gaze jumped erratically between each of the many advisors crying his name.

“Your highness! Lady Yiltar is asking for permission to build a manor for her daughter on the crowns land!” another mare in the back called.

“Who? I don’t even-”

“Your highness!”

Vigilant started running. Panic gripped his mind.

“Your highness!”

‘Leave me alone, leave me alone, leave me alone,’ his mind cried.

One mare pulled on his tail. “Your highness, I need you to sign this contract for an order of ten warships-”

“I don’t care!” he yelled.

“Your highness, you have to attend the unveiling of a monument to queen Starlit Eyes this afternoon-”

Finally, he had enough.

A large flash of light lit up the hallway and the servants cried out as bolts of magic burned the carpet, smashed the windows, and ruffled the banners. “QUIET!!!”

The prince stood panting, with a snarl twisting his mouth. His eyes glowed dark blue and magical energy crackled from his horn. He was facing his entourage, with the guards quickly getting out of the way. Vigilant took a step towards the advisors with a growl and they backed off with a whimper. For a second he stared deep into each pair of eyes that have followed after him, charging a bolt of magic. The mares squeaked and backed up.

“His royal highness, Vigilant Watch, must participate in a council meeting. Leave,” a familiar female voice suddenly said.

Vigilant would look behind him to see Sacred Shield, dressed in her usual armor with the exception of her helmet. Despite the royal tailor’s best efforts the Silvetian mare refused to get fitted for a good dress, wearing her armor to every state and social event in the city. It was dedication on her part, though it spoke more of stubbornness than loyalty. The servants would quickly scurry away and the guards would give a simple bow before they dispersed as well, allowing Vigilant to take a deep breath and sigh.

“Thank you,” he mumbled to the Felreth.

“You can not cast such spells on your servants,” she said curtly.

Vigilant just huffed and looked to the side. “They deserved it.”

Sacred would eye him with scrutiny. “Maybe they did, yet your mother handled them calmly all the same.”

Vigilant’s head snapped back to face the Felreth's gaze. He would open his mouth to rebut her statement but closed it and looked to the side. Red stained his cheeks in embarrassment. A prince did not throw a tantrum. “She was a mare, a queen. She was meant to have this position. I was not.”

“And yet, here you are.”

Sacred Shield would begin walking towards the council chambers, Vigilant slowly following her with his tail dragging across the floor.

After a quick walk, the two would arrive in front of two grand gold doors. A crown surrounded by a circle was engraved on them, the symbol of the Shekel council. It was quite a rare sight for a stallion to approach these doors, so much so a few of the mares that guarded the hallway eyed the moment in interest.

“No stallion has stepped into this room for over four hundred years...” Vigilant said and swallowed.

He suddenly felt like retreating, it was such an irrational fear he scrunched his face in confusion. His heart pounded and he felt sweat forming on his brow. Why was he so worried? He was the damn crown prince. He was the inheritor of the throne, the country’s next leader. The one his mother had trained for this specific task. She would have just walked through those doors without hesitation.

Yet he was afraid, he didn’t feel worthy to enter such a holy sanctum of power.

“Your highness, the council is waiting,” Sacred said and gave him a light push.

Vigilant didn’t let his gaze leave the door as he walked forward. The doors would swing open and reveal a grand room with a black marble floor and a ceiling painted to depict the founding of the nation. One cosean mare standing tall on a rock, with six ponies standing behind her. Before them, masses of stallions bowed and mares cheered. It was quite the spectacle with colors varying from cool to warm. In the middle of this room, there was a round table with seven chairs around it. Each chair had an emblem on its back to designate which member of the council held what seat. Five mares sat one the chairs, each one eyeing the young monarch as he entered the room.

Four of them looked at his nervous expression and shaking body with annoyance and amusement. One gave him an encouraging smile and waved him forward. The Shamën, the high priestess, was the only one showing him kindness from the table of the mighty. He felt Sacred Shield push on him to move once more and he did so, walking to his own chair. It was made from fine oak, polished until its surface reflected the monarch’s stature better than a mirror. The back of the chair had been cut to resemble a seashell, with a crown adorning it. It had pieces of gold added to its design, distinguishing it from the other chairs in the room. It was also bigger than the other chairs, to elevate the position of the monarch. Once he seated himself Sacred would sit next to him. Seris would give him a nod from across the table before she eyes her fellow council members.

“His royal highness, Vigilant Watch, has joined us for the first time. You will refer to him as ‘sire’, ‘my Lord’, or ‘your highness’. Failure to comply with these rules includes public humiliation, seizure of property, and being forced to pay taxes,” Sacred said with cold eyes.

The five other mares eyed each other as if they were thinking over the Felreth’s words.

“With all due respect, Felreth Shield, the prince is not old enough to govern the nation. His very presence at this meeting is due to the demands of both you and Shamën Vitali. The rules that would normally apply to the monarch during these meetings do not apply to him. He is too young. He should not be here. He has not even finished his education yet, as the high priestess knows...” a mare dressed in a blue military jacket caught the gaze of Servis for a moment, glaring.

She had dark skin with scars littering her body, some of her more nasty injuries hidden behind a dark blue military jacket. Her white mane marked her as a member of the Jiros family, one of the most inflectional noble families on Cosea. They were the shipwrights of the nation. The proud owners of shipyards. The mare sitting before them was Trina Jiros, the oldest daughter of the Jiros family, Deimrün of Cosea. She was the grand admiral of the navy, and much like Vigilant, she was next in line for her mother’s seat of power. Once Trina retired she would just become a Lady. Destined to rule the court and continue her family’s business. Trina had been a very useful ally to supply the navy with cheap and sturdy vessels, but many had grumbled about the corruption and neglect by putting Trina in that position. Trina herself claimed she had no financial ties to her family while she served the nation.

Quite many were not convinced by the mare's words.

"His eighteenth birthday is seven months away! You can not be serious!" Sacred looked astonished at her fellow council member's words.

Trina simply looked at Sacred with a raised brow. "I am quite serious."

"I want to be here..." Vigilant mumbled.

His words fell on deaf ears, with the exception of Sacred and Servis. The high priestess watched him, her gaze shifting from the council members to him. Sacred closed her eyes, grit her teeth, and furrowed her brow. She wiggled around on her seat until she sat up straight, her ears flicking.

“I do quite agree with Deimrün Jiros. While I hold the utmost respect for the crown, the prince is not here to make any decisions. By law, he can not make any decisions in this room until he is of age and has been crowned by the high priestess. I will not comply with these rules,” called a coarse voice from Servis' left.

She was the ‘wall of the east’, the Falkreth of Cosea, general of the army. She was Rin Weis, a Cosean and Silfy half-breed. Her more rugged appearance and sharper teeth marked her as having Silfy blood. A fin poked through the back of her seat like a jagged blade. She wore a brown military jacket and a round brown hat, with six pearls sewn onto it. She was the mare to call whenever soldiers needed to be conscripted or when Cosea faced invasion from outside forces. Rin was also surprisingly quick at arranging military parades.

"Whether or not he makes a decision is irrelevant! He needs to see a meeting like this, he needs to know what he will face as a leader!" the Felreth cried.

Rin nodded. "And he will, in seven months."

“I believe you act quite hastily, Lady Shield. I always say we should follow proper conduct to facilitate an atmosphere of balance and harmony, but these rules you have put forward goes directly against proper conduct when an heir is in the room. Such special treatment was not offered to queen Starlit Eyes when she first entered these chambers,” a white mare with blue mane said.

She had massive stacks of parchment and letters next to her. The two fins on her back marked her as cosean pegasus, as did her smaller stature in comparison to the other ponies in the room. She was Cira Olim, the Beriit of the shekel council. She was the representative of the bureaucratic organ of the government. It was through her diligent workforce that contracts, letters, trade deals, royal charters, grants, and more were signed and carried out. She was also the one to organize the mail system throughout the nation. She was also one of the few mares in the room born to commoners, having worked her way up to a seat on the Shekel council.

Sacred muttered under her breath. "Perhaps we can be the first to accept change then? The prince does not have the same perks or advantages as the queen did when she first got to attend a meeting like this. Queen Starlit Eyes had her mother and her father here to help her. The prince has no one but us to rely on."

Vigilant's head sank and he pulled his ears over his head.

“Maybe we shouldn’t ignore the prince’s authority? After all, his birthday and right to sit upon the throne are just a few months away,” a timid voice finally said.

The final mare to speak was a small cosean earth pony. She held blue skin much like Vigilant and her tail flicked aimlessly as she smiled nervously. The mare was dressed in a simple green dress with a gold pin through it. She was the Coìches, the mistress of coin, and the one who created the budget with the help of the monarch. Her name was Irmith of Cashau, one of the few mares in the room with actual blood ties to the royal family, though distant.

Together with Sacred Shield and Seris Vitali these six made up the Shekel council. Yet, they were already butting heads about if they should even recognize his authority and if he should even be allowed at the meeting. Vigilant sunk into his seat as the arguing continued. Why was he even here? He could have stayed in bed, that would have probably made them happier. The prince looked up to see a sympathetic smile from the high priestess, a kind smile. She was the only one who was quiet as the other five argued about the validity of treating him as a royal.

“He is the son of queen Starlit Eyes! You should be ashamed for even suggesting we should treat him as anything but our monarch!” Sacred slammed her hooves down on the table, exhaling sharply.

Irmith would timidly raise her voice. “What I think Felreth Shield is trying to say is that we should respect tradition, despite the legality of referring and treating the prince as our ruler.”

“I refuse. I will not treat a minor, a stallion no less, like my ruler before the time comes,” Trina would lean back in her seat, the admiral looking quite pleased with herself.

Sacred was frothing at the mouth, horn glowing. “I swear to every god and goddess in the sodding sky, if you do not accept these very simple rules I will find one of your warships, Trina, and shove it so far up your flank it will never see the light of-”

“Silence.”

The bickering council members flinched at the cold and calm tone. If one listened closely you could almost hear the heartbeat of each council member as they looked towards the high priestess. Servis looked over each member of the council with a neutral and distant expression in return. Vigilant couldn't help but bow his head towards her and mumble a small prayer. It was like icicles grew from her body and embraced the others in the room, they couldn’t help but shudder from her gaze. Vigilant would look up and eye Servis in awe as she completely controlled the room in a few seconds while he had been sidelined.

“We are here today to discuss an important issue regarding our nation's moral wellbeing. The filth that the commoners call the red light district has brought nothing but shame to our city and the iron will of the people. It had seduced them with the promises of carnal pleasures and brought people away from the faith. It has torn apart families and turned faithful worshippers into heathens. Even thinking about it makes my heart ache. Imagine all the lost children of our nation, their hearts deceived with dark claws from Dòra. According to rumors, you can find demons and warlocks, the filth of Neptus, in those dark alleys and dank basements. Users of such vile magic must be destroyed, along with the demons they have summoned. The reason why we are having this meeting is to discuss the way we are to rid ourselves of this plague.”

Once she finished Seris would simply lean back in her chair and smile at Vigilant, adding a wink for good measure.

The young prince’s mouth hung open. Such control! Such prose and esteem! The royal chair tilted back and forth as the prince's waggled his tail. Vigilant did not even realize he had his front paws on the table. Such crude behavior. He would eye the other council members as they calmed down and nodded in agreement with the high priestess.

Sacred leaned back in her chair and nodded at Servis. "What few reports we get from the district hints on the port being used by smugglers. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco. It all flows from the port into the city, like sewage."

"Not to talk about untaxed silk, spices, food, seeds, and sugar! The crown loses thousands upon thousands of shells and pearls each year to that port. It is unacceptable!"

“Not to even speak about how filthy the place is. It breaks the regulations around the coloration of their houses and it is a breeding ground for disease,” Cira said and looked over one of the many papers around her.

“Not even to mention the teenage pregnancies and rampant abuse that goes on in there. The guard barracks there have been assaulted so many times my mares had to step in to defend it. It is about time we leveled the entire district,” Rin said.

“Then we are in agreement. The red light district must be wiped from Kos before it can do any more harm,” the high priestess finally added with a smile.

Her gaze then fell upon Vigilant, who had remained quiet and observing the others until then. He stared right back at her. It was like a wall was closing in on him and Vigilant felt himself sweat. “We should evict every pony in the district. As the leader of the church, and future king, I can not let such sinners go unpunished. We will drag them out if we have to.”

He felt his heart throb as the high priestess gave him a proud smile. She would turn to face Cira, the smile never leaving her face. “Beriit Olim, start finding whatever paperwork is needed to do such an act. The prince has ordered it after all.”

"He does not have the authority-"

"It was a suggestion. My choice of words was poor. He is allowed to suggest solutions, is he not? I quite liked his solution as well, so I am using it," Servis said.

The other five mares just looked at each other before Cira responded. “I can find us the paperwork needed to do such a thing, but it will take time. What about the prostitutes and inhabitants after we evict them?”

Servis just continued to smile. “The church will care for them like they were our own children.”

With that, the meeting ended.

The council members would quickly leave to complete their other tasks of the day while Vigilant just followed behind the high priestess. She just smiled at his adoration. “You did well by listening to the room before speaking your mind. You make me proud by serving the gods and your nation.”

“I just follow the script. No stallion shall claim authority over a mare and all that,” he mumbled and looked at the floor.

“And you did well. You will make a great king,” Servis would bow her head before walking away, hips swaying.

Vigilant couldn’t help but stare.

“You came across as weak and submissive.”

The prince jumped and looked to his left, Sacred Shield eyeing him with annoyance. “You did not speak up. You did not assert your control over the council. You did not even think about the situation before you decided the fate of hundreds of citizens.”

Vigilant’s tail rose proudly and he held his head high. “What I did has ensured the spiritual well being of my city. As the monarch, it is my job to defend the faith against such evils that can be found in the red light district.”

Sacred Shield would eye him for a second before she sighed.

“She would have been disappointed.”

Vigilant stumbled backward like he had been slapped, eyes wide.

With a curt nod, Sacred would walk away, leaving Vigilant with an empty feeling in his chest. He would grit his teeth and send a bolt of magic at a nearby banner, burning it badly. The prince would then storm off, muttering underneath his breath.

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Night had fallen upon the royal palace. She would have to be quick.

Healer Kira walked through side rooms and through the smaller hallways. Whenever a guard patrol passed she would simply hide behind a pillar or in the shadows. She made slow progress, and the content in her saddlebags felt like it was burning. It was so important. She had managed to understand so much more once she looked into it, and now she truly knew the prince’s life was in danger. Kira had never been much of a fighter, she had dedicated her life to healing after all. Medicine and light magic had called to her. It had been a noble purpose, a just path for a mage in the church. Yet, she regretted not having participated in the lessons on basic combat magic. As long as she reached the prince and if she could convince him to leave Kos everything would be fine.

Suddenly she heard something. Footsteps.

Kira, dressed in nothing but her healer’s robes, would immediately dive into the closest room. She would leave a small crack in the door to see who was coming. After a few seconds, a stallion passed, dressed in guard armor. She tilted her head at him. There were not a lot of males in the guard, which made her confused as to who he was. As the stallion walked away she breathed a sigh in relief and left the small scrub. Now she needed to get to the prince.

All she managed was to take one step until every muscle in her body locked itself.

She tried to cry out in pain as it felt like serval kilos worth of stone was pressed onto her body. It bound her legs like strong ropes, pushed down on her back like a bolder, pulled on her skull like sharp fishing lines, and pressed onto her chest like a rough lover. She couldn’t even see what was forcing her to stand still. It was then she could hear footsteps from behind her. Kira grunted and felt her heart beat faster. She pulled on every muscle in her body but she just couldn’t move.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. The more you push against the spell the more it constricts,” a monotone voice said.

Kira felt herself breathe faster and faster as someone rifled through her saddlebags.

“So you do have it… Huh… I thought you would have left it behind or something. Maybe you’re not as smart as I thought you were.”

Kira cried out as more force pushed all over her body. She could barely breathe with the amount that pushed itself onto her chest. She needed to get away! She didn’t want to die, she didn’t want to die! She gritted her teeth and with a momentous effort took a step forward. The prince’s bedroom was so close! If she could just run!

Then she could no longer breathe. She wheezed and tried to claw at her throat, her chest, anything! Something must be constricting her! All she could faintly see was a black glow around her leg.

“Sorry, but I was told to retrieve the letter and kill you. The prince must not know, so all tongues must stay bound. I hope your soul goes peacefully, unlike mine,” the voice said.

Kira fell to her side. Was that tears or blood flowing from her eyes? Like rivers through a valley. She choked on nothing and barely managed to lift her head to look upon her attacker. Despite the spell choking the life out of her she screamed, for what she saw made what air she had left escape her.

Two eyes burning like coal and two leathery black wings.

Murder At The Royal Palace

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One maid whispered into the ear of a servant. That servant whispered into the ear of another servant. The cook overheard the conversation and brought it to the kitchen. There the story was retold with vigor. Vigor and lies. The kitchen staff spread it to the guards working the walls during breakfast, adding more details, and dramatizing it. The guards told the clergy members leaving the palace. The clergy told it to close friends at the market. Those close friends brought the tale to the inns and taverns across Kos. From there the story spread to the entire city, in a matter of hours.

There had been a murder in the royal palace.

Vigilant had been woken up early in the night by a very distressed Sacred Shield. The mare had practically thrown him out of bed and rushed him to the council chambers. There she had ordered ten guards to block the door and update her on the situation. After a few hours of guards, servants, and nobles alike searching through the palace the alarm was called off. Vigilant had been allowed to leave the council chambers and return to his room. Not that he stayed there long. The investigation could now begin, and it would begin in one of the hallways close to the prince’s own bedroom.

“How did this happen?” Trina Jiros asked.

“I don’t know. We have guards that patrol these hallways, especially the ones close to the prince’s quarters. I take full responsibility for this failure in security, and I will accept any punishment you deem reasonable, your highness,” Sacred Shield said.

The admiral and the leader of the guard had been the first on the scene. When the guards had rung the alarm in the middle of the night, screaming that there was a body, everyone had panicked. Servants had slammed open their doors, rushing to the scene to see what had happened, which only created more chaos. Vigilant himself had tried to see who had died, but Sacred Shield had forced him to run past the horrifying event. Only now did he see why. It was truly horrible and spoke of something dark and twisted. The world spun and it was like the light died around everything but the thing on the floor. When Vigilant swallowed he felt like tar had stuck itself at the back of his throat. His eyes were wide and his tail thumped into the ground in fear. The strike of the paddle created a rhythmic beat to the horror before him. The body of healer Kira.

“Why?...” was all the prince could say.

He had not known Healer Kira beyond her being the mare that looked after his and his mother’s health. However, she had seemed to be loyal and kind. Until the bitter end. Her warning at the funeral would not have come from the mouth of a traitor or opportunist. Vigilant shivered and looked at the healer's corpse. Who else had known? Who else could have possibly gotten hold of the information that Kira would seek him out? Maybe she simply had been followed. That still left him asking who could have murdered her. They must have known about the message she had meant to deliver and killed her for it.

Kira’s body was laid out on the floor like she was sleeping. There was no visible damage to her with the exception of her purple face and bloodshot eyes. Her final moments had been horror. Wide eyes, mouth open in a scream, and body straining against something. She had died alone and afraid.

It was his fault.

“I could have saved her… I could have exited my room and waited for her...” Vigilant said.

“Whoever did this left a strong magical imprint. Forcis bleeds through her corpse. It is very likely they would have killed you if you had been here. Do not blame yourself for something you couldn’t have stopped,” Sacred said and rubbed his back.

Trina looked over the body. “Felreth Shield is right. The mage that did this had enough power to completely stop the victim from moving and choke her. You would have been no match for such an assailant.”

"How can you tell she couldn't move?" Vigilant asked.

Trina just pointed her tail at Kira's hind legs, a grimace crossing her face. "Left leg is broken. Snapped like a twig. Someone with extensive training with the energies from Forcis could have kept the healer in place. With enough power to snap bones we are talking about a master of the craft. No mere levitation spell or making things slightly lighter."

Sacred scowled. "Such power means demons would have been attracted. That mage must also have a formidable mind to withstand possession."

"It just means the mage is an even bigger threat, both to herself and others. Such power in the hands of a demon would be devastating for the entire city. Furthermore, we need to burn the healer's body as quickly as possible. Realmbleeding might occur if she is buried," Trina muttered and motioned for the guards to take away the corpse.

As the body was covered with a white sheet and placed on a stretcher Vigilant just blinked. He barely registered the healers that carried away Kira’s body with solemn faces. The admiral had said he would have lost the fight. So Kira would have died either way? Damn that! Vigilant knew that if he had faced the murder he would have won! He would have saved Kira's life and obtained his mother's message. Yet Trina thought he was weak. Too weak to save his people. Too weal to fight off a single attacker. Was he not supposed to lead this kingdom? His tail flicked back and forth and his lips curled back to reveal sharp teeth. A growl rose from his chest and his claws dug themselves into the stone floor.

“You say I would have lost the fight, that Kira would have died either way, but I would have won! As the prince of this nation, I can fight for my people. I demand you recognize that! I have studied with some of the best magic tutors-”

“And you have not finished your studies. You have not finished your lessons in etiquette either, since you can address me that way,” Trina glared at him and bared her own teeth.

The prince took a step back, cheeks burning. She was not only his elder but a mare. It was obscene for a stallion to scream at a mare, yet sometimes allowed. If the stallion was a lord he held a higher position than any commoner mare. It meant he could be angry at her. Vigilant on the other hand had screamed at a council member, one of his guardians. As a minor, he had no other legal guardians left but the Shekel council. His only family member left was Irmith of Cashau, who was his second cousin twice removed. Yet, she could not be his legal guardian. By law, in the circumstance that both parents of the heir died, he or she was to be raised and guided by the watchful eye of the council. No distant family relations could break that law. So that meant he had basically insulted a mare that held the same legal position as his mother.

So how did a stallion apologize for offending a mare of such high standing? Vigilant tilted down his ears, laid down on the floor, held out his forelegs, and bowed his head. “I am sorry I treated you that way, my Lady, it will not happen again.”

The admiral looked at him with an uncaring stare before nodding. “Good. Now get up and go back to your room. We will handle this from now on.”

“What? But I can help!” Vigilant stood up with his tail striking the floor.

“Do you know why healer Kira was sneaking around in the middle of the night?” the admiral bent down, her face intensely close to his own.

Her blue eyes seemed to pierce his soul.

“Any information may help us catch who did this. Do you know why she was here? She was assaulted close to your quarters,” Sacred Shield added.

“I-” he wanted to continue, but then he remembered Kira’s warning at the funeral.

She had said that he would be in danger if she told him. The message from his mother brought dangers so great that he wouldn’t be safe, even in the presence of the royal guard. Not to mention the Shekel council, who had all attended the funeral. Kira had been afraid, even with the leaders of the nation in the room.

“...No. I don’t know why she was here,” Vigilant finally mumbled and looked away.

“Then I want you to return to your room,” Trina said and waved her tail towards a few guards.

Vigilant was escorted away from the scene, looking back over his shoulder at the two council members. Could he trust them? His heartbeat thumped in his ears and his ears flicked. He licked his dry lips and kept his gaze on the floor as a bead of sweat slid down his face. The guards, the council members, the servants. They were all watching him. All their eyes were black.

------------------------------------------------

Vigilant paced around in his chambers. On several occasions, he had stopped in front of the window to watch over Kos. The city remained vibrant and filled with activity. Ships left the port and sailed into the Lafau Bay before continuing their journey through the passage of Verdan, a strait that laid between Cosea and the mainland. On a sunny day with clear skies, one could just barely see across the strait and look upon Silvelt. The republic had several port towns set up across from the Cosean capital, yet they had never prospered like Kos. Despite everything Vigilant had to smile as he looked over his city. It was beautiful. Blue roofs, white buildings, cobblestone roads, and paved streets alike. Lanterns lit the homes during the night. He loved it. Kos was the cultural and economic hub of the nation after all. It had so much to offer anyone that took the time to look. Today the city had lost a great mare.

His gaze fell to the floor and the prince closed his eyes. Where could he even begin his search for answers? Right now he needed some kind of confirmation about everything Kira had told him. The message had been penned by his mother, so that meant only a select few knew what had been written. So that meant finding anyone who had been present on the day of his mother’s death. That left four people, his mother, healer Kira, and his mother’s two personal servants. Two of them were already dead, which left him with two people. If the letter had been taken from Kira’s corpse that meant he needed testimonies from the others that had been there.

Vigilant needed to confront his mother’s retainers.

He already knew it would be a hard thing to do. These stallions had been by his mother’s side for a long time. They had been with her through strife and peace. Watching over her needs. They had prided themselves on how efficiently they could carry out their tasks. They had even been there with her as she slowly succumbed to the disease, gasping, pleading, crying…

Vigilant swallowed thickly and rubbed his eyes. Not now. He couldn’t think about it now. As crown prince, he held important duties. His mother had left him a personal letter. That preceded any grief or darkness. His queen had given him something, so as a stallion it was his duty to find it. At any cost. The prince would look towards his door and bite his lip. Armor clanking and talking could be heard from the other side. They wouldn’t stop him, but they would follow him. Could he trust any of them? Mares that had sworn to guard the crown with their lives? It felt silly to not trust them after everything he’d seen them do for his mother, but that had been for a mare. They had protected a queen. Would they see a young prince as of equal worth? His ears dropped. Kira’s warning still rang in his mind so he decided against it. Trina and Sacred would both still be out there as well.

Vigilant began pacing again when he noticed the window. It was like a light shone on his face and a smile spread across it. Vigilant would hurry to the window and unhook the latch, letting it swing open. The salty breeze and the cries of seagulls made him smile and look out over Kos once more. The jewel of the west. He would quickly regain his focus and look out the window. There was a small ledge underneath it, large enough to stand on, but just barely. He looked left and right and followed the stone outcrop. The left side led towards the hallway where Kira had been murdered. Large glass windows traveled the length of the hallway, and they shone in the sun. No good. He looked right once more and saw a balcony. The doors attached to the balcony were covered with dark curtains. It was his best shot. If he could successfully get there and then sneak his way to the servants' quarters then he could find the two stallions. Vigilant looked down for a second and saw the courtyard below. A few guards marched past and the gardeners whistled on happy tunes as they worked. His legs trembled and he felt sweat coat his body. Just before he exited his room Vigilant would quickly rush to his wardrobe and pull out a white cloak. It would help disguise his blue skin against the building outside.

Once Vigilant actually took a step out of the room the world spun. He was so high up! A fall from this height and he would break a lot of bones, if not die. How far was it to the ground? Six meters? Ten? By the gods, he was terrified. He shook and his tail swished quickly back and forth. Vigilant swallowed thickly when his last paw left the comfort of his room and gently sat down on the ledge. The balcony wasn’t that far away, but it looked like a mountain to him. If only he could just shift there! The blasphemous thought was quickly purged from his mind, but he couldn’t help but envy the plane-walkers. There were so many stories of stallions and mares shifting from one location to the next in combat, delivering devastating blows with their swords. Just lingering on such admiration was a sin. It was taboo of the highest order to revere magic from such impure and evil magic users, but their abilities would have been useful right about now.

Gods, he was high up.

Vigilant would slowly press on, one paw at a time. He was reminded of a mare testing out the newest fashion, as he walked on the thin ledge. Now and again he would stop as ponies passed him on the ground, and he would stop breathing entirely when the guards on the outer wall moved into view. Yet by some miracle, a blessing from Burthis herself he reckoned, Vigilant made it to the balcony. As the prince pulled himself up and breathed heavily he mumbled a quick prayer before he slowly opened the balcony doors and snuck into the room.

Vigilant hunched underneath the curtains as he entered the room, stretching out his back when the last silk strand left him. While there was low light in the room Vigilant could almost see perfectly, eyeing the quarters. Fine marble floor, paintings of the silfy emperor hanging on the wall, a grand king-sized bed nestled in a corner, and a grand oak desk with piles of documents resting on it. He had snuck into the silfy ambassador's private quarters. Vigilant’s face paled and he looked around for the stallion in question, but he didn’t see anyone. Then the bathroom door swung open and an ashen grey stallion exited it.

"Well then, why do I owe the pleasure, prince Vigilant?"

The stallion smirked and looked over the cloaked royal. His sharp teeth were revealed for a second before he sat down by the desk. The ambassador looked a lot like a cosean pony, but he had rougher edges and more scars. He had a long fin on his back and his tailfin had a jagged cut in it. With the dark circles underneath the stallion's eyes and grey streaks through his black mane, he looked like an old warrior. It was to be expected, considering that the silfy people were shark ponies after all. War and fighting was as much part of them as lanterns were part of Kos.

"I need to sneak out, I need to talk with someone. Please let me pass, I don't know when my guards will discover I have left," Vigilant said and looked out the window from which he had come.

The ambassador looked him over for a second with a raised brow. "I have something that I need to discuss with you, and I have tried getting an audience, yet it seems there are many other ambassadors and officials before me. If you could say... allow me to move on the top of that list then I will not tell your guards of your little adventure."

"I swear upon the stars, you will get your audience. Thank you, ambassador... Um... I actually never learned your name," the prince said.

"Veilas. Veilas Stormborn of the fifth fleet, now ambassador for the ruler of the northern sea and rightful heir to the crystal throne. I am also the only stallion in this damn city with a spine," the silfy pony growled before walking over to the door and opening it.

Vigilant hurried out the door, mumbling. "I have a spine..."

"Prove it to me by not getting caught by a few mares playing dress-up."

With that the door shut behind him and the prince was free. He peeked around the corner and heard the low chatting of guards. Perfect. Vigilant would leave the hallway and hurry away from the guards, looking for the stairs.

“...Can’t believe it would happen in the royal palace of all places,” a voice suddenly said.

‘Thousand divine curses,’ Vigilant thought.

The prince had one hallway to the right and one to the left in front of him. The voice had come from the left. It was the way to the stairs. He swore and made sure his cloak covered his flank. His cutie mark stood out. A crown in front of a pair of crossed swords surrounded by a ring of seashells was hardly inconspicuous. If they spotted it he might as well have been announcing to the whole castle that he was sneaking out. When he rounded the corner he was met by two servants. Vigilant kept his head down and quickly walked past them, pulling down the hood to cover his face. The two stallions were dressed in black suits and they carried trays with food. It was most likely his lunch. Vigilant's stomach rumbled and he muttered. He hadn't eaten anything since the day before. Sacred Shield had not allowed anyone to enter the council chambers while they searched for the killer.

“If only I had stayed in my room for five more minutes...” the disguised prince grumbled.

“What are you doing here?” one of the servants asked him.

Vigilant was completely frozen. He slowly looked over his shoulder and magically pulled the hood over his eyes. “Yes?”

“You should have left hours ago, revered brother! The church started service thirty minutes ago!” one of the servants said.

The disguised prince blinked for a second before he realized. White cloak, hood over his head, seashell pendant around his neck. They thought he was a clergy brother! A stallion in the service of the church. Vigilant opened his mouth, tried to speak, and then choked the sentence. This was actually perfect. The gods must have blessed him to allow this.

However, he still felt insulted for some odd reason.

“Quite. I appear to be tardy, but that will have to do. I was asked to stay to answers some questions, I happened to be close to the murder at the time,” Vigilant said, deepening his voice.

“Oh by Burthis so it is real? I just thought it was a rumor! That is horrible!” the other servant cried.

Vigilant slumped his shoulders and looked away. “Yes… Quite horrible...”

“Well, you better hurry to the gate! They will let you out if you tell them you’ve been questioned. The palace is on lockdown, but that should not influence the work of the clergy,” the first servant said.

Ah, of course. Why wouldn’t the castle be on lockdown? Someone had been murdered. That did make Vigilant grit his teeth and curse his bad luck. If his mother’s servants had left the castle he would not be able to go after them. The guards on the wall would not be as gullible as these servants, right?

“Thank you, I will go do that immediately,” Vigilant said and started to walk away.

“Revered brother, that hallway leads to the wrong set of stairs. You’ll go to the servant quarters if you go that way!”

‘Oh for the love...’ Vigilant turned around, a wide grin splitting his features.

“I walk in Burthis light and Cirelin’s blessed water. I always find my way. Do not worry about the holy, sir, worry about the food you are carrying,” Vigilant would bow his head and then continue walking.

“Oh gods he’s right, the prince must be fuming by now! Go, hurry you idiot! He will surely throw lightning at us if we even more late!” the two servants hurried down the corridor Vigilant had come from.

Vigilant blinked. "I wouldn't have thrown lightning at them! How dare those lowborn... Ah forget it..."

Out of sight, out of mind.

The disguised prince would head down the stairs and look around. The layout had completely changed by going down just one level. His paws touched a yellow carpet that felt like chewed meat to stand on. Vigilant craned his neck back and his horn touched the ceiling, prompting him to quickly back off with a hiss and rub the appendage. There were several wooden doors on both sides of the hallway he found himself in. A few had signs like ‘kitchen’ or ‘mail office’ but many were unnamed. He jumped and folded down his ears when a loud metal clang could be heard from somewhere on the floor. Finally, he sniffed the air and scrunched up his face. Meat, fish, vegetables, cleaning supplies, and sweat. Was this how they lived? Underneath the splendor upstairs? Vigilant had never actually been down here before. How did they survive in such an environment? It was horrible! The prince would gag before he continued further down the hallway. The queen’s own servants must have the most luxurious rooms, which meant he just needed to find doors made from fine oak or ones with golden signs on them. That should be easy enough.

It wasn’t.

There was not a hint of luxury or wealth down in the servant's quarters. Were the crown not paying them enough to at least show off their most prestigious position? Was this some sort of protest against his mother? Had they ignored their surely huge salary just to spite her? They were all just common. damn. doors. Where should he go? The hallway split into other hallways with more doors and so few said anything. At the fifth time of him opening a door to find an empty office, Vigilant promised himself that his first act of king would be to put propper signs in the servants quarters. When he was finally ready to give up a door opened and a concerned stallion peeked out.

“I thought I heard something. Are you alright, your highness? Why are you down here?” the stallion asked.

It was Marcis, one of his mother’s servants.

“Bloody finally!” Vigilant cried and hurried into the stallion’s room. “Close the door, we need to talk.”

The confused servant would do as told, locking the door as well. “Why are you down here, your highness? Shouldn’t you be in your room? Someone was murdered!”

“That is why I am here. Healer Kira was murdered, carrying a message from my mother to me. You and Feris were the last ones to see my mother alive, which meant you saw her writing a letter, correct? I need to know what was on that letter, it is life or death!” the prince hissed.

Marcis stumbled back for a second, eyes wide. “Kira is dead? Gods… So close to the queen’s passing? Gods...”

The stallion would walk to his bed and sit down on it.

“Yes, she is dead. She was murdered by someone who did not want me to read whatever message my mother had written to me. You need to tell me what was on that letter so that Kira did not die for nothing,” Vigilant said.

The prince would pull out a chair from Marcis’ desk and sit down upon it. Vigilant eyes Marcis expression. The servant’s mouth was open in shock, his eyes flicking back and forth. Marcis shook his head and looked to the floor, his paddled tail flicking slowly. The commoner swallowed thickly and pressed his ears against his head before he opened his mouth to speak. Vigilant splayed his ears wide and leaned forward from his seat.

“I remember nothing of that night, your highness...”

Vigilant blinked then he growled. “What do you mean you remember nothing? Was my mother’s death that unimportant to you? Was the pay not high enough for you to care?”

“No! No! I loved serving the queen! Your mother was kind to me!” Marcis said.

“Then talk,” Vigilant leaned back in the seat and glared at the stallion.

Marcis got off the bed and paced back and forth before answering. “I went out drinking after she passed. Both me and Feris went out to drink.”

“So you drank your memory away?” Vigilant asked.

The prince looked at the servant in disgust. It was one thing to indulge oneself in a drink or two. It was a whole other thing to suffer blackouts and memory loss. Was this the servant of his mother? A good for nothing drunk? A good for nothing drunk who could not even serve his own monarch? Vigilant growled.

“No! I have never done anything like that! I had three drinks! By the gods, I would never do you such a disservice, my liege!”

“Then why can’t you remember anything? Why… You know what? I will go find Feris. He might be more useful than you,” Vigilant jumped off the chair and walked to the door.

Marcis jumped in front of him. “He does not remember that night either! None of us do! All I remember is leaving the palace and drinking with Feris at the tavern!”

Vigilant glared at the servant and frowned. “What tavern?”

“Your highness, it is in the red-light district… You can’t-”

“What tavern, you miserable excuse for a servant!” Vigilant’s horn flared and sparks of lightning flew across the floor.

“The Shady Hollow! Please don’t hurt me! I’m sorry!” Marcis bowed deeply and shook like a leaf.

Vigilant huffed and grabbed the stallion’s head in a magical grip. “Is there anyone in the red-light district that can guide me there? Do you have a friend or someone that can tell me what happened that night?”

Marcis nodded, sniffling. ”Oliver of Hansha, you want to find Oliver of Hansha. He is a brown stallion, a cosean like you and me.”

"You will not tell anyone about this. If anyone asks you do not know where I am," Vigilant leaned in close and glared at Marcis.

"Where will you go? The castle is on lockdown," the servant stuttered.

“It seems I will be paying a visit to the red-light district earlier than anticipated,” Vigilant let go of Marcis and opened the door, hurrying away.

The prince left the servants' quarters and walked down the hallway. He grumbled to himself about the servant being less than useful. His tail swished back and forth and his ears flicked as he eyed the hall ahead of him. He just wanted answers. He thought about finding Feris and questioning him as well, but it seemed pointless. Marcis had not seemed to be lying. Yet it was too convenient. Both of the two people left who might know something had memory loss of the night his mother died. Something was off.

Vigilant searched around the servants' quarters for an exit. He listened for seagulls and marching guards. After a few minutes, he opened a door that engulfed the hallway with sunlight and he walked outside. A few guards passed him, one giving him a quick glance before they continued their patrol. Was his disguise really that good? He felt insulted. Right before them stood their ruler, their future king, and a white cloth was enough to disguise him. Vigilant mumbled and headed for the main gate. He kept his tail and head low. He did not look anyone in the eyes. Too risky. He almost creeped against the ground, making sure to be appearing as submissive as possible. This is how most stallions in the clergy looked. Heads down, pride buried underneath their paws. Vigilant saw one of the guards by the gate hold up a paw and aim a spear at him in a magical grasp. He stopped in his tracks and shook. They might tell him to remove the hood. They might even tell him to remove the cloak entirely. Could he run? Vigilant could blast them aside and storm past the gate, but they would catch him in a second. Maybe he could just order them to let him pass? No… No, he was a stallion and had yet to be crowned. The council ruled more than he did.

“Revered brother, you are late for the sermon,” the guard said.

“I am very sorry. I was asked to stay behind to answer a few questions… I know the palace is in lockdown, but could you let me pass? The priestess will be terribly cross with me if I do not return soon,” Vigilant deepened his voice once again.

For a second it looked like she would not let him pass. The guard examined him, her glare flicking over his body. She took a step closer, the spear closer to Vigilant’s body. He breathed quickly and shook. Then she backed off and nodded.

“I will make an exception for a member of the church. However, this is the only time,” she said and nodded to her fellow guards. “Open the gate!”

Vigilant looked in awe as the metal gate swung open and revealed the path down towards the noble district. He bowed his head at the guard before hurrying past. His paws left gravel for paved stone and he heard the gate close behind him. He looked over his shoulders and a guard waved a paw at him to hurry.

He had snuck out of the royal palace. With a cloak.

“I am having Sacred replace all of you when I get back...” Vigilant muttered as he followed the road.

He had one destination before him. The red-light district.

The Drunkard From Red Street

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The streets of Kos were always active, night or day. Carts filled with sacks of flour rolled past, entertainers sang to the gods and breathed fire by the corners, the merchants by their stands yelled for people to try out their wares, guards stood idly by their booths, commonfolk flowed down the streets like water as they headed for work, and clergy mares hurried to the different shrines around the city. In the middle of it, all was one white-clad stallion.

“This is ridiculous...” Vigilant mumbled to himself as a guard passed him.

The wayward prince had managed to get past the noble district without much worry. A few coseans had seen him and wished him luck, which he had returned with a curt nod. When he had been out of sight of the palace gates he had felt himself straighten and his mood growing more sour. The guards had checked every mare that had left the courtyard, but not him. Did they really think that lowly of their fellow stallions? Had they stayed around the clergy too much? Maybe the palace servants had been too soft on them? Either way he would have to ask Sacred to drill them properly when he got back. If he could sneak out that easily then the assassin would have had an even easier time. Vigilant bit his lip and passed another guard, who just gave him a quick bow. Most mares and stallions that passed gave him honorable greetings and bows. The colors of the church covered him, the colors of the gods. Like a blanket of light it hid his visage from the prying eyes of the curious. They would not be able to determine who he was. He was just a stallion, another of the endless male acolytes of the church. He was broken out of his thoughts as a mare swished her tail into his face. Vigilant stopped dead in his tracks and looked over his shoulder. Her skin was red, her gelatinous mane black. His gaze traveled up her tail until it landed on her flank. The prince quickly turned away and hurried down the street, his heart racing.

His journey continued across the cobblestone streets. He followed signs and the sounds of mirth. There were few places in Kos that served alcohol in the morning, the few exceptions being in the red-light district. Vigilant peeked under his hood as he passed a guard booth, the mares eyeing him. One whispered something into the other’s ear, which made them both giggle. He stopped and turned to face them, the two tilting their head at him. The wooden booth they stood in was small, only large enough to fit four ponies at most. A pole bearing Cosea’s flag was attached to the booth, marking it as under the crown’s protection and jurisdiction. The guard to the left had a red mane and light yellow skin while her companion had a light green mane with navy blue skin. They both wore steel armor with a crown ingrained on their chestplate.

“Can we help you, honored brother?” the green-maned mare asked.

Vigilant took a deep breath, his tail shaking. “I am looking for the… red-light district. You see a former prostitute was coming to our small church in the western part of the city until recently when she just disappeared. My priestess has ordered me to find this mare and bring her back, so we may continue the work in saving her soul and body.”

The two guards looked at each other for a second, their brows raised and lips twitching, before they slowly looked back at him. “And you’re telling us you are not looking for the district due to more… carnal desires?”

“What!? Of course not! I am no sinner, nor am I a whore! I follow the faith and all its doctrines!” Vigilant’s tail shot up and his nostrils flared. He bared his teeth at the duo and growled, making one of them take a step back.

“Apologies, honored brother! We didn’t mean to accuse you of unholy intentions, but you must understand you are not the first young stallion from the church that has asked for the red-light district.”

The white cloaked prince blinked. “Stallions of the church go there? The holy dare go against the tenants and revel in such things?...”

The red-maned guard nodded. “Yes, honored brother. Surely a young stallion as yourself understands such carnal desires.”

Vigilant opened his mouth in disgust and horror. They dared accuse him of cavorting with sullied mares? He who was supposed to lead his people by example? He had been raised as a true follower of the faith, as a true believer in the stallion’s and mare’s place in the world, and they dared accuse him?

“After all, your holiness, seeking pleasure should not be a crime nor sin,” the green-maned guard said.

“It definitely should! It leads our people down a dark path to the void! Not to speak of the crime and suffering such places create! You should be ashamed for saying such things under an open sky, the gods can hear your blasphemy!” Vigilant slammed his tail on the ground and growled. By now ponies had stopped to watch the spectacle, a small church stallion yelling at two mares of the city watch.

The mares looked at the gathering crowd before giving each other another look. The red-maned mare shrugged and the green-maned guard pointed down an alley. “Take that path and then right when you reach the street. When you hear laughter, see stallions dressed obscenely by street corners, and walk on red bricks you’ll know you’ve reached the right place.”

The prince let out a long exhale before giving the two guards a quick bow. “Thank you.”

With that Vigilant headed down the alley, ignoring the looks he got by the others. It was a strange sight see a stallion assert himself, and the ponies watching him surely thought him a hypocrite. A stallion preaching to a mare, pah!

As the disguised prince reached the street he took a sharp right and followed it. Small shops, homes, and shrines dotted the narrow street and ponies of all kinds passed him. Once again he got curious bows and looks, though considering his direction most seemed to judge him. Everyone knew where the street headed, and most was walking away from the place, not heading towards it. Vigilant felt his cheeks burn at the indignation, the shame, of appearing as a pleasure-seeking fool. He followed the seventh tenant, to not defile one’s body or soul by sleeping with another before marriage, and he followed it adamantly. Any frisky maid, teasing ambassador, or too friendly noblemare were all met by the same cold and distant look. His mother had raised him well, though it had been the high priestess who had instilled true virtues in him. Seris had made sure he followed the tenants of the church and that he had paid true tribute to the gods. It was partially why Vigilant felt his cheeks burn at what he had said to the two guards. The second tenant, a stallion will always be subservient to a mare, had been drilled into his mind a long time ago.

In his musings Vigilant missed when he had entered his desired destination. The roofs had taken on a red color with large crescent roof tiles and the white walls were now brown, either from dirt or wood. The ground itself had also shifted from a neutral grey cobblestone to a red pavement. There were stallions and mares in all shapes and sizes by street corners and looking out windows. Lingerie, ribbons to tie up manes, and skimpy dresses were on display everywhere. The shops held red or pink signs with phallic imagery and lipstick kisses. Nothing was on full display in the shop's windows, but Vigilant understood what was inside. This was the district sinners and criminals came to. Here was the district where smugglers stored their wares and where sexually transmitted diseases spread like pox.

“Gods have mercy on these poor sinners...” Vigilant mumbled.

The prince used magic to pull his cloak tighter around his body and he passed a cosean mare that could not have been much older than himself. She winked at him and opened her jaw wide, mimicking as if she was sucking on something- Oh god gods! Vigilant ran from her with burning cheeks and she just giggled at his reaction.

Vigilant tried to find his way without asking for directions. Beggars pulled on his cloak for money and he sent them back with a spell. Whores asked him if he wanted a nice morning release and he recited passages from the holy scriptures. Stallions in dark alleyways offered him a pipe with a dried blue weed inside and he smacked them aside. Where could he even find a reliable source of information? A whore was more likely to pull him into an alley and deprive him of his virtue, a beggar would want silver shells and likely lie so Vigilant would have to come back and ask for more, and the addicts had long lost any sense of reality. There was not one stallion or mare in the district with any honor, and Vigilant feared he would lose his own by staying for too long. How hard could it be for a stallion to find a bloody tavern?

Then a hope emerged, a brown cosean stallion, leaning against a wall mumbled on about beer and wine. A local drunk surely knew where to find the tavern, and so Vigilant approached him. “Fine sir, may you tell me where I can find the shady hollow?”

The stallion blinked lazily and lifted his head to meet Vigilant’s gaze. He tilted his head and eyed the prince’s robes. “You need a drink, brother?”

“I… Yes, yes I am here to drink!” Vigilant lied and puffed out his chest.

The drunk eyed her for a second before having a hiccup. “No, you’re not.”

“What? You dare accuse me of lying you wretch?” the prince sneered.

The cosean stallion stopped leaning against the wall and walked out of the shade into the sunlight. He was brown with a tuft of black on his head. His eyes carried the same color as his coat and he had a shield for his cutie mark. “I am not accusing, I am saying you aren’t here to drink. Trust me, I know my fair share of thrifty clergy stallions and you are not one of them.”

Vigilant took a step back and grit his teeth. “Fine. I have no desire to drink, but I must find this tavern. Two of my friends had a drink there recently and forgot some items, and I would like to inspect their booth. I would also like to meet a stallion by the name of Oliver of Hansha. He might know something of importance, as he is a friend of theirs.”

“And what was the name of your friends? Perhaps I could help you if you only tell me a bit more,” the stallion said.

“Are you always this difficult? Are you even drunk?” Vigilant said and ran a paw on his snout.

The brown cosean snorted. “I am drunk, though it wears off quite quickly these days...”

“Fine, I’ll give you their names but you will promise to tell no one,” Vigilant growled.

“This is the red-light district, keeping secrets is what the place is good at.”

Vigilant gave a mocking smirk. “You can not be very good at it considering everyone knows what sort of place it is.”

The drunk shook his head. “Trust me, son, you have barely scratched the surface with a few rumors and tales that have reached your churchly quarters.”

“Fine, I will tell you their names. Marcis and Feris, personal servants to the queen. They went to that tavern to drink and I need to know where they sat. You see they might have forgotten something very important there, and I am to retrieve it.”

The drunk eyed him for a second before nodding. “Follow me, honored brother.”

As they walked towards the tavern Vigilant felt curious about the stallion leading the way. “What is your name?”

“Oliver, Oliver of Hansha. I was reluctant to share it since it is not normally a good thing to have the clergy looking for you."

Vigilant stopped in the middle of his tracks. "You are Oliver of Hansha?"

Oliver nodded. "The one and only. May I ask for your name, revered brother?”

“You may not.”

“It is quite rude to ask for someone’s name and then don’t share your own.”

“I don’t care.”

Oliver rolled his eyes and continued leading the way to the tavern. It laid close to the docks, so close in fact that Vigilant could see ships in the district’s harbor. The vessels that docked in the district were merchant's vessels, but they were hardly legitimate traders. Yet despite their unknown cargo and questionable origin Vigilant was certain he saw a few guards by the docks, examining the ships and allowing them to unload said cargo. Were the guards in the red-light district that dense? It was despicable. Oliver cleared his throat and tore Vigilant attention back to the shady hollow.

“Apologies.”

The tavern lay in the basement of a house. Stone stairs led down to its door and only the sign hung on the ground level. The sign depicted a grotto with a lantern hanging adjacent to it. It looked like a place smugglers would use, and it fitted a tavern so close to the docks. Oliver led the way down the stairs and into the tavern, and Vigilant followed.

The tavern was unlike any place Vigilant had seen before. First, the floor was made entirely of cheap imported birch wood from the continent. It spoke of low quality and few shells. The bar desk had a large and wide cabinet behind it that stretched from one end of the desk to the other. Inside were obscure kinds of ale, wine, and beer. The names on the labels were not familiar to Vigilant. He was used to drinking the finest wine from the Silveltian vineyards, not some cheap knock-off from the Cat-paw islands. The ale was likely imported from the Silfy empire, though it did not bear the emperor’s seal. The beer was from the dukedom of Garmain, and it was genuine.

The main floor of the tavern was littered with stallions and mares having a drink and eating whatever food the tavern had to offer. Drinking songs were sung, plates emptied, and mugs downed in a single take. The atmosphere was festive and light, though Vigilant could only see sin and vice.

“Where did they sit?” he asked Oliver.

“In the back. I remember it quite clearly since they lamented about the queen’s death every five minutes.”

“Did you not grieve the loss of the queen? At the very least you could share your friend's grief!” Vigilant’s nostrils flared and he stomped his hoof into the floor.

Oliver shrugged. “I did not know the mare, so I have no reason to grieve, but she was well-liked. I offered the poor fellow some beer and wine, which seemed to cheer them up. Not that they drank it all.”

The prince had to take a deep breath to quiet the storm in his chest before he followed Oliver to the booth back in the tavern. The brown stallion motioned with his tail at the empty and cleaned booth before tilting his head at the disguised prince. “What did you hope to find, revered brother?”

“Anything, something. There has to be a clue… This was my only lead,” Vigilant said and desperately searched the seat and table for anything of value.

Oliver looked at him with confusion. “Lead for what? You said you were searching for an item.”

“I said something, and that something is information. Healer Kira was murdered because of something these stallions knew and they can no longer remember it, so now I am out here among you filthy commoners, sinners, and drunkards doing my best to not have a nervous breakdown! Is that an adequate answer!?” Vigilant hissed.

The brown stallion seemed taken aback and seated himself in the booth. “Healer Kira is dead?”

Vigilant froze and nodded solemnly. “She was murdered last night.”

“Good gods… Why would someone want to murder such a sweet mare? She was the best healer in the city and she helped many stallions and mares from around here. She helped me with a nasty case of the flu once,” Oliver mumbled.

“She was killed because she had a message from the queen to give me. She gave me a warning that powerful people did not want me to receive this message and that she would give it to me the next evening. Supposedly her office had been ransacked, and she no longer felt safe. It was as she was delivering the message that she was attacked and killed. The good healer was robbed of any message she might have been carrying, and the queen’s personal servants who also knew the content of the message had forgotten it. Marcis and Faris last visit was to this place, and it was here they forgot about the message,” Vigilant said.

“I did see those two here after the queen’s funeral. How do you know all of this though? You are a simple clergy member, are you not?” Oliver asked.

“I know it because I am the crown prince.”

Vigilant lifted his hood for a split second and the drunk’s eyes widened. Oliver looked around them with wild eyes before continuing the conversation with a hushed tone. “What are you doing here on your own, your highness!?”

“I came to find the truth, and I think you can help me find it. You said you saw the two servants on the day the queen was buried, correct?”

“I did. I saw them speak to a black stallion dressed in a dark jacket and tophat. His cutie mark was covered, so I can not be certain who he was. I did see he had a red mane, however,” Oliver said and leaned back into the seat.

“Do you know anything else, something which might help me find out what my mother wanted to tell me?” Vigilant asked.

Oliver pondered for a second. “Well… If Kira is gone then there is no hurting in telling you. She had a house here in the district, a building where she treated the sick of the red-light district. She had an office there, and it was a well-kept secret that she did it. She wore a mask most of the time and covered her cutie mark, though a lucky few were allowed to know who she really was. Took really good care of us. Treated disease, helped teach spells to prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, and she gave free care to the children who live here.”

Vigilant tilted his head. “Why would she help beggars, drunks, and whores who could not pay her a reasonable price for her services?”

“Because she was a good mare.”

The prince pondered on that and nodded. “Very well. Show me to her office.”

Oliver led Vigilant from the shady hollow further north into the district. They passed a large building surrounded by stallions and mares offering their ‘services’ and loud moans came from the open windows on the upper floor. Vigilant scrunched his snout at the obscene display and Oliver snorted at him.

“Are you truly that prudish, your highness?” the drunk asked.

“Prudish? With all due respect that a stallion of my position may hold, it is not prudish to be disgusted by a rat-infested haven of sin. The whores are filthy and disease-ridden, the beds old and surely filled with cockroaches, and I bet that criminal gangs run it all in these shady basements tucked away at every street corner,” the prince said.

Oliver shrugged. “The district has never been looked after. No one steps in to regulate the ‘workers’ or the wares shipped to it. The guards only watch the docks, and I am willing to bet a ruby on them being the most corrupt guards in the city. There is no upkeep of the buildings and no laws for sanitation or cleanliness, so the brothels become just as filthy as you claim.”

Vigilant growled. “I’ll tear it all down when I am made king, I will outlaw every practice that goes on here.”

“And throw every whore in the city in jail?” Oliver smirked.

“If that is what it takes? Then yes! Decency, virtue, and honor can not be exchanged for some silver shells. I will throw every whore in jail or send them to the church to be healed from their sin. A low diet, penance, and holy scripture would surely set them straight,” Vigilant huffed.

“I fear for our city once you take the throne, your highness.”

“Because I will clean up the dirtiest district in the city? Because I will do my role as a stallion, follower of the faith, and king? Because I will hold on to my principles? If you fear that then you are a sinful coward.”

Oliver sighed. “I am just worried your convictions aren't your own.”

Vigilant froze and glared at the drunk. He mumbled under his breath and slowly followed behind Oliver, wondering how he would punish the commoner for his insolence. How dare he question the words of his monarch and the church? Surely he knew nothing awaited them but damnation should they break the scripture? The prince growled and continued following the brown stallion.

“Here we are,” Oliver said when they reached a large house at the north end of the district.

The building was old, older than any other in the red-light district. Wide as a mansion and high as a tower it stretched far above the two stallions. A metal fence and gate surrounded the building, and foals played outside in the yard. Vigilant tilted his head at the sight and looked to Oliver.

“What is this place?”

“The red-light districts very own orphanage, for all children who nobody wants. It is a sad sight. The teacher and owner of the place is a good enough sort, though I fear he is a bit eccentric. It was on the third floor that Healer Kira had her clinic and office,” Oliver said and pushed open the gate.

The children at the yard did not pay too much attention to the two stallions as they passed them. Though one brave, or very stupid, colt threw a stone. It sailed through the air and his Vigilant's head. The prince slowly looked towards the colt and glared. Oliver grabbed a hold of his cloak and dragged him through the great wooden archway that lead into the building. They found themselves in a grand hall where they met by a red stallion with a black mane.

“How can I help you two?” the stallion asked.

“We are here to see healer Kira. I can vouch for the clergy stallion, Laras. We will just head up the stairs,” Oliver said.

The red stallion, who was apparently named Laras, stepped before the stairs and shook his head. “She is not here today, so I suggest you return at another time.”

“She is dead, she’ll never come here again. Let us pass, that is an order,” Vigilant growled.

Laras shook his head. “Sir, this is my property. I do not care for your subservient church role, do not use your position for such things. The gods do not take kindly to hubris.”

Vigilant threw off the cloak and bared his teeth at the stallion. Laras eyes widened and he took a step back. The children outside looked into the hall and were stunned by seeing the appearance of their monarch.

“Step. Aside.”

“Of course your majesty!” Laras bowed and stepped aside.

Vigilant walked up to the third floor, passing the second floor which was littered with toys and playthings. On the third floor a waiting hall awaited them, with a few benches for people to sit on. Vigilant walked up to the door of the clinic and used magic to open it, yet he then realized something strange as it swung open.

“It wasn’t locked...” the prince mumbled.

Oliver walked into the clinic before Vigilant, checking corners as he went. The clinic itself was remarkably clean with a professional setup and real remedies in bottles along the wall. Yet the cabinets around the room had been searched through and papers laid strewn across the floor. Vigilant frowned at the sight and looked around. He took a deep breath and called upon the powers of Ferah, the realm of fire. For a second a presence pressed onto his mind, and he grit his teeth. He built up a wall against the invader and readied a fire spell. Oliver seemed to notice his discomfort.

“Spirit trying to possess you?” the stallion asked.

“Always, every spell you cast is an invitation. At least I know how to handle it,” the prince grumbled.

As they looked through the clinic they found nothing of value but surgical tools and notes on patients. Oliver seemed interested in the patient records, though Vigilant chastised him for looking into such private matters. Eventually, the two opened a door which led into Kira’s office, and it was truly trashed. Lockers had been forced open, the desk partially destroyed, papers thrown onto the floor, and the window was broken. Vigilant eyed the floor beneath the window and shook his head.

“It was broken from the inside. There are no glass shards on the floor,” the prince said.

Oliver eyed it and nodded. “A rushed attempt to throw off anyone investigating. It must have been done in a hurry, considering how sloppy it is.”

“Let’s look around. If you find any letters addressed to me or my mother then give them to me,” Vigilant said.

As the two searched the office they found no more than the thieves. They checked underneath potted plants, rifled through the papers on the desk, floor, and in the cabinets, but they found nothing. Vigilant grew more and more irritated as they searched and he finally sat down by the hearth. Yet it was then he noticed that the hearth had been recently cleaned and that the logs were new. He tilted his head and used a spell to grab the logs and move them aside. The spell summoned yet another pressure on his mind, but he ignored it. The prince looked up in the chimney and his eyes widened.

“I found something!” the prince shouted to his companion.

Oliver approached the prince and watched as the blue-skinned stallion pulled out a parcel from the chimney. It was wrapped in brown paper and an envelope was settled on top of it, tied with a string. Vigilant pulled out the envelope and opened it. He eyed the short letter that fell out and he began reading it.

‘Vigilant Watch, if you are reading this, your highness, then I am dead. I fret writing those words, but it is true. My warning at the funeral could not have come at a better time, for I fear you have no one else you can trust! I have copied the letter your mother wrote to you and enclosed it with my various medical records of your mother’s sickness. Those along with this letter should be enough to prove my words as more than crazy theories. I have discovered that the queen did not fall from some unknown sickness! No, she was poisoned, and only someone close to her could have done it. I fear that the information I carry from your mother and my knowledge of her true cause of death will be more than enough to have me killed. Trust no one in the council, your highness. Trust no one at court, and keep an extra eye open when you are on the streets. Be armed at all times and eat and drink nothing you haven’t seen others eat and drink first. Gods bless you, prince, and I am sorry I will no longer be there to help you.’ - Signed, Kira of Garmain.

Vigilant's eyes widened and he sat down on the floor. He stared at the letter and he trembled. He was not certain if it was from sorrow, anger, or fear. Oliver looked at him with concern and took a step forward when heavily armed guards burst through the door.

“Step away from the prince!” the voice of Sacred Shield cried out into the room.

The guards stepped to the side to allow the mare through the door and she glared daggers at Oliver. The drunk bowed deeply and stepped aside. Sacred Shield walked up to Vigilant and pulled him to his paws. The prince still held the parcel and she looked at it with confusion.

“What is that?” she asked.

Vigilant folded the letter he had been reading and wrapped the parcel in his white cloak. “It does not concern you, Felreth Shield.”

“You are in an office supposedly belonging to Kira of Garmain. If you have found anything relevant to the investigation you will give it to me, Vigilant.”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

Oliver cringed and took a step back as the prince faced the leader of the guard. The other armored mares in the room also seemed to suffer from the same fear, and they too took a step back from the conflict.

Vigilant glared at the mare. “I will not cave before this demand. This parcel is mine, and you will not touch it.”

“If that parcel can help us find Kira’s murderer-”

“I will not give you the parcel,” the prince snarled.

Sacred sighed. “Your highness, you need to trust me-”

“I don’t! I do not trust you or anyone else in the palace! Give me one reason to trust you! The only reason you even do this job is because of the pay, there is no loyalty or patriotism from you!”

“How dare you-” Sacred started only to be interrupted again.

“Furthermore, I am not caving before your demands. I am keeping this parcel and I will hurt anyone who tried to take it from me. I do not care if I have to kill, I will not give it to anyone else, is that understood?”

Sacred’s jaw tensed, she growled and slammed her tail into the floor. Oliver jumped back and covered, yet Vigilant held his ground. He leaned in close until he and Sacred were snout to snout, both glaring at one other.

“Escort the prince to the palace, and do not let him out of your sight!” Sacred yelled and marched back out to the clinic. She slammed the door shut on her way out.

The prince deflated and breathed heavily when she was gone, and he hugged the parcel to his chest with magic. He gave Oliver a thankful nod and urged the stallion to go outside. “You will be rewarded for your help today, Oliver, rest assured.”

The brown stallion just nodded and left.

And so Vigilant began his trek back to the palace, with a snarl blanketing his face. Someone had murdered his mother, someone with a lot of power. Every member of the council appeared in his mind’s eye and he sighed. The very ponies he needed to impress could not be trusted. Why must he deal with such things before he had even gained the throne? He muttered under his breath as he walked home, and one thought filled his mind.

‘I will avenge you, mother, no matter the cost.’

Ambassador's Summon

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Once Vigilant had returned to the palace he hid the parcel with notes on the canopy above his queen size bed. Once that was done he went to sleep, though it was a restless kind of sleep. He dreamed of running but never reaching his goal. He saw himself falling down a great pit, the leering grin of a monster awaiting him at the bottom. He saw an orb, a round azure crystal that glowed with the intensity of the sun. Finally, he saw his mother’s face, and she looked at him with sadness and concern. He reached out with his right paw to touch her, only for her to turn to ash.

Vigilant awoke in the early hours of the morning. He looked suspiciously around the room and tried to see if anything looked out of place. Yet there was nothing. No notes had been disturbed, no drawer had been open, and no window was unlocked. The hearth was smoldering with the remains of yesterday's fire and it still spread a comforting warmth through the room.

A knock on the door brought Vigilant out of his musings and he sat up on the bed. “Enter.”

The door swung open and a maid walked in. She carried a tray in her magical grasp filled with an assortment of breakfast articles and toiletries. Vigilant recognized her red skin and eyes. She had been the maid who had flirted with him when he returned from the funeral. A calm smile was splayed across her lips. The maid bowed to him before walking over to the desk and placing the tray on it. With her back to him, Vigilant could appreciate the maid outfit she wore. The white and black dress hugged her curves firmly, and the prince looked away with a blush.

“How did you know I was awake?” Vigilant asked and cleared his throat.

She walked over to the hearth and put some more logs onto the fire. “I didn’t. Beriit Olim ordered me to wake you early since you have to hold court today.”

Vigilant groaned in frustration and fell back onto the bed. “For the love of Demos...”

“I can assure you all will be fine. I heard that there are just a few who need to see you today, though the silfy ambassador is among them. He has demanded an audience with you, summoned you for one even.”

“I did promise him to move him to the top of the list… Fine, I shall go meet with ambassador Veilas. Would you kindly find something fitting for the occasion?” Vigilant asked.

The maid hummed and walked over to his wardrobe. She pulled it open with a simple spell and looked around the many outfits and robes. She settled on a navy blue military jacket with a green silk band tied to his chest. She levitated it over to Vigilant who took it with a thankful nod.

The prince got dressed and looked at himself in the mirror. He eyed his gelatinous mane and tried to straighten it out with magic. However, just as he cast the spell it felt like a heavy force slammed against his mind. Vigilant stumbled back and groaned. He held his head with a paw and scrunched his eyes shut. The presence pounded against his mind with even more force, yet it was unable to break through his mental walls. Vigilant growled and pushed the walls against the presence, forcing it out of his mind.

The maid eyed him with concern. “Are you alright, your highness?”

“I am fine, just a demon trying to possess me. Spellcasting is dangerous, but a spell as simple as that should not attract such strong demons...” he mumbled.

She smiled and grabbed a hairbrush with her magic and walked over to him. “Demons like to attack powerful mages, take it as a compliment from the other side.”

Vigilant sat down on the floor and allowed the maid to run the brush through his mane, straightening it out and making it presentable. “I don’t think it is a compliment that they want to possess my body for carnal pleasures.”

“Mortal pleasures, your highness, mortal pleasures. Remember your demonology classes, not your religious ones.”

“What difference does it make? They want to possess me all the same,” the prince mumbled.

Vigilant stood up and stretched once the maid was done. He eyed himself in the mirror and smiled. His light blue skin matched well against the jacket, and his mane now looked presentable. The maid added a few seashells into the mane for some flair and then smiled with satisfaction at her work.

“There we go. You look dashing, your highness. I am sure some young noble mare will look upon you with favor today.”

Vigilant blushed. “I don’t think our young ladies are so forward but thank you.”

The maid rolled her eyes. “I saw lady Umbra pull a guard stallion into a closet once, they can be very forward when they want to be.”

“By the gods' such crude accusations! From a commoner no less!” Vigilant sputtered.

She just grinned at him. “You need to learn how to relax, your highness. If you think my jabs are crude and in poor taste then you will faint once you visit Silfy.”

The maid looked around the room before grabbing some dirty outfits and the white cloak Vigilant had used the previous day. She eyed the cloak for a moment before she opened her mouth as if to speak, though she stopped herself and bowed. “Eat your breakfast and pray to the gods, my liege. The guards outside will escort you to the throne room when you are ready.”

The maid left and Vigilant eyed her flank as she did so. He tore his gaze away as she closed the door and closed his eyes. He prayed to Cirelin for clear skies, as he always did, and he prayed to Demos for his mother’s soul. When he was about to turn to the food he thought for a second before closing his eyes once more and praying to Bael, the god of mysteries and those who searched for answers. He asked Bael to bless his quest to find the truth, so he could punish those who had murdered his mother. Vigilant then turned to his food and began eating. He enjoyed the tuna and ham that had been brought to him, and even more so the sweet wine. When he was done the prince left the room and looked upon the two guards who stood on each side of his door.

“We have been ordered to escort you to the throne room, your highness,” the mare to the left said.

Vigilant nodded before he remembered something. He quickly rushed into his room and closed the door behind him. He grabbed the parcel from atop the canopy with a spell, this time siphoning just a small amount of energy Forcis, and pulled it close. Once that was done he exited his room and motioned for the guards to show the way.

The walk to the throne room did not take long. The winding corridors of the palace were designed to lead to the throne room, like arteries that funneled blood to a heart. Once they reached the hall outside the throne room Vigilant was met by a massive line of ponies. They looked to be everything from nobles to commoners. They called out his name and vied for his attention.

One mare dressed in s fine silk dress stepped out from the line. “Your highness, I demand an audience at once! I have waited for three hours and my request is very urgent.”

“Ha! I have waited for four hours and my request far exceeds the importance of lady Orelia’s,” another mare huffed.

“The crops aren’t growing, your highness! Our town will starve unless we are given magical aid! Please send some mages to help us!” a stallion in the back called.

More and more voices screamed for Vigilant’s attention. The prince pressed his ears against his head and sighed. He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself, though he still growled at the constant noise created by the ponies around him. “I will see ambassador Veilas first. The rest of you will receive your audience in due time.”

Veilas, who had been in the middle of the line, walked past the other nobles and ambassadors with a wide grin. They hollered and cursed at him in response. Though they could do little as the guards pushed them back and Vigilant led the silfy stallion inside the throne room.

The prince looked upon the room as he entered it. The throne room was formed like a theatre hall. Seats stacked on top of each other in rows faced the throne on both sides of the room and left one small corridor in the middle of it all for people to walk on. A red carpet covered said corridor and it only stopped when it reached the base of the dais the throne stood upon. The throne itself was magnificent to behold. Its armrests and back were littered with golden pearls, each one was as large as an eye. Seashells had been grafted into the stone and wood which made up the throne and it gave it a scaly appearance. Finally, there was a large green pillow on the throne made of silk.

Vigilant stopped and admired it all before Veilas cleared his throat.

“Of course, apologies.”

The prince walked up to the throne and looked it over. His mother had sat upon it just a few weeks prior. She had been radiant and wise. She had guided Cosea with a firm but gentle paw. He could almost see her before him. She would smile and ask how his day had been if he had met any mares, to which Vigilant would have blushed and whined. He smiled before he came back to reality and looked upon an empty throne. He sat down on it and sighed before he nodded at Veilas.

“The reason why I wanted to hold this audience, your highness, is because the emperor has called upon you. You have received an invitation to his palace, and it is not an invitation you can or should refuse,” the ambassador said with a serious expression.

Vigilant tilted his head at the stallion before him and frowned. “Why does the emperor wish to meet with me? He holds no love for our faith or for our way of life. In your own words you are the only stallion with a spine on our island, so why does the emperor of the northern sea wish to see me?”

Veilas shrugged. “I am not one to question the orders of my ruler. I would guess that he wishes to see Starlit Eyes’ successor, considering your mother helped draft the peace treaty between our empire and the Silventian republic. The emperor wants to know if you are like your mother.”

“And how long is the journey to Silfy by ship? I have never made the crossing before.”

“Two weeks, your highness. A little over one week if you have a fast ship and good captain, but your nation lacks both.”

Vigilant glared at the stallion. “Do not insult our navy, ambassador. We have some of the fastest ships in the world, and we protect the southern sea and Cosea bay from pirates. I expect some respect for our sailors and captains.”

Veilas nodded. “Of course, your highness. Silfy has always appreciated your navy’s presence in pirate-infested waters, it helps keep the merchant vessels safe after all. But we both know who has the more powerful navy and better equipment. We are bred for war, your highness, you just avoid them.”

The prince sighed and rolled his eyes. “Always boasting, aren’t you, ambassador Veilas?”

“It is merely my job, your highness,” Veilas grinned and left the chamber.

Vigilant pondered on the ambassador’s words. He leaned back into the throne and closed his eyes. If he visited Silfy then he would need to prepare himself. The emperor would likely expect him to act like Veilas or a stallion from Silfy. Then again that was just his assumption. He would have to ask for advice from the council, even if he hated the idea of being in the same room as them.

Vigilant looked towards the door at the other end of the room and breathed in deeply. He could ponder on what to do later. Right now he had more stallions and mares that required his attention.

“Next!” Vigilant yelled and the door swung open.

Kira's Notes

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Vigilant left the throne room with his tail dragging behind him. He yawned and blinked, like he had not slept for days. The audiences had only taken four hours, but those hours had passed so slowly Vigilant may as well have watched paint dry. One noble lady had asked for massive grants of land in the Cat-paw islands. She had wanted to start up a sugar-cane plantation and a vineyard. Vigilant had told her to get out. She was not the first noble who thought the new monarch would grant them more land, and she would not be the last.

The requests from most of the nobles had either been outrageous or menial. One lord, a small and meek stallion who stuttered, had asked for a loan to repair his family’s merchant vessel. Vigilant had granted it and sent the noble on his way to the Coìches. One noble lady had requested that Vigilant attend a ball in her mansion. The prince had accepted the invitation and informed her of his coming visit to Silfy. The mare had hurried away to plan for his return. After the nobles and the merchants, the commoners had been allowed their audience. Most requests were for Vigilant to lend them money or bless a ship. One elderly stallion asked for magical help with his village’s crops. Vigilant had agreed and sent a messenger to Shamën Vitali with the farmer’s request. Most of the commoners asked for petty or minor things, to which Vigilant guided them to Beriit Olim or Shamën Vitali.

That was his job as monarch before he turned eighteen. Smile and wave in public and send ponies to one of the council members when they had a problem that needed to be solved. He sighed in frustration and hugged the brown parcel to his chest mumbling under his breath. The walk to his chambers felt longer than it had any right to be.

“The chef has prepared your lunch, your highness. It awaits you in your quarters,” one of the guards who followed him said.

“Good, I need food and rest. Tell the council that we need to speak as soon as possible about my trip to Silfy, and make sure Felreth Shield is in a good mood when you tell her. I would rather not deal with her being angry at me during the meeting,” the prince said.

The guard nodded. “Of course, your highness.”

Vigilant was led to his quarters by the two guards. He thanked them for their service and entered his room. The prince muttered darkly to himself after he had closed the door and he sat down by his desk. A plate of salmon and a large pitcher with water had been placed on the desk, and the food smelled heavenly. Vigilant could feel himself salivate at the scent and he magically grabbed the fork. He ate his food in silence and once he was done he pushed the plate and water aside. He placed the brown parcel onto the desk and undid the knot holding the paper together.

“Let’s see what you figured out, Kira...” he mumbled.

Vigilant unfurled the brown paper and revealed a stack of parchment and envelopes. At the very top of the stack was an envelope bearing his mother’s cutie mark. He stared at it for a second before grabbing it with his magic. He brought it close and his ears drooped. He closed his eyes, pressed the envelope against his forehead, and sighed before putting it next to the stack.

He wasn’t ready yet.

The prince focused his attention on the stack once more and picked up the first parchment. It was a detailed description of his mother’s health a few days before she had fallen ill. His mother’s entire diet was written down and he smiled at Kira’s dedication. His mother had apparently had some cake for breakfast on the fifteenth of Nara, something which Kira showed much disapproval for in the following notes. Starlit Eyes had then visited one lady Bater, where she had eaten a buffe of fish and meats. Vigilant skimmed among the rest of the meals his mother had on the fifteenth. He noted the names of a few diplomats and ladies, but nothing was out of the ordinary. Most food his mother had eaten still came from the palace’s kitchen, including many of the treats the nobles offered.

His mother had followed a very similar pattern on the sixteenth. Most foods was prepared by the palace staff unless she ate lunch or dinner with some noble. He noted that she had met with the Coìches and eaten some sweets. He took out a journal and wrote down the date, time, and what had been eaten. He also added the Coìches title to the note to know who his mother had seen. He continued and picked up a new parchment from the seventeenth. It read like the first two. Breakfast in the palace, lunch in the royal dining hall, dinner with a cousin of duke Garmain… None of it stood out. Fish, pork, beef, oyster, shrimp… Kira had written down every last meal and none of it seemed out of place or connected to the sickness at all. Vigilant sighed before he saw that Starlit Eyes had met with Deimrün Jiros for a drink. Silveltian wine had been served, specifically a decade-old bottle of Narou from the northern vineyards. Vigilant made a note of it and read on.

On the eighteenth, his mother had met with the entire council for lunch. All kinds of food had been served, from meats to fruits, to vegetables. His mother had eaten it all. After lunch the council had enjoyed some cake and tea brewed by the high priestess, a tea Kira had tasted herself. The healer had noted down it tasted sweet with a bit of honey as an aftertaste. Kira had scribbled a note at the bottom of the rapport as well.

11 am, 18th of Nara.
Complaints of bowel movements and sensations of sickness. Informed her that eating that much cake was not healthy for anyone, especially not her. Suggested it could also be due to stress. The meeting got heated due to some legislation regarding the situation on the continent. Will recommend meditation and prayer.

Vigilant skimmed through the rest of the eighteenth and grabbed the document for the nineteenth. He breathed in deeply and steeled his nerves. The nineteenth had been the first day when his mother had started to feel ill. He looked down on the paper and saw many scribblings by Kira. Fish, shrimp, pasta, rice, tea, wine, ale. His mother had eaten and drunk what she normally did. Some meals were shared with important nobles while others with the council. Yet it was here Kira’s notes began their record of Starlit Eye’s sickness.

10 pm, 19th of Nara.
Labored breath, headache, dizziness, fever. Could be the flu, will prescribe medicine and rest. Will inform Felreth Shield that no audiences can be held tomorrow.

7 am, 20th of Nara.
Calm breaths, no headache, no loss of balance. Fever still lingers but is better. The new medicine works better than expected.

9 am, 20th of Nara.
Breakfast with Deimrün Jiros, tea and milk was served along with sweets. No progress on fever, but other symptoms have not returned.

1 pm, 20th of Nara.
She slept for five hours, looks better already. Fever is almost entirely gone. Says she will happily attend court tomorrow. I was worried about nothing.

8 pm, 20th of Nara.
Meeting with Beriit Olim and Shamën Vitali. Shared a glass of wine and cake. Must tell her to ease down on the sweets. Fever and other symptoms have not resurfaced.

10 pm, 20th of Jara.
Evening tea brought in by servants. She had three cups. Commented on its sweetness. Must ask the chefs for some later.

The parchment ended there and Vigilant swallowed thickly before reading the next entry. He remembered quite well the twenty-first of Nara. His mother had been holding court and he watched from her side. She had suddenly collapsed and the throne room had erupted into chaos. Kira had been panicked and called for the other healers. They had carried Starlit Eyes to her chambers and he had been forbidden to follow. His place was by the throne according to Sacred, not in a hall of healers. A stallion held no place in such an environment. He growled and started to read.

8 am, 21st of Nara.
Some complaints of lightheadedness. Suggested a strong shot of rum and to wait with holding court for another day. She was adamant to hold it. Fish for breakfast and some water.

10 am, 21st of Nara.
Collapsed in the throne room. I ordered the healers to have her carried to her room. Examined her and found the fever had returned. Restless sleep, nightmares. Prince wanted to see her, denied entry by Felreth Shield. Illness could spread to him too.

Vigilant blinked at that and looked to the side. The prince pondered on those words. Did the Felreth care more for him than he had thought? He sighed before he continued to read the notes.

1 pm, 21st of Nara.
Awake and feels ill. Complaints about headache and sore throat. Will recommend that she takes more medicine and rest. The flu is particularly bad this season it seems.

7 pm, 21st of Nara.
Been asleep for a few hours now. Her fever is better and her breathing is normal. It comes in waves. Behaves unlike any flu I have seen before. Must ask the university for aid.

11 pm, 21st of Nara.
Evening tea was served much to her enjoyment. No sweets this time, I forbade her from having any. Condition stable, no coughing, sore throat, dizziness, or fever. She seems tired. The flu is taking its toll. Took blood and saliva samples.

The note ended there and Vigilant picked up the document written on the twenty-second. He remembered that Kira had informed him of his mother’s condition that day. The healer has said Starlit Eyes had contracted a strange form of flu. He gritted his teeth and read on.

10 am, 22nd of Nara.
Ham sandwich for breakfast along with water. Fever lingers but other symptoms are gone again. Advised against her holding court and she agreed. Had a meeting with the Beriit about some legislation and then one with the Coìches about tax revenue and investment.

11 am, 22nd of Nara.
She was served two glasses of wine by Falkreth Weis during a meeting about border security. Advised that she should rest instead, was dismissed. Will go to the university with the blood and saliva sample I took.

2 pm, 22nd of Nara.
Handed in the samples to the university. Will take them some time to process. Asked them to find any irregularities with healing magic. Sent a request to the Silveltian institute of medicine for them to send master Healing Symphony here.

7 pm, 22nd of Nara.
I have researched different kinds of recorded flu in the royal library and the university library, nothing I have found matches the fluctuating symptoms. I saw references to the plague, but she has no scars or pimples. Asked Marcis to record what she had eaten for lunch and dinner, a lamb steak for lunch and nothing for dinner. She feels ill again.

10 pm, 22nd of Nara.
Evening tea, no sweets allowed. She fell asleep shortly after. Will inform the council that they will have no meeting with her in the morning or afternoon. She needs rest. The prince tried to break into her chambers to see her but was denied by Sacred Shield. An illness that can bring down a strong mare would pummel his body, she said.

Vigilant flushed at that and growled. He remembered how he had forced the guards aside and tried to enter the room. Sacred had grabbed hold of his collar and dragged him back. She had the guards escort him away and told them to not let him leave his room. What was he? A child? Even if his mother had been sick he would have gladly seen her more before the end. He had not been there the night she died, and it still stung.

Vigilant sighed and skimmed through the three other notes. They spoke of Kira’s struggle to understand the sickness and how his mother became more and more bound to her chambers. He frowned at the pages and looked at the twenty-sixth. The only thing of note was that Kira had gotten a response to the letter she had sent to master Healing Symphony. The master had left the same day he received the letter and would be there soon. The prince had never seen this master of the Silveltian institute around the palace, nor had heard anything about a stallion who had helped Kira. He looked to the twenty-seventh and found something interesting.

2 pm, 27th of Nara.
I visited the university and they had lost the samples. Never trusting that senile mare with anything again. Will have to take new samples and give them to the university again. Was given orders to check up on the prince. Was denied access to his room and almost blasted with magic. Must speak to Starlit about his hormones and anger issues.

“I do not have anger issues!” Vigilant growled.

He took a deep breath before he continued to read.

5 pm, 27t of Nara.
I was able to check up on the prince after promising to let him see her. Breathing normal, heartbeat calm, no headache, fever, or dizziness. Displays no symptoms like hers. Will inform Sacred Shield to give him one hour with her tomorrow. I fear she'll flog me for suggesting it, but the boy needs to see his mother.

Vigilant pressed his ears against his head. He had been allowed to enter his mother’s room on the twenty-eight, though it had only been for a few minutes. He did remember the promise Kira had made, but he had not even thought about how hard it must have been to convince Sacred to let him see his mother for even just a few minutes. ”Thank you, Kira…”

9 pm, 27th of Nara.
Received word that master Symphony’s ship should arrive tomorrow morning. It was spotted north in the strait. Starlit had crab for dinner along with some white wine. Odd combination. Symptoms once again better, but she is more tired.

Vigilant grabbed the notes about the twenty-eight. It was the end of the month and he remembered it clearly because it had been his last visit to see his mother. He prayed to Demos for a moment before he continued to read.

10 am, 28th of Nara.
Felreth Shield allowed the prince a few minutes to see her. Informed me she had been paid well to keep the prince safe from disease. Always about money for that mare. Starlit’s conduction is worse than before. The ebb and flow of the disease are odd. Much ask the master when he arrives. I worry for the queen.

3 pm, 28th of Nara.
Met master Symphony and his son in the harbor. Was not informed his son would come with him. Never seen a spiritborne before. Odd glowing eyes and an apathetic tone. Named Qurous of Uther. Moves gracefully and quickly. The master was older than expected but held a kind disposition. Hired a room at the Salted Clam by the harbor. Wanted to see the samples.

5 pm, 28th of Nara.
Master Symphony became very concerned when investigating the blood. Said he needed his son to fetch proper tools. He suspected it was more than flu. Left the university to let them handle it. Was informed by Marcis that the queen had nothing for dinner, she felt too ill to eat.

11 pm, 28th of Nara.
She had her evening tea. Coughing is worse and she gets it more often. She acts brave, but I can tell she is scared for her safety. Must ask the master and his son to work fast.

The prince read about his mother’s fear for her own life and closed his eyes. He swallowed thickly before grabbing the first document of the new month. It was only a little over a week old, and he hated that it had been so recent.

6 am, 1st of Veras.
Was woken up and told she had puked. The fever was strong and she coughed often. I barred the council from summoning her and canceled all her meetings. I ordered the palace healers to gather as many healing remedies as possible. Must go see the good master.

10 am, 1st of Veras.
The master is certain it isn’t any known flu or disease. He ruled out the plague, pox, and any other form of pestilence. He seems close to discovering something. Met his son, anti-social and reluctant to talk. Seems nervous about being here. Said there is a tear in the city. Can spiritborne feel when the veil between the physical world and other realms break? Master Symphony said it was likely a natural tear due to the history and magic in the city. Qurous says otherwise.

6 pm, 1st of Veras.
Left the master and his son to study the samples. Healing Symphony is almost certain it was caused by something she digested. I am more willing to believe it is an illness until I see proof. I was told by Feris that she had eaten dinner, salmon specifically, and it had stayed down. All food is cooked in the palace, I highly doubt it would be something she had digested.

11 pm, 1st of Veras.
She had her evening tea, some sweets (I could not say no when she is so miserable), and some cough medicine. Will let her sleep in tomorrow.

Vigilant started to see a pattern in the text, but he was uncertain what it could mean. He grabbed the next parchment and skimmed through it. No report from the master or his son. His mother was only becoming more ill. She had an episode in the morning and was held down by Marcis and Feris. He cringed when he read it and thought of his mother’s pain.

The notes on the third made Vigilant more interested again.

3 am, 3rd of Varas.
Was woken by Starlit moaning and screaming. The attack came unexpectedly and the coughing made it worse. Gods preserve her, I fear she will die if this goes on for any longer.

4 pm, 3rd of Veras.
Have searched for the master and his son all over the city. They were not in the inn and nowhere around the university. I need to return to the palace and check up on the queen. Ten attacks today and her breathing is ragged. The fever is worse than before. Ordered the servants to put a damp cloth on her forehead. Will find the master and his son tomorrow.

11 pm, 3rd of Veras.
The queen fell asleep after her evening tea. Had a few more attacks and episodes. Has not eaten much at all. Her breathing is getting worse. She vomited before having the tea.

Vigilant looked at the new date. The fourth of Veras was the day his mother had died. He grabbed the notes and began to read.

8 am, 4th of Veras.
She had been struggling with breathing and speaking all morning. The choughs have drawn a little bit of blood. She is tired and has no strength to walk. I have sent a messenger to look for the good master and to bring the university's results. If I do not know what is wrong she will not survive the night.

2 pm, 4th of Veras.
The queen has ordered me to prepare her will. I refused at first, but she demanded I do it. All her possessions fall to Vigilant once he is of age, until then it is to be guarded by the council. She ate nothing for breakfast or lunch, she just pukes it up again. Liquids seem to work. Water, wine, and the tea stay down. She complains about muscle pains. My messenger has yet to return, I hope he bears good news.

5 pm, 4th of Veras.
My messenger found nothing. The master and his son are nowhere to be found. Why would they leave when I needed them the most? Something is not right. I can’t go look for them myself, the queen is having more and more episodes now. She will not survive I fear.

8 pm, 4th of Veras.
I did as ordered. The letter will find its way into Vigilant’t paws.

The prince eyed the envelope bearing his mother's mark before he continued to read.

11 pm, 4th of Veras.
She had her evening tea (this time sent by the high priestess) and then another attack. Gods protect her. It is getting worse now, we have to hold her down so she does not hurt herself. She is becoming less and less aware of where she is. I will try my best to keep her alive.

2 am, 5th of Veras.
She passed. She fought unlike anyone else I have ever seen, but she died all the same. Gods protect her. The queen is dead, long live the king.

Vigilant slammed his paw into the table and yelled out in fury and loss. His mother had struggled for hours before the end had come. If she had been poisoned then he would kill whoever had done it. He would bathe their household in blood and throw them into the south sea. He sniffled and looked at the last few notes.

9 am, 5th of Veras.
I visited my office and found it ransacked. Notes and journals had been thrown on the floor and all cabinets had been thrown open. I am lucky I decided to hide the notes in my clinic. If they had found them I would surely be dead. Higher powers are working against us. I must warn the prince, will see him during the funeral.

7 pm, 5th of Veras.
I was a fool. The master is dead. I was told in the morning. Someone did not want him to speak about his findings. They say his son did it, that he was caught by the guard. I think I agree with the master’s assessment. On the eighteenth, the issues started after having lunch with the council. It only grew worse each day since. One of them must have fed her something, poisoned her. It had to be a slow poison, for it took several days to kill. Perhaps they fed it to her several times. I don’t know who did it, but one of the council is responsible. I warned the prince during the funeral. I must get him west as she wanted. He is not safe in Cosea. I will go to him tomorrow, I have to find Qurous first.

9 am, 6th of Veras.
The spiritborne is in jail by the docks. The guards will not let me see him. They will hang him for murder in a few days. They say some clergy mares caught him with a knife in his father’s heart. Perhaps spiritbornes truly are insane.

2 pm, 6th of Veras.
I will hide these notes for Vigilant to find in case I should die. Not many knew that I have a clinic in the red-light district. I should be fine. Ever since my office in the noble district was destroyed I have a hard time sleeping.

8 pm, 6th of Veras.
The last note I make before heading to the palace. I have prepared for attackers and brought a knife. I bought one with a green handle from a vendor in the red-light district. Hopefully, it will serve me well. They will execute Qurous in three days, I hope it is a quick death. May the gods bless my path and save the prince from many terrors.

The notes ended there and Vigilant took a deep breath before going over the facts. He knew that his mother had first been poisoned on the eighteenth. Or at least that was his assumption. That meant some of the food she had eaten or things she had drunk had contained the poison. That would mean anyone in the council could have done it, and Vigilant hated that fact. The uncertainty. It felt like they all stood behind him and smiled. He shuddered and looked at the notes about master Healing Symphony and his son. Qurous had to know something. Vigilant had no idea why he would kill his own father, but those would have to be asked to the stallion in question. Perhaps the spiritborne could shed some light on why the university had lost their samples as well.

Vigilant straightened his jacket and put on a golden band around his head. He neatly placed the notes in the parcel and looked at the letter marked with his mother’s cutie mark. He went to open it, but he shook his head and put it into his pocket. Not yet. Vigilant brought the parcel with him and opened the door. The guards tilted their heads at him when he exited his room and Vigilant stood tall, or as tall as he could.

“We are going to the harbor. I need to visit a prisoner in their jail, preferable before he is executed,” the prince said.

One of the guards shook her head. “Your highness, Felreth Shield has forbidden us from-”

“If I told you that there would be a thousand silver shells involved, a thousand each, would you be interested then?"

The two guards looked at one another. The one that had spoken to Vigilant shrugged and the other nodded.

“Lead the way, your highness.”

And so they left the palace. No one questioned their departure, not when two armed guards accompanied the prince.

'I must really tell, Sacred to improve our security...' Vigilant thought as he descended towards the harbor.

Qurous Of Uther

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The harbor jail was a filthy and old building. It had once been a warehouse used to store goods, but it had been refitted to house criminals of all kinds by the city guard. A stone wall had been built around the wooden building with an archer tower in each corner. The main gate was made from iron-wood imported from Cosea's colonies on Zerakeia. The dark wood could take a blast from a cannon and still stand. It was a hard material to work with, however, which could be seen in the many imperfections in the shape of the two doors.

“What is the name of the prisoner you want to meet?” one of his bodyguards asked.

“Qurous of Uther. He stands accused of murder and patricide,” Vigilant replied.

The two guards looked to one another before nodding. “Very well.”

Vigilant walked up to the gate and the guards who defended it saluted. They were heavily armed and dressed in plate armor. They reminded Vigilant of Sacred Shield, even if none of them held a candle to the Felreth when it came to combat experience.

“I want to see a prisoner scheduled for execution,” Vigilant informed the guards.

One of the mares looked at him in confusion before she eyed the guards that had accompanied him. “May I ask why? Normally, such visits need to be scheduled beforehand.”

“Am I not your monarch?”

The guard nodded. “Of course your highness, but you have yet come of age and so I need-”

Vigilant slammed his tail onto the ground and his nostrils flared. “I need to see Qurous of Uther. He has information that I require.”

“The spiritborne? He hasn’t talked since we brought him in. I don’t think-”

“Open the gate, now,” the prince said coldly.

The guard swallowed and bowed. “Of course, your highness.”

The guards pushed the gate open and led Vigilant into the yard surrounding the jail. The building itself has been reinforced by iron-wood and stone. Its roof was curved on each side of the building and allowed no one without safety equipment to climb it. The gate into the jail was a wooden sliding door outfitted with heavy-duty locks and a drawbar. The guards slid it open with a salute and Vigilant entered the jail.

The insides of the building had been renovated much like the facade. There existed four floors in total, each holding a set number of cells on each side of the room. Stallions and mares alike were placed in the cramped cells and they hollered at Vigilant once they saw him. The prince frowned and motioned for his two bodyguards to take point besides him. As they walked down the rows the prisoners only grew louder. The chorus of screams and insults made the prince press his ears flat against his head and growl. The never-ending sound of the prisoners' screams made him consider turning around, especially when his guards urged him to turn around. But he remembered why he was there, and so he pressed on. Though he still grew annoyed and intimidated by the screams of the imprisoned mares.

“Come here, prince! Give me a kiss!”

“I will smash your skull in you fucking noble-born cunt!”

“Have you come to raise the taxes? We would gladly grovel before the fine paws of our master!”

“I’ll slit your throat!”

Vigilant looked at the prisoners with disgust and frowned. “They are a lively bunch.”

At that moment a mare descended down the stairs on the other side of the room. She was a black cosean mare dressed in a dark jacket. She was a unicorn, as was apparent by her glowing hold of a metal staff. Once she stepped out onto the floor the prisoners grew quiet. Vigilant assumed she was the warden. One mare in the row of cells growled upon seeing the black cosean and spat on the ground.

“I’d rather choke on Silfy cock that have a stallion sit on the throne!”

The warden’s eyes shifted to the prisoner. She slammed the metal staff into the ground and a bolt of lightning hit the imprisoned mare. The prisoner shrieked and was flung against the wall before she fell onto the floor of her cell. She moaned in pain as smoke rose from her burnt side.

“Insult our monarch again and you will all suffer dire consequences. Respect is to be given at all times,” the warden growled.

The other prisoners reluctantly bowed. Many mares grit their teeth at the display. They felt humiliated to bow before a stallion, even more so a minor. Vigilant smiled as the prisoners fell in line and nodded at the black mare.

“I take it you are the warden here,” the prince said.

“I am. Bea Loxark is my name,” the warden responded.

Vigilant thought about the name for a minute. “You are admiral Thraia’s daughter then.”

She nodded with a smile. “The one and only. I prefer land to the open sea, much to my mother’s disappointment. I find containing filth like these benefits our city more than fruitless hunts for pirate islands or smugglers.”

“I will say you do a good job of it. Not many can afford, much less use, weapons made from perifth steel,” Vigilant said and nodded at the metal staff.

The staff held in the mare’s magical grasp had blue veins and runes engraved onto it. They glowed ever so often and threw blue embers into the air. The staff was made from a metal that seemed brighter and lighter than any other form of steel. Being near the weapon made Vigilant’s tail twitch and the fur at its end of it stood straight like nails. The weapon had the same effect on Vigilant’s two bodyguards. Bea was unaffected, though that may have been from her familiarity with the weapon or immunity to its effects.

The warden seemed to appreciate Vigilant's compliment and placed the end of the staff on the ground. “Thank you, your highness. Now I have to ask why you are here. I was not informed you were coming in advance. If I had known, I would have informed the prisoners about the consequences of disrespect beforehand.”

Vigilant smile dropped and he breathed in before he gave an answer. “I need to see Qurous of Uther. I heard he was a prisoner here and I need to see him.”

Bea grew serious and shook her head. “We are only holding him here temporarily. Patricide is punishable by death in Silvelt and they have asked us to carry out the sentence. Master Healing Symphony was well-liked and well respected in Silvelt, especially among the magistrate. Qurous is a dangerous individual and speaking to him is not advised. He is a spiritborne, and they are known to be highly unstable. Why do you even want to speak with him?”

“His father worked with healer Kira regarding my mother’s health. It is possible the good master made progress in figuring out what disease my mother had. If that is the case then that knowledge needs to be collected and distributed, so no one else may die from the illness.”

Bea blinked. “That is… Very admirable of you, your highness. I did not know you were so compassionate.”

Vigilant frowned at that. “Is that an insult, warden Loxark?”

“Oh no! Of course not! I would never dream of insulting his royal highness. I only meant that you are very much like your mother. She would have done the same if she was in your position.”

The prince flushed at that and bowed his head. “Thank you, Bea.”

The black cosean mare smiled and nodded. “I will take you to his cell. It is on the third floor, the fifth cell to the right.”

Bea led the prince and his two bodyguards up the stairs. They passed another floor with small cells that contained criminals with minor offenses. Petty thieves, swindlers, vagrants, prostitutes, instigators of drunken brawls, and gamblers were all kept in the cells. The ponies inside would likely have had no consequences for their actions if they had occurred in the red-light district, but in the clean and proper streets of Kos offenses such as theft, prostitution, gambling, begging, and swindling were punished. Most of the inhabitants in the jail were only kept for a few days before they were released and given a fine. Though the criminals kept on the third level were more than small-time thieves and whores.

“Should something happen, like a prisoner escaping their cell, lethal force is prohibited, your highness,” the warden mumbled.

Vigilant nodded. “Understood.”

The third floor held cells with thick stone walls, floors, and ceilings. The bars which keep the inmates imprisoned glowed with magical runes and protection sigils. Wind-chimes and other religious symbols meant to inspire calm and protection against evil spirits were placed along the rows of cells. The prisoners inside were mostly unicorns, all of which had an inhibition ring around the base of their horn. The few prisoners that were not unicorns had runic markings and symbols carved into their skin alongside the traditional constellation tattoos. Most of the prisoners ignored them as they stepped out onto the floor, but a few leered at the prince.

“These containment cells were designed by a Silveltian magistrate to nullify magical effects and spells. When Vimar prison is overloaded with dangerous mages they are sent here. We also receive magical prisoners that are on death row, since we are closer to the gallows,” Bea informed the prince.

“And how many of them are on death-row?”

“Five of them. One for necromancy, one for the summoning and worship of demons, one for molesting and killing a colt, one for mind manipulation of a noble-mare, and one for patricide. You are here regarding the spiritborne who committed patricide, and you will find his cell furthest in the back.”

The prince nodded in thanks and held up the end of his tail. His two guards stopped and saluted. They took a step back and Vigilant walked alone to the cell. The prisoners eyed him either with fear or hunger which made him shudder. Once he reached Qurous’ cell he saw a frail figure in the corner of the small containment device. A sheet had been pulled over its head and it faced away from the prince.

“Qurous of Uther?”

The figure in the cell turned around and eyed the prince. The stallion’s grey fur almost seemed to glow and his long mane held a faint shine. His eyes were a deep dark blue which glowed ever so often as he observed Vigilant. A long round horn sat upon his forehead and an inhibition ring was locked around it. Qurous’s frowned and he nodded.

“What do you want, mortal?”

Vigilant blinked in surprise and confusion at the way of address, but he recovered and cleared his throat. “I need to speak about your father.”

Qurous just looked at the prince with a blank expression. “What about him?”

“Your father was researching the disease which had afflicted my mother. Kira, the royal healer, thought he had made progress in figuring out the cause for the illness. I hope you may know something since it would prevent it from happening again,” Vigilant said.

“I know nothing which can help you, prince. My father was the one who did the research and the one who wrote notes. I merely helped him, a position I enjoyed.”

“Why did you kill him, then?”

Qurous stood up and scowled at the prince. “You think you are someone, don’t you? That your pathetic mortal life matters? I remember the notion of killing him coming over me after we met with that red-skinned cosean. I just felt like doing it and did it. I do not feel guilt or remorse. If I wanted to I could leave this cell and kill you! I am a spiritborne, we can not feel remorse, sadness, or guilt, we aren’t like you!”

Vigilant looked at the imprisoned stallion with pity. “Then why are you crying?”

Qurous had not seemed to notice the tears which streamed down his cheeks. He raised a hoof to wipe them away and growled at Vigilant. The spiritborne sniffed and sat down in the corner again. He pulled the blanket over him and muttered.

“I do not care for your mortal ills and problems. I do not feel remorse or guilt for what I did, I can not feel them.”

“If you wanted to leave you could, you said so yourself. So why do you still stay in a cell waiting to be executed? Unless you feel guilty for what you did,” Vigilant said.

“I do not feel guilt, I can not,” Qurous muttered.

“Is that from what others have told you, or from what you know about yourself?” the prince asked.

The spiritborne kept quiet.

Vigilant sighed. “You said you met with a cosean stallion with red skin before you murdered your father. He might have done something. I have heard a very similar story from other ponies who knew too much about my mother’s death. The red stallion has done this before. I do not know what happened the night you killed your father, but I am almost certain the people I am hunting had something to do with it. They stole memories before, and I would not put it past them to manipulate someone’s mind. Perhaps you killed your father in a mad rage, maybe you just had the urge as you claimed. Or maybe you were forced to do it. You can believe what you want, I have what I came for. The rest is up to you.”

Qurous eyed him as he left before he rolled over to face the wall once more. Vigilant walked over to the warden and bowed his head in thanks. His two bodyguards placed themselves beside him and nodded.

“Did you find what came for?” Bea asked.

“Yes and no. I got something out of this visit. Now I hope he finds what he is looking for,” Vigilant said and descended down the stairs.

The warden eyed him with confusion before she turned her gaze on the imprisoned spiritborne. Bea eyed the strange stallion with suspicion before she walked away.

Once they exited the building and headed back to the palace Vigilant’s two guards eyed him curiously. One of the mares opened her mouth as if she would say something, but then she closed it and shook her head.

“Do you wish to watch the execution, your highness?” the other guard said with a casual tone and a grin.

“Leah! This is the prince! We can’t take him to such macabre events!” the other guard exclaimed.

“Relax Nima, I am certain he can take a joke. He isn’t a farm stallion, he is of capital stock,” Leah said and nudged Vigilant.

The prince frowned at the display. “While I appreciate it, I am not fond of the idea of watching someone get hanged. Even if death is deserved. I just… I have seen too much death in one week.”

Leah’s ears fell and she nodded. “Of course, I’m… I am sorry, your highness.”

Nima glared at her counterpart. “See! I told you!”

“No, it is fine. As I said, I appreciate the attempt at levity. I could use some more of that after this week. Perhaps we’ll go see something macabre after I am crowned king. I am relatively certain I won’t shed a tear for the mare who violated a foal. Nor for the warlock.”

Leah’s smile returned and she bowed her head. “Thank you, your highness.”

As the three took a right to the market district they were faced with a large crowd. The closer they got to the crowd the louder the cries and screams were. They held up banners of the crown, burning them. Vigilant swallowed thickly and looked to his bodyguards. The two mares eyed the abandoned market stalls and a smashed window by one of the cafes. They motioned for Vigilant to turn around, only for a mare to point at them.

“There he is! There is the devil!”

The crowd’s attention was fixed on Vigilant and they quickly surrounded the prince and his bodyguards. Leah and Nima drew their swords and kept the prince between them. Vigilant looked around in panic and breathed faster. One mare yelled and pointed at him while another threw a rock at Nima. Vigilant was barely able to make out what they were yelling about.

“...you greedy bastard! Was it not enough to take your mother’s throne!?”

“You’re a fucking serpent! You will not take any more money! We are already paying half of what we earn because of these damn taxes! Why would you need so much coin!?”

“You are in the pocket of those fucking nobles, aren’t you!? I hope the gods curse you!”

The shouts only grew more frantic and Vigilant noticed a squad of guards who ran towards them. When the guards reached the crowd they were quickly subdued by the mass of angry ponies. Kicks, headbutts, and thrown rocks sent the armored mares to the ground. Vigilant covered between his guards as they yelled for help and forced ponies back. He saw one mare throw a stone which hit Nima in the head. She went down and some from the crowd jumped at the opportunity to kick her.

The prince saw red.

Leah turned around to see the brilliant light which glowed from Vigilant’s horn. She saw the anger in his eyes, the hatred. She reached out towards him with panicked breathing. “Your highness, don’t!”

The crowd screamed as bolts of magic tore themselves from the prince’s horn. They tore through the cobblestone in a magnificent arch before they hit the ponies attacking Nima. The attackers screamed in pain and fell to the ground. Parts of their skin had turned black and they had burn marks across their sides. They moaned in pain and begged for mercy. Vigilant roared and sent out another volley at the rest of the crowd. The ponies screamed in fear and ran, a few fell as they were hit by the magic.

Once Vigilant was done he panted and fell to his haunches. He sat there and eyed the injured commoners, watched them beg for forgiveness and cry for mercy. Vigilant’s lip quivered and he held back tears. He got up and wobbled, looking to Nima. The mare stood up and looked around her in shock before her eyes landed on him.

“What did you do?” she whispered.

Leah grabbed his shoulder and pulled him away from the sight. “We need healers! Healers!!!”

As he was dragged away from the market and up towards the palace Vigilant stared ahead of him with dead eyes. “I didn’t mean to… I… I did not… I never wanted...”

The prince slowly walked back towards the palace as healers and guards rushed past him. When they reached the gates of the palace Sacred Shield met them by the gate. She was frothing at the mouth and screamed at him in rage. Yet the prince just walked past her. The Felreth stopped her screams and grabbed hold of his chin. She looked into his eyes and Vigilant began to cry. Her anger turned to pity, and she ordered a guard to escort him to his room.

Once Vigilant was back in his chambers he laid down on the bed and screamed into his pillow. He slammed his head against the bedrest and cried. Before him he saw a young mare, no older than himself, crying in fear and pain. Her side was burned, and blood pooled from the wound.

“I’m sorry!” he cried. “I am so sorry!”

The council ordered the palace to be closed and for each healer in the city to assist the injured. When night fell upon Kos it was darker than it had ever been before, and the lanterns around the city were extinguished.

Consequences

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Sacred Shield glared at him from across the table. Vigilant kept his ears pressed against his head and his gaze low. His cheeks burned from shame and he did not dare look into the Silveltian mare’s eyes.

“Ten gravely injured, five moderately injured, and twenty with minor injuries. What were you thinking!? You released a military-grade combat spell into a crowd of merchants, farmers, and workers! Do you have any idea what this means for the royal palace? Do you think my guards will be trusted to protect the populace when their own prince is throwing spells at them!?” Sacred slammed her hooves into the table and growled.

Vigilant covered before her gaze. “I’m sorry… They attacked us, I… I had to protect Nima...”

“You could have used a shield spell, a teleportation spell, or even a simple wall of fire! There were hundreds of ways you could have disarmed the populace without harming them! Lethal force is not prohibited for state enforcers, especially not for the members of the royal family. Do you wish for them to say you are a tyrant?”

“I said I was sorry! I was just… So bloody angry. They jumped us, the filthy peasant jumped us. They complained about taxes and whatnot, which I have no say in! I have no say in anything! They deserved that blast! They deserved a hundred more for even thinking about hurting me!” Vigilant growled and looked into Sacred’s eyes defiantly.

The Felreth looked at him in shock before she closed her eyes and shook her head. “Your mother would have been so disappointed in you...”

Vigilant’s anger subsided and it was replaced by shock and sorrow. He looked away from the Felreth and bit his cheek until he drew blood. He refused to break down and cry in front of the mare again. Sacred stood up from her chair and sighed.

“I will be removing Nima and Leah from the position as your bodyguards. They are the ones who took you into the city and they allowed themselves to be bribed by shells you do not have access to-"

"I can get those shells for them."

She glared at him before she continued. "They had a good income of a hundred silver shells a month, a salary most mares would die for, and still took the bribe. Nima and Leah will be patched up and then discharged from the guard."

Vigilant’s eyes widened. “What!? They showed great valor and courage by protecting me from the crowd! They were nothing but professional the whole time we were out! You can’t discharge them for that! Punish me, not them!”

Sacred huffed. “Disobeying orders. Accepting bribes. Failing in scouting out a proper route to get you back to the palace. They failed in their duties, whether or not they protected you.”

“I am the king! I demand you keep them by my side! That is an order!” Vigilant shouted and slammed his paw into the table.

Sacred’s gaze turned cold and she walked up to him. She leaned down and Vigilant swallowed thickly. He shook underneath her gaze and pressed his tail against his leg and his ears against his head.

“Not. Yet. You are not king yet, and if this is how you will act then I hope you will never get the throne,” Sacred hissed and walked away.

“Sacred I’m-” he began only for the Felreth to slam the door behind her on her way out. “...sorry...”

The prince sighed and leaned back into his chair. He looked up into the ceiling and traced the beautiful painting that had been left there by the tenth queen. It depicted a rising sun and Burthis embracing a large golden pearl. It was supposed to represent hope and unity and it had been painted under a time of strife. Vigilant kept his gaze on it in the hope that some of the old queen’s wisdom would rub off on him. Yet he felt nothing. No inspiration or guiding light. He looked behind him to Marcis and Feris.

“Bring me red wax, a stamp bearing the royal seal, two envelopes, ink and quill, parchment, and go to Coìches Irmith to take our two thousand silver shells. If the Coìches disagrees remind her that I am still the crown prince of the nation and that we are family. You will then inform me in which healer's wing I can find Nima and Leah,” Vigilant said.

“At once, your highness,” both stallions said and hurried out the door.

Vigilant did not have to wait long for the parchment, envelopes, wax, ink, quill, and stamp. He went to work as soon as they were in his paws and he wrote two similar letters. Once he was done he folded them and placed each one in an envelope. After that, he brought a candle over and warmed up the stick of red wax. The wax dropped down onto the envelope and he pressed the stamp into it. He did the same for the other envelope and then wrote on the back of each envelope.

Once he was done Feris and Marcis returned with a small cart. On it was two small-sized chests. Each one was filled with a thousand silver shells, which were shown to the prince by Marcis. Vigilant nodded at the two royal attainers.

"The Coìches was not too pleased by the withdrawal, but she allowed it on the condition that this was the only time you would ask her for something like this," Marcis said.

“That is acceptable. And where are Leah and Nima?” Vigilant asked.

“In the lower south-west wing, your highness. Leah will soon be allowed to leave while miss Nima needs another day to recover,” Feris said.

The prince nodded and motioned for the two stallions to follow him. “Pull that cart with us, we are going to the south-west medical wing.”

The three made their way over to the east side of the palace where the marvelous architecture blended into a sterile and blocky wing of the palace. The healing wing was known for its great healers and sophisticated instruments, though Vigilant mostly remembered it as the place where his mother had sent him when he had a cold. The white healing chambers had always been cold and unwelcoming to him, and he had never understood why.

Then he walked into the south-west wing and remembered why he hated the place.

As the place where the guards and soldiers were sent to heal injuries the south-west wing had its fair share of cripples, dying, and sick. Many sailors lost limbs out at sea due to accidents or pirates. Some sailors came back with a wound that was too deep or too severe to heal at all. The dying mares and stallions that rested in the chambers moaned in pain. They called out for their loved ones. A few prayed to the gods to grant them mercy. Even in the silence of the chambers the voices of the dying were loud as storms.

“I hate this place...” Vigilant muttered.

“I and Feris could deliver the coin and letters, your highness. You do not have to be here,” Marcis said.

“No. No, it is my responsibility to give it to them. I am at fault for taking them with me in the first place. Gods, mother would have been disappointed in me…” Vigilant mumbled.

Marcis shook his head. “Queen Starlit Eyes was a compassionate and caring soul, she would never have been disappointed in you. You are trying to correct your mistake, your highness, that is what matters.”

The prince nodded, though he was uncertain if he could believe in it himself.

The three eventually found Nima and Leah. The former was laying in bed while the latter stood next to her. Once they noticed the prince and his retainers they saluted. Now when the two mares were out of their armor and helmets it was easier for Vigilant to take notice of their skin and mane color. Nima's skin was yellow and her geletanous mane was white. The fur at the end of her tail was also white. Leah had black skin with a green geletanous mane. The fur at the end of her tail was the same shade of green as her mane. Vigilant smiled at their salute and nodded at them.

“At ease, I came here to apologize for dragging you two with me,” he said.

Leah shook her head. “You did not do anything wrong, your highness. We agreed to come with you knowing the consequences. I… I am sad to know I have to leave the palace and the honored role I was chosen for, but at least I defended you when you needed me.”

“Where are we supposed to work now? Who will hire two disgraced bodyguards?” Nima muttered.

Vigilant smiled at that and motioned for Feris and Marcis to put forth the two chests filled with silver shells. He then gave each mare an envelope addressed to them. “In the chests, you will find the agreed-upon sum which you are owed for taking me to the harbor. In those envelopes, you will find letters of recommendation which praise your diligence and courage. It speaks of your quick reaction time to danger and your loyalty. The coin will help you find housing, and the letters will almost guarantee you work. The envelopes are marked with the seal of the royal family, so your future employers know it is real. I suggest you travel to Silvelt. Either to their capital or one of their more populous regions. There you will find a Magistrate or Senator who will surely accept your services.”

The two mares looked at the envelopes and the chests with wide eyes. They could barely speak, and Nima bowed her head in respect and thanks. Leah bowed deeply and wiped tears from her eyes.

“Thank you, your highness,” Leah mumbled.

“Thank you, thank you...” Nima said.

The prince smiled at the two. “I am sorry that you will no longer serve the royal family, and that you will have to leave Cosea, but I hope that these simple gifts will make your future a bit less complicated. May the stars bless your path.”

“And may the sea give you a calm voyage, your highness,” Leah said with a smile.

Vigilant left the two mares to discuss their plans for the future and he left the healing chambers. When they reached the beautiful halls outside Vigilant’s chambers Marcis smiled and nodded at him.

“Accepting responsibility for your mistakes and doing your best to rectify them is what a good leader does. You do your mother proud by giving those mares hope for a better future,” Marcis said.

Vigilant stopped and turned around to face the stallion. He picked up a folded parchment and put it in Marcis' pocket. “That reminds me, I want you to take this missive to Coìches Irmith. Inside is a request to give financial aid to those injured yesterday. They attacked me, but they are still my people to protect.”

“Of course, your highness,” Marcis bowed and walked away.

Vigilant then turned to Feris. “I want you to look into the events that occurred yesterday. I want to know who riled up the crowd and what they were protesting about. If my people were angry enough to turn on their monarch, that means something is wrong.”

“At once, your highness,” Feris said and hurried down the hall.

When he was alone Vigilant sighed and looked around the hall. The beautiful paintings, silk carpets, stained glass windows, banners, and golden chandeliers all shone brightly. He entered his chambers and looked around the luxuriously furnished room. When he messed up, when he hurt people, he was allowed to come back here. When others messed up, when they made mistakes, they lost their position and place in society. Many would have loved to hold his position, to know that their actions held no consequences. But he hated it. He hated that he could simply hide away from his problems. He hated that his mistakes wouldn’t cost him the crown. He hated that when he hurt an innocent mare the world kept on going.

Vigilant sat down on his bed and pulled the parcel down from the canopy above him. He shifted through the notes and felt his cheeks burn with shame. He picked up the envelope from his mother and pressed it against his forehead. Many loved the idea of the crown. But few knew the pain it brought with it. For a king could not face the same punishment as a commoner, no matter how much he wanted it.

“I am sorry, mother… I am sorry, father… I promised I would smile, that I would go on and remember the happy days. But I can’t… I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and I am scared to find out… I am angry all the time. I fear that I will bring great shame to our family and that I will bring even greater shame to our nation. I am supposed to talk with the emperor, and I don’t know what to do. I will ask the council for advice, but one of them wants nothing but for me to fail. I hope I won’t disappoint you, and that we will meet again, at the end of all things....” he said and kissed the sealed envelope.

Someone knocked on the door and Vigilant placed the letter in the parcel and sealed the brown paper around the notes. “What is it?”

“The council summons you, your highness. They wish to discuss your upcoming visit to Silfy,” the voice of his maid called out behind the door.

“Ah. Of course, I’ll be there soon!” he yelled and hid the parcel on the canopy.

After he made sure he looked good enough for a council meeting Vigilant took a deep breath and stepped out of his room. It was time he learned more about the emperor of Silfy.

Regarding The Emperor...

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The council chamber was silent. Vigilant was seated between Sacred Shield and Servis Vitali. The other four council members eyed him wearily. Rin Weis, the ever-watchful Falkreth, sat in her brown attire and cap. Trina Jiros was seated to the left of the Falkreth. The Deimrün was dressed in her blue jacket. The Coìches was seated right of Vigilant and left of Trina. The mistress of coin was dressed in a plain dress and she gave a nervous smile to the council. Cera Olim sat to the right of Rin and to the left of Servis. The mare was dressed in a black dress with a feather quill in her magic grasp. Piles of documents sat around the Beriit. She would take one document from the pile to the left, sign and edit it, and then place it on the pile to the right. No one said anything. Glances were the only thing that filled the room. The council had called Vigilant to the meeting, yet no one seemed too excited to start the conversation.

“We can not send the prince to Silfy,” Sacred said sternly and broke the silence.

“What!?," Vigilant shot up and slammed his paws into the table, "I need to go! I can not dismiss a summon from the emperor!”

Servis cleared her throat. “Remember your place, dear prince. Disrespect to your peers, especially those who are mares, will not be tolerated.”

Vigilant pressed his ears against his head and sunk back down into his seat. “I am sorry, high priestess, Felreth Shield...”

Servis nodded at him with a smile. “While I can see Felreth Shield’s point, especially after yesterday’s events, I think it is in our best interests to send the prince to Silfy. Have him meet the emperor, learn a bit about our old neighbors, and then have him come home. It would benefit the nation as well to have him off our shores. Many were angered by the attack on the populace.”

“They attacked me first… I also tried to make things right,” Vigilant mumbled.

Coìches Irmith cleared her throat. “About that, I received your missive, Vigilant, for the crown to cover the expenses for those injured by your spell. I want the council to vote on this since I can not approve or deny it myself.”

Rin Weis looked at the Coìches and frowned. “They attacked the prince, and whether or not he went too far in defending himself that fact still stands. I do not believe we should cover such expenses for citizens who can not be loyal to their own monarch.”

Trina Jiros shook her head at the general. “I think paying for their medical costs would benefit us. It might soothe their anger and make them more receptive to the council.”

“And less receptive to me?” Vigilant frowned.

The Deimrün smiled at him, though it was a condescending smile. It was the kind of smile mares had given him throughout his life when they thought he could not grasp what they were saying. “Of course not, your highness, the people will know it was you who wanted them cared for.”

“Good,” he mumbled.

Servis cleared her throat and the room fell silent. “I want us to aid these ponies. They are in great pain, both mentally and spiritually. To have their own monarch hurt them will take time to recover from, but the healers from the church will help them regain faith.”

Beriit Olim looked up from her stacks of papers and nodded. “I give my support to this resolution.”

“Despite my anger with the prince for his actions,” Sacred began and glared at Vigilant, “I will cast my vote against this resolution passing. The coin should be put into the guard or navy, especially during such a crucial time.”

Irmith nodded. “Understood, Felreth Shield, but I will approve of it.”

The Coìches stood up and held up a document. “On request by the prince, and voted four in favor and two against by the council, the sum of five thousand silver shells will be shared with the injured. The coin will be used to cover the medical expenses and pay for damages.”

Vigilant nodded. “May the gods approve.”

“May the gods approve,” the rest of the council parroted.

Beriit Olim took the document from Irmith and placed it on the pile next to her. “Regarding the emperor… I think it would be beneficial for the prince to go. He has little experience with such official visits, and it is high time he learned diplomacy. Furthermore, his studies have been on hold since the queen fell ill, and I suggest that Shamën Vitali start them again.”

The high priestess nodded. “The Beriit is correct. It is time we finished your education, Vigilant. You have fallen behind in your demonology studies, and your lessons in rhetoric and music have been kept on hold for too long.”

Vigilant opened his mouth as if to speak before he remembered his place. He bowed his head deeply and pressed his ears back. “I hardly need the music lessons, venerable high priestess. Demonology seems more important, I have gotten headaches recently when casting magic...”

“If spirits and demons can touch your mind then we must go through the basics once again. As a member of the royal family, your mind is supposed to be a fortress. Your mother could brush off a hundred demons when casting a spell, and such was the quality of her refined mind. You need that power if you wish to rule Cosea,” Servis said.

Sacred Cleared her throat. “When it comes to the trip to Silfy, my vote is still no.”

Irmith looked at Vigilant before she eyed the floor. “My vote is also no. He is nothing like Starlit Eyes, and I do not want him there in case he embarrasses the nation. He is also a stallion, it is not right for such an occasion.”

Vigilant bit his cheek at that. The words stung but he sucked in a deep breath and nodded. “I understand.”

Cira Olim signed a document and looked up. “I say he should go. He needs experience, and he will only get it from journeys like these.”

Rin Weis eyed Vigilant and shook her head. “No boy will represent our nation. Wait until he is a stallion, then send him north.”

Trina Jiros looked at Vigilant and nodded. “He should go. It takes him seven days to journey there and another seven to get back if he is lucky with the wind and there are no storms. Those two weeks can be used to deepen his education on sailing and how you commandeer a ship.”

Sacred looked around the table and sighed. Her gaze settled on Vigilant and her eyes pleaded with him. “Three against, three for. That means it is up to the prince to decide....”

Vigilant glared at the Felreth with a defiant heart. “I am going.”

Sacred nodded. “The prince will leave Cosea at the break of dawn and make his way to Silfy. There he will meet the emperor, make himself acquainted with the Silfy people, and then come home to finish his education.”

“May the gods approve,” Servis said with a smile.

“May the gods approve,” the room echoed.

Rin, in her military pose and stance, was the one to speak next. "He must know more about the emperor and Silfy before he leaves. I suggest he is given a tome on the subject, one that brings up the crystal throne, the sun-crown, and the worship of the emperor as a living god. Alexios' Silfeians stars and customs should suffice."

Sacred frowned. "With all due respect, Falkreth Weis, you are related to the esteemed emperor. Could you not spend some time telling him the basics?"

"And waste valuable time that could be used to see to the fortifications by the coast? My schedule is busy, I do not have the time to babysit," the general scoffed.

Irmith held up a paw and gave Sacred a cautious smile. "What I think the general is trying to say is that there are other ways the prince can learn about Silfy."

"Just remember that they like swords and the like. Give the emperor a shiny one and he'll probably be thrilled," Beriit Olim muttered from her piles of parchment.

Vigilant looked at the council members and sighed. "I'll read the book on the way there, and I'll have a ceremonial sword wrapped in silk."

"Then I say this meeting is finished," Sacred said.

The council member stood up and began to leave. Vigilant was about to do the same when Servis stopped him. The high priestess smiled at the young prince and motioned for him to sit down.

Sacred turned around and eyed the prince and high priestess. “What is it, Shamën Vitali?”

“Oh, you can wait outside, Felreth. I need to speak with the prince in private. I want to give him some advice for the journey,” Servis said.

Sacred nodded and stepped out of the chamber. Vigilant sat down and Servis magically pulled her chair close to the prince. The priestess’ white dress and beautiful golden headdress seemed to shine. The prince was lost in her large yellow eyes and her tail poked his snout. He blinked and tilted his head at her, to which she giggled. The sound made his heart swell.

“I wanted to tell you some advice before your meeting with the emperor. A gentle approach is more likely to work than brute force. I suggest being submissive before him, inflate his ego. Make him think he is above you, while in reality, you stand above him,” she said.

The prince shook his head at that. “No. He is the emperor of Silfy, he must expect force and strength. They are known for their many wars and army. Their fleet set fire to their colony like thirty years ago, right? And you want me to approach him with submission? Perhaps Falkreth Weis can be convinced to give us some advice? Surely she can be reasoned with?”

“Falkreth Weis may be related to the emperor, but she is not originally from the Silfy empire. She was born and raised in Cosea. Do not take her brutish attitude as a sign that she will have good advice. Furthermore, you should appear submissive exactly because that is what he won’t expect. He will expect you to strut around and make a big show. Be submissive. It will throw him off. If he is caught off guard then you will come out on top.”

“And if it doesn’t work?” Vigilant asked.

She smiled at him. “Then you follow the teachings. Respect is important, but so is faith. Do not let him step over our religion.”

“I thought you said I was supposed to act submissive?”

“Unless he does something outrageous. If he insults the faith I expect you to fight for it. In three months you are off age and ready to take the throne, and I expect you to honor the gods as your mother did. To go against them is to go against progress, and I will not accept such things in our nation,” Servis said.

Vigilant nodded at her words. “I will do as you say. And... do we have to have music lessons when I get back?”

Servis leaned close and kissed his forehead and smiled. “Yes we do, my king.”

The prince blushed a deep red and looked at her in surprise before he averted his gaze. The high priestess just giggled at his shy demeanor. Vigilant stood up and stumbled to the door. The blush would not leave his cheeks no matter how hard he tried to think about something else. Servis giggled again and waved at him with her tail. Vigilant smiled at her with a stupid grin before he exited the room. Sacred awaited him outside and looked at his expression. She tilted her head in confusion.

“What did she tell you?” the Felreth asked.

“Nothing!” the prince said and hurried past the Silveltian mare.

Sacred Shield sighed and followed after him. He needed to get ready, for soon he would leave Cosea.

Journey To Silfy

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10th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I sat down and re-read Kira’s notes after the meeting. I tried to see if I could gather some new clues from them, but I failed. Nothing in Kira’s observations gives away what killed my mother. Nor do they reveal a motive. Why would someone want to kill my mother? What did she do that would turn one of the council against her? I need to ask Oliver for help before I leave. He can watch the streets and ask around the shadier parts of Kos. Maybe someone knows something about poisons that will help us. My mother's symptoms must be linked to some deadly toxin. I was also informed that an old friend would accompany me on the journey. Sayian has returned from the continent, and I am quite glad for his presence. He has changed a lot since we were colts. His eyes are much darker, and he has a large scar across his side, but he’s still the same old Sayian. I’ll have to ask about his studies later.

The ship we will use for the journey is the newest in our navy. Her name is Warsong. She is the largest ship in the fleet, and the most advanced. She has six smaller rear cannons mounted on the railing that can be twisted and turned in many directions. She has a mortar cannon that can hit a ship a kilometer away, though it is far less effective at that range. She even has a special deck for magical weaponry such as blitz bombs and shardslugs. I asked to see the deck where the magical weaponry was kept but I was denied. She has three masts, a small army for a crew, and enough firepower to wipe an island clean. Or at least so the gunnery officer claims. Some say she is the most powerful warship in the world, and I would like to believe them. Even if there is a stronger ship out there we will be escorted by two brigs and three gunboats for good measure. No pirates or interlopers will be able to hurt us.

Addendum: I have been informed that Qurous of Uther escaped his execution today. He managed to run away from the executioners and bashed the inhibitor ring to pieces against a wall. He just slipped out of existence according to witnesses. I’ll send Oliver a letter to keep an eye out for him. When I can't trust anyone inside the palace it seems that drunk is my only hope.

11th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We left Kos today in the early morning hours. The sun was just kissing the horizon and most people were still asleep. Sayian was happy as you could be despite the fact we were leaving the capital. I found it strange since I assumed he would have liked to stay in Kos for longer, but I appreciate the company. His green skin has grown somewhat dull over the years, and the two fins on his back are riddled with scars. Appearly he helped fight off a pirate fleet in Silverfish bay. I am amazed he can act so happy and light despite the horrors he has seen. I wish I was more like him.

It took us ten hours, but we are out of the strait. The wind was not in our favor and the captain, one Xera Olim—a relative to our diligent Beriit—said that we should expect storms out at sea. This journey is already cursed by the gods it seems. Lovely.

Sayian decided to show me some of the combat spells he learned while serving in the Silveltian navy. I have never before seen a stallion create hundreds of tiny ice spikes and fling them so hard they can piece stone, but I will admit I was impressed. I wish I could have joined the church’s battle mages or the navy’s magic branch. Sayian promised to show me the spell later, and I can’t wait to learn it. He did not mention what happened at the market, and that makes me relieved.

12th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We passed a small merchant vessel a few hours east of Cat-paw islands. The sailors were surprised to see me and even more so our mighty warship. The Warsong is the pride of our navy: a hundred cannons, two hundred sailors, lofty quarters; they should be impressed. They wished us a pleasant trip and prayed for our safe return.

Sayian decided to share some stories from the conflict between Silfy and Garmain. I knew a little about it from the lessons the church mares had given me, but I had no idea it was so complicated. In summary, these two nations were once one and the same. Then a younger brother was crowned emperor, and the older brother, named Garmain, took an army with him over the river east. They transformed a trading town into a military fortress and so began hundreds of years of stallions screaming at each other about who held what claim to what land. I could gain favor from the emperor by officially backing his claim to Garmain’s land. It is not like the Dukedom could withstand the Silfy army, right?

Captain Xera, or Xer as she wants to be called, showed me how to steer the ship. I felt powerful, standing behind the wheel of such a strong vessel. I think she noticed my glee because she laughed at my expression. I hope to impress her before the journey is over. I need loyal officers and friends now when I can’t trust the council.

It is night time now. I think we’ll reach the Cat-paw islands in two hours or so. We will load up with precious cargo there and restock. I think Sayian said we were going to pick up sugar. We are not even selling it; it is a gift to the emperor. Why not give him elder spice while we're at it? I really hope all these expensive gifts will impress him. If they don’t I am taking them back. By Deran’s balls, I am not letting such expensive cargo go without a fight. Irmith would kill me if she saw me giving away such precious resources.

Will go to sleep now. Sayian said he’ll stay up and watch the stars. He seems more religious than when I met him last. I suppose being away from home for such a long time makes you reflect on faith.

13th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I explored Koise today. The city resembles Kos a lot, and it was built in the image of our great capital. It isn’t as large as Kos, and it only has one temple to the gods, but it is pretty with all the palm trees. I think I’ll enjoy it here, especially since Sayian said we’ll be given a greeting ceremony later. I can’t wait.

The Crustasian natives gave us a warm welcome. I have never had giant shrimp in garlic before, and I have to say it tastes good. They also gave us some of their more traditional reception through a dance. The mares were dressed in plain white dresses and danced around us in a ring. I have never found the Crustasian people that appealing before, with them resembling crabs and all, but I will say these mares were very beautiful. Their armored bodies twisted to the rhythmic beat of the drums in the most tantalizing way, and they were not above flirting with me. Later in the dance, their dresses changed into a myriad of greens and blues, giving the effect that the sea itself hugged their curves. It was an outstanding performance. I gladly offered the performers some silver shells for the trouble. I like this place.

Sayian took me to a black tower at the far end of the fourth island. Supposedly it had belonged to an order of warlocks once, but I think that is just folklore. My old friend was very eager to show me it. He specifically wanted to show the realm-bleeding around it. I have never observed a natural tear into the other realms before, but it is beautiful. When you approached the tower the plant life and animals shifted into strange shapes. Spirits in the form of whisps flew past. Sayian showed me that the Lyef real bled through the area around the tower. Lyef is the realm from which healers draw their energy, and I am supposed to believe it surrounds a tower where warlocks lived? Folklore is a strange thing.

We were treated to traditional Crustasian cuisine for dinner: Lobster, tuna, octopus, grilled pineapple, parik—boiled vegetables dipped in a spicy red sauce—and some chocolate-dipped bananas for dessert. The last part is hardly common and only enjoyed by those who can afford it, but the Crustasian lira was adamant we eat it. I may have forgotten to mention the lira in the earlier entry. He is the leader of the islands or as much of a leader he can be under our rule. He is the direct descendant of the lira who my great great great great grandmother defeated in combat during her conquest of the islands. Despite the strained history of our people, he was very gracious towards me, and he even prayed with me at the shrine to Demos. He seemed to actually grieve the loss of my mother.

It is night time and I am sleeping in the royal quarters in the lira’s palace. Tomorrow we will continue our journey north. If we are lucky with the weather we’ll be there in a few days. Hopefully, we won’t have to stop and restock along the way. Though I have seen some of the storms that ride the waves of the southern sea. They have torn ships apart and rendered spells mute. I hope Cirelin will bless our path.

14th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
The lira said goodbye to us this morning and we left to sail north. I am in my quarters looking through Kira’s notes once again. So far I have found nothing which could implicate any of the council members, but I will keep looking.

It was around afternoon Sayian told me I needed to see something. He showed me a fleet of Silveltian ships in the distance and proudly stated he had served on one of them. I noted the elegant and sleek design of the vessels and the blue flag they carried. A golden rings was plastered across their flags. The golden reeds of Silvelt. Sayian began telling a story from when he helped the navy secure a Neiran port from some rebels. I did not listen too closely, since I was occupied looking at the Silveltian ships.

It is nighttime. It was a very uneventful day. I will talk Sayian into showing me that combat spell tomorrow. I can also ask captain Xer to let me steer again.

15th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
Sayian showed me the spell today. One must summon energy from Ocìc, which I am not used to, and then cast the spell. I did not suffer from any attack by demons, but there were many curious spirits that touched my mind. I found it to be quite easy to repel them now when I was no longer home. Maybe the sea air has done me some good? Or perhaps my mother’s death has hurt me in more ways than one… Either way, it was exhilarating to cast the sharp projectiles. I could only summon a few, and they were hardly as sturdy as Sayian’s, but it’s a start.

The captain decided to show me the cannons. They were shining and well-maintained. The mares and stallions who cared for them seemed quite proud to have me inspect them. I am glad I was able to inspire such feelings in them, even if I am uncertain if I should be the one to do so. If I had an older sister she could have been here, inspiring the sailors better than me. Perhaps they’d respect her more. I can see a lot of the mares give me side-eyed glances when they think I am not looking. I am the first king in four hundred years, and they don’t like it.

Dark clouds on the horizon. It seems we will run into a storm.

16th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I am staying in my quarters until the storm is over. I have traveled on ships many times before and I have never felt seasick before. But this storm… My head won't stop spinning. Sayian seems perfectly fine, he even made fun of my suffering. Bastard. I’ll get back at him when we return to Cosea. Let’s see how he likes it when he’s forced to attend noble gatherings in my stead.

Sayian came in an hour ago and gave me some medicine. My head is no longer spinning and I feel like I can actually eat something. Apparently, the side of the ship has taken some damage and one of the gunboats almost sank. Xer came to inform me that everything is fine. Though considering the tall waves and thunder I am not so sure…

17th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I stayed inside my quarters until this morning. The storm still isn’t over but we are closer to Silfy. We will be there in two to three days if the weather keeps up. I decided to go up and check on the sailors. No one on our ship had been lost to the storm, but we couldn’t be certain about the other ships. Sayian seemed quieter today. I think this storm is really bad if he looks gloomy. The waves can’t do much to our ship, but it looks like the gunboats will vanish into the sea at any moment. Xer ordered the lookouts to search for islands.

We lost one of the gunboats to a rogue wave… It came out of nowhere, tall as a tower, and swallowed the ship. It almost took one of the brigs with it. Sayian almost dove into the water to go after the fallen, but the crew held him back. We are strong swimmers, but not even a Cosean can survive waters like these… May the gods have mercy on their souls…

A few hours have passed since the sinking of the gunship. If I had not gone on this trip all those people would still be alive… I locked myself in my quarters and I have refused to open the door to anyone. I think Sayian did the same. What should we tell the families of the dead? ‘I am sorry your loved one is dead, we just had to have some royal boasting and performance’? Fucking ridiculous… I do not envy the captain of a ship, for each loss is under her command. And I am the captain of a whole nation… Gods give me strength.

18th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We set anchor outside an island. The storm is over. The damages to the smaller ships were quite severe, and so we had to stop to repair them. We also counted the dead and missing. We started the journey with over three hundred sailors, we are now down to two-hundred seventy-eight sailors. Many were lost on the brig from the rogue wave. That the ship survived at all is a miracle. With this delay, it may not be before the twenty-first before we reach Silfy.

A funeral service was held for the fallen. I gave a short speech for their bravery and sacrifice, but many seemed dissatisfied with it. My mother would have known what to say. I can not reassure them as she could. Sayian was the one to rescue my speech, he read a passage from one of the holy texts about a battle at sea. He compared the lost sailors to heroes of legend and avatars of the gods. That seemed to rouse a bit more joy from the sailors. Though the mares were once again not very impressed. Sayian seemed almost to welcome that attitude though. ‘I am just a stallion’ was his response when I asked him about it. I wished I could feel like him.

We will be leaving tomorrow morning. It seems the sailors are refusing to leave until we know the storm is gone for good. I understand their fear, but I understood the anger from Xer even more so. The captain said we’ll be very late. We are off-course and lost. I hope the emperor won’t mind.

19th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
Half a day from the island we ran into six Silfy war vessels. One of the galleons offered to show us the way and act as an extra defense against pirates. We agreed. It felt good knowing we were being led by someone who knew the way. The storm had thrown us a lot off-course.

We will reach Silfy tomorrow evening thanks to the warship. Will write more then.

20th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We can see the Silfy mainland now. It is a few hours away, but it is still visible. Sayian seems excited to explore the nation's shipyards and military facilities. I informed him that he might not be allowed in there. He responded that he always managed to get inside one way or another. I find Sayian to be a paradox sometimes. He follows the faith dutifully, yet he acts freely and pursues interest which most would shun him for. Perhaps I could learn some things from him.

The warship which is leading us is a bit larger than the Warsong. It has four masts, one of which is much smaller than the others, and it has more cannons than the Warsong. The ship's crew consists of only stallions as far as I can see, and their captain is a grey old Silfy pony with a missing back fin. The Silfy sailors point and laugh at our ship every once in a while, but their captain quickly silences it. I know that stallions hold much more power in Silfy, but I am only now realizing just how much power that is. Maybe being a king will make me more accepted here, even if those thoughts border on sacrilegious.

We arrived in the port of their capital late at night. I have read through the book Rin recommended to me, so I know some of the sights in the massive city. Ternov is a dark city, with buildings dressed in grey and black. The color comes from an array of yellow, red, and purple which paints some of the banners and walls around the city. Despite its dull colors the architecture is magnificent: Arching walkways between houses; large bridges that can hold hundreds of ponies; towers that spiral towards the very heavens; crystal lights that light up the city at night with an array of white, yellow, and red. I can already tell that the city will be amazing to explore.

We walked through the streets to the royal palace. Its size makes the palace in Cosea seem like a barn. Around two thousand mares and stallions work in the palace back home. They have five thousand workers. Though no mare in the nation is dressed in navy or military colors. Most mares I see are dressed in white or grey dresses, the exception being the wives of government officials. Our nobles hold most of the wealth in Cosea, but our population still enjoys a wide array of fabrics and clothes. Only the rich mares in Ternov dress in color and jewelry. Either way, we were shown to our quarters and told to show for breakfast at ten. It seems I will finally meet the emperor tomorrow. I am terrified. Sayian reassured me that it would be fine, but I don't believe him. Gods give me strength tomorrow.

Emperor Of The Sun

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Vigilant was awoken by the chimes of a bell. The young monarch opened his eyes with a groan and looked around his suite for the origin of the sound. It was then he noticed a white Silfy maid by the doors to his chambers. She was a Silfy unicorn, as was evident by the horn on her forehead which glowed a soft white. She held a golden bell and a tray with a silver lid in her magical grasp. She gave him a shy smile and walked up to a dining table on the other end of the suite. The table stood in front of a window covered in red and golden drapes. The maid pulled them aside to let in more light into the room. The prince just pulled a pillow over his eyes to shield them from the intrusive golden sun.

“His divine excellency has sent you some coffee and sweetbread. There have been new skirmishes by the eastern border, and so his divine self can not attend breakfast just yet. However the meeting should not take long, honored prince Vigilant Watch,” the maid said.

“There’s no need for the ‘honored’ part. Just say prince Vigilant or prince, I don’t care which you’ll use,” the Cosean stallion mumbled and removed the pillow from his head.

The maid removed the lid from the tray with a flourish and bowed towards Vigilant. “Of course, prince Vigilant.”

On the tray, there were thin slices of light bread and a cup filled with coffee. Vigilant got up from his bed and stretched. He observed the maid as he walked over to the table and picked up a slice of the sweetbread. Vigilant had only seen a few Silfy ponies on Cosea and most of them had been stallions. They had been battle-scarred, rugged, and aggressive. The maid in front of him however was the complete opposite. Her white skin held no blemish, her back fin did not miss any parts, and she shyly looked away when she noted his starring.

“Would… Would the prince want me to service him?” she asked with a blush.

Vigilant tilted his head and looked at the maid with confusion. Her tail curled and she placed her left front leg behind her right. The prince took a bite from the sweetbread and hummed at the taste. It reminded him of sugar, but it held an interesting sting to it.

“What would this service entail?” Vigilant took a sip from the coffee with another hum.

The white maid turned a bright pink and swallowed. “Well… All delegates and foreign dignitaries are given a personal maid once they arrive in Tarnov. A part of that maid’s duties is to help relieve stress and tension, and this maid is trained to do so.”

“So like a massage? I could use one before the meeting with the emperor, I feel as stiff as a piece of driftwood after my time at sea.”

“No… While I can give you a massage, I have received such training, my services are more of the… carnal kind, prince Vigilant,” the maid blushed.

Vigilant froze and his eyes widened. He looked at the maid with his mouth agape and he tried to form a sentence. Instead, he let out a flustered cluster of words and looked away. “No mare should willingly offer her body to a stallion. Are you not ashamed that you are supposed to act as a common prostitute? Are the daughters of Silfy so willing to ruin themselves?”

The maid looked shocked at his words before her gaze fell to the floor. She took in a deep breath before she tried to answer him. “I am sorry if I have offended you, prince Vigilant. It is merely an extension of my duties-”

“Get out. I am grateful that you delivered breakfast to me, but I want you to leave. Neither of us should succumb to such sin,” the prince said with a flustered cough.

The maid looked at him with confusion. “Sin? Carnal pleasure is no sinning here, nor have it ever been considered a sin for a mare to offer herself to a stallion.”

“Well, it is a sin on Cosea, a sin and a sign of depravity. Leave.”

The maid nodded and left the suite with her head hung low. Vigilant exhaled deeply and he had to lean back into his chair and calm his heart. It beat at a fast pace and his cheeks were as red as the drapes by the window. Never had a mare so brazenly offered herself to him. Not even the boldest of noble’s daughters had dared ask the prince to mate. Yet here a simple maid dared not just ask him but held no shame before the gods about it. Vigilant placed a paw on his chest and took a deep breath to calm down. He stood up and walked over to his closet once his heart no longer threatened to jump out of his chest.

“Let us hope the emperor is more reasonable than his servants...” the prince mumbled.

Vigilant got dressed in a black silk shirt with white puffy frills along his shoulders. The same puffy ring of white material could be found around his wrists. The prince then placed a golden band around his head to signify his rank and on top of that he styled his gelatinous mane to resemble a bun. The black and white, along with the puffy frills, was the highest of fashion in Silfy. The bun was a traditional Cosean look and one that was easy to pull off. Finally, the prince placed a golden chain around his neck with a green gem attached to it. Some display of wealth other than the silk fabric and crown was needed. As the prince looked over himself in the mirror he found himself to look quite appealing.

“Perhaps I was too harsh on that poor maid… I do look quite striking in this- No. Such thoughts lead to nothing but sin and misery,” the prince glared at his reflection and pointed to the door. “Purge those thoughts. Focus on the emperor, you need his favor dammit. You will go out that door and face him like a true king. You will walk away having gained a new ally, or the gods may curse your step.”

Vigilant then walked to the chair by the dining table and window and waited. And waited. And waited some more.

After two hours there was a knock on the door and a large dark green Silfy stallion walked inside. He was clad in heavy black steel armor and he held a spear in his paw. “The prince is summoned for lunch with his Divine Excellency Emperor Terasias III, prince of the rolling steps, conqueror of dragons, owner of the northern sea, dorus of the Yilma tribe, lord of the island Tebetia, protector of the holy land, rightful heir to the crystal throne, and vessel for the greatest of all gods. You will adhere to him with his rightful title of ‘divine’ or none at all.”

Vigilant looked at the stallion for a second with an amused smile as if the guard would reveal it was all a joke. “The emperor has so many titles?”

“His Divine Excellency Emperor Terasias III has many more titles, but those are the most important for one of your standing and background,” the guard huffed.

Vigilant’s smile fell and his ears dropped. “Oh.”

“You have been instructed to make yourself presentable and to then appear in the dining room,” the guard walked a circle around the prince with a scrutinizing eye before he returned to the door.

“Why is a member of the guard checking out if I am presentable or not? Is that not assigned to a chamberlain or the maid staff?” Vigilant asked.

The guard hummed. “If you were to simply attend a party among the aristocracy or meet with someone in the palace, not of the royal family may I add, then perhaps a simple maid would have sufficed. But you are to meet with his Divine Majesty himself! Only someone of rank, and someone of correct background, may decide if you are presentable for the emperor.”

The prince eyed the guard as if the scars and armor would tell him where the stallion had come from. “The correct background?”

“My father was a tailor, and so was I before I joined our honorable army.”

“Ah. Well, do I pass?”

The guard eyed Vigilant one more time before he nodded. “Yes, I suppose you are presentable. I would have preferred you in something blue or green, but I hardly think his Divine Excellence will care for my color preference or my thoughts of the latest fashion. You are good to go, follow me.”

The guard left the room and Vigilant followed. They walked down a long corridor with a myriad of doors to their left which led to guestrooms. Between each door were expensive glass casings that displayed artifacts and heirlooms. Decorative weapons made from silver and gold were also hung on the walls and banners which bore Silfy’s shark tooth flag hung from the ceiling. The carpet their paws walked upon was soft as a cloud and black as night. The staff they met did not smile nor bow their heads at the prince, they simply stared forward and walked past like the Cosean stallion did not exist. Vigilant felt a twinge of anger at being ignored and he glared at the servants, though he was broken out of his sour mood as the guard coughed to get his attention.

“They are not supposed to greet you or look upon you, Prince Vigilant. You are of royal descent, and unless the emperor himself permits them then they are to consider themselves too lowly to even look upon you or speak to you.”

“I see… But how am I supposed to get their attention if I need help with something?” the prince asked.

“You have a maid assigned to you as your guide and helper. Should you need assistance then she will provide it. If she is not available then the guards posted outside your door will help you. If they are not available either then find the chamberlain. Now it should be impossible for your guards to be missing since they are ordered, by the emperor himself may I add, to stay posted outside your quarters. They are to remain there until they are replaced by the next shift. If you find that the chamberlain is also missing then something is horribly wrong and you should seek out a military official. If all that fails then find your own people, understood?”

Vigilant nodded and dodged out of the way of a guard patrol. “Understood.”

“Good. As a guest of honor, you will enter the room before the emperor. You will seat yourself, but you will not take a relaxed position or eat anything before the emperor arrives. You will be ready to stand and greet his divine excellency when he enters,” the guard said.

“I will greet him as my mentor has instructed,” the prince replied as they turned a corner.

The guard looked back at him with unease but he reluctantly nodded. “Yes… I hope your mentor has prepared you well. A king needs a good father figure.”

Vigilant tilted his head at the stallion. “My mentor is a mare, the head priestess of the Cosean church in fact. An honorable and beautiful mare.”

“...You Coseans sure are something...” the guard mumbled.

“I expect a little more respect. I may be a guest, but I am still a king,” Vigilant said with a huff.

The guard shook his head. “In Silfy you earn your respect, remember that well prince Vigilant.”

The guard stopped and saluted as the pair reached an oak door decorated with a shark tooth emblem made from gold. The door swung open by itself and Vigilant nodded to the guard before he entered. The room was long and lavish, with a long dining table in its middle with a mahogany chair at the far end and an oak chair on the other. A plate filled with shellfish and crab was placed in front of each of the chairs and a cup of tea was placed next to it. An odd combination, but tea was an important social drink among the Silfy aristocracy as it was among the Cosean one. The room also had three silver chandeliers hung from the ceiling, a polished wooden floor, and paintings from famous artists displayed on the wall. The prince froze in awe as he noticed a painting of a Cosean unicorn stallion who held a trident. The stallion was dressed in a great robe made from wolf skin and he wore a golden crown so decorated with jewels that it had to weigh down his head. The sea seemed to form around the stallion and the constellations shone brightly in the sky. Vigilant mumbled a prayer to Morgana, the goddess of the arts, and took a closer look. The canvas bore no name, only a mark of a golden seashell. Vigilant’s eyes widened as he saw the symbol and he took a step back.

“Your mother painted that one. She made it during the peace negotiations between me and dictator Storm. She made it to remind me that her queendom could still produce strong kings.”

The voice was deep and rich, it thundered across the room as if said through a voice amplification spell, yet there was not a hint of magic from the sound. It sent a shiver down Vigilant’s spine. A hoof hit the polished wood floor and it felt like the floor shook from the impact. The prince dared not look to his left, towards the door. The temperature in the room rose as the clip-clop of hooves came closer and closer. Finally Vigilant looked upon the creature which had entered the room.

Emperor Terasis III stood a head taller than the young prince. The stallion was shrouded in a red cape from the finest silk which dragged on the floor behind him. His skin was black, but age had started to show its hand as what had once been a rich, firm black was now greyed and dulled. The same could be said for the emperor’s blonde mane, it was almost a pale white. Yet as if to mask his age the emperor had white powered across his face, it gave him a dignified look, one akin to a judge. On his head was a golden crown decorated with shark teeth, rubies, and runic symbols. Around the stallion’s neck was a thick red band that was decorated with military honors and medals. Yet the thing that was the most striking was Terasias’ eyes. They were golden, yet they glowed and shifted like a wave on a stormy sea. Vigilant felt like someone pressed down on his lungs as the emperor leaned in for a better look. The prince threw himself to the floor and bowed, he pressed his ears against his head and slammed his paddled tail into the floor.

Terasias shook his head and walked towards the table. The emperor removed the cape and seated himself in the mahogany chair. “I can now see she was wrong. Stand, prince Vigilant, we are both monarchs. In this room, we are equals, for better and for worse.”

Vigilant slowly stood up and walked over to the oak chair on the other side of the table. He looked at the emperor with unease. The stallion was clearly not impressed with him, but he would not disobey Servis' advice. He bowed his head at Terasias and the emperor scoffed.

“This is why I told your mother to raise you here. You bow like a mare, instead of standing tall like a king. I wonder what else those advisors of hers have told you. Did they tell you to kiss the hooves of all maids that pass you? Are you supposed to give your lovers a wooden cock and let them ram it up your rear? Did that priestess of yours promise you some rewards if you did as she asked?” the emperor said.

Vigilant breathed out in anger but he kept his head down. “I don’t think such language is appropriate-”

“Look me in the eyes as you speak, boy! Do I need to send for my daughter so you dare speak with someone? Show some damn spine!”

Vigilant bit his cheek and looked up at the emperor with a glare. “I will not hear such talk.”

Terasias grinned at the sight and nodded. He picked up his tea with magic and sipped from it. “There it is… Your father’s anger. I hoped you had inherited it, you need it. After all, you are all alone in a nation of mares.”

The prince looked at the emperor with a grimace. “I have friends and allies.”

The emperor looked up from his cup of tea with a raised brow. “Do you?”

The response threw the young prince for a loop and he blinked in confusion at the stallion before him. The comment had been so strange and in any other situation he would have disregarded it entirely, but Vigilant knew that at least one person close to him could not be trusted. The problem was that he did not know who they were.

Vigilant picked up his own cup of tea and sipped on it with a frown. “I do. I met a childhood friend recently, he was kind enough to follow me here to Silfy. He is probably touring your military installations as we speak.”

“Ah yes, I was informed of a Cosean stallion who confidently marched into the fort on Cairmain island and asked to see the cannons. Said he was an important delegate and all that. I allowed him to tour out of amusement. For a Cosean he has balls to just walk up and ask something like that from a Silfy soldier,” Terasias smirked.

“That does sound like Sayian. He is confident in his abilities, as he should be after his service with the Silveltians. He is also a very loyal friend.”

The emperor dropped his smile at the mention of the republic and put down his cup. “Yes, I suppose even the Silveltians have more spine than the common Cosean stallion. Perhaps the only thing of value that exchange could have given him. And with all due respect, prince, I don't think any of your people have an ounce of true loyalty.”

“My people are quite loyal. They love the royal family, and they felt great sorrow upon my mother’s death. I hardly think you can insult their bond to the crown,” Vigilant said.

“People are fickle, believe me,” Terasias said and drank from his cup, “The people of all nations are fickle and they are just as likely to betray you as they are to help you. Loyalty is not what keeps them in line, but fear. This is something you must know, prince. Your soldiers do not salute out of pride and loyalty alone, but out of fear of what happens if they don’t. People are like sheep, they move at the beck and call a single shout and fall in line when they feel threatened. That you think they are loyal shows how misguided your upbringing has been.”

Vigilant growled. “I was taught by my mother to trust in others. She made sure I knew that our people’s loyalty did not just come from an iron paw or pointed spear. She made sure that I knew who to invest my trust in. Our people do not stab each other in the back.”

“And have you placed this trust in the Shekel council? Are you sure they won’t betray you?”

Vigilant looked at the emperor with unease. “What do you mean?”

Terasias put down his teacup and gave the prince a look of pity. “I called you here because you are the only one left. Your mother is gone, and your father perished before he could impact your life. The two most important people for your growth and security have been removed from the picture, and all that remains is that council...”

“The council wishes only the best for me, even if I often disagree with them. But it is not my place to question their decisions unless it is necessary. They are not just my peers, but they are also mares. The faith dictates that I adhere to their voice before my own.”

“Which is where the problem lies. You have fickle mares in positions of religious, military, and state power. You entrust them with such important roles where a proper stallion should be. You put all your trust in the faith, but that very trust will be your downfall if you are not careful. The second they have the chance that council will replace you with a mare,” Terasias said and glared.

Vigilant bared his teeth and magic sparked from his horns. “Do NOT insult the faith, old man. I am of the royal family and the head of our church. The council would never turn their back on the blood which flows from my veins, blood bearing the gods' blessing. I may be a stallion, but I still sit on the seashell throne.”

Terasias snorted at his anger. “Which is why they’ll put up with you until you sire a female heir, hopefully before your coronation. Be careful from the advances of mares in the coming months, remember that protection spells are important.”

Vigilant grew flustered and cleared his throat. “I do not need your help with such things.”

“Clearly you do. You are willing to put your trust in that council, which they will abuse, so reject any proposal of suitable wives or mates. If you have a female heir then they will no longer have any use of you. And your ‘loyal’ people would happily welcome a mare to the throne. Perhaps they would simply think a wife is enough before they get rid of you like they did your mother.”

A chill ran down Vigilant’s spine and his eyes turned to pinpricks as he watched the stallion before him. The golden eyes of the emperor shone brightly for a second and he smiled. Vigilant shrugged it off and cleared his throat. “That is a heavy accusation to throw at my council.”

“Yet it is true, is it not? Perhaps I am just paranoid, after all, I have had many poisons slipped into my drinks, but your mother’s death does not strike me as an accident. Neither did your father’s when it happened. You have many forces on your island who wish to get rid of you, prince Vigilant, and I can’t stop them if they depose you. As much as I tear into your nation and faith, your navy is mighty—you can thank your grandmother for that—and I would rather not have a hostile nation in control of some of the most important trade routes and colonies in the world. Remember to not trust anyone, or it will be the end of you.”

The rest of the lunch passed without much said. As the meal was finished Terasias rose from his seat and pulled the cape over his back. He looked at Vigilant with an inquisitive look before he sighed and walked out of the room. Vigilant felt like he had failed a test in one of Servis' classes, only this was much worse. When he returned to his room he simply laid down on the bed and stared up into the ceiling. He laid there until dinner time where he met with the emperor once more. The guard escorted him to a much larger dining room than the one he had met Terasis in for lunch. The right side of the room opened up to a wide balcony where one could look out over Tarnov and the sea. The dinner was also attended by more than just Vigilant and Terasias. Some noble stallions dressed in black and white approached the prince as he entered the room and presented themselves. A duke there, a viscount here, some young baron over yonder. Every one of these stallions held their head high and presented their title first before they delved into how they were related to the emperor and therefore allowed to partake in dinners meant for Terasias household.

Vigilant yawned as the tirades continued. Some of the stallions did share interesting tidbits about the city, like the Hall of Heroes, which was a giant mausoleum where war heroes were put to rest and immortalized with a statue. Vigilant did also listen with interest at the mention of an arena just north of the city where brave warriors could face off against one another with a hefty bag of coins as a prize for the winner. However, the tournament only occurred every six months, and Vigilant had missed it by three months. When Vigilant asked what the arena was used for the rest of the time, the nobles replied that it was a military training ground.

It was at point a steward—dressed in a very large, frilly, and puffy white collar—slammed a ceremonial golden staff into the ground five times, and the nobles all seated themselves by the table. Vigilant looked around with unease until he noticed that Terasias nodded to a chair opposite of himself. The prince hurried to the seat and sat down. He looked down at the six plates which laid before him, the smallest one on top and the largest in the bottom. On each side of the plate was a row of utensils, knives to the left, forks to the right, with every third utensil being a spoon. In front of the plates were four different glasses. Vigilant recognized two of them, one for red wine and one for white wine, but the other two confused him. The third glass was almost shaped like a snake and it was beautifully crafted with stars and the emblem of shark teeth around a sun on its side. The fourth glass was a short, simple, and round glass. Vigilant assumed the last one was for water. He bit his lip in worry as he looked over it all. He had read about Silfy's customs, but he could not remember everything from the chapter on fine dining.

He looked up to the emperor for help, but instead, his eyes were drawn to the amount of space was left for the monarch. Terasias sat on a golden chair with three more to his right and four more to his left. The emperor looked to the first seat to his left with a frown. The Silfy stallion's gaze almost seemed to penetrate the wood.

That is when the steward by the door cleared his throat. "Now that all gentlemen are seated, and our glorious emperor has blessed us with his presence this evening, may I present Athena II, the third child of his divine excellency Terasis III, first princess of the empire, lady of Zawargart island, and inheritor of the holy spirit. All may rise with the exception for his divine excellency."

Vigilant stood up along with the rest of the attending nobles and looked towards the doors as they opened. His eyes widened at what he saw. A black paw set foot over the threshold and slowly the princess entered the room. A few of the attendees craned their necks to see the royal mare as she made her way to the table. Vigilant's eyes were frozen on her. The black dress she wore was laced with sparkling black silk and it cascaded down her neck all the way to her tail. A hole was cut along the back of the dress to allow room for her back-fin. Her skin was a grandiose black and even the sunlight seemed to warp around it to create a halo around her form. Vigilant wondered if it was a trick of the light or the power of the supposed god who lived inside her. Athena's golden mane was cut short into a pixie cut and a silver hairclip was added for extra effect. A firm purple mascara was drawn under her eyes and her lips were coated blood red. Both of her ears had three piercings in them which at first appeared as normal steel, though as the mare came closer one could see the subtle blue glow to them. They were made from adamantine. The princess also held two earrings who also were made from adamantine and they consisted of a long chain with a small sword attached to it. Finally, his eyes shifted to Athena's crown. It was made from silver with seven sharp edges that jetted out like peaks of mighty mountains.

To say that Vigilant was enthralled was an understatement. The prince watched with a slack jaw as the Silfy mare made her way to the table and seated herself on the chair second left from Terasias. Athena then pulled out a white rose and placed it onto the chair between her and her father. The emperor smiled brightly at the rose and bent down to kiss both of his daughter's cheeks before he turned his gaze to Vigilant.

"Athena, this is crown prince Vigilant Watch of Cosea. He is an honored guest and should be treated as such, is that understood?" Terasias said with a stern tone.

Athena bowed her head at her father and turned her gaze upon Vigilant. A shiver ran down Vigilant's spine as she gave him a cold look and her expression stood still as marble. Nothing indicated anger or frustration from the princess, her teeth were not barred and her tail moved aimlessly, but he could tell from her look alone that something was wrong. It was then the princess bowned her head deeply at the prince.

"I shall be of service, prince Vigilant."

Vigilant shot up from his chair, eyes wide and mouth open in horror. "No! There is no need to bow! If anything I should bow," the prince said and bowed his head low, "Do not worry yourself with such things, I will be fine."

Athena looked up at him with a curious look and tilted her head before she returned to her cold and neutral expression. "If you say so, prince Vigilant."

Terasias watched their interaction with intrigue and nodded to Athena. "My daughter will show you around our beautiful capital tomorrow. You must get to know our nation if we are to be friends."

"Do you want to show me around, Athena?" Vigilant asked.

"I do what the emperor commands," the princess said curtly.

Silfy mares dressed in maid uniforms entered the room and they carried plates that held wooden cups and bottles filled with a clear liquid. They put down a cup before each attendee in the room and filled it with the liquid. The nobles ignored the maids, they did not look at them or thank them. Vigilant blinked in confusion and nodded thanks at the maid who filled his cup. The mare did not even look at him. If anything she only hurried away faster once the prince acknowledged her presence. Vigilant looked down at the small cup and smelled it. He flinched and leaned back with a scrunched-up face at the scent. His nostrils burned and he was almost certain the liquid could sustain a fire for some time. It was alcohol, but Vigilant was uncertain what kind.

Terasias raised his small wooden cup. "Then it is decided. Tomorrow prince Vigilant will learn more about our fine nation and all its qualities. But now we raise a toast for our honored guest and the holy spirit! May prince Vigilant rule long and his enemies dance on a bed of lilacs!"

"May they dance and sing in agony from his name!" the rest of the room cried and put the cup to their lips.

Vigilant hurried to mimic the other stallions and pressed the cup against his lips. As the stallions tilted their heads back to drink the prince did the same only to cough violently as the liquid filled his mouth. He managed to swallow it, but tears formed in the corners of his eyes and he continued to cough. The nobles chuckled at his reaction and Terasias snorted.

"Better get used to the taste, prince, because we stallions from Silfy likes to toast!" the emperor declared and the stallions cheered and laughed in agreement.

Vigilant felt his face flush in embarrassment and he kept his eyes on the table, though it was then he noticed Athena pouring another cup of the hellish liquid. The Cosean winced at first as she raised the cup, yet he looked on in surprise as she simply leaned her head back and swallowed it like it was nothing. His interests turned to horror as the mare filled a third cup and drank that one just as easily. Terasias noticed the prince's horror and growled towards Athena.

"Daughter, I expect you to behave like a proper lady when we have guests. This is not a tavern but a fine dinner, and ladies of the court do not get drunk."

Athena glared at her father and her lips slightly parted as if she would snarl. Terasias stared back right back, though his face did not move. Though both father's and daughter's eyes glowed brighter and brighter. Vigilant looked on with unease as it seemed like it became warmer. Condensation formed on the glasses next to the royals and some of the nobles chuckled uncomfortably. The horn of one stallion who sat close to Vigilant lit up as he discretely formed a protective rune on the floor underneath his chair. Vigilant recognized the rune as one of protection against fire magic, it glowed with power from the Ocìc realm.

Vigilant looked at the father and daughter and swallowed thickly. Were they going to fight? Yet at that moment Athena took a deep breath and magically handed over the bottle to her father. It became notably colder and the noble next to Vigilant scrubbed away the protective rune with a cough.

"I apologize. That was unbecoming of a mare of my stature," the princess said and bowed her head.

Terasias huffed and nodded. "Good. Now let us bring in the appetizers and then the soup."

Vigilant learned that Silfy ponies were slow eaters. The stallions could speak for ten minutes before they took another minuscule bite from their plate. At first, he tried to mimic them, but the nobles were reluctant to let him partake in their conversations and Terasis seemed focused on the view of the city. So Vigilant tried to strike up a conversation with Athena, but her responses were short and her bland tone shut down any further conversation. So Vigilant finished his meal before all the other stallions, waited for ages before the next course came, and then the cycle repeated. The prince did pass the time as he drank two bottles of wine, though by the time the dinner was over he could barely walk and had to be escorted back to his room. The nobles had laughed at the sight, Terasias had shaken his head, and Athena had seemingly tried to hide her disgust but it still came through.

As Vigilant fell asleep on the big bed that had been provided to him he just groaned and buried his face in the pillow. The guards outside his door chuckled and joked about something, and the prince assumed they were discussing him. Vigilant summoned forth his magic to pull out Kira's notes from underneath his bed and he pulled out his mother's letter from it. He looked over it for a moment and sighed.

"Why did I ever think I could be like you?..."

The prince fell asleep with the letter next to him, yet it brought no comfort for the coming day.

A tour of Tarnov

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A beam of sunlight filled the suite and landed in the large king-sized bed. A monstrous groan came from the blankets and sheets as Vigilant slowly sat up. He rubbed his foreleg across his face and blinked one eyelid at a time. The prince smacked his dry lips together and hissed. His head pounded like a Silveltian war drum. Vigilant buried his head into the pillow and mumbled a prayer to the gods for forgiveness. It was not proper for royalty to become drunk, at the very least it was not proper to become drunk during a visit to another nation. The consumption of alcohol was not sinful in itself, but to become drunk was to lose one's inhibitions. Losing one's inhibitions could lead to sin and blasphemy. A common worker might drink and get drunk all the time, and all he had to do was to pray for forgiveness by a shrine for absolution from the gods. Maybe he would donate to his local temple if he had done or said something particularly bad. The same rules did not apply to the nobility. The leaders of the nation were supposed to be pious and always in the good graces of the divine. And Vigilant had failed that spectacularly. Hopefully, he had not done or said something which he would regret.

"Burthis, goddess of sun and purity, forgive my transgression last night. I have behaved improperly for a stallion of my position... When I return to Cosea I will apologize to the high priestess. Know I am your loyal servant and will be of use to the mares around me as the scripture dictates. I shall meet with a princess today and I wish for your blessing to show my true honest character. Guide me so I may help and be worthy of her time and presence. The light guides us all."

After his prayer, the prince burped and swallowed thickly. Yet soon his cheeks ballooned and he stumbled out of the bed and hurried to the bathroom where he emptied his bowels. As the prince wiped his mouth he sniffled and shuddered from the sudden chill which ran through his body. He had gotten drunk before, but that had been a light buzz compared to the strong wine that he had drunk the night before. Vigilant looked down at his disheveled clothes and threw them into a corner of the bathroom to be picked up by the maid staff. He then stumbled back to bed.

Vigilant laid in bed for an hour. He mostly used that time to observe a ray of sunlight as it moved across the room. His thoughts dwelled on his mother and he remembered when she had once caught him and Sayian as they tried to steal wine from the cellar. The queen had not been angry at the two, she had handed them two glasses and told them to indulge. The two colts had taken one sip of the liquid and thrown the glass in disgust. Starlit eyes had laughed at the two of them and informed them they would like it more when they were older, and legally allowed to drink. He smiled for a second and looked down at the letter next to him on the bed. He gripped it with his light blue magic and held it above his head. He lightly pulled on the seal before he shook his head and simply kissed it.

Not yet. Only when he was certain that he was worthy would he open it.

It was at that moment there was a knock on the door and Vigilant quickly put the letter back with the stack of notes and hid them under his bed. "You may enter."

The maid from the day before timidly stepped into the room and scrunched her nose. She looked around until her eyes landed on the prince who was mostly obscured by the darkness in the room. The maid took a deep breath and marched to the window with determination and pulled the curtains aside. Vigilant grumbled as light flooded the room and his headache returned. The prince pulled the covers over his head and groaned. The maid simply opened the window and shook her head at him.

"Permission to speak, prince Vigilant?" she asked.

"Granted..." he mumbled in return.

"Prince Vigilant, you need water and a bath. As your assigned caretaker I must suggest you do so before meeting with her highness Athena. She is not patient and her ire will grow if you are tardy. Furthermore, you will feel much better should you follow my advice," the maid said.

Vigilant nodded slowly and sat up. "Fine... Please get me some water and pour me a bath."

The mare bowed and hurried out of the room. She called for someone and two more maids entered the room. They took his dirty clothes and began to fill the bathtub with warm water. They also left a basket with cleaning supplies for the prince. Eventually, Vigilant's personal maid returned with a large glass filled with water and a pitcher which contained more of it. Vigilant took the glass and chugged it down before he then held out the glass to the maid. She refilled it and the prince downed it once more.

"Is the bath ready?" Vigilant mumbled and shook his head in an attempt to lose his dazed state.

"Certainly. You bathe and wash then call upon us again. Ordinarily, I would offer your company and to wash your back, but I assume you would like to do it yourself, prince Vigilant," the maid said.

The prince nodded slowly. "Yes... I would rather not look more like a delinquent than I already do."

"You are young, do not be hard on yourself, prince."

"That is no excuse when the gods are always watching..." he mumbled in response and stumbled into the bathroom.

The tub had been filled with warm water and steam rose from it. Scented candles had been lit in on the sink and they spread a serene smell of lavender in the room.

Vigilant smiled at the sight and climbed into the bath. He stood in the water for a second and let his stiff legs and tail soften up. He took a deep breath and then slid his front paws forward until his chest touched the floor of the tub and his head became submerged. He groaned in satisfaction as his joints popped and he then slid the rest of his body into the water. As Vigilant became fully submerged water flooded from the sides of the tub and dozed the marble floor. Yet all of it soon disappeared down the drain. After a minute of enjoying himself, the prince resurfaced and leaned his chin on the side of the tub while his paddle emerged from the water. It flicked ever so slightly and Vigilant sighed in content. Then he heard the maids giggle and their footsteps carried towards the hallway. He opened his eyes as the maids closed the door with a thud and left his chambers. It made him frown and he closed his eyes again.

For a second he imagined that the Silfy maid had stayed. She entered the tub with him and rubbed his bag with her nimble paws. He imagined she dug her claws into his back and blew a breath over his ear. The maid giggled at his moan and leaned in closer...

Vigilant's eyes shot open and he yelped as his chin slid off into the water. His face flushed and he shuddered at the touch of sin. He could not give in to such sinful thoughts, even though they seemed to appear quite often these days. Vigilant poked his head over the water and looked around the bathroom. No sign of the maids. The prince cleared his throat and swallowed thickly. Perhaps he should have accepted the company the maid had offered him after all. Not to partake in sinful activities, of course! But rather so he had company. All he had were the walls and his thoughts.

And his thoughts were not kind.

His mind dragged him through the events of the previous weeks: His mother's sudden illness and death; his new position on the council; his discovery of how his mother had really died; his attack on the protestors; and of course Sacred Shield's disapproval. He grumbled as he thought about the Silveltian mare and he glared at the wall. Sacred had been his mother's bodyguard and head of security. Perhaps she had something to do with the poisoning?

"I need to talk to Oliver when I get back. Maybe take Sayian with me," Vigilant mumbled to himself.

After a few minutes, the prince grabbed the basket with soap and shampoo the maids had left for him. He ran the soap over his body and hummed with delight. He then applied a large amount of shampoo this his gelatinous mane. The sweat and filth from the previous day were replaced by a sweet scent of lilacs. Once Vigilant was done he stepped out of the bath and ran a towel over his body. When he was dry, he walked out into the room and called for the maid, and she entered with a bow.

"Shall I help you prepare an outfit for the day, your highness?"

Vigilant nodded. "Yes, I would be pleased by that."

The maid walked over to the wardrobe and opened it. She looked through the available outfits and then her eyes landed on a red shirt and a black vest. She pulled it out and pressed it against the prince's chest. She leaned in and examined it for a second before she nodded. "We can at least make you look nice."

"At least? Is something wrong?"

The maid looked up. "Hum? Oh, no-no, nothing is wrong. At least not yet. Just be sure to keep yourself in the good graces of his divine excellency, he is not known for his kindness."

Vigilant nodded slowly and lifted one leg at a time as the maid dressed him in the outfit. Once she was done she bowed and left the room, only to be replaced by the guard from the day before. Vigilant gave the stallion a nod and the guard returned the favor. Though he did something which made Vigilant's brow furl: the guard sniffed the air and scoffed in amusement.

"Let us go to the main hall, the princess is waiting," the guard said and led the way.

"What about breakfast?" Vigilant called after him as he followed.

"That will be provided in the city. Now you should focus on impressing the princess. She is a rebellious sort and she is willfully ignorant about her place in the world. Hopefully, you may teach her something about how a mare is supposed to act, seeing as there isn't a single true stallion on Cosea," the guard huffed.

"Less disdain towards my nation and more marching..." Vigilant growled and the guard complied.

As they reached the main hall they were met by a squadron of eight heavily armed Silfy stallions. They stood around the princess with their weapons ready. They all looked strong enough to kick down a tree, and Vigilant swallowed as he approached them. The guards did not react to his presence and only made some room so the prince and princess could stand face to face. Though their eyes did not leave him for a second. Vigilant noted that one Silfy unicorn had a chain on hand with runes carved into it, a way to bind demons or spirits alike. Did they expect warlocks from Cosea? How despicable did they believe their southern cousins to be? Vigilant shook his head in annoyance and frustration before his eyes landed on the princess.

And gods she was beautiful on this day too.

Athena was dressed in a black dress with a short skirt. The outfit bore the royal family's seal on its back and several runic phrases had been stitched into it. Vigilant could almost feel the magic that dripped from the dress, though it was nothing in comparison to Athena herself. He then noted the red scarf that had been tied around her neck and the crown from the day before had been swapped for a simple silver band. Finally, he looked into her eyes and they shimmered like the sun. Athena then looked him over and a faint smile touched her lips as she noticed his clothes. Whether it was amusement or appreciation was uncertain, but it was a smile. Vigilant was about to ask the black mare how her morning had been when her nostrils flared and she scoffed in amusement.

"I see father has decided to punish you for your behavior last night. Fitting he made it as subtle as possible," Athena said.

Vigilant looked at Athena with a confused frown. "Punishment?"

"Tell me, prince Vigilant, what do you think of lilacs?" Athena asked and moved towards the great doors which led outside to the courtyard.

The prince followed her and pondered on her words. "Well I don't really see your point, but I suppose I like their smell? They are beautiful flowers."

"They are. But they are not well-liked among our people. The lilac is the symbol of the House of Garmain, the traitor's flower. They are considered taboo to grow and even more so to wear or use products made from them. It is considered rude to wear lilac perfume and an insult to give lilac products to another. So rejoice that father only gave you soap, not a necklace of the damn things," Athena huffed.

Vigilant blinked at the princess and then sighed. "I made a fool of myself yesterday, and I am very sorry."

"Show me your regret by making this day a good one then."

"I will."

As they walked through the gate out into the courtyard the guards saluted them both, though there was clear discomfort in the act when it came to Vigilant. He knew they did not like Coseans, and they thought Cosean stallions weak, but this was unacceptable.

"You need to reprimand your guards for treating a foreign dignitary with such disrespect," Vigilant said.

Athena sighed. "Do not take it with anger, prince Vigilant. My father has demanded they be tough on you. He wants to see how you react. He has heard about the incident with the protestors and I suppose he would like for you to snap."

"But... Why would he want such a thing!? That is absurd! I am a prince, no, a king! I deserve respect!" Vigilant growled.

"He did it specifically to draw THAT out. He wants to know if you are an entitled brat or a future ally. I suggest you ignore the guards' treatment of you and focus on impressing my father instead. The sooner you gain his respect the faster they will treat you like a king. And... I suggest you stop screaming about you being the king. No true king needs to tell others that he is a king," Athena said and took a turn down a gravel path until they reached a locked metal gate.

Vigilant watched as the guards unlocked the gate and then proceeded to check the path beyond it. Once they were certain it was safe they beckoned Athena to follow.

"Why would you give me such information? Why help me? I am certain the emperor would like you to keep quiet about my humiliation."

The princess stopped in her step and tensed up. She clenched her jaw and stared straight forward. "Because I hate him."

Vigilant was slackjawed and he looked at Athena in shock and awe. She took a deep breath and composed herself before she walked out the door and down the path towards the city. Vigilant scrambled after her and smiled. He had found a reasonable mare in this nation after all.

Tarnov was just as impressive during the day as it was during the night. While the city was not as colorful or vibrant as Kos it was large and imposing. The houses were rarely wide but often tall. Spires reached towards the heavens all around the city and all above them were walkways and arches which connected the different structures. It gave Vigilant the impression that the city was divided into layers. The roofs that he could see were made from tiles that slanted downwards and each corner of the roof curved upwards to create a pike. The city was made up of spears and spires. Perhaps it was a way to scare other nations, to have one's capital appear like a weapon. Yet the inherit beauty of Tarnow tarnished that idea. Trees were grown in the middle of some streets, banners that bore Terasias' seals hung from towers and houses alike, and brutalist shrines to the sun god were all around the city.

"Your home is beautiful, princess," Vigilant said in awe.

Athena's eyes drifted over the alleyways and streets with a disinterested look. "It has its fair flowers and beautiful towers, but I personally find it quite boring. I can not go to the charming bars, exciting societies, or scandalous shops. I can go to the perfect parks, safe restaurants, and slow theater houses. But that's it."

Vigilant moved up beside her with a smile. "Well, surely you could visit some of those 'forbidden' places. You are of royal lineage after all."

"My brothers did say you were still a child... I just couldn't see it by looking at you..." Athena mumbled.

"What?"

"Tell me, prince Vigilant, how does your nation view its stallions?" Athena asked.

Vigilant looked at her with uncertainty before his gaze drifted to a clothing shop. Inside there were all kinds of military and ceremonial garbs made for stallions, but none for mares. He then noted that it was a shop specifically for the high society, yet it only served clothes for stallions. It was a horrible business practice, they locked out half of their clientele for gods sake, but perhaps more of a cultural statement than anything else.

"As a stallion of Cosea it is my role to adhere to the needs and opinions of the mares around me. As crown prince, soon king, I am exempt from doing so for peasants or lower class mares, but any mare of noble birth is my better in the eyes of the gods. Of course, I am still the king, the monarch who ultimately decides what our nation does. But a stallion is to serve the gods by worshipping mares, that is our doctrine and creed. Of course, open worship of any mare that passes by has not been in fashion for generations, but we still worship our mares through prayer, respect, and faith," he responded.

Athena nodded as they left the street and reached a square with a large stone mausoleum in the middle of it. "In Silfy, mares are those who are supposed to worship stallions. Our God chose a stallion as his vessel, it was a stallion who founded Tarnov, a stallion who ordered the construction of the first university of magic, a stallion who led our armies to conquer and our nation to prosper, and a stallion who gave his life so our god could live. Our nation does not hold stallions in high regard for nothing, they have done many good things, but its need to worship them is... tasteless."

The princess nodded towards the stone mausoleum as stallions entered and exited it. Mares stood outside the building and prayed, not one dared to step over a line of golden mosaic on the ground. The mausoleum bore the symbol of Orion and the Silfy flag, a holy place. Though it was not royal, at least there were no royal guards near the structure nor were nobles around it. Most stallions that entered looked plain, either part of the clergy or dressed in the garbs of a commoner. Black robes and grey shirts.

Vigilant eyed the spectacle around the mausoleum and tilted his head at the mares. "Why is it tasteless?"

"It is tasteless because it stifles half our strength. Look at the hall of heroes. Only stallions are allowed to enter it and to be consecrated as heroes. Mares have the hall of saints, a much smaller and less important building. Yet stallions can enter that building as they see fit. Being consecrated as a saint after death is the highest honor a mare can achieve, and it is a great boon to her family and speaks of her virtue, but it is seen as less important than the consecration of a hero. Do you think stallions stand in droves to worship the saints? They pay their respect if they are related or feel particularly pious that day, but other than that they ignore the hall of saints. That is why it is tasteless. As a mare, I am meant to marry a good husband, bear his children, and take care of the household. There is no shame in caring for one's home or children, I would gladly do it, but I want more than just that. I love sailing, I absolutely adore commanding a vessel. But in our culture, only stallions can be captains or sailors. I only know how to steer a ship thanks to my brothers, for they like to indulge my 'strange' hobbies. People do not expect mares to be able to sail. That was the reason I decided to enter the race for Zawargart island, to prove that I could steer a ship just as well as any stallion," she grinned.

The prince looked out over the waves and then back at her. "I was wondering how you managed such a feat. I heard you won the race, but no one even knew you were competing."

Athena smiled. "Well... I first heard about the race from an admiral who was also partaking. The prize was all of Zawargart island, which is very large, and the condition for winning was that you were the first to make one lap around the island. I took some money from my personal treasury, told my father and brothers some lie about traveling to a paradise island, and then I went down to the harbor with two very loyal and bribable guards. I found some rough bastards to be part of my crew, a shitty ship which only cost me five thousand royals, and then I dressed in a stallion's clothes and cut my hair. I traveled to the colonies as 'Captain Kiran Sulvan' to partake in the event. I had my crew spread some rumors about me to the other participants, you know the usual scare tactic. I was never really planning on winning, participating had been enough for me to make my point.

"But then... As all hundred ships—It boggles the mind, one hundred captains from all over the sea competing for one price—set off that morning, each one hoping to become the owner of Zawargart, the wind was with us. Our ship cruised over the waves like it was made from nothing but air. I remember the crew's excitement as we got the head start. We lost the lead many times throughout the journey, but I pleaded with the god inside my soul as we approached that final stretch. I begged him for a chance to prove myself, to show that I could be as great as my father. It is said only the one who sits on the crystal throne can hear the god speak, but I swear I heard a voice: 'Go forth and conquer.' The wind picked up, we cruised past the admiral who had told me about the race to begin with, and we began to toss everything we could off the ship. Barrels, furniture, supplies, anything so we could be lighter. Some of my crew even jumped into the water! When we crossed that finish line I felt the light in me soar, and I announced who I was to all the participants. The face the admiral made... By Orion, I want to do it again."

Vigilant looked on as Athena told her tale and he smiled at her pride. "How did the emperor take it?"

"He banned me from being on any ship for a year. If I am caught on one I will be locked in my room for three months," she huffed.

The prince was slack-jawed and he cleared his throat. "Surely your father would not do that."

"My father once beat my brother to a pulp for making jokes about a foreign dignitary. My father may love his children, but he loves tradition and politics more. He will not accept any deviation from the norm. I can give you an example of that right away, remember the flower I placed on the seat next to father yesterday?" Athena asked and left the hall of heroes behind.

Vigilant followed her and looked down the street. "I remember it. I am not certain as to its purpose, however."

"The flower represents my mother, the late empress. Every time we hold a dinner in that room I must bring a flower to place on her seat. Every. Single. Time. The most insulting thing is that it was her least favorite flower, but tradition states that is the flower that must be placed on her seat. I have pleaded with father to change it, just for mother's sake, but he refused. I love him, truly I do, he is my father, but I also hate him. He raised me yet he refuses to let me be free. He taught me how to be strong yet forbids me from showing it. He says I am meant for great things, yet tells me the god-soul in my body does not belong to me. I love him, and I hate him."

Athena stopped as they reached the port. The sea was calm and the sound of dockworkers and seagulls were the only thing that could be heard. Vigilant looked around and noticed the taverns and pubs nestled between warehouses and homes. There were stone stairs that led down to the beach and Athena gladly walked down to the golden sand. The princess stretched as her paws sunk into the warm sand and she made a happy noise. Vigilant smiled at the sight. It was very cute. Though he then noted how her skirt hitched higher as she stretched, and it showed off her round soft flank in all its glory.

The prince basically died on the stone steps from flustered coughs and some of the guards that had followed him and Athena looked at him with amusement.

The princess turned around and basked in the sunlight. "Come, I want to show you something."

Vigilant walked down to the beach and sighed in content as the warm sand slipped between his paws. He followed Athena further along the beach until they reached a statue. It was placed on a particularly high pedestal so it would escape the tide. The pedestal itself was aged and had barnacles at the bottom, but the state was pure white. The statue depicted a stallion that held the sun in his paws, and he had swallowed half of it. Not a speck of dust was on its perfect exterior, even though the statue was right on the edge of the water.

"This statue has been here for centuries. Touch the plaque on the pedestal," Athena said.

Vigilant walked up to Athena and noted the plaque and inscription at the base of the statue. He touched it and marveled at how warm it was. It was a gentle warm, which washed away all worries and headaches. Vigilant tried to read it the text on the plaque but he scrunched his face in confusion and then looked at the princess. She smiled and nodded at the inscription.

"It says 'Garlak, noch, alena dor.' It means: 'I swear to guard your soul.' It was the promise the first emperor gave to the god Orion before he ate the dying god's physical form to take his soul into him. It is the beginning of our people as we know it, the victories, the wealth, the conquest... I must have listened to my mother tell that story a thousand times."

Vigilant looked at the small sun in the statue's paws and then back at Athena's eyes. Their golden glow was fierce, and he could sense the magic which flowed of her like heavy rain from a roof. The energy encased her form, it shifted and turned, and finally, it seemed to stare at him. For a second his breath hitched in his throat as he felt like the mass of magical energy stared him down, but it soon lost interest and returned to its former unfocused state. Athena noted his pale face and scoffed in amusement.

"Orion is protective of his hosts. You do not stare at him without him seeing it," she said.

The prince nodded slowly and swallowed in an attempt to clear his dry throat. "I... I have never seen magic like that before... Is it truly a god that lives inside you?"

"A god, a grand spirit, a celestial creature from beyond the stars, there are many different depictions of Orion across our holy texts, but to most, he is a god. A god weakened from a killing blow, but a god nonetheless," Athena answered.

The two heirs stood by the statue for a moment before Athena turned to him. "Would you like to see the arena?"

"Oh, gladly. I have heard only good things about it so far," he said.

"It is one of Tarnov's marvels, I'll give you that. Sadly it is not used all year round for competitions or duels, though it should be."

The princess led the prince away from the statue and marched him back up into the city. The two royals eventually reached the northern gate of the Tarnov and Athena guided him to a golden carriage. The journey took twenty minutes and once they reached the arena Vigilant stood in awe of the building. It was a square twenty-meter tall stadium made from stone that held several stone walkways on the sides of the building which led to small gateways into the arena proper. The prince practically ran inside the main gateway into the arena with a very amused princess following him.

As he entered the main grounds of the arena he looked around in awe at the number of seats that were all around them. At least ten thousand ponies had to fit in there, and that was a low estimate. Yet the grounds themselves were just as impressive. Rings for martial combat, tracks for runners, specially warded combat zones for spellcasters to face one another. It was impressive, to say the least. There were even javelins and discus to throw alongside the middle of the grounds. There was also a small depression in the ground filled with sand meant for wrestling. The arena was a place of competition and combat, a place for tournaments and duels. Vigilant imagined the seats filled with ponies from all over Silfy. Each would scream and cheer as their favorite fighters and athletes pushed their bodies and knowledge to the limit. It was a proper place to prove one's worth.

"Twenty thousand can view the competitions, and such events are always a favorite for our people. Even mares are allowed to compete in some competitions, specifically spellcasting. Magic is more about the mind than the body after all," Athena smiled.

"Have you ever won in magic combat before?" Vigilant asked.

"Against normal competitors? Yes. Against my brothers? No. I have Orion to rely on for strength, but so do they, and my brothers have fought in wars and battles. I may know more spells, but my brothers have combat experience. I wish I could say I beat them in a competition, but they have so far always bested me," Athena said with a sigh.

The prince nodded and looked out over the arena. "I am certain you'll beat them one day."

Athena smiled at the compliment and gave him a thankful nod. "I hope so too. My father would be furious at the idea that I'd win, and my brothers would finally take me seriously."

"I always wanted to be a combat mage myself, but the position is reserved for mares. They can make exceptions for particularly adapt stallions, but it is rare. But to wear church colors and protect people with magic... That was a dream I had since I was young," Vigilant said.

Athena scoffed in amusement. "I have always enjoyed magic myself and thought about becoming a combat mage, but it is only for stallions. It seems we were both born to the wrong royal family."

Vigilant laughed in amusement. "I suppose we were."

The two stood side by side for a moment and took in the sight of the arena. Vigilant pondered on something and looked over the beautiful Silfy mare for a second. She commanded respect even though she described her nation as being unfriendly to mares. She even held a claim to Zawargart island through her efforts. Vigilant respected that immensely.

"Tell me, Athena, what do you wish to do with Zawargart?"

"I wish for it to become my home and the home of my children. I wish for it to become an independent state, where my sons or daughters may live without having to answer to my father or brothers. I am sixth in line to inherit the throne, prince Vigilant. I had much more of a chance with Zawargart than I ever will have at home. Furthermore, upon my father's death, my brothers will tear each other apart for his throne. I know them well and I know that at most my younger brother Eragonis will stay out of it, being part of the clergy and all. But the rest of them will fight for the title," she said with a sad sigh.

Vigilant blinked in surprise. "Do you not have inheritance laws?"

"We do. But that does not mean that my brothers will adhere to those laws. My two oldest brothers are the worst. They both sway nobles to their side in preparation for my father's death, and my father can only admonish them and take away some of their privileges. And once my father is dead? Then he can do nothing. Silfy is a powerful nation, but only as powerful as its royal family stands united, and our family has been splintered ever since the death of our mother. It is an awful situation, and it will weaken us, but none of my brothers will give up their claim to the throne. Well, maybe Eragonis will, but even he covets the throne, even if he claims he only has the desire to worship Orion," Athena said.

The prince looked over the Silfy princess for a moment and came to a decision. "When I am king I shall support your claim to Zawargart and build a lasting friendship between our two nations. You have my word."

Athena's eyes sparkled at the news and she smiled brightly at him. "Thank you... Truly I mean it, thank you. I shall not forget such kindness anytime soon."

The princess leaned in close and lightly nuzzled Vigilant's neck. The prince's breath caught in his throat and she smiled at his flustered appearance. Athena nodded towards the exit of the arena and walked back towards the carriage with a sway in her hips. Vigilant eyed her for a second with a dumb grin and followed her. As the two made their way back to the city their conversation would be much more light and pleasant, and Vigilant swore that the princess smiled at every word he said. A smile that may his heart soar, and for the first time since he came to Silfy, he felt completely at ease.

King of Cosea

by Lux Tenebris

The Longest Night

Funeral For A Queen

Council Meeting

Murder At The Royal Palace

The Drunkard From Red Street

Ambassador's Summon

Kira's Notes

Qurous Of Uther

Consequences

Regarding The Emperor...

Journey To Silfy

Emperor Of The Sun

A tour of Tarnov