The Fallen Prince

1. Clara

1

CLARA

B reathe. Just breathe.

Clara stared down the woodgrain of her dresser. It was no longer decorated with her silver fin brush or the turquoise and golden jewelry of the sea. Her heart thumped heavily against her breast, her head pounding in pain and adrenaline. Today was the day. It was the day she would finally leave the safe confines of her family.

“My lady…” a distant voice said.

She closed her light brown eyes again, inhaling air instead of the salt water and magick she was used to.

Clara had finally gained enough courage to leave her second home beneath the sea. And, just as she was getting used to the skies again, she now had to venture the continent into the unknown.

“Princess!”

Clara’s head shot up, her round eyes focusing on the dark gargoyle behind her. A man so close to her sister. His onyx skin and red eyes so crimson, they were like lava. His brows crinkled under the silky strands that fell over his temples.

“Lord Nero,” she answered.

“Have you been listening to anything I’ve been saying?” Nero asked. When she first arrived in Herrlof, the man was calm and charming, but ever since she had declared to her sister, Elisora, and the Gargoyle King Nordskov that she needed to venture east, he changed. The gargoyle criticized her every motion and word.

Just trust him sister, Elisora had said to her. He is wise and only wants the best for you.

I may trust him, but that doesn’t mean I have to like hi,. Clara thought. It was hard enough to drag herself out of bed this morning. She knew the day was coming, but she had wished it hadn’t. Nero nagging her only made her more anxious for the trip to come. She was not one to question the gods, but if she could send someone else to Ouroboros she would.

Nero tilted his head, his fingers rubbing along the shaft of his thick pointed horn. His red and black wings twitched as his hand went to his waist. She fought the urge to grab him by the robes and shake him. Or, quite literally, kick him in the butt until he left her chambers.

“You have been telling me about the dragons.”

“A vague answer,” Nero answered her. “You, the king’s sister-in-law, are going to Ouroboros. A land filled with dragons who will tear you limb from limb if given the chance.”

Thanks for the reminder, she thought. Clara turned, maintaining every bit of composure she could muster.

“I am aware of the danger Lord Nero.” Clara held her head high, but not even the tip of her nose reached his pectorals. Gargoyles were giants. Were the dragons just as big? What if one did attack her? Or grabbed her? Her heart stopped, but she chased the images away. If she thought about this now, then that would only give Nero more power over her. He knew she was terrified. From what Elisora said, he had a grand guild of spies and assassins. Any guild master like that would detect anything in a moment. But she would not give him the satisfaction of confirming her fear. The more he said she couldn’t do this, the more it solidified her resolve. The gods would not give this task to her if she couldn’t do it.

“What survival training do you have?” Nero questioned.

“I was the third daughter of a wealthy merchant for most of my life and a princess the next.” Many days she walked along sunny beaches, sat in the streets to listen to poets, or attended seminars from mathematicians and astronomers.

“Surely you have fighting experience?” Nero pressed.

“No.”

“You did not receive the same self-defense training as my Queen?” Nero looked incredulous. For a gargoyle that had eyes and ears everywhere, that was friends with esseri of all kinds, words eluded him.

“Elisora learned most of her fighting after her…. incident with Axel. Growing up, Romanus always assured our protection.”

In the present, Clara could kick herself for not learning self-defense, opting for books and knowledge. But then again, her younger self would never believe what her life would become. What all her siblings would become.

Clara cut her eyes away from Lord Nero, grabbed her cloak from the chair, and exiting her room.

“Dragons are devious creatures,” Nero continued, hot on her heels as she made her way through the halls. It was as if she was walking through a night sky. Had she the time, she would study the navy and gold pillars wide as the grandest trees of the forest or the white ghostly fire that came from the scones.

Her plan to lose Nero was thwarted. Instead of creating an opportunity, the gargoyle guards stood at attention as they passed, looking straight ahead. “Konstantin Aslanov is the most devious of those lizards. He has become old in his years as emperor, but he has only become more paranoid and quicker to judgent. If he suspects you of trying anything he will order your death.”

“I will keep that in mind,” Clara said, clipping the brooch of her hood under her heart-shaped face. Become humble like a beggar. I get it! She wanted to scream.

“If you want to avoid his target, you must make allies in Chancellor Gavril Kostas and Prince Drakonis Aslanov.” Clara nodded, stowing the names away in her memory.

Hopefully, the two men he spoke about would calm her nerves a little. Poseidon bless her, maybe these could be the two dragons that didn’t want to kill her and treated her as something more than an insect. Would they realize she was coming because it was necessary? For if she didn’t go, if she didn’t find the world’s destined hero , the end of the continent would be assured. Dragons, gargoyles, humans, everyone.

“And, I cannot say this more plainly princess. You must stay away from the younger Prince Kazimir.”

“The worst thing I have heard from you about him is that he is a womanizer.” There were many such people in Oceanus. She may not know physical defenses, but Clara could navigate court. But Lord Nero would never believe her if she tried to tell him.

Nero growled.

“Princess, if that is all you remember, then you are far more dangerous toward yourself than you realize.”

Like a blur, Lord Nero appeared in front of her. His wide-shouldered frame was enormous and overwhelming. The breadth of his wings blocked most of the hallway from her sight.

“The only reason gargoyles are not at war with the dragons is because of Ragnar’s treaty with Emperor Konstantin. If that treaty does not stand then it will renew the Great War. The bloodshed and chaos will be worse than before. That is what Prince Kazimir desires. Someone inexperienced like you are the catalyst he needs, and he will make sure to use you then make you disappear.”

“I am not a child Lord Nero,” Clara said, leveling her gaze. “I do not wish to go to this land, nor mingle with dragons. The gods are sending me to prevent a catastrophe.” Visions of blood and fire briefly flashed through her mind. Her breath caught in her throat as she gulped. All that time ago, she touched Elisora’s arm when Romanus trapped her in Oceanus. And in that brief touch, she saw her beloved sister in more pain than she had ever seen, holding the broken body of her mate and covered in black scars. The rest of her family was gruesomely killed, their torn bodies scattered about a soaked battlefield outlined in broken swords. “I will do what I need to in order to prevent my vision.”

“And if you are not careful and listen to what I say, then you may be the cause of your vision.” Nero stepped closer. “Dragon men, especially like Kazimir, despise women. Unlike in Herrlof, women do not know the meaning of self-defense. They have enough education to speak and look like their parents wish, and that is to be the most useful broodmare to the highest bidder. Your connections to the Gargoyle King and Oceanus’s King mean nothing there. For if the Emperor or Kazimir even perceive a look as disrespectful, they will lop your head from your shoulders quicker than you blink. And no one, not your brothers or my queen, can save you.”

Clara’s eyes narrowed despite her wavering heart.

“It would be best if you send someone in your place. Even Romanus, as exasperating as he is, would be a better choice then you.”

“No,” Clara said. “This is a task that the gods have given me.”

Romanus. Elisora. They had fought enough for her. For the family. Romanus set out to prove himself worthy every day, training from the time he woke up until he went to sleep. He advised their godfather on political matters while making sure that she and Caius were comfortable in the palace. Elisora found happiness after fighting to avenge their father’s death. She overcame a curse that ate at her soul and only survived because of her lover. What had she done? What did she do to bring honor to their family? Had it not been for Caius, whom she had focused all her attentions on teaching him, guiding him, consoling him, she would have fallen apart. She was not strong, but this quest was one where she could prove herself. It was the only way she could protect what remained of her family.

“Clara! There you are.”

Elisora’s melodic voice echoed off the cerulean and stone walls. Her eyes, now golden, instead of bicolored were alight, shining above her dazzling smile. Lord Nero’s posture relaxed as he stood off to the side. His menacing gaze was no longer on her but looked straight ahead with furrowed brows.

“Elly,” Clara said, opening her arms. Elisora hugged her, squeezing her close then taking her hand in the crook of her arm.

“If you do not hurry, you will be late arriving to Ouroboros.” Elisora said.

“Yes.” Clara cleared her throat. Lord Nero’s presence was close behind them as they walked.

“Ragnar has made sure that the best guards will follow you by sky. Papa said that he will make sure you’re watched from beneath the sea.”

“I appreciate it.”

Unlike Nero, she could not fully express herself around Elisora. If her sister had known the true reason she was going to Ouroboros, it was likely she would try to stop Clara.

“The guards can only escort her to the North's borders my queen,” Nero said.

“You have people,” Elisora answered Nero without a look. It wasn’t a question. Elisora trusted in Lord Nero with all of her being. She could rely on him. Had she ever been able to rely on her own sister like that?

The trio approached the entrance to the castle, the reinforced double doors allowing sunlight to coat the foyer. After the initial blindness from the sun, Clara saw guards packing weapons and supplies. Two colossal figures stood in front of her, facing the ocean, one winged and the other in turquoise armor.

“My queen, my agents...”

The three stepped from the threshold and all bowed around the two figures. Her gargoyle brother-in-law, stood tall, face stoic and the sunlight beaming from in between his pointed horns. Black ringlets were braided along his scalp and fell in waves to his shoulder blades behind his pointed ears. He was the epitome of a warrior with cold amethyst eyes and full lips laying in a flat line.

Her eldest brother Romanus dwarfed in comparison to their brother-in-law. His dark brown hair fell straight around his oval face. He was built wide and muscled, but his scaled armor made him look more menacing than he was. Romanus’s tawny brows furrowed over his rounded eyes. His lips formed the deepest frown, and his body was stiff as he took a hesitant step towards his sisters.

“Is everything ready?” Elisora asked.

Noises from afar became louder as Elisora pulled Clara further from the castle. A small golden ship with unmarked light blue sails sat against the rocky beach that bordered Oceanus and Herrlof. Clara fought a sigh as she scanned the massive number of sailors carrying crates and barrels. She told Romanus not to overdo it with the packing. Ever since Elisora had returned, seemingly from the dead, he had overcompensated. But could she blame him? Romanus blamed himself for their family’s misfortune almost as much as Elisora.

“I have sent a letter ahead of your travels.” A deep masculine voice said. She looked up at the king, nearly cracking her neck. “Nero has briefed you on the risks of your travels. All I will emphasize is that you do not trust anyone and ally only with Drakonis. For he is the only one that has honor.”

“Thank you, your majesty.”

Clara dropped into a curtsy. Elisora gripped her arm.

“We are family. There is no need for thanks,” Elisora said with a smile. Ragnar nodded.

“Your majesties, you must speak sense into her. She may have this mission from the gods, but she is unprepared.” Lord Nero, her personal pain in the ass, spoke up. “We can only protect her for so long without it causing an international conflict.”

“Isn’t Hadrian the one that normally lectures us?” Elisora said with a chuckle. Nero slouched, letting out an exaggerated sigh. “Do not worry, Nero. My sister is a Katsaros. All of us have an incredible will to live.”

“But you also have incredible magick and physical strength to fight off your enemies. Princess Clara does not. Romanus do you not have anything to say?”

Both sisters glowered at Romanus. He once stole away Elisora from her lover because of his overprotective nature, and it nearly ended in his death, or banishment. He would not be foolish to make the same mistake twice, would he?

“They have assured me we have made proper precautions.” His answer was short and firm. His tight lips and glaring eyes made it obvious he wasn’t thrilled. Clara left Elisora’s side and hugged Romanus around the waist. He bent down returning her gesture.

So many times, she had done this. When Elisora was gone, and things had been rough for their people in Oceanus it was the only way she knew how to comfort him.

“I’ll be fine,” she whispered in his ear. She knew everyone could hear her, and she was grateful that they pretended not to. Clara knew she would physically survive. Her vision told her so. But something ate at her heart. A quest like this was bound to change something. Sometimes a change of the mind was worse than the body.

“If you are not, I will drown every one of those dragons,” Romanus answered.

“And we will destroy them from the skies,” Ragnar added.

“You are all foolish,” Nero grumbled. “I’m going to check on the provisions.”

Clara wanted to smirk in victory, but she held back. There was no point in taunting the gargoyle that would be her guard until they reached the eastern border.

“Gargoyles will follow via the skies until you reach the border,” Elisora said, placing her hand on Clara’s dainty tanned shoulder. “Caius will follow you from under the sea after the border.”

“Caius?” Their youngest brother hardly left home. And he would have mentioned…

"Your dragons will recognize us,” Elisora added. “The ocean will hide Caius.” Elisora’s wink made her smile. Elisora was strong but Clara didn’t miss the shake of her eyes. Haunting fear radiated from Elisora. Their family’s enemy, Axel, was gone but not dead. And, during her quest for revenge, she too traveled alone and became a slave for years. But she understood the importance of a quest, and one’s inability to move forward in life until it was completed.

Clara boarded the bustling ship, her heart hammering. Gargoyles and mersoldiers scattered about the wooden deck, adjusting sails, placing cannons, and doing last checks of supplies. Their family's emblem, a grand dolphin crossed with a trident, was carved into the gilded bow. It was almost time.

“Sister.” Romanus jumped up the ramp. Glimmers from the sun on his armor made him look like as if he were dressed in diamonds and opals. It nearly blinded her until he took her in his arms once more. Clara pressed her rounded cheek against the cold chest plate, cooling her heated face. Her dainty arms wrapped around his waist, hiding them beneath the teal cape held by a dolphin brooch on his chest. “You have on your jewelry, yes?”

Clara nodded. All her family had special jewelry, hers being tiny, studded earrings. At any time they could morph into mermaids and escape into the waters. It was something their godfather had gifted them after the dreadful attack on their home. It was the only way that humans could become mermaids.

“You will use it. I will not have you disappear too,” Romanus said. Normally Romanus was loud and confident in his words. His breath trembled against her neck. “I should have trained you more,” Romanus said. He pulled away, placing his hands on her shoulders.

You have done so much for me brother. Clara thought. I will bring honor to you. I will make you proud of me.

“I was always one for the books,” Clara smiled. She fought tears prickling in the corners of her eyes. Romanus only knew physical strength. Even if he had tried to teach her, she never would have succeeded. But he would have smiled and praised her even when she performed poorly. “But I am good at running. You do not need to worry.”

He shook his head. “I have assurance from Ragnar that you will be guarded. Even if you do not see the help, you only need to yell if you are in distress. Do anything you can to run away. Ouroboros is practically an island.”

It was a volcanic land with the sea bordering three-fourths of the capital from the maps she reviewed.

“If Elly can face the gargoyles here, then I can face the dragons of the east,” Clara said.

“Just don’t marry one of them,” Romanus said.

Laughter broke through Clara’s lips. Romanus had never gotten over their sister’s marriage, even if he wouldn’t admit that he and the gargoyle king got along splendidly.

With a kiss on the forehead, he departed the ship. Sailors pulled the anchor and bellowed, and gargoyles took to the skies. In the distance, her eldest siblings waved while the gargoyle king stood tall with his arms crossed.

This mission was all for them. Elisora had found her happiness, and the Xenakians were finding stability beneath the sea in Oceanus. No matter what, Clara would make sure that the peace would continue permanently.