Chapter 1: Red Sail

"I saw it with my own eyes!"

Bou, Azmeera's notorious fisherman who never could catch enough to feed his family, shouted as loud as he could. The children surrounding him all gasped and hung on his every word.

"Wolves," Bou said. "As big as bears! With teeth as sharp as my knives."

"What did you do?" One of the kids asked.

"What could I do?" Bou puffed up his chest. "I picked up my fishing rod and waved it around. Scared the beast real good."

"Bou," Meera, who had been observing from the edge of the road, couldn't help but intervene. Her voice, like the soothing lullaby of the ocean, cut through the excitement. "Stop scaring the children with your tales."

"Princess Meera," Bou, ever respectful of his princess, lowered his head in acknowledgment. "I tell no lies."

"I'm sure you don't, Bou," Meera laughed, lifting the cloth off her blanket and pulling out the plate of bread and meat she was carrying. "I hope you weren't drunk when you came face to face with this beast."

"Not a lick of liquor in my body, Princess," Bou said.

"Good," Meera smiled. "Let's keep it that way. Here, give this to your wife."

"You're too kind, your grace," Bou said as he graciously accepted the plate of food.

"Will you be joining the rest of the group for today's trip?" Meera asked.

"N-no, princess," Bou shook his head. "My wife and I are planning on taking a trip to visit her parents."

"Very well," Meera nodded. "Go on home then. And leave the children alone. Your stories of the beast have caused enough trouble."

"Thank you," Bou bowed his head once more and backed away.

Meera watched the skinny man scurry off with his head down and hands clutching the plate of food as if someone might try to snatch it from him.

"What do you have for us, Princess?" One of the little boys who was listening to Bou's stories turned to face Meera.

"Just some grapes and apples today," Meera said. She held out her basket and let the children each grab whatever they wanted. "Come tomorrow to the temple and we'll have more food for you."

"Will you have sweets?" The little boy asked. "I miss the candy apples."

"I'll see what I can do abo-"

Before Meera could finish, all the birds at the city square took flight as the temple bell rang out. The towns folk going about their daily routines in the bustling market square suddenly froze in their tracks, their expressions a mosaic of confusion and apprehension. The clang of the temple bell, which had stood silent for so long, shattered the tranquility of the moment.

As the resonant notes of the temple bell ripped through the air, its twin above the market square joined in, creating a symphony of sound that seemed to suspend time itself. Meera's heart quickened, worry gnawing at her like a relentless tide.

Then, a voice pierced the collective anxiety.

"We won!" someone shouted, their voice cracking with emotion. "We won! We won the war!"

All at once, a murmur swept over the market. Like a bee hive coming to life, everyone began to talk at once as one of the soldiers came running through the street waving Azmeera's flag and shouting at the top of his lungs.

"We won the war! Delphina is ours!"

Handing the basket over to the children, Meera jumped forward to grab the soldier's arm. She stopped him in his tracks and waited for him to catch his breath.

"We won?" Meera asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Yes," the man panted like a dog. "We won, Princess. The troops are returning home. The ships will dock tomorrow morning."

"We won!"

The confusion around Meera began to vanish as relief and joy fell over the city. Men and women all poured into the streets as the soldier bowed his head and carried on down the road, spreading the good news. Drums began to bang as people broke out into song and dance. Children cheered as their mothers rushed home to welcome their husbands.

Meera looked around at her people as they congratulated her as if she had been the one to lead the battles instead of her uncle and cousin. She looked over her shoulder to the palace gates that were beginning to fill up with well wishers who were hoping for some handouts and more news. Meera picked up her dress and turned on her balls of her heels to race out of the city towards the temple. The bells on her silk slippers rang with each step she took, announcing her arrival before her shadows could reach the steps of the white marble structure. The white sandy path that led up to the steps of the grand building seemed longer than usual as Meera fought against the strong ocean winds. When she finally arrived, she pushed the heavy doors open with both hands and shouted with happiness.

"We won!"

Sion, the head priest of the temple, turned to face Meera as she ran towards him like a gust of wild wind.

"Sion, we won the war!" Meera yelled.

Near the ancient stone altar, where the air was thick with the scent of burning incense, a small, unassuming fountain stood as a tranquil centerpiece. At first, there was a barely any tremor in the water within the fountain. But then, as Meera approched, the water erupted with a startling ferocity. It leaped up from the fountain's basin in exuberant defiance of gravity, its liquid form dancing with newfound life.

The splashes that followed were as carefree and wild like the look in Meera's eyes. It was as if the very water itself had come alive. Droplets soared through the air, catching the flickering candlelight and scattering it into a mesmerizing array of shimmering rainbows. The sweet sound of water droplets hitting the marble floors filled the temple as Meera paused to catch her breath.

"We won," she said once more, her breathing labored and her deep brown eyes sparkling.

"I've heard," Sion, an elderly bald man wrapped in simple white cotton robe, looked at the water from the corner of his eyes with a hint of disapproval. "Slow down now, Princess. The walls have eyes and ears."

"We won the war," Meera laughed, trying to catch her breath as she straightened up and laughed with joy. "Uncle Neftali and Ozmen are coming home. We have to prepare for their arrival."

"I'm sure Queen Iris will take care of everything," Sion assured her. "I must prepare for the welcoming ceremony. I suggest you go back to the palace and help out your aunt and cousin."

"Do you need help here?" Meera asked, looking around at the temple.

"You can start by cleaning up the mess you just made," Sion pointed to the puddles of water on the floor. "Really, Meera. You must be more careful."

"My apologies."

Meera quickly spoke up and raised her hands before her. Her fingertips tingling with the anticipation of what was to come. Her eyes, deep like the ocean's depths, fixated on the water that had splashed across the smooth floor. It glistened like liquid crystal beneath the temple's soft, flickering candlelight.

As Meera peered at the scattered water droplets, a connection formed between her and the element. It was a connection that transcended the physical world. It was a bond she couldn't describe. It coursed through her veins, uniting her with the elemental essence of the water.

With a flick of her hand, Meera commanded the deep well of energy she carried within. Her fingers moved through the air with grace, like a conductor guiding an orchestra.

As if responding to her silent command, the scattered water began to obey her will. It rippled, then surged, as if drawn by an invisible force. Droplet by droplet, it followed the elegant arc of her hand.

Meera guided the water back toward its source. The shimmering stream flowed seamlessly back into the small fountain. With a final, gentle gesture, Meera dropped her hands, and the water settled with a soft, musical splash, once again contained within the fountain's basin. She looked upon her work with a sense of quiet satisfaction.

"Thank you, your grace," Sion said.

"We'll need lots of light," Meera turned to look around the temple. "Hundreds of candles and flowers."

"And firecrackers!"

The sudden intrusion of a familiar presence caught Meera entirely off guard. She turned her head with a start, her eyes widening in surprise.

Sion, who had been watching Meera's waterplay, took a step down from the altar and came to stand behind Meera.

"Be more careful," he cautioned, his voice barely a whisper but heavy with concern. "Every wall has eyes and ears."

Meera, realizing the truth in Sion's words, lowered her hands and concealed them in the folds of her dress. She maintained a composed expression, hiding any indication of her abilities as she turned to see her cousin, Marcella, rushing into the temple.

Marcella, a vision of youthful beauty with her bright eyes and flowing hair, hurried up the temple steps and made her way toward Meera. Meera greeted her cousin with a warm smile, masking any hint of surprise or unease she had felt just moments before. It was a reminder of the delicate balance Meera had to strike between her magical talents and the watchful eyes of those around her.

Marcella was King Neftali and Queen Iris's daughter and the crown princess of Azmeera. After Meera's parents' death, the title of crown princess was passed on to Neftali's daughters. Meera didn't mind. Her uncle and aunt treated her well and Marcella, June, and Ozmen were like her siblings.

"We'll need all the drummers in the city to welcome the troops," Marcella said. "And at night during the grand banquet, we'll have fireworks!"

"You two must prepare," Sion laughed. "You seem to have too many plans for such little time."

"Let's go, Meera," Marcella turned towards the door. "We have to tell the palace cooks to make father's favourite meat pie."

"Sion," Meera turned towards the priest. "Place an extra offering for me tonight, will you? I'll come in first thing tomorrow morning to offer my prayers."

"Anything for you, Princess," Sion bowed. "Now, go."

Meera thanked the old man before rushing down the steps of the temple towards Marcella. Her long black hair blew in the wind as she quickly gathered all the wild locks and tied them down in a messy braid. Marcella smoothed down a few of the strands to make sure her cousin looked presentable.

"I heard father is returning with Prince Henry," Marcella grinned.

"Is he?" Meera's chest tightened as butterflies in her belly flew up her spine. She could feel her cheeks blush as she fussed with her hair.

"Prince Henry and King Darwin will be staying with us for the rest of the month," Marcella said. "At least that's what father had planned if we won the war."

"For the whole month," Meera asked, following her cousin up the sandy path.

"Mhm," Marcella nodded. "You know what that means right?"

"No," Meera lied. Her cheeks grew hotter as she tried to keep her eyes away from the smile on Marcella's face.

"You're getting married, Meera!" Marcella threw her arms out and captured Meera in a tight embrace. "The war is over! Your knight in shining armour is coming home to take you with him!"

"He's not my knight in shining armour," Meera rolled her eyes even though her heart fluttered like the wings of a hummingbird.

"No, no," Marcella teased. "You two have only been promised to one another since the dawn of time for nothing."

"Will uncle really want a wedding celebration now?" Meera wondered.

"Why not?" Marcella asked. "Now is the perfect time. Henry is a war hero, you are the beautiful princess, our two kingdoms are happy, Dalphina is finally ours and the golden age of Azmeera has finally returned. Why wouldn't he want to have a wedding celebration?"

"Well...." Meera placed her hands over Marcella's arms as they walked side by side, wrapped up in each other's embrace. "How will we prepare everything with such short notice?"

"Maybe that's why father invited them to stay with us for a whole month."

"You think so?" Meera asked.

"I'm pretty sure," Marcella nodded. "We'll know more once Ozmen returns. God, I can't believe I actually missed him."

"I know. Me too," Meera laughed.

_______________

At the break of dawn, when the first glimpse of a sail appeared on the distant horizon, Sion took up his duty with enthusiasm. He rang the temple bells, their chimes cutting through the stillness of the morning, announcing the long-awaited moment to the entire city. The sound raced through the streets, stirring everyone from their slumber and igniting the festive spirit that had been simmering beneath the surface.

In response to the joyful tolling of the bells, the city began to stir to life. People emerged from their homes with eager smiles, their faces glowing with anticipation. They donned their finest attire, each garment carefully chosen for the momentous occasion. Freshly picked flowers adorned their hair, lending an air of vibrant colosr and fragrant beauty to the gathering.

Queen Iris, radiant in her regal attire, led a procession of the three young princesses through the streets. They were dressed in their finest clothes, their young faces illuminated by excitement and happiness. Queen Iris, a symbol of grace and wisdom, rode in a lavish golden chariot, drawn by majestic white horses.

As the sun continued its ascent in the sky, casting a warm and golden embrace over Azmeera, the ships on the horizon drew nearer. Their towering masts and sails were a testament to the triumphant return of the city's heroes. The anchors of the ships began to drop, their metallic clinks resonating like drums, signaling the arrival of long-awaited news and the beginning of celebrations that would echo through the city for days to come.

"June, fix your dress," Queen Iris said as the soldiers began to line up. "Meera and Marcella, fix your hair."

"Relax, mother," Marcella sucked her teeth under her breath as she quickly adjusted the flowers in her hair and then moved on to Meera.

"Remember to greet King Darwin, girls," Iris said. "Don't get too excited with just your father and brother."

"Do we have to greet Prince Henry too or is that Meera's job?" June teased.

Meera pinched her younger cousin's arm as the girl yelped and moved closer to her mother.

"Don't tease her," Iris scolded her daughter.

"She pinched me," June complained.

"Did you deserve it?"

"I think she did," Meera scrunched up her nose.

"Nobody asked y-"

"Girls!" Iris clicked her tongue. "Stand still. Marcella, make sure they behave."

"Must I always be their mother?" Marcella complained, fussing with her dress and hair. "I never get to just have fu-"

The drummers at the shore all lowered their sticks at once, signalling the arrival of King Naftali and Prince Ozmen. The crowd began to clap and cheer as the two royals boarded their chariot and waved to their people. Meera and Marcella loomed over the railing of the temple's balcony as Queen Iris waved to her husband and son.

Meera's eyes searched the beach behind her uncle until they fell upon the tall, blond figure engaged in conversation with one of the soldiers. It was him, Prince Henry, every bit as regal and handsome as she remembered him to be. His features were etched in her memory... the strong jawline, the beautiful hair, the soft charming smile...

Meera's heart quickened at the sight of him, not from surprise, but from a sense of anticipation and admiration. Prince Henry turned and waved to the people of Azmeera, his royal charm on full display. Meera couldn't help but smile in response, her admiration for the prince evident in her eyes.

"Did Henry cut his hair?" June asked, looking back at Meera.

"How am I supposed to know?" Meera asked, her eyes moving back to the prince.

"Marcella, you will ride with your brother and I will go with your father," Iris announced as all the men boarded their chariot and began to head towards the temple. "June, you ride with King Darwin and Meers and Henry will ride together."

"King Darwin?" June scrunched up her nose. "He smells."

"June!" Iris warned with her big brown eyes. "Behave."

"Oh, I hope the roads are smooth," Marchella sighed dramatically, placing her hand over her forehead. "You know the roads of the city are so treacherous. We will all understand if you have to hold onto Prince Henry to make sure you don't fall off the chariot, Meera."

"Marcella," Iris shook her head. "Stop teasing her, will you?"

"Oh, don't blush so hard, Meera," June laughed. "Poor Henry might think we're torturing you."

"Maybe that will speed up the wedding," Marcella winked.

"Aunt Iris!" Meera looked to her aunt.

"Girls!" The queen turned towards her daughters. "I will not ask you a third time!"

"We're just having some fun, mother," Marcella laid her head on Iris' shoulder. "She'll only be with us for a few more weeks."

"Then you should spend the time showering her with love," Iris said, holding her arm out for Meera. "Send her off with loads of love and blessings."

"Don't send her off at all," June said, joining in on the embrace. "Meera, take me with you to Silverkeep. I'm sure Henry will not mind at all."

"I'm sure he won't," Iris kissed each of the girls. "Now, let's go welcome them all."

With excitement and a fluttering heart, Meera followed her cousins down to the beach. Sion welcomed King Neftali and Prince Ozmen before moving on to Prince Henry and King Darwin. The girls all waited behind the queen as their family stepped forward and greeted them with joy.

"It's good to have you back," Iris said as she hugged her husband and then her son. "Welcome home."

"It's good to be back," King Neftali laughed. "I see the kingdom is still standing."

"We tried not to break too many things," Meera laughed.

"Meera," Neftali looked at his niece and held out his arm.

"Welcome home, your grace," Meera bowed before stepping forward and embracing her uncle.

"Look who I brought home with me," Neftali's rumbling chuckle reminded Meera of her father as the man squeezed her shoulders and turned her towards Henry.

"Please don't start," Meera begged. "June and Marcella have already filled the well with for the next centery."

"We'll dig a new well then," Ozmen chimed in as June jumped into his arms.

"Oz!" Meera turned and threw her arms around her cousin. "Welcome home!"

"Thank you, Princess," Ozmen laughed as all his sisters embraced him all at once.

Meera lifted her thick lashes and peeked over Ozmen's shoulder. She stole a glance towards Henry as he bowed to Queen Iris and then moved on to Sion for blessings. Her heart started to beat faster as he slowly turned to face her and Ozmen. Their eyes met and Meera swore she heard herself gasp. Henry held her gaze as a small smile appeared on his lips.

"Let's head home," Neftali said. "Girls, let go of Oz!"

Meera slowly pulled away from her cousin as one by one the men began to board the chariots again. She could hear her own heart beating in her ears as Marcella winked at her and Henry came to stand behind her.

"Your grace," Henry's smooth low voice whispered in Meera's ear.

Holding her breath, Meera turned towards the prince. She lifted her lashes slowly as her cheeks began to burn. Upon catching her gaze up close, Henry's lips parted as if he had forgotten how beautiful Meer's brown eyes were.

"Won't you welcome me home?" Henry asked, taking Meera's hand and placing a small kiss upon it before bowing his head.

"I didn't know Azmeera was your home, your grace," Meera bowed, hiding her smile.

"Home is where the heart is," Henry said.

Meera smiled and looked up at him through her lashes, "Welcome home."

"Thank you, Princess," Henry said.

Meera could feel her cousins watching her from their chariots as Henry walked her over to his and helped her up. She quickly grabbed the railing as the prince climbed in next to her and took the reins. The crowd began to whistle and cheer once more as they all rode through the city gates and into town. People from high above threw rose petals down at them and the drummers marched on ahead. Meera waved to the people lining the streets. Their faces were filled with happiness and hope. The long war was finally over. Sons were coming home. Trade would begin again and the markets would overflow with wondrous goods. Meera felt a sense of pride blossom in her chest as she rode past her beautiful city towards the palace.

When they arrived at the palace, The steps were lined with servants holding plates of rose petals and welcome drinks.

"Thank you," Meera said as Henry placed his hands on her waist and helped her down from the chariot. Her hands rested on his strong shoulders as he peered into her eyes once more and smiled.

"You're welcome," he said.

"My sincere apology, your grace," Marcella said, stopping beside Meera. "But I must steal your bride- I mean, Princess Meera away now."

"Only if you promise to return her in one piece tonight to the balcony by the throne room," Henry said, taking a small step back as Marcella squeezed herself in between the pair.

"Oh?" Marcella arched her brow. "Alone? On a balcony? Don't you know how scandalous that can be, your grace?"

"Marcella," Meera warned as she dug her nails into her cousin's arms. "Let's go."

"I promise I'll return her," Marcella said to Henry.

Meera glanced at the prince one last time as she pushed her cousin forward and began to head towards the other ladies. As she passed him, her hand brushed his and for a split second, Henry's finger hooked around hers, stopping her and raising goosebumps on her skin.

"I'll wait for you," he whispered, leaning down.

"I'll come," Meera smiled. "If I feel like it."

_____________________

After two long years of brutal war and endless sorrow to the cities, the people of Azmeera were more than happy to celebrate the night to mark the start of a new beginning. Every home in the city was lit with candles and adorned with bright flowers. The palace doors were opened to the public and they all gathered in the lush lawns to carry on the celebrations with the princesses and the soldiers. There were songs, music, dancing and loads of ale to go around.

Meera and Marcella watched from the high steps along with their handmaids as they clapped along to the beat of the drums and laughed and giggled at the drunk soldiers. Many times a few of them tried to proclaim their undying love and allegiance to Marcella but Ozmen would not have it.

"I'll never find a husband like this, Oz," Marcella sassed her brother. "Go look for a wife and leave me alone."

"It is no fun being a soldier's wife, Marcella," Ozmen shook his head.

"The war is over," June said. "Soldiers are all back."

"Most," Ozmen said, a somber look falling over his drunk eyes.

"Let's not spoil the celebration," Marcella frowned.

"So many of my men didn't make it back home today," Ozmen said, his voice low.

"Oz," Meera climbed a few steps down to sit beside her cousin. She placed her hand on his shoulder as she took the bottle of ale from his hand. "I think you had enough for tonight."

"How will I look their wives in the eyes?" Ozmen said, looking down at his empty hands.

"Sion will be doing a prayer for their safe passage into the afterlife tomorrow," Meera said. "You can make sure all your men are sent off with a proper and honourable farewell."

"You think they will forgive me?" Ozmen asked.

"You are a great commander," Meera reminded him. "They will be honoured to know you personally oversaw their rituals."

"We'll spare no expenses," Marcella said, walking up to stand behind her brother and cousin.

Ozmen slowly nodded his head. He wiped the corners of his eyes as he struggled up to his feet and caught Marcella's shoulders.

"Did you bathe after returning home?" Meera asked, pinching her nose as she stood up. "Or did you soil yourself just now?"

"It's the smell of a man!" Ozmen said, banging his fists against his chest. "You should have smelled Henry. Dried blood and sweat had a peculiar pungent stick."

Meera gagged as she placed a hand over her mouth and one over her stomach. She looked at Marcella as the girl puffed up her cheek to hold her brother and drag him up the stairs.

"I don't think I ever want to smell a man ever again," June said, her voice nasiley from how she pinched her nose. "And speaking of men..."

Meera followed her cousin's eyes to the balcony overlooking the celebration in the lawn. In the darkness above, she caught sight of Henry leaning against the railing watching her with a small smile on his lips.

"You're not going to go, right?" June asked. "Mother will kill you if she finds out. You're not even properly engaged yet."

"Well then keep her distracted," Meera said, lifting her dress and running up the stairs.

"Meera!" June hissed, trying to grab her arm.

"I'll be quick," Meera said, looking over her shoulder. Her heart leaped up with joy as she ran into the palace and ducked under the trays of food being carried out by the kitchen staff. She took the stairs two at a time as she scanned the halls to make sure none of the servants were around to catch her. Iris always said they were the ears all walls had.

As Meera grew closer and closer to the balcony, her belly began to stumble with nerves. Her heart was beating too fast but her mind couldn't keep up. She felt as if her feet would lift off the ground any second when Henry suddenly grabbed her arm and swung her around to the pillars beside the balcony.

"Princess," Henry smiled, bowing his head slightly.

"Your grace," Meera tried to catch her breath.

"You look beautiful tonight, Meera."

"Thank you..." Meera blushed.

"I...I brought you something from Delphina," Henry suddenly grew shy. His smile wavered as if he didn't want to show it. Taking a small step away from Meera, Henry reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black pouch.

"What is it?" Meera asked as the prince sat the pouch down in her palm.

"Delphina is known for their pearls," Henry said. "They're one of a kind."

Meer untired the two silver ribbons on the pouch and poured the content into her hand. She gasped at the weight of the pendant that hung from a simple gold chain. The pear was surrounded by gold vines that wrapped around and over the gem like a beautiful cage.

"I never felt a pearl this...." Meera weighed the necklace with her hand. "Heavy."

"It's the gold actually," Henry laughed. "The pearl inside is from a rare river oyster. They are farmed by King Elias."

"Won't the king be angry you took one of his pearls?" Meera asked.

"Not when it hangs from your beautiful neck," Henry said. "May I?"

Nodding her head, Meera slowly turned and lifted her hair. Henry took the necklace from her hand and draped it around her neck. Meera's heart began to beat faster once more as the prince's fingers brushed the back of her neck and left her knees weak. Her eyes closed for a brief second before she felt a strong breeze from the ocean blow across her face.

Startled by the chill in the summer air, Meera's eyes snapped open. She felt the waves roll over her bones and crush her chest, cutting off all the air in her lungs. She began to struggle as her eyes widened. She could feel the water calling to her, pulling at her heartstrings like a child.

From the windows in the throne room, Meera could see the temple on the beach and the lights that illuminate the waters and docks. Her heart began to flutter and twist with a sense of discomfort as she peered into the dark horizon. She couldn't explain the shudder that rolled over her skin as her eyes tried to see past the black skies and water.

"There's something there," Meera said.

"What?" Henry asked, not understanding.

"There," Meera lifted her hand and pointed to the horizon. Her hair fell around her shoulder as she walked out onto the balcony and stopped at the railings.

"There's nothing there, Meera," Henry shook his head. "How can you see that fa-"

"Look..." Meera's breath caught in her throat as three large ships with crimson red sails broke through the fog like giants.

"Who...," Meera couldn't look away. "Who is that?"

"Nobody good," Henry's eyes darkened.

As Meera continued to stare at the red sails, Henry stepped around her and leaned over the balcony.

"Ozmen!" He yelled. "The Voreans are here."  

Let the funs begin! Who are the Voreans? What will happen next?