Hello! Welcome to part 2 of Orion's Past! This Chapter is going to be longer than most so I suggest you guys take your time to read it, Enjoy!! :))

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<In the throne room of the Castle of Dawnville...>

The Enchantresses were escorted into the throne room of the Dawnville Castle by the two royal guards guarding along beside them, as if they were captives.

Darcy and -Guard 1- were basically glaring at each other the whole time and Darya was worried they will eventually bite each other's heads off.

King of Dawnville: "Oh? This is new."

Sitting in the throne was an aged looking man wearing royal fitting clothes with his robe draped over his shoulder, almost touching the ground.

His body was leaned to his left with his hand supporting his head.

Sitting beside him was a younger looking lad in royal clothings too, with his legs crossed over one another.

The two knights bowed respectively.

Guard 2: "Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness."

Darya was the first to bow with due manners but Darcy remained hesitant. Darya grabbed onto Darcy's hand and forcefully pulled it down to make her bow.

King of Dawnville: "You may speak."

The King put down the scroll he held in his hand and gave his attention to the people in front of him.

Guard 1: "Your Majesty, we came across these young ladies at the docks of our Kingdom. According to the rules, they seemed to have trespass by walking further into the docks than required. However, they admit to be foreigners of our country."

King of Dawnville: "I see. So what business do they have with me?"

Guard 1: "Well...that's for them to say."

The King moved his eyes to Darya and Darcy. His cold stare could make anyone's hair stand.

Darya cleared her throat and spoke confidently.

Darya: "Your Majesty, both my sister and I would be honoured if you could kindly provide us with accommodations."

King of Dawnville: "Oh?"

The King raised his eyebrow.

Darya: "Both my sister and I have travelled far and wide, and we unknowingly ended up in this kingdom of yours. So, if you would be so generous, to at least give us a house to stay in, just for the night? It does not have to be anything luxurious."

Upon hearing their requests, the King unexpectedly burst into laughter.

King of Dawnville: "You maybe sweet, my dear. But, in order for us to provide you with a place to stay, what would you give us in return? Every offer deserves a reward, don't you think so?"

The Enchantress were lost for answers as they glanced over at one another.

In the corner of Darya's eyes, she caught a glimpse of the young prince sitting beside the King. His emerald eyes were fixated on her.

Darya embarrassedly lowered her head which made the prince grin.

Prince: "Father, I may have a solution to this issue."

The prince moved closer to his father and whispered something into his ear.

The Enchantresses waited anxiously as the higher ups discussed privately.

King of Dawnville: "Hmm...that may work."

The King got up onto his feet and had his hands beneath his back.

King of Dawnville: "We would allow both of you to stay in the castle."

Enchantresses: "What?!"

Both of them were shocked, including the guards.

King of Dawnville: "On ONE condition. If you two are willing to work in the castle as servants."

The Enchantresses felt as if those words cut through their hearts.

In Recorded History of Merfolks, Enchantresses were dimmed to be ranked as high as the Royal Family. They were worship for their unique powers and are mutually respected as there were only few who possess such magic.

Darcy clenched her fist in annoyance. She will not let these humans control them despite their positions in the matter.

Darcy: "Your Majesty, may I make another offer to you?"

The guards had their swords armed and restrained Darcy from taking another step closer to the King.

The King raised his hand to dismiss them.

King of Dawnville: "Speak then."

Darcy: "Back in our hometown, I was trained in combat and I can provide my skills to you and your army. I can fight with a sword, spear and even with my bare hands. My sister, on the other hand, specialises in healing and has the ability to heal injured patients. Thus, with our knowledges in these areas, we hope we can be of assistances to you."

Darcy bowed after stating her request, trying to avoid the idea of becoming potential maids to these humans.

The King stroke his chin and gave a content smile.

King of Dawnville: "I would actually like that. You, young lasses, are indeed more educated than I expected."

He sat back down onto his throne.

King of Dawnville: "Very well. I give you my permission to stay in this castle. However, you two must prove to me that you are more than capable. The lass with black hair will be trained and tested under my soldiers while the lass with blonde hair will have to undergo some tests to qualify as a Herbalist, my son will give you further instructions later. If that's all, you all may leave."

Enchantresses: "Thank you for your generosity, your Majesty."

With that said, the Enchantresses were escorted out of the throne and separated to their respective jobs.

King of Dawnville: "Those were some beautiful and interesting ladies. Who would have thought we will gain some more new staffs?"

The King laughed with amusement.

Prince: "Yes, father. There were very intriguing."

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- Darcy's POV -

<In the training grounds...>

After the King made his order, I parted from my sister. The two annoying guards accompanied me while Darya was taken away by some guards on duty.

I kept my distance from the guards as I were brought into the earthy grounds where I witnessed multiple soldiers practicing their sword fights. I was amazed by the way they fought on foot with their weapons in contact.

Guard 2: "I have to be somewhere now, so try not to kill each other while I am gone."

Hearing that, I shot a glare at him and surprisingly that other annoying guard did the same thing.

The guard chuckled and left, waving his hand in the air.

Guard 2: "Catch ya later."

With him gone, I was left with the company of this guy. I took a glance at him and looked away with my arms crossed.

I couldn't simply forgive his rudeness from earlier.

I heard him let out a loud sigh.

Guard 1: "Are you always this difficult, woman?"

Darcy: "Yes, and you got a problem with that? A rule I abide to is never to let your guard down in front of an enemy."

Guard 1: "I'm an enemy to you now? Let me remind you, I'm the one who was assigned to be in charge of you so you better show some respect towards me."

Darcy: "Says the person who called me by the term 'woman'. I am have a name you know!"

Guard 1: "*Sighs* You didn't even tell me your name!"

I could have just introduced myself but I thought it will be more fun to provoke him and teach this fellow a lesson.

I walked past him and kept my back facing him.

Darcy: "In my Kingdom, mer- I mean men are usually the ones who introduced themselves first. It's proper manners, you know?"

I said in a sly tone.

Guard 1: "You-!"

Guard 3: "Hey Captain! Back from patrolling duties? What took you so long?"

Two knights came walking towards us and had their swords in their hands.

Guard 4: "Oh? Who is this pretty lass? Your girlfriend?"

Guard 1: "H-Huh?? What are you talking about?! Of course she's not!"

His face immediately turned bright red as he denied profusely.

Guard 1: "By the King's order, she is here to tryout to be a knight!"

Guard 3: "Gosh, a lady as a knight? I'm sorry but this is a first for me."

Guard 4: "How can a lass like her endure all of our trainings? I'm already drained by today's exercises..."

I gritted my teeth and took a stride forward.

Darcy: "Excuse me? I maybe a woman but I am more than capable of handling strenuous trainings! So I suggest you don't judge me so quickly, gentlemen."

Judging from their expressions, they were likely taken aback by my statement.

Guard 3: "I'm sorry, my lady. It's just that most women will avoid becoming a knight."

Guard 4: "Swords can be dangerous, especially with no experience. To apologise for our rude judgements, let us introduce ourselves. I'm Jake, and this is my brother Blake!"

Blake: "You've probably met out Captain over here already, right?"

Darcy: "Yes, but I have yet to learn his name."

I turned around to see him staring down at me uncomfortably. He sighed.

Guard 1: "My name is Duece, and I'm the Captain of this division of knights."

So that's his name. Honestly, I was curious about his identity. I guess it won't hurt for me to introduce myself too.

Darcy: "I'm Darcy."

Usually I will introduce my name along with my given title as the Enchantress of Dark Magic, but I have to lay low for now.

Duece: "Well, Darcy. We don't have all day so I suggest you go change into some proper attire. There's no way you can fight in a dress."

Blake: "We will take you to the changing rooms. All the spare uniforms are stored there. There should be one that fits your small frame."

I nodded my head in response as the two guards brought me to the changing rooms while Duece went towards the opposite direction.

<A short while later...>

I walked out of the changing rooms with some uncertainty. The two knights, Blake and Jake, stood outside and waited for me to finish.

Jake: "Ohhh! My lady, you look so fierce in that uniform!!"

Blake: "Who thought it would suit you so well?"

Darcy: "Um may I ask, what are these for?"

I held up a pair of weird looking holed leather item in front of them.

They stared at me in utter confusion.

Blake: "They are your boots?"

Darcy: "Boots?"

I never heard of them before.

Jake: "Yes! They protect your feet while training and prevent any known injuries to them. We're wearing them too!"

I glanced down at their feet and found that they were wearing these so called 'boots' too.

Oh, I guess these things covered the human feet to protect them. Human feet must be very fragile.

Our Mermaid fins are stronger than most armor as they are known to withstand the tough water currents as we swim.

Darcy: "Oh, I see. So like this?"

I carefully put on the boots while maintaining my balance. I still haven't fully gotten used to standing up on legs yet.

Blake: "Is it just me but does she seem to be acting a little strange? Have she never seen shoes before? She was even barefooted when she arrived..."

Blake whispered over to Jake.

Jake: "Well, a lady must not know what men boots look like. So it's understandable!"

Blake: "That's not my point!!"

Duece: "Are you men done gossiping about useless things?! Get back to the field right NOW!!"

Blake and Jake: "YES SIR!!"

Both of them were frightened by the demanding voice of that idiot and ran back to the field like children.

Duece: "And YOU! Come here this instant!"

Duece pointed his finger towards me and gestured me to come.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance and stomped all the way towards him with heavy steps.

Duece: "Are you a giant? Why areyou stomping?"

Darcy: "I was just making my way here. I am here so what do you want?"

Duece opened his mouth to fight back but sighed again, knowing that it was probably useless. I smirked.

Duece: "In order to become a qualified knight in my devision, you have to win a match against an opponent to prove your strength and capabilities."

Darcy: "Is that all I have to do? Okay, I'm all for it! Who's my opponent?"

The corner of his lips turned up as he looked at me with those scheming eyes of his.

Duece: "Me."

Darcy: "You?!"

Duece: "Of course, I'm the Captain and the strongest so your rightful opponent should be me. You declared me as your enemy earlier, thus, I allow you to challenge me to this duel."

This human maybe irritating in some sense but he was not foolish. Earning his leadership badge must mean he went through many hardships.

He looks slim but built with muscles. However, I need to prove myself worthy to win against a human knight.

Darcy: "Alright then. I challenge you! You may not know this but I was an Advisor for my King's Army back in my Kingdom!"

Duece: "Hmm? I've never heard of a female advisor before. Are you lying to me?"

Due to my unique magic to assist in combat, the King of Anahita rewarded me with the title of Advisor for his Army. I have been through wars and had countless victories because of my advantages.

Ever since I left, I have entrusted my title to a trusted fellow soldier.

I will show this human who he's messing with.

Darcy: "Only time will tell."

Duece: "Hmph, wise words. Here."

He handed me a sword which was sharpened all the way from the blade to its tip. The silvery outlook reflected the Dawnville sun, portraying the beginning of my first match.

Duece: "Ready?"

Duece took his position with his sword on his left hand.

I took my place and stood firmly onto the ground.

Darcy: "Ready."

We stared at each other with burning confidence.

He slashed his sword against the wind which created an intimidating sound.

Duece: "BEGIN!"

The moment he exclaimed that word, Duece came dashing towards me and prepare for a big blow. Out of instinct, I blocked his sword with mine and it was a battle of strength.

However, I was at a disadvantage with my footwork. I haven't gotten used to utilising my leg strength which resulted in him managing to push me back by a far bit.

My legs faltered and caused me to kneel as I supported my whole body with my hand on the ground.

Darcy: "Damn, he's quite strong."

Duece: "What's the matter, already exhausted? It's has been barely ten seconds."

I clenched my hand on the ground as I slowly got back up on my feet.

It can't end like this.

Darcy: "Don't think you won so easily."

He scoffed and attempted his attack once more.

It may count as a cheat but I was not willing to lose. I whispered under my breath.

Darcy: "Magic Skill 3:Bolt of Speed"

Just as I activated one of my magic skills, my legs were boosted with magic.

As Deuce made his way towards me, I bolted towards the side which made him missed his attack.

Duece: "What?"

With this skill, my speed can increase by 30%. I speeded towards him and slashed my sword making continuous attacks.

He luckily dodged every one of them. Our swords crossed each other.

Duece: "Huh not bad. I guess I
underestimated you."

Darcy: "You have no idea."

We pushed each other backwards and continue our fight. Our ongoing match has attracted other knights to surround us.

Blake: "Wow, Miss Darcy is actually doing well with a sword."

Jake: "It's seems she is overtaking the Captain with her speed! Incredible!"

With another attack, I hit my sword downwards which caused Duece to retreat backwards. Sweats formed on his forehead as he wiped them dry.

Duece: "You are faster than I thought. Then, that settles it, I will not go easier on you from now."

I was confused, was he purposely hiding his true strength this whole time?

Suddenly, he came running but this time, he made a strong leap in the air and attacked from high above. What incredible strength!

Darcy: "Magic Skill 2: Eyes of a Demon"

In a flash, my eyes turned into a dark shade of purple, enchanting my second power. With this, my eyes can detect my opponent's movement in slow motion and their weaknesses.

Duece: "What the-"

Darcy: "Magic Skill 1:Dark Enhancement!"

Whispering my skill, my weapon was immediately enhanced with magic as I swung it aggressively. The sound of my sword against his ringed loudly in our ears.

Hitting near the handle of his sword, his weapon flew right out of his hand and onto the ground.

Darcy: "Take this!!"

I lifted my leg and kicked him right in the stomach. He flew backwards and landed on his back.

The speed in my legs really helped with my balance by a ton.

Darcy: "Prepare to lose!"

I used up all of my speed power and make a run for it. Just as I was about to make my final attack, he cunningly used his leg to scoop my legs off the ground.

I lost my stability and fell right on top of him.

Darcy: "Woah! Oof!"

Duece: "O-Ouch! That hurts!"

Darcy: "What do you think you are doing?!"

Our faces were inches away from each other and it felt as if time frozen solid.

I had never paid close attention to his face but now that I did, he honestly appeared not as bad as his attitude.

His hair was slicked back which causes his dark blue eyes to stand out even more. I noticed a faint scar across his right eye which depicted the result of war.

I blushed unknowingly and got up, turning my back on him.

Darcy: "That was cheating, you know!"

I felt his presence behind me and I heard a laugh escaping his mouth.

Darcy: "What's so funny?"

Duece: "*Laughs* I'm sorry I had to trick at the end like that, but it was funny to see you flustered."

Darcy: "I was not flustered! That's your fault!"

Duece: "Alright, alright, my bad. For a moment, I thought I was in for it when you emitted those threatening eyes of yours earlier."

Darcy: "My eyes?"

He must have meant my demon eyes. I should be more careful next time. I have used up three of my magic skills which means my power has depleted a lot.

However, this was the first time I saw him laugh. His smile was full of warmth and truthfulness. My expression softened at this unexpected sight of him.

He stared at me with a pleased smile.

Duece: "You have proven your skills, so I have no right to not accept you into my division."

My eyes widened in shock.

Darcy: "You...you mean it?"

Duece: "You know, I could just go back on my word..."

Darcy: "There's no need, idiot! I accept your invitation!!"

I crossed my arms in frustration. I secretly took a glance at him again and saw him staring at me with that same look again.

My heart skipped a beat. What is this feeling?

<On the other side of the Castle...>

- Darya's POV -

Darya: "What is this place...?"

After being separated from my sister, the soldiers brought me to an unfamiliar place. In front of me, stood a beautiful transparent greenhouse filled with plants and herbs. My eyes glistened at this magnificent sight.

Herbalist 1: "Welcome to the Castle's Greenhouse."

Two herbalist approached me kindly. The guards that were with me bowed and took their leave.

Herbalist 2: "Wow! Your hair is super pretty and your eyes too! I have never seen silver eyes like yours before!"

I was a little taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm but I smiled.

Darya: "Oh, thank you...I get that a lot."

Herbalist 1: "We were told that a new staff was going to be appointed as a new Herbalist but we unfortunately weren't given much instructions."

Prince: "That's because I'm going to be in charge of her training."

Herbalists: "Your Highness!"

Both of the Herbalist immediately bowed at the arrival of the Prince from earlier.

I turned around and bowed too.

Prince: "You two may leave us."

Herbalists: "Yes, your highness!"

The two herbalists scurried away hurriedly. I kept my eyes glued onto the floor.

Prince: "There's no need for formalities. You can speak comfortably with me."

I glanced up at him in confusion.

Darya: "Do you always treat new staff this way?"

Prince: "Not always. But something tells me I can trust you, my lady."

Darya: "What makes you say that?"

Prince: "Judging by your appearance, you don't seem harmful to me."

I frowned at his response.

Darya: "You only met me just a few minutes ago. How can you be sure I am not dangerous or not? And that's the truth!"

The Prince was shocked by my declaration but then laughed in amusement.

Prince: "A passionate approach. But you do know that I have the authority to easily fire you in an instance, right?" 

He looked at me with a questioning look. He spoke with such confidence and cleverness but I can see that he was trying to test me.

Darya: "Well, your highness, then why not you just fire me right on the spot? I will respect your every decision."

I could see the Prince's eyes widening in surprise by my answer but after a short while, answered with a smile.

He leaned forward and stared into my eyes.

Prince: "What's your name, silver eyed lady?"

I stared back at his emerald green eyes that captivated my attention. They were indeed beautiful, unlike anything I have ever seen.

Darya: "My name is Darya, your highness."

Prince: "Darya..."

He said my name in a low tone which made me bite my lips nervously.

Prince: "I am Prince Arthur of Dawnville. The crown prince of this Kingdom."

I didn't expect him to introduce himself so calmly to me like that. Why was he being so nice to me?

Darya: "It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness."

Arthur: "Arthur is fine. Just don't say my name so casually around my father, he can be a little strict sometimes."

Darya: "Your highness..."

I said, refusing to call him by his given name.

Darya: "I hope you are not giving me any special treatment. I want to be treated the same as the others."

Prince Arthur titled his head to the side and kept his eyes on me.

Without giving me an answer, he just walked past me.

Arthur: "You really are an intriguing woman. Come, follow me."

He made his way into the greenhouse with his royal robe tagging behind him.

I stood there, trying to process his words.

Darya: "He finds me intriguing?"

Arthur: "Are you coming?"

As he turned around, his robe swayed along with the direction of the breeze. His light brown hair was swept to the side of his face with the radiance of his emerald eyes.

He was one of the most handsome men I have seen so far in my life.

Despite his Royal title, he evoked a sense of comfort in me in that spur of a moment. Like, I could trust him...

Darya: "Yes, Arthur..."

I covered my mouth, realised what I just said. Hearing his name, he gazed down and smiled shyly before entering the greenhouse.

Darya: What kind of magic are you casting on me to feel this way...?

Questions lingered in the sisters' minds as their fates awaited them in the incoming future...

To be continued...

Hey guys, it's Chewy! I hope you enjoyed this chapter that took me quite a while to finish. The Magic Skills I used here were inspired by a Chinese Animation, Soul Land! It's really interesting so I recommend you to check it out! Okay, that's all I have on my part. See ya all in the next chapter! Love ya ♥️