25. TWENTY-FOUR

TWENTY-FOUR

" D o you think it's a good idea that I go through with this?"

For the past two weeks, she'd been dreading this day. The day that she and Isaiah would announce their engagement publicly.

"What do you think about his proposition?" The King responded with a question as his teacup clinked off its porcelain saucer.

When she had first walked in, the long dining table was already set with different plates of omelets, fruits, juices, and teas for both of them to eat and drink as they conversed.

She had come to the King's throne room that day because she wished for someone to tell her that she was making the right choice because there was a small itching feeling in her chest telling her that it would be a mistake to ally herself with Isaiah. Davina lowered her eyes to the promise ring that wrapped her right-hand ring finger. She hadn't put it on her other hand because then it would feel too real.

Davina partly believed it to be too soon to commit herself to another person romantically, especially knowing that she'd have to go through with it.

She pursed her lips. She didn't feel anxious whenever she imagined herself being courted or engaged to Ron. But Ron was no longer a privilege she could delight on in this lifetime.

He'd, at last, paid attention to all the gossip that was said about her. Maybe he viewed her as the spawn of evil like the other Bellatormans called her.

"I don't know," she exhaled.

"Do you think it's a good idea that you accept this proposal with Isaiah after the emotional turmoil you went through with Ron?" he asked.

"You know about that?" Davina asked.

"The day that the eight of you were here, it was hard to miss the way he looked at you." King Magnar chuckled.

"Oh," was all that Davina could say.

"One day, you'll look back and understand everything that's happening right now. But ask yourself, is this the right choice?" Magnar asked.

Davina sighed. "I know he's a good man. I may not love him now but I'm sure I can learn to love him with time. I know that he can help me destroy the image that Freya left for me and my family."

Maybe the flutters that she felt in her stomach when he helped heal her wounded ankle were a sign that indicated that they could share a blessed union filled with love.

If only her ancestor Freya Almenara hadn't made the mistake of leading the Revolt against the King, then she wouldn't have to tie herself with a man she did not love.

"Do what is right, my child. Always put what is fair and good before anything."

"I'm trying to."

"And I know you won't fail." The King smiled.

A trumpet resounded from a distance. Davina glanced out of the window near her. She observed the Apprentices and Soldiers that were loitering around the courtyard. She watched as a diverse group of Bellatormans joked and laughed, their weapons clinking over their holsters as their shoulders shook with rejoice.

Then she spotted Cara walking up the stairs and into the courtyard with Valerie, Leilani, and Snow on her trail. They conversed with one another as they made their way into the castle's golden double doors.

Cara, and a few other Apprentices, were to be given their badges that certified them as official Soldiers of Bellatorm.

Davina and Isaiah were to take advantage of the reunion of the people in Castellum's amphitheater to publicly announce the beginning of their engagement. The Captain despised that she would be taking some of the attention away from her friend's big day.

"Thank you for today. I know my visit today was rather unannounced, but I must get going if I want to get to the ceremony on time," she replied shyly.

"No need to apologize, you know I take pleasure in you being here. I wish there were more of the others that would come by to see me like yourself."

"Soon, Your Majesty. I'm going to do everything in my power to make them see how wrong they are about you." Davina smiled before she bowed.

"I know you are. I see all your effort. Do not fear what is to come. I will be there with you." The King's eyes glinted as he stood from his seat.

Another one of his proverbs that Davina didn't comprehend.

The King rose from his chair and strode to her. Out of respect, Davina always kept her distance from the King. But she saw nothing but love in his honey-brown eyes as he reached for her cheeks.

"I am so proud of you," Magnar whispered with a soft smile on his lips. "Now go, I don't want to make you miss your friend's ceremony."

How could he be proud of her? She was an Almenara.

Davina nodded, still confused over the King's affectionate gesture, setting her Soldatus sword into its holster.

"I will see you soon, your Majesty." Davina bowed again and rushed out of the throne room.

The latch of the entrance to the throne room creaked as she set it back into its place.

Davina skipped down the tiled steps and was welcomed by the hoarse voices of the elder Leaders who were walking nearby. They silenced immediately as they glimpsed her purple-shaded uniform. Her eyes remained glued to the patterned floor once she felt their scrutinizing looks when she passed by them.

Davina entered the grand foyer of Castellum and found Isaiah observing the islanders who passed through the grand and golden entrance of the castle.

Isaiah's suit fit him perfectly. His garments had been mostly made of light gray textile with neatly set epaulets colored in chestnut brown. Four lines of cloth held buttons at their ends that matched the color of the dark chocolate sash that had been sewn from his left shoulder and wrapped around his torso. A bright silver belt, with his Mistran Chief Leader insignia embedded in the center, complemented his silver gloves and dark brown boots.

Davina nervously chuckled as she forced a smile onto her lips. "Hi."

Isaiah's hair ruffled when he set his eyes on her. She waited as he observed her uniform.

"You look angelic, Davina." Isaiah gasped as he set his hand over his chest.

Davina had been wearing her Aurisan Soldatus uniform, which was designed specifically for her due to her divergent abilities.

Her uniform was made of thick dark violet textiles with gold epaulets attached to her shoulders. A lavender flame was weaved across her chest above a heather plum-skinned belt with her Aurisan insignia over the side of her chest. Her sleeves hung along with the skirt of her uniform.

Davina glanced toward the hallway, fearful for anyone to see them conversing, but everyone had passed through the amphitheater doors nearby.

"Thank you, Isaiah."

He lifted his gloved finger and raised her chin, she looked through his glasses and into his brown eyes. Her lips parted as she noticed his grin.

"Everything will be okay, I assure you."

Davina smiled as he softly let go of her chin. Had he offered this alliance for more than just to help her win the war?

His reasons for forming an alliance didn't matter because she was also using his power to help herself. As much as she hated thinking this way, she needed him to win the war. With the people's support, Davina would be able to convince Bellatorm to activate their powers and defeat Raven with their help.

"I was just told that I'm going to be helping with the ceremony, so I won't be able to sit with you as we had planned. I have something else in mind. Is that okay?"

"Of course, whatever works." Davina nodded. "But how will I know what to do?"

"You'll know." Isaiah grinned, his gloved hand stroked her arm. Davina could feel her skin begin to chill. "For the rest of my days, I will treat you well and I shall love you as I love myself. I promise you that. You don't have to be afraid of me."

"I don't doubt that you will, Isaiah."

"I'll see you then." He smiled before quickly setting a kiss over her knuckles and then winking. Davina chuckled.

"I'll see you then." Davina beamed wide but she felt like she was struggling to be truly excited for the imminent announcement.

His hand over hers felt unfit and imperfect, the opposite of what she felt with Ron.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared off at Isaiah's distancing figure. How she wished it was the youngest Levina who was looking back at her with his crooked grin and his soft dark hair dangling over his face.

Then, she headed into the amphitheater to find her spot next to the other Aurisan Soldiers. They were to be guarding the Aurisan section for the ceremony in case of attack or an ambush.

As Davina entered, she observed the round arena that ran high above her with hundreds of Bellatormans sitting at each bench while they chatted, creating a large echo into the auditorium.

Different shades of hair colors bobbed around the grand amphitheater. Four long and large flags hung against the white marble walls behind each section given to each island. Every flag represented the islands of Bellatorm with their individual stories embroidered into them.

Davina observed how the Aurisan and Mistran flags had been left with a large space near the hem. Incomplete. She wondered what else there could be to tell about the fire and air island.

Davina walked by the Mistral section, on her way to the Aurisan side but then she saw him sitting at the last step of his section, holding a small Mistran flag. She felt like her heart had stopped. For the first time in months, Ron was looking at her.

But then almost immediately he looked away and continued his conversation with the girl beside him. It was like it had never happened, as if she were a ghost. His face remained passive as she walked by him and arrived at her section. Valerie stood at the far end with her hands readied over her Soldatus sword.

Other Aurisans in orange uniforms stood beside her, with their usual Soldier poise. Davina imitated them, refusing to allow Ron to cause any type of reaction from her before everyone today. Silence pierced through her ears as she closed her eyes and focused on her breathing.

A horn blew into the theatre.

Her eyes opened, she welcomed the noisy ambiance filled with cheers for the newly instituted Soldiers. Cara and the others walked onto the center part of the amphitheater. A grin was set on all of their faces.

Cara scanned all four divided sections until her eyes landed on Davina. It seemed as if Cara had smiled even wider when she saw her. Then Cara mouthed, "Thank you."

Davina slightly nodded. Inviting Cara to activate her powers was the least she could do for her after she lost her entire family. Thankfully, Cara agreed to enable her abilities and serve as a Soldier and Island Protector.

Cara returned her gaze to the crowd as the four Chief Leaders of Bellatorm walked onto the stage with Master Abigail right behind them.

Four other Apprentices were standing beside Cara, one from each island: Basalt, Auris, Neptulus, and Mistral. They each wore a brand new Soldatus uniform with their emblems in their Chief Leaders' hands.

Only Chief Leader Stowne held two Soldatus emblems in his hands, one for Cara and one for the other Basalan Apprentice. Chief Leader Stowne's brown shaggy hair bobbed as he awkwardly shifted from one foot to the other.

As much as she tried to focus on the service displaying ahead, she had a clear view of Ron from where she'd been standing. Davina's shoulders tightened when she felt his glare on her. She glanced in his direction and was met with his hard stare; she gulped and returned her gaze to the commencing ceremony.

Master Abigail's speech, the kneeling of Cara and the other Apprentices, the chants of the islanders, and the flashes of grins and Soldatus emblems passed by in a blur for Davina. Ron spent the entire ceremony flirting with the girl beside him and then glaring at Davina whenever she made eye contact with him. The feelings that she worked so hard to repress came tumbling out onto the surface of her mask as she watched him grinning and laughing with the brunette. Her brown hair flowed gracefully and contrasted well with her pale skin.

Davina almost didn't notice the way Isaiah confidently strutted to the center of the dais. The others had left the stage, the cheers and chants lowered to a respectful silence as he raised a hand. Davina felt her palms grow clammy when he observed all the sections with a small gleam in his eyes.

"I am filled with joy to see new Soldiers being recruited to our King's army. Especially in times like these where we are in the middle of warfare with a deadly enemy. Our King has chosen us, his children, to fight this war. King Magnar has finally ended the Era of Silence to begin a new and improved Present Century.

"He decided to come out of his silence the moment he decided to choose my beloved to lead Bellatorm's army, the girl born of violet fire. She is the hope that we have all been waiting for. Davina, come forth." Isaiah found her on the ground of positioned Soldiers, extending his hand for her.

Her cheeks grew hot, almost certain that they were now painted a rosy pink. Davina's eyes quickly scanned the multitude of eyes that observed her. She scurried onto the stage toward Isaiah.

But Ron was present and she hadn't thought about that before, he was usually absent in these types of events. He was watching this show with a front-row seat. At least he wouldn't be finding out from other people, she thought to herself.

"I believe—I know that you are the hope we have waited centuries for. Me and Bellatorm believe in you," Isaiah said as he softly rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. "Don't we, Bellatorm?"

Numerous Neptulans, Basalans, Aurisans, and Mistrans stood and wildly agreed with Isaiah. Loud horns, bright lights, and deep hooting blasted into the amphitheater as Davina laughed.

Isaiah leaned in. His gaze flickered from her lips back to her eyes, his mouth barely moving as he asked, "May I?"

Davina knew that every eye in the room was staring at the pair, she had no choice but to smile and nod.

Isaiah's lips slowly reached hers. Deafening applause and cheers scattered throughout the auditorium. Her heart clenched as she recalled how months before, Ron and her had been so close to sharing a wonderful moment like this one near the lake.

Davina parted from Isaiah, their arms intertwined with one another, with a smile as the people stood in their seats and shouted with joy. Different shades of purple plumage filled her vision. The feathers filled the entire amphitheater, Davina turned to Isaiah who had a satisfied look on his face.

"Did you do this?" she asked.

He nodded with a grin. "The feathers are a tribute to your exceptional your wings of fire."

"Why? You barely even know me."

"I know you enough to understand that you deserve the very best of this world, Davina."

"Thank you." She smiled. The chants began to change in volume.

"Davina! Davina! Davina!"

She realized then that Bellatorm was chanting her name. Had their plan truly worked?

Davina's eyes gazed upon the sections before her heart pulled her to look for Ron among the crowd. Her smile faltered as their eyes met. His jaw and his hands were tightly clenched as his eyes were filled with even more rage. Davina's heart quickened.

"Our plan is working," Isaiah whispered into her ear.

Davina smiled without breaking eye contact with Ron. "Thank Magnar."

Davina searched for her friends among the crowd. Cara came into view, but she only seemed puzzled. Caleb shared the same look of confusion as Cara. Davina turned to Beacon who was near Ron, he was distraught. Snow had no expression on her face except one of irritation, and Valerie had furrowed brows. Leilani had a blank expression, clearly still upset because of their argument the day before.

The crowd only stopped cheering when Isaiah raised his hand.

"Let the celebrations begin!" He clapped.

Bellatorm cheered again. Davina tried not to flinch at the noisy crowd, her ears began to throb.

Do they ever get tired of screaming?

"I'll be right back. I'm going to go change for the celebration," Davina said.

"Okay, my love." Isaiah grinned. Her eyes remained glued to her dark violet boots as she rushed off the stage and out of the amphitheater.

She had to get out of there. She had to get away from the crowd. The silver walls of the castle filled her blurry vision as she ran into the nearest common room she could find.

Her first kiss was gone and wasted. It wasn't with anyone that she loved. It wasn't special. It was a performance. Davina slammed the polished wooden door shut behind her, it creaked loudly before splinters scattered around her.

The Aurisan Captain let out a frustrated sigh, reaching for her head and tugging at her hair. As if she could pull off the weight that lay over her brain.

Davina examined the busted door. She hadn't meant to slam it so hard. She'd have to replace the door later. But right now, she had to deal with the disgust she felt with herself. Davina wiped her lips with the back of her hand, her chest heaving.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Davina twirled immediately at the ringing of his voice.