Chapter 1

Is the rain ever going to stop, Le’luna thought as she stared out the window and brushed her long white hair. The rain had been coming down for two days now without letting up, but that’s how winters were in Cornellia.  The creeks and rivers have shown signs of them getting ready to burst over their banks. “Ugh, when will it stop, I want to get out of this stuffy castle”, said Le’luna.  She set the brush down in her lap and stretched her hands up above her head and let out a sigh of boredom.  It’s not fair, she thought, how come her brother got to go with father and mother on their trip to Grandell? She wanted to go too, but her father, King Christopher, said no, that she could go on the next trip to Draconia in the spring after they got back. Even though it was just a trip for her to meet her future husband, which she thought it was a waste of time since she had no plans on getting married any time soon. She was only 15!

It was just something her parents decided when she was born. It had nothing to do with what she wanted for her own future, which instantly made her agitated thinking about it. Since she was the princess she knew that what she wanted meant nothing since it was her responsibility to bring the two nations together. It was just agitating since she knew she didn’t have a choice, that it was a matter of duty, plain and simple.

“One day, when you are Queen, you will understand why we make the choices we make in life. In hope, that the future will always be peaceful and kind to the next generation.” Those words rang through Le’luna’s ears ever since her mother, Queen Lilly, told her about her engagement to Prince Zayne of Draconia. Who was she to question her mother? She had been nothing but kind her whole life and did nothing but try to give her the best life she could possibly give to her only daughter.  Le’luna smiled thinking about how her mother hugged her with such a loving embrace and the sweet smell of her perfume. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to meet this Prince Zayne, You never know, he could be quite dashing,” Le’luna whispered to herself, a slight smile crossed her rosy pink lips thinking about it.

A knock came from her bedroom door, as it slowly opened a young girl about the same age as herself with shoulder length white hair poked her head in, “Your Highness, it’s time for your afternoon tea.” She was slightly timid and shy but Le’luna knew that one day she would open up. That’s why she not only wanted her to be her hand maiden but also her friend, since she couldn’t leave the castle very often. “Thank you, Ashley. What tea shall we be having today?” said Le’luna with a cheery smile on her face. “Well I am happy to say that we received some very fine rose tea from Queen Valenia of Draconia, with a letter that was addressed to you,” said Ashley as she extended the letter to Le’luna. After she handed over the letter Ashley gave a slight bow and exited out the door shutting it behind her.

Le’luna walked over to her desk and pulled out the letter opener, it was about 7 inches long, pure silver with beautiful gems that danced around the hilt in a rainbow of colors with the family crest carved in the blade. Her father gave it to her on her 10^th birthday, saying she was finally at the age were she would need it to open the letters she receives. She held it against her chest smiling remembering that day. It had been 5 years since that day but it still felt like it was yesterday.  She slid the tip of the letter opener under the wax seal; she didn’t want to crack it since the Kingdom of Draconia had such a beautiful seal on their letters. The intertwining of the dragons and the way their tails swirled around was incredible. Once the letter was opened she put her precious gift back into the desk and began reading.

“Dear Princess Le’luna,

I hope you are in good health; we are looking forward to your visit this coming spring. Please accept this gift as a thank you for taking the long trip to our kingdom. Prince Zayne is looking forward to meeting you and we have a lovely day planned for you both when you arrive.

May the blessed spirits of our ancestors watch over you and your wonderful kingdom.

Sincerely,

Queen Valenia Dracone

             &

King Zanathan Dracone“

Le’luna folded the letter back up and slid it into her desk then headed to the indoor garden for tea. Even though it was raining her spirits had been lifted after reading the letter. Maybe the day won’t be so bad, she thought to herself.

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

Zayne gave out a loud sigh, “Samuel, If I hear about the Dark Prophecy one more time im going to hang myself from that yonder tree.” Samuel looked out the window to see exactly which tree he was referring to and gasped, his face turned bright red. Zayne could even see the steam rising from his ears. “Your highness, you shouldn’t be speaking such blasphemy. That, Tree, is the sacred tree and you know you shouldn’t be saying such things. What if someone heard you?!” as he flung his arms in the air.

Samuel wasn’t a large man, but he wasn’t short either nor was he fat. He was about five foot seven inches tall and probably weighed nor more than 150 pounds, he had long wavy grey hair that stuck out everywhere and a long white beard that went to the middle of his chest. He had green eyes that sparkled like emeralds when he smiled. But right now his eyes were not sparkling; they look like green clouds forming a fierce storm.

Zayne laughed and waved his hand back ‘n forth. “Don’t get your robes in a bunch, no one can hear us. I’m just so tired of hearing the same story over and over again; can’t we do something more exciting? I know! Why don’t we try some magic lessons, I think that will be allot more helpful later than hearing the same depressing story.”

Samuel crossed his arms, “You know you are not allowed to cast spells until your 16^th birthday. You only have a few months left, and then I can teach you all the magic I know. Just be patient your highness. Good things come to those who wait.” Zayne let out a long sigh, “I know, I Know, but maybe you can just teach me one thing and it will be our little secret.” Zayne had a huge grin on his face, “And what would this one thing be?” said Samuel with a frown. “Well, you see, there is this pretty girl I saw…” Samuel cut him off before he could say anymore. “Prince Zayne! You know better than that. You know you are engaged to Princess Le’luna. What would she say if she heard that you had your eyes on another? It would break her heart.” Samuel waved his finger in disapproval at Zayne. “Not to mention Love Spells are forbidden. There is no pleasure in having a love that is fake and against someone’s will.”

Zayne looked shocked, “what do you mean? My engagement is exactly that, against my will. Now you are just being a hypocrite. Why must I marry someone I have never met and know nothing about? She could look horrid as far as I know or have a personality of a rock. I should be able to marry whom I chose. I am the next king so I should get to decide. It’s not fair that my life feels planned out without my knowledge.  Just like that stupid prophecy.”

Zayne got up from his chair and walked over to the bookshelf. He slid his fingers down the binding of an old thick red book with gold lettering, then dropped his arms down to his sides and turned around. Samuel was staring out the window, a tear rolled down his face. His wrinkles, which were scattered around his forehead and eyes, told a story of his hardships he had gone through all these many years. His eyes had a distant look to them, like he was remembering something very sad. Samuel realized he was being watched and wiped away the tear with his sleeve and turned around to meet Zayne’s gaze. “One should be so lucky to be able to have someone by their side, remember that. One cannot do things alone; there is more strength when people have a bond to protect. That is where one finds true strength. Now back to your studies.”

Zayne sat back down, picked the pen back up and began writing. He knew he shouldn’t press the issue any further, he could tell the conversation had gone south and anymore of it would only cause more pain to Samuel. So Zayne tried to change the topic, “So have you ever met this Princess Le’luna?” Samuel looked up from his book, a smile came across his face. “Yes, as a matter of fact I have. All I can say is you will never forget her once you meet her. Even though I haven’t seen her since her 10^th birthday, I know she has grown into a fine lady. So rest assure my Prince, she isn’t horrid nor does she have the personality of a rock” he couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

“Now back to your lessons,” Samuel said as he tapped on Zaynes notes. “One more question, then I promise ill devote all my attention back this,” wiggling one finger in the air, “just one.” Samuel set down the book he was holding onto the desk, “Alright, last one.”

“What does she look like?” Zayne had to ask; he couldn’t help but wonder what exactly she looked like. “Well, hmmm let me think. She has long pure white straight hair, Sky blue eyes that sparkle like the surface of a great sea and her skin is the color of milk with rosy pink lips. Oh, and also she has a small star mark on her forehead.” Zayne looked puzzled, “why does she have such a mark? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Samuel smiled and said, “Oh my dear Prince, you need to get out of the castle more often. It is because she is from Cornellia.” He walked over to the bookshelf and scanned over a few shelves then found the book he was looking for. “Here it is, I’m surprised you never gave this a read, it must be on your “to do” list,” Samuel turn around and came over with a very thick green book with silver letters on the front that said, The Ancients. Zayne looked confused so Samuel went on, “Their ancestors made a contract with the last of the Unicorns, just like our ancestors made one with the Dragons. All the people from Cornellia have white hair, blue eyes, milky skin and a star mark. “

“Thousands of years ago when the great Darkness came to our lands the only way to beat it was to create a contract with the humans. So the last three great mythic beasts; Dragons, Unicorns, and the Griffins; each went to a kingdom and told each king of the coming evil and that the only way for humanity to survive was to merge with them and combine their power and knowledge to defeat the Darkness. As the story goes the humans agreed and with their combined efforts they drove the Darkness away, and we have been living in peace ever since. “

“But you should be aware, it could try to come back and then we all would be in danger so you must learn everything I have to teach you, so you can become the King you are meant to be. So you can continue keeping this Kingdom and its people safe.”

Samuel walked back to the bookshelf and slid the book back into its place, turned around and came back picking up the book he had set down. “Now where were we, oh yes lessons, lessons, lessons,” he said with a smile.

Chapter 2

A few months passed and winter was finally over. With the arrival of Spring also meant that Le’luna’s 16^th birthday was only weeks away. Also so was her trip to Draconia to meet her “fate” as she liked to put it, in a very sarcastic way. She had been pondering about the whole “meeting” and it irritated her for some reason, she just couldn’t figure out why.  Maybe it was because she felt this whole thing was being forced upon her and she felt helpless since she had no control over the whole situation. That must be it, she thought. It has to be, it couldn’t be anything else, she understood her duty it just frustrated her.

“Alright Ashley, lets figure out what I am to wear to meet this Prince Zayne. I don’t want anything frilly or awkward.  Or anything bright, something subtle, that matches me.” Le’luna picked up a peach colored dress that had a white trim, “this one right here” as she held it against herself looking in a mirror. Perfect, simply perfect she thought. Not too much and not to little. “help me put it on Ashley, and get my shoes that go with this dress,” she smiled to herself with satisfaction.

Once she was all done dressing and picking out what she wanted to bring with her, she gave herself one more look in the mirror then with a nod she turned and headed downstairs to join her parents for breakfast. She knew it was a long trip to Draconia so she had better eat before they departed, even though she planned on bringing snacks for along the way. It would take them a day to reach the borders of Draconia and then it was still another half days travel to get to the castle.

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

As the Carriage traveled down the road through The Haven Woods, Le’luna turned and looked out the window of the carriage. The trees in the forest seemed to be endless everywhere you looked, some had spots were the sun peeked through just enough to look like it was raining sunshine here and there. It seemed to look so peaceful, butterflies dancing in the rays of light kissing the top of flowers as they passed by. The Haven Deer roamed the forest seeking fresh green sprouts, rubbing their antlers on the trees trying to peel off the sweet moss that grows on the upper branches. The birds singing their cheery songs as they glided through the air landing on branches here and there cuddling up to one another. It was a wonderful sight, she sat back and took a nice deep breath le’luna loved this time of the year, Spring, it meant new beginnings. Le’luna felt a little tired so she leaned her head against Ashley and dosed off.

Le’luna jolted awake. There was a tight uneasy feeling in her chest. What was that? She looked around the carriage and noticed it was already night. Her father and mother were sitting across from her leaned against one another sleeping. Ashley was looking at her with a concern look on her face, “what’s wrong milady? Are you okay? You were crying in your sleep.” Le’luna realized she had tears in her eyes and wiped them gently away, “I was having a terrible dream, it seemed so real. But I can only remember parts of it now.” But what was this uneasy feeling she had in her chest? Why wasn’t that going away like the memories of that dream? This isn’t right, she thought. Then she heard a sound deep in the forest that sent chills throughout her whole body. Tears formed back into her eyes, that was the one thing she remembered from her dreams; that sound, that chilling deathly sound.

Leluna grabbed Ashley’s hand and turned to her. “I think something is out there, something dark that doesn’t belong in this world. I can feel it though out my whole body.” Ashley looked at her, she could see her whole body trembling, she held her hands tightly and said, “Don’t worry princess, we will be ok, the king and the queen are here and they are the most powerful mages in our whole kingdom! They will protect you no matter what. So fear not we will be perfectly safe.” Ashley gave her a big hug to reassure her everything would be fine, then lean back and looked out the window into the dark forest.

Something moved out the corner of Ashley’s eye, by the time she turned her head to see what it was, it was already inches from her face grabbing her and ripping her out of the carriage, She screamed at the top of her lungs but it was too late, she was already gone. Her screams echoed throughout the whole forest and disappeared into the night.

The King and Queen awoke when they heard Ashley’s screams but since it happened so fast there was nothing they could do. Le’luna sat there crying, Ashley was very precious to her and now she was gone. What could have taken her friend away, what was that dark evil creature that came out of nowhere? Why anyone hasn’t spoke of such a dangerous dark creature? It didn’t make any sense, thinking about it made her cry even more. Ashley was gone, she was really gone. She looked up at her parents with tears in her eyes, “why didn’t you save her? What was that creature! You are supposed to be the most powerful mages of our whole entire kingdom! Why Ashley, what did she do to deserve such a horrible fate?”

Her parents felt horrible about not being able to save Ashley, but they couldn’t have something happen to Le’luna or themselves. The king started chanting, a magical glow of blue mist started coming from his body. The queen started chanting also and a bright yellow mist started coming of her body. As they chanted the mists started to mix together to form a green light that slowly was expanding out and around the carriage, engulfing it all over and then slowly seeming like it was coating the whole outside of the carriage creating a barrier.

After what seemed like about an hour the king and queen finally stopped chanting. They leaned back and took a deep breath. “I'm sorry my daughter, I wish we could have saved her, but fear not we will be safe now. Your mother and I have mixed our magic’s together and placed a special barrier around us. Once we get to Draconia I will find out exactly what that was and we will make sure this never happens to anyone again.” The king put his hand out, “come here my daughter,” Le’luna got up and sat in between her parents. They rapped their arms around her in a tight embrace, “You are our world, our only daughter. We will protect you no matter what. Rest now, we will be in Draconia tomorrow and we will figure this whole mess out,” the King gave her a kiss on the head and Le’luna closed her eyes. The uneasy feeling she had in her chest was gone, it disappeared just like Ashley’s screams, whatever it was Le’luna knew they had to be connected with each other, the uneasy feeling and that horrible dark creature.