Chapter 574: The Royals

Chapter 574: The Royals

As Alex spent more time with Hannahs power, he also found that his senses for teleportation magic grew ever sharper.

Where he could feel when someone was using teleportation spells before, and guess roughly where they would appear, now, he could also sense where they were coming from.

He felt waves of heat drifting from the middle of the courtyard as if a window had been opened leading from a much hotter place. Vague floral scents, aromas of spices, incense and sea water tickled his nostrils, and the image of a grand room somewhere distant briefly flashed in his vision.

He sensed that the teleportation magic originated from somewhere far south, andwith more practisehe might even be able to guess how far away an origin point was.

The magic peaked and something drew closer, travelling across the planes.

Nine figures suddenly materialised in the courtyard.

The first was a tall and lanky wizard suffused in teleportation magic, he was accompanied by eight guards. Striking white dreadlocks flowed down narrow shoulders, bushy brows protruded from a smooth forehead, and his snow white robes nearly matched his locks. Only the colour of his slippers stood in bold contrast to his garb and hairdeep golden and sparklingas they hovered above the earth while the wizard floated a few inches above it.

Teleportation magic flared again as he muttered the words of his spell and vanished, leaving the guards behind.

Without hesitating and with practised discipline, the warriors spread out, moving to establish a perimeter around the centre of the courtyard. These were large men and women, who moved with the smoothness of graceful fighters. Alex felt mana emanating from each piece of armour and weaponry they carried, some wielded long polearms that looked to be a cross between a knife-edged spear, and a wizards staff.

These guards were likely the king and queens battle mages, and beside them stood warriors whose armour bore the holy symbols of Tekezashs pantheon.

War priests.

Alex let out a low whistle. Since coming to Generasi, hed seen more warriors, war mages, and warrior priests than the average Thamelander would ever see in their entire life, but he still marvelled at how impressive and intimidating these royal protectors looked.

It wasnt surprising that the finest security accompanied the monarchs, and proof of that came when the wizard appeared and disappeared four more times, transporting a total of forty elite warriors to the courtyard. They joined the other guards, spreading out, taking strategic positions until they formed a ring of enchanted steel and death. They watched Khaliks group approaching, remaining as still as statues.

In their midst, the teleporter drew a deep breath, his voice booming. Heralding their majesties, King Aksuma Behr-Medr and Queen Ishtar Behr-Medr!

He abruptly vanished.

Here we go, Khalik whispered, drawing himself up to his full height.

Alex imagined what the princes parents might look like. Would his father simply be a larger, older version of Khalik, impossibly more muscular and imposing? He could imagine that his mother must be a beauty: a queen that one read or heard about in fairy tales and bards tales, where queens and princesses were always the most beautiful woman in the world.

The teleportation magic flared again, interrupting Alexs thoughts, and the objects of his imaginings appeared in the courtyard a heartbeat later, flanking the wizardand completely surprising the young Thameish wizard.

Both were tall and leanwhich hed presumed that they would be considering Khaliks heightwith the princes mother being as tall as Isolde and having a willowy build, while his father nearly matched Khaliks height. But thats where the physical similarities ended. Unlike his son, King Aksuma didnt look like he spent too much time, if any, sculpting his body. He was a thin man who looked like hed be far more at home handling books, than heavy weights.

Their physiques had already shattered Alexs preconceived ideas, but their clothing then dashed any notions hed conjured in his mind of how the monarchs would be dressed. In his imaginationthe king and queenwere wearing clothing of spun gold, with gems dripping from every inch of fabric. Hed also thought theyd have golden crowns on their heads that were so big, thatwell, theyd probably snap the necks of anyone wearing them.

The king and queen were actually dressed far more plainly. While platinum bracers encircled their forearms, their clothing was muted and spun from fabrics like linen or cotton, not gold threads. At first glance, they looked like the sort of garb that any traveller would wear, but a closer look showed something more; their clothes were tailored with precision, with better detailing than the custom tailored clothing Baelin or the city counsellors who frequented his bakery, wore.

Selina gasped softly, interrupting his train of thought.

He followed her gaze to Queen Ishtar, focusing on her face. A long scar ran from the left side of her chin, stretching all the way down her neck.

It looked like a burn.

Thats odd, he thought. The kind of healing miracles that any king or queen would have access to could easily fix a scar like that. Maybe she wants to keep itI wonder why?

He and Najyah exchanged a look.

Thank you, your majesty, I think hes fabulous too, the huntress bowed her head.

Yes indeed: I can see he is well loved and well cared for. He looked at Theresa closely. Would he happen to be your familiar.

She shifted her weight. No, your Majesty.

Alex looked away, concentrating on keeping his face blank.

Ah, a pity. King Aksuma turned back to Brutus.

The queen sighed. I apologise for my husband: keeping and taming beasts is something between a hobby and an obsession with him. He has no less than three familiars back home.

Who I did not bring, he said defensively, petting two of the cerberus heads. I would not divide my attention from Najyah that way since I have not seen her for so long. He smiled up at the eagle. Your mother is well, by the way.

Najyah made a soft, cooing sound.

Khalik made a choking noise. Again? Did you come to visit me, or Najyah, father?

Why not both? the king said innocently. A king must love all of his people: can he not love his son, and his sons familiar? I watched you both grow up, after all.

The queen rolled her eyes, giving Khaliks friends another apologetic look. I swear, he can be serious. I swear it.

Animal husbandry is a fine hobby, your majesties, Isolde said.

No, do not say that, it will go to his head, which will make it much too swollen for his crown, the queen said.

Alex wasnt sure if laughing at the kings head was grounds for beheading, so he simply smiled.

Yeah, your m-majesties, I uh, wellI Stammered a tongue-tied Thundar.

Oh my, the queen laughed. Well arent you positively adorable?

Beneath his fur, Alex was sure Thundar had turned redder than a cranberry.

Mercifullyfor the minotaurthe queen shifted her attention, looking down at Selina. She gave the young girl another sunny smile. Well, I can see, here is one with a spark. If I remember correctly, Roth has a Rhinenean origin, meaning red. Like flowers or flame or the sun. Selina, I believe, has something to do with the heavens, brightness, and serenity. You have a beautiful name, my child. Like a heavenly flame.

Selina stammered. T-thanks, your majesty, she quickly looked down.

Alex inwardly cringed.

Khalik looked stricken, talking fast. Let us go inside, shall we? The day is cold.

Yes, that is an excellent idea! King Aksuma said, drawing his cloak tighter around himself.

The queen looked at Selina for a long moment. Come, let us go in. I have a great need to know all the things you have been up to, Khalik. As well as news of the upcoming Games of Roal.

Her eyes finally left Selina as everyone followed the royals inside.