Alis Grave Nil Vincent held his breath as he hid behind one of the book cases in his mothers

private library. He was forbidden access to the library when he was alone and was in a bit of a jam seeing as someone had just entered. He was crouched down behind a book case holding what looked to be some very important documents to his chest. Panicked thoughts ran through his head as he heard someone walking through the library. How long could he stay this way? What if he was found? On the off chance it wasnt his mother how much would he have to pay the guard of maid to keep their mouth shut. His eyes widened as the steps grew nearer and the scent of his mothers perfume wafted into his hiding place. He closed his eyes knowing his mother would find him any second know. She was a very organized woman who paid great attention to detail. Knowing her, she had probably already noticed something out of place in the lavish library. The footsteps stopped. She had him. Vincents heart sunk in his chest and he felt sick all over. This could be the end of him, what was he to do? His adventure was over before it had even started. He was surprised to hear his mother pull a book from the shelf and slowly walk away. Next he heard the sound of a chair being pulled out across the beautiful marble floor then his mothers dress being ruffling as she sat. He stayed crouched down listening to the steady turn of pages until the silence was interrupted by the heavy library doors swinging open. Your highness, Im incredibly sorry to interrupt you but The voice belonged to his mothers adviser, a short, fat, fidgety man who was terrified of nearly everything. But what? Spit it out Charles, I dont have time for games! Emeri snapped. She never had the time for games; she was a straight forward woman with lots of power in her hands. Emeri looked harmless; she was of medium height with pitch black hair very red lips and a rather large bust. She bore no special markings under her eyes like her children, but a band of black spidery designs around her wrist that indicated her lineage. The only striking thing about the woman was her miss colored eyes. Something she and all of her children shared in common. 1

Chapter Two W-well The dogs have found something in Alvis your highness they think they have a lead on the watch. What? If its another false alarm ill have Ascols head... She stood, slamming her book shut and shuffling out of the room Vincent took a deep breath and stood quickly once the door had slammed shut. His legs ached from the odd pose he had been stuck in for almost a hour and a half now. He stretched them out before tucking the documents under his shirt and hurried out. He tripped over the rug but kept his footing as he ran out. Vincent made his way through the lavish palace to his room. He opened the heavy doors and stepped in, locking them behind himself. The papers were soon pulled out from under his shirt and thrust out on his desk. He pulled up a chair and stared at them for a moment, knowing if he opened them he could never go back. Vincent was 21 years old, with pitch black hair that resembled his mothers. But everything else about the boy resembled his father, the way he spoke, his broad shoulders and height, even the way he walked. He even bore the marks of his fathers kingdom, three small circles under right eye; inked into his skin at birth. It was customary for a royal child to bear their fathers lineage marks, no matter what kingdom they were a part of. This kingdom was his mother, Emeris. It was more of Queendom. It was ruled by woman, as I had been for centuries. Emeri had married the prince of Exol when she was only 17, as to make an alliance with the odd kingdom. They had two beautiful children, Vincent and Violet. Vincent was Emeris pride and joy; she loved the boy with all of her heart and spoiled him rotten. When she had found herself pregnant once again, she had hoped and prayed for another little boy. Most had found the hopes innocent, figuring she loved her first so much, so why wouldnt she want another? Emeri wasnt an innocent woman though. She wanted another son for the simple fact of not having a daughter. For if she had a daughter she would one day have give up her thrown. Her prayers were not met. She bore a beautiful baby girl, whom Alerix (the king) named Violet. The kingdom rejoiced in 2

Alis Grave Nil celebration for two weeks straight, their next queen had been born. The only one that wasnt celebrating was the queen. She paid little attention to the precious baby girl and continued to spoil her first child absolutely rotten. Alerix didnt like his wifes attitude towards their new child but there was little he could do. He gave the girl all the love he could, until one day the child grew ill. Not even a week later it was announced that the child had died and a huge funeral was held. The king did not attend and little was heard about him for months, in fact he wouldnt leave his room and nobody was permitted inside. Then, he vanished. Vincent was left a note in his fathers handwriting. My dear boy, I am sorry I have had to leave you my son. You will make a wonderful king someday and when I hear of you I will find you. Take care of what I have left you, it will bring you something very special one day. All my love, Father. A pocket watch was left in the crisp envelope. The watch was silver with a gold ring around it and a red rose set in the middle. The chain silver with wings attached close to the watch, making it look as if it were about to fly away. Emeri remarried of course; to a man she had already been having an affair with during her marriage. A year after her daughters death, and husbands disappearance; a baby was born. A boy. Vincents younger half brother, Valentine. The boy bore his mothers appearance, dark hair and a slender face and figure. As tradition went he bore his fathers marking, a black arrow under his left eye. Vincent loved his brother as if the same blood flowed through their veins, but he always wonderedwhat if he had been a girl? Would Valentine have died like violet? He sighed and bit his lip before shaking his head and opening the file quickly. As he opened his eyes he found parchment after parchment full of purple scrawled ink his mothers signature ink, each baring the mark of a magical copy. His mother was a thorough woman if she had been up to something she would 3

Chapter Two have kept copies of the papers to herself by magicing them to make multiple copies. Vincent began to read. The letters were to the head of the guards. Dear Ascol, There is no reason to search the kingdom for the child, I know who has her. Your job now is to find my husband and bring an end to him. Send the Dogs, the man is much craftier then he seems. If they find him and do as I have said, they shall be rewarded, as will you. End him. Vincent took a shaky breath as he flipped through the paper. All of them worthless to him, letters written to other kingdoms that had nothing to do with his father or sister. He pulled out the letter and folded it sticking it in his pocket as he closed the file. He made his way back to the library, returning the file to its resting place. Once he was clear of the library he went out to the stable to care for his horse, something he often did in stressful times. He brushed his chocolate brown mare focusing on the feel of the pocket watch against his chest. He had made up his mind; it was time for some real answers.