Ashes of Memory: The Forgotten Kingdom
Missing Pages
Morning sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows of Castle Vaeloris, painting the marble floors in shades of crimson and gold.
The palace had already awakened long before the sun, with servants gliding through marble corridors, knights changing shifts, and the scent of freshly baked bread drifting from the royal kitchens.
For the royal family though...
Breakfast was less of a meal and more of a meeting.
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
The eastern trade routes are still blocked. *cutting steak*
Cassian Vaeloris (FL 1st brother)
I'll handle it before week's end. *sips juice*
At the very end of the table
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Good morning.
As though everyone had subconsciously agreed that the third princess would eventually entertain herself.
Theodora sighed dramatically and reached for a pastry.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Good. I was worried I'd have to speak to people. *takes a bite.*
The youngest prince snorts into his tea.
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
You are speaking to people.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
No. I'm speaking at people. There's a difference.
The emperor pinched the bridge of his nose.
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
Theodora.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Yes, Father? *smile.*
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
...
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
*sigh* I've forgotten what I was going to say.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
A family trait, perhaps.
Seraphine Vaeloris (FL 1st sister)
*Coughs into her teacup to hide a laugh.*
Breakfast ended the way it always did.
With everyone leaving in different directions, no one noticed the third princess slipping away.
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
Theo! Wait for me!
She stopped halfway down the corridor.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*side eye* Shouldn't you be in your etiquette lessons?
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
I'd rather duel a goose.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*snort* Understandable. Geese are more forgiving than tutors.
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
*grin* Library?
She pretended to consider it like that isn't where she spent more than half of her life.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Only if you promise not to climb the bookshelves again. *folds arms*
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
... No promises.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*rolls eyes and smile.*
The royal library was the oldest part of the palace.
Older than the castle itself, as rumors has it.
Dust danced lazily through the beams of sunlight as shelves stretched endlessly into silence.
The youngest prince disappeared almost immediately.
Theodora wandered instead.
They also couldn't tell her she asked too many questions.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Sometimes I think the library remembers more than people do. Books never forget. *tracing the books with her fingers.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
People...do.
A thick volume caught her attention.
"A Complete History of House Vaeloris."
The pages smell of old parchment and cedar.
Curious, she flipped to the section listing every generation of the royal family.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*frown.* ...That's odd.
Someone had neatly torn put several pages.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Who tears pages out of a history book?
Author U^ェ^U
Well, I suppose introductions are in order.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Finally. I was beginning to think I wasn't the main character.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*sighs dramatically.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Good then can you explain why everyone keeps ignoring me?
Author U^ェ^U
Character development. *smirk.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
That's one way to say trauma. *smile.*
Author U^ェ^U
*rolls eyes* Since you're here, why not introduce yourself?
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I enjoy books, coffee, and making irresponsible decisions with utmost confidence. *smile.*
Author U^ェ^U
*snort.* accurate.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Also, if anyone says I'm dramatic- *cut off*
Author U^ェ^U
They'd be right. *smirk.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(^_^)🖕
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I already like the readers.
Author U^ェ^U
You haven't even met them.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
They chose this story.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Clearly, they have excellent taste. *munching apple.*
Author U^ェ^U
...Where'd you get that.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*smile.*
Author U^ェ^U
*sigh.* leave your opinions and reviews in the comments.
An Unwelcome Arrival
The history book landed on Theodora's desk with a dull thud.
She glanced at the missing pages one last time.
Someone had removed them carefully.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Hmm
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*closed the book*
There were far more important matters demanding her attention.
Like escaping her afternoon etiquette lesson.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
Your Highness.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
No.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
I know that look.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
What look?
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
The one that says you've already decided to make my life difficult.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*grin.* You're assuming I had alternatives.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
*sigh*
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
The governess is waiting.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
So is disappointment. It can wait longer. *smile*
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
*folds her arms.*
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
Your etiquette lesson begins in two minutes.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Perfect.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
...You're walking in the opposite direction.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Exactly.
Theodora actually arrived at the classroom.
The governess looked surprised.
Perhaps today would be different.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*smiled politely*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*placed three enormous books on the desk.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*Glanced out the window.*
Governess: "Your Highness?"
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I've just had a terrible realization.
Governess: "What realization?"
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
If I stay...
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*sigh dramatically*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...I'll have to attend the lesson.
Before anyone could stop her, she turned on her heel and walked straight back out.
The governess stared at the closed door for a long moment.
Then calmly opened the first book.
Governess: "This," she announced to absolutely no one, "is why patience is considered a virtue."
Theodora wandered through the palace gardens with Elias happily following behind.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(Technically, I attended.)
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(No one specified for how long...)
The fountains sparkled beneath the afternoon sun.
Gardeners bowed as the siblings passed.
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
You're going to get caught.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Probably.
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
Doesn't that bother you?
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*shrugs* It bothers everyone else.
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
*laugh.*
She considerd that a success.
The guards immediately straightened.
Even the gardeners paused their work.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...Who's arriving?
Servant: "The Duke of House Igniver, Your Highness."
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*Blink* Oh.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(Another important noble.)
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(How exciting.)
A black carriage rolled through the palace gardens.
It's crest—a silver dragon curled around a burning crown—caught the sunlight before disappearing beneath the archway.
Officials hurried forward.
Theodora watched only long enough to see a tall man step out from the carriage.
He spoke briefly with the captain of the guard before disappearing into the palace without so much as glancing around.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(Well...)
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(He looks cheerful.)
It was none of her business.
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
Hi!
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
...
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
I panicked.
Author U^ェ^U
What's your favorite hobby?
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Pissing me the fuck off. *pissed-off smile*
Elias Vaeloris (FL 2nd brother)
Oh shi- *runs away.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*Holding a moisturizer bottle filled with face wash*
Author U^ェ^U
Uh buh-bye *nervous sweat*
Author U^ェ^U
Oh and don't forget to comment ly all <3
Author U^ェ^U
Do let me know how you like tge storyline and pace so far
Author U^ェ^U
Should I add pics?
Of Paper and Pride
The council chamber was the one place in castle Vaeloris where laughter went to die.
Theodora knew this because she had been sent there.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Why me?
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
Because you're free. *checking documents*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
That's an incredibly hurtful way of saying I'm unemployed.
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
Take these reports to the council.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
... Can I accidentally loose them?
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
No.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
... Can I intentionally loose then?
Lentils Vaeloris (FL father)
Theodora.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*sigh dramatically*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I asked.
She was still muttering under her breath as she marched through the western corridor with a stack of reports pressed against her chest.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(One day I'm going to become Queen just so I can make someone else carry papers.)
The council doors opened. And at the exact same moment...
The reports exploded across the marble floor.
Pages drifted everywhere.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*she looked up*
Alaric Igniver
*he looked down*
For one impossible heartbeat, he simply stared at her.
His expression settled into perfect composure.
As though that fleeting look had never existed.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*glances at the papers.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*looks at Alaric.*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(...well?)
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
(Are you planning on helping, or are we both admiring your handiwork)
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I assume dukes apologize differently than ordinary people.
Without a word, Alaric bent down and picked up a few of the papers.
He straightened them neatly and handed them back.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*stare*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...That's your apology?
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...
Alaric Igniver
I don't recall apologizing.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Oh.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I was giving you the benefit of the doubt.
Alaric Igniver
An expensive habit.
She tucked the papers under her arms.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
So is arrogance.
Alaric Igniver
It has served me well.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Has it?
Alaric Igniver
I've yet to hear convincing evidence otherwise.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*smile coldly* I'm willing to volunteer.
Before she could continue—
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
YOUR HIGHNESS!
Lysette hurried down tge corridor, nearly tripping over her own skirt.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
There you are! I was looking for you everywhere!
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
...Oh.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
*bowed* My apologies, Your Grace.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
Oh! Before I forget... *turns to Theodora*
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
The physician said if you skip breakfast again, he'll personally drag you to the infirmary.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*smile drop*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...Lysette.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
*continues* And you still haven't slept properly.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...Lysette.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
And he said arguing with books doesn't count as social interaction.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
*frown*
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
...Why is everyone looking at me?
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*closed her eyes*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*breath.*
Alaric adjusted one of his gloves.
His voice remained perfectly even.
Alaric Igniver
It appears Her Highness waged war against literatures as well.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*opened one eye*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I debate with books.
Alaric Igniver
A one-sided debate.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
They loose.
Alaric Igniver
I imagine the books would disagree.
Kaelen Ashford (ML right-hand man)
*coughs into his fist*
Kaelen Ashford (ML right-hand man)
My apologies.
Alaric didn't even turn around.
Alaric Igniver
I assume you've finished.
Kaelen Ashford (ML right-hand man)
*serious* Entirely.
Theodora pointed between the two men.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Oh, wonderful.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
They come in matching sets.
Kaelen looked genuinely offended.
Kaelen Ashford (ML right-hand man)
I beg your pardon?
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*smile sweetly*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I wasn't speaking to you.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*look back at Alaric*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I've changed my mind.
Alaric Igniver
*raise an eyebrow*
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I don't think you're arrogant.
For the first time, the faintest hint of interest crossed his face.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
No.
She tilted her head thoughtfully.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
Arrogant people occasionally doubt themselves.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I don't believe you do.
The corridor fell silent.
Lysette Arden (FL maid)
*impressed*
Alaric held her gaze for a long moment.
The corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly.
Something far more irritating.
Alaric Igniver
An interesting observation.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
I have those occasionally.
Alaric Igniver
I don't doubt it.
Theodora walked past him.
Not enough to be improper.
Just enough to be annoying.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
*speaks without looking back* Next time, Duke Igniver, try being likable.
His reply came instantly.
Alaric Igniver
I've never found it necessary.
Theodora Vaeloris (FL)
...
Author U^ェ^U
Introduce yourself.
Author U^ェ^U
...That's not how this works.
Kaelen Ashford (ML right-hand man)
...
Author U^ェ^U
*sigh* Nevermind.
Author U^ェ^U
Do leave a comment and lemme know how you're liking it so far.
Author U^ェ^U
Also, lmk if I should continue the previous story.
Author U^ェ^U
I do have a new chapter in the drafts but the writing style is very different so I might have to edit the previous chapters.
Author U^ェ^U
Even if I decide to continue that, it'll be after mid July because my exams are going on rn and I won't be able to update both the stories at the same time.
Author U^ェ^U
buh-bye and ly all<3
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