Royal Stones

Chapter 9: Within the Walls

Dianna and Dustin listen in awe and horror as the tale of their alleged actions and what shadows that mimicked their own soldiers caused so much pain.

They are escorted into the walls and they can tell that the survivors of attack just glare and Leer at them. "Alice if you don't mind me asking, what's the kings name?" Dianna asks.

"The King of the Provinces's name is Arthur, he's very powerful, some people call him the blood king. Not just because he's powerful but he sometimes becomes very...Homicidal and cruel at times." Alice says choosing her words carefully. "None the less he's a very kind man. The Royal stone petalite chose wisely." She says as she gestures for the gate ahead of them to open.

Suddenly the culture around them springs into action, towns people walking with glee in every footstep. The bazaar busy with people buying the merchandise and food, smells of Tomato sauce and fresh cooked meat fill the air.

Music and sounds laughing children fill the air. The twins feel invisible, and they liked that, they see the culture and they feel calm, not pressured to look regal or royal.

"This is the working class Provence, filled with village culture and no one her is poor but no one is rich either." Alice says as she smiles and waves at passing wall residents.

It takes a few miles but they get to the next wall. "How many walls dose the Provinces have?" Dustin says stretching his arms.

"We have Three, the defensive, Offensive, and Danger." Alice's says making another gesture and they open the next gate into the next Province.

The next Province seems like a entirely different kingdom, the world around them is covered in nature and buildings with curved roofs and people in strange clothing. "Welcome to the seconds Province the most beautiful of the three, this Province is where our late Queen hailed." Alice says watching Pink petals fall from a beautiful tree.

"What are...What is everything!!?? What are they wearing!" Dianna points to a couple.

"A Yukata and man next to her is wearing a Kimono." Alice says.

"What's that?" She points at a strangely shaped object.

"A Fan." Alice says.

"What's that?" She points a pink tree that rains pink petals.

"A Cherry blossom tree, well the people here call it a Sakura tree." Alice says.

"This place is so unique! And beautiful." Dianna says catching a Sakura blossom in her hand.

"I'm impressed...Not that we have anything quite as beautiful in Mahjia." Dustin says looking at a crowd dancing.

Senbonzakura flow through the silent winds for they make no sound, and the world that we know of peace and love, it's our birthright to know we are safe within~🎶

A woman sings beautiful as others dance behind her.

"The third Province is where the Castle is placed, its quite a sight." She says as they finally get to the final and smallest wall. She gestures for the people at the top of the wall.

There's suddenly a knight thrown over the wall and they hit the ground. "OH MY- what in the 7 hells!?" Dianna exclaimed as she looks at the corpse on the ground.

"Alice?" Dustin says.

"I-I don't...I don't know why that happened- oh no...The king is in one of his moods." Alice says. "It probably best we-" suddenly the gate opens behind them and the King stands behind Alice.

"Alice my dear Hero..." he walks towards Alice and looks at the twins. "You simply must introduce me to the diamond holders." Arthur says as the Patalite glimmers on his crown.

Dustin is about to say something but Dianna steps forward. "King Arthur, I give my sincerest apologies for the attack that took place last night, if it was our troops we had no knowledge of the assu-" she is interrupted by a blade that barely touches her neck.

"...The regal Yellow Diamond chose a princess who doesn't even know how to control her army...Perhaps the royal Stones aren't as smart as I thought." Arthur says.

Out of no where Collin charges forward and knocks the kings sword away from Dianna's throat. "Don't raise your blade to the princess!" Collin shouts standing in front of Dianna.

"...Well now, if this doesn't doesn't say you want a war I don't know what does." Arthur says.

"No, please Milord, I know I'm speaking out of turn but these two mean no harm." Alice says stepping towards the king.

"Are you...Questioning me Alice?" Arthur asks and Alice backs away like a scared dog.

"King Arthur, we apologize for Collins rash actions. He was only trying to protect my sister." Dustin says leering at Collin by Collin pays no mind, he says in a defensive pose infront do Dianna.

"...Fine then, I won't declare war on your kingdom." The king says.

They sigh in relief only for it to be disrupted by the King slashing his sword down in front of Collin. "Only if this brave hero can best me at the sword."

"No...No Collin please don't!" Dianna begs Collins but he slashes his sword front of the kings.

"Oh behalf of Mahjia and the Prince and princess's honor I accept your challenge!" Collin says and the king smiles sinisterly and walks to the castle.

"No Collin please! You can't beat him!" Dianna says.

"Don't worry about me Milady, I did this for you're honor...You saved me let me save you." Collin says.

"Your more dense than I thought you were! You can't beat King Arthur! He's a sword master! Your a Retainer! He'll wipe the floor with your head!" Alice says.

"...Why are you still here?" Dustin walks towards Alice with a dark aura around him. "...Why do you care if Collin is killed, you barely know him, you hardly know us." Dustin says and Alice backs away from him looking down as if she has a secret to hide.

"...I have something to tell the both of you."