Word count: 1750 words
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*Princess Renner POV*
The soft golden glow of the setting sun seeped through the stained-glass windows of Princess Renner's private chamber, casting an ethereal shimmer across the lavishly decorated room. The chamber embodied elegance, ornate furniture, bookshelves lined with ancient tomes, and a delicate tea set resting atop a polished table.
The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, a testament to the princess's refined tastes.
Which sadly heavily contrasts her status in the royal family...
Seated comfortably on a plush sofa, Princess Renner gently sipped her tea, a serene smile on her lips.
Across from her, Lakyus, the leader of Blue Rose, sat with an easy grace, the familiarity between them evident.
"It's been a while since we had a moment like this," Lakyus mused, twirling a strand of her golden hair between her fingers.
Renner chuckled lightly. "Indeed. Duties often pull us in different directions, but I always cherish our conversations, Lakyus." She set her cup down and leaned forward slightly. She always enjoyed conversations with her friend. Speaking of duties, I recently acquired a new knight."
Lakyus arched a brow. "Oh? And who might this be?
Renner's expression softened, an uncharacteristic warmth settling in her golden eyes. "His name is Climb, but he is… different," Renner said, her voice warm with affection as she set her teacup down. "He's not the strongest knight, nor the most skilled with a sword, but he's loyal. Truly, utterly loyal. It's refreshing, you know? In a world full of people who only serve for their own gain, having someone loyal is… it's rare."
Lakyus nodded, her expression calm but distant. "Loyalty is a valuable trait," she said, her voice steady. "Especially in someone who serves you directly. It's good that you've found someone like him."
Renner smiled, her blue eyes sparkling with a hint of hope. "Yes, it is. He's not perfect, but he's mine. And that's enough for me."
The two continued to talk, their conversation drifting from topic to topic, memories of their childhood, the state of the kingdom, and even the latest gossip from the noble courts.
But as the minutes passed, Lakyus' tone began to shift.
Her words became more deliberate, her gaze more intense. Renner noticed the change but didn't comment on it, assuming her friend was simply tired or preoccupied.
"Renner," Lakyus said suddenly, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Have you heard of the Obsidian Chains?"
Renner blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. "The Obsidian Chains? Yes, I've heard rumors. They're a new organization, aren't they? Some say they're powerful, others say they're dangerous. Why do you ask?"
Lakyus leaned forward, her hands clasped neatly in her lap. "They're more than just powerful. They're… exceptional. Their strength, their capabilities they're unlike anything I've ever seen. I would even say they rival the mightiest forces in the kingdom."
Renner tilted her head, her curiosity piqued but her instincts tingling with unease. "That's… unusual advice coming from you, Lakyus. You've never been one to recommend other organizations, especially ones as mysterious as the Obsidian Chains. Is everything alright? Have you crossed roads with them?"
Lakyus' expression remained calm, but there was a hollow emptiness in her eyes that Renner couldn't quite place. "Everything is fine," Lakyus said, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "However, that is not the only reason I bring them up."
Renner's expression remained composed, but internally, she was cautious. "Oh? Then what is the reason?"
Lakyus leaned forward slightly, her eyes locking onto Renner's. "My master wishes to meet you."
The air in the room shifted. Renner's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Master? What do you mean?"
Lakyus did not elaborate. Instead, she simply stated, "He is here."
The doors to the chamber swung open without so much as a knock. Three figures entered with an air of absolute confidence as if they had merely taken a stroll through the castle rather than infiltrated one of the most heavily guarded places in the kingdom.
At the center of the trio was a young man with striking violet eyes, medium-length black hair split in the middle, and a sharp jawline adorned with a thin mustache and goatee. He wore a simple black outfit, yet his presence was anything but plain.
To his left, a woman with an air of authority and composed grace, Makima, her piercing gaze sweeping over the room as if she owned it.
To his right, Brain, his usual carefree nature barely concealing the fact that he was still adjusting to the absurdity of what he had been exposed to so far.
Meliodas, utterly unfazed by the grandiosity of the moment, continued his conversation with the two beside him as they strolled in, speaking as if they were discussing something mundane.
"…So, I told him if he wanted to live, he should probably stop throwing himself at people stronger than him. Honestly, you'd think he'd learn by now."
Makima smirked slightly. "Some people don't learn until it's too late."
Brain could only sigh while shaking his head.
Meliodas chuckled as he noticed Brain's reaction while glancing around. "Oh, right. We did just break into a royal castle, didn't we?"
Renner sat still, observing them with an eerie calmness. Her golden eyes flickered between the three intruders before settling on Lakyus, realization creeping in. Something was very, very wrong. Thoughts raced in her mind.
'Have Lakyus betrayed me? Did the Obsidian Chains pay them an amount Blue Rose could not refuse? Or have they threatened them into submission? But what is their goal from this... Assassination? Probably not, I hold no power...'
"…What exactly is happening here?" Renner placed her thoughts aside, the perfect actor she is did not show a hint of fear or confusion, but a warm smile.
"Ah, Princess Renner," the young man said, his voice smooth and laced with amusement. "What a pleasure to finally meet you."
Renner's heart raced as she stared at the intruders, her mind struggling to process what was happening. "Who… who are you? How did you get in here?"
The young man chuckled, his smirk widening. "My name is Meliodas. And as for how I got here… let's just say your castle's security leaves much to be desired."
Renner's gaze flicked to Lakyus, her confusion turning to suspicion. "Lakyus, what is going on? Who are these people?"
Lakyus stood, as she kneeled to Meliodas. "This is my master, Princess Renner. He wishes to speak with you."
Renner's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "Your… master? Lakyus, what are you talking about? This isn't like you!"
Meliodas stepped forward taking Lakyus's seat, his violet eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, but it is her, Princess. Or at least, it's her body. Her mind, however… well, let's just say she's a bit more… compliant now."
Renner's breath hitched as the realization dawned on her. "You… you've done something to her."
Meliodas chuckled, the sound cold and menacing. "Very perceptive, Princess. But don't worry you'll understand soon enough. After all, you and I have much to discuss." He turned his gaze to Brain. "Brain, Lakyus, Guard the room. No one is allowed in until I'm done."
Brain and Lakyus bowed then proceedes to leave the room.
She studied Meliodas carefully, her blue eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to gauge his intentions. "Still, it seems you've gone through a lot of trouble to meet me," she said, her gaze landing on the leaving Lakyus momentarily. "What is it that you want?"
Meliodas smirked, placing his arms on the round table. "Oh, nothing too dramatic, Princess. I just wanted to have a little chat. Get to know the real you."
Renner raised an eyebrow, her expression one of polite curiosity. "The real me? I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean."
Meliodas chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Of course you don't. You've been lying to yourself for so long, you've probably forgotten what the truth even looks like."
Renner's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she regained her composure. "I assure you, I have no idea what you're talking about. If you've come here to accuse me of something, you'll need to be more specific."
Meliodas tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Alright, let's start with something simple. What are your ambitions, Princess? What do you truly want?"
*Outside Renner's private room*
The grand halls of the castle were eerily quiet as Climb, the princess' loyal knight, made his way toward her private chamber.
His heart was heavy with concern, something felt off.
He had heard whispers of strange movements in the castle, and his instincts were screaming at him to check on Renner. As he approached the door to her chamber, his steps faltered. Two figures stood guard outside, their presence unsettling.
One was a man with a confident sharp demeanor and a calculating gaze, Brain.
The other was Lakyus, the leader of Blue Rose, he recognized her as the princess' friend, though her usual commanding presence was replaced by an eerie stillness.
Climb's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword as he approached, his voice firm but laced with suspicion.
"Who are you?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing more towards Brain as he studied him. "Why are you standing outside the princess' chamber?"
Brain stepped forward, his expression calm but his tone firm. "The princess is currently in a meeting with someone important. There's no need for you right now. You can leave."
Climb's grip tightened on his sword. "I don't know who you are, but I'm not leaving until I see the princess. Step aside."
Brain sighed, his hand resting on the hilt of his own blade. "I'm afraid I can't do that. Orders are orders."
Climb's patience snapped. With a swift motion, he drew his sword and lunged at Brain, his movements fueled by desperation and concern for Renner.
TO BE CONTINUED --->
Hey everyone! Author here.
If you've got an anime character you'd love to see summoned into the story, feel free to drop your suggestions, including which character you'd like to see and what rank you think they deserve. Your input might just shape the next events in the story!
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