Chased Out, Part One

"Iulian don Rucirè, Toamna mea Kaedyn. Please, be my guest."   Was it a dare?   A blustering of senseless words poking and prodding at her royal pride? Or, did Iulian know full well about her? Even then, they say Iulian wasn't terribly sure. Why the first words he'd ever spoken to her goaded Hålaèrenn's fourth princess to take his life. Or why he smiled so brazenly in the face of absolute death.

Talk of Trade and Spices: Hålaèrenn

One Year Later...

"Iulian don Rucirè, Toamna mea Kaedyn. Please, be my guest." Was it a dare?   A blustering of senseless words poking and prodding at her royal pride? Or, did Iulian know full well about her? Even then, they say Iulian wasn't terribly sure. Why the first words he'd ever spoken to her goaded Hålaèrenn's fourth princess to take his life. Or why he smiled so brazenly in the face of absolute death. Many tellings later would chalk it up to Ynellian Pride. The blustering of a young-blood taken in by the scent of danger. Others would have you believe that Iulian resolved to die that night. Very much tired of the scorn and ridicule of his clan. Though, in truth, it was none of these.     It was one night, as they lie on the sand of the Daghei. That Colèo asked him that very question. "Why?"   "Hmm. I think... I think I just wanted to tease you as all."   It was, really, that simple. When Iulian met Colèo, he saw eyes that festered an unwavering pride. A warmth that bit at him and dried his throat. In mere moments, she'd kindled a thirst so agonizing his fangs ached. Colèo looked a pampered bird yet was chained down by obligation and expectation. Quick to anger, free of spirit, and talented beyond her years. Ajsare Ruj, they smelled the same. A scarlet bird, known as a Marrizian delicacy. It made him wonder.   "How sweet would she taste?"   It was at that moment, Iulian decided to challenge Colèo, taunt the little princess. And yet to his surprise, she lowered her hand. Colèo let him live!?   Maybe it was then. When the two had become almost inseparable.   Every night, when she was sure no one had seen her, Colèo would sneak out of the Chastele Dacru. Iulian would wait for her at the Daghei, and then they would run about the streets of Oraselle Alvroșa. Like the princess she was, Colèo ordered him around, Iulian guiding her through the many sites of Alvroșa. From its luring shops and stalls to its serene testaments(memorial towers) and gardens.   Colèo saw the city's sweet and boisterous markets to its pearly marbled villas. Its seedy spotted alleys to its battered-down slums. Iulian showed her everything. And though obscured by adventure, honeyed wine, and butting heads. They found themselves drawn to each other, moth to the other's flame. But maybe that when everything changed.   When secrets became rumors, and rumors came to light.