Snippet #1698331

Her Fathers grip was firm on her shoulder. Sori refused to tremble, forced herself to face him head on. Fierce, blood red eyes, sharp, handsome, battle hardened features. The King didn’t show a day of his age, which even Sori was not sure of, maybe he was some hundred years old.

He eyed her for some time, the grip tightening on her shoulder, “Sori.”

She bit her bottom lip. He hadn’t said her name in so many years. “Yes, Father?”

“You will make me proud.”

Make him proud as she never had, was that it? All she had ever been was a disappointment to him, she knew that all too well. She met his eyes, locked the gaze.

“I will make the whole clan proud.” Sori replied firmly, strongly, pulling away. She left her Father behind then, for he was not coming along with her on this journey. Not that it mattered. He was not necessary, she could do this alone.

But not entirely alone of course. Her personal servant girl, Elva, was coming along, as well as her personal guard, Orem. They followed her as she exited once what had been a stately castle, and what now was mostly ruins, full of dust, and cobwebs.

She mounted her black stallion, Behemoth, casting one last look on what had become of the once proud and thriving Oni Clan. It was in ruins, of course, most of the Oni were in hiding, the towns no longer inhabited. Only her Father refused to leave his castle, the Obsidian Castle, and in a way, she understood that. The only thing she would ever admire her Father for. His pride.

“Come!” She called to Orem and Elva, who followed close behind her on two horses of their own, along with a pack mule that carried a few of Sori’s belongings and what little gifts they had to give to the Prince.

They journeyed through the Dark Forest, restless spirits eyeing them as they passed, creatures watching them from the shadows. The Jade Empire was not far, soon they left the Dark Forest behind them, and ahead of her Sori could see the castle in the distance.

She pulled back on the reigns, black hair blowing crazily in the wind, eyeing the kingdom. How stately, how full of life and rich. What the Oni Clan had once had, she thought bitterly. Orem and Elva pulled up beside her.

“Princess, the others have arrived ahead of us.” Orem observed, tasting the air.

Sori nodded, “I see.” So, she would be the last to arrive then? A smile curled on her lips, “Well, let us make a grand entrance then.”

She prodded Behemoth’s sides, pushing him forward, faster, faster. The wind blew hard against her, it felt wonderful, and free. To enjoy these last few moments of freedom, before the duty she had bore down upon her, was priceless. Soon the castle gates loomed before them, and Sori pulled back hard on the reigns, Behemoth skidding to a halt. He reared on his hind legs, neighing loudly, but she was prepared for this, and kept her grip as he landed, pawing the ground restlessly.

Orem helped her dismount, and she landed lightly on the ground. Elva came quickly forward with a brush and smoothed her hair down, as Sori prepared herself, gathering all her inner strength. She fingered her barrette, whispering her Mothers name softly.

I am ready. She thought, glaring fiercely at the large castle before her. What was to be her fate? Sori made her way through the gates, head held high, calm and composed. I am Sori Valentine, she thought again, as she so often did,11th Oni Clan princess. I will be the Jade prince’s wife.