Chapter 5 betrayal

Somewhere in the middle of the forest, a young gnoll name Princess Ventris was walking through the woods by herself, trying her best to find her way back to her father camp site. Princess Ventris usually stay by her side, but she felt like someone was calling her name, and wanted to investigate where the voice was coming. But soon she went on her journey, she gotten herself lost in the deeper part of the forest. Princess Ventris try her best to find her way back, but thanks to the mist, and the sun went down for the night, it was an even greater challenge to find her way back to her father. Princess went on her knees and started to cry, knowing that she was going to be lost forever. Just before she thought all hope was lost, she heard a voice was calling her name like before. Princess Ventris look up, and notice a human like figure stand beside her. Princess Ventris wanted to move away from human, but she felt something familiar that wasn't strange to her. Princess Ventris notice the human held out their hand, to see if she needed help. Princess Ventris accepted their help, and gone up from the ground. The human ask her if she needed help, and Princess Ventris explained to the human that she was lost, and try to find her way back to her father campsite. She didn't heard anything else from the human, except being escorted to where she needed to go. Princess Ventris look at the human, and see it was a female with orange hair that tie up by a bow, she try to see the rest of her, but it was hard for her to see in the dark. Both of them walk for a while, until they reach a certain point of the forest. Princess Ventris wasn't sure why they stop walking, but when she look from a distant, she was able to see the campsite. Not only that, she also saw her father calling to her. Princess Ventris was glad to see her father, and was grateful that the female human help her find him. The female human was happy to help, and told her to best be careful. Before she left, Princess Ventris notice that the female human grab a ring from her finger, and hand it over to her. Princess Ventris wasn't sure why the female human wanted her take the ring, but seeing how beautiful it was, she accepted the stranger gift. Princess Ventris wanted to say thank you to the female human, but when she was about to do that, she was already gone. Princess Ventris look all over to see where she was, but nowhere in sight. Princess Ventris look at the ring the female gave her, enjoying the beauty of the design. She wanted to wear it, but her fingers were small, knowing that she had to wait when she is older. Princess Ventris look back up, and noticed that the female human was gone. Princess Ventris look everywhere to see where they had gone off to, but nowhere in sight. Princess Ventris wanted to keep on searching for the female, but when she heard her father voice calling by her full name, she knew that she have to go back. Princess Ventris look at the ring once more to remember of the female human, and then hid it somewhere in her dress so her father won't find it. Princess Ventris walk towards the path, which lead to her father campsite.

Many years later on the present day. Inside Lady Ventris royal bedroom, The Royal servants were right in the middle preperation with Lady Ventris, getting her ready for the Royal ceremony. Lady Ventris hated when the servants dresses her up, even more when they forced her to take a bath. Lady Ventris would have told them that she could dress herself, but since this was an important event, the servant duties was to make sure that they dress her accordingly. After several attempt, and struggle, the royal servants were able to get Lady Ventris wearing a proper outfit that fit for a Queen. Lady Ventris look at herself and notice that she was wearing another dress again, but this time it wasn’t as tight like the old dress she wore a week ago. Lady Ventris examine the dress a little more, and notice that they added a cape, which match the same one she usually wore from her long travels. While Lady Ventris look at herself, some of the royal servant approach her, and continue fixing up some of the minor things. One of the head servant stand in front of Lady Ventris, and ask her if she adore the new dress.

Head Servant: your Majesty, how do you like the new dress?

Lady Ventris: no matter how much you guys try to force it on me, I still don’t like dress. Although, this one however actually fit me a lot better than my old one.

Head Servant: yes, we did remember seeing you last time with your old dress torn up in pieces. But we made sure that the royal tailor do their best, to make sure that your new dress fit for a Queen.

Lady Ventris: ….. Yes, fit for a Queen.

Head Servant: is there something wrong, your Majesty?

Lady Ventris: no, I’m perfectly fine. Just was thinking to myself.

Head Servant: very well then, since we got your dress ready for your ceremony, is there anything you need from us, while we are still here?

Lady Ventris: the only thing I need right now, is some personal space. You, and the rest of the servant can leave now.

Head Servant: very well then, you’re Majesty. We live you be, and let the king know that you’re ready.

Lady Ventris didn’t bother listen to the last part they said about her father, and told them to leave her room. The royal servant bow to Lady Ventris, and finally left her bedroom. Lady Ventris was finally alone to herself, but only for a moment before the guards come to get her. Part of her wish she could escape this place, and run somewhere far away, but if she does that, her father would send his guards to search all over the different, and they won’t stop until they bring her back. Lady Ventris almost feel like crying, but able to gain control this time, she didn’t want anyone to see her feel weak, but instead strong enough to stand on her own. Lady Ventris walk over to her mirror night stand, where most of her personal things rest at. She remove the fancy necklace they place on her, and put on her favorite necklace with the animal teeth on them. Lady Ventris like this necklace the most, because it remind her the hunt she went on with her father. When she was at her younger teen, she went on a hunting trip with her father, and she was able to hunt down a boar on her own. Her father was so proud of her, that he gave her the very necklace that she wearing today. The necklace was so important to her, that she usually never take it off that much. Course she gotten older over the years, her father want her to stop wearing it that much, and dress more accordingly manor. After she was done looking at the necklace, she look at the ring that she have worn when she was very little. Lady Ventris sort of remember of having this ring as of a gift from someone. The only thing she can remember seeing a female human who help her, but can’t remember beyond that. Lady Ventris trying to remember a little more about female human, but before she got the chance to think further, she felt someone was right behind. Lady Ventris wasn’t sure who it was, but when she look, it was her servant hen Henrietta giving her a big hug. Less paranoid then earlier before, Lady Ventris started was surprised that Henrietta caught her without warning. Henrietta finally free her hug, and speak with Lady Ventris.

Lindsey Henrietta: greeting, your majesty. I hope you’re doing well.

Lady Ventris: I’m doing well, but a little curious of how you was able to catch me off guard like that. Usually no one ever give me a bear hug like that, without me knowing the person was behind me.

Lindsey Henrietta: My apology, your majesty, I didn’t meant to surprise you like that. I thought it would be a nice idea to give you a nice hug, after seeing you feeling sad for a while.

Lady Ventris: I appreciate the hug, Henrietta, but next time warn me if you was going to do something like that.

Lindsey Henrietta: …… Yes, your majesty.

Lady Ventris: … Sigh, I’m sorry Henrietta, I didn’t meant to be rude to you. I’m just having a hard time dealing with this whole thing of becoming a Queen.

Lindsey Henerietta: I understand how you feeling, your majesty, but you be a little excited. In a few hours you’re going to be the Queen of Noire.

Lady Ventris: what there to be excited about. Sure I’m going to be a Queen, but at the same time the title is nothing more than another cage of being stuck here. Once they put that crown on my head, all the freedom I once had, will be nothing more but a memory.

Lindsey look Lady Ventris that she was feeling sad again, and knew what she had to do something to cheer her up again. Instead of giving her another surprise hug, she try to give her mistress an advice that should change her mood.

Lindsey Henerietta: your, majesty, is it possible I tell you something important?

Lady Ventris: I don’t see why not, what you want to tell me.

Lindsey Henerietta: when I was little, I had two older cousin name Mealong, and Zuki. Both of them are different species, but they still are sisters till the end. I use to visit them a lot at the nearby village, and play games with them. Mealong being a griffon she is, like to play rough, but Zuki is a gentle bird, and prefer to play safely. Both of them argue about the game they want to play, but when they done, they were able to find a solution to play a simple game we all can play.

Lady Ventris: that an interesting story, Henerietta, but what that got to do with me becoming a Queen?

Lindsey Henerietta: you are rough around the edges like my cousin Mealong, but gentle and kind like her sister Zuki. You feel like you’re living in two world, but in time you will bring those worlds to become one.

Lady Ventris think for a moment of what Henerietta said to her. At first she didn’t understand it, but finally relies that it made a lot of sense to her. She always felt she was living in two worlds, but thanks to Henerietta, she finally found the answer she needed. Lady Ventris walk up to her, and gave Henerietta a hug, thanking her for the kind words.

Lady Ventris: thank you, Henerietta, thank you for the great advice. I truly needed that.

Lindsey Henerietta: *she blush* no problem at all, your majesty, anything this servant to help you.

Lady Ventris: no, Henerietta, your more than a servant to me *she kiss her on the forehead* your someone that I truly like the most.

Lindsey Henerietta started to feel blush from Lady Ventris words, and her face was all red. She cover her face feeling embarrass, wasn’t sure what to say to her. Before Lady Ventris said another word to her, she felt someone was watching them, and look to see who it was. Standing by the bedroom door, she notice General Abrat was watching her the whole entire time. Lady Ventris would have snarl at him for being a pervert, but General is the only Gnoll that she trust the most. Lady Ventris step away from Henerietta for a moment, trying not to make a scene. General made a disappointed grunt, hoping he might see a little more action.

General Abrat: aww, I was so close to see some good action.

Lady Ventris: seeing me kissing her on the forhead is as far you going to get, General Abrat.

General Abrat: are you sure about that. Cause I do remember one time that you was in heat, and been hearing you from your bedroom, enjoying yourself.

Lady Ventris: *she blush* what is it that you want, Abrat?

General Abrat: *he laugh* straight to the point as always. I came here to escort you to the royal throne room.

Lady Ventris: really! I though my father guards was going to do that?

General Abrat: in the beginning he was, but he figure to change it around, and have me do it instead. At least this way you won’t feel like being escorted as a prisoner.

Lady Ventris: …. Sigh, becoming Queen is already going to be a prison for me. Are you sure that father can’t change his mind from having me as a Queen. Both my brothers are qualified for the job, much better than I would.

General Abrat: I know you don’t like the whole thing, but your father pick you as the Queen of Noir for a good reason. The people trust you more than ever, and with the new allies we made today, we might bring the kingdom back on top.

Lady Ventris: ……. I know, but still.

General Abrat: *he walk by Lady Ventris* listen, your majesty. I remember you when was a little girl. Your father always see you more than just a Princess. He see you as a mighty warrior, just like him, and he know that you will be a great ruler than he ever was.

Lady Ventris always accepted General Abrat advice, he been by his side from childhood, and always help her in things that was difficult by herself. Lady Ventris look back at him to say thanks, but stood quite when she saw another figure by the door, that disgust her deeply. By her bedroom, stood her father King Darious. Henrietta saw the king from a distance, and bow down to him from the floor. General Abrat stood aside, and bow to the king. Lady Ventris was upset that her father was in her room, and wish that he go away. King Darious approach in front of his daughter, and see if he can talk to her. But instead Lady Ventris turned her back on him, and not say a word to him.

King Darious: Sigh, is this any way you show respect towards your own father.

Lady Ventris: not really, but I do recall that my own father is nothing more, but a total jerk. What brought you here to my personal space anyway?

King Darious: I came here with General Abrat to escort you the throne room. I know it tradition for the formal king to wait at the throne room, but I couldn’t help myself to see my daughter in person.

Lady Ventris: hemp, the only thing you care to see is that I’m all dress up like a doll.

King Darious: now hold on a second, Ventris. You know it not like that.

Lady Ventris: *she turn around to face her father* then what is it father. You already have me stuck in a dress, you already have me take baths all the time. Now you going to make me a Queen that I will never be free.

King Darious: Ventirs, those things you’re going through, are for your own good.

Lady Ventris: no it not, father. I never want any of this, all I wanted to do things my way, but instead you betray me, and never bother listen to

Lady Ventris was cut halfway when her father slap her on the face. Everyone was stun of what the king did, especially General Abrat to see his King slapping his own daughter. Lady Ventris place her hand on her face, feeling the pain from her father slap. She knew her father would never harm her in anyway, but this was the first time in her life he ever done it. King Darious was upset, but the same time mad at himself for harming his own daughter. He walk up to her daughter, and gave her a hug, apology for what he done.

King Darious: Ventris, I’m sorry that I slap you like that. You know I would never harm you that way, but I need you to listen to me for once.

Lady Ventris: …..

King Darious: since the day you was born, I knew you was going to be special, so special that I want everything perfect for you. When you was growing up, you was becoming more a rough girl, then an average princess that drink tea all day. But I made a promise to myself, and your mother that I will make sure that you are protected from danger.

Lady Ventris: *she freed herself from her father graphs* my mother, what my mother had to do with this?

King Darious was about to explain more, but was interrupted by General Abrat, letting him know that they need to go. King Darious wish he had more time to explain, but he know that they need to get going, before people started to notice. King Darious look at his daughter once more, instead of saying another word to her, all he did was give her a hug, to apology for slapping her. Lady Ventris should have slap her father back, but something was bothering her of what her father said about her mother. She see her father walking off to the bedroom door, and waited for them by the hallway. General Abrat check up on Lady Ventris, to see if she was alright.

General Abrat: are you feeling alright, Ventris. You look stun after your father slap you on the face.

Lady Ventris: I was for a moment, but instead of being mad at father for what he did, for some strange reason I’m questioning about what my father said about my mother.

General Abrat: why you feel questioning about that?

Lady Ventris: I don’t know, but one thing for sure, after I become Queen, father and I going to have a long talk.

General Abrat: fare enough, your majesty. Do you want me to escort you to the door?

Lady Ventris: no need, I will you meet you, and father in a moment. There something important I need to tell my servant.

General Abrat: as you wish, just don’t take too long.

Lady Ventris understood what he said, and walk back to where to Lindsey Henerietta was standing. Lady Ventris waited for General Abrat to leave her room, which was the perfect opportunity to tell her something only her need to know. Henerietta on the other hand, had her hand touching Lady Ventris, and apology for not stopping her father from harming her.

Lindsey Henerietta: your majesty, I’m so sorry I didn’t come by your side, and stop your father from harming. I’m the worst servant you ever have.

Lady Ventris: no you’re not, Henerietta. Your one of the best thing that came in my life, even though we only known each other for a little while.

Lindsey Henerietta: but still

Lady Ventris: listen to me, Henerietta *she held Henerietta hand* father slapping me isn’t one of the worst pain I ever had in my life. He already hurt me, when he betray my trust. I already despise him, since that night, and the only thing I care about right now, is you.

Lindsey Henerietta: what do you mean?

Lady Ventris: After the ceremony is done, you and I are going to run away from this place.

Lindsey Henerietta: what! But what about helping this kingdom, and try to be a good Queen?

Lady Ventris: my father have my two brothers, even I know one of them will do a better job than me. I know what you’re going to say Henerietta, but I already though about this since our night together.

Lindsey Henerietta: I see, but are you certain about this choice, your majesty?

Lady Ventris: *she smile at Henerietta, and then gave her a kiss on the lips* more certain of my love towards you.

Henerietta face was all blush of what Lady Ventris said to her. She gave Lady Ventris a hug, and kiss her on the cheek, letting her know that she love her the same way. Once they were done their conversation, Lady Ventris finally step out from her room. She fallow both General Abrat, and her father, which both of them lead her to the royal throne room. Lady Ventris didn’t bother to say a word to them, All she really care about is end this ceremony soon, and run away with Henerietta. While they continue walking down the hallway, King Darious look at his daughter to see if she was doing alright. He know that Lady Ventris isn’t looking at him, since she was still mad for what he done. King Darious wanted to tell something important, but he was caught off guard when General Abrat tap him on the shoulder, letting him know that something wasn’t right. Everyone stop walking for a moment, and notice that a few guards were standing in the way of the hallway. King Darious approach the guards, and ask them why they are standing in their path.

King Darious: you there, why are you standing in the way?

Guards: we apology your highness, but we had orders to keep anyone from entering the royal Throne Room.

King Darious: what are you talking about? You gave you that kind of order.

Prince Philip: that would be me, father.

King Darious, and the others look, and notice that Prince Phillip was standing at the other hallway, with a few guards that were arm with weapons, and ropes to capture a prisoners. Lady Ventris was surprise to see his brother being here, and wondering of what he is doing. General Abrat stood in front of Lady Ventris, protecting her from any danger. King Darious talk to Phillip, and ask him of what he doing.

King Darious: Philip, what the meaning of all this. Why you have the guards blocking our way to the Throne Room

Prince Philip: oh that simple really, father. I’m just doing my best to keep someone out from gaining the crown, the very crown you happily gave up to someone that doesn’t deserve it.

Lady Vestris: what do you mean I don’t deserve it, Phillip?

Prince Philip: that right, dear sister. I’m the one was meant to rule the kingdom of Noir, not you.

King Darious: Philip, I know you’re upset about the choice I made, but your sister is the right choice to help save this kingdom from their selves.

Prince Philip: *he laugh* oh please father. Our kingdom have been doing well without any help from anyone else. Ever since she made allies with the other kingdom, people already started questioning about us. Asking why we asking help, instead of conquering it.

General Abrat: you know that our kingdom isn’t in the right shape to conquer any other kingdom anymore. Sure most of our soldiers are urging for battle, but we need to be peaceful, then war.

Prince Philip: I’m sorry General Abrat, but not all our men agreed the same way. They were born to fight, and if I let my sister become Queen, and change everything. Our men will try to betray us all.

Lady Ventris wanted to talk to her brother to make some sense, but she was pull by one of the guards that gotten close behind. General Abrat try to pull his sword to help protect the Princess, but one of the other guards held him back as well. King Darious see that both his daughter, and his General are being held captive against their will. King Darious look at his son, and beg him to let them go.

King Darious: Philip, stop this nonsense at once, and let them go.

Prince Philip: I’m sorry father, usually I would do what you say, but since you’re not the king anymore, I won’t do a darn thing.

King Darious: I’m more than just your king, Philip, I am you.

Before he got a chance to finish his sentence, Prince Philip pull out a sword and stab his father in the chest, stopping him from saying another word. Lady Ventris was shocked to see what her brother did to their father. Part of he want to scream, but tears started fill her eyes. Prince Philip pull the sword out from his father chest, then King Darious fell on the floor by his side. Lady Ventris try to break free from the guards clutches, and when she finally break free, Lady Ventris would have face her face to punch his face, but instead run towards her father lifeless body. Lady Ventris scream her father name, begging him to come back to her. No matter how much she yell his name, or shake his body, she know that her father was gone. More tears was coming out from her eyes, that the very person who treated her like a Princess Doll was finally gone. Even though she had personally hatred toward him, but deep down she love her father very much. Lady Ventris place her head on her father chest, crying her tears away. Prince Philip stood a few feet from where his sister is, apologizing for their father death.

Prince Philip: my apology dear sister. I never wanted to kill father, but he left me no other choice.

Lady Ventris: *she stop crying for a moment, and then clear her eyes* left you no other choice, you have any idea what you done, brother. You murder our father, the very person that care about us.

Prince Philip: I know that, but why would you care anyway. Father always been treating you like a total Princess, a personal doll for his own amusement.

Lady Ventris: it true what you said, father always treated me nothing more than a doll, but before he ever done those things, he always been a good father.

Prince Philip: ……… Sigh, he sure was, but at least for now, he won’t be a bother anymore.

Lady Ventris: you know you can’t get away with this, Philip. Once people find out what you did.

Prince Philip: oh on the contrary dear sister. No one going to know that I murder *he held up the sword* especially when the murder weapon was yours.

Lady Ventris was shock to see that Prince Philip was holding her sword. She remember that her father servant took her sword away when they were giving her a bath. Her brother must have took the sword, and use it for his personal plan. Prince Philip toss his sister sword to her, and told her that he was thankful for barrowing her weapon.

Prince Philip: have to say sis, you always been a great older sister to help me murder father.

Lady Ventris: you little jerk. You going to make people think I murder our own father.

Prince Philip: and why not, it the perfect plan really. The Princess have an argument with her father, she doesn’t want to talk to him for weeks, and finally find the perfect opportunity to murder him by your own sword. Even though you haven’t really done anything, but blaming you for father death will be worth it.

Lady Ventris: your completely mad brother.

Prince Philip: I know dear sister *he snap his finger to summon the guards* and that why I’m enjoying it.

Lady Ventris wasn’t sure what the guards going to do next, but she figure she try to run for it. Before she could make any movement, Lady Ventris try to fight off some of the guards that try to capture her again. Some of them rip her dress to bring her down, but she kept on going to finally the other side of the hallway. But all her effort was in vain, when she saw her other younger brother standing in front of her. Lady Ventris couldn’t believe that both of her brothers are betraying her, just to gain some royal throne that she barely wanted. Lady Ventris wanted to tell her Prince Harry to let her pass, but instead knock her out on the head, which she fall to the ground. Lady Ventris try to get up, but soon you know it, she was out cold.

To be continue next Chapter