Cassian

Twenty Years Ago

"Cassian watch me, watch me!" Aurora screams at me from across the fields. I smile nodding my head, watching as she jumps from the small cliff into the water below. The splash is small, but she is instantly above the water swimming and giggling, having the best time of her life.

The palace is peaceful today. My mother and father are busy getting things ready for the banquet tonight as well as the arrival of the other kings and their families. Though my father is the high king, they still rule their own lands and provinces. And one day his rule will be passed on to me.

I look to the castle behind me. It's truly one of the most magnificent castles ever created. Aurora screams behind me and I immediately turn to see her staring at a frog with a huge smile on her face. I can't help but smile at her curiosity. She has black hair like our fathers and I, and the very thing that distinguishes her as a dragonborn. Her eyes. Black and red.

My sister is younger than me by ten years. She came as an accident but she has been the prize of our lives ever since. From the moment she was born she has been stuck by my side. And will always do everything in my power to protect her and set a good example for her. I know that she admires me. It's the least I can do as her brother.

I look up to see the leader of my father's guard coming towards me. He has a serious expression on his face, which can never be good.

"My Prince, your father wishes to see you. He says it is urgent," he says. I nod my head looking over to where Aurora is. I walk over to her, kneeling on her level. She has managed to capture the poor frog and is now talking to him. I can't fight the smile that appears on my face.

"Aurora," I call out her name as I grow near. She looks to me smiling as she holds the frog to my face.

"I'm going to call him, Tony!" She shouts. I raise my brow in question.

"That's quite an unusual name," I say. She makes a face looking at the frog before shrugging.

"Well he's an unusual creature," she says. I laugh, looking over to where my father's guard is.

"Father has summoned me. Torren is going to escort you back to the grounds when you are done playing out here," I say. She nods her head in understanding with a large smile on her face revealing both of her dimples but her attention is captured by Tony. She looks back at him as I gently ruffle the top of her hair before walking away.

"So good of you to join us, Cassian," my father says as I enter the war room.

I look around to see men that I have grown up around my whole life and their offspring. My gaze narrows when I see Xavien. He's always been a troublemaker, keen on blaming me when he gets caught. I even see Hynden next to her father. She gives me a small smile as I pass by, bowing ever so slightly. Hynden and I have always shared a bond of sorts. She is as fierce as any man in this room. Her father never had sons, but he made sure to train his daughter like one. She will be a formidable queen one day.

I move to my father's side, acknowledging the room.

"Greetings," I say. They all bow to me and take their seats. Whatever this is, it must be serious for all of the surrounding kings to not only arrive in person but bring their heirs as well. My father is the first to speak.

"We have received word that there is tension rising in the flat lands," he says. I keep my face blank, but this is news to me. The flat lands are the lands below. The kingdom of the dragonborn have always been high in the sky, floating lands that are unreachable by those who are not one of us.

"The last mortal I appointed to rule in my stead has been killed and since, the humans are beginning to spiral out of control. Seeking help from the Ikniri for what I fear may be retaliation against us."

"The Ikniri? But they are no longer a threat. It's a part of their terms," someone says across the room.

The Ikniri are our natural enemies. Long ago they sought to rule mortals, and tried to take the rule from us, the dragonborn. Though the war was long and the battle bloody, the Ikniri ultimately surrendered, and as a term of surrender were forced by my father to be aids to the mortal race. A way to curve their ways and settle their debts. These events transpired long before I was born.

But the legend still lives on. The Ikniri are a savage race that need to be mediated by a higher source or they will spiral out of control.

"Do you really think that just because there are terms they aren't still bitter about their loss of power? We took their land and freedom from them," someone else says.

I look to my father as he patiently lets everyone get their say in. This is why he is the high king. The king of kings. He knows how to let people feel heard. He finally holds up his hand, silencing the room.

"I have already dispatched a spy. I will know soon if the Ikniri are truly up to something. Meanwhile, I would like for all of you to be very careful when traveling to and from. We all know personally what they are capable of," he says.

"Why? Why wait for the Ikniri to strike? Why not cut them down now, and make sure that they will never even think of rising again? We've been complacent for too long. We need to show the mortals, and the Ikniri who we are and why they are right to fear us!" A few cries of agreement go up in the air, but my father shakes his head.

"Fear? Is that what we want from them? Fear turns to misunderstanding which turns to hatred. Then, we will have nothing but chaos, and will have to wipe out the indigenous for the sake of peace. Our name will no longer be linked with pride and compassion. We will become monsters in the history books. Is that what you want for the future of our people?" he asks. Hynden's father shakes his head.

"I for one enjoy the peace and love that the mortals give us. I don't think acting on suspicion is enough to kill off a mass group of the Ikniri. Let's not forget they are a very rare group of individuals. Wiping them out would not be wise," he says. Some murmurs of agreement go up, and my father nods his head.

"Thank you," he says. He looks around the room.

"Are there any other thoughts? Any actions you think should be taken?" he asks. The room stays silent. My father then stands.

"Then this assembly is over," he says.

"I trust I will see you all at the banquet," he says. Everyone slowly files out of the room. I take note that Hynden hesitates in leaving, but when her father pulls on her she finally exits the chamber.

"Nothing to say, Cassian?" My father pulls me out of my thoughts.

"Sir?" I ask turning to him. He slowly stands up, making his way down from the throne.

"You don't have an input on the matter?" he asks. I look down, shaking my head. He chuckles slightly at me, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"My son. One day, my throne will be yours. My kingdom will be yours. And I cannot council you if you don't give me your thoughts from time to time. A good leader always hears out his people. Especially his blood," he says.

"If the king you appointed of the mortals has been killed, isn't that an outright form of rebellion? Why not go down there now and strike back before it gets out of hand?" I ask. He smiles.

"Humans are all about power. It's how they give their lives meaning. So, from time to time they will do whatever it takes to claim that power. And, if that means betraying their king to do so it will happen. I can't force them down a path that they are destined to stray from. I can only guide them and let them decide. I can't force them against their nature. It will ultimately destroy them. Do you understand that, son?"

I nod my head, but I still don't like the way he thinks. Peace has made him too comfortable. He's too trusting in mortals and the Ikniri. I may have never experienced the war, but I heard the legends. I've read the stories about them. They are dangerous. The only way for them to be in check is to set up rules for them that they are forced to follow. Not a guideline for them to even their scales.

"I know it is a long way off, but how would you feel about a political marriage?" he asks. I look at him in shock.

"Have you spoken with Hynden's father about this?" I ask. My father's smile drops as he studies me before releasing a sigh.

"I wasn't referring to Hynden."

He watches me a moment longer before finally smiling, not giving me a chance to respond.

"Forget I said anything. Come. We must get ready. This is a time of celebration! Enough war talk."

"I can finish that."

I look up when I hear the new voice to see Hynden in the doorway of my bedroom. The servants all bow their heads slightly before standing to leave the room. Hynden smiles as she walks towards me, grabbing the loose fabric between her fingers and begins fastening my robes for the banquet.

"My father believes that we shouldn't interfere with the mortals. I think we should step in. We all know they aren't the type to govern themselves correctly," she says. I laugh softly.

"That's very true. If it were up to me, fear would be the only solution. The lives of my people are more important than the adoration of such weak mortals that base their systems on power," I say. My opinion has never been popular with my father. He believes that human life matters.

"Well, it's not much longer until you become king. Why not implement that when it's your time?" she asks. I shake my head.

"My father's way of ruling has kept peace among the kingdoms for centuries. I see no reason in changing what has worked for the people of all races," I say.

"Besides. I am still young. My way of thinking may change in a few years. I could be biased," I say. She smiles finishing up with my clothing.

"You sound like a king already," she says. She slowly reaches up, placing her hand against my cheek. I place my hand over hers smiling softly at her. Her dark gaze stares into mine with all the adoration in the world.

"I will gladly follow you anywhere," she whispers. I can see her pupil dilate as she says those words and I know she means it. Her heart is mine. The firelight is casting a warm glow against her soft flesh, and I take in the dress that she's wearing. The neckline dips low.

I look at her lips, and she parts them slightly. I find myself leaning down, inches from her face.

"Cassian!" We both jump as Aurora appears in the doorway. Hynden immediately steps away from me clearing her throat, but I don't miss the red blush crawling up her neck. I laugh to myself looking at Aurora while mustering all the patience I can.

"Yes?" I ask.

"The banquet is about to begin, and father told me to come and get you so that we can enter together," she says.

As she speaks 2her eyes fall on Hynden behind me, and I don't miss the look of disdain on her features as she takes her in. She doesn't like women taking my attention. That's a fact she's always let be known.

I turn back to Hynden, giving her an apologetic look.

"I will see you at the banquet," I say. She smiles, but her face is still red.

"Yes, your highness," she says. I can't get another word out as Aurora drags me down the hall.

The banquet tonight is for the celebration of peace. The ending of the war to rival all wars. It's a banquet that has been held for years and is the height of our society. I keep my sister's hand in mine as we are announced to the hall of guests as the prince and princess.

The crowd erupts in a frenzy of excitement, clapping and screaming as we walk in. I look across the room to our parents who sit on their throne, smiling at us in pride. Their legacy. All of this that is even possible because of my father. Who he is, and what he did.

My earlier thoughts are a thing of the past as I look around and see all of the people that have been united and brought peace and happiness because of his decisions and sacrifices. The life we all live because he made things possible. I can only hope that I can rule as well as him some day.

The night continues on and I stay by Aurora's side. Mostly because she won't let me leave to do anything else but I don't mind. This is the first time she's been allowed to attend. I'm happy that she is enjoying herself. I do see Hynden across the room watching us with a smile on her face. I can only shrug at her with a playful smile. And she nods her head in understanding.

I thought my life was fine before I had a sister, but after she was born, my life has never been the same. I smile pulling her atop my feet as we dance around the large hall. I see the joy in her eyes and know that I am doing things right.

As the night gets later and later, Aurora grows tired and I make my way to my parents with her in my arms.

"I'm going to put her to bed," I say. My mother nods her head at me, standing and rubbing Aurora's hair as she places a soft kiss on her forehead. She stirs but doesn't wake. My father does the same and places his hand on my shoulder.

"There's something important I want to speak to you about when you come back," he says. I nod my head, feeling my heart race at the news. I make my way to where Hynden stands, trying to mask my excitement.

"I'm going to put Aurora to sleep, then I'm yours for the rest of the night," I say. She smiles at me, placing a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Hurry back," she says.

I leave the banquet hall, walking through the quiet hallways and up the winding stairs that leads to Aurora's chambers. Her chambermaid is waiting to take her from my arms but I wave her off. I want to put her to sleep myself.

I walk into her room, removing her shoes before laying her under the blankets. She stirs slightly, rolling over. I smooth her hair back and lean in to her placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

I walk out of her room, passing the chamber maid.

"She's asleep," I say.

She bows to me but I keep walking making my way back to the banquet halls. On my way back, I take note that the halls are unnaturally silent. I look around in confusion trying to find a guard, but see none.

Something isn't right. I move my feet faster, trying to get to the banquet hall.

"Cassian, get down!" I look to my left to see Caius sprinting towards me with a panicked expression. In an instant, I feel a chill as someone attacks me from directly behind. I dodge just in time and that's when I see it. The unmistakable blade made from ice and the power that runs through their veins.

Caius appears right next to me the instant I duck, swinging his sword to make contact with the intruder, slicing open his throat. He collapses in a heap, choking on his own blood. I look down at the now dying Ikniri, my mind running at what this means. I sprint towards the banquet hall and I take note that Caius is shouting behind me, but I can't decipher what he's saying. Not when I am so panicked.

I arrive to the banquet hall to see the doors closed and sealed by a massive walls of ice. I place my hands against them, pulling back in pain when my flesh is burned from the contact. My eyes widen in panic as I take in the sound on the other side.

Screams.

I force flames from my hands and use all the force I can to burn the ice away from the door. But this is no ordinary ice. It's infused. Which means the Ikniri did this. The screams grow more agonizing as the seconds pass by, and I let out a cry forcing everything I can, emitting a large flame from my palms. The doors are taking too long to thaw, and the cries are becoming less and less.

I hear a fight behind me as well and when I look, I see Caius fighting off more Ikniri.

"Don't stop!" he shouts at me. "I've got your back!"

I turn back to the doors, putting all my strength and might into getting them open. Because with each passing second, the screams are weakening as another person is slaughtered. I can hear the loud roar that vibrates the halls, which can only mean that my father has shifted.

My father, my mother, Hynden, and every king and queen and dragonborn are behind these doors being slaughtered. My eyes are burning as tears fall down my face at the fact that I can't remove the ice fast enough. I hear Caius screaming in pain behind me, but I can't turn around. I can't be distracted.

I've finally breached the doors, and don't care how much strength I am losing. The door finally bursts into flames, and I don't waste time entering the hall.

The sight before me is horrendous. There is blood and bodies everywhere. And a mass of Ikniri. Enough for a war. I see kings that have already transformed and have been slaughtered in their dragon form. And when I look to the throne, I see my mother's bloodied gown, and her lifeless eyes staring at the ceiling.

I look at the exact moment that ten Ikniri are on my father and in one fell swoop sever his head from his body. My world stops, and I can feel my muscles tightening as they heat and stretch, my skin beginning to transform as I let the rage overtake me.

Death. They're all dead. Every single Ikniri that dared step into this room. My body is in so much pain, and I will myself to transform back to my humanoid form. My skin is drenched in blood and as I look around, I take note that there are too many dead. Too many. My eyes shift to my parent's and I immediately remember Aurora. On the other side of the castle.

I sprint out of the banquet room, feeling my heart in my throat.

Please let her be ok. Please let her be alive.

The castle has never seemed so big than in this moment as I cross it to find my little sister. I look around the halls, and they're empty. I finally reach her room. The door is closed. I feel a slight sense of relief. The door is closed. No one has been here.

I burst through the doors, and my heart stops. There is a man. An Ikniri. He's seconds from jumping out the window. He turns his head and looks me in the eyes. Those cold, blue, dead eyes. He jumps. I hear a sob, and look down, and my heart shatters.

Aurora has her eyes squeezed tight in pain. Her hand is clutching the sheets, and the other is over a wound. I can see the blood pouring from it, soaking the bed.

"No no no..." I murmur. My legs give out, as I lean over her body. Tears well up in my vision, spilling over. Her eyes open, and she's staring at the ceiling, before they fall on me.

"C..Cassian?" Her voice is so weak. It's a whisper. I reach out with shaky hands, pushing her hair from her face.

"I'm here," I say. I can hear her heart. It's growing weaker by the second.

"I think I'm dying," she manages. I can't help the sob that rips from my throat.

"You're going to be ok. You're not going to die," I say. My voice is shaky as I grab her hand. Her grip is so weak, her skin growing cold. I hear footsteps behind me, but don't pay attention to it.

"Please..." I sob. "Don't leave me here alone, Aurora," I say. Her gaze lifts.

"Cassian? Why aren't you saying anything?" she says.

"Aurora? Aurora!" I shout.

"Cassian... where are you? I can't see you..." Her gaze is flying over the room, but not focusing on anything. She takes a heaving breath, and I hear her heart stop. I feel weak. Like I can't move. I throw my head back, letting out a cry of agony and pain.

I don't know how long I stay over her lifeless body.