How To Love Your Archnemesis [Romance/Drama/Fantasy - Completed]

The grand council room had looked exactly the same as Naomi remembered during her first participation years before; the same towering stained glass windows casting fractured rainbows across the same mahogany table, the constellations marked on the ceiling gleaming brighter than ever. She could even recall the feeling of smugness when she had told off the Marquis as she strode to her newly anointed seat. She sat, poised and silent, as the room began to fill.

Naomi could instantly feel the presence of which Cassien emitted the moment he stepped into the room, and it took everything in her not to look at him. Her lips tingled at the thought of him - but the two had agreed it would be best to keep things under low profile, at least for now.

Their relationship was too fresh, too new. Judgement would absolutely be rendered from everyone around them, and for good reason. Naomi didn't want to admit it, but no matter how pulled they felt towards one another - they didn't know each other, not really. With time, they could hope for more - but for now, patience was their greatest ally.

She could feel his eyes burning through her as he sat across from her. It was harrowing how different everything became in a few short years, not to mention every decision she made from this point on would be at her discretion - the grand legacy of the Rosenthorns' was completely at her mercy.

Prince Aryn and Princess Seraphine rose at the head of the table, the twins looking like haloed angels with the bask of the sun bursting behind them. The throne of the late King had been replaced with two equally grand seats side-by-side, and both stood with equal grace and dignity. The assembled nobles and their accompanied audience fell into immediate silence, their postures straightening as if pulled by invisible strings.

Prince Aryn began first.

"Esteemed guests, on behalf of the nation, Princess Seraphine and myself, I thank you for assembling for the one hundred twenty-sixth Accord. The tragedy our kingdom has suffered will never be forgotten, but our actions in the coming times will allow us to bind the fractured land one more. Because of this, my dearest sister and I will continue to rule the nation jointly until further notice."

"Before we begin, we would like to informally recognize three new titles: Duchess Naomi Rosenthorn of Southern Monroe. Duke Cassien Rivain of the Northern Territories. And Marquis Henric Seldaryn of Southern Monroe, under the rule of the newly anointed duchess."

"May your leadership and grace guide your people into a golden era," Princess Seraphine added faintly.

A round of acknowledgement was made as the three stood, bowing. Naomi hid a broad smile as her eyes met Cassien's, a glimmer of mischief in his expression; she turned away quickly before anyone noticed. She assessed her new Marquis - Hendric Seldaryn - a blond haired boy who barely reached Naomi's shoulders, his shoulders carrying far too much pressure for his young age. But despite the amount of authority figures in the room, his gaze was unfazed and ready. With announcements and several more formal lines spoken, the council officially roared into session with rapid-fire discussion; three years of silence had culminated to this point, and everyone had a piece to both say and listen. Even Naomi found herself objecting and debating with as much assertion as possible; for all the awful ways her mother made her feel, it was bittersweet that it prepared her so well.

The chamber crackled with energy as the council table quickly accumulated with scrolls and charts, the sky outside bursting with orange, signaling the early evening. Prince Aryn waved his hand to quiet the audience before addressing the next order of business. Naomi resisted the need to rub her tired eyes.

"Now, there is a record of twenty-four pri-"

His voice was cut off by the sound of a bellowing horn in a low, long pull. Then - five quick successions, rolling through the castle like distant thunder. The Prince and Princess exchanged a quick glance before they stood from their seats as uneasy murmurs and uneasy glances exchanged throughout the room, thoroughly awakened from their fatigue. Naomi's eyes shot to Cassien's - her utter look of confusion meeting his guarded expression, brows furrowed as he also stood. He was no stranger to warning calls.

Aryn raised his hand, voice steady but urgent: "Please, remain calm. The-"

A royal messenger burst through the double doors at that exact moment, eyes wide as he scurried to the Imperial twins. He bowed low to both siblings, then leaned forward to whisper in between their ears. Seraphine's eyes darkened as Aryn's expression twisted into uncharacteristic coldness. Princess Seraphine left the room with the messenger as the silver-haired prince squared his shoulders, addressing the room.

"An unidentified fleet of ships has been spotted along the eastern horizon, with no response to our signal horns. As a precaution, all persons in Tudor are instructed to remain in their rooms until further notice," Prince Aryn declared.

As a crowd of nobles burst from their seats with a million words on their lips, the prince held up his hand in a silencing motion. "A patrol vessel launched immediately to investigate and - if necessary - intercept."

As if on cue, knights in polished plate and cloaked tabards of their land's insignia strode through the doors, sweeping the room for their liege. Ser Finneus was among them - along with Cressida who squeaked by like a mouse at his side - broad-shouldered and armor gleaming with Monroe's official symbol. Without hesitation, he stepped beside Naomi, sweeping her hand in a firm grip and guiding her back toward the exit.

"Your Grace," he instructed, voice low and unwavering, "this way, please."

Her head swiveled back, eyes scanning the rushing room for Cassien. She tugged back in a slight protest. "Wait, I need to-"

"We cannot delay. An unresponsive ship has a great potential for danger," he urged, voice calm but insistent.

Naomi's heart hammered as she held her ground, searching. At last, she caught his golden eyes meeting hers just as the rushing crowd swallowed him from her vision. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, finally allowing the knight to lead her through the doors.

Cassien watched Naomi's form disappear into the blur of bodies with a bronze-plated body escorting her. He readied to chase after her just as Prince Aryn's hand touched his shoulder.

"Cassien," Aryn said. An informal title from the usual kindly prince meant serious business. "Please, come with me. I could use your strategy - and your sword - should this threat prove hostile. "

Cassien gave one last glance in Naomi's direction, though she was long swept away before turning back. He nodded as he followed the prince out of the chamber. The halls were fraught with anxiety, people rushing towards their assigned quarters while the outside of the castle rumbled with the march of foot soldiers towards the harbour. Even the city bells began to toll, signalizing for its citizens to remain sheltered until otherwise cleared.

Seraphine approached them rapidly with two royal knights and an advisor stuck behind her. Her usual stoic expression had a semblance of urgency Cassien hadn't seen before. "Brother, three patrol ships have departed to meet it midway. They still haven't responded to our horn, but there has been no hostile action either."

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"Any flags?" Cassien said as they continued through the halls towards a side exit. The remaining light outside gleamed inwards as they approached.

"The watchtower can't make it out, there's not enough light in the sky," Princess Seraphine answered, her dress fluttering in their haste. "The General is waiting at the harbour in case things turn south."

"The watchtower is observing the patrol ships, Your Highness," the advisor, a dark skinned balding man in warm garbs spoke up. "They will know immediately if they are attacked."

"The General dispatched three minor patrol ships to greet several large vessels?" Cassien's words cut through with judgement. "You might as well have signed them for death."

The advisor's face paled as Princess Seraphine interrupted. "No need to think so grimly, Your Grace. As equal a chance that they may be unfriendly, they may simply be in distress as well."

Grey eyes locked with gold, unwavering. Cassien recalled the cryptic warning Seraphine had said to him last night about not trusting everything with only eyes - and he backed off.

"Now is not the time for arguments," Aryn cut in as he signaled to one of the knights. "Secure the armory. Have rangers at the ready and load the cannons - and pray we do not need them. Sera, return to your room."

"No."

"Sera-"

"I will not leave you alone."

Aryn reached out, grabbing his sister's wrist as the three halted. "We don't know what we are facing. I can't risk your safety."

"And the same goes for you," she retorted. "I am the Princess of Calypsa, and I have every right to be there with you."

"I'm not debating your authority, Sera," Aryn said, his voice low and stern. "The kingdom cannot risk losing their Seer. And I cannot lose the last member of my family. Please, do not make me ask again."

"And you think I can?" Seraphine's jaw clenched as she whipped around, beginning her stride once again.

Her hand reached for the handle of the exit; Arya's eyes glowed so brightly that the whole of his eyes appeared white. "Seraphine. Return to your room."

Her movement halted suddenly, hand frozen on the handle. Seraphine's shoulders slumped, her resistance melting from her face as her lashes drifted downward. She blinked once, depression flitting across her expression before it smoothed into compliance. "Yes, brother."

It felt as wrong as it was necessary. He turned to a knight. "Escort her. Do not let her leave. And protect my sister with your life."

Cassien watched as a knight gently swept the staggered princess, carrying her along with the dissipating crowd down the halls, along with the advisor. One knight remained, ready at attention. The two mens' eyes met, and Cassien could see the guilt that twisted beneath his silvery depths.

"Didn't think you could control people's minds," Cassien said warily.

Aryn let out a heavy breath. "I don't." A sudden boom interrupted the men.

Cassien steeled his gaze. "We need to hurry."

The prince could only nod.

**

Naomi could not sit still.

Her fingers twisted the fabric of her dress with anxiety as Cressida brushed her hair back, attempting to soothe her nerves. The maid merely thought she was wracked with fear for the unknown threat, but the truth was she was worried about Cassien.

Not that she didn't think he couldn't handle himself. She knew well he had the ability to turn the tide of a skirmish with a single gesture of frost, but they didn't know yet the severity of the situation. It could be as harmless as a captain who simply fell asleep at the steer, or a fleet of invaders. Regardless - she couldn't help but think she should be at his side. At the very least, two magic-wielders stood a better chance than one, yet she knew she risked more than her own safety - she risked becoming a burden amid the clash of steel. He could not save her from everything, nor should she assume to just because they had kissed once.

But she couldn't just sit here.

Naomi stood abruptly. "Cressida, please remain in the room. That is an order."

"My lady, what-"

Naomi stormed out the room, swinging the doors open as Ser Finneus turned.

"Your Grace, you cannot go out during the alarm."

"I was not asking your permission," she answered, turning away. She felt a grip on her wrist, small and warm.

"My lady, we don't know what is happening out there. The prince has ordered us all to stay back for a reason," Cressida pleaded, her knees trembling. "You could be killed!"

Naomi's expression softened at her friend. "I will be careful."

Finneus planted himself in front of her, his massive stature towering. "I cannot in good conscience allow-"

"Then do not allow me," Naomi's chin tilted up as she invoked every bit of authority in her tone, her eyes never breaking contact. "Obey me. Stand down."

It took every fibre of her being not to tremble at the very action of intimidating her own personal guard, but she held her ground. She held his gaze unwaveringly, long enough to seal her command, as he stepped aside.

"…Very well, but I must escort you. It is my oath to protect the Lady of the House." His words were solemn, bowing his head deeply as warm brown waves swooped against his forehead. The sigil of Monroe on his armor flashed a silent oath.

She nodded quickly before he could change his mind. Naomi turned her head to a terrified Cressida with a silent Stay! mouthed from her lips, as if she were a pup. Naomi rushed down the hall with Finneus before she could respond, racing down the stairs and eventually bursting through an exit.

Naomi panted as she and Ser Finneus raced down the castle hill on foot, struggling to keep up with his athletic strides. Her eyes darted ahead, scanning the city's line before her. Imperial soldiers marched from the castle barracks outwards into the city. Beyond the inner keep, the city of Tudor writhed in muted alarm. Shop shutters clanged down as merchants hurried to bolt doors; families yanked curtains closed, wide eyes of children peering through the cracks of curtained windows.

They crossed the massive stone bridge that connected Calypsa Castle to the outer rings of Tudor itself; a feat she failed years back to attend a simple festival, but now instead charging into a potential battle. Truly, how the tides have turned since. After several minutes at full speed, her lungs were gasping for air, her legs tiring. She felt a sudden cramp in her thigh, staggering her movement as her foot caught against a loose stone. She flailed forwards, a sharp pain ripping through her ankle as she tumbled. Finneus halted, rushing towards her with a concerned look.

"Your Grace! Are you hurt?'

Naomi gritted her teeth, forcing her weight up as her right ankle wobbled, heat flaring in her bones. "I'm fine."

Finneus turned, crouching low and offering his back to her. "Bravado will only make things worse. Please, allow me."

She hesitated before making the split decision to climb atop his back, her face red at the close contact as her legs wrapped around his waist even with the barrier of metal armor between them. Relief flooded her as the weight of her body released from her injured part.

"Please hold on tightly, Your Grace," he murmured as he rose to his full height, bursting forward once more.

He rounded a bend in the road, and spotted a lone horse grazing beside a small stable house, a single thin length of rope tied to a post. He led them towards it, the horse unbothered by their approach.

"Quickly," Finneus instructed as he vaulted onto the mare's back. Without pausing, he reached down and gripped her waist, hosting Naomi onto the saddle before she could object.

She let out a gasp at both the casual contact and audacity, though the knight didn't pay any mind as he snapped the rope in two with ease. "We can't just steal a horse!"

"With all due respect, Your Grace," Finneus said as he lifted the reins, leading the horse forward. "You have already left the bounds of the castle and risk your life with the unknown. And now, you cannot walk. Even I cannot manage carrying the two of us by foot all the way down to the harbours."

She realized the absurdity of her words; she had commanded him to let her go, putting himself at peril by following his loyalty to the House, and already got herself hurt. She was only adding to his burden - a feeling she was well acquainted with.

"Sorry, you're right," she exhaled as she wrapped her arms around his waist, holding tightly, eyes closed. "Let's go. Towards the harbor."

Ser Finneus slapped the reins against the horse's sides, sending into a full gallop as it thundered down the footpaths towards the inner city, leading it to the dockside. In the sunlight, his skin was bronzed and smooth, with the flutter of the pale haired Duchess's dress behind them, the two looked like they came out of a fairytale. They roared past abandoned market stalls stocked full of produce and goods, with children's toys still scattered along the stone paths.

Finneus's voice broke over the rush of the wind. "Your Grace, what is your plan once we reach the docks?"

She hesitated to share her truth. Not everyone would take kindly to the affair of the long-opposed North and South, perhaps seeing it as a betrayal due to the past - but she felt it was silly to admit it was all because of a crush. She thought carefully but quickly before the knight could catch on.

"It would be wrong for me to stay back," she replied. "After all, Calypsa is my nation. As ruler of the South, I have a duty to back the Imperial kingdom whether in battle or as a voice."

He grunted. "The Lords may not be accepting of a woman amidst the fever of conflict." His words were not unkind, but a sad truth of the world.

"Let them behave however they wish," Naomi said firmly, her eyes glowing faintly with radiant magic. "I know my strengths."