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rieindiegames · 1 year

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Profanation - Ellina Kaimana Short Story, Patron Teaser

The story provides readers a glance into the life of Ellina Kaimana and Callus Kaimana during their youth long before Callus became the current emperor and Ellina went missing. This includes spoilers regarding the protagonist’s parents and the nature of Xenia Kaimana in regards to her children.

~~~~~ “Today’s a joyous day, Ellina, yet your complexion suggests otherwise,” my mother comments. I stand with her on the grand steps of the imperial palace, awaiting the return of the delegation. The royal army departed four months ago on an expedition to quell the brewing rebellion in the Eastern Kaimanian region. Three of four eastern noble houses united against the empire in a futile effort at independence. The grim reality of their defeat contrasts with the exuberant celebration before me. Those in the grand parade are a swath of elation and vibrant colour. Guards swirl rods with the blue and white of the Kaimanian flag. Squares of coloured paper rain from the sky from those firing off poppers. Musicians fervently play the imperial anthem. Bursts of percussion, woodwind, and brass blare so loudly that not a single household in this capital could ignore it. It’s a beautiful celebration, but knowing its underlying significance, I can’t help but feel dour. My brother returns today. That knowledge has my stomach twisting up like snakes do to prey. “I’m well, Mother,” I lie before snapping open my hand fan. “It’s simply too hot.”

“Glory to the Kaimanian empire!” A citizen shouts. “Cheers to the crown prince!” Another voice follows. “Congratulations, Your Highness!” The cheers blur together after that. I stop listening.

A man in dark, battle-worn armour leads the procession atop a black horse. The closer he gets, the louder the cheers are, and the worse my stomach knots. When he reigns his horse in and dismounts, the soldiers behind him follow suit. It’s a unanimous, startlingly synchronized affair. The army reveres him realms more than his previous expedition with them. I wonder how he treats them on the battlefield that they return with such undying loyalty. My brother tugs off his helmet and hands it to the awaiting attendant as he climbs the stairs. I thought the ceremony was loud before, but some fervour takes the crowd when sunlight brightens Callus’s features. His platinum hair draws my eye, shining like a vault full of jewels, although mine is the same colour. As usual, his long strides take him towards our mother, where he kneels and accepts her hand for its customary kiss.

“The blood and flesh of the Kaimanian Empire,” he begins, “greets the esteemed Blessing of the Realm.” Our mother squeezes his hand. “The goddess has blessed me today as you’ve returned.” “Safe and victorious.” “You are in one piece. That is the victory that’s blessed my troubled heart. Welcome home, my dear son.” Callus smiles as he stands. The crowd erupts. They’re dazzled, and understandably so. It’s a rare event for Callus to smile genuinely, but every time he’s done it, it’s been in Xenia’s proximity. He’s this empire’s flesh and blood. Its sun that gives and takes. “I’m proud to be home, Mother.” She draws him close and kisses his forehead. An affectionate gesture that he leans down for. He surpassed Mother’s height last year by a whole head. While he’s uninjured, she still overlooks him. “You lost too much weight while you were away. Must you join the soldiers every time?” “I would not follow a leader issuing orders from the safety of his fortress. As such, I go with them as a matter of principle.” “But you could send your mother more than two letters a month.” “Yes,” he laughs. “I will next time. I’m training a new bird for that sole purpose.” “And what are these thin cheeks? This empire doesn’t prosper so you can starve.” “Yes Mother,” he grins and gazes upon her as if he's been blessed by endless fortune. I step forward during that lull in their conversation. “Welcome home, Brother,” I offer before a routine curtsy. Callus’s soft gaze turns stony upon seeing me. The smile vanishes, replaced by a thin, unemotional line. Well, pleased to be in your company again too. “Ellina.” He faces our mother and eases off a necklace hidden under his armour. It’s a silken pouch with a sealed wooden chest of herbs. “I brought this tea back for you. They call the blend sunrise cordial, as it’s made with the seasonal solis flowers that bloom during the short period where the sun rises.” “As lovely as this gift is, your greetings for your sister were too short, Callus.” “I missed you both.” Callus’s platitude doesn’t work on our mother judging by her deep frown. So, when he turns, he approaches me. “Have you been well, Ellina?” Hah, now I exist to you because she scolded you? If it weren’t for my fan, he’d see my stiff jaw. “Quite.” “Same as ever then.” “Better. I’ve had a restful four months.” “As you would need. The selection date of your betrothed is approaching.” “A week from now, yes.”

He stands beside me as Mother addresses the Kaimanian people from the podium. She thanks the soldiers for their service and delivers a spirited speech regarding the state of the empire. My conversation with Callus dies while she talks. Even if by some force of the goddess I wanted to keep it going, Callus would silence me. His filial affection and pride are the epitome of his character. At least on the surface. Amidst the social circles, there’s endless gossip of his violent nature and unrelenting disinterest in all the women who’ve tried to seduce him. Including the most persistent one who’s ten paces away, front and center, refusing to be swallowed by the enormous crowd. A noble lady with defining magenta coloured tresses and a stunning white fan embroidered with blue and black lace. It’s lady Sideri of house Xiandor. The only surviving heir of her noble lineage. I’ve heard her ageing parents are ill following the mysterious and tragic deaths of the rest of her six siblings. Every gathering I attend, she’s somewhere within a stone’s throw. Her eyes follow my family members as though she intends to steal their place. My father was fond of her, which is a terrifying thing. He was a brutal, insufferable tyrant who preferred the company of other unseemly individuals. Seems his favour persists even in death, considering her placement so close to the imperial steps.

“Ellina, your oration,” my mother calls. I gather my skirt and breeze forward. From the podium, I see all. Many of the faces in the crowd, at least those close to the steps, are familiar to me. If not intimately, then in passing. “As my mother shared before me,” I begin, “now is a time of unity. We’ve arrived at a critical crossroads where anything less could bring disaster into this kingdom, into your homes.” I scan the crowd. “Which is why I offer the most gracious gratitude towards those that protect this sacred kingdom, our soldiers. Their resilience, their bravery, and loyalty couldn’t exist without the diligence and support of all citizens. United care has brought us this peace, and it will be maintained.” My mother stands to my right. Callus is straight-backed on my left. “This golden age came forth through Empress Xenia Kaimana’s ambitions for every kaimanian citizen to live a better life. A noble goal which I shall protect for as long as I draw breath and beyond.” I raise my hand towards the glistening sun. “Here’s to a unified, prosperous life for all, and a heartfelt welcome home to those who’ve ensured that possibility.”

The clapping and cheers erupt. The band begins. My mother hugs me as I step down. She whispers how well I did, but my mind is already elsewhere. I’ve finished what was required of me, so the rest of the afternoon is my own. Skipping the celebration tonight is my right. I’d rather avoid any party thrown in Callus’s honour. Ozias said he’d visit after this formal affair ended. I’ve looked forward to it all afternoon. As I stride towards the castle doors, I catch Callus’s even stare. A chill brushes my neck although no particular emotion stands out on his face. I’ll escape him soon. There’s no need for such frazzled nerves. He’s a veritable saint to the ladies who adore him, but I cannot fathom how. They must know a man who looks like an angel is far more often the devil than his counterpart.

***

Two hours later, I wait outside my mother’s reception room. Like many of my visitors, I require my mother’s approval before I spend time with them. Ozias and I aren’t supposed to meet due to his lacking political position among the capital’s nobles. Besides, with my approaching betrothal, for social reasons, I’m unallowed to be with any man for too long a span of time.

Not that the length of time is crucial to me. It’s dastardly the amount of fun one can have in a few minutes. Still, I’ve waited fifteen minutes already, and Ozias arrived half an hour ago. Mother’s inside with the strategist of the Kaimanian army, Coderick Shwan. He returned alongside Callus with the other soldiers. What are they speaking about that I can’t interrupt for a minute with a brief yes or no request? I could crack open the door and listen. Nobody’s here to stop me. When mother took over, she dismissed her imperial guard. Everywhere she goes she’s unguarded with a sword at her hip as her sole defence. I admire it, but I’d never pick up a sword myself. I’ve gone through great pains to keep my body free of the scars labour provides.

Unable to bear it any longer, I wedge the door open about two fingers width of space. Then lean in to hear what’s happening.

“...It’s imperative we take this seriously, Your Majesty,” Sir Coderick Shwan’s voice comes. “I didn’t meet you to hear slander about my son,” my mother snaps. So Callus is the topic for debate? What’s he done now? “I would not share if there weren’t cause for concern. He’s becoming more violent among the soldiers and nobles. A reprimand from you would set him straight.” “There’s nothing to reprimand. All young boys go through such a phase when boredom takes them.” Sir Shwan dabs at his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief. “Your Majesty, please,” the strategist stresses. “This is more than some passing rambunctious behaviour. He strung up nine soldiers who—” “Perhaps you misheard me. Our conversation is over. You will not defame my son and expect to keep your position, is that clearer?” Cowed, Coderick hangs his head. “I... understand, Your Majesty. My respect for you is why I brought this to your attention. His Highness holds you in the highest regard. Please, I beg of you to speak to him before his temperament worsens.” “He’ll be twenty in two months. Such folly will stop by then.” The strategist seems anxious, but he says nothing more. Seems they’ve finished.

I knock on the door. “Mother? Will you be much longer?” “Ellina? Realms, come in.” I peek around the door. Her office is as stunning as ever with its high ceiling, beautiful drapery of red, white, and gold, and all its dark mahogany furniture. Shame it’s a place for politics. “May I see Ozias Ortega this afternoon?” I ask. “He’s invited me horseback riding in the castle’s fields.” “Yes, you may. Pardon, I didn’t mean to make you wait so long.” “You have more urgent matters to attend to, so I understand.” I glance at Sir Shwan. “Are you two well?” He nods. “Never better, Your Highness.”

Liar. I heard the end of your conversation. I understand my mother’s position, but Sir Shwan should pressure her. Callus has had several altercations, and their frequency continues to grow. If he weren’t the next crown prince, he’d be in a cell already eating starch and abysmal proteins. Well, as long as I don’t cross paths with him, I don’t care. His actions are the perfect distraction from mine.

I turn to go, but my mother calls out. “Return before tonight’s banquet, please.” Oh dear. She knows then. “Must I attend? I’ve slept poorly as of late, so I’d prefer to retire early.” My mother sets her pen down. A subdued sign of her disbelief, I know all too well. Sir Shwan retreats from her desk with sudden interest in the nearby bookshelf. “Why wouldn’t you go to your brother’s return celebration?” My mother demands. “Sleep is fickle by nature, especially for this family. There’s no guarantee retiring early will do you any good.” “Mother—” “He’s been to all of your celebrations. So how could you?” “I never asked him to be there…” Actually, I’d prefer he didn’t attend a single one. His obsession with punctual attendance makes me look like a lout. My mother’s glare shoots right through me. “Are you two fighting again? What happened?” “Nothing, Mother.” “Then why, by the goddess’s grace, won’t you attend the party?” “I’m tired. Is it a crime to be tired?” “If you’re too tired for that, then you’re certainly too tired for horseback riding,” she imposes. There’s no winning against her. I’ll lose my afternoon plans if I don’t attend that accursed homecoming banquet. “Okay, I understand. I’ll attend, so please?” “Your attendance was never in question.” My mother’s gaze falls back to her work. She collects the stamp to the right of her on the desk, rolls it in ink, and slams it against the paper. Sir Shwan appears on her left to collect it. “Appear for half an hour, then do as you please with your evening, since you’re tired.” The banquet is around seven this evening. I’ll have an hour and a half with Ozias despite his now forty-five-minute wait. “Ellina, did you hear me?” My mother’s brow arches. “Yes, I’ll be back well before then.” She nods and then overlooks an oblong package Sir Shwan hands her. “This arrived as well,” he notifies. “No sender.” I’ll have to make the most of my afternoon with Ozias.

***

“Was wondering if you’d forgotten me,” Ozias comments the moment I enter the stables. He’s tanned since I last saw him, and he wears it well. I suppose hanging out with me all summer has given him some character. His long tea-green hair, so fair and pastel it’s nearly translucent in the sunlight, is tied back. That one bold colour ever a contrast against his preference for white and beige attire. Our horses are prepared. He hands the reins to me as we walk towards the fields.

“Don’t start. Have you any idea what I go through each time you visit?” His honey-coloured eyes are both worried and mischievous. “I have an idea.” “Then work harder. Otherwise, I’ll find myself a socially acceptable friend who isn’t so troublesome to see.” “Hey now, I’ve made attempts.” My choice look bounces off him. “Unsuccessful attempts are still attempts, Ellina.” “I’m sure. Now hurry. I didn’t get out of Callus’s banquet tonight.” His fingers brush my knuckles. “Will you be okay? Should I attend as your guest?” “You’d make it to the door of our home before my mother or brother tossed you out. Perhaps both.” “Then I’ll wait in the gardens. You ought to sneak me a slice of apple cake for my virtuous patience waiting on you this afternoon.” My foot strikes Ozias’s calf, and he tumbles into the grass. Quite pathetic considering his family lineage has decorated soldiers dating back eight decades.

Once we’re settled on our horses, we meander through the fields chatting idly. Sunset dapples across the meadow in heartwarming oranges and golds. The wind’s pleasantly cool, tempering the day’s scorching sun. It’s good to be out. Almost as good as it is to be royalty. Without it, I couldn’t dream of scenery like this, of green and peace stretching for leagues in every direction. The Kaimanian castle is one-hundred and eighty acres of land. Walking the vast expanse sometimes it’s easy to feel like the only person in the realm.

Ozias and I trot an even pace southwards across the property. There’s an old tree in that area that’s become our customary spot. I race the last stretch of the way there just to feel the wind. The steady pounding hooves of Ozias’s horse sound behind me. We dismount at the tree and clamber up its rough oak. Only once we’re settled beside one another on my favourite branch do I enjoy the afternoon. This high up, the outline of the city sparkles like diamonds. The puffs of white smoke from various chimneys add to the allure.

“This is my favourite spot in all the realm.” I breathe in the meadow’s clean, grassy air. “What? My arms no longer have that title?” Ozias jokes. “Remarks like that are why you’re banned from this property without explicit permission.” Ignoring his pinched, unhappy expression, I kick my riding boots off. They plummet into the grass with a satisfying thump. There’s something irresistibly pleasing about swinging my bare feet from high atop a tree—about the wind lacing between my toes. Ozias prefers the protective width of the trunk. He never ventures out across the branches like me.

“Aren’t you curious where I’ve been?” He wonders. “Sure,” I agree flatly. “Where have you been the past two weeks?” “I’ve decided what I’d like to do with my life. You know, personal development.” “So you’re leaving?” “Yes and no.” He eases a folded paper out of his pocket and smooths it out. I recognize the church’s crest. It’s Adelina in a cloak with water pouring from her hands. On her head is a circlet of gold leaf. “I’ve decided to join the Order of the Goddess,” Ozias declares. “Studied my ass flat over the past month, but I passed the entrance exam.” “Wow.” “Yeah, my formal instruction begins next week,” he beams. Then his smile falters. “Meaning this is my final visit for a while...” “Wow,” I laugh again since he misunderstood my mockery for sincerity. “You? A priest?” I yank up his sleeves. They’re dark with cursive, scrawling designs. As for his earlobes, small gems glint from them. “Do they allow believers with tattoos and piercings into the order?” “You dared me to do it!” “Yes, but following through is another matter.” “Keeping one’s word is a lifestyle choice towards self-betterment.” He declares it with such confidence I nearly believe him. Too bad I know their origin story. The soldier I’d been seeing two months ago had some, and they were a mild obsession of mine during that time, to put it delicately. Self-betterment has nothing to do with it. Ozias hoped to entice me by getting some of his own.

Still, I humour him. “You’ll make a fantastic priest, Ozias. Congratulations.” “Yes, well, I’ll have to survive the certification first. Nobody admits it, but the order’s biased against men. If you’d seen the disdainful way, the eldest sisters gazed upon the men who applied.” He sighs. I break some leaves off the tree and toss them below at my shoes. “And your father?” “Oh furious. I’ll bet my hearing’s damaged from the earful he gave me.” “You come from a proud lineage of soldiers and strategists who’ve supported the imperial crown. I’d be shocked if he hadn’t said anything.” “He can feel how he likes. Dying senselessly has no charm to me. I’d rather recite Adelina’s scripture a million times.” “Are you running?” I tease. “Would anyone want Callus as a commander?” “Yes. He’s received confession letters, both anonymous and straightforward, from noble women and members of the imperial army. The rest of the soldiers practically throw themselves at his feet.” Ozias’s eyes sweep over my face. “Alas, I’m already warming yours.” “Will you survive with avoidance as your reason for joining the order?” He frowns, clearly noticing my evasion, but moves on. “My hope is that neither of us encounters danger,” he divulges with a fond look. “I have no intention of doing anything dangerous.” “I’ve heard that before.”

I suppose he’s referencing my brother’s increasingly concerning behaviour. Callus trains with the imperial soldiers and they see him in some fanatical, enviable light. Trust him because even when his methods are reckless, he’s on the frontline with them each time. Mother says his pride is greater than any Kaimanian to date, but that’s something she takes honour in. Judging by the scorched houses and reclaimed assets of the noble houses who’ve insulted anyone in our family, she has no plans to stop him. And who could? It’s near impossible to placate Callus once he’s furious and decided. If there’s some method other than the orders of our mother that’d stop him, I’ve yet to find it. It’s difficult to experiment when his expression rarely changes. I’ve seen him torture a man with the same even glance I received as he greeted me this morning.

Warmth closes around my hand and fingers intertwine with mine. Pulled from my thoughts, I note how close Ozias shifted. His lips brush my knuckles. “Can I be honest, Ellina?” Oh dear... He continues without my input. “I’m not running. I hope to be of use to you. There’s ample opportunity for favours among the pious.” “Isn’t it blasphemy to join the church with such dubious intentions? Prioritize your well-being.” “I fear for you,” he admits. “Should you require it, I want to be in a position to free you from this place.” Devout promise gleams in his ardent gaze. I see he’s a fool now, as love sparkles there too. The one thing I didn’t want to see following the end of our nonchalant summer together. I offer a pleasant smile and ease away. “Stealing the crown princess would be the heist of the century, but I’m comfortable as I am.”

Ozias takes my hand again. Squeezes it in a manner that begs me not to pull away before he kisses it. What exactly does he expect from me? With mild hilarity, I wonder if he’ll ask me to wait? The certification process for the church is a five-year program. Or perhaps he’ll suggest I run away with him? Both are insipidly foolish, especially since I’d never do either. He kisses my hand again. Far slower. Hesitantly, he turns it over and presses another kiss to my palm. His honey-coloured eyes are nearly grey. They’re darkened in the shade of the tree. What a shame this is a mess now. He’s quite handsome.

“Ozias.” His eyes soften at my call. I have his full, unadulterated attention. “Yes?” “The selection of my betrothed is tomorrow. Please maintain the appropriate distance.” The light in his stare quivers, but doesn’t go out. “Do you hear the resentment with which you said that?” “You are not a candidate, if you recall.” “I do. Bitterly.” Yet my hand remains in his grip. “This friendship is allowed because I promised my mother I’d maintain the correct boundaries. I cannot betray her trust.” He releases me and leans back against the tree. “I meant you no offence.” “Then why not look for a spouse as well? There won’t be such scrutiny if you do that.” His stare is unsettled when it meets mine, then it flashes into anger. It’s a lovely look on him, really. “My feelings are quite preoccupied, so I won’t.” It’s as close to a confession as I’ve heard from him all season, but I pretend I didn’t hear it. With visible frustration, he realizes I won’t acknowledge it, regardless of how long he waits.

“I’ll write to you every two weeks,” he emphasizes. “Once a month will suffice.” “Ellina.” “I can’t excuse contact that frequent, and once a month is more generous than you comprehend.” He watches me again as if his pleading, scrunched eyes, his stiff shoulders, could move my heart. There’s no chance I’ll toss aside everything I am to be with someone who has nothing. As the next empress of this realm, men like Ozias are a coin toss away. He’s an idealist who believes love is all a person needs to prosper. If that were true, there’d be no merits to noble status—No commoners killing each other for the chance to be more.

“Then be well, Ellina,” Ozias’s tone is rueful. “That’s all I’ll request. If my writings will put you in a spot, then I’ll wait for your letters instead.” Yes, well, I would’ve missed you too if you hadn’t dashed senseless affection all over our seasonal fun. What a miserable last day in the sun together. I should get something out of this while I can. A reason to be tired tonight. Ozias glances at me once, then stares into the distance. “Shall we ride back?” I seize his arm before he leaps down from the tree... Read the rest [here on Patreon]

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