Writing Prompt Wednesday 6/19

Today’s writing prompt is a picture I found on pexels taken by @allan_gonzo.  When I saw it, the scene that came to mind was one of waiting. Something is happening today and he’s debating whether or not he’s prepared to meet it. He has no choice, it’s something he knew was coming his whole life, it’s not like he hadn’t prepped for it…still, the weight on his shoulder is heavy and all he can do at this point is pray. 

The colors of the sky and water reminded me of the world I’d built for Haven, so for my scene I decided to go there. I had to really think about this, because I couldn’t get past the thought of what he was waiting for. A coronation popped into my head and I took it from there. The world of Haven is inhabited with Demi-gods across seven realms, including the Earth realm, so there was a dearth of places and creatures to choose from. So, below is my scene, inspired by this picture. This scene is shorter than the one from weeks ago, but once I started, an actual story unfolded, so I ran to get it down before it was lost. Unlike like the last prompt, this one, I may just turn into a novel, we'll see. 

Just like with last time it's off the cuff and raw, so only minimal editing was done.

***

Julian took a deep breath and dipped his head below the water once more. When he came up, the sky was darkening, the night heralding an event he’d put off for as long as he could. Despite his stalling, the time had come. He was to be made king. Tragedy had taken the choice from him. His father had been king, and his grandfathers back through to six greats had ruled Mulu, he was no exception. As the oldest, it was time for him to take his place. He leaned his head back, water weighing down his hair, tears streaming from his eyes. He mourned for the life he’d never have outside of the responsibility of the monarchy, but mostly he mourned for his parents. Killed in a palace coup, they would not be there to guide him through his service.

He hadn’t even had a full day to grieve. War was brewing in their realm, and it was his responsibility to stop it. To that end, not only did he have to take his place as king, but he was also to meet his Ileri, his second mate. The mating had been arranged while he was still in his mother’s womb, the consolidation of power always at the forefront of the queen’s mind. His Ileri was from one of the strongest noble houses on Mulu and with their mating, the strength of the royal house would grow.

He clasped his hands together and lowered his head, praying for both the fortitude and wisdom to take his place as king of a realm in turmoil, and mate to a woman he’d never met. It was customary for the Benu to mate in three, and he’d known the day would come when a woman would take her place among he and his Oleri, Royce. They’d both prepared for it, excited for the feminine energy that would help control the raptors’ spirit they housed within their bodies. Excited for the softness a woman would bring into their lives. No, he had no problem with the upcoming nuptials.

It was the timing…the circumstance.

Someone was behind the palace coup, and until he rooted out and destroyed every person responsible, it would be hard to trust anyone. A new mate included. The water lapped at Julian’s skin as waves agitated the once still water. It washed over his shoulders as he stood still under the onslaught. Anger welled in him, replacing melancholy. He’d already punished those responsible for killing his parents, but more would die under his blade before he was done.

The energy in the darkening night changed, the guards he’d left on the shore becoming wary, worried about their monarch’s safety. He’d had to beg for the small amount of time they’d given him to himself. It seemed he’d reached the end of it. He swallowed a growl of aggravation.

 “Your highness,” Royce called from behind him.

Julian grunted, but kept his back to his Oleri. He heard a splash a moment later as Royce entered the water. Strong arms surrounded him and Julian sighed.

“I’m sorry, Jules. I never wanted us to take the throne this way.” Royce moved Julian’s hair to the side and breathed against the skin of his mate’s neck.

Julian swallowed a sob, but said nothing.

“It’s not safe to be in the open for this long, your highness.” Royce's arms tightened around his waist and he ghosted a kiss across Julian's shoulders.

Royce was right. He wouldn’t be safe until they found everyone responsible for the coup. Still… “Don’t call me that.”

“Jules.” His Oleri sighed.

“I don’t want that formality between us and you know it.” Julian snapped.

Royce stepped back and gently turned Julian around to face him. He cupped his cheek. “I’m the Captain of your guard, and in front of the others it’s my responsibility to give you the proper respect.”

Julian looked behind the broad back of his mate and spied the royal guard standing at attention, their tense gazes focused on their surroundings. Julian had to concede Royce’s point. In light of the coupe that they had just barely thwarted, it was more important than ever for Julian’s position to be strong.

Royce tipped up Julian’s chin with his thumb, tracing his bottom lip. “Coronation tonight, and then tomorrow we meet our Ileri for the first time. These are stressful times, I know, but we’ll get through them together.”

Julian nodded and stepped back from the security he always found in Royce’s arms. He took one more dip in the water to wash away the tears that probably stained his face. When he surfaced, this time, he’d donned his first form,  his wings rising from ocean, dripping the salty water from its tips. Sharp eyes surveilled the water, his raptor rising to the forefront, the beach painted in colors his human eyes hadn’t been able to see. He scanned the woods surrounding them, looking for heat signatures that would betray anyone waiting to ambush them. Finding none, he relaxed and studied his mate. Royce smiled and stepped back.

Julian was ready for what the night would bring…but insecurity still nagged at him about the following night. “Do you think she has any problem with the upcoming mating?”

Royce snorted. “As someone who’s spent years mated to you, I’m a little biased.”

He had to smile at that. The two of them had been together since they were teenagers, their bond was tight, the love between them absolute. Julian pulled his mate into an embrace, wrapping his wings around them both. Cocooned within the wall of feathers, they took a tiny second to breathe.

“You got this,” Royce whispered.

Julian nodded and stepped back, pulling his wings back into his body. He pushed his shoulders back and his head up. It was time to take his place.