//------------------------------//
// Legacy 
// Story: Death Becomes Her 
// by daOtterGuy 
//------------------------------//

“I have been told there are dark murmurings from the neighbouring Princedom,” Prince Hisan remarked. “Our diplomats are concerned.”

Somnambula trotted faster to keep stride with the Prince. They were walking about the palace gardens, a beautiful place containing all manner of flora gifted to the royal family from their various allies and neighbours.

“Oh? What manner of murmurings would those be?” Somnambula asked.

“They are readying to go to war against us.”

“What?!” Somnambula exclaimed. “We have been at peace for years now. What possible reason could there be for such hostility?“

“They have been beset by a horrible plague with no known cure.”

“How awful. I hope they will recover soon. Though, I am confused of its relevance to these rumours.”

“They claim that we have a remedy and are hoarding it for ourselves.”

Somnambula stopped. Hisan continued forward for a while before turning back to face her. She could feel the intense expression on her face, could see as it bored into Hisan’s.

“We do not have a cure, do we, Prince?” She asked, a dangerous undertone to her voice. “Tell me that we are not keeping such an important thing to ourselves while they suffer?”

“I promise on the Styx itself, that we do not have a way to heal what ails them,” Hisan swore. “You have my word, Somnambula.”

She stared intently at him for a moment more before she exhaled. “Apologies, Prince. Your father has left a dark mark upon us, and it is still difficult to trust in your kinder nature.”

“You are right to be wary.” A dark pall crossed Hisan’s features. “My father was a monster, and I question myself everyday whether I am not like him.” The pall passed, his easygoing expression returned. “Still, this leaves us in an unfortunate position. I am loath to go to war with an ally, but I will not let them simply ravage us without defending ourselves.”

“Then we shall place our hopes in the talented diplomats at our disposal to make our neighbours see sense.”

“You and that word again.” Hisan chuckled. “You’re as consistent as the sun that rises in the morning.”

“Of course, Prince. It is a powerful word.” Somnambula smiled. “Hope is capable of anything when one has it.”