Chapter One
Twenty-five years after the first prophecy, two new prophecies had been made regarding the three children of Fagin. Maya, the first-ever daughter of the Royal Blood, had emerged as the firstborn child and the first female in sixty-nine years. Her hopes were to become the first queen of Berlin and to capture eight more kingdoms, making the Twelve United into the United Twenty.
It’s almost thirty years now, and there has been no sign of the prophecy’s fulfillment. It was like the prophecy no longer existed. Fagin and Mary were now old and weak. If war were to erupt, the Royal Blood might fall.
“The selection of a new ruler is nigh. The king and queen are no longer fit to rule the Twelve United or lead our people into the future,” Julius, a king among the Twelve United, declared.
These words were spoken at the Meeting Central, a place where every subordinate king would gather to discuss matters concerning the Royal Blood.
“I couldn’t agree more! Julius is right. We don’t know the moves of our enemies… we need a new ruler!” another king added.
Cornelius James, the councilman, sighed and spoke, “Believe me, all our matters are given the attention they deserve by the Royal Blood. They will ensure a new ruler is selected.”
After this statement, murmurs filled the hall — some agreed, others did not.
Maya, the first daughter, was only twelve years old. The entitled males of Fagin were newborns. A new ruler could not be selected from them yet, and no one knew who the destined child of destruction was.
New cases of manslaughter in Berlin began to pile up. The king was not in a fit position or health to attend to these matters, nor was he able to establish new laws. Berlin began to weaken. If they weren’t careful, they could be caught unaware in a war.
The Twelve United selected a temporary Prime Governor until the Royal Blood children were ready to rule.
Eighteen years later, an unknown seer walked into Berlin on a cold night, searching for the Royal Blood. Guided by prophecy, he approached the palace and struck his staff against the iron gates.
“The prophecy will be fulfilled!” he yelled.
Guards tried to arrest him, but he overpowered them. The Governor ordered him thrown out.
Maya and her brothers arrived but didn’t understand what had happened.
The next morning, Maya visited the Governor to ask about the prophecy. He laughed and dismissed her concerns, saying, “Don’t take the words of such a foolish seer seriously. What you need to worry about is getting laid and having children.”
“Not really… I will be queen first before I allow a man into my life,” Maya replied.
“You know it is not in Berlin’s customs for a female to become a ruler,” the Governor said.
“Fagin was my father too. I am his first child, and that gives me the right to the throne.”
“Do you think kingship is based on position? Becoming the next ruler is based on destiny and the gods’ decision,” he replied.
“Well, the gods had better choose wisely,” Maya said and left.
Merlin and Ether returned from their hunt. The twins and Maya — only one of them would rule. One would destroy the Royal Blood, and one would save it.
The Twelve United gathered for the Ball Ceremony before the final selection.
That night, in her room, Maya noticed something behind the curtain. She looked — nothing was there — and went to the ceremony.
“By Odin’s beard! Is that the first child of Fagin?” a king asked.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Sire,” Maya replied.
“Oh please, don’t send me to hell! I am in no fit state to be addressed so by Royal Blood,” the king said.
“Okay, enjoy the ceremony,” Maya replied.
Guests surrounded Merlin and Ether. “By this moon tomorrow, we shall celebrate our new ruler,” a king said.
“The gods be thanked,” the Governor added. “Feels like yesterday they were twelve. Now Maya is thirty, the twins are eighteen.”
“Glory to the gods!” Merlin hailed.
The day arrived. Each child offered a lamb. The gods would burn the rejected offerings. The chosen one’s would remain fresh.
After five hours, a raven flew overhead — the gods had spoken.
- Merlin’s sacrifice was completely burned.
- Ether’s was partially burned.
- Maya’s remained fresh.
The gods had chosen Maya.
“The gods have spoken. A new ruler has been chosen… Maya Berlin,” the village seer announced.
The United Kings were silent — confused — but the celebration began.
“All hail the Queen!” the crowd praised.
“This is impossible,” Ether muttered.
“Forget it, brother. The gods have spoken,” Merlin replied.
Far away, witches watched the event in a vision pot. “The prophecy will now begin its fulfillment,” Ream whispered.
That night, kings came to celebrate Berlin’s first queen. Maya and Prince Arthur spent the night together.
Meanwhile, Ether whispered, “We cannot stand and watch.”
“Don’t worry… things will return to how they’re meant to be,” Merlin replied.
Later that night, the Governor visited Maya. “Well… you can have sex now, Maya.”
“I know. And I did,” she replied.
“Check the downstairs chambers. There’s been noise,” he told her.
Maya went downstairs. It was empty. As she turned, a black-cloaked figure stabbed her.
“Ah… help,” she cried, but he stabbed her again and pushed her through the royal window.
She lost her breath — but didn’t die. When the assassin returned, Maya’s body was gone.
— End of Chapter One —
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