Powder was kicked up by the horse's hooves; white powder that one may have mistaken for snow. The powder was soaked with red liquid, thick with signs of lost lives.

The hooves tapped the ground in a steady, quick pattern, almost like an anxious heart. It seemed to match the rider's heartbeat as he escaped the lights and rode into the night- into his element.

~~~

"Prince Nico?" A maid, dressed in a simple black dress and leggings with small, black boots knocked on Nico's door. Nico had always thought they were like shadows- they played the part King Hades had asked them to. "His highness requests your presence in the Kings' Hall."

"Give me a moment, Shadow." King Hades had always told Nico to respect the maids with the name of Shadow.

"Of course, Sir." Even though the door was closed, Nico knew the girl had curtsied.

Quickly, Nico donned his silver cloak over his black garments of a simple black shirt and black jeans. His mother- Persephone would never had let this dissension to such lack of color ride, but she had left long ago.

Pausing at the door of his room, Nico decided that he should wear his small crown, a dark silver- like his cloak- with it's golden jewels.

  Gold jewels were reserved for the royal in his kingdom as there were very few. Nico had heard that in the other kingdom across the land that the gold jewels were so plentiful that even common peasants wore them.

As Nico walked down the corridor, he pondered the differences between his life in the Dark Kingdom as an only child and only heir- to that of the heir of the Light Kingdom who had multiple siblings.

  The Light Kingdom had little NightStone- as he heard- and was treated like the golden jewels in The Dark Kingdom. There, they had a much more variety of color and choices, while Nico's father had limited his choice and color scheme.

  "Father." A deep bow was given, as custom with the manners his father required.

  "Nico," The deep voice resonated through the room- commanding respect. "I believe it has become the time of your corrination of being my heir. Although it was in your birth, you have a ceremony to take apart of in order to gain your Kingly Right. Rise."

  Nico stood straight up and nodded. "Yes, Father."

  King Hades stood as well and waved his hand. A door appeared on the right side of the room, the shadows infront of it had cleared.

  "It is time; follow me." The King swept his cloak with a practiced persision and disappeared into the darkened doorway.

  ~~~

  Nico followed his father down staircases covered in layers of dust that flew into the air with each descending step.

Nico asked no questions. He knew his father would not answer and it would not be permitted as an appropriate time.

  After a long 30 minutes, they arrived in a dungeonous area. His father finally spoke, "My heir, it is time you gain your dark power over the shadows and their realm. I did this ritual many years ago, and now,  I pass it to you."

  The walls seemed to close in on Nico's mind. He would officially become the Prince. He would truly gain his Dark Prince title. He was ready.

  His father handed him a small glass of red, thick liquid. "Drink, my heir. Then use this chalk to draw a star. Once you do, stand in the middle."

  Nico followed his words. The liquid had a metallic taste as if it was the liquid of a life- this had made Nico pause for a moment, but he continued on.

  As he reached the star's middle, his father knelt to one knee at the point of the star Nico was facing. He began to chant. "Velut umbra; ut vagentur."

  With each repetition, the room began to darken until Nico could not see. Then, his father whispered words Nico recognized. "May the shadows of blood flow."

((☆))
Latin Translation:
Like a shadow; to roam.
(Like a shadow, you may roam)
I used Google translate.

This is a Kingdom!AU so stuff won't exactly be cannon. I hope you enjoy it!

Anyways Cakes,
CAKEY OUT!