Welcome to the moments/days before the start of the game I'm making. This is the first of six small chapters. So if you need a small distraction, this is for you!
I've made a couple of changes to the text, so I deleted the previous post and posted it again!
Summary: In a time full of unexpected changes, you should trust your gut and your people.
Chapter 1 - A weird feeling
Day 10 of Spring, Year 79 of Queen’s Aleia Georgiou Reign
Aleia Georgiou, the queen of Beco, passed away yesterday. The kingdom is in mourning and without a leader. A mourning kingdom is a weak one; everyone is too distracted. There's too much to do! It’s time to spread the news, organise the funeral, ease the restless, arrange the throne room, polish the new crown, prepare the new leader, and crown them as if the previous one hadn’t just died.
“She’s not ready, her mother just died!” Cleric Ilya Atwooll was visibly agitated.
High Knight George Behbehani eyes him with a disapproving look. Princess Joahnna was not just she. He was referring to Her Royal Highness, his and Beco's next queen.
“I understand your worry, but you have to trust Her Royal Highness, Princess Joahnna Georgiou!” Corrected the wizard, slashing through the tension.
“My apologies for the oversight. I stand corrected, Her Royal Highness, is not read-”
“And what do you suggest, Atwooll?” The room went silent upon hearing Knight Behbehani’s voice rise and echo throughout the shallow room. “You suggest we stay without a leader for how long? Do you know how that makes us look to our enemies?” He doesn’t wait for an answer. “WEAK! It makes us look weak!”
“I’m also worried about the kingdom, Sir, that is why I’m bringing these concerns to you! I have known the princess since she was a child.” Arwool eyes Behbehani and shifts his tone to a softer one. “I know these days haven’t been easy for her!”
“I understand your concern, High Priest! And you are right, the princess is not feeling well. But, the best we can do now is to support Her Royal Highness and give the kingdom a leader.” The wizard stops suddenly, confusion etched on his face. He looks at the other knight stationed in the corner of the room, looking for answers. “Why are we having this conversation?” The thought left his mouth before he could stop it. He shifts his gaze to the two men directly in front of him. “We have to follow the protocol! It’s not like we have any other choice!”
His gaze shifts again. The knight was across the room from him, in full armour with no helmet in sight. This was a discussion between colleagues and friends, there was no need for the helmet. It was clear she had just returned from a mission. The previously shiny armour was dim and full of dark spots, her white cape was now brown and a deep red. The only clean part of her garb were her boots, she wouldn't step into the castle with them dirty, she refused.
The wizard searched her face for answers. She shrugged. How would she know? Magdalena was one of the kingdom's Knights. Well, she was one of the High Knight’s favourite soldiers. Still, she wasn’t officially part of the decision-making. In this field, at least.
“I have a weird feeling in my gut.”
Sir Behbehani looked annoyed. He didn’t like to make decisions based on “weird feelings” in “guts”. But you have to trust the cleric if he tells you something like this.
“Right. I don’t think we should take this to the council. It would only cause chaos.” Bernard expressed while glancing at Magdalena, to seek her approval. She gave him a simple nod in agreement. “Either way, we should reinforce security. What do you think, Behbehani?” Bernard’s eyes didn’t leave Magdalena’s, and she nodded again.
“I don’t see why that would be a problem.” Sir Behbehani exhaled, giving up on the discussion.
“Thank you, George! I hope I’m wrong." Atwooll smiled, and the tension dissipated, making everyone feel relaxed.
I'll be posting the other corrections soon. Mostly when I have the illustrations for the cover.
I've been going through a big artist block period, mostly because of AI, like all the artists. I thought that reviewing this text would help me get out of it (I think it helped a bit).
Anyway, hope you like it! If you have any feedback, feel free to comment or send me a message. Writing is not my forte, but I like doing it! I have so many things in my head, and writing them is a good way to free my mind from them!
