One that I've only typed a tiny bit of what I actually wrote. I spent so many weekends typing the three stories, writing out the map, and drawing characters. I haven't touched it since graduation.
I closed my eyes, hoping that when I opened them my life would return to normal. After a deep breath, I opened them already knowing what waited for me. The most important day in my life and I yearned for anything else. The day I would officially be crowned as Queen, but would only be a constant reminder of how I had ended up here.
My father was gone, I had found my Mother’s body in the garden only a short time after. How could I expect my Kingdom to trust me after everything that had happened, with so many secrets surrounding my family in recent years?
“Alana, you need to finish getting ready.” Violent closed the door behind her as she walked my way, I will do your hair while we wait. Even though I had faced away from her, I could feel her blue eyes staring into my back. As I sat down at the large vanity, she quickly explained what was expected of me tonight. “You will be expected to speak, but as soon as you do, feel free to mingle with everyone. You will no longer be able to hide away in your room after you tire of an event, from tonight and on, you will be expected to carry out the entire evening. “
I looked at her through the mirror as she put my hair in a similar bun as hers. My bangs were not nearly as noticeable or perfected as hers, which framed her face nicely despite the dark black showing how pale she was. “I feel uneasy about all of it. What if they are not happy with the decision?” I waited for her expression to change, giving me a familiar glare, but instead, she continued pinning accents into my hair.
“We’re all uneasy, Alana, but I assure you it is not your ability to lead that has us feeling that way. That should be the least of your worries.” She walked around to face me, pushing a black string of hair from my face, “You should not worry about how everyone feels about the decision of you becoming Queen, your father broke tradition many times in your life. If anything, this should only affirm how much trust he had in you and your ability to lead a Kingdom.” She smiled, “You will do well, and I do not believe you are nervous about the crowning, I am willing to bet that you are worried about the treaty your mother had made. “
“Marriage to someone I barely know? Shouldn’t I marry someone I deem appropriate for my Kingdom? I do not want King Fredrick to think I cannot handle what it takes to continue the peace. I am not willing to back down because I am uncomfortable, we should continue with the plans.”
Violet nodded in agreement, “You confided in Asriel first, didn’t you? He is growing into his father’s role. A few more years and he will be your Court Advisor. We should start walking towards the ballroom. Asriel has the guards posted around the castle and I have commanded my men to stand guard in the city. It will be a busy and bustling celebration since we have nearly ended a war.”
We were greeted by servants and guards as we made our way through the long hallways until we reached the main hall, where our event would begin. Cool air from the doors crept in, hinting that the sun was going down. Almost in an instant, the room was flooded with nobles and other royal families from the other three kingdoms.
I had kept my speech short and sweet, carefully wording each sentence. Violet and Asriel placing the crown on my head, ending the ceremony with a roar of clapping. Everyone smiled as they danced, many using the event to find suitable connections that could further their plans. I loathed noble parties, always retreating to my room so that my father could take over, but I felt stunted compared to the other girls.
Moving through the crowds, I could hear doubts, even through lowered whispering voices. Some shared the same doubts; wasn’t Alana too young to lead a Kingdom? How could they allow a woman to lead without a husband by her side? Most cursing or laughing at the traditions my father had changed so that I could lead. Fortunately for myself, it had seemed like most who shared these doubts were just noble families with little impact during meetings.
After what had felt like an eternity, I made my way through the garden. I wanted to see the city lit up and dancing for the first time in a while. Their happiness mattered more to me than those filling the hallways of my home. As I inched towards the gate, I had noticed a familiar face. I was almost certain that I was mistaken, he lived in the second-largest city in Esra and had very little reason to leave it. I was too far away to make out his voice, but the resemblance was striking; the same messy dark brown hair, styled almost as if he had just woken up. When he smiled, his face lit up, reminding me of our last meeting. A girl had approached him, well dressed and her golden blonde hair laid freely on her shoulders. They had clearly made plans to spend the evening together, she slipped her arm around his as they disappeared into the crowd.
I smiled to myself, tonight is a night of many lasts and that would include the last time I would think about him.
“You seem quiet today, my dear.” Prince Cade of Jadeite, King Fredrick’s younger brother, gave a lazy glance from across the table.
I smiled, “My apologies, I was very invested in your story.”
“Well, there have only been very few men to return from such a dreaded forest! My adventure would most certainly be interesting, even more so that I am here to tell you.” His cup clanked against the table as he finished his tea, “I brought a decorator from Jadeite to begin working on the finishing touches for the wedding. Perhaps we could spruce up the castle to reflect my heritage as well.”
“We should discuss this later, but may I remind you that my father holds a lasting impression on the people of Esra.”
Cade ran his hand through his blonde hair, “But of course! King Aspin and the love he had for his people will be told for generations.” He glanced over to the doorway where Asriel and Violet stood, “Do you mind if we talk privately for a moment?”
“Anything you would like to say, you may in front of my court advisor and general.” I stood up, “Or you may wait.”
He gave out a frustrated sigh, leaning back into his chair, “Of course, my dear.”
“Your decorator, they will be starting in the garden? I plan for the wedding to be held by the balcony overlooking the river.” I touched his hand, “I know that you’re anxious to be a part of Esra and to bring your family’s culture, I have an entire kingdom to reconnect with and I need you to understand that.”
“Of course, my dear.”
“I understand that our customs are different here, I just ask that you respect them. We are still in the midst of repairing our own Kingdom and perhaps even bordering a war between others.” I gave him a reassuring glance, “In your Kingdom, your King would be able to make such a decision..to go to war, but here I am the General of our armies and I will be the one to make that decision. I have trusted Violet and Asriel for a long time, if anything were to happen to myself...I would hope you would place your trust in them as well.”
“Alana? Are you feeling well?” Cade seemed concerned, almost frightened by my statements.
I shook my head, “Of course, I...I should go for a walk.” I motioned for Violet as I stood up, “Violet, please escort the Prince to his room. Dinner will be done before I may be back, please enjoy your meals without my company tonight.”
“Asriel will be waiting outside of the gate for you, your highness.” Violet bowed and turned her attention to Cade.”
I continued down the hallway until I met the stairs in the main lobby, how drab and dark the castle had felt since the death of both parents. The ever-growing feeling of darkness swallowing this place felt more real with each step and moment that I continued with my mother’s plan. Violet and Asriel knew just as well as I did that going against them would cause an uproar between Esra and Adelita. Something that couldn’t be handled with the recovery of Esra.
“Alana? Violet sent word you’d be coming out, but I thought you were going to change first?” Asriel gave me his cloak, covering my bare shoulders and most of my gown. “You should be more considerate of such things.”
“Apologies, Asriel.” My voice barely over a whisper.
“I’ve caught wind of a certain auctioneer staying at the Mill’s Inn. Sophia left note that tonight will be his last night in Esra before returning to the Auction House.”
“Sophia has always been a friend to our family. Certainly wouldn’t surprise me if this man were to be Connell.” We weaved through the crowd of civilians rushing to come home after a long day’s work to be with their families. Fortunately, Sophia’s Inn would be only minutes from the castle’s gate.
“Will you be alright? I know we’ve discussed your marriage, I’ve just been worried about your mindset lately.” Asriel cast a glance around, checking for any unsavory characters.
“Everything is pleasant, Asriel.” I opened the big wooden door leading into the Inn. The faint smell of rye beer and sweat filled the air as we entered the Tavern area. Flynt, the bartender, nodded in our direction to greet us. One glance around the room and I found Sir Connell staring back at us from the corner. A young man sat across from him, a familiar figure. “What brings you to town, Sir?”
“I could be asking you that as well, your highness. Please, have a seat before someone recognizes you.” Connell scooted over as Asriel took the seat next to the young man. “I’m sure you remember Dorian, my nephew.”
“I’m relieved to see you’re alive, Dorian.” So it was him I saw last night, not just a figment of my imagination. Of course, I would not be able to leave him behind so quickly.
“Thank you, your highness?” Dorian’s voice was low, almost hesitant.
Connell handed over an old leather journal, “I know I haven’t visited and I’m deeply affected by the death of your father. There is only so much I can do for you, Alana.”
“What is this?”
“I have only one task left in this world and that is to provide you the truth and I can only hope that you’ll trust what you read in that journal. There is so much that you don’t really know about your parents and unfortunately, your father didn’t really know that much about Sonya before they married.” Connell glanced towards Dorian, “Dorian will stay in the castle town when I return home. Please, don't hesitate for his help.”
“Sir Connell?” Asriel spoke quietly, “What are you trying to say about the previous Queen?”
“She was a brilliant woman, nothing more. Just ask yourselves why this marriage was a part of the treaty to stop the war. Her treaty, mind you.”
“Asriel, it is okay. We were all there that night. We saw it and we know the truth. It wouldn’t be surprising if my father left something for Sir Connell if he were also suspicious.” I looked at the journal in my hands, clearly old and worn. “Thank you, Sir Connell. I hope you arrive home safely.”
“Anything for you, Alana.”
“Dorian, you are welcome to stay at the castle if you would like. I am certain there are plenty of things to catch up on.”
“I….”
“Just stay with them, boy. You’ll be safer around the three than away from them.” Connell finished off his drink, “I should be hitting the hay, long travel home.” I stood up, allowing him to exit the table, “The war may be over, but the world still needs savin’ and Dorian will have all the connections you’ll need. Until next time, your majesty.” He put a hand on Asriel’s shoulder, “You should leave the two alone to talk on their way back to the castle, she’ll be okay.”
“Alana?” Asriel knew Sir Connell well enough to trust him but still refused to leave unless told to. I nodded, giving the permission he sought. “I’ll be waiting at the gate, if you take too long, I will send the guards out.”
“Thank you, Asriel.” I lifted my glass, taking a drink of the contents in hopes to lighten the mood. A thick awkward fog loomed over us as the others left. “You made it to the ceremony?”
“Perhaps.”
“Of course. Who was the girl?”
He gave out a sigh before answering, “Finn. She was a part of the group that stormed the gates.”
“She was there as well? How many of this rebel group stormed the gates of the castle that night?”
“One other aside from Finn and myself. A ship captain by the name of Emeric. He’s an older man and very fond of the previous King… Don’t take their actions as an act against you or the King.”
“No, I understand. You showed me that night. I forgive you, so you can stop avoiding my eye.” I felt my heart begin to beat quickly as he lifted his eyes to meet mine. “It was unfortunate and I will not stop until I have rebuilt the trust the people deserve.”