Chapter 1:

Isadorian — December 1st, 2031, 1:52 PM

(Ee-sa-door-ee-an)

          Slipping out of my seat in the meeting room, my sock-covered feet lightly thud against the dark wood. Making my way to the hallway down the jade green carpet, the same design as the Royal banner seen nearly everywhere around here, Mom’s and Dad’s hushed panicked voices fade off through the thick grayish marble walls. They’ve been stressing about the Alastriona’s arrival for days, it’s stupid.

          My fingers tap on the side of my leg; Soft, black, breathable pants fabric. But no pockets. Unfortunate. Tapping makes little sound compared to my necklace, though. A crystal necklace, matching the banner color, sways every step I take, jingling. It’s annoying. It’s annoying along with the crown perched on my head. The gold crown is heavy yet parents insist, “It’s an important meeting! After years of fighting, peace can form between our kingdom with this meeting, Isadorian. Just wear the crown this once.” I let out a small huff of irritation.

          My eyes land on the doorway, a few doors down. The library. But do I really wanna go to the library now? That would probably be the first place one of the guards would check. Plus, my glasses are trapped away in my room. One of the maids said they were too geeky.

           The guards might check outside, but if I can convince one of the guards that doesn’t know about the meeting… hm. Does Guard Shain know? I think he’ll be out today, it’s his rotation; Every weekend and Wednesday.

          After a few short moments of walking, my reflection catches on the gold-rimmed mirror that hangs above a console table. Gold like the heavy, annoying crown. Looking at myself in the mirror, I, putting two hands on each side of the crown, set it down on the wooden side table. My blonde hair immediately falls down across my face, stopping at my shoulders. Taking the band around my wrist, I tie my hair back into a low ponytail. Some strands still sit in my face. Too short. Sigh. Jingle Jingle. I almost forgot about the annoying “protection necklace”. I set it down next to the crown.

          I stare at myself and I don’t look as… princely. Anyways, outside time. Turning away, I head towards the double doors. It’s a little ways away but I’ll make it in 14 seconds. I counted once. 1… 2…7… The doors swing open at random, cold air hitting my face, pulling the loose strands back. Wait, what? Two people enter, at least those who are important. If including the Guards, that’s another story. A lady, one who looks at least 80 something, in a flowing deep pink dress that drags across the floor waltzes in. Then, followed by a man that looks older, if that’s possible, in one of those fancy suits fit for a king. One like my Dad is wearing except what seems like better material. Then it clicks. The Alastriona’s are early. Damn myself.

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          I expected the lady and man to rudely stuff themselves in my face, blabbing about how “underdressed and unroyal I’m being” but they say nothing to me. At least directly. I see their looks on their faces: scrunched noses and narrowed eyes. Judging. The lady then speaks up in this high pitched manner that someone of her age should never have, “Get a wet cloth to clean my heels.”

          I stand there like an idiot. Did she just-? “U-uh… wha-?”

          “Now, servant! Those Coravell royals need to hire more competent servants if they act like this!”

          Oh. Oh. She thinks that I’m… HAH. The Alastriona Queen is more stupid than she looks. Straightening myself up, in my most mockingly sincere tone I reply, “Of course, Your… highness.” Then in the most mocking bow I can muster, I slip by the handful of guards, out the castle’s double doors, into the cold December air. The Queen must be outraged at this point, oh, what a sight that’d be.