Chapter 1

It was too windy for a party, Emma decided, but it did not make her inclined to return to the stuffy confines of the room where all sorts of bottom-feeders socialized and chatted on about everything frivolous and nothing of importance. She stayed outside, fine with solitude, for she had always possessed a rather melancholy temperament. Now, if she could just get out of this hellish place, she would be entirely perfect. She glanced back at the open door, through which the lights from the party were filtering through. The only way of escape was right back into the room filled with wannabes and she had no desire to slay that particular dragon.

She sighed, resigning herself to staying on the balcony for the time being. At least out there she was free from the constant attention she was being paid. She had just been informed the day before that she was to be her father’s heir. She had three other siblings, a sister, and two brothers. She didn’t know why she had been chosen, and when she asked all she was told was that it was the will of the gods.

This party was being thrown to celebrate her new status as the crown heir of Pasiva along with her eighteenth birthday. She had tried to be cheerful and happy as was expected of her, but it was failing. Ever since she had been announced as heir to the Pasivian throne, every eligible nobleman had sought her hand.

She had no interest in marrying, let alone taking over the throne one day. She wanted nothing more than her freedom, but tradition wouldn’t allow for it. No, she was going to have to take a husband, rule Pasiva, and produce an heir.

If she was ever going to marry, she wanted to marry for love…not marry because it was a good match for the kingdom.

            She walked over to the balcony railing and looked up into the night sky; both moons were shining brightly in the night sky. She sighed and pushed one of her long, white braids back over her shoulder. She looked down below seeing the fountains in the garden. She has always loved the palace gardens; they always provided her a place to find peace.

            She briefly considered climbing down the balcony into the garden, but decided against it when she looked down. It was too far and she didn’t have rope. Even if she had rope she wouldn’t have wanted to risk it in her silken gown. She looked back into the crowded room where people were still talking and gossiping.

They all looked the same, of course, everyone in Pasiva did. They all shared the same dark skin tone, white hair, and black eyes. It was just another way that individualism was kept at bay. The only difference among people were there body build and markings which distinguished which class they belonged in.

With resignation, she walked back into the room and dealing with everyone there. She stood up straight, straightened out the golden silk fabric of her gown, and walked regally back into the room. As soon as she arrived, she was surrounded by men of varying ages, all within the noble class, who were trying to win her affections or at least her attention. She tried to ignore each and every one of them, pushing past the crowd, which was about as difficult as swimming against a current.

A young man dressed in silver and red approached and took her hand, kissing it. “Your highness; might I just say that you look beautiful this evening?”

“Thank you.” She replied, taking back her hand. She walked on, responding to various greetings from various people. She had no friends here; she didn’t know any of these people well. Sure, she knew their names, she knew their ranks, and their jobs within the castle, but she didn’t know their likes and their dislikes. She realized that she knew nothing about the people around her. She thought, had she even tried getting to know any of them before she had become the crown heir?

The answer was simple, no, no she hadn’t. That was when it dawned on her, she was just as shallow and fake as the people surrounding her. She thought she knew people, but she didn’t. How could should complain about them not knowing her when she hadn’t taken the time to get to know anyone.

The stuffy air started getting to her and she felt lightheaded. She put a hand to her head and closed her eyes.

            “Your highness…are you alright?” one man asked, bowing before her. She looked him over, and rather than speak to him she walked right past him. She had had enough; she turned to the crowd and looked at them all. She couldn’t take it anymore.

            “Enough,” she said, in a voice that was soft. “Enough.” When she started to speak, the room fell silent. “I have had enough. I don’t want the crown and I don’t want to get married, especially not to any of you.” The crowd looked shocked, no one had ever declared such a thing; it was blasphemy for her to say what she had said. Ruling Pasiva was a divine right, to give that up or to not want it was to go against the gods themselves.

            The king, dressed in a regal high necked suit of gold, had walked in at that moment, pure anger etched on his face and seen in his black eyes. He walked up and grabbed her by the arm, dragging her out of the room. When they were away from the crowd he looked at her, eyes narrowed.

            “How dare you blaspheme against the gods!?”

            “I dare because I don’t want to be queen and I don’t want to marry any of those….those…leeches!”

            “Watch what you say, Emma!” he said, not releasing her.

            “No, father, I won’t.” She said, sticking up for herself.

            “You are to go in there and apologize. You will say that you are tired and that you meant none of it. In the morning you will atone for your actions.”

            “I won’t. I refuse”

            “Emma, you know the penalty for blasphemy!”

            “Yes I do. It’s death.” She said. “Honestly, death would be a sweet release from this hell!”

            “Emma…you will regret your words…” he said, voice hardened. “Guards! Take the princess to the dungeons. Her sentence will be read out in the morning.” The guards hesitantly took hold of Emma. She didn’t struggle against them as they led her to the cell where she would stay the night. 

Reviews

[NoelHC]

Wow! Engaging, interesting, well written. You have a talent for writing, I have enjoyed this immensely and plan to read the other chapters as well.

You asked if there were any errors, the only one I noticed was the address by the young man in which he said “You’re highness" which should be "Your highness"

I loved your use of words, they indicate a maturity and close attention to proper usage.

Well done.

[KMC]

Thank you very much for your kind words! I will be sure to address the error!

[jjwilbourne]

This was an excellent piece of work. I Dig The world building and the clear establishment of the beginning of a character arc.
I'll be reading on.

[KMC]

Thank you!

[S. Barber]

* claps * I really enjoyed it.

[KMC]

Thank you!