The dull grey landscape of a dying land seemed like a fleeting nightmare. But every morning it is the first thing I see as I gaze out my window. The stale air reeking of death and sickness makes my stomach churn. If I had eaten the night before I would surely be empty myself of that from the stench. It’s not that I’m poor, no in fact out of everyone I could be rather fat if I wanted. But I refuse two of my meals a day. Sometimes all three. Now before you began to judge me you must understand. My people are poor and my country is dying. My father was a good king and we prospered but when he died he left everything was left to my brother. We were twins so as the male this was the natural thing, but not the right thing. He grew mad with power quickly. He had our younger brother drowned and our cousins murdered as well. Then he began to take and take from our people. Seeking more he picked fights with any country on our border. Most of them wouldn’t take the bait out of respect for our father. But one eventually did and our weakened army failed us. Thinking he could rally his troops he went to the battle front three weeks ago.
A knock brought me back to my room.
“My Lady, are you awake?”
“Yes Maris, you may come in.” My once plump nurse came in. She had one of my best gowns in her hand. She had to take it in.
“Oh sweet thing, get ya away from there. You’ll catch death and then our land will surely die. Look at ya, skin an bones you be. Why didn’t you eat yesterday?” She said closing the window.
“Another mother came in, I gave her all my meals. She had two small children with her Maris. I invited her to stay but she refused. They all refuse, fearing my brother.” I stood as she helped dress me. “Do you know that he’s become a monster to our people? They all think he’s a demon keeping me here against my will.” Maris didn’t say anything as she finished the buttons. This was my last good gown. It was white and gold with suns embroidered on the bodice. I gave all my others to anyone that needed them.
“There now fits jus perfect it does. Now I’ll fix your hair and head down. The rider says they’ll be here within hours.” I nodded as she helped me.
I was in the throne room right when the procession came through the gates. All of them were on great dark horses with the leader on the biggest and darkest of them all. The black banner with the silver crescents flowed proudly on either side of him. I watched as he dismounted swiftly with easy grace and strode up the palace steps. I walked to my chair leaving my brothers empty.
“His Supreme Majesty King Dracorum of the Crescent Moon Kingdom.” The royal page announced. I stood as they walked in. The King glanced around the room then removed his helmet revealing a man with long black hair and amethyst eyes. He was tall, possibly seven feet tall, with lean muscles. He looked to be in his late 30s. He bowed slowly and I returned with a curtsy.
“Princess Eliana, we set sail as soon as I received your message. As you requested I have brought you a man I hold in high regard. A man as you said who is not a king of blood, but of heart.” He clasped his hand on the man to his right. “This is Chraine Stirrick, he and I have known each other since we were young children, he is such a man.” I stood and walked up to the man. He was tall, but not quite as tall as the king. He had black hair and brown eyes. I stared at him holding his gaze.
“Princess.” He said bowing his head. I smiled to myself. Perfect.
“Come, we have much to discuss in private. My servants will show your men to their rooms.” I walked towards what was once my father’s private library and they fallowed. I gestured them to have a seat.
“Now, princess since we are alone here, would you mind telling us exactly what is going on?”
“What’s going on, your grace, is that my people and my kingdom are dying. There is a plague here and it wears a crown upon its head.” I walked to the window to gaze out.
“I will admit, that the kingdom has drastically changed since the last time I was here but surely his highness is not all-“
“Do you think I would have called you here if it was not all his fault? He’s given me no choice by having any other heir murdered. He had Calen drowned, his own brother.” The king just blinked at me. “Now what I’m offering will help us both, a sort of trade: A hero for a princess.” Chraine looked from me to the king and back.
“You are very beautiful princess but I feel as If I’m too old for you.” Before I could speak the king let out a chuckle.
“It’s a trade my friend. You’re taking her place in a sense. You’ll stay here and she’ll come back with me. But tell me my lady surely you’ve heard the awful tales of all the princesses my son has chased away?”
“My father often told me of the tales you sent in letters, but I’m not afraid. Nor will I be chased away. That is our deal, a guaranteed bride.”
“And in return?”
“He must kill my brother.” They both looked surprised by my answer.
“Kill a king? Are you mad child? I’ll not anger an entire nation!” Chraine yelled.
“You’ll not anger anyone. In fact just the opposite, if you kill my brother, they will insist that you become king. You will be loved by everyone in my country. Especially when I give my blessing and tell the people that I must leave to form an alliance with the home country of their hero. Any of my cousins will be more than happy to become your wife and you will rule in my stay. And someday I hope that one of my sons or daughters to sit on the throne.” Chraine sat and considered all of this. The King smiled at me.
“You are your father’s daughter. I’m very impressed. So what do you say Chraine? Are you ready to become a king?”
“I’m not sure.” He stood up. “But I’m ready to save a kingdom.”
