Heiress

Untitled Part 9

The previous week, the mere thought crossed her mind to a point her body froze with the realization. If words on an article could be weapons, then what she said in her defense could affect the ears of those who listened. Her words counted as much or more as the one's from an anonymous source. Not just words for the record.

She could choose to respect the public opinion or to affect it.

The crowd awaited her testimony. The mass formed even before her arrival. Everyone wanted to hear the message from the Heiress to those who support her and for those against her.

As Dulce Calmreich walked those halls, her dress flowed with every step. Finesse close by her side. Their father followed them in his stern manner. When inquired about the message, she only responded that it was to defend her public image after the article had painted a poor portrait of her.

The sunlight entered from the porch and blinded her eyes. It was too late to back down or to be selective about her words. She would say all the things stuck in her throat. One single voice was enough to make a change, to make armies put their hands up in riot. One belief, one spark, one faith could change everything. Oriana would be that voice. Right before her world fell apart.

Before the light hit her, Oriana dropped her shoulders and took one deep breath. She stood tall and cleared her throat. Her words were to be listened even by the people in the back rows.

At her sight, the comotion subsided. A servant made the introduction for the Royal family. He presented the Heiress as Dulce Calmreich and her hand flinched at the sound of that name. Something she was never able to control.

The introductions were made and the cheers were loud. The moment arrived. She had only one shot. They had only one shot, they had to make it count. No one could stop them. The world would not drown them and their mark would be made.

"Greetings people of the Clover Kingdom!" Oriana shouted. "I must thank you for the warm welcoming. It has been far too long since I have been home after many years into hiding." she made a pause.

Her feet on solid ground, she lifted her chin higher. Her message would be heard from the other side of the Kingdom, or so she wished.

"I am here to tell not only you that your Heiress has not left you in the hands of chaos, like I'm certain you have read in the press. That article also spoke the truth. That I left this castle and faked my own death to join the Magic Knights ranks as a mage of the Black Bulls. However, at the sight of no other immediate solution, I came back to you, my people, with a reassuring message."

The silence made her heart run faster and her hands clench. It was drowning. Her march had slowed down on the untraveled road of fighting against tradition. The opponent was strong, but the sweet victory was at reach, she could almost graze her fingers. All that was needed was a push.

At that moment, a figure lowered on its broom by Oriana's side. Always the menacing image, guards got into position for attack. Oriana lifted her palm, with one serene glance, they lowered their grimoires. Zora jumped from his broom and landed facing the crowd. His eyes glimmered in reassurance and determination. For Oriana only, he smiled.

"I'm here for you." he reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers.

Together, they were unstoppable.

Once more, Oriana turned her gaze to the crown, the fire in her eyes relit.

"Your Heiress, Dulce Calmreich, is no fit for a Queen. She would not serve you right, she would not rule with competence and make all the right decisions for her people. She has no interest in ruling either."