THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 1

Characters
Anthony- King of Alkion
Therese- the Crown Princess of Alkion
Charles- Therese's husband
Fabian- Therese and Charles' son
Astrid- Therese and Charles' daughter
Aretha- Aine and Leopold's daughter. A granddaughter to Anthony
Germaine- the daughter of the duke of Kion
Eugene- the count of Alkion
Julian- Eugene's son
Luciana- Astrid's maidservant

In the bluish lagoon, Astrid takes a bath. Her maidservant, Luciana watches the surroundings. The sun is shining brightly and there are lovely chirps from the birds. Astrid dives in and out of the water. This is her favourite spot in the kingdom. There she can escape the hustle of palace life that she finds too demanding and trapping. There is going to be a banquet to celebrate the king's birthday in the afternoon. Luciana looks around then at Astrid.
"Come on Astrid. Let's head back to the castle and get you ready for the banquet before you get late. You have to be in the procession," Luciana says.
" I completely lost track of time. Pass me my dress quick," Astrid says as she rushes out of the water. She quickly dries her body and dark shoulder length hair. She wears the dress and puts on her shoes and runs followed by Luciana to the castle.
The castle is busy with the servants preparing for the banquet. The nobles of the land have started to arrive and talk among themselves. Astrid rushes to her room and Luciana helps her dress up. She wears a grey gown with gold thread woven in intricate designs, a sign of her status in society. She takes her belt and fastens it on the dress and places her dagger there too. Within minutes her hair is done into a lovely low bun with strands of hair hanging loosely from her temples. Luciana places a golden circlet on her head and escorts the princess to join her family.
Meanwhile the royal family has already met outside the throne room.
" Where's your daughter, Therese ?" the king asks in a deep bass. "She is late again and it's time for us to go in," he adds. He was a tall and well built man with red hair. On his face was a beard and moustache.
" She'll be here soon father, "Therese says as she tries to look around for any sign of her daughter.
" Oh here she comes,"Aretha says as she fans herself then tucks back her red hair behind her ear. Her brown eyes lined with black liner sparkle and she smiles. She then brushes off some lint off of her off the shoulder, maroon gown with a black cumberband.
" I'm sorry I'm late, "Astrid says to everyone and ignores the glare from her grandfather. The doors are opened once the chief butler announces their presence. They walk down the long aisle as everyone bows or curtsies when they pass past them. They walk in order of their claim to the throne. The king walks first followed by Therese who is the Crown princess and beside her is Charles. He was known one of the most famous philanderers in the kingdom. Never was he truly faithful to his poor wife who loved him more than anything. Behind them are Fabian, Astrid and Aretha. Fabian was Astrid's older brother and was second in line to the throne. He was a tall young man with a muscular body. His brown eyes and aquiline nose sat perfectly on his face. Gelled back was his dark hair and a golden circlet rested on his head.
"You were in the lagoon weren't you ?" Aretha whispers to Astrid as they walk.
" Yes. I was. You should join me sometime dear cousin," Astrid whispers back.
" Would you two quit whispering," Fabian mutters. He was the most serious of the three. They all reach their table and the king begins a brief speech thanking the nobles for attending the feast and for being loyal to him. He also speaks of his long reign over the land and how proud he is of his subjects. He then welcomes everyone to the banquet.
In the banquet, Astrid approached a young lady dressed in a lime green gown with full sleeves and a square neckline. Her golden hair is curled and two plaits from each of her temples are tied at the middle of her head with a platinum flower. Her amber eyes look at the prince who is busy talking to a guest.
" When will you tell him of your feelings ? You've kept them hidden for long. Don't you think ?" Astrid asks her.
" Oh come on Astrid. Stop embarrassing me. I couldn't possibly confess to him. Look at him. He has never laid his eyes on me as I have since we were children. I don't think it's possible for him to like me back. So many years have gone by and he only sees me as his friend," Germaine replied." I cannot possibly embarrass myself before him."
" That is a valid point,"Astrid began." But you would make a fine pair. Oh look. He is looking at us. No doubt his eyes are on you."
" Stop it,"she blushed and brought her goblet to her lips to hide her smile as she looked at Fabian's eyes on her.
"Perhaps you are not destined to be a duchess but a queen consort of Alkion," Astrid said.
" Enough about me. How about you Astrid ? How's Julian ? You have also liked him for a while now."
" Yes Germaine but he is not around. He went on his adventures. I don't know why he likes to. I really do miss him and want him back. He'd promised to be here for the banquet but I can't see him."
" He'll be back Astrid," Aretha chimed in as she joined the two. " He likes you back doesn't he ?"
" I'm not even sure about that myself Aretha. We barely spend time together and I don't know if he still likes me."
" Speaking of the devil," Germaine said as she looked at Julian. There he was standing looking handsome in a white shirt and black trousers. His perfect brown hair flowing back to his neck in loose curls. Astrid smiled as she looked at him. He looked at the three ladies and approached them. Taking Astrid's hand, he placed a gentle kiss on it before looking at her. Her cheeks reddened as she took in his features.
" It's a pleasure to see you my ladies," he said then shook Aretha and Germaine's hands gently.
" A pleasure to see you too," Aretha said not losing focus on him.
" Well,I think that Aretha and I should leave you two so you can catch up," Germaine said as she smiled and pulled Aretha's hand leading her away. They join Fabian and begin a conversation.
Aretha stole glances at Julian as he talked to Astrid.
As the trio conversed, Fabian exchanged glances with Luciana who was standing by the walls to await any command from Astrid. Luciana smiled at him and he did too before turning his attention back to Germaine who was speaking.
The banquet went on into the night with many guests drunk and with everyone making merry.