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There were twenty seven people at the round table that night. Twenty seven. That's nine more than the day before. That means something has happened. Father summoned me today. Even though he knew I'd come anyways. I think he wanted to make sure I'd be here. Make sure I'd be here to watch and listen as my country goes to war. After all, I will soon be it's Queen. "Sëranite soldiers were found not miles from our boarders by scouts." One general is saying. "They attacked a village and killed two children." Another one says. "Let's not forget that yesterday we intercepted their messenger deliver palace schematics." "Or how they destroyed a place of worship!" They went on for hours. Listing each of Sëra's attacks towards our country Ilya. My father, the King, listening intently to each of their points. He occasionally glances at me, to make sure I'm listening. As if this assembly is nothing but practice and not where he will have to decide whether to go to war or not. The royal blue dress mother made me wear is too hot. I'm sweating in the stone war room, but I know I won't be able to leave anytime soon. Even though I wish it with every fibre in being. The anxiety coursing through be is unbearable. Each time a new transgression is mentioned, I'm torn between wanting revenge for those hurt, and wanting to point out a similar attack we made on Sëranite soil. None of the generals are eager to bring their own sins to the table. "Irina." My father says. "Yes, my King?" "You'll rise with me. When the time comes." "Always, my King." He nods, and continues to listen to his arguing generals for another hour before standing up. I stand up as well, towering just as high as him in my elevating platform boots. He speaks for some time, giving reasons, mainly restating their prior points. I think deep down, some part of me knew from the moment I received his summons that this would happen. And yet, as soon as the words left his mouth, I felt my heart drop a thousand feet. He said, "tonight, my generals, we declare war! War on Sëra!" —- I could not was escaped the war room faster. As soon as the first general took leave, I told father I was going to see him out. I did not. Instead, I went straight for the stable, where Victor had already saddled Quirina. Her black colour made her invisible in the night, and along with my black cloak, not a single guard noticed me enter the forest. It's strange how easily I can cross the boarder in Sëra. They are our greatest enemy, but also our closest boarder. Quirina never slows down until she's reached the little clearing in the woods. And I can do nothing but wait. It takes a few hours of watching the sparkling sky before I hear the familiar sound of hooves striking the soft ground. He's in sight in minutes, his white horse shimmering under the moonlight. I stand up, nearly run to him as he brings his horse to a stop and dismounts. I barely get a good look at his well missed face before he pulls me in and kisses me. And oh goodness how I've missed him... "Ina." He finally says, still holding me tight in his arms. He says my name as if it's the only thing keeping me here, as if I might float away if he doesn't prove my existence. "Nick" I whisper back. Nicolas Jesper the second is prince of Sëra. Irina Katerina the first is princess of Ilya. And our countries are going to war. "What's the matter? I came as soon as I got your message. Are you hurt?" He finally pulls me away to possibly inspect my well-being. "Father declared was of Sëra." I can see the mix of emotions on his face. Shock, dread, fear. "I was with him when he said it." "Oh goodness, Ira..." He runs as hand through his wind crazed hair, his nervous tick when he's stressed. "Oh I don't even know what to say." We stay quiet, holding hands looking into each others eyes, for some time. "I'm committing treason." I finally mumble. "This is a literal act of treason, Nick. It's no longer just two people from different countries meeting up to hide from their parents. This is actually a crime against the state and I'd be hung if anyone found out. If your father declares war as well, you'd receive a worse punishment if caught. Nick is this serious. We're risking our lives just standing two feet of each other." I want to cry. I want to cry so hard but the reality of our situation cannot be escaped. "I can't let you go." He says softly. "Ira, I could never let you go." He's gripping onto my hands, harder than before, strengthening his grip on me. It breaks me heart. The tears well in my eyes for just a second. "You have to Nick. We don't have a choice anymore." "We can try harder! We can be quieter. We can find a better spot! Please don't do this Ira..." but he can already tell I've made up my mind. Perhaps in another world, I'd have been able to stay with my love. Perhaps we'd have joined our kingdoms and lived in peace. Perhaps we'd have had a mighty castle full of gold and marble with gardens and kitchens and silk sheets. Perhaps. But those are the dreams of a child. And I am not a child. I am the future Queen of Ilya. And queens cannot have childish hopes and wishes. So I tore my hands from the only boy I'd ever give my heart to, and I mounted Quirina. That was the last time I'd see Nicolas Jesper the second prince of Sëra for a long long time.
