Burned by water

Chapter 3

Back when King Dràast wasn't in power and my parents were my age, they were expected to travel around the world to meet each Royal family, live with them for a few weeks and learn their customs. It was a tradition throughout the world.

My mother used to tell me about the Air folks' nonchalance, their love for parties, and endless fun. Their whole country was based more on democracy even if a King and Queen occupied the throne, the entire kingdom was involved in politics and everyone could vote. Mutual aid was an unsaid agreement.

For the Earth people, democracy was implanted as well and each year they'd vote for someone new at the head of the council. Their people were known for their charism and ambition, but ambition never overpassed the well-being of others. They would prove themselves to others without hurting anyone, simply showing their best attributes. They were hard workers and smooth speakers, working in harmony with their elements. 

Our people were known for natural talent and respect, and our affairs were dealt with in seriousness and empathy, yet we could make the hard sacrifices the Air folks rarely could. We ruled as a monarchy with a council to help make the decision but at the end of the day, it was the King and Queen who decided.

As for the Fire folks, their Monarchy was seemingly like a dictatorship, and in my mother's opinion, it had been this way before Dràast's rule. Fire people were taught from their youngest age to control their power, a power that could easily destroy everything around them. Their technique was said to be impeccable, a precision with every blow. Ambitious and power-hungry, it was well known amongst each country that a fire folk could mean no good. Yet, my ancestors had learned their ways as much as their ancestors had learned ours and there had been countless alliances between them and each country. No one had expected it when they surprised the Earth people and annihilated their people.

''Princess, your boat awaits you.'' 

I stood on the port, furs keeping me warm from the cold wind coming from the North. At this time of year, Bràstark was covered in snow and their cold winds traveled from their country to ours. I had experienced snow a few times here at home, and the soft layer never stayed longer than a week. But where I would stay, snow stayed half a year long and created mountains - so they said.

I turned around to see my family waiting in their furs as well, all looking every bit of the Royal family. ''I guess this is time for farewells,'' I said glumly.

I walked to my parents and embraced them, ''We'll see you in a month.''

''Stay safe.'' My father couldn't look at me whilst my mother had tears in her eyes. I felt like they were already mourning me.

People were walking around us, stealing curious glances. There were soldiers on duty with us, other than that it was kids running around and mostly women. There were a few men, the elderly mostly, as well as younger ones that worked for the trades of merchandise, gone for most of the year at sea.

''I hope you'll like it over there, sister,'' Taz said rigidly, his face devoid of any emotion.

''We'll be there if you need us.'' My sister added softly after my brother and I simply nodded towards them instead of hugging them as well. Maybe I held a small grudge against them. Resentment made me turn away from them and walk with my head held high toward the boat. I wasn't traveling with our soldiers or with the army. Instead, I was on a merchant's boat with a renowned veteran. He used to fight against Bràstark when they were attacking the Air folks. They had to fall back after a month and he was the only one who had made it at sea from his troop. 

''Your Highness, let me show you your humble quarters.'' He bowed before me and instead of following him, I watched my country for one last time. It might be the last time I set foot on this ground, but still, I felt like my adventure was about to start. I wasn't condemned to my boring castle, I was traveling elsewhere and discovering a country so few of my generation had the opportunity to do.