The Game of Monarchies "Sanguis Rosa"

Chapter II

Zea entered her room, quickly closed the door and plopped on the bed. All different thoughts were running through her head. Why did Father agree to this deal? What is he hiding? While lost in thought, Helltin took the chance to invite himself to Zea's room. Their rooms were complete opposites, kind of like them. While Helltin preferred light and some colour, Zea was of the opinion that gold and black looked the best.

The floor creaked under Helltin's steps, making his sister notice him. Zea looked over, in her eyes two very different emotions could be seen. The wish to know what is going on, what Father is not telling them and fear. She knew that threat was not a joke but could not for the life of Aggeris understand why Father was so mean towards her. There were so many responsibilities already placed on Zea, at one point running away seemed like the right decision. However, that would make her look like a coward.

Helltin sat down next to Zea. Both stayed silent, but that silence was comforting. Almost like a mother's touch. The future queen was known to be strong and brave, though at that moment the soon-to-be ruler truly needed someone. So, the brother took her hand and squeezed it. Assuring that if anything was to happen, he would be right there. Zea sat up, hugged her brother, to show she was thankful. They used to do that all the time when they were children, because Helltin was too shy to speak. Even now he only speaks when necessary. Most of the vocabulary comes from body language that Zea grew up to understand perfectly.

After some time Zea spoke up.

"I cannot let myself be this weak or pathetic. A Queen is supposed to be strong and independent." She looked through her window, the throne room was visible, soon she would be sitting there and making final decisions. "Fear will only help my enemies to put an end to my life"

Helttin decided to voice his opinions and thoughts.

"Truth in your words exists, but it is only partly correct." Zea turned to face him. She lifted one of her eyebrows, showing that explanation was very much needed.

"The best empires are led by those that acknowledge what they feel. And fear is the most common and strongest emotion." Helltin took out a dagger from a rose-coloured leather pocket and placed it in Zea's hands. "Remember this, you can turn fear to power because that feeling drives you to serve your people and save them."

She looked down at the dagger, the handle was red with golden accents. And it looked like roses were growing on the dagger.

"May you be as beautiful as those roses, but sharp as that blade."

Zea held up the dagger. As the light hit the blade, words appeared. "Sanguis Rosa". The Blood Rose. Zea placed down the dagger letting out a shaky breath. This will keep her safe, maybe the words on this blade could become her legacy...