The Princess of War

Chapter 1

I got up at the crack of dawn, just the same as always except today wasn't going to be the same. My maid Julia got up even earlier than me and fetched me a pail of water from the river. I walked into the bathroom, pail in hand. I set it on the counter in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection, straight white hair down my back, red eyes, and pale skin. House Finiffer descendants all had this look, which was a curse (people could spot you quickly) and a blessing (it scared people off fairly effortlessly). I cupped my hands, plunged them in the water, and splashed myself in the face, the water was ice-cold. I could have Julia heat it but the cold helped me wake up in the morning.

I brushed my hair and tied it in a tight high ponytail, and cleaned my teeth. I went to the amour stand that was in the corner of the room and started preparing myself. There is no easy way to put on 35 pounds of amour, but I somehow always manage. I sheath my sword and walk out of my room.

I trudged my way down the corridor leading to the courtyard, the sound of my armor clashing, echoing throughout the hallowed halls. I'd like to think that the ghostly sound would fill the halls forever when I die. I made my way out, into the luxuriant enclosure, with flowers in every color imaginable, it was weird to think that things so beautiful could grow in a land so grim. The rose garden was the main feature of the whole courtyard. A vast circle of lush red rose bushes, about 5 feet tall. On the ground was a serpent, spiraling inside the ring. I entered the garden and saw Phillipe, my trainer, standing with his back to me.

Phillipe was 64, a foot shorter than me, and extremely thin, but he was the most energetic person I've ever met.

"Hello, Phillipe," I say as I enter the garden.

"Ah good morning, Rayla" he greets cheerily. He turns around, picks up his helmet, and places it on his head. I do the same threading my hair through a hole in the back. We bow and lower our salutes, and both unsheath our swords. My sword was made of carbon steel and had a silver snake coiling itself along with the handle, each scale perfectly carved. The snake had a mischievous smile and a ruby the color of blood for an eye.

In a flash, I see Phillipe's sword raise, about to strike. I duck out of the way, step back, and swing for his abdomen. He notices and steps back missing my sword by an inch. He jabs at my right arm and he hits, I can sense his satisfied smile and I quickly slip behind him. I put my sword around his neck and after a second let go. "Great one today Rayla, but you know I let you win right?" he says with a chuckle. "Mhm of course," I answer sarcastically.

I sheath my sword and take my helmet off. "Well, gotta get ready to leave," I say with a sigh.

"Right..." he replies

"See you in a few months." With that, I walk out of the garden on my way to breakfast.

I solemnly trudge out of the garden, thinking about my new life will go, and I think about Philipe and how he has been there for me my whole life. I race back to the rose garden and see him walking out. I run up to him and hug him tightly, he seems startled at first but then hugs me back. "Well...That was unexpected," he says with a chuckle. I let go slightly embarrassed. "I know, it's just....I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too Rayla," he says with a sincere smile. Just then a guard appears behind us. "Princess Rayla, your presence is requested at the dining hall." I nod and follow the guard inside, feeling a small piece of me break.

I enter the large dining hall and see my parents at the end of the 20-foot dining table. I take a seat a few seats away from my parents on the left. I couldn't place my finger on why they wanted to speak to me at breakfast. Maybe they just wanted to say goodbye before I left? I thought to myself as I took my seat. My father cleared his throat. "So Rayla..." He didn't want to bid me a good trip. "As you know, since the war has ended, we haven't been the most popular Kingdom, and with you going to school you aren't exactly going to be well-liked." He paused trying to read me. He looked at my mother then at me again.

"Don't disgrace us Rayla"