God Is A Woman

Chapter 4: Responsibilities

As time flew by, the princesses grew older under the guidance of the best royal advisers and grew to be kind, confident and strong heirs to the throne, who knew every piece of the imperial chessboard by heart. They grew day after day, under constant supervision of not only their parents, but the public, enamoured by the fine problem-solving and empathetic nature of their princesses.

The two sisters loved each other more than anything, but Heavens knew they were nothing alike.

While Princess Sriy gravitated towards reading, writing, poetry and a diplomatic approach to conflicts, her elder sister also craved having her blood rush in her veins. From challenging and crushing every other Duke or Lord who made the mistake of undermining her, to chasing down anyone who dared lay a finger on her beloved citizens, Aria was a force not to reckon with, something encouraged and applauded by her mother but often looked down upon by the king, for worry about her well-being.

One morning, the sun shone a brilliant hue as the court for the day proceeded as usual, with the king and queen personally handling every complaint and issue with occasional proposals from their jury.

A messenger entered the room and bowed in front of the thrones.

"I bow before you, my majesty and offer my heartfelt greetings. I am Towirian, sent by Queen Maristol of Marclarens. She invites your majesties to the engagement ball of his highness Crown Prince Christian. She extends her warmest welcome to her brother nation.

King Biennel stood forward and helped the young messenger stand up.

"I see my sister loves the dramatics too much for her own good still" he chuckled. "Good Towirian, take my acceptance to my darling queen. Rest for a while, for you have a long voyage before you. Lucius, kindly show this young man to his room for tonight. The court is adjourned."

As he started walking towards his quarters with the queen, his eldest daughter slowly walked towards them, firm with dedication. She took a breath and began speaking.

"Father, Mother" she called "I was wondering, if it's possible, could I oversee the court for a while? Just, hear my thoughts. Aunt Maristol has invited us all to Marclarens, and after all, one of us has to stay. I know I'm too young but-"

"Aria, my love," her father interrupted "I'm afraid what you're saying is-"

"First, let her finish, Bienniel. Second, of course, she can stay. We knew we would have to let you have some freedom and experience of ruling the country she's destined for. So before you go on a speech about how she's too young, or how she could be in harm's way. Let me stop you.

Yes, kjære, or future Queen." chuckled her Majesty Queen Helia "You may stay back and be regent for a while."

She pat her auburn locks lovingly, as tears rushed to her small almond eyes. This was what she had prayed for yet, something felt wrong. It was like a pit in her stomach, a feeling of what felt like, potential regret?

She shook it off as nervousness, as a giddy smile appeared in the mirror. The freckles on her face were no longer the only jewel that adorned her face. Even though it was for a short time,

She Was Queen.