Kingdoms - work in progress

Chapter Four - Raelyn

A/N: Okay, cool, actually posting somewhat on a consistent schedule. I wrote a bit more of this today and I'm planning to work on it a lot over winter break xx

"Raelyn, thank you again for all your help. I insist once more that you get paid..."

"I couldn't Queen Alyona."

"I told you Raelyn, just call me Alyona. You're practically family at this point."

"Oh I- still. I'm here to help, not to get paid. Thank you for offering though."

"Stubborn as a weed. I suppose your grandmother tells you that a lot?" I nod, blushing. "Also, I think Elaine wants your company. She's in her room. And can you tell Misae to come downstairs and talk with me for a minute?"

"Of course. What about Diellza?"

"I don't need her for anything, but double check she did all her studies for the day?"

"Of course." I bow and Queen Alyona waves her hand.

"No need to bow. As I said, you're practically family." I blush again and then scurry out. I am no where near royalty. My mom used to be best friends with the Queen and I'd come over almost everyday to play with Misae, who's only a year older than me. She always slightly bullied me though, shoving me down as a child and whatnot. My dad died when I was a baby, so I don't remember him. My mom then died a few years ago. I was twelve, Diellza's current age. I was sent to live with my grandmother. She's amazing and I love her so much, but I missed being here, so I started playing with Diellza and then Elaine when Diellza got 'too old'.

"Rae!" I smile down at the little girl. "Are you coming to play wif me?"

"Can't just yet Ela, I have to go tell Misae to go down and talk with your mother, and check that Diellza finished all her studies for the day."

"Aww."

"You can come with me if you want," I offer.

"Okay!" First we go to Misae's room. I knock and the older girl announces 'enter', like she's all something special. She may be the next queen, but I'm not giving her any special treatment. I've been nice to her for way too long-

"Oh it's you," she says, back turned.

"How did you even know it was me?"

"Your footsteps," she says blandly. I fight the urge not to scoff.

"Fun. Your mom wants to talk with you."

"What for?"

"I don't know! Just go down there and talk."

"You don't have to be so rude, Raelyn." Hey, she said my name. She hasn't used my name in a sentence while talking to me in years. I fake gasp.

"You actually said my name, wow. I didn't realize you knew it!" I feign shock.

"Oh you little-"

"Yes? Don't forget that your youngest sister is here with me and that you are going to be the future queen..." She makes a noise of disgust.

"It's still so shocking to me that my mother still allows you anywhere near my sisters. And I for that matter. You're such a disgrace."

"You obviously had a changed heart since my mom's funeral." She freezes.

"Well I'm sorry you don't recognize pity." Now it's my turn to freeze. If she wasn't royalty there could be a number of things I could do out of anger, alas, she is so I have to hold it in and ignore her.

"Come on Ela, let's go find Diellza." The little girl follows me out. Once we're a good distance from Misae's room, Ela turns to me.

"Rae... why was Misae being so mwean to you?"