Thorns and Roses

Chapter 1

"Of all the frivolity," Axelia grumbled.

Every person from every nook and cranny of Rhaeth had been summoned to The Enalcium, the ceremony for revealing the next Guardian. The Sacred Garden kept the kingdom aloft, and going to the ceremony was a time of celebration, yet she felt distinctively out of place among the throngs of glittering people. Everywhere she turned, girls her age were too busy worrying about who might be chosen, and thus get an opportunity to be close to the prince.

"Our lives depend on this, and all they care about is some floppy haired kid barely out of his youth," she muttered. She could not care less about the boy they all considered handsome. She never was like most of those her age. She fought hard for what she had and focused on what she must accomplish, fearful of any negative consequences, and strict with her own expectations.

Suddenly, fanfare snapped her out of her reverie and the royal family came out onto the balcony, smiling gratefully at the hoards of people. The King, Queen, Prince, and the two Princesses bowed to everyone, and everyone bowed back.

"Welcome all," bellowed the agreeable King Miratious. The crowds cheered for him. He was a good man, careful with peoples lives and respectful of all. Axelia had always looked up to him, glad of his kindness to the poor.

"Please listen." A hush fell over the crowd.

Queen Feraiah's voice captivated them all. "Thank you all for coming here today. As you know, the future of our Kingdom rests upon the chosen Guardian tonight. I offer my gratitude to the pure soul who will keep us all alive."

"Ave cerenia," Axelia whispered reverently along with the crowd. The saying was an old one, one offered only out of great respect. Few people other than the Guardian would earn such widespread grave recognition.

"We will now activate the scroll. The Guardian's Mark shall rise with the moon. Let the feast begin!" Everyone cheered and swirled about the courtyard with great mirth. Axelia walked over to one of the tables and got a roll of bread and some cheese to nibble on. Luckily, she had come prepared. She pulled out the latest novel that captivated her and sat down at a stone bench in one of the less rowdy corners.

No sooner had she opened the book and began to read the delicate script, three little girls rushed at her with open arms, giggling as they tried not to stumble in their flowery dresses.

"Lia, lia!" they exclaimed, and Axelia jumped up to greet them. They hugged her and then surrounded her, looking up at her adorably.

"You're so pretty," the youngest, Elphie, cooed.

"Not as pretty as you," Alexia said as the four year old climbed into her lap.

Elphie, Liliana, and Marina were the daughters of an old family friend, and they had grown rather attached to Axelia over the years, claiming her as their big sister.

"Look at our dresses Lia! Mommy made them," exclaimed Lili.

"They're absolutely beautiful little one. Tell me, where's your mommy and daddy?"

"Over there, talking to the King!" Marina burst out excitedly. "He's so nice! He told us we could eat as many sweets as we wanted tonight, as long as we didn't get sick! I told him that sweets are yummy so they won't make us sick. That's what vegetables do," she giggled.

Lia chuckled at their antics, giving them all her attention as the royal family spread out and mingled with their guests.

She heard a shriek and looked over, holding the girls' hands in case there was any danger. She sighed with relief when she saw that it was only a gaggle of teenagers swooning over Prince Zareth. "Yep there's definitely danger. I think I might have to get some earmuffs to protect our ears," she huffed.