King Jasper

Chapter 1 - Adeena

The smell of eggs was present as I entered the kitchen. My favorite part of the day is the morning. Waking up and getting myself ready for the day, then to go to the kitchen where my mother made her mouth-watering scrabbled eggs is my definition of perfect.

Since we live on the farm, decently away from the city, we grow our own plants and take care of our own animals. The chopped up slices of ham and green peppers add an extra layer of taste to her homemade scrambled eggs. In my opinion, it was the best thing to ever be in my mouth, which is slightly biased but it is alright.

The wooden floor creaked, announcing my presence before I could speak. "Please bring your father his plate before you sit down, Adeena." My mother spoke to me before turning to look at me. I smiled as I grabbed fathers plate. "Good morning as well mother, you look like you got some sleep last night. Or is that my own delusions?"

My mother was young. She had me at a young age but that was nothing uncommon. Her usual tired expression was vacant from her face as she smiled at me. "The mail came yesterday, quite later then usual. It sent me to bed with a smile." My mother said in a good mood. Before I could ask her what the mail was she saw my curiosity and continued before I could. "Go give your father his food and wake your siblings so they can eat before starting chores." I allowed the corner of my lips to perk up before leaving her to serve the food on the empty plates.

Heading down the hallway to the room my father stayed in I tried to keep my curiosity to a low. I have not seen my mother with this much joy since before my father lost his leg in the war. Father lost his leg a few years ago, when I was still a teenager. It was a low point for us afterwards. I honestly did not know what was going to happen to us.

I knocked on my fathers door before calling out and entering. "Adeena, good morning my child." he pushed out as he sat himself higher in bed. My brows furrowed as I quickly entered, my curiosity gone and instead is replaced by worry. As I take in my fathers appearance it makes a cold shiver run through me. "Are you okay, Father?" I asked him as I set the plate next to him and feel his forehead with the back of my hand. "You look awful."

"I am fine angel, just a little toasty is all." He coughed out. I grabbed his glass of water and handed it to him allowing him to take a sip to clear his throat. I took in his sweat laced body and red, exhausted face before telling him what I saw. Father just rolled his eyes, "you do not need to worry, I will be fine." He grabbed his plate and took a bite of eggs as I put his water back for him. He groaned slightly before telling me, "tell your mother her cooking never fails to amaze me."

I took that as my sign to leave, I gave father a kiss on the forehead and grabbed his older dishes before leaving the room. On my way back to the kitchen I stopped at the two doors where my siblings stayed, my three younger sisters shared a room and my three younger brothers shared a room. There was not much room in the house, so with the small area I stay in the attic so the bedrooms are not as crowded.

I knock and wake everyone up before continuing my way to the kitchen to see my mother had set the table and everyones food was ready. A panicked gasp left my lips as my mother popped around the corner coming to me with a white letter. I was not expecting that. "Read it." I grabbed the letter from my mother cautiously as she smiled at me. My curiosity peaked through the roof once I saw the royal stamp. Looking up at mother quizzically she nodded her head encouraging me to open it.

My mouth fell agape as I unfolded the letter.

Dear residents of Darklight Kingdom,

There is a special ball being held at the palace starting once the sun has gone down this Friday night. As you all know, our beloved King Marcus passed leaving his only son to take over. Our new King, King Jasper, is throwing a ball to find a wife. It is a duty for the King to have his Queen in order to serve the faithful people of his kingdom. If you are able to provide the King the needs that a Queen can give him then you are ordered to come to the palace.