The Land of the Lost

Chapter 1 - Odette

"Posture! No prince will marry you with that slouching back!" Miss Juliane's sharp voice sliced through my daydreams, jolting me back to the reality of the freezing room. I straightened my spine and forced myself to meet her gaze, though I hated her constant criticism. Her stern expression never softened as she scrutinized my every movement.

"A good queen doesn't spend her days daydreaming," she continued, her voice a relentless reminder of my duties. "She needs to lead her kingdom while looking regal and beautiful. Your posture is not fitting that requirement. Now, straighten up and focus on your studies. A good queen knows her people and her kingdom's history."

I suppressed a sigh, not wanting another lecture. The weight of royal expectations had been pressing down on me lately, and sometimes I wished I could go back to being a child again. Back then, it seemed as if nothing mattered. Now, every moment is consumed by the challenge of my future reign. The constant reminders of my duties to my kingdom were a constant burden.

Miss Juliane's eyes bore into me, and I knew she was searching for any sign of rebellion. "Sit up straight," she commanded again, and I obeyed, trying to focus on the history book in front of me. The worn pages and intricate illustrations were a stark reminder of the legacy I was expected to uphold.

My mind wandered back to simpler times, before the pressures of royalty had taken over my every waking moment. Memories of running through the palace gardens, playing hide and seek with cousins, and exploring the hidden corners of the castle with no care in the world, flooded my thoughts. Those days felt like a lifetime ago, a distant dream now overshadowed by the relentless demands of my position.

Miss Juliane's voice cut through my thoughts once more. "Who will rule beside you and help lead the kingdom?" she asked, her tone both demanding and inquisitive.

I blinked, taken aback by her sudden question. The matter of choosing a King for this kingdom is not a light decision. I have to think about keeping our allies happy, making sure they will actually be able to rule, and most importantly, I want to actually love them. I've heard stories of royalty being forced into unwanted marriages just for status, and I don't want that to happen to me. "I am still considering my options," I replied with a polite smile, trying to mask my uncertainty.

Miss Juliane's expression remained stern, but she nodded in acknowledgment. "You must choose wisely," she said. "The future of Oryn depends on it."

With an unsatisfied nod, Miss Juliane concluded the lesson and quietly swept out of the room, leaving me alone in the small study. I glanced at the history book lying on the desk in front of me. Its worn pages and cover reminded me of the legacy of my ancestors, a legacy I was expected to uphold with unwavering dedication.

Oryn, the kingdom created by the blood, sweat, and tears of those who came before me. It was named after the golden fields that are scattered throughout the kingdom, and has always stood as a beacon of prosperity and wealth amid an ocean of uncertainty. Yet, beyond our borders lies a collection of neighboring kingdoms, each with its own tales and stories.

To the east lies the Kingdom of Capri, with its meandering rivers and tranquil lakes. Capri is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, with ancient cities filled with art, music, and literature. The people of Capri are known for their creativity and ingenuity, their festivals and celebrations famous throughout the lands. The capital city, Rivervale, is a hub of commerce and trade, its bustling markets filled with exotic goods from far and wide.

To the south is Yolannia, a land of breathtaking beauty. Its landscapes are covered in a riot of colorful flowers, from the lush gardens of the capital, Floria, to the wildflower meadows that stretch to the horizon. Yolannia is a kingdom of peace and prosperity, its people living in harmony with nature. The Yolannians are renowned for their skills in herbal medicine and botany, their knowledge of plants and their properties unmatched by any other kingdom.

To the west lies Arabia, a land of vast deserts and ancient traditions. Arabia's golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with oases that provide sustenance to its hardy inhabitants. The Arabian people are known for their strength and resilience, their culture steeped in rich history and tradition. The capital, Sahira, is a city of contrasts, with towering palaces and bustling bazaars, a testament to the kingdom's wealth and power.

To the north lies the Land of the Lost, a mysterious and hidden place. Technically not considered a kingdom as there is no ruler or inhabitants that are known of. It is a vast expanse of dense forests and ancient ruins, filled with rumors of magic and adventure. Few have ventured into the Land of the Lost and returned to tell the tale, its secrets guarded by ancient spells and powerful guardians. People from all over have long held a fascination with the Land of the Lost, its mysteries the stuff of legends and fairy tales.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed a soft knock on the door, and my mother's gentle voice echoed throughout the room. "Honey? How did your lesson go?" she asked.

"Oh, it was alright. Getting a little sick of it by now, though," I admitted, hoping for a moment of understanding.

"Yes, that is normal. I remember going through the same thing as you, but it will help you become a great queen for the citizens of Oryn," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of empathy and encouragement. "I know you have your doubts, but I know you will make a great queen someday."

I looked out the window, the bustling activity of the capital city unfolding before me, a vibrant burst of life with a golden backdrop of the endless fields beyond. The streets were alive with people going about their daily business, merchants peddling their wares, and children playing in the streets. It was a scene of prosperity and happiness, a testament to the hard work and dedication of my ancestors.

My mother, Queen Lucille, the daughter of a rich noble family from Yolannia, had created her path by marrying my father, King Jackson, at the age of 22. Their love story was one that had captivated the hearts of many, a tale of romance and destiny.

She had been raised in the flourishing city of Floria, surrounded by beauty and luxury. Her family was one of the wealthiest in Yolannia, their estates sprawling across the countryside. Despite her privileged upbringing, Lucille had always been drawn to the idea of making a difference in the world, of using her position to help others.

She had met my father at a diplomatic banquet held in Yolannia, a grand affair attended by nobles and dignitaries from across the neighboring kingdoms. Jackson, then a young prince of Oryn, had been immediately taken by Lucille's grace and intelligence. Their connection had been instant, a spark of mutual respect and admiration that quickly blossomed into love.

Their courtship had been a whirlwind of secret meetings and stolen glances, their love growing stronger with each passing day. Despite the challenges of their different backgrounds and the pressures of their respective kingdoms, they had remained steadfast in their commitment to one another. Their marriage had been a grand celebration, a union of two great families and a symbol of the strong alliance between Oryn and Yolannia.

My mother had embraced her role as queen with the same determination and grace that had won my father's heart. She had become a beloved figure in Oryn, her leadership qualities admired by all. Her influence had been instrumental in fostering the peace and prosperity that Oryn enjoyed, her wisdom and compassion guiding the kingdom through times of both joy and hardship.

As I stood there, holding my mother's hand, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the legacy my parents had built. Their love and dedication to each other and to their kingdom were a source of inspiration, a reminder of the strength and resilience that ran in my blood.

Turning from the window, I found my mother already grabbing my hand. "Come. We have some guests for you to meet," she said, her excitement evident in her voice. It was a rare moment of lightheartedness in the otherwise heavy atmosphere of the palace.

She led me downstairs, her steps quick and purposeful. As we descended the grand staircase, she continued discussing the possibility of potential matches for me. "There are several suitable candidates who have expressed interest," she said, her tone carefully neutral. "But I want you to remember that your happiness is also important. You deserve to find someone you can truly love."