Kingdom's Queen

Act 2: 18

(TW: Implied SA)

When I open them back up, I'm in the forest. I gasp, chuckling as I realize I've escaped. I look around, seeing a fire's light in the distance.

As I walk over, I realize I hear the voices of two boys, playing and laughing with each other. I stay close to the shadows as walk closer to them.

Two boys sit in the clearing, giggling about a bug running along the grass. They seem around the same age, somewhere around ten. And they look incredibly similar.

Just then, the bug's wings come out and it flies away. "Can you imagine flying?" The bigger one says to his younger counterpart. "The power it would take?" He looks down and picks up his brother, swinging him around in the air. The younger one squeals, arms wide out.

"Stop that." Someone says from their tent, walking out quietly. "I told you not to play like that, someone could find us. And then what? Do you want them to take you away?" She threatens, yanking the younger one down quickly. They look down at their feet, not daring to say anything. "Well?" They still don't say anything, their gaze continuing to look down. "Good. Don't forget our family's legacy, what we're known for. I don't want to have to extend your training hours."

They gasp, looking up at her. "We already train for six hours a day, we don't need-"

"Then stop. If you're going to play, it's going to be a fighting game under MY supervision." She points to the wooden sword models by the tent. "Now, let's start. And hurry it up before I tell your father." They run over to the sticks, picking them up before she has a chance to sit down.

The trees fade into white swirls, the world moving around to change. I gasp, letting go as it changes to the same clearing, now winter. I look back at the camp, seeing the two boys again, this time as teens.

They both hang from a branch on the tree, only shorts on. I watch them in shock as they shiver, trying to stay quiet.

"You said you- You said-" One tries, grunting in frustration. "You said you didn't want to... train. Now look at what's hap- happened, Gabrielle."

"I- I didn't." The other responds. "I only- only said it was too- COLD. I didn't kno- know that this would happen." He rubs his arms, quickly before returning them to their position below him.

I stop, recognizing the name... Gabrielle...

Gabrielle was my father's name. Why am I seeing my father's memories? And how did I not know his childhood was this bad? Are these even his real memories?

... Wait.

Was my father a part of the Magic Keepers? Were they a FAMILY?! My family were the magic keepers?

Someone rushes out of the tent, robe swinging dramatically in the wind. A man, tall and muscular, with black hair. He stops in front of them and pokes their legs with a small needle. They flinch slightly but don't move all that much.

"I thought one of you would've fallen by now. It's good, it means your resistance is very high. That's exactly what we need you to be to join our group." He chuckles, kneeling to meet their eyes.

One beams when he hears it. "Really? We- we'll be able to jo- join the-"

"Shut up." The other hisses.

The man stands before sighing, rubbing his hands together. "I told you not to talk. And don't think I didn't hear you from inside either. It wasn't Gabrielle's fault you're both out here, Ares... I want you both to stay out here for another two hours, make it a neat six."

Their eyes widen, nearly crying from the news. "But-"

"Shut it or I make it ten." He points, walking off.

Well, now I can tell who's who, now that I've heard their names. Two hanging down from the tree, a taller one on the left.

If my father was part of the Magic Keeper family, then the man who was talking to us was the older one, he looked older than my father would've been. He's Ares, the taller one.

Gabrielle is the younger one, the shorter one on the right, and the one who is currently shedding a few tears.

And the other people, the adults, they must be their parents. My grandparents.

... Ares is showing me my father's memories... After he placed a hand on Abram's face. Is Abram...

My questions become more when the world fades out again, and I'm not standing in the alley behind Harmony's castle.

"You're going to be a jester for the king." My grandfather says to my father. "I need you to get close to the princess, she's our key to finally getting rid of all magic beings in the kingdoms." He hands him a colorful hat, a small bell on the top.

"But do I have to wear this?" He gestures to the colorful uniform. "Can't I just wear normal robes or-"

"They asked for a traditional jester uniform, this is the best I could negotiate." He scoffs, "And either way, it could be worse."

"How? Oh wait, you could be betraying the king you're working for. I know our family has been doing this for centuries, all around the world, but do we need ALL magic to die out? WE'RE magic beings, father." Gabrielle places the hat on his head, laughing at the stupidity of it. "How can we wipe out all magic anyway? If our family has magic and we're al over the world, it would just make more magic."

"No." He grabs his neck. "Because I don't have magic, only you and your brother do. None of the rest of our family has magic. We're supposed to kill offspring if they have magic, but I sparred you out of mercy. Now, stop disrespecting me and pay attention. Get in, get the princess to like you, and marry. We'll come back to get you when we hear you've produced an heir. Do I make myself clear?" His grip on Gabrielle's neck tightens, making him clear his throat.

"Yes, father." He mutters, looking away from him. He lets go and points to the door in front of them.

"Good, now smile. The king sees you frowning and I'll have to send your brother next." They force a pair of smiles just as the king bursts through the door.

"AH, Artemis, my good friend. This is the jester you spoke of? What a silly costume, I knew you'd delivery a good one." His laugh booms. I've never seen what my mother's father looked like, she took down all his portraits when he died. Which, as far as I'm concerned, was because of my father's family.

"Ronin, my king, how could I not deliver to my favorite customer? See, this amazing specimen of a clown is directly from Badinage, all the way from the old king's court. Said he wanted a change of scenery, didn't you?" My father nods, smile still strong. "I hope he services you well, king." Artemis pats the king's shoulder, chuckling.

"Oh, he will." His tone throws us all off. Artemis, Gabrielle, and I look at the king in confusion. I am so glad they can't see me.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gabrielle asks.

"AH, shut it, clown." Artemis grabs his face. "No one cares what it means, as long as the king pays me what I am owed." He looks to the king, as he pulls out a pouch full of coin. "Thank you. Have your jester, and have a nice day."

"Wait, you're getting paid for me?" Gabrielle panics when the king grabs his arm and drags him into the castle.

The world fades again, but this time into black swirls.

I'm suddenly behind a door, like the one to my mother's bedroom.

I realize what's about to happen instantly, "Oh, no. Nonono..." I reach for the door, but someone's hand stops me.