Five Kingdoms

Chapter 1

My story starts with five royal families, all meant to play a role in society, providing and protecting "good" and "evil". Each royal family is named by its people depending on the qualities they find substantial. Yarrow, typically identified by their bright white hair and light green eyes stand for bravery and courageousness. They love to ask the questions most would shy away from, unfortunately, their rulers love to tell people what is right and wrong and often lead their people astray so they forget what true bravery is and stand down. Freesia, known for yellow undertones and blueish-purple eyes strongly believe in prioritizing friendship and trust. Not much is known about them as they have found a recent love to keep secrets which is ironic for those who find trust essential. Amaryllis people are filled with pride and strength and have orangey-red hair with white streaks. They train the royals and the rich religiously to be able to defend themselves and those who have slightly less money or none at all try to learn to protect themselves due to the fear that their government may not have their best interests at hand. My personal favorite is the Begonia, who are known for caution and consideration which really means they are scared to trust and are overthinkers, they have dark pink eyes but if you ever do gain their trust they slowly turn grey. However, they only stay grey when they look at those they trust, the moment they look at someone they don't they turn back. The reason that they're my favorite is because the moment you know someone trusts you, the likelihood of them stabbing you in the back goes down. Lastly, my people, Heathers, are known for endurance and protection and are often stereotyped to get tattoos and piercings for our need to prove we can withstand pain. We are filled with clear tears that stain purple and contain healing properties that stain our skin only for a few hours but stain others' skin for the rest of their lives, leaving those we healed marked forever.

Every 40 years the five kingdoms are made aware of all the potential rulers from each royal family and can vote and "steal" rulers from their kingdom for their own. It appears today is that day. You see I'm Evelyn Gatlin, Princess of the Heathers. I uphold the virtues of endurance and protection for my people but today is my opportunity to break through what I've known my whole life and potentially become a ruler of a different kingdom or even lose my ability to rule at all. There's a light knock at my door.

"Miss, may I come in?" I let out a breath as I recognized the voice of my maid.

"Yes, if you must."

The door opens as I stand by the mirror looking at the purple thin outlines of flowers over the bodice of my floor-length white dress. My eyes follow the design until my gaze stops at my waist and I remember the two small daggers hidden under the fabric in what is actually a two-piece dress.

"You look beautiful as always, miss. Are you ready for today?" My maid asks as she walks up behind me.

I turn to face her noticing her hair slightly disheveled with her bun off-centered and a tinge of red over one side of her face. I must frown because I can tell she notices what I'm thinking. Quietly she starts speaking.

"Today is a big day for you, I'm sure you're nervous but I know you'll do well."

"Don't do that," I say frustrated, "Please don't pretend with me. What happened?"

"What do you mean?" She asks looking away and I can see the pain cross over her face.

"Did...did she..." I can't seem to find the words, I much as I pray not to be a coward it seems I still am.

"Please, I know what you are going to say. Just leave it alone. "

"Sandra, why do you start with that? You know I won't listen."

She looks away only to look back at me a moment later with watery eyes.

"I know." She whispers. She grows louder, "Please snap me out of it, I don't want to cry. Everyone will see and you know what happens to those who cry."