Five Kingdoms

Chapter 2

Voices fill the air as I walk down the halls. The ride to the Yarrow kingdom was quick and filled with silence as I went by myself. Now whispers follow me, talking of my future and the expectations that they have as I walk into the board room filled with the other royal families prepping the future rulers, making sure they have the perfect answer to every question. I look around until I make eye contact with my mother as a smirk crosses her lips. I try to wear the purple stain that travels down my cheek as if I don't care, as if it doesn't matter, but I know she can see right through me. I glance around the room, seeing fellow princes and princesses smile and shake away nerves. Today is the day, the day I can finally leave everything behind me if only given the opportunity. You see, even though the kingdoms vote and decide who they want, I can still turn them down, and as long as no one accepts my home kingdom, I can stay put. However, I don't plan on staying; I can't stay, not any longer. I glance down at my arms, now covered by a new dress with purple velvet sleeves. This dress is also secretly a two-piece, still hiding two daggers at my waist. My brown hair is in a low bun, and there is no crown on my head as I don't wish to draw attention until necessary. This seems to be working other than the Amaryllis princess, who stares at me across the room, fixing her red and white bob. I glance back, but only for a moment, not wanting to waste my time. I know why she stares. My people have always had a competition with the Amaryllis, as we are known to be the strongest in different ways. They are known for physical strength, and we are known for mental. Today will be a testament to that, as we will all be challenged physically and mentally, and so she's scooping out her competition.I look back, noticing her strangely thin frame for one who has grown up fighting, but she catches my glance and scrawls, clearly believing I'm judging her. I look away to scan the room, finding the other kingdoms one by one. A girl about my age with blonde hair and bluish-purple eyes that seem to glow is looking around warily. I notice the tears filling her eyes explaining the glowing property to them as I walk over to her.

"Miss," I say, approaching her, "Evelyn Gatlin, princess of the Heather kingdom." I bow, and she bows back

"Cara Avila, princess of the Freesia Kingdom," She says curiously, "How can I help you?"

"Well, as you know, none of us have been allowed to meet until now and I suppose I could use a friend."

What seems like a peek of interest crosses her watery eyes, she's here by herself, which is quite uncommon for these events. Almost unheard of. I would ask her why she's here alone, but I sense she won't be fond of the question. She's holding her hands in front of her, nerves seeming to eat away at her as she picks her fingers with little draws of blood.

"Tell me, what is something you enjoy?" I ask, trying to find a distraction from her fear or something that helps her embrace it.

"Reading I suppose."

I scan my mind looking for something comforting.

"Those who know fear are stronger in heart than those who shy away from it. Overthinking while a pain in the moment can be a shield to future chaos, chaos others blindly walk into. Wield what seems like a weakness as a strength and mindsets can change." I quote

She looks at me as she shyly whispers

"Thanks." She looks down, " is it that obvious?" 

Yes, yes it is but saying that definitely won't help anybody.

"I have personal experience, and for me, that quote has helped me embrace whatever fears I have."

"You? Aren't you supposed to be stronger?" She asks

She doesn't mean to sound rude, and yet it hits all the same. She's right, and yet here I was, making myself look weak in front of a future ruler. How could I be so naive? What if she uses this against me? What if she tells everyone I don't live up to my family's name? My breath quickens as a bell is rung. It is time to begin.