His Queen

Being Part of the Great Empire (Part I)

Isabella was born with a golden spoon but was not given much privilege while growing up. Your father, Lord Thren made sure you grow up knowing the harshness of battle fields, being able to kill an enemy when needed, trained by the best knights of the empire and educated to run businesses and dealings that involves Royal endeavors and afflictions. To make it even clearer, you were built like a warrior. Being the only child of Lord Thren and Lady Astrid, you are  well aware that by the time you reaches twenty-five years old, you will have to marry someone by their choice whether you like it or not. That is how royal life means to the empire. Marriages are like business deals. You will be considered lucky if the man/woman chosen for union will apparently fall in love with each other, which in some cases were witnessed-like your parents.

As you continuously learning the "this and that" of being part of the Royal family, you came to know that betrayal over those whom you considered family, is a normal situation. That is how the game of having the throne for the family who really have the best chance of keeping the power for themselves. And that is also the very reason why your father never let you grow normally. 

You look at your appearance in front of the mirror sitting beside your study table inside your bedroom. You study how you would properly look before going out the empire palace for your training routine. Today, you will be training a fight on a horseback riding course. An easy task if you would say. Being done that couple of times, none of the empire knights have won over you. It is a sunny day as summer has finally came within the land. Only few months before your 25th birthday. With that thought, you cant help but wonder who your father and mother will choose as your husband in the list of qualified high-rank leaders around the land. You turned your sight to the window beside you to savor the warm sunlight outside. As you were lost in your own thoughts and sentiments, the door suddenly cracked open, your personal assistant Kira peeped through it.

"My Lady, I was notified by your father, Lord Thren, that the knights and guards have already assembled for the training. He is now requesting your presence."

"Isn't it a bit too early, Kira? I suppose the training will start an hour after breakfast. Does father really want me to starve in the middle of training?"

"I believe he meant he was asking your presence for breakfast, my Lady," she said smiling. She knows her appetite pretty well when she trains. Having her as assistant since she was 10, she already knows her quite well. Even their age gap wasn't quite that far. She is just 5 years older than her. She treated her like her own sister. 

"Good to know that. I am not planning to starve myself along the process," you said with a contagious laugh. Realizing you caused quite a noise, you covered her mouth and laughed quietly. "Tell my father I will be there in few minutes."

"Right, my Lady."

At the dining area, the room signifies the radiant ambiance of elegance. The walls decorated with paintings from well-renowned artists around the land, the long table with silver and gold utensils, fresh flowers were placed at the center, while the seats were made of thick  navy blue cushion with exquisite golden linings that fits the royalty. Your parents were already seated, your father in the center of the dining table with your mother on his right side patiently waiting for her arrival. It is unfortunate for such family to not have other children to burden their duty as royalties, you thought. Having felt a sudden rush of guilt with the sentiment you just had, you quickly erased it just so you will not spoil the mood since the day is just beginning to run. You greeted them with kisses on their cheek, which is considered affectionate rather than greeting them formally while having family breakfast. They did not say any word though, since they were accustomed of your display of affection towards them. 

"You look amazing with that suit," your mother exclaimed. " I believe today your horseback riding battle trainer will be Duke Larth from the West Borders. He is a fine knight who fought alongside your father during their conquer of the Southern Lands."

"Ahh, Duke Larth, that will serve as your great honor to be trained by him," your father agreed.

"Well, I believe you won't qualify mere beginners of battle to be my trainers if I may say. Giving me trainings with people like Duke Larth will surely make me a better warrior for the empire's sake, right father?" Though, you didn't mean to sound sarcastic, you made sure your words will get into your father's nerve-and it always get him everytime you do. "Well, I only want what is best for you. You are aware that being a descendant to the throne and also being a woman heir will surely create an obstacle for you. I hope you understand my point in doing this."

"I know, father. That is why I keep doing my best. This is to protect the land that has been within our guidance for many years. And I am quite thankful for exposing me to such situations. I hope I can live within your expectations of me."

"We will make sure that our allies will not find it hard to accept you as their future Empress. Your qualifications will surely exceed their anticipation, especially with your forth coming union with one of the well-known clan member, not to mention he will soon hold a similar seat as yours," your mother added.

"I am aware of that, mother. I am just hoping you will not find me a husband past half my age or I will just exile the land," you gave a soft laugh with that idea of yours. Of course, you are also hoping that you will marry a fine man as young as you. Though the marriage will be arranged, you don't give up the hope that you will have someone by your side who will be to your liking.

Your father gave you a narrow-eyed look, then his right brow raised in amusement with what he just heard from you. "My dear child, do not worry about such thing. We have already chosen someone that will surely make you sweep your own feet." With his statement, you three laughed together as you all finished your breakfast before heading to the training ground.

Note: This is my first time writing here, so bear with me if there have been some mistakes or lacking. I hope you find interest in reading my work continuously.

-Love: Red