The Good Crown

Chapter 6

As I stepped inside my home, the warm, inviting scent of my mother's cooking enveloped me, but that feeling of comfort quickly dissipated as I froze in the doorway. Three royal guards stood in the center of our modest living room, their imposing presence dominating the space. Their armor gleamed in the dim light, and their expressions were serious.

"Daniella!" my mother exclaimed, her voice a mixture of surprise and delight. "You're just in time! The guards have brought wonderful news!"

I blinked, trying to comprehend the scene before me. My father stood nearby, his eyes wide with astonishment, and my younger sister Haven peeked from behind him, her curiosity evident.

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. I could feel the weight of their gazes on me, and it made me uneasy.

One of the guards stepped forward, his posture straightening. "Daniella, we have come to deliver an important message from the king. You have been selected as one of the four children from the town to attend the Royal Academy."

Silence fell over the room like a heavy blanket. I could hardly breathe, my mind racing. "Me?" I managed to choke out. "There must be some mistake. I don't understand—why me?"

The guard maintained a calm demeanor. "The selection process was rigorous, and your name stood out. The king believes in the potential of all children, regardless of their background. He sees this as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the kingdom and the town."

"Bridge the gap?" I echoed, feeling a mix of anger and confusion. "You mean to tell me that the king is actually concerned about us now? It sounds like a joke!"

My father stepped forward, trying to temper the situation. "Daniella, this is a great honor. You could receive an education that few have access to. This could change everything for us!" His excitement was palpable, but I felt a surge of defiance rise within me.

"Father, wait—" I started, but my mother shot me a warning look, her eyes wide.

"Let them speak," she said softly, though her voice trembled slightly. "This is important."

The guard continued, undeterred. "The king's vision is to integrate children from the town into royal society. You have been chosen to represent your community and to prove that we are more than just our circumstances."

I glanced at my mother, whose eyes were shining with pride, and then at my father, who seemed torn between excitement and caution. "But what about the others? What about Joseph and Willow? What makes me so special?"

"Daniella, please," my mother urged, her tone gentle yet firm. "This is a chance for you to help your friends. Think of what you could do!"

But before I could respond, the guards stepped outside, leaving us alone. The moment the door clicked shut, my parents exchanged a glance, and I noticed a subtle shift in their demeanor. The warmth in my mother's smile faded, replaced by something more serious. My father's posture straightened as he leaned closer, his expression grave.

"Daniella," he began, his voice low, "there's something you need to know."

I felt my heart race as a knot formed in my stomach. "What is it?"

My mother took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. "Your father and I... we're part of a rebellion. We have been for some time now."

The words hung heavy in the air, and my mind struggled to comprehend what I was hearing. "The rebellion? Against the king?"

"Yes," my father confirmed, his tone unwavering. "And your selection to the Royal Academy is more than just an opportunity; it's a sign. A sign that you are meant to help us from the inside."