Chronicles: Silent Breath

Chapter 1

Here I was, standing at the center of the throne room. All eyes were on me as they placed a golden necklace with a white stone around my neck. I was the 27th orphan to be tested. The royal governors, growing old without heirs, had decided to use this magical royal jewel to identify the future ruler of the kingdom. The same jewel that was now shining with a warm blue light.

"Hail, the new princess," a man shouted from behind me.

"My child, what is your name?" the queen asked, her kind eyes looking down at me.

"Ah...ah...Theya Gilbern, Your Highness," I stammered, trying not to look shy. I was finally getting a family—a royal family with many responsibilities. In the orphanage, we did a few activities to keep occupied and learn new skills, but most of the time, we did chores like a lot of cleaning. This will be far more exciting than cleaning, I thought, feeling a surge of anticipation.

"Now, every kingdom needs a king. All the males, please make a line," the man shouted again.

I moved from the center of the room to a higher area, taking a seat on the left side of the queen. I tried to sit as straight as I could; the queen wouldn't change her mind just because I didn't show confidence.

"Let's begin!" the man announced.

First was Ted. He was a good person but a little selfish; he never liked to share his toys. Phew... it's not him. The biggest fight he'd have for the kingdom would probably be over who got the softest sheets. Then it was Greg, the big guy, athletic and brave. He ate like a horse yet maintained his muscular build body. I'm sure this rock wouldn't choose a king who'd devour all the food in the realm.

Next was my dear friend Sandro. Oh, how I wished the Jewel would choose him. He was more than just a friend; he was like a brother to me. We had always been inseparable, despite our age difference. I desperately hoped that the Jewel would favor someone from our orphanage. We had grown up together, sharing both joyful moments and sorrows. Our bond was like that of a close-knit family, always there for each other through thick and thin. The thought of being a princess without a trusted friend like Sandro by my side was unimaginable. Please, let this Jewel choose one of my brothers, not some stranger from a nearby city.

An hour had passed, and only two candidates remained: Sam the smart and Joel the invisible—the "I don't talk to people so I don't get in trouble" type. They were kind but extremely introverted. As the Jewel bypassed them both, a sense of disappointment settled over me. I had hoped that one of my friends from the orphanage would be chosen as my official brother and future king of the nation.

"WAIT A MOMENT," Miss Feather shouted from the entrance of the room. "We are missing one!"

I dropped my jaw as I saw the headmaster of the orphanage marching in quickly, dragging a male by the ear into the room.

No, no, no, it can't be...

"My apologies, Your Highness. Helies Stormrider was taking care of the garden and forgot the time. Please test him too."

The garden... Bullshit. This boy is trouble. He's a bully who just wants attention all the time. Even Ted the selfish would be better. I know, I know...what I said 'big family', but this guy is no one's friend. The queen gestured to the man to proceed with the test. I couldn't look! Please, little rock, you've been doing so well...

"YESSS..." I said a bit louder than intended, drawing the queen's attention.

"I mean... I am sad for not having a friend with me—" Before I could finish, the damn thing started to glow green. Motherfucker of a rock, piece of hell!