Earth and Sky

Chapter 2

Araquiel

I smooth my skirt out as I start my work.

"Let's test your calligraphy first." My governess, Mrs. Abigail instructs.

I grab a piece of stationary and begin. My mother sits next to me, reading a book, as she often does during my lessons. We are very close and cherish every moment we get together and write whenever we're apart. Because she is in the Ice Kingdom half of each year, I miss her terribly. I feel she thinks the same because of how often she stays with me at nights, talking late or taking me into the woods. Now all folk are allowed inside. My parents and Blaze wanted everybody to feel the amazement and wonder it holds within its depths. After writing my alphabet fifteen times, Mrs Abagail says its time to start my algebra.

A knock interrupts my studies and my mother sends Mrs. Abagail to answer. In comes Scarlet, holding books, a pen, and paper.

"I hope you don't mind my intruding your majesty," she bows her head.

I often fear she thinks she is inferior, which is not in the least bit true. Just because she cannot rule her country doesn't mean she can't help. And it may just be me, but she seems close with my brother. It might help her rule in his court but I think and hope it'll become more. At least if they marry, she'll respect herself in the way she respects others.

"Of course Scar, take a seat!" I proclaim. "Do you know your algebra?" She nods, a secret smile on her face. She was often ahead of her sisters in their schoolwork and got more time off to visit different places. Whenever we got together, everybody would eagerly crowed around and wait to learn of her tales.

A loud smack brings me back from my fantasies. Mrs. Abagail sends me a knowing look and puts away her ruler. I blush and continue my work.

*************

I groan and stretch my arms and back, lifting my long blonde hair away from my back. Scarlet makes a face, sticking her tongue out at me playfully. I laugh and push her. We grab our books and leave the room. My mother waves her hand and we follow. I live in the Earth Kingdom but my mother knows the castle better. Scarlet follows my mother like a dog. She adores mother, which I guess is fitting since she and her sisters are named after her. Aunty Blaze loves her friends and my mother is her best one. So when she was expecting, my mother was told first. Blaze decided on the name Scarlet because of my mother's eyes. When there were three babies instead of just one, she decided to keep the S.

I follow my mother into the library where a tea-set awaits us. I clap in excitement and take a seat. My mother sits at the head of the table with Scar and I on either side.

My mother clears her throat. "Be safe tomorrow girls, its an important day. We wouldn't want it ruined." She nods at a maid who comes up and pours tea into our cups. My mother looks like she wants to say more but she keeps her lips sealed.

***************
The next day

"Boo!"

I shoot up and scream, startled. I glare at the intruders who kept me from my sleep. Sloane and Simmona pull me out of bed and start clawing off my nightgown. Startled, I pull it up again to cover myself.

"What's wrong with you?" I ask bewildered.

They roll their eyes in union. "Duh! Its your birthday. You know, big party, presents, cake, hot guys!" Sloane wags her eyebrows.

Simmona scoffs, "I wish I didn't have to dress up. I mean, just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I should have to wear those puffy death traps."

I pat her arm. "Its okay. When your Queen, you can do whatever you want."

A mischievous smile plays on her lips. "Then as future Queen Flame Fairy, I declare that Araquiel be put into one of the puffy death traps!"

The girls grab each of my arms and pull me into my closet.